Fish and Game granted say in Kaska lawsuit over big game licences

The Yukon Fish and Game Association has been granted intervenor status in a Kaska challenge over wildlife management.

The Ross River Dena Council filed a lawsuit last year saying the Yukon government must consult the First Nation before issuing big game hunting licences in its traditional territory. 

It followed Ross River's successful challenge of mining exploration on its traditional territory.

​On Wednesday, the Fish and Game Association told the Yukon Supreme Court its members have a direct interest in the case. Association executive director Gord Zealand said they would be "very directly affected" by a decision.​

​Steve Walsh, lawyer for the Ross River Dena Council, disagreed, saying the Yukon government would represent the interests of the association.​ He told the court that if intervenor status is granted to the association, it should come with conditions. 

The court agreed. Thursday morning Yukon Supreme Court Justice Ron Veale granted intervenor status but says the Fish and Game Association is limited to a five-page written submission, it is not allowed to duplicate Yukon government arguments, and it may not make any oral submissions until all written submissions have been received.

A date has not yet been set for the court to hear the case.