BENEWAH COUNTY, Idaho-- Leaders in Benewah County and with Coeur d'Alene tribe are going toe-to-toe over hunting rights.
Tribal leaders say they have a legal right to hunt and fish on their reservation even if the lands belong to non-tribal members.
Benewah County's Prosecutors says that is not the case and calls it a clear case of trespassing.
The lands of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe are vast near Plummer, Idaho and legally theirs. However some plots are owned by non-tribal members and they don't want their land hunted or fished on.
Tribal Chairman Chief Allan says they still have the right.
Benewah County Prosecutor Douglas Payne says private property is private, even if it's on the reservation.
Representatives from the U.S. Attorney office are meeting at the Plummer Community Center Tuesday to hear what each side has to say, and possibly look into enacting a legal standard called the assimilative crimes act.
Chairman Allen claims the Benewah County Prosecutor is spreading misinformation. However the prosecutor claims the law would plug a gap in trespassing laws tribal police are refusing to enforce.
