Tribes' deer case deadline set for next week

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A Chippewa tribal commission has until mid-week to respond to state wildlife officials' demand to block tribal hunters from going after deer at night.
 
The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission on Wednesday authorized tribal hunters to hunt deer after dark across much of northern Wisconsin beginning Monday.
 
The Department of Natural Resources says night deer hunting is too dangerous. The agency asked U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb on Wednesday to block the authorization, triggering an automatic five-day period for the commission to respond. That makes Nov. 28 the deadline.
 
DNR officials say they hope Crabb will schedule a hearing before then. They've asked tribal leaders not to issue any night hunting permits until the matter is settled, but a GLIFWC spokeswoman says night hunting is justified.