Goodon argued his Manitoba Métis Federation harvester card granted him rights to hunt. Under the Constitution Métis, have a right to hunt based on proving an ancestral connection to an historic Métis community.

"I have determined the rights-bearing community is an area of southwestern Manitoba that includes the City of Winnipeg south to the U.S. border and west to the Saskatchewan border. This area includes the Turtle Mountains and its environs." Provincial court Judge John Coombs said in a 28-page ruling.

Conservation Minister Stan Struthers said the court ruling will help the province set up a system to allow Métis hunting rights in the area established.

"The implications could be significant," said Karen Busby, a University of Manitoba professor. "This case isn't really just about hunting rights," Busby added. She said that could mean any future hydro dams, hydro transmission lines, oil pipelines or development of Crown leases that could have an impact on hunting rights would require consultation with the Métis community before such a project could proceed.