Debate over implementing hunting restrictions along the Yukon's highway corridors ended prematurely last week in the legislature, but not before two opposing first nations MLAs offered up their takes on traditional hunting practices.

Liberal member Eric Fairclough, a former Little Salmon-Carmacks First Nation chief, wanted to know how far a potential ban on roadside hunting could go and whether it would include secondary "back” roads.

"Particularly from the first nation point of view, is here is another law put in place that infringes on their aboriginal right – somehow, a little bit, picked at, death by a thousand cuts, one after another,” suggested Fairclough, the MLA for Mayo-Tatchun.

At issue was a motion to strike a public consultation committee to seek input on prohibiting firearm discharge on a road corridor.

While debate was adjourned before Fairclough's amendment to water down the consultation's mandate could be voted on, discourse in the assembly highlighted how polarizing this issue can be.

Two years ago, the government dropped a regulation banning hunting 500 metres on either side of the Dempster Highway to avoid a court battle with the Tr'ondek Hwech'in First Nation.

During last Wednesday's debate, Yukon Party MLA John Edzerza, a former Kwanlin Dun First Nation councillor, said limiting roadside hunting is a safety issue, and challenged Fairclough's view of traditional hunting rights.

"I think there are a lot of first nation people who never used highways to hunt in the past,” Edzerza said.

"I know we didn't. I grew up in Atlin, and most of my hunting was on foot in the mountains. I never used a truck or a four-wheeler to hunt.

"I don't believe the member for Mayo-Tatchun when he said every first nation is against this. I think there are a lot of first nations who are actually tired of people shooting animals right on the road.”