Nova Scotia Minister of Natural Resources Ernie Fage says his department will continue to charge natives who use a light to hunt at night, in spite of a recent Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruling upholding their right to do so.

The decision overturns a lower court ruling, which convicted Allison Bernard Jr. of jacking deer, an activity using a light to attract and hunt deer in the dark. The Supreme Court ruling says the law against deer jacking does not apply to the Mi'kmaq, who hunt for sustenance.

Fage says the court ruling will not prevent his department from applying the law to protect public safety or conserve resources.

The Nova Scotia government has 30 days to decide if it will appeal the ruling.