In the case of United States v. Oregon, the federal government challenged the state's management of fish and wildlife resources. The dispute centered on the rights of Native American tribes to fish in their traditional waters, which were affected by state regulations. The case highlighted the balance between federal authority and state rights regarding natural resource management. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the tribes, affirming their treaty rights to fish in their usual and accustomed places. This decision reinforced the importance of honoring historical treaties and the federal government's responsibility to protect the rights of Native American tribes in Oregon.