Tribal members and citizens of the Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Muscogee Nation and very soon Seminole Nation can utilize their tribal membership to enjoy hunting and fishing in participating tribes’ treaty territories.
The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes announced the Five Tribe Wildlife Management Reciprocity Agreement at its July quarterly meeting at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa July 12, allowing hunting and fishing licenses issued through each tribe to be recognized by the other tribes that are party to the agreement, on respective reservation land.
Most tribes allow for their tribal membership cards to serve as their credential or license.
“Before recorded history, Chickasaw people engaged in sustainable management of natural resources and wildlife, as did our First American neighbors, as a means to sustain our families throughout the seasons,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said. “Just as we now work to preserve our history and culture, we are also stewards of our natural resources and wildlife. For this reason, we are pleased to commit to the careful management of fish and wildlife by partnering with the Inter-Tribal Council for this agreement.
“This will enhance our efforts to effectively manage our wildlife conservation efforts, in accordance with all applicable laws, as it expands opportunities for sportsmen throughout the participating tribal territories.”
All Oklahoma residents with valid state-issued hunting and fishing licenses are eligible to hunt and fish within these tribal treaty territories in accordance with all applicable laws.
Hunting and fishing licenses were made available to tribal members and citizens in October 2022.
This agreement will allow the Five Tribes to collaborate on wildlife management within their reservations and enhance their ability to effectively manage natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Today’s agreement states hunting and fishing activities by tribal members and citizens under this agreement will be subject to the laws of the tribe on whose reservation the activity is taking place. It is the responsibility of the individuals engaging in these activities in the various reservations to know and abide by any applicable laws.
State game wardens crossdeputized with the respective tribes can ticket and enforce laws on these reservations, as well.
