Tribal Compact for Hunting and Fishing Rights

by Tim Hudson

A recent compact between Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker and the state of Oklahoma should have Delaware tribal sportsmen very happy.

The agreement, which takes effect January 1, will expand hunting and fishing rights for the Cherokee Nation, and in turn, Delawares with dual membership, to all 77 Oklahoma counties.

“By creating and signing this compact, we have reaffirmed our tribal sovereignty,” Cherokee Principal Chief Baker said. “I am proud the Cherokee Nation is the first tribe to compact with the state in proper recognition of our long-held treaty rights to hunt and fish the lands within not only our jurisdictional boundaries, but all 77 counties in Oklahoma. No Cherokee will ever be fearful of arrest or prosecution for exercising their inherent rights to hunt and fish.”

“It’s a great thing that they are doing this,” Delaware Tribe of Indians Chief Chet Brooks said.

Overlapping state and tribal jurisdiction are often confusing when it comes to native citizens’ rights to fish and hunt the land without facing unnecessary and unlawful prosecution from state wildlife enforcement officers. According to the Cherokee, under the new compact, citizens will “now be able to freely exercise their treaty rights across the state and without fear of arrest or prosecution off tribal land. The compact is the result of several months of careful negotiation to ensure Cherokee Nation citizens’ rights were not only preserved, but strengthened.”

Delaware Tribe of Indians Council Member Nate Young says the compact is a reflection of tribal sovereignty.

“To have the ability to enter into this type of compact is all about tribal sovereignty,” he said.

“And it’s safer for both the Delaware citizen and for everybody else to not have to worry about being apprehended and having to go through the court system.”

He calls the agreement “win-win.”

“It was the smart and safe thing to do, it’s good for the state and it’s good for us,” he said.

According to Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr., Delaware tribal citizens with dual membership over the age of 16 will receive a hunting and fishing license annually and free of charge, along with one deer tag and one turkey tag. Two dollars from each license issued will go to the state in obtaining federal grants to help preserve the state’s wildlife and natural habitats.
“The license will be issued to all of our Delaware that have dual citizenship, whether they request it or not” he said.

“The only thing that will hold that back is a bad address, so everyone needs to make sure that their information is kept up to date.”