10/09/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FdKqAF9d4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
In light of today’s communication from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, I thought I should probably make something perfectly clear…
Tribes have enjoyed hunting and fishing rights since time immemorial and these rights are protected by Treaties with the United States of America.
Prior to refusing to renew agreements with the Cherokee and Choctaw Nations and costing the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, the Governor signed Tribal hunting and fishing compacts and acknowledged the inherent sovereignty of Tribal Nations to regulate hunting and fishing on their Reservations. Bringing up McGirt and the Stroble case shows the Governor's lack of understanding or intentional disregard for Federal Indian Law and the US Constitution. Without the revenue generated by these agreements, it's no surprise the Governor is using fear to entice Tribal citizens to purchase a state license.
The Muscogee Nation has a robust Department of Wildlife, but chooses to self-fund conservation efforts and not charge a license fee to citizens. The 5 Tribes Wildlife Management Agreement affirms the Muscogee, Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw and Seminole Nations' commitment to invest in fish and wildlife conservation, habitat enhancement and hunting and fishing rights of their citizens, and sharing harvest and other pertinent data with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Muscogee citizens hunting within the boundaries of the Muscogee, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole Nations must adhere to Tribal laws and regulations of the Nation they are hunting within. For the Muscogee Nation, these laws and regulations can be found in Title 23 of the MCN Code.
ODWC Game Wardens are cross-deputized to enforce Tribal laws on our Reservation. Citizens of the Muscogee Nation that receive a citation for not holding a state license should contact the MCN Department of Interior Affairs at (918) 549-2515.
We hope that all Oklahomans enjoy the beauty that hunting season brings in the Indian Territory, including our Tribally-licensed citizens. Good luck filling your freezers and making memories!
