All information provided within this FAQ applies to Cherokee Nation Citizens and is effective January 1, 2022.
Cherokee Nation tribal citizens are eligible to hunt and fish within the Cherokee Nation Reservation in accordance with tribal laws. Compact licenses held by Cherokee Nation citizens are valid until December 31, 2021, after which, Cherokee Nation law will apply.
See also FAQ What if I’m not a Cherokee Nation tribal citizen?
The Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt, refuses to enter into hunting and fishing compacts with the Cherokee Nation and Choctaw Nation. While the Cherokee Nation is always open to future partnerships with the state of Oklahoma, at this time Governor Stitt has no prospects for a new compact in 2022. Governor Stitt’s actions will cost the State of Oklahoma millions of dollars in revenue and federal funds.
You will need proof of valid Cherokee Nation tribal citizenship, which can include your Cherokee Nation-issued Identification card or citizenship blue card. Additional forms of ID may be requested to confirm identity. In addition, Hunter Safety course completion is required for citizens under the age of 31. Also exempt from Hunters Safety are citizens who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, are currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or a member of the National Guard.
Contact Cherokee Nation Registration at: https://www.cherokee.org/all-services/tribal-registration
No, only citizens of the Cherokee Nation are eligible to hunt and fish within the Reservation. Non-citizens will need to obtain a hunting and fishing license from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to legally hunt within the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
No, all Cherokee Nation citizens, regardless of residency, are permitted to hunt and fish on lands owned by the Cherokee Nation in accordance with Cherokee Nation law.
You can only hunt/fish within Cherokee Nation reservation boundaries. All applicable trespassing laws apply and will be enforced. There are lands set aside for Cherokee Nation citizens to hunt and fish. A list of FAQ Sheet #1 (12.13.21) 2 Cherokee Nation-owned properties open to the Cherokee Nation citizens for hunting and fishing can be found on the Fish and Wildlife Map.
