MVSKOKE RESERVATION — Hunters across the state are breaking out their bows as archery season kicked off Oct. 1 for white-tailed deer and turkey.
On the Mvskoke Reservation, hunting license hang-ups ended after the Supreme Court ruled that Tribal citizens have the right to hunt on Tribal lands without interference from the state.
Tribal citizens are free to hunt and fish on tribally-owned lands within the boundaries of the Five Civilized Tribes’ reservations. State-owned property, regardless of its location within reservation boundaries, is still subject to state laws surrounding licensure.
When exercising the right to hunt on Tribal land, Tribal citizens are still required to have documentation in accordance with their Tribe’s laws. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation requires citizens to have their Tribal citizenship card, hunter education certification (unless exempt), and a Wildlife Permit issued by the MCN Wildlife Program. Hunters must also submit Harvest Report Forms to the MCN Wildlife Program. The MCN Wildlife Permit and report forms are free to citizens.
When reporting a harvest, Tribal citizens will report to their own Tribe even if the animal was harvested on another Tribe’s reservation. While hunters are subject to the documentation requirements of their own Tribe, rules and regulations vary between reservations. Links to information for hunting on other Tribes’ reservations can be found on the MCN Wildlife Program website.
Tribal citizens hunting on state-owned or private property must have a state hunting license, hunter education certification, and appropriate tags.
Regardless of where a Tribal citizen is hunting, safety regulations still apply. Always obtain landowner permission when hunting on private property. Hunters must wear orange safety gear in the field according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
According to hunter-ed.com, there are four main types of hunting-related shooting incidents: judgement mistakes, safety rule violations, lack of control and practice, and mechanical failure. Hunter education programs are intended to prevent these kinds of incidents. Oklahoma allows hunters to take free online education courses to obtain the required Hunter Education Certification. The online course is also offered to MCN citizens for free. The course requires a Tribal I.D. number to receive your certificate and Hunter Education card. The card is valid for life in all 50 states.
Another safety measure to consider is always using a properly fitted safety harness and taking extra caution when hunting out of tree stands. One study showed that 90% of falls from tree stands resulted in paraplegia/paresis.
Mvskoke citizens with questions about Tribal hunting regulations can contact the MCN Wildlife Program at (918) 549-2555 or email Wildlife@MuscogeeNation.com. Questions about state regulations can be directed to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation at (405) 521-3851 or by completing an online contact form.
Hunting season for white-tailed deer runs from Oct. 1 to Jan. 15 for archery and Nov. 21 to Dec. 6 for gun. Deer muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1.
Fall turkey season runs from Oct. 1 to Jan. 15 for archery and Oct. 31 to Nov. 20 for gun.
Seasons by game and method of harvest can be found on ODWC’s website.
