Tribal hunting/fishing compacts expiring

[BobbyV]

What is Stitt doing?

This makes absolutely no sense to me.

My wife and daughters have gotten licenses as part of the Choctaw Nation compact and I was able to get a fishing via the Cherokee Nation compact.

State lets Choctaw hunting, fishing agreement expire
BY STAFF REPORTS
12/30/2019 04:30 PM
DURANT – According to a Choctaw Nation press release, the Choctaw Nation’s hunting and fishing compact with Oklahoma is set to expire on Dec. 31.

Though the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Choctaw Nation have agreed upon a proposal to renew, the compact has had no response from Gov. Kevin Stitt’s office.

“We are disappointed that negotiations have come to a standstill with state administration on the Hunting and Fishing Compact,” said Jack Austin, Jr., Choctaw Nation assistant chief, who has led hunting and fishing compact negotiations for the tribe. “This program has been a mutually beneficial agreement, benefitting both tribal members and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.”

The Choctaw Nation began discussions to renew the hunting and fishing agreement in August and received approval for its proposal from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. The proposal included Choctaw Nation’s guaranteed purchase of thousands of state licenses for its tribal citizens and, combined with federal rebates, would have created $4.8 million in projected revenue for the state in 2020.

On Jan. 1, tribal citizens are advised to obtain their state hunting and fishing licenses through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

“We are pursuing other avenues to provide opportunities for our tribal members and protect the Choctaw cultural tradition of hunting and fishing,” Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton said. “While we have always been interested in a strong tribal-state partnership and remain open to negotiation on this issue, we are investigating alternative solutions that strengthen our tribal sovereignty.”

The Cherokee Nation’s hunting and fishing compact with Oklahoma is also set to expire on Dec. 31. Cherokee Nation officials are still waiting on a response from Stitt’s office on whether the compact would renew for another year.

 

[PBramble]

Probably a non issue, it is the holiday season. Government offices are closed more than open this time of the year.

 

[BobbyV]

Probably a non issue, it is the holiday season. Government offices are closed more than open this time of the year.

Interesting that they were apparently easily renewed during previous administrations though . . .

I'm a fed . . . we were only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day . . . . and then again tomorrow for New Year's Day.

Still time to get things done.

 

[bigred1]

Interesting that they were apparently easily renewed during previous administrations though . . .

I'm a fed . . . we were only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day . . . . and then again tomorrow for New Year's Day.

Still time to get things done.

I know they're at odds over the gaming pact. The tribes say it automatically renews and Stitt says it can be renegotiated. Maybe Stitt is trying to use the hunting and fishing as leverage.

 

[BobbyV]

I know they're at odds over the gaming pact. The tribes say it automatically renews and Stitt says it can be renegotiated. Maybe Stitt is trying to use the hunting and fishing as leverage.

If that's the case it's not a very smart move IMO . . . speaking of the gaming compacts, Stitt needs to do a much better job of explaining his position IMO. Press conferences at noon or during the day aren't winning when the tribes are spending thousands on commercials with former governors (one who didn't even sign a compact I don't think) endorsing the tribes.

 

[SMS]

Good. Any hunting/fishing agreement should only apply to tribal land.

 

[Shadowrider]

Yea and those governors are from both parties. Stitt is trying to strongarm the tribes on the gaming and he'll likely lose if history is an indicator. The state got their head handed to them on a platter when they tried to horn in on taxing the tribe on the Grand Casino (and their others) before.

 

[Gunbuffer]

Good. Any hunting/fishing agreement should only apply to tribal land.

Good

 

[O4L]

I know they're at odds over the gaming pact. The tribes say it automatically renews and Stitt says it can be renegotiated. Maybe Stitt is trying to use the hunting and fishing as leverage.

Bingo!

 

[Gunbuffer]

bout time the tribes lost that monopoly. They waste the money anyways