A new compact dealing with hunting and fishing licenses has been signed between the state of Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation. It means the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) will get access to federal matching funds, while the tribe will purchase licenses for every Choctaw resident citizen between the ages of 16 and 64.
Governor Fallin and Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton signed the compact which goes into effect January 1, 2017.
The agreement allows the Choctaw Nation to buy at least 50,000 annual hunting and fishing licenses at a discounted rate. The tribe will pay a lump sum of $200,000 for the licenses and an administrative cost of $75,000 to the ODWC. That will generate additional federal matching funds for the Department’s conservation efforts.
“This is another example of the state of Oklahoma and tribal nations working together,” said Fallin. “This compact is mutually beneficial for the state of Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation. The large sale of these hunting and fishing licenses will generate revenue for conservation efforts as well as ensure that more Oklahomans are following the standard rules and regulations associated with these licenses. In return, the Choctaw Nation receives a discount for the licenses it purchases.”
“This agreement was very important to me because it helps sustain our traditional ways of life and hopefully encourages our children to be hunters and providers for their family in the future,” said Batton.
Batton also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ODWC that the Choctaw Nation will maintain Lake Nanih Waiya, which is owned by the Department. It a place of historical significance to the tribe.
The compact and the agreement will run for three years.
