Choctaws spell out wildlife compact

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has announced details of the proposed fishing and hunting compact it expects to sign with the state of Oklahoma.

Last week, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a compact with the Choctaw Nation, but didn’t release details, pending signatures by Gov. Mary Fallin and Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton on the agreement.

That still needs to be done, but the Choctaw Nation posted details of the pending compact on its Facebook page Friday after it was approved by the Tribal Council.

According to the Facebook post, members of the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma between the ages of 16 and 64 will receive, at no cost to them:

•An annual hunting and fishing combination license

•An annual trapping license

•A bobcat, raccoon, river otter, gray and red fox license •A state waterfowl stamp •Up to four turkey licenses •Up to six deer licenses •A land access permit to the Three Rivers and Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Oklahoma.

Any tribal member living in Oklahoma younger than 16 will receive an annual hunting and fishing license, one deer license and one turkey license.

Michael McNutt, communications director for the governor’s office, said Fallin would have no comment on the proposed agreement until it has been signed.

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma has a similar compact with the state.