Oklahoma governor, Cherokee Nation chief sign compact

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker have signed a compact authorizing bulk purchases of Oklahoma hunting and fishing licenses for members of the tribe.

Under the new compact, the Cherokee Nation is expected to purchase more than 150,000 licenses from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for Oklahoma-based tribal citizens over the age of 16. The agreement is expected to generate up to $4 million for the state to be dedicated to wildlife conservation efforts.

The licenses issued to the Cherokee Nation are standard Oklahoma hunting and fishing licenses. The compact goes into effect Jan. 1.

Fallin says the compact will benefit the state and tribe with the state selling an enormous amount of hunting and fishing licenses at discounted prices for tribal members.