Cherokee Nation opens applications for controlled deer hunts

Cherokee Nation will host its fifth annual Controlled Deer Hunts in 2025 at the Cherokee Nation Sequoyah Hunting Preserve in Sequoyah County.

As in previous years, participants will be selected through a random draw to ensure fairness and equal opportunity. The hunts aim to promote conservation efforts and preserve the cultural tradition of hunting within Cherokee Nation.

This is a firearm-only event. Archery equipment is not permitted.

All applicants must be legally authorized to carry a firearm to be eligible.

Applications are open to all Cherokee Nation citizens and are not subject to any residency requirement.

Cherokee Nation citizens can apply and check application status through the Gadugi Portal.

Selected applicants will be contacted by Cherokee Nation Wildlife Conservation by Sept. 11.

As for the youth hunt eligibility requirements, applicants must be age 17 or younger throughout the duration of the hunt, a Cherokee Nation citizen, and must be accompanied by an adult with a Tribal identification or valid Oklahoma hunting license. The licensed adult must be either a parent or guardian or an individual specifically selected by the parent or guardian.

As for the Cherokee speaker hunts eligibility requirements, eligible applicants must be registered as a speaker with the Cherokee Nation Language Department. If you are not registered as a Cherokee Speaker, please contact the Cherokee Nation Language Department at (918) 207-4900. All ages are eligible to apply. If the applicant is age 17 or younger at the time of the hunt, they must be accompanied by an adult with a Tribal ID or a valid Oklahoma hunting license. The licensed adult must be either a parent or guardian or an individual specifically selected by the parent or guardian.

As for the elder hunt eligibility requirements, applicants must be age 55 years of age or older on the first day of the hunt, a Cherokee Nation citizen and possess a Cherokee Nation Tribal ID.

As for the veteran hunt eligibility requirements, applicants must be a veteran of a United States Armed Forces branch, a Cherokee Nation citizen and possess a Cherokee Nation Tribal ID. Applicants must submit valid proof of veteran status with their application.

As for the open hunt eligibility requirements, any Cherokee Nation citizen is eligible for this hunt with the possession of a Cherokee Nation Tribal ID. If the applicant is age 17 or younger at the time of the hunt, they must be accompanied by an adult with a Tribal ID or a valid Oklahoma hunting license. The licensed adult must be either a parent or guardian or an individual specifically selected by the parent or guardian.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 5.

For additional information, call (918) 453-5058 or e-mail wildlife@cherokee.org.