Drummond Blocks Charges Against tribal Hunters

Attorney General Halts Wildlife Prosecutions

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation wanted to prosecute Native Oklahomans for hunting without state licenses on Indian lands. But Attorney General Gentner Drummond says that will not happen.

Drummond called the move a “petulant lame-duck governor’s attempt to damage relations with tribal nations.”He said it represents a “senseless attempt to ignore sovereignty” that “won’t be tolerated.”

Sovereignty and the Law

The statement came after new disputes over jurisdiction following the McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court decision. That ruling reaffirmed that eastern Oklahoma remains tribal reservation territory, limiting state enforcement authority.

Drummond emphasized that tribal rights supersede state licensing requirements.“I will not allow a political stunt to poison relationships with sovereign partners,” he said.

Tribal Leaders Support the Decision

Leaders from the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Muscogee Nations applauded Drummond’s decision. They said his stance reinforces respect for treaty obligations and strengthens collaboration between tribal and state agencies.

One tribal spokesperson said, “This is more than a legal issue—it’s about respect.”Hunting and fishing rights remain deeply tied to heritage and cultural preservation.

Path Toward State-Tribal Cooperation

Drummond’s refusal to prosecute signals a shift toward diplomatic partnership instead of political confrontation. He urged both governments to prioritize cooperation in resource management.

“This decision upholds both sovereignty and Oklahoma’s long-term interests,” his office said. Observers described the announcement as a potential reset for strained relations after years of conflict.

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