Three Oklahoma tribes file federal suit against Governor Stitt over hunting authority

The Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, according to KXII. The tribes argue that Stitt does not have the authority to appoint a special prosecutor for wildlife crimes on tribal land.

Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton said in a statement that the nation “will defend its rights and those of its members against the Governor’s unlawful prosecution,” adding that hunting and fishing are rooted in Choctaw sovereignty and traditions. Governor Stitt, newly appointed special prosecutor Russ Cochran and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are listed as defendants. According to KXII, Stitt appointed Cochran on Nov. 13 following actions by the state attorney general regarding prosecutions in eastern Oklahoma. In October, Attorney General Gentner Drummond upheld tribal hunting rights and said the state would not prosecute Native American hunters on tribal land without a state permit.