The Cherokee Nation Wildlife Conservation Department is tasked with the preservation of wildlife across the reservation. The department implements programs to encourage fishing and hunting among tribal citizens, including annual draw hunts at the Sequoyah Hunting Preserve.

Wildlife Conservation Resources:

As of July 12, 2024, a Hunting and Fishing Reciprocal Agreement has been signed among the Choctaw, Muscogee, and Chickasaw Nations. Under this agreement, citizens of these nations who are eligible to hunt or fish within their own reservation under their respective tribal laws will also be permitted to hunt and fish within the Cherokee Nation Reservation. Similarly, Cherokee citizens may hunt and fish on the reservation lands of these Nations, using their tribal citizenship card.

Beginning January 1, 2022, the Cherokee Nation Game and Fish Code (Title 29) will continue to govern activities within the Cherokee Nation reservation boundaries. To address any inquiries, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions, which can be accessed here. For questions not covered in the FAQs, please contact our office via email at wildlife@cherokee.org.

Cherokee Nation Wildlife Conservation does not provide direct assistance for feral swine removal.

For additional details on resources concerning feral swine please visit the USDA-AHPIS website.

Updated August 23, 2026