A number of tribes conduct hunter education courses, aimed especially at young tribal members, to ensure their hunters are safe when exercising their treaty right. Students are taught how to handle firearms, ethical considerations and the reasons behind tribal hunting regulations. Cultural aspects of hunting, as well as treaty hunting rights, also are covered in the classes. The committee also provides a unified voice in discussions with state and federal wildlife managers. Despite legal challenges regarding the tribal treaty hunting right, the tribes and state continue to work together for the benefit of the resource.
Tribes cooperate with state agencies and citizen groups on many wildlife enhancement projects.
In the fall of 1999, for example, tribes, WDFW, a local citizens group and a timber company worked to enhance elk habitat near Mount St. Helens. About 80 elk died of starvation as a result. The following summer, tribes provided funding and manpower as part of a joint effort to remove invasive vegetation and plant forage for the herd. Tribes also coordinate with federal, state and local government agencies on developing and implementing their hunting seasons. For example, in the summer of 1999, tribes met with U.S. Forest Service, WDFW and county law enforcement officials to discuss how to improve tribal wildlife management through better coordination.