Hooves and antlers are still used for traditional ceremonial items and clothing. Many of our reservations are remote, and few family-wage jobs are available. Unemployment runs as high as 80 percent on some reservations. For hungry families, deer, elk and other wildlife are a very important source of food. As co-managers with the State of Washington, the health of the wildlife resource is the primary concern of the treaty Indian tribes in western Washington.
Tribes set seasons and bag limits based on the ability of a wildlife population to support harvest.
Tribal enforcement personnel ensure that tribal hunting regulations, which are similar to state regulations, are followed. The difference is that our treaties guarantee our right to hunt when and as needed. Tribal staff work closely with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure the best management possible. We share harvest data and work on cooperative projects to enhance deer and elk herds. Tribal hunters harvest only about 8 percent of the harvestable number of deer and elk.