(a) Since the time of European arrival, big game populations have decreased drastically in Yurok ancestral territory and on the Reservation due to changes in hunting methods and land management, such as prohibition of native burn practices, deforestation, pesticide use, and significant increases in hunting pressure.

(b) The decrease in game populations impacts the Yurok Tribal membership in their ability to sustainably provide food for subsistence and materials for cultural use.

(c) The Constitution of the Yurok Tribe mandates that the Tribe shall “restore, enhance, and manage the tribal fishery, tribal water rights, tribal forests and all other natural resources.”

(d) There is no data in regards to the numbers of deer, bear, elk, and other large game that are currently being taken for subsistence or cultural use on the Yurok Reservation.

(e) This data is requisite for effective management of harvestable game and ensuring healthy big game populations for generations to come.

(f) Bear is not a traditionally hunted resource for the Yurok people. The take of established nuisance bear for the protection of humans and of property is occasionally necessary due to the influx of bears presenting a threat to human life. [Ord. 28 § 9002, adopted, 9/19/2012.]