(a) Since time immemorial deer, elk, bear, mountain lions, waterfowl and other wildlife species have been profoundly important to the Yurok people for cultural, ceremonial, religious, subsistence, and other purposes fundamental to the Tribe’s way of life. Due to changes in hunting practices, and habitat modification, wildlife populations within the Yurok Reservation and Yurok ancestral territory have decreased.

(b) 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.”

(c) The Yurok Tribe maintains the rights to fish, hunt, and gather for subsistence and cultural purposes in all areas within the Tribe’s jurisdiction. The regulation of Tribal activities is a sovereign responsibility of the Yurok Tribe. [Ord. 45 § 8002, adopted, 11/13/2015.]