In response to declining participation in hunting among tribal youths and an increase in hunting violations by nontribal members in the Brunot Treaty area, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is considering updates to its wildlife code.
The tribe’s current wildlife code does not regulate hunting or fishing in the Brunot area, Tribal Council Treasurer Mike Olguin told La Plata County commissioners during a presentation at their Tuesday meeting.
Over the past five years, nontribal members accounted for 97% of wildlife violations, accruing more than $20,000 in fines, including about $12,000 that remains unpaid.
One of the most significant proposed amendments would extend tribal wildlife laws to the Brunot area, which refers to land covered by the 1873 Brunot Agreement between the U.S. government and the Ute tribes. The agreement opened millions of acres of mineral-rich land in Southwest Colorado to non-Native settlement and mining, a concession the tribes agreed to largely under duress.
In 2008, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the state of Colorado entered into a memorandum of understanding outlining how the state and tribe coordinate enforcement within the Brunot area. Any amendments to the wildlife code would be implemented under the framework of that agreement.
Proposed changes include requiring anyone younger than age 50 to complete a hunter safety course, prohibiting the use of drones to harass or take wildlife, increasing fines for public safety offenses, requiring Colorado courts to recognize tribal court orders and arrest warrants, prohibiting unauthorized access onto tribal lands, as well as removal of age requirements for minors, and supervision requirements.
Tribal officials said the proposed changes are driven by concerning enforcement trends and limited authority to effectively impose and collect civil penalties for violations.
The tribe is accepting public comment until Feb. 23. People may submit comment at www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/proposed-southern-ute-tribal-code.
All three La Plata County commissioners expressed support for the proposed changes and a desire to help aid in the passage and continuing education of the general public.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
