STANDING ROCK SIOUX TRIBE

2026 BIG GAME PROCLAMATION (WHITE TAIL/MULE DEER)

WHEREAS, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Code of Justice, Title IX “Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Code” governs all taking of game and fish species by Indians within the exterior boundaries of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation as defined by the Act of March 2, 1889, Stat. 888, and by non-Indian within the exterior boundaries of the reservation, as defined above on lands held by United States in trust for the Tribe or for Indians; and

WHEREAS, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Code of Justice, Title IX “Fish and Wildlife Conservation Code” Section 9-105 sets forth the purposes of the Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Department and the Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to manage the fish and wildlife resources of the reservation primarily for subsistence use by tribal members, and authorizes Non-members to take fish and wildlife only at times and places and under conditions deemed appropriate; and

 

WHEREAS, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Code of Justice, Title IX “Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Code” Section 9-105 authorizes the issuance of an Annual Proclamation setting forth the conditions on the taking of wildlife; and

 

WHEREAS, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Code of Justice, Title IX “Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Code” Section 9-104(5) authorizes the Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to set the fees for licenses and the length of any hunting season and the fees charged for licenses; and

 

WHEREAS, the Standing Rock Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission held a meeting on May 20, 2026 and passed a Motion to authorize a 2026 Big Game White Tail and Mule Deer Season subject to the conditions, fees, and limits set forth herein; now therefore:

 

I HEREBY DECLARE AND PROCLAIM:
 

  1. That there is hereby established a Big Game Season commencing at sunrise to sunset.

 

Archery

Youth Season (16 and Under Mentored Hunting): Aug. 15, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026

 

Elderly, Disabled, Veteran Enrolled Members and Other Enrolled Members: Aug. 15, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026

 

Resident& Non-Resident Non-member & Affiliated Members: Sept. 05, 2026 – Dec. 15, 2026

 

Rifle

Youth Season (16 and Under Mentored Hunting): Oct 3, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026

Elderly, Disabled, Veteran Enrolled Members and Other Enrolled Members: Oct 3, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026

 

Resident& Non-Resident Non-member & Affiliated Members: Oct. 10, 2026 – Dec. 1, 2026

 

  1. The Number of Licenses Authorized, by classification are:

 

Number of Tags:

Elderly, Disabled, Veteran Enrolled Members and Other Enrolled Members: Unlimited (1 buck tag per enrolled member. Elderly, Disabled, Veteran Members 1 doe and 1 buck tag per Member)


Affiliated members/Resident and Non-resident/non-members: 200 tags

 

There will be no doe tags available for sale to Non-members or Affiliated Members. Guides are entitled to allocation of tags that were approved of by Standing Rock Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and met the deadline.

 

  1. The License and Lottery Costs Are:

 

Elderly/Disabled/Veteran/Youth Doe: Free or Buck: $5.00

 

Enrolled Members Buck: $10.00

 

Affiliated members: $1000.00

 

Resident &Non-resident Non-Members: $1000.00

 

Spouse of tribal member: $125.00

 

  1. Designated shooters for Elderly (55 and older), Disabled, Veterans will be allowed no more than five Designated shooter (5) tags in possession at any one time for does and one (1) buck. Any Designated Shooter who fails to deliver the meat to an Elderly, Disabled, or Veteran will have Designated Shooter privileges suspended for up to five (5) years. Harvest Report cards must be completed.

 

  1. ATV/UTV’s are not allowed for Big Game hunting. No handheld radios. Hunters must wear fluorescent Orange or Pink that covers 50% or more of the body area above the waist.

 

  1. Nothing over six shells in a magazine will be allowed to hunt Big Game. All members and non-members are eligible, provided they apply for and have in their
    possession a valid license for Big Game season issued by the Department.

 

  1. That this season for deer shall apply to all lands located within the exterior boundaries of Standing Rock Indian Reservation as defined by the Act of March 2, 1889: 25 Stat. 888, further, that all permit holders will be expected as a matter of courtesy to request permission to hunt from all trust, allotted and fee patent landowners.

 

  1. All members and non-members are eligible, provided they apply for and have in their possession a valid Deer License. Licenses and special permits with tags shall be issued in a manner and form prescribed by the Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Code and in accordance with law. Any other Big Game not listed are not to be hunted with this permit or license and shall be considered closed to hunting unless otherwise specific by season.

 

  1. That any Indian or non-Indian resident of the Reservation under sixteen (16) years of age who resides on the reservation and has passed a Hunter Safety Course shall be permitted to hunt only if accompanied at all times when hunting with a licensed person of at least twenty-one (21) years of age who has meant the requirements.

 

  1. All provisions U.S.C. 18 U.S.C. 1164-65 and all provisions of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s “Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Code” shall be enforced. These provisions of tribal law are also covered and enforced in accordance with the Lacey Act of 1981.

 

  1. All hunting and fishing within the boundaries of the reservation are governed in accordance with Tribal Law, Title IX, entitled “Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Code.”

 

  1. If any Indian or non-Indian having need for additional information regarding this Proclamation or applicable provisions, you may contact the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Game, Fish and Parks Department, P.O. Box “D,” Fort Yates, North Dakota, telephone no. (701) 854-7236.
     

If any Indian or non-Indian having need for additional information regarding this Proclamation or applicable provisions, you may contact the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Game, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Department, P.O. Box “D,” Fort Yates, North Dakota, telephone no. (701) 854-7236.
 

DATED THIS __________ DAY OF ________, 2026.
 

____________________________________
Steve Sitting Bear
Chairman, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe