In 2026, Cherokee Nation Wildlife Conservation will host the 6th annual Controlled Deer Hunts at the Cherokee Nation Sequoyah Hunting Preserve in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma.
As in previous years, participants for this year's program will be chosen through a random draw, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants. The hunts aim to promote conservation efforts and preserve the cultural tradition of hunting within the Cherokee Nation.
Application Deadline: September 8, 2026
Drawing will be conducted on: September 9, 2026
Winners will be notified by the Cherokee Nation Wildlife Conservation Department by September 12, and application status can be checked via the Gadugi Portal.
Apply Online
Important Notes:
This is a firearm-only event. Archery equipment is not permitted.
All applicants must be legally authorized to carry a firearm to be eligible.
Applications are open to all Cherokee Nation citizens and are not subject to any residency requirement.
Eligibility Requirements
Youth Hunt: October 16th - 18th
Applicants must be 17 or under throughout the duration of the hunt, a Cherokee Nation citizen, and must be accompanied by an adult with a Tribal ID or valid photo ID. The adult must be either a parent or guardian, or an individual specifically selected by the parent or guardian.
Cherokee Speaker Hunt - Muzzleloader: October 24th - 26th
Eligible applicants must be registered as a speaker with the Cherokee Nation Language Department. If you are not registered as a Cherokee Speaker, please contact the Cherokee Nation Language Department at (918) 207-4900. All ages are eligible to apply. If the applicant is 17 or younger at the time of the hunt, they must be accompanied by an adult with a Tribal ID or a valid photo ID. The accompanying adult must be either a parent or guardian, or an individual specifically selected by the parent or guardian.
Elder Hunt - Muzzleloader: October 30th - November 1st
Applicants must be 55 years of age or older on the first day of the hunt, a Cherokee Nation citizen, and possess a Cherokee Nation Tribal ID.
Veteran Hunt: November 21st - 23rd
Applicants must be a veteran of the United States armed forces, a Cherokee Nation citizen, and possess a Cherokee Nation Tribal ID. Applicants must submit valid proof of veteran status with their application.
Open Hunt: December 4th - 6th
Any Cherokee Nation Citizen is eligible for this hunt with the possession of a Cherokee Tribal ID. If the applicant is 17 or younger at the time of the hunt, they must be accompanied by an adult with a Tribal ID or a valid photo ID. The adult must be either a parent or guardian, or an individual specifically selected by the parent or guardian.
Successful applicants in the elder, veteran, speaker, and open categories are encouraged to bring a non-hunting helper with them during the hunt. If the non-hunting helper is 18 years of age or older they must possess a Tribal ID or a valid photo ID.
