Hunting is deeply rooted in the Dakota culture. The weapons and techniques have changed over time but the thrill of the chase remains the same. White-tailed Deer, Waterfowl, and Wild Turkey are all present and hunted on SMSC land. The SMSC has approved policies regarding hunting on tribal land (see HuntingPolicies2008.pdf). These policies were implemented by the business council to protect community member’s right to hunt. Occassionally, un-tagged deer stands and other hunting equipment are found and they are removed and confiscated.

The SMSC adheres to hunting regulations established by state unless regulations are specifically addressed in the document outlining tribal hunting policies. Minnesota hunting regulations can be found at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting

 

click here for printable map

 

The following are the guidelines for hunting on lands owned by the Community. The Business
Council believes we can police ourselves, without having the General Council pass a complex
Hunting Ordinance.

1. Who Can Hunt. Only Tribal Members and spouses of Tribal Members may hunt on Tribal lands unaccompanied. Non-Member spouses must have a Spouse Guest Permit in their possession. A Tribal Member may have one non-member hunting guest accompanying them at any time. This guest must have a Guest Permit in their possession and the inviting Tribal Member must be in the hunting area with the guest and able to observe the guest’s activities at all times.
2. Guest Permits. Guest Permits are available to Tribal Members in the Land Department. Tribal Members may request a Spouse Guest Permit for a non-Member spouse for the entire season. Other Guest Permits will be issued at the request of a Tribal Member for an individual guest and for a limited time.
3. 3. Hunters Under 18. Unaccompanied hunting shall be allowed for Members 18 years of age or older. An adult Tribal Member or spouse of a Tribal Member must accompany Tribal Member youth under 18.
4. Motorized Vehicles Prohibited. No motorized vehicles shall be used to pursue or traverse for game. All hunting activities shall be done on foot. Deer hunters may retrieve fallen game using an ATV.
5. Alcohol and Drugs Prohibited. No use of alcohol or illegal drugs is allowed.
6. Trophy Hunting Prohibited. Hunters shall not trophy hunt. All hunters shall only shoot and
   take game that will be consumed.
7. State Licenses Required. All hunters are to carry Minnesota State Licenses and Tags as
   required by law for hunting any particular game animal.
8. Seasons. Tribal Members and their escorted guest may hunt only during legal hunting seasons as defined by Minnesota State statutes. These rules shall also include the time requirements, as well as, hunting zones, firearm requirements and other applicable guidelines.
9. Firearms Limited. No rifles and or pistols are allowed in the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Hunting areas. Shotguns are allowed for hunting in areas lying within the limits of the City of Shakopee. No firearms are allowed within the city limits of the City of Prior Lake.
10. Hunting Map. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community hunting areas are all vacant lands as depicted on the enclosed map.
11. 500 Foot Prohibition. Hunting shall not be allowed within 500 feet of any residence or commercial business. This is a violation of Minnesota criminal law.
12. Deer Stand Permits Required. All deer stands placed in the forested areas must bear a Deer Stand Permit issued by the Community. Please see the Land Department for your free deer stand permit. Deer stands found without a permit will be removed. Tribal Members are eligible for up to two free deer stand permits. All deer stands must be removed from the forest after the season ends. Deer stands left attached to a tree will kill the tree. Any stands left in the forest after the season ends will be considered abandoned property and removed.
13. General Guidance:
    a) All hunters should help keep the integrity of these rules by reporting any abuses to the Tribal Business Council and / or the Land Manger.
    b) All hunters shall respect Tribal lands, and hunt ethically at all times. If you have any questions, please do no hesitate to contact the Tribal Business Council.