Wildlife Section

Mission

To manage the wildlife resources on the Quinault Indian Reservation (QIR) and within the traditional hunting areas in a manner that best serves the needs of the Quinault people and the ecosystems they depend on. This includes conducting research when necessary to develop science-based management recommendations for the QIN.

Responsibilities

The wildlife program manages a wide variety of wildlife species and their habitats on the QIR, with the goal to perpetuate these populations into the future.  The Wildlife Section seeks to provide subsistence hunting opportunities while promoting the health and long-term viability of big game po768A5072_2pulations.  The Section collects data on the biological status of wildlife populations in an effort to provide science-based management recommendations to QIN policy decision makers.  In addition to managing game species, the Section also is responsible for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that are not hunted.

The Wildlife Section is also responsible for reviewing all proposed timber sales for potential impact to wildlife populations and compliance with both the QIR Forest Management Plan and applicable federal laws. The Section reviews all Forest Practice Applications (FPA’s), which serve as year-long permits to land owners and operators for forest management activities such as timber harvest and cedar salvage. Additionally, the Section reviews Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements for projects proposed by external entities that may impact treaty wildlife resources.

Current Wildlife Management & Research Projects

 

Traditional Use of Wildlife Resources

Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, black bears, and bald eagles are native to the Quinault region and remain culturally important to the native people of the Olympic Peninsula. Seals, sea lions, and sea otters are among some of the marine mammal species found along the Quinault coast. More than 200 species of birds live on Quinault Indian Reservation either year-round or seasonally. Records, photographs, and oral histories indicate that these species have been respected and harvested sustainably for centuries for food, clothing, tools, medicines and spiritual uses.

While many coastal tribes on the Olympic Peninsula concentrated on marine and river resources, the Quinault in particular were known to be skilled hunters of larger inland mammals. Today these animals continue to provide a lean source of protein for tribal members as well as opportunities for inter-generational teaching about cultural history, traditional worldviews, hunting, and food preparation.

Traditional Use of Wildlife Resources

Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, black bears, and bald eagles are native to the Quinault region and remain culturally important to the native people of the Olympic Peninsula. Seals, sea lions, and sea otters are among some of the marine mammal species found along the Quinault coast. More than 200 species of birds live on Quinault Indian Reservation either year-round or seasonally. Records, photographs, and oral histories indicate that these species have been respected and harvested sustainably for centuries for food, clothing, tools, medicines and spiritual uses.

While many coastal tribes on the Olympic Peninsula concentrated on marine and river resources, the Quinault in particular were known to be skilled hunters of larger inland mammals. Today these animals continue to provide a lean source of protein for tribal members as well as opportunities for inter-generational teaching about cultural history, traditional worldviews, hunting, and food preparation.

  1. 1 Black bear collared as part of the QIR black bear population study. Photo by Kristen Phillips, 2017.
  2. 2 Roosevelt elk crossing a wetland on the QIR, 2019. Photo by Andrew Annanie.