Wildlife Enforcement

The Quinault Wildlife Enforcement Program relies on the belief that law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation. The program contributes to Quinault Public Safety Division efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote wildlife conservation on the Quinault Indian Nation lands and waters.

The Quinault Wildlife Enforcement Program focuses on potentially devastating threats to wildlife resources, including:

• Illegal trade
• Unlawful commercial exploitation
• Habitat destruction
• Environmental contaminants

The program investigates wildlife crimes, regulates wildlife trade, helps people understand and obey wildlife protections laws, and works to conserve wildlife resources.

Jurisdiction

The primary purpose of the program is the management of Quinault fish and game laws and regulations. The Quinault Wildlife Enforcement Program has jurisdiction over all hunting and fishing activities on the trust lands of the Quinault Indian Nation. They administer plans that contribute significantly toward meeting the growing demand for outdoor recreation and tourism and ensure the protection of thousands of acres of habitat necessary for the conservation of fish, wildlife and plant resources.

The programs enforcement activities support the Quinault Business Committee's commitment for the protection and enhancement of its fish, shellfish, wildlife and plant resources throughout the Tribe's Usual and Accustomed area. Tribal laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations that are in place governing separate fishery or hunting and gathering activities are strictly enforced. The program also works with state, federal and other tribal enforcement organizations which is absolutely essential for the protection of fish and wildlife resources.

Duties

The Quinault Wildlife Enforcement Program is charged with enforcing fish and wildlife laws, but the program's enforcement officers also coordinate search and rescue operations, collect fish and wildlife data, assist the public when they encounter problems with wildlife, and make a variety of presentations at area schools.

When Quinault residents encounter problems with wildlife, the officers are generally the first to respond. They set culvert traps for problem bears, use a variety of techniques to resolve conflicts with mountain lions and other species, and talk to landowners about living cooperatively with wildlife. They also handle injured raptors and assist the biologists with wildlife transplants.

Quinault Wildlife Enforcement Officers serve as the primary response team for search and rescue operations on the Nation's lands and they also visit schools to talk to students about hunter safety, general outdoor survival skills, and how to get along with wildlife.