The Southern Ute Tribe of Colorado is exercising its hunting rights under the 1874 Brunot Agreement.

After the discovery of gold in Colorado, the tribe ceded millions of acres to the federal government. But they reserved the right to hunt on their ancestral land "as long as the grass grew" in an agreement that was ratified by Congress.

Up until now, however, the tribe declined to exercise its rights. Members plan on hunting in the Brunot area next year under a program negotiated with the state Division of Wildlife.

The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe also signed the Brunot Agreement and has been exercising its rights.

Get the Story:
Ute invoke Old West treaty to hunt game (The Denver Post 10/21)

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Southern Ute Tribe close to agreement on hunting (3/26)
Southern Ute Tribe asserts off-reservation rights (03/16)