May 15 is the deadline for hunters to complete and submit their applications for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s controlled hunts drawings.

The controlled hunts program offers once-in-a-lifetime elk and antelope hunts, highly sought-after buck hunts, and a range of other quality deer and turkey hunting opportunities through randomized drawings that only cost sportsmen $5 to enter. Opportunities offered through the program include hunts on Department or other government-owned or managed lands where unrestricted hunting would pose safety concerns or where overharvest might occur.

The online application process takes just a few minutes and must be completed through the Wildlife Department’s website at wildlifedepartment.com.

All applicants, including lifetime license holders, must pay the $5 application fee to enter the controlled hunts drawings. The fee is paid only once per person per year regardless of the number of categories entered.

Applications are offered online through a secure process that only accepts applications once they have been filed correctly, and a print-out confirmation page is available for sportsmen to document their submitted application.

Log on to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/controlledhunts.htm for complete application instructions and a full listing of available hunts. The site also provides tips for increasing chances of being selected for certain hunts.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Controlled Hunts Application Deadline Looming in Oklahoma

Two NRA-backed bills squeaked through the legislative deadline in Oklahoma’s House of Representatives on Friday and are now on their way back to the Senate for approval.

Senate Bill 1760, created by Senator Anthony Sykes (R – 24) and Representative T.W. Shannon (R – 62), is actually an update to language previously used in a good-faith bill for gun-owners in the event of a declared state of emergency.  The Oklahoma Riot Control and Prevention Act had provisions to protect a person’s right to self-defense and defense of others in these states of emergency, but they left out language that would specifically allow the acquisition of firearms as part of the self-defense process.  This is where SB 1760 steps in, as the engrossed summary of the bill states:

“SB 1760 amends the Oklahoma Riot Control and Prevention Act by providing that nothing in the act is to be construed to allow any official of a municipal or state entity to prohibit or suspend the sale, ownership, possession, transportation, carrying, transfer and storage of firearms, ammunition and ammunition accessories during a declared state of emergency.”

Rep. Shannon stated, “In a situation where a riot is severe enough that the governor declares a state of emergency, citizens in the affected area will likely have much greater need for self-defense than at any other time.  It makes no sense to force those law-abiding citizens caught in a bad situation to disarm when they may be threatened with violence by lawless individuals.”  SB 1760 was approved unanimously, 84 to 0.  Without doubt, much news and opinion of this Second Amendment protection has been very positive.

Senate Bill 1743 relates to an issue that brings up a bit more ire from state to state: suppressors.  This bill, from Senator Steve Russell (R – 45) and Representative Leslie Osborn (R – 47) is also called the “Landowner’s Hunting Freedom Act” would allow landowners and guests on their property to use legal suppressors on their firearms for hunting (it would not allow suppressed hunting on public land).  It doesn’t take much imagination to see where “enabling” the use of NFA items would raise some hackles, but even this thankfully flew through the House in a 77 to 5 vote.

The argument for an increased usage of suppressors, regardless of their place of use, is that they will cut down tremendously on noise complaints.  As has been noted countless times before, noise complaints are becoming the primary excuse to shut down shooting ranges and kick legal shooters off hunting land across the U.S.  Suppressors, despite their silly, unearned “bad” reputation from pop culture and the media, are an extraordinarily useful tool in keeping relative peace between shooters, their neighbors, and the environment.  This is partly why in Europe, a place frequently considered in the U.S. to be “anti-gun”, suppressors are not only readily obtainable; they’re encouraged.

Of course, not everyone has been supportive.  Tony Clark, president of the Oklahoma State Game Warden Association, was quoted in The Oklahoman as saying, “We are pro-gun and pro-hunting, but we are definitely opposed to that bill.  With us, it’s kind of a safety issue. How would you like to be in law enforcement and not know where gunshots are coming from?”  User “Paul Kersey” parroted this with his comment on the article: “The negative of allowing [suppressors] on private land is poachers WILL take advantage of this and it will make it MUCH harder for the game wardens to pinpoint them. Thank God it won’t be allowed on public land… I think they should be allowed for target shooting only and the Class 3-type background check is definitely a must.”

In response to these kinds of critiques, Sen. Russell said, “They have no factual basis other than they just don’t feel good about it.” Darren La Sorte of the NRA-ILA put his counterpoint to the possible poaching “problem” this way:

“Some will argue that the legalization of suppressor use while hunting will increase the incidents of poaching, but the experience of the many states that allow the practice clearly proves them wrong. Would these opponents mandate the use of the .338 Lapua with a muzzle brake in order for shots to be heard from the greatest possible distance? Is the diminutive .243 Win. Simply too quiet? As one suppressor advocate in Montana asked earlier this year during the legislative session, should all bow hunters be required to sound an air horn every time they release an arrow in order to alert any nearby wardens?  The reality is, the less muzzle noise heard by the non-hunting public, the better off we all are.”

The NRA-ILA asks interested parties to contact their Senator and urge them to support SB 1743 and SB 1760.  Contact information for Oklahoma elected officials can be found here.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oklahoma House Passes Bills Allowing Suppressor Use for Hunting and Gun Purchases in States of Emergency

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s popular controlled hunts program is open to online applicants now.

The controlled hunts program offers once-in-a-lifetime elk and antelope hunts, highly sought-after buck hunts, and a range of other quality deer and turkey hunting opportunities through randomized drawings that only cost sportsmen $5 to enter. Opportunities offered through the program include hunts on Department or other government-owned or managed lands where unrestricted hunting would pose safety concerns or where overharvest might occur.

The online application process takes just a few minutes and must be completed through the Wildlife Department’s website at wildlifedepartment.com. Applicants have until May 15 to submit their applications.

“You just can’t beat $5 for a chance at an Oklahoma big game or gobbler hunt in the unique areas offered through this program,” said Melinda Sturgess-Streich, assistant director of administration and finance for the Wildlife Department. “Whether you want to hunt a bull elk in the Wichita Mountains, an antelope in the Panhandle or a trophy buck at locations across the state like the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, the controlled hunts program is one of the best things going in Oklahoma hunting.”

All applicants, including lifetime license holders, must pay the $5 application fee to enter the controlled hunts drawings. The fee is paid only once per person per year regardless of the number of categories entered.

Applications are offered online through a secure process that only accepts applications once they have been filed correctly, and a print-out confirmation page is available for sportsmen to document their submitted application.

Log on to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/controlledhunts.htm for complete application instructions, including tips on enhancing chances of being selected as well as a full listing of available hunts for elk, deer, antelope and turkey.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oklahoma Controlled Hunts Application Online Now

A number of the approved changes will benefit hunters, such as increasing youth deer hunting opportunities and expanding the state’s black bear season to allow hunters more time to hunt. There were also changes to rules pertaining to the use of bait on Department lands and the use of ATVs on Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area in southeast Oklahoma.

“The Wildlife Department is trying to simplify our hunting regulations and improve opportunities for sportsmen, so there are a number of changes this year that will help us do that,” said Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Wildlife Department.

Youth hunters participating in the youth deer gun season will be allowed to harvest two deer, which may include no more than one buck. This allows them the option to harvest two does, whereas in previous years the season limit for the youth deer gun season was one antlered and one antlerless deer.

The Commission also voted to change the black bear archery season to Oct. 1 through the third Sunday in October with no quota. A bear muzzleloader season with a quota of 20 bears also was guaranteed, set to run concurrent with the deer muzzleloader season. Two of the three black bear seasons that have been held in Oklahoma since its inauguration in 2009 have closed within 48 hours due to quotas being met early.

Effective in July, the use of bait will be unlawful on all lands owned or managed by the Wildlife Department. What is considered baiting was clarified as the placing, depositing, exposing, distributing or scattering of shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain or other feed.

The use of ATVs on Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area in southeast Oklahoma will be changed to reflect rules requested by the landowners of the area. Full details will be printed in the “2012-13 Oklahoma Hunting Guide,” available this summer.

The Commission also clarified responsibilities for enrollees in the Department’s Deer Management Assistance Program as well the Department responsibilities for operating the program. Another proposal to increase the minimum required acreage for enrollment in the DMAP program from 1,000 to 2,500 acres was discussed at length but not approved.

Also discussed but not approved was a proposal to change several regulations pertaining to the daily and season bag limits on certain furbearers, such as eliminating daily bag limits on raccoon, gray fox and red fox as well as increasing the season limits on gray fox, red fox and river otter. No changes were made to the furbearer season regulations.

Other wildlife-related rule changes that were approved by the Commission will accomplish the following:

• Expand hunting opportunities on Corps of Engineers land around Keystone Lake by opening a 570-acre area south of the town of Prue (old Walnut Creek #1) to archery hunting and a 135-acre area on the west side of Walnut Creek (old Walnut Creek #3) to archery and shotgun hunting.
• Eliminate requirements to have a valid antelope license when hunting small game or furbearers with a rifle larger than a .22 caliber after September in an area with an antelope season.
• Require antelope and elk annual license holders to complete the “Record of Game” section on their hunting licenses when they harvest an animal.
• Revise regulations on transfer of landowner doe antelope permits so that a landowner may transfer permits no later than 14 days prior to the opening date of each appropriate season.
• Establish permanent rules on camping and non-hunter use of the Cross Timbers WMA. Temporary rules already were in place and were not changed.
• Increase opportunities on Vann’s Lake Refuge.
• Increase opportunities on several wildlife management areas across the state, particularly for small game hunters and those who pursue game with hounds on Cherokee Public Hunting Area and Game Management Area, the Copan and Hulah WMAs and on the Rock Creek Unit of Osage WMA.
• Change the spring turkey limit at the Cherokee PHA and GMA to one tom combined.
• Change the fall turkey season at Three Rivers WMA to be the same as statewide season dates with an either-sex bag limit.
• Change the spring turkey season at Three Rivers WMA to be the same as the southeast season dates with a bag limit determined annually and published in the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
• Open the deer muzzleloader season at Mountain Park WMA concurrent with statewide season dates.
• Make it unlawful to possess an American alligator.

The Commission also was informed of a change to spring turkey season harvest limits in central and northeast regions of the state that will go into effect for the 2013 spring season. In order to address low reproductive success of wild turkeys in recent years, the harvest limit is being changed from a two-tom limit to a one-tom limit in Osage, Kay, Grant, Pawnee, Creek, Payne, Logan, Canadian, Lincoln, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Hughes, Seminole, Pottawatomie, McClain, Grady, Pontotoc, Garvin, Johnston, Murray, Carter, Love, Washington, Nowata, Craig, Wagoner, Cherokee, Adair, Muskogee, McIntosh, Sequoyah and Haskell counties. The change will not affect the 2012 spring turkey season.

“While we cannot control the weather and nesting success of our state’s wild turkeys, this is one measure we can use to help the birds recover from a few years that were not ideal for nesting success,” Peoples said. “Wild turkey populations in these regions have declined somewhat, and we want to do what we can to ensure they continue to thrive. Many of our sportsmen feel the same way.”

Fishing-related rule changes

Fishing-related proposals affecting anglers that were considered and approved by the Commission will accomplish the following:

• Delete the 13-16-inch slot length limit on large and smallmouth bass at Lake Elmer Thomas to help increase opportunity for anglers to harvest what is currently a surplus of fish.
• Add all the ponds on the Black Kettle National grasslands to the list of lakes with a 14-inch length limit on black bass.
• Require Sooner Lake anglers to immediately release all striped bass under 20 inches in length to help manage the fishery for trophy striper fishing opportunities.
• Set the limit on striped bass at five daily statewide except at Lake Texoma where limits would remain at 10 daily with no more than two measuring greater than 20 inches.
• Allow anglers on Kaw Lake to keep up to 20 striped bass hybrids and/or white bass combined, with no more than five over 20 inches in length.

The Commission also approved a proposal to change the price of the Wildlife Department’s Cy Curtis book and include a subscription to Outdoor Oklahoma magazine with every sale of the book.

Additionally, the Commission approved an emergency rule to authorize WMA biologists to approve groups of up to 25 horseback riders on WMAs during periods closed to horseback riding provided the activity doesn’t conflict with hunting activity. Written approval from area managers or biologists is required.

As the governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Commission considers and votes on proposed rule changes annually after the proposals are passed through the Department’s internal regulatory review committee and then presented to the public for feedback at public hearings and online. Once approved by the Commission, rule changes must pass through the legislative process and be signed by the governor. Complete details of all changes will be outlined in the next “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” and “Oklahoma Fishing Guide.”

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Slate of Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulation Changes Approved for 2012

A local conservation organization is hosting a sportsmen-tailored event that offers a chance to pick up new outdoor merchandise while supporting wildlife conservation efforts in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International’s 27th Annual Convention Banquet and Fundraiser is slated for March 3 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The convention features an auction for a range of North American and international hunting and fishing trips, firearms, wildlife artwork, furs, jewelry and more. By attending, guests can help the Oklahoma Station of SCI support a number of conservation projects throughout the year that are supported by funds raised by the event.

The chapter has used its funds to support several projects, including recent black bear research efforts in northeast Oklahoma. It also helped fund the purchase of the Department’s Operation Game Thief trailer, used to educate people on the importance of wildlife laws and on how to report violations. The chapter also is a supporter of several other projects conducted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. It has helped fund the purchase of an airboat used by the Wildlife Department on waterfowl surveys and other wetland management tasks, as well as several trailers used in the Department’s Shotgun Training Education Program, which introduces people to shotgun handling and shooting. The Chapter also partners with the Wildlife Department each year to hold an annual youth essay contest that provides youth a chance to share their feelings about Oklahoma’s outdoors and to win great prizes, including a guided pronghorn antelope hunt in New Mexico. Also, the chapter purchased eight elk for introduction into an existing herd in southeast Oklahoma.

Additionally, the Oklahoma Station Chapter also supports the Wildlife Department’s Hunters Against Hunger program, which coordinates the annual distribution of hunter-donated venison to needy, and the Department’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.

“Last year, the Oklahoma Station Chapter’s banquet was rated one of SCI’s top five best chapter banquets of all 200 chapters world-wide.” said Mike Mistelske, current member and past president of the Oklahoma Station Chapter. ”

Mistelske also said last year’s event was an early sell-out, so guests are urged to reserve their seats.

Tickets are available now for $70, and a limited number of sponsor tables are available as well. To purchase tickets or for further information, contact Judy Rork by e-mail at oscsci@yahoo.com or by phone at (405) 703-3381. Ticket forms also may be printed from the chapter’s website at oklahomastationsci.org and either mailed, faxed or e-mailed according to instructions on the form.

Registration begins at 4:30 p.m., along with the silent auction and various games. The banquet begins at 6:30 p.m. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is located at 1700 N.E. 63rd St. in Oklahoma City 73111.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Important Oklahoma Conservation Supporter to Host Annual Banquet

After enjoying some outstanding duck hunting opportunities this fall after a very successful nesting season, waterfowlers don’t have to stop hunting yet. The Conservation Order Light Goose Season, also known as “COLGS,” opens Feb. 13 and runs through March 30.

Designed to reduce the mid-continent light goose population that has become so high as to cause severe habitat destruction, COLGS gives hunters the an opportunity to hunt snow, blue and Ross’ geese with no daily or possession limits and all the way up until a half hour after official sunset. Electronic calls are allowed as well. All other waterfowl regulations apply, including federally approved, non-toxic shot requirements.

According to Josh Richardson, migratory game bird biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, hunters who plan to hunt COLGS should try to secure hunting spots in the eastern portion of the state, such as at Webbers Falls and Ft. Gibson, where he said large concentrations of light geese can be found on public lands as they finish out the winter and begin migrating north.

Since 1999, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has cooperated with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to offer the COLGS.

“Adult snow and Ross’ geese have a low natural mortality rate and benefit from the availability of agricultural crops in the south-central United States. These geese are living longer and reproducing more, and their overpopulation continues to degrade Arctic habitat,” Richardson said. “Because snow geese feed by grubbing and pulling out plants by the roots, large numbers can literally destroy extensive areas of tundra.”

Hunters who participate in the COLGS must have all necessary licenses, waterfowl stamps and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit in their possession while hunting. For complete license information, see the “2011-12 Oklahoma Waterfowl Guide” or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Federal law requires that the Wildlife Department estimate the harvest of light geese during the Conservation Order Light Goose Season. Hunters who plan to pursue snow, blue and Ross’ geese during COLGS need to register for the hunt on the Internet by logging on to wildlifedepartment.com or by sending their name, address and phone number to: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; Attn: COLGS; P.O. Box 53465; Oklahoma City, OK 73152.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Conservation Order Light Goose Season Approaching

Sportsmen have the opportunity to voice their thoughts online now through Jan. 13, 2012, regarding hunting and fishing related rule change proposals currently under consideration.

Proposed rule changes are often considered to increase opportunity for sportsmen and improve wildlife conservation measures.

“This is an opportunity to discuss items that could lead to changes in our hunting and fishing regulations,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “We feel strongly that our constituents should have every chance to provide their comments, which is why we are providing an online comment form for those wanting to be heard on these specific subjects. We encourage you to provide your comments through wildlifedepartment.com anytime before 4:30 p.m., Jan. 13, 2012.”

Additionally, those interested can submit written comments by mail to the Wildlife Department’s main office in Oklahoma City (P.O. Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152).

To view a complete listing of proposed rule changes or to complete an online comment form, log on to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/aboutodwc/public_meeting.htm.

Among others, some of the proposed rule changes this year include the following:

• To make it unlawful to bait wildlife on wildlife management areas.
• To change the bear archery season to Oct. 1 through the third Sunday in October and eliminate the quota for bear archery season.
• To set the statewide daily limit of striped bass at five, except as designated.
• To eliminate daily harvest limits on furbearers so that only season limits apply.
• To establish permanent rules for newly purchased wildlife management areas while altering certain rules on already established public lands.
• To adjust ATV usage rules on Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area to match those in place at Three Rivers WMA.

The Wildlife Department also will be hosting public hearings and one town hall meeting on the proposed rule changes. The two public hearings will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters auditorium in Oklahoma City (1801 N. Lincoln Blvd) and at the Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau (1509 South McKenna). The town hall meeting will be held in Antlers at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Antlers Wildlife Heritage Center (610 Southwest “D” Street).

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Deadline nears for Oklahomans to Comment on Proposed Regulation Changes

With several open hunting seasons and some good fishing to be had across the state, most outdoorsmen know this is no time to be suffering from cabin fever.

While several important fall hunting seasons have come and gone, there are still several hunting opportunities available right now in Oklahoma, including seasons such as deer and turkey archery, quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, furbearer and waterfowl. There also are hunting seasons for some species that are open year-round. Trout season is well-underway, and anglers can even pursue wintertime crappie, bass, striped bass and other sport fish on waters

“This is not the time to pack away all your gear until spring,” said Nels Rodefeld, chief of information and education for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Instead, it’s time to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”

Oklahomans don’t have to look far for a place to hunt or fish during the late season, either. The Wildlife Department maintains wildlife management areas in every part of the state that are open to public hunting, and lakes, ponds and rivers provide fishing access even during the coldest months. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons, and hunters should consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” online at wildlifedepartment.com before going afield.

Open seasons at a glance

• Deer archery – either sex through Jan. 15
• Turkey fall archery – through Jan. 15
• Squirrel – through Jan. 31
• Furbearer – through Feb. 29
• Pheasant – through Jan. 31
• Quail – through Feb. 15
• Rabbit – through March 15

Waterfowl

• Ducks, mergansers and coots – Panhandle through Jan. 4; Zone 1 through Jan. 22; Zone 2 through Jan. 29
• Canada geese – through Feb. 12
• White-fronted geese – through Feb. 5
• Light geese (snow, blue and Ross’) – through Feb. 12
• (Conservation Order Light Goose Season – Feb. 13 – March 30, 2012)
• Sandhill crane – through Jan. 22 (west of I-35 only)

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Now is No Time for Cabin Fever in Oklahoma

Sportsmen have the opportunity to voice their thoughts online now through Jan. 13, 2012, regarding hunting and fishing related rule change proposals currently under consideration.

Proposed rule changes are often considered to increase opportunity for sportsmen and improve wildlife conservation measures.

“This is an opportunity to discuss items that could lead to changes in our hunting and fishing regulations,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “We feel strongly that our constituents should have every chance to provide their comments, which is why we are providing an online comment form for those wanting to be heard on these specific subjects. We encourage you to provide your comments through wildlifedepartment.com anytime before 4:30 p.m., Jan. 13, 2012.”

Additionally, those interested can submit written comments by mail to the Wildlife Department’s main office in Oklahoma City (P.O. Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152).

To view a complete listing of proposed rule changes or to complete an online comment form, log on to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/aboutodwc/public_meeting.htm .

Among others, some of the proposed rule changes this year include the following:

• To make it unlawful to bait wildlife on wildlife management areas.
• To change the bear archery season to Oct. 1 through the third Sunday in October and eliminate the quota for bear archery season.
• To set the statewide daily limit of striped bass at five, except as designated.
• To eliminate daily harvest limits on furbearers so that only season limits apply.
• To establish permanent rules for newly purchased wildlife management areas while altering certain rules on already established public lands.

The Wildlife Department also will be hosting public hearings on proposed rule changes at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters auditorium in Oklahoma City (1801 N. Lincoln Blvd) and at the Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau (1509 South McKenna).

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oklahoma Wildlife Department Opens Online Public Comment Period for Regulation Changes

Christmas family traditions range from eating out and attending services on Christmas Eve to giving out gifts and stockings filled with treats. But in Oklahoma, families can even go deer hunting over the Christmas holidays.

This year the holiday antlerless deer gun season will be open for 10 days starting Dec. 16 and running through Dec. 25 in open areas.

Most of the state will be open to antlerless hunting those days, except for the majority of the Panhandle and portions of southeast Oklahoma. All public hunting areas and private lands in southeast Oklahoma’s zone 10 are closed to the holiday antlerless deer gun season. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide season dates. For a map of Oklahoma’s antlerless deer hunt zones and to see which counties will be open for the holiday antlerless deer gun season, consult page 25 of the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide,” as well as the “Public Hunting Lands” section on page 48 of the guide for seasons on specific public areas.

Last year almost 40,000 hunters participated in the holiday antlerless deer season.

“A good number of those hunters were successful with 4,377 deer being checked during that season,” said Jerry Shaw, big game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

According to Shaw, high doe harvests help accomplish several important management benefits such as preventing localized overpopulations, improving buck:doe ratios for a more healthy herd, reducing competition for forage to promote greater antler growth in bucks, reducing the potential for deer/vehicle collisions, and lessening the extent of potential crop depredation.

To participate in the holiday antlerless deer gun season, resident hunters must possess a valid hunting license and a holiday antlerless deer gun license, unless exempt. Resident youth hunters 16 or 17 years old must purchase a hunting license and a $10 youth holiday antlerless deer gun license, unless exempt. Youth under 16 are not required to purchase a hunting license but they must possess a $10 youth holiday antlerless deer gun license.

Although nonresident deer hunters are exempt from a hunting license while hunting deer, they must possess a nonresident deer gun license.

Hunters age 8-30 who have not completed the Wildlife Department’s hunter education class may still hunt during the holiday antlerless deer gun season, but their licenses will have an apprentice designation, and the hunter must be accompanied by a qualified adult hunter who remains within arms reach of the apprentice hunter while hunting. For details, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” online at wildlifedepartment.com.

In addition, hunters participating in the holiday antlerless deer season must comply with the hunter orange requirements for the regular deer gun season. Archery hunters and those hunting most other species in open holiday antlerless zones must wear either a hunter orange hat or upper garment while hunting.

To learn more about this year’s antlerless deer season, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Holiday Antlerless Deer Season Brings Christmas Cheer to Oklahoma Hunters