· hunting laws · 14 min read

Oklahoma Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Oklahoma Game Hunting

Oklahoma is one of the top states for big game hunting, particularly during their unique hunting season. Antelopes, elk, deer, and bears are among the state’s large game. Small games are also plentiful, particularly in the woods.

Hunting regulations in Oklahoma

Hunting in Oklahoma is strictly regulated, with hunters required to follow laws and regulations. The following are some of the most important hunting restrictions in Oklahoma:

Trespassing

It is illegal to hunt, trap, shoot, or attempt to do so on private property without the permission of the owner or the person in control of the property.

Furthermore, if you are hunting on public highways in the state and there is private land near the roadside, you must still obtain permission from the landowner before hunting.

However, hunting is not permitted on federal or state highways in Oklahoma. It is prohibited to enter lands that carry a sign demanding written permission for hunting and trapping without a permit.

It is also illegal to install blinds on poles and treestands for hunting purposes, regardless of whether they have been abandoned.

Collecting and distributing games

Any game that is donated or gifted to another person must include the hunter who provided the gift. The following information must be included in the details:

  • Hunter’s given name
  • Transaction number or hunter’s permit number
  • Details about the hunter’s license
  • Hunter’s home address
  • The day on which the hunter gave the game
  • Hunter’s autograph.
  • Selling video games

It is illegal to sell game carcasses or meat harvested in Oklahoma. Furthermore, games cannot be sold during charitable events.

Wasted Games

In Oklahoma, it is illegal to squander games. When a game is hurt, crippled, or killed, it is the hunter’s obligation to locate and collect the game. Hunters are required to store retrieved game until it is consumed, processed, or given away for the hunter to take home.

Prohibited hunting activities in Oklahoma

The following are some of the illegal acts that are prohibited in Oklahoma when hunting:

  • It is illegal to employ medications, coated arrows, chemicals, or any other substance that can render a game animal incapacitated when hunting the animal.
  • It is illegal to shoot a firearm at a game, hunt game animals, or chase game animals using vehicles such as motorboats, airplanes, and land vehicles. Exceptions include shooting ducks with a motorboat that has been turned off or whose sailing has ceased, as well as pursuing coyotes with cars. Vehicles are also permitted for hunters with disability permission.
  • It is illegal to use a two-way communication device or a mobile cell phone to assist in hunting, pursuing, or locating big game animals or fur-bearing animals. This legislation also prohibits the use of any mechanical method of communication.
  • It is illegal in Oklahoma to employ live decoys while hunting.
  • It is illegal to use electronic calls to attract game animals. Exceptions are made during conservation orders for coyote hunting, furbearer hunting, crow hunting, and goose hunting.
  • It is illegal to use spotlights, headlights, or any other sort of artificial light to hunt or play games in areas of the state such as grasslands, woodlands, forested areas, and highways while using hunting weapons such as rifles, archery, and so on. There is an exception to this rule that enables the use of light sources such as battery flashlights, handheld lanterns, and lamps in conjunction with guns such as.17 and.22 rimfire rifles to take trapped game like furbearers, coyotes, and so on.
  • It is illegal to shoot at migratory bird games such as quail, pheasants, doves, and so on unless they are in flight. There are exceptions for shooting turkeys in flight and on land.

Shots That Are Not Toxic

Non-toxic shots are permitted for shooting geese, coots, ducks, rails, moorhens, and other game. Nontoxic shots can be used for shotgun shooting in select Oklahoma wildlife refuges. Before hunting, a hunter must determine whether nontoxic shots are permitted in a wildlife reserve.

Using Tags

Big game or turkeys discovered dead in Oklahoma can only be owned after being tagged with the state KDWPT salvage tag. Without a salvage tag, you are not permitted to cut off antlers or possess their skulls. Other dead game animals may be possessed during their respective seasons with a valid Oklahoma license and the applicable bag limits.

Examining Hunters

It is the responsibility of Oklahoma law enforcement authorities to access lands and hunting grounds, obtain hunters’ licenses, or check their bag limits. As a result, hunters must always have their hunting license with them when going out to hunt.

Furthermore, hunters must allow a law enforcement officer to do the required check and examination of their license, permits, tags, and any game animals taken.

In Oklahoma, open carry is permitted while hunting.

In Oklahoma, open carry is legal while hunting. Even if you conceal carry, you must notify any law enforcement officers or game wardens with whom you come into contact about your gun’s possession.

You may also conceal carry while bow hunting on federal or state grounds, but you may not use the firearm to kill deer during this session.

Oklahoma has hunter-harassment regulations in place to safeguard the sport.

Nobody shall intentionally interfere with or impede any fishing, trapping, or shooting activity in the state.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Oklahoma

Hunting licenses in Oklahoma are issued depending on age, residency, and validity duration. The following are some of the most important hunting licenses in the state:

Annual Hunting License for Residents

This license is only accessible to Oklahoma residents who desire to hunt in the state. It has a one-year validity period and costs $27.5.

Residents’ Combination Hunting and Fishing License

Residents can use this license to hunt and fish in Oklahoma water bodies. It has a one-year validity period and costs $47.5.

Residents holding a 5-year license

This license will be valid for 5 years, and residents will be able to use it to hunt during that time. It will be valid for 1825 days after you buy it. It is $102.5.

Residents who have a 5-year hunting and fishing license

This license will be valid for 5 years, and locals will be able to use it to hunt and fish throughout that time. It will be valid for 1825 days after you buy it. It is $182.5.

Non-resident hunting permit

Non-residents who want to hunt in Oklahoma must obtain this license. It has a one-year validity period and costs $97.5.

Non-resident combination hunting and fishing license

Non-residents can use this license to hunt and fish in Oklahoma water bodies. It has a one-year validity period and costs $137.5.

Youth hunting license for non-residents

This license is available to non-resident minors. To apply for a license, you must be at least 15 years old. It will set you back $42.5.

Multi-Year Youth Hunting License for Residents

This license is accessible to Oklahoma citizens who are under the age of 21. The applicant must be between the ages of 16 and 21 to apply for the license. When the holder reaches the age of 21, the license will expire. It will set you back $72.5.

Annual Senior Hunting License

This license is available to Oklahoma elderly citizens and is good for one year. The license is only available to people between the ages of 65 and 74. It is priced at $15.

Senior Combination Hunting and Fishing License

This license is valid for a year and is available to senior residents of Oklahoma for hunting and fishing inside state water bodies. The license is only available to people between the ages of 65 and 74. It will set you back $25.

Lifetime residents permit

Oklahoma’s lifetime hunting licenses include the following:

  • Licenses for hunting, fur harvesting, and fishing

Oklahoma residents can purchase lifetime hunting licenses to hunt, fish, or harvest furs. A license for any of these three activities would set you back $502.5. You will also be asked to pay an extra $50 on a quarterly basis.

  • Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses

This license will allow Kansa inhabitants to go hunting and fishing. It will be valid for the rest of their lives. It costs $962.5, plus an additional $89.5 paid quarterly.

  • Senior Hunting and Fishing License (Lifetime)

Oklahoma seniors who want to go hunting or fishing in the state can purchase a lifetime combo license. This license requires you to be between the ages of 65 and 74, and it costs $42.5.

Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Oklahoma

Oklahoma fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Fishing License for Senior Citizens

This license is accessible to senior citizens who desire to fish in Oklahoma for a year. The license is only available to people between the ages of 65 and 74. It is priced at $15.

1 Day Resident Fishing License

This license is only available to locals and is only good for one day. It costs $8.5 USD.

Annual Fishing License for Residents

This license is only accessible to Oklahoma residents who desire to fish in the state. It has a one-year validity period and costs $27.5.

5 Year Resident Fishing License

This license will be valid for 5 years, and citizens will be able to use it to fish in state water bodies throughout that time. It will be valid for 1825 days after you buy it. It is $102.5.

Residents are entitled to a lifetime fishing license.

This license is available to Oklahoma residents and is valid for life. It is $502.5.

Lifetime Combination Hunting and Fishing License

This is a lifetime license that allows Oklahoma residents to participate in state hunting and fishing. It is $962.5.

Annual Non-Resident Fishing License

Non-residents who want to fish in Oklahoma must obtain this license. It has a one-year validity period and costs $52.5.

Non-Resident Fishing License for 5 Days

Non-residents who want to fish in Oklahoma must obtain this license. It has a 5-day validity period and costs $27.5.

1 Day Non-Resident Fishing License

This license is only available to non-residents and is only good for one day. It is priced at $14.5.

Permit to Fish for Trout

These permits are available to anyone who wishes to catch trout in Oklahoma. It is priced at $14.5.

Permit for Paddle Fishing

These permits are available to anyone who want to collect paddlefish in Oklahoma. It is $12.50.

Permit for Youth Paddle Fishing

This is available to Oklahoma youth who want to catch paddle fish. The permit is only available to people who are 15 years old or younger. It is $7.50.

Permit for Hand Fishing

A hand fishing permit is required in Oklahoma to catch fish with your bare hands. This is mostly used in the state for catfish harvesting. A hand fishing license costs $27.5.

Bass Passage

A bass pass is a permit that allows anglers in Oklahoma to weigh up to 5 fish that are at least 15 inches long. The Bass Pass is $14.5.

Permits for Three Poles

Anglers require three poles to help them spread their baits across a larger region of the water. In Oklahoma, you must obtain a permit to use three poles. It costs $8.5

Oklahoma Licenses and Permits Duplicate

If your permit is lost or stolen, you must obtain an Oklahoma duplicate permit or license. Oklahoma charges $2.5 to duplicate all fishing and hunting licenses.

Hunting Season in Oklahoma

Hunting seasons in Oklahoma vary depending on the game and the technique of capture. Hunters must be aware of the start and end dates for the individual game season they wish to particiHunting for Deer in Oklahomashooting season for various wildlife in 2020/21 includes the following:

Seasons for hunting deer in Oklahoma

  • Archery Hunting Season (September 14th to December 31st)
  • General Youth and Disabled Hunting Season (September 9th to September 15th)
  • Muzzleloader Hunting Season (September 14th to September 27th)
  • Pre-Rut Antlerless Deer Hunting Season (10th-12th of October)
  • General Firearms Hunting Season (December 2nd to December 13th)

The season length for whitetail deer hunting in Oklahoma varies per hunting unit. There are also various deer seasons for military personnel, which may vary in length. Hunters interested in learning if they are eligible for special deer hunting seasHunting for Elk in OklahomaOklahoma Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.

Elk Hunting Season in Oklahoma

  • General Hunting Season (September 1st to March 15th)
  • Permit-based extended hunting season (1st October to 31st December)
  • Elk hunting in Oklahoma differs according to zone. Only hunters witHunting for Bears in Oklahomaense will be permitted to hunt throughout the season.

Season for Hunting Bears in Oklahoma

  • Archery Hunting Season (October 1st tAntelope Hunting in Oklahomaloader Hunting Season (October 24th to November 1st)

Seasons for hunting antelope in Oklahoma

  • Seasons for archery hunting are September 19th to September 27th and October 10th to October 31st.
  • Firearms Hunting Seasons (OctobeTurkey Hunting in Oklahoma Hunting Season (September 28th to October 5th)

Seasons for hunting turkey in Oklahoma

  • Fall Hunting Season (October 1st to November 10th)

Seasons for Hunting Small Game in Oklahoma

  • Bullfrog hunting season runs from July 1st to October 31st.
  • Crow Hunting Season (November 10th to March 10th)
  • Open Season for Rabbit Hunting
  • Squirrel Hunting Season (June 1st to February 28th)

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, Tourism, and Parks is in control of hunting season restrictions and bag limits. For certain games in different sections of the state, hunting restrictions, special seasons, and bag limits will vary. Before going out to hunt, hunters should gather all relevant information.

Wildlife, game, and fishing hunting

The following are some of the most popular games to hunt in Oklahoma:

Oklahoma Deer Hunting

Oklahoma is home to two deer species: the white-tailed deer and the mule deer. Mule deer are more frequent in the western half of the state, where they live in habitats such as red hills, smoky hills, and high plains. However, as you travel further east in Oklahoma, the number of mule deer decreases and white-tailed deer becomes more numerous.

Oklahoma Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting is popular in Oklahoma, and it is one of three states in the country with excellent turkey hunting possibilities. Most Oklahoma public hunting fields are ideal for turkey hunting, but the state’s most popular public hunting areas.

Oklahoma Antelope Hunting

Antelope hunting in Oklahoma is quite good, with approximately 3000 of the animal located in state parks and wildlife. In western Oklahoma, they are more common.

Oklahoma Bear Hunting

Bear hunting in Oklahoma was historically restricted to a few counties in the state’s southeast. However, black bear hunting is authorized in Oklahoma during archery and firearm seasons in the state’s south.

Oklahoma Elk Hunting

Elk hunting in Oklahoma is primarily concentrated in designated WMAs. Personal elk hunting or small elk herds are permitted in several sites throughout the state. Elk hunting is legal in all areas of Oklahoma with a valid license.

Hunting for Rabbits in Oklahoma

The swamp rabbits and cottontail rabbits are two of the most common rabbit species in Oklahoma. The swamp rabbit is found in southeast Oklahoma, and as the name suggests, it prefers swampy areas and river borders. Because they are semi-aquatic games, they thrive in wetlands and shrublands. The cotton-tailed rabbit, on the other hand, is predominantly found in urban and suburban areas of the United States. However, they are widely spread throughout Oklahoma. They also have distinguishing bodily characteristics, such as a brown upper body and a white belly.

Hunting for Ducks in Oklahoma

Duck hunting is popular in Oklahoma’s wetland areas, where they prefer to remain away from human habitation. They can be found in shallow areas of water bodies such as lakes and ponds.

Hunting for Crows in Oklahoma

Oklahoma can be found in forest regions of the state, particularly around rivers, streams, and rural areas. They also live in the state’s suburbs and orchards.

Public Shooting Range in Oklahoma

The following shooting ranges are open to the general public in Oklahoma:

  • The ADA Skeet and Trap Club
  • Shotgun Sports by Silverleaf
  • Trap Club of Shawnee Twin Lakes
  • Firearms by Red Rock
  • The Oklahoma Trapping Association
  • Nowata Firearms Inc.
  • The Happy Hollow Gun Club
  • Grand National Shooting Club
  • Dough Creek Shooting Range

Hunting Lands in Oklahoma for Sale and Lease

Oklahoma hunting lands for sale include the following:

  • 540 acres in Nowata, Oklahoma (Nowata County).
  • 1,278 acres in Depew, Oklahoma (Creek County).
  • 120 acres near Wewoka, Oklahoma (Seminole County).
  • Turnkey recreational property less than 5 miles from Bixby City Limits, 79.19 acres, Bixby, Oklahoma (Tulsa County).
  • 9,738 acres in Rosston, Oklahoma (Harper County).
  • Thanksgiving Hill is a 30-acre farm about four miles northeast of Konawa. 30 acres in Oklahoma (Seminole County).
  • Elk and whitetail deer in a convenient setting with property enhancements and first-rate amenities. 2,032 acres in Bartlesville, Oklahoma (Osage County).

Oklahoma hunting lands for lease include the following:

  • Looking for 5 bowhunters on 650 acres in Stephen County, Oklahoma.
  • Hunt Mill Hollow Ranch in Adair County is offering whitetail and exotics hunting for the 2021 season on 4,300 acres.
  • In Hughes County, Oklahoma, a 1000-acre hunting lease is under contract.
  • Sequoyah County has 5,000 acres of hardwoods and protected tributaries.
  • NW Oklahoma’s Premier Hunting Ground (5.5 hours from DFW, 2 hours from OKC) 2,200 acres of woods.
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