Oklahoma Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

If you are an Oklahoma resident, or if you are planning to visit our great state to hunt, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the hunting seasons and licensing requirements.

In this blog post, we will provide a brief overview of the hunting seasons and licensing process in Oklahoma. We will also provide some tips on how to obtain an Oklahoma hunting license.

So, whether you are a seasoned hunter or just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know about hunting in Oklahoma!

Hunting In Oklahoma

During the Oklahoma hunting season, you can bag big and small game. Hunters will discover a wide range of animals in the state's woodlands, from antelope and deer to bear and small game.

Residents and non-residents can both purchase hunting licenses. Licenses are available through a license agent or the natural resources website. Oklahoma's conservation program has been a huge success. The White-Tailed Deer population has increased from 500,000 to over 32 million people since 1900. The wild turkey population has increased from 100,000 to 7 million in the same time period.

Oklahoma hunters can quickly report their game bags using an online check-in system. The website of the Department of Wildlife Conservation accepts deer, elk, and turkey check-ins.

Oklahoma offers a variety of hunting opportunities. More than 1.6 million acres of public use land are managed and operated by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Private lands that landowners have agreed to allow public hunting are included in these Wildlife Management Areas (WMA).

Oklahoma Deer Seasons

Archery	Oct. 1-Jan. 15
Youth Hunt	Oct. 15-17
Muzzleloader	Oct. 23-31
Firearms	Nov. 20-Dec. 5
Holiday Antlerless	Dec. 18-31

*Antlered and antlerless harvest days vary by zone.

Oklahoma Elk Seasons

Archery	Oct. 1-Jan. 15
Youth Season	Oct. 15-17
Muzzleloader	Oct. 23-31
Firearms	Nov. 20-Dec. 5
Holiday Antlerless	Dec. 18-31

Oklahoma Bear Seasons

Archery	Oct. 1-17
Muzzleloader	Oct. 23-31

Bear season may close earlier than suggested dates if the harvest quota has been met.

Oklahoma Antelope Seasons

Archery	Oct. 1-14
General Firearms Season	Permit Draw Season Only

Oklahoma Wild Turkey Seasons

Fall Archery	Oct. 1-Jan. 15
Fall Firearms	Oct. 30-Nov. 19
Spring Youth Hunt	Apr. 9-10
Spring General Season	Apr. 16-May 16

Oklahoma Small Game Seasons

Quail	Nov. 13-Feb. 15
Pheasant	Dec. 1-Jan. 31
Dove	Sept. 1-Oct. 31 and Dec. 1-29
Squirrel	May 15-Jan. 31
Rabbit	Oct. 1-March 15

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Oklahoma hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the Oklahoma Game and Fish Department website or a North Dakota–approved retailer.

Where to Buy a Oklahoma Hunting License

Visit the Oklahoma Game and Fish Department website.
Call 1-(405) 521-3852
Visit an approved license retailer.

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Oklahoma hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.