What Oklahoma Hunters Need To Know Before Hunting Season Begins

What Oklahoma Hunters Need To Know Before Hunting Season Begins

With Oklahoma's fall hunting seasons quickly approaching, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) is encouraging hunters to prepare now by scouting hunting areas, reviewing new regulations and taking advantage of educational opportunities before opening day.

What Oklahoma hunters need to know from September's dove opener to new rules affecting deer hunters and wildlife management areas, several important changes are in place for the 2026 season. Wildlife officials say reviewing those updates now can help hunters avoid violations while making the most of Oklahoma's public hunting opportunities.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Urges Hunters To Prepare

One of the busiest days on Oklahoma's hunting calendar arrives September 1, when dove season officially opens statewide.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation reminds hunters that more than 140 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are available across the state, offering public access for hunting opportunities. Hunters can locate public hunting areas and maps through the agency's Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app before heading into the field.

The department is also promoting Free Hunting Days on September 5 and 6, allowing Oklahoma residents to hunt dove without purchasing a standard hunting license. Hunters are still required to obtain a free HIP (Harvest Information Program) permit before participating.

For those looking to sharpen their shooting skills, free Shotgun Training Education Program (STEP) clinics continue throughout August at locations including Atoka WMA and Kaw WMA. The clinics provide firearms, ammunition and clay targets at no cost to participants.

Oklahoma Hunting Regulations Include Important Changes

Hunters planning for deer season should also familiarize themselves with several new regulations approved by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Among the changes, nonresident deer hunters must now wait 48 hours before using a deer license purchased during an active open season.

The commission has also prohibited the possession of thermal imaging devices and night-vision equipment on all state-managed Wildlife Management Areas. New restrictions also govern the use of drones for scouting wildlife and recovering harvested game.

Additional changes include eliminating the muzzleloader harvest quota for black bears, prohibiting the harvest of female mule deer during muzzleloader and gun seasons, and establishing a new Special Southeast Elk Zone covering portions of Carter and Murray counties.

Wildlife officials encourage hunters to review all current regulations before entering the field this fall.

Hunting Expo And Waterfowl Competition Ahead

Oklahoma hunters also have opportunities to learn more before the season begins.

The annual DeerCon 2026 will be held August 15 at Metro Tech's Springlake Campus in Oklahoma City. Organizers expect approximately 300 hunters to attend more than 30 educational sessions covering topics including deer biology, ammunition selection, hunting strategies and proper field care of harvested game.

Registration includes lunch, a one-year membership in the Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers Association, and a complimentary HuntStand PRO subscription for the first 300 attendees.

Meanwhile, wildlife artists have until August 31 to enter the 45th Annual Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp Design Competition, which will feature the white-fronted goose, commonly known as the specklebelly, as the featured species for the 2027-28 Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp.

Whether preparing for dove season, deer season or waterfowl hunting, wildlife officials say taking time now to understand Oklahoma's latest regulations, public hunting opportunities and educational resources can help make the 2026 hunting season both safe and successful for hunters across the state.

🔴 MORE RADIO NEWS