Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation | Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Explore Oklahoma’s Wild Side

Celebrate Oklahoma’s wildlife. Get stories, updates, and ways to help with conservation through the Wild Side newsletter.

Join Today

Photo:Christian Gockel

Turn Your Holiday Hunt Into a Meal for Those in Need

Enjoy more holiday hunting time and consider donating your antlerless harvest to ODWC’s Hunters Against Hunger program.

Photo:Gwen Goodner

Support Wildlife This Holiday Season

Donate to Wildlife Diversity or Hunters Against Hunger to support wildlife and communities in need.

Photo:Jacob Miller

Shooting Range Closures:

The Canton and Lexington WMA shooting ranges are temporarily closed for major improvements and expansion. Projects at both locations include upgrades to rifle ranges, new or improved archery and shotgun ranges, and enhanced facilities such as ADA access, parking, sidewalks, target frames, and covered shooting areas. Work at each range is expected to take about six months, with a targeted reopening in Spring 2026. We understand that closing shooting ranges during hunting seasons isn’t ideal and appreciate your patience.

See Shooting Ranges

Outdoor Journal

Apprentice Designation: A Learner's Permit for Hunting

Hunter education has greatly reduced hunting accidents, but if you can’t complete a course right away, the apprentice designation allows you to hunt under supervision. It works like a learner’s permit, giving you the chance to gain real experience safely until you finish hunter education.

Dec 4, 2025

Tufted titmouse, photo by Jeremiah Zurenda

Get the Most Out of Your Bird Feeder

We share four tips for getting the most out of your feeder.

Nov 20, 2025

Three Steps to Deer Tallow that You Can Make at Home

Don’t toss that deer fat, turn it into beautiful, useful tallow! Rendering tallow is simple and sustainable, giving you a creamy, long-lasting fat perfect for cooking, skincare, candles, and more. With just a slow cooker, a little time, and some care, you can transform deer fat into a pure, golden treasure that honors your harvest and keeps waste to a minimum. Save the fat and make tallow!

Nov 18, 2025