FAQs.htm

If you have hunter education: You can hunt any big game (deer, antelope or elk) or small game (for example squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail, turkey, etc.) and hunt alone.
If you do not have hunter education: You can hunt small game (for example squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail, turkey, etc.) but must be accompanied by a licensed hunter 21 years of age or older who possesses a certificate of hunter education. Persons 21 and older who are exempt from either hunter education or hunting license requirements may also accompany apprentice hunters.

10 years of age through 35 years of age

If you have hunter education: you can buy any license and hunt anything by yourself.
If you do not have hunter education: you can buy any license, but it will have an apprentice designation.

If I want to just take my 9 year old squirrel hunting, does he/she need the class?

Your 9 year should either be accompanied by a hunter education certified or exempt licensed hunter who is at least 21 years of age.

What age do you have to be to take the class?

There is no minimum age requirement for the hunter education class, however, we do recommend that students under age 12 be accompanied by an adult. There is a written test at the end of the class that the students would need to have adequate reading comprehension skills in order to read and understand the test questions. If your child cannot read, the instructor may read the test to him or have the student listen to an audio version of the exam.

Do I need to carry my hunter education card with me at all times while in the field?

No. You will need to present your card to the license dealer upon purchasing your hunting license/permits--using the number from the previous year's license will not be sufficient. After the license/permit has been purchased, and your hunter education certification number has been placed on the license, that number is sufficient in the field. The game warden will recognize the number in the field, without the card.

Does the course cost anything?

Hunter Education classes are always free to the public.

If I want to just take my 12 year old squirrel hunting, does he/she need the class?

Click to find out what is required and how to hunt if you don't have hunter education

My child has a reading problem. Am I allowed to help him/her with their test?

No. Parents are encouraged to attend class with their children, but cannot assist them with their testing. If the parent can simply notify the instructor prior to class of any special assistance that may be needed, arrangements will be made for the instructor to help with those special needs.

I am going out of state. Will my Hunter Education Card be good in that state?

Yes. All other states honor students certified in Oklahoma.

How does the home study program work?

Students obtain the home study manuals or complete the internet home study portion, fill out the workbook that is submitted to the home study instructor and attend the final four hours presented by the home study instructor, which includes the written exam. If the student passes the exam, they receive their hunter education card.

How do I replace a lost hunter education card?

You can print off a replacement paper copy of your hunter education card or a new, hard plastic credit card-type of card. Details can be found at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/CARD.HTM.

LICENSES AND APPLICATIONS

Applications for lifetime licenses may be obtained from any Department offices, license dealers and the Internet. Lifetime licenses are only available from ODWC's Oklahoma City Office.

I have lost my lifetime license. How do I get another one?

You may obtain a replacement at our office for $10.00 or you may receive one by mail. If you choose the mail option, please send your name, current mailing address, driver's license number, date of birth and type of license to be replaced with the $10.00 replacement fee and the license will be returned to you. Our mailing address is: License Section, ODWC, PO Box 53465, Oklahoma City OK 73152. You can also go to our web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/apps.htm and download an application for a replacement license.

My lifetime license split or is falling apart what do I need to do?

You can bring in your license or mail it to: License Section, PO Box 53465, Oklahoma City OK 73152. We will mail you a new card at no cost. Be sure to include a note with your name, address, date of birth and driver's license number.

I lost my annual or fishing hunting license. Do I have to buy a new one to hunt this year?

No. Send us your name, address, date of birth, ssn and/or driver's license number (whichever one you used), approximately when and where you purchased your license and type of license along with $1.50 to License Section, ODWC, PO Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152. Or, you can go to our web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/apps.htm and print off a duplicate annual license application.

To replace an annual license issued by a dealer on a computer, you may return to any dealer that issues computerized licenses to obtain a replacement for $1.50.

Who qualifies for a disability license?

The disability license is available to any resident who has been a resident for six months and is receiving Social Security disability, SSI, railroad disability or postal disability. You must request an application from the Department.

When can I get a Senior Citizens lifetime license?

The senior citizen lifetime license is available to residents who have been residents for 60 days and will be turning 64 or older during the calendar year. The applications are available at license dealers, game wardens or from any department installation and from the Internet. If an individual was born before January 1, 1923, they are exempt from this license and only need to carry proof of age and residency, i.e. driver's license. These individuals receive the same privileges as the senior citizen's lifetime license without having to purchase it.

Where can I buy a hunting or fishing license?

You can purchase your license online at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/onlinesales/onlinesalesintro.asp.
or an annual license can be purchased at any license dealership that sells hunting and fishing licenses for the Department. Licenses can also be purchased at any Department hatchery, the Jenks office and the Oklahoma City office. Sportsmen can purchase licenses by telephone via 1-800-949-6392 and the license will be mailed to that individual.

How can a person get a crossbow permit and who is eligible?

The Wildlife Department no longer issues crossbow permits. Hunters who have a permanent disability to the extent that they cannot use a conventional longbow, as certified by a physician licensed to practice in Oklahoma or bordering state, may hunt with a crossbow. A person who qualifies to use a crossbow shall have in their possession while in the field written evidence of such certification. Hunters with existing permits (lifetime crossbow permit) may use it for as long as the hunter hunts. If you go to our web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/apps.htm you will be able to download a form that your doctor can fill out. You can carry your expired crossbow permit as proof of permanent disability instead of a new letter (since you had to have proof to get the crossbow license in the first place).

Our club is having a meeting at one of our state lakes and many members are from out of state. Can the Department give us some complimentary licenses?

Fishing license exemptions and permits are set by state statutes, and can be changed only through legislation. Exceptions cannot be made by the Wildlife Department or Director, and we can only issue permits that are provided in the Statutes.

Since there is no provision in the state statutes for the exemption or permit you have requested, we cannot by law make an exemption.

Do I, and/or my family members have to purchase a hunting/fishing license if I'm hunting or fishing on my own land.

FISHING: Resident owners or tenants, their spouses, parents, grandparents, children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses who fish on land owned or leased by such owner or tenant do not have to have a fishing license.

HUNTING: Only resident landowners or tenants who reside on and hunt only on land owned or leased by them (not including hunting leases, and does not extend to relatives who reside off the property) are exempt from the hunting license for all legal game species.

Legacy Permit: Any person who is exempt from an annual fishing or annual hunting license is also exempt from the legacy permit while fishing.

Deer, antelope, elk & turkey: All hunters must purchase a license to hunt these species even if they are hunting on their own land.

Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese, Teal): All hunters must still purchase a $15 federal waterfowl permit (sold at post offices), however, resident landowners are exempt from purchasing a state waterfowl stamp when hunting on their own land.

Coots & Sandhill Crane : Hunters hunting sandhill crane are not required to have either the state or federal waterfowl permits (stamps), however they must still obtain the sandill crane permit ($3.00) from the Wildlife Department or any license dealer even if they are hunting on their own land.

HIP permit: Harvest information permits are not required of resident landowners who hunt for migratory birds (dove, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, coots, woodcock, rails, gallinules and snipe) if they are hunting solely on their own property.

FISHING

Why is culling not allowed for stripers, hybrids and trout?

These species stress easily and will die after being held in a livewell or on a stringer. Once you keep one of these species you cannot release it.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake American Horse?

No, there is plenty of bank access around American Horse. Boat anglers will find the lake easy to fish also.

What is the best largemouth bass lake in northwestern Oklahoma?

Lake Watonga's largemouth bass population has bloomed since trout were first stocked in 1987. Five to eight pound largemouth bass are common during spring surveys. Fish brush piles with weedless lures.

Since the government helped pay for flood control lakes across the state, doesn't everyone have a right to fish in them?

Watershed lakes, or flood control ponds, dot the Oklahoma landscape from border to border. But some anglers mistakenly believe that the public is entitled access to these ponds, which can create conflicts between landowners and envious anglers.

Because they are on private land, these flood control ponds are not open to public access. Most watershed reservoirs were, and still are, built with technical assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Primarily constructed to prevent downstream flooding, these mini-reservoirs allow for increased agriculture and other land use opportunities. Fisheries development is not a primary consideration when building or planning a flood control pond and, if there happens to be good fishing in one of these ponds, it is because the landowner has taken efforts to make it happen.

Permission to fish one of these ponds is entirely at the landowner's discretion. If asked, many may allow responsible anglers to spend a day fishing their pond, but always ask first.

If I get fish for my farm pond from the Wildlife Department, do I have to let anyone fish in my pond?

No. It's a common misconception that landowners who receive fish from the Wildlife Department must let everyone fish in that pond. The only requirement, after the pond is stocked, is that the landowner must allow an ODWC game warden access to check fishing licenses on the pond. However, the Department urges landowners who receive fish to allow people to fish. Remember that the Wildlife Department only stocks new or reclaimed ponds of 1/2-surface-acre or larger and that the landowner must have a current Oklahoma fishing license. Check with your local game warden or fisheries division office for details.

Someone told me to stock hybrid bluegill in my pond. I would like to have bigger sunfish.

Hybrid bluegill, available from several of the state's commercial fish producers, do have the potential for producing larger sunfish. However, it is strongly recommended that hybrid sunfish not be the only prey species when stocked with largemouth bass. Hybrid sunfish produce a higher proportion of males when spawning, ultimately limiting the food supply to bass. If your pond already has an established bluegill population, stock the hybrid bluegill at a rate of about 30-50 per surface acre to produce a supplemental supply of potentially larger sunfish. You don't want to over-stock a pond with any kind of sunfish. If it's a new pond with bass, stock straight bluegill and consider a hybrid bluegill introduction after several years. Remember that no fish will grow to a quality size if there is not enough food or favorable habitat present, regardless of its hybrid advantage.

I caught a bass with worms or something in the flesh and intestines. Is it safe to eat that fish?

Although some parasites of North American fish can be infectious, the vast majority will not develop in man even if eaten raw. All are killed by thorough cooking, pickling or freezing. There is no danger of eating an infected fish if they are properly prepared. Even though some anglers shudder at the thought, fish containing such parasites are still good table fare.

My pond goes dry or nearly dry every summer. Obviously I can't keep fish in it under these conditions. What can I do?

If your pond drops more than 4-5 vertical feet during a normal year, then you may suspect that water loss due to something other than evaporation is taking place. Seepage through the dam is the most common culprit. Trees on the dam, muskrats and insufficient compaction during construction will cause a dam to leak. Pond bottoms without enough clay will also lose water. Many pond owners have had good luck in sealing a leaking pond with bentonite clay. Calcium bentonite (purchased in 50-100 lb. sacks) is commonly used as drilling mud in Oklahoma's oil fields. However, sodium bentonite is a more preferred option because it expands and seals better. Attempting to seal a pond with bentonite without draining it first is difficult and expensive. The best method is to drain the pond, allow it to dry and till the sodium bentonite into the pond bottom and sides (or add a 4-inch deep bentonite blanket) before refilling the pond.

I have a bass pond but would like to fish for crappie too. Can I stock crappie in this pond?

Crappie are not usually recommended in bass ponds under 100 surface acres. A prolific spawner, crappie in small bodies of water will usually compete directly with bass for food and produce not only slow-growing crappie but slow-growing bass as well. They are also known to reduce small bass survival by preying directly on young bass. You may know of a pond with both good size bass and crappie, but these are rare.

I want to take my parents who are over 65 and my young children trout fishing. Do they need a trout license?

A trout license ($10; $5 for youth age 17 and under) is required for all who fish in state designated trout areas or in tributaries to a state designated trout stream during trout seasons. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

How can I locate an enclosed fishing dock?

Look in the current Oklahoma Fishing Regulations for a list of enclosed fishing docks around the state or online by clicking here.

What do I do if I think I've caught a state record fish?

Look in the fishing regulations to find out what the current record fish of that species weighs. This page also has the procedure for certifying a record fish.

How can I get up-to-date fishing reports?

Oklahoma game wardens generate a weekly fishing report. It is listed in the Fishing section of this website. Your local newspaper may also reprint the fishing report, which is part of the Wildlife Department's weekly news release. If you send us your email address, we can electronically send you the weekly news release and fishing report. Fishing Report Click Here.

Why do we have protected slot limits?

Protected slot limits are special size regulations (usually for bass) that are placed on certain lakes or rivers to improve the fish population. Fish that measure within the protected slot limit must be released immediately, while fish that are either shorter or longer than protected range may be kept. For example, on a lake with a 13 to 16 inch protected slot limit on bass, you cannot keep any bass between 13 and 16 inches--they must be released immediately. Anglers are encouraged to harvest fish below the protected slot range in order to achieve the desired management result.

Should I stock Florida largemouth bass in my farm pond?

While Florida-strain largemouth bass have produced trophy/record fish in some reservoirs in southern Oklahoma, the results of stockings in farm ponds has not been encouraging. It's well known that Florida bass are much less temperature tolerant than the native strain. Since farm ponds are smaller and react quicker and longer to lower temperature changes, stocking a pond that is less than 30 surface acres with Florida bass is risky, at best. One cold winter could literally wipe out an entire bass population made up of the Florida strain. Stick with native largemouth when stocking farm ponds.

How do I get fish for my farm pond?

New and reclaimed ponds are eligible for stocking of fish from our ODWC hatcheries. For information on how to obtain fish for your pond click here. A fish application form can be obtained from any ODWC hatchery office or biologist or the fish division office in OKC. You can also download (save it to your desktop) the Fish for your farm pond application, fill it out and email it as an attachment to the hatchery that provides fish for your county.

Adair, Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Cherokee, Choctaw, Coal, Haskell Johnson, Latimer, LeFlore, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, McIntosh, Murray, Muskogee, Pushmataha, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner counties email your application to the Durant Hatchery: odwcdfh@simplynet.net

Alfalfa, Beaver, Blaine, Cimarron, Craig, Delaware, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Major, Mayes, Noble, Nowata, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Rogers, Texas, Washington, Woods, Woodward counties email your application to the Byron Hatchery: byronfsh@sctelcom.net

Beckman, Caddo, Canadian, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Grady, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, Stephens, Tillman, Washita counties email your application to the J.A. Manning Hatchery: jamodwc@mptelco.com

Cleveland, Creek, Garvin, Hughes, Lincoln, McClain, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Payne, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Seminole counties email your application to the Holdenville Hatchery: odwc@plainsnet.net

When you request the forms you should specify the number of ponds you wish to stock. ONE APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR EACH POND.

If you would like to purchase fish to stock in your pond, call (405) 521-3721 for a list of commercial hatcheries. You can also go to the following web site http://www.oda.state.ok.us/forms/ais/ais-aqua.pdf for a list of Aquaculture License holders in Oklahoma.

When are trout being stocked at a particular location?

Check ODWC web page for appropriate schedules, but remember, schedules are subject to change without notice. Trout Schedules Click Here.

My pond is red and I want to clear it up. What can I do?

Having a red color to your pond is a common problem in central and western Oklahoma. It is caused by small particles of clay that remain suspended in the water. Because these particles have a magnetic-like "charge" to them, they bounce around and can stay suspended for literally hundreds of years before they settle.

The color in the water is not only unpleasing to the eye but reduces sunlight penetration in the water. This reduced energy transfer will ultimately slow down the growth of the pond's fish by inhibiting the bottom end of the food chain. Muddy water also makes it more difficult for sight feeding fish to prey. Suffice to say that muddy, red water is not preferable for optimum fish production.

So what can we do to clear up a red pond? Something needs to be added to the water that will take the "charge" of the clay particle and let it settle to the bottom. One way to do this is by adding hay. As the hay settles in the water, bacteria begin to decompose the hay producing small, dilute amounts of acid that remove the charge from the clay particle and allow it to settle. Break up the bales and scatter the hay on the surface at a rate of about 3-10 bales (200-300 lbs.) per acre. Because decomposing hay can cause problems oxygen depletion problems, limit the amount of hay applied in the heat of the summer. Continue to apply hay in 10-14 day intervals until the pond is clear. Do not make more than four hay applications per year.

A better solution to clearing a muddy pond is to add powdered gypsum. Like the hay, gypsum chemically removes the charge from the clay particle, but although more expensive than hay, tends to work much faster. Scatter the gypsum evenly over the surface at a rate of 500 lbs. per acre-foot of water. Your pond should clear in 1-4 weeks, but if not, apply 1/4 of the original amount of gypsum. You may need to apply smaller amounts annually to keep it clear. Remember that you are changing the water chemistry of the pond, so only use an amount absolutely necessary to clear your pond. You may want to wait until the spring rains are over before embarking on your pond clearing program. Also, gypsum bought in bulk from a quarry is much cheaper than buying it in bags.

I have an abundance of "moss" in my pond. What can I do to get rid of it?

While aquatic vegetation can be somewhat of a nuisance, either aesthetically or when trying to fish, it is an important part of the ecology of a pond. It serves as protective cover for newly hatched fish in order to avoid predation and as well as providing habitat for many smaller organisms in the pond food chain. It also produces oxygen through photosynthesis during the day and helps stabilize the bottom that helps maintain water clarity. Generally speaking, if less than 25 percent of your pond's surface area is covered in vegetation, aquatic plant removal is not recommended.

However, too much vegetation can cause problems. An abundance of cover can keep the predators from feeding and growth in gamefish, such as largemouth bass, can be slowed. Also excessive vegetation can cause oxygen distress. Although plants produce oxygen during the day, they respire (use oxygen) at night. Large amounts of aquatic plants, coupled with a week of cloudy weather in the summer, can deplete oxygen enough to cause a fish kill. If you decide that your pond needs vegetation removed, you are faced with selecting one of three methods of removal: mechanical, biological or chemical. Here is the low-down on each of the three:

Mechanical. This involves going out in the pond with rakes or cutters and physically removing the vegetation, dragging it on shore and then disposing of the plant material. Commonly this must be done several times during the year to achieve the desired results. While this category of vegetation removal is the most environmentally friendly, it is also the most labor intensive of all three methods.

Biological. In Oklahoma, this generally means the use of grass carp (white amur). Originally imported from China, this commercially available fish is a vegetarian and can consume large amounts of aquatic plant material. When stocked correctly, they can control vegetation without eliminating it entirely. The recommended stocking rate is 10 fish per acre of vegetation. Example: If you had a three acre pond, of which half of it was covered in aquatic vegetation (1.5 acres) then you would want to stock 15 grass carp. Be sure and stock at least 8" fish so they won't be eaten by predators such as bass. Remember that grass carp won't eat algae and should be used only on plants that are rooted from the bottom. The downside to grass carp is that they tend to leave the pond when heavy rains cause water to go over the spillway. A metal barrier that allows the water and debris to pass through the pond but retains the grass carp is recommended in area of high runoff. Grass carp in ponds commonly reach 20-30 lbs., but at this size are not very efficient at controlling aquatic plants. Periodic stocking (4-5 years) may be necessary.

Chemical. With using chemicals to control vegetation, it's important to remember that you are introducing a man-made substance into the environment that has the potential to effect not only the target plant species, but, when improperly used, can adversely effect other plant and animal species as well. Always use care and caution when applying any herbicide or pesticide.

It is virtually impossible to provide enough information here to cover all the possibilities of using chemical herbicides in the multitude of situations and plant types found in Oklahoma. You should always consult a professional before applying any kind of chemical plant treatment. Although the most expensive, using chemicals can be the least labor intensive and the most long lasting of all three methods. There are several items of information that a professional will need in order to make sound recommendations for aquatic vegetation control. First and foremost, what type of aquatic plant are you wanting to control? If you don't know or have a difficult time describing it, put some in a plastic bag and take it to the professional or chemical supplier. What is the size of the pond you are treating? How much of the pond is covered in vegetation? What time of the year will the treatment be made? Is the pond used for other purposes such as livestock watering or irrigation? A sensible, well planned chemical control program, can be a reliable and safe way of controlling nuisance vegetation.

HUNTING

I have to schedule my vacation. When are deer seasons?

The archery deer season runs from Oct. 1 through Jan. 15. The muzzleloading firearms season opens on the fourth Saturday in October and runs for nine days. The deer gun season opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs for 16 days. Click Here for Hunting Seasons.

Can you hunt deer over bait?

Yes, deer can be hunted over bait. There are no restrictions prohibiting the use of feeders or bait for the hunting of deer or elk in Oklahoma.

What do I need for the holiday (special antlerless) deer gun season?

The bag limit for the holiday (special antlerless) deer gun season is one antlerless deer. Deer harvested during the holiday season are considered bonus deer and do not count against the hunter's combined season deer limit. All annual license holders need to have a holiday deer gun license. Unfilled deer gun licenses and deer muzzleloader licenses are invalid for the holiday deer gun season. Lifetime license holders, senior citizen's license holders (65 years and older) and 100% resident disabled veterans are exempt from the purchase of the holiday deer gun license. Hunter orange and legal method of take, regulations remain the same as deer gun season.

Since hunting licenses and deer archery licenses expire on December 31, all archery hunters who plan on hunting anytime during the period from Jan. 1-15 should be aware that they must possess a new hunting license (unless exempt), and a new annual deer archery license (unless exempt). Furthermore, archers should be aware that any deer taken between Jan. 1-15 will be counted against the previous calendar year's combined season deer limit.

To clarify:

•The bag limit for the deer muzzleloader season is one antlered deer and two antlerless deer. If hunters harvest two antlerless deer, at least one of those antlerless deer must be taken in antlerless zone 2. An unfilled antlered license can be used to harvest an antlerless deer on the last day of the season in areas open to antlerless harvest, but only if the hunter has not already harvested two antlerless deer. Hunters may not take two antlered deer during the muzzleloader season.

•The bag limit for the deer gun season is one antlered deer and two antlerless deer. If hunters harvest two antlerless deer, at least one of those antlerless deer must be taken in antlerless zone 2. An unfilled antlered deer gun license can be used to harvest an antlerless deer on the last day of the season in areas open to antlerless harvest, but only if the hunter has not already harvested two antlerless deer. Hunters may not take two antlered deer during the deer gun season.

Who needs hunter orange while hunting?

All deer gun, muzzleloading firearms, special antlerless deer, elk and antelope season hunters must conspicuously wear both a head covering and an outer garment above the waistline, both totaling 500 square inches or more of clothing, both consisting of daylight fluorescent orange color totaling at least 400 square inches. The camouflage orange pattern is legal as long as there is at least 400 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange. All other hunters, except those hunting waterfowl, crow or crane, or while hunting furbearing animals at night, must wear either a head covering or upper garment of fluorescent orange clothing during the deer gun, deer muzzleloading firearms and holiday (special antlerless) deer seasons. Archery controlled hunt permittees are exempt.

Do I need a new license for deer archery season in January or can I use my current license?

If an archer (except holders of a resident lifetime hunting or resident lifetime combination license) wants to hunt anytime from Jan. 1 through the end of the season on Jan. 15, then he/she must purchase both a new annual hunting license, as well as a new deer archery license. If he/she does not fill their archery license between Jan. 1-15, it is still valid for the fall archery season that occurs in that calendar year. Also, if an archer harvests any deer during the period of the season from Jan. 1-15, then these are counted against the previous year's "season" combined limit of six deer.

When is the deer rut in Oklahoma?

The rut is a biological process that is contingent on a host of factors that can vary from year to year and animal to animal. That said, the peak of the rut typically occurs the 2nd week of November. That is the average high point of activity. Some does will start the estrous cycle beginning in October, some as late as December. Whatever date they come into estrous, if are not bred they will come back into estrous 28 days after the first cycle.

By far, the best way to tell when the rut happens is to spend lots of time in the woods scouting for scrapes and watching deer! Keep some notes in a notebook and over a few years you will be able to determine when the peak breeding activity occurs.

Where can I purchase a Wildlife Management Areas Atlas?

Wildlife Management Area maps are available online at Digital Wildlife Management Areas Atlas. The Internet maps, give the sportsmen the ability to "customize" those features and/or areas that they are most interested in. Now with the Internet delivery of the maps, a user can reprint the map with or without the contours. In addition, Internet users can see aerial photos of all the areas which is a very popular feature. These are just a few examples of how the Internet user can customize a map to his or her personal preferences.

Please visit www.wildlifedepartment.com and view the Digital WMA Atlas online. If you have a printer, then you can print off a map to the scale and features you prefer.

I hit a deer in my vehicle last week. Since the Wildlife Department is in charge of the deer in the state, shouldn't you pay for the damage?

Sorry to hear that your vehicle sustained major damage when you hit a deer. Deer/vehicle collisions are a growing problem nationwide. Michigan alone recorded more than 50,000 deer/vehicle collisions last year. Fortunately, this number is much lower in Oklahoma. The Department of Wildlife does not reimburse for damage caused as a result of hitting a deer with a vehicle. Deer, and for that matter all wildlife that occurs in the state, do not belong to the Department of Wildlife, but the citizens of Oklahoma. We are simply mandated with the responsibility of conserving the fish and wildlife resource for all Oklahomans to enjoy.

While our state is blessed with many types of habitats which support a diverse assemblage of wildlife species, we recognize that wildlife species occasionally cause problems. The Department attempts to minimize the problems by maintaining wildlife populations at levels which are compatible with land use and human activities.

While I am certain that this response will not make you feel any better about the damage to your vehicle, please understand that we are sympathetic to the situation and we will take your input into consideration when preparing future deer harvest recommendations for your area.

Can I hog hunt in Oklahoma?

Feral Hog Definition - Feral hogs are defined as any hogs, including Russian and European wild boar, which are running at large and whose owners are unknown. In the case where the hog's owner is known, the hog will be defined as feral five (5) days after escaping confinement. If notice is provided to adjacent landowners within those five (5) days, the hog shall not be considered feral for an additional 10 days. No person whose hunting license is revoked may hunt feral hogs.

Hog Hunting on Private Lands
Feral hogs may be taken year-round on private land with the landowner's permission and hunters must comply with all current season regulations.
During youth antlerless deer gun, deer muzzleloader, deer gun, special antlerless deer gun and elk seasons, hunters must possess a filled or unfilled deer or elk license appropriate for the current season, unless otherwise exempt.

Hog Hunting on Public Lands, except Honobia Creek, Three Rivers and Broken Bow WMAs
On WMAs open during any regular hunting season, hunters will be allowed to harvest feral hogs by whatever means legal during that season. Hunters must comply with all other current season and WMA regulations. However, feral hogs may not be taken by the aid of a light or light enhancement device (night scope).
All feral hog hunters must possess a valid hunting or combination license, unless otherwise exempt. In addition, on WMAs open during youth antlerless deer gun, deer muzzleloader, deer gun and/or special antlerless deer gun seasons, hunters must possess either a filled or unfilled deer license appropriate for the current season, unless otherwise exempt.

Hog Hunting on Three Rivers, Honobia Creek and Broken Bow WMAs
Honobia Creek, Three Rivers and Broken Bow WMAs will only be open to feral hog hunting during deer archery, youth antlerless deer gun, deer muzzleloader and the first nine (9) days of deer gun season, with the appropriate means of take for that deer season. Hunters also must comply with all deer season and WMA regulations, including the required Land Access Permit.
All feral hog hunters must possess a valid hunting or combination license, unless otherwise exempt, and a filled or unfilled deer license for the appropriate season during the youth antlerless deer gun, deer muzzleloader and/or deer gun seasons, unless otherwise exempt.

Do you have any prairie dogs in places legal to hunt in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma does not have the extensive prairie dog towns you may be use to. To hunt prairie dogs here in Oklahoma you will need to purchase an Oklahoma hunting license. There is no prairie dog hunting on public lands so you have to make arrangements with a private landowner.

I generally recommend contacting the Chambers of Commerce in the various cities across the panhandle of our state. The farther west you go across the panhandle the larger and more numerous the dog towns. You should contact one of the following Chambers:

Guymon Cof C - 580/338-3376, Beaver County Cof C - 580/625-4726, Hooker Cof C - 580/652-2809, Laverne Cof C - 580/921-3612.

Where can I go to sight-in my rifle for the upcoming deer season?

Most of our state wildlife management areas have permanent shooting ranges for this purpose. Unless otherwise posted these areas are open from daylight to dark, seven days per week. Shooters can greatly assist wildlife managers by removing targets, shell casings and other litter upon leaving these facilities. Only areas open to rifle. Area's that are archery and shotgun only are closed.

I don't see the number of quail I used to on the old home place and I am thinking about releasing some pen-raised birds into the wild. Will this help the population of birds in the area?

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation does not endorse the releasing of pen-raised game birds to enhance wild bird populations. Past research has shown that pen-reared birds have lower survival rates than their wild cohorts and very few released birds survive until the following breeding season. Remember, habitat is the key to healthy wildlife populations. If there is good habitat in an area, wildlife will find and use it.

How can your agency condone the killing of wild animals?

We certainly respect every citizen's right to voice their opinion. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the state agency responsible for managing and conserving all of our state's fish and wildlife resources. Conservation involves the wise, sustainable use of resources and to that end, part of our agency's mission is to provide opportunities for people to enjoy -- and use -- the fish and wildlife of the state.

It is important to note that our agency is funded entirely by hunters and anglers through the purchases of their licenses and special federal excise taxes paid on hunting and fishing equipment. The ODWC receives no general state tax appropriations, which means hunters are the ones who pay the bills to protect critical habitat, conduct research projects and pay for game wardens to curb illegal poaching.

While urbanization has destroyed wildlife habitat in some areas of the state, there are many times more deer and wild turkey today than there were 10, 20 or 30 years ago. In fact, 30 years ago the state's deer herd numbered less than 50,000 animals. Today the herd is more than 500,000 deer. This growth is directly due to hunters funding management efforts that have improved habitat and provided better conditions for deer in Oklahoma.

While it is true that there is a small percentage of hunters who do not respect the resource, the vast majority are committed to ensuring the continued health of the animals they pursue.

Where is the nearest bobcat check station?

Bobcats can be checked at any Wildlife Department installation, with any state game warden and at a limited number of private check stations. Call (405) 521-2739 for a complete list on line click here.

How can I find a hunting lease or a place to hunt?

The best way is to look in the local newspaper or attend an outdoor show like the Backwoods Hunting and Fishing Show held each March in OKC. Try to get permission to hunt well before the start of the season. Don't wait until November to look for a place to deer hunt...start in January for next fall's deer seasons.

Can Native Americans hunt anywhere or do they need a license?

Native Americans can not hunt anywhere without buying proper licenses or tags. If a person is allowed to hunt without licenses because they are exempt for one reason or another we can not write them a ticket for hunting or fishing w/o a license and then let the court dismiss the charge.

The only place Native Americans can hunt or fish without buying OK licenses or tags is on Indian land belonging to their tribe. Indian land is:

1) Indian country is defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151 (1982) as:

a) all land within the limits of any Indian reservation under the jurisdiction of the United States Government, including rights-of-way running through the reservation,

b) all dependent Indian communities within the borders of the United States whether within the original or subsequently acquired territory thereof, and whether within or without the limits of a state, and

c) all Indian allotments, the Indian titles to which have not been extinguished, including rights-of-way through the same, or restricted land.

I’ve been seeing birds gobbling and strutting since February, but by the time the season starts they’ve either quit, or left my property.

The dates, bag limits, and county restrictions (one or two tom) are set by the Oklahoma Wildlife Commission (Title 800), but the recommendations come from a number of ODWC wildlife biologists. Our season dates are set to ensure that some breeding occurs prior to the opening day of season. The birds you see strutting in February are most likely in the process of finalizing the "pecking order" for the actual breeding season. As far as you not seeing many birds once the season starts could be the result of a variety of factors. A common mistake made by some turkey hunters is that the flocks they see on a certain area in Feb and early March will often disperse as the days get longer, and breeding activity begins. In many cases, the hens scatter out to different areas to start looking for nesting locations and usually the gobblers follow.

Do you have to discharge your muzzleloader before transporting it in a vehicle?

No. Muzzleloaders are considered unloaded as long as the cap or primer is removed from the nipple or breach plug of the gun or the battery is disconnected on the electronic ignition system.

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