Home / Outdoor News

Outdoor News

Email Updates
To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below.
2021

November

> Pheasant Hunting to Open Dec. 1
> 2021 Rut Report: Deer Moving as Gun Hunting Season Just Days Away
> Raptor Counts Wrapping Up Quail Study Field Work
> Deer Hunters Eager for Nov. 20 Gun Season Opener
> Wildlife Commission Honors Altus, Moore Archery National Champs
> Duck Hunting Will Be Open Statewide Nov. 13
> 2021 Quail Season Outlook: Statewide Index Up 23 Percent From 2020

October

> Trout Fishing Cranks Up in November
> Muzzleloader Seasons Open Oct. 23; Fall Turkey Gun Opens Oct. 30
> Youth Deer Gun Season Welcomes Young Hunters on Oct. 15-17
> August Quail Index Climbs in West But Dips Elsewhere

September

> Archery Hunt Seasons Open Oct. 1 for Deer, Elk, Bear, Pronghorn, Turkey
> Upland Update: Quail Project's Raptor Study to Continue Into Fall
> Commission Honors Locust Grove Archery National Champs
> Waterfowlers Have Early Chances to Hunt Teal, Resident Geese

August

> Bonus Youth Deer Hunts Set on Private Lands; Apply by Aug. 20
> Commission Hears Plans for Foundation Hall of Fame Event

July

> Tell Us Your Opinions About ODWC, Maybe Win a $500 Gift Card!
> Upland Update: Data Reveal Daily Quail Movement by Seasons
> Jess M. Kane, Bartlesville, Begins Term on Wildlife Conservation Commission
> New Rules for Turkey Hunting to Begin This Fall

June

> Upland Update: Relationship Between Woody Vegetation, Birds Under Study
> Commission Pauses on Turkey Season Changes to Review Data; Also, Leigh Gaddis to Become First Female Commission Chairman
> Statewide Free Fishing Days Coming June 5-6; Take Someone New
> Upland Update: Latest Quail Research Project Fieldwork Complete

May

> Wildlife Department Forced to Euthanize Black Bear in Norman Neighborhood
> 2020 Deer Seasons Set Harvest, Participation Records

April

> Amphibian and Reptile Guide Custom-made for Oklahoma
> Commission Hears Goals for Department Wildlife Areas
> Naturalists Unite to Showcase Oklahoma’s Diversity
> Gobbler Report 2021: Bird Numbers Down in Bulk of State

March

> Destructive Clam Found in Aquarium Plants
> Spring Cleaning Tips for Stopping Feeder Disease Outbreaks
> Upland Update: Quail Data Sheds Light on Habitat Selection
> Commission Approves All Hunting, Fishing Rule Changes Except One

February

> Tourism, ODOT Partner to Take Oklahomans Fishing
> Upland Update: 3 Quail Still Transmitting in January
> Commissioners Updated on ODWC Marketing Efforts

January

> Quail Ecology and Management Project Report for December 2020
> Wildlife Commission Updated on Durant Hatchery Renovations
> Upland Update: Want More Quail? Remodel the House, Biologist Says
2020

December

> Upland Update: GPS Data Sheds Light on Ice Storm Quail Mortality
> Wildlife Commission Celebrates Officer of the Year Jared Cramer
> Hunting Opportunities Continue With Pheasant, Holiday Antlerless Deer Seasons
> Proposed Fish, Wildlife Rule Changes Open for Public Comments

November

> Rut Report 2020
> Deer Gun Season Opens Nov. 21; "Take a Doe" Urged
> Quail Hunting to Get Underway Nov. 14
> Quail Numbers Lower From 2019, Surveys Show

October

> Trout Stocking Begins Nov. 1 at Six Seasonal Areas Statewide
> Extra Waterfowl Hunting Days Set for Youths, Veterans, Active Military
> Youth Deer Gun Season Open Oct. 16-18
> Deer Muzzleloader, Fall Turkey Seasons Approaching
> Former Commissioner Wins National Fire Bird Award for Quail Efforts

September

> State Agencies Join in Fishing Program for Foster Families, Youths
> Statewide Quail Index Drops After August 2020 Roadside Surveys
> Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Meeting – Sept. 8, 2020

August

> Upland Update: Quail Wings Donated by Hunters Provide Data on WMA Birds
> Online License System Is Big Win With Users, Commissioners Told

July

> New World Record Paddlefish Hauled From Keystone Lake — Again!

June

> Potential World Record at Keystone Lake!
> Oklahoma Fishing Trail Marking 1st Year With Guided Fishing Trip Giveaway
> ODWC Auction Offers Pickups, Tractors, Boats and More
> "Test the Waters" on Free Fishing Days; No License Needed June 6-7

May

> Kiefer Angler Busts State Record With 143-pound Paddlefish
> Registration Open for Summer Selman Bat Watches
> Apply for Private Land Deer Management Assistance Program by May 15
> Antlerless Deer, Waterfowl Hunting Changes Approved by Commission
> Newly Discovered Subspecies Named for Wildlife Department Biologist

April

> Young Wildlife "Rescues" Often Do More Harm Than Good
> Upland Update: Quail Project Report, March 2020
> Sportsmen Traveling to Oklahoma Urged to Stay Updated
> Spring Turkey Hunting Is Chance to Enjoy Wide Open Outdoors
> Share Plant and Wildlife Sightings in Statewide Virtual Event

March

> Fishing Action Heats Up Statewide as the Outdoors Are Always Open!
> Wildlife Department's Outdoor Areas Remain Open for Public Recreation
> Wildlife Department Offices Closed to Visitors Due to Coronavirus Concerns
> Lake Carl Etling Trout Diverted to Guymon, Watonga
> Wildlife Department Offers Options to Landowners Dealing With Coyote Depredation

February

> Fundraising Season for Outdoor Partners In Full Swing
> Quail Ecology and Management Project Report for January 2020
> Insurance Exec Chad Dillingham Picked for Wildlife Commission; John Groendyke to Step Down After 44 Years
> Deer Gun Season Remains 16 Days as Commissioners Approve Rule Changes
> Help Oklahoma’s Wildlife on Your State Tax Return
> Quail Season Enters Final Stretch; It's Time to Think About Habitat

January

> Madness Returns Feb. 25; Bring Rack for Crazy Good Time!
> Upland Update: Quail Ecology and Management Project Report for December 2019
> Gov. Stitt Talks Hunting, Fishing with Outdoor Oklahoma TV, Magazine
2019

December

> Shikar-SCI Honors 2019 Officer of Year at Commission Meeting
> Proposed Changes to Fish, Wildlife Rules Now Open for Public Comments

November

> New Chief, Assistant Chief Among Law Enforcement Promotions
> Rut Report: Saturday’s the Big Day for Thousands of Deer Hunters
> UPLAND UPDATE: ODWC, OSU Coop Quail Research Continues
> State's Most-Popular Deer Hunting Season Will Open Nov. 23
> Conservation Partners Donate Thousands to Wildlife Commission
> Quail Numbers Increase Statewide Over 2018, Surveys Show

October

> Duck Hunting to Expand, Turkey Gun Season to Open on Saturday, Nov. 2
> Trout Stocking to Begin Nov. 1 at Most Seasonal Fisheries Statewide
> Deep Fork Waterfowl Unit Won't Be Artificially Flooded
> Endangered Flock Makes 2,500 Mile Tour of North America with Stops in Oklahoma
> Muzzleloader Deer Among Hunt Seasons to Start Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019
> ODWC and Oklahoma State University Cooperative Quail Research Continues at Four WMAs

September

> Archery Seasons for Deer, Bear Among Hunting Openers Set for Oct. 1
> Monarch Migration Activities Planned for 2019
> Upland Update: Quail Generally Healthy Based on Trapping Surveys in 2018
> Teal, Resident Canada Goose Seasons Give Waterfowlers Some Early Shots
> Don’t Wait If You Need Free Hunter Education; Sign Up Or Go Online Now

August

> Dove Opener Sept. 1 Looks Challenging; Free Hunting Days Coming Soon
> Dove Season Nears; Is Your Go Outdoors Account Verified?
> Governor Proclaims August as Shooting Sports Month in Oklahoma
> Game Warden Jay Harvey Honored by NWTF at Commission Meeting
> Events Aid Conservation Partners, ODWC in Habitat, Wildlife Efforts

July

> Commissioners Praise Student Archers for National Showings
> Wildlife Commission to Welcome Rick Holder as Newest Member

June

> Lt. Gov. Launches Oklahoma Fishing Trail
> Wildlife Commission OKs Rule Changes for Alligator Gar, Black Bear
> Entry Deadline is Aug. 1 for State Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest

May

> Selman Bat Watch Registration Now Open
> Fishing for Something Fun to Do? Go Outdoors and Take a Friend
> Lexington WMA Now Meeting Water Needs in Cleveland County
> Commission Hears Update on CWD Status in Oklahoma
> People Should Stay Away From Young Wildlife in Most Cases

April

> Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan Events to Benefit New Wildlife Foundation
> Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in One Farmed Oklahoma Elk
> Help the Wildlife Department Learn about American Bumble Bees
> Landowners Invited to Upland Gamebird Field Days
> Apply for Controlled Hunts Via Go Outdoors Oklahoma Account
> Gobbler Report Gives Turkey Hunters Latest Info From Field
> Wildlife Commissioners Approve Most Rule Change Proposals

March

> Hackberry Flat to Host Migration Tours
> Wildlife Department Launches Accountability Initiative
> North-Central Fisheries Biologist Becomes Regional Supervisor
> Conservation Groups Including NWTF Plan Fundraising Banquets
> Texoma Offers Great Spring Fishing
> Cy Curtis State-Record Elk Emerges from March Rack Madness!
> Wildlife Bills Face Senate Deadline Votes This Week; Measures Include SB 703 That Halts Further Public Hunting, Fishing Land Purchases
> Applications Open for Summer Wildlife Youth Camp
> Tour Three Oklahoma Bird-watching Hotspots

February

> Wildlife Department March Rack Madness Promises a Crazy Good Time!
> Tax Refunds Can Help Oklahoma's Wildlife
> Wildlife Commissioners Receive Overview of Waterfowl Hunter Survey
> Panhandle State University to Be Home for New Shooting Sports Complex

January

> March Rack Madness Free Scoring Event Returning Bigger and Better for 2019
> Summary Report Released After 6-Year Study of Quail in Western Oklahoma
> Wildlife Department Seeks Public Comment on CWD Rule Proposals
> New License System Launches Smoothly, Commissioners Told
> Updated Atlas of Public Lands and Fishing Lakes Now Available
> Public Grand Opening Set Jan. 14 for Renovated ODWC Building
2018

December

> Timberland Quail Research Featured by Outdoor Oklahoma
> Wildlife Commission Reviews Hunt Survey Findings
> Public Comment Period Opens for Rule Change Proposals
> Game Warden Jay Harvey Is Officer of Year for Record 2nd Time

November

> Deer Rut Report: Movement Increases Ahead of Gun Season Opener
> Wildlife Conservation Commission Accepts NWTF, QF Donations
> Endangered Woodpecker Gets a Boost in Wilderness Area’s Centennial Year
> Quail Surveys Show Drop in Population Index in Much of State

October

> Wildlife Department's Melynda Hickman Named SEAFWA Biologist of Year
> Anglers Crank Up the Cool Factor As Fly Fishing, Trout Season Arrive
> Deer Muzzleloader Season Kicks Off Oct. 27, 2018
> Wildlife Department Returns to Renovated HQ
> Endangered Whooping Cranes to Move Through Oklahoma
> State's Roadside Quail Survey for August 2018 Released

September

> Archery Hunting for Deer, Turkey, Bear and Others to Open Oct. 1
> Wildlife Department Offers Monarch Watch
> Free Hunter Education Course Teaches Safe, Legal Hunting
> Have Your-selfie Some Fun at Free Wildlife Expo on Sept. 22-23
> Invasive Zebra Mussels Spread to Foss Reservoir
> Country Music Star Blake Shelton Joins Wildlife Foundation Board
> Online Auctions Underway for 25 Surplus Vehicles

August

> Free Field Day to Focus on Dove, Quail, Pheasant
> Factors Combine This Weekend for Perfect Hunting Opportunity
> Game Wardens Up North Set Free Shotgun Tune-Ups for Youths
> Youths Can Apply by Aug. 15 for Private Lands Bonus Deer Hunt
> Volunteer Group Seeking Youths to Take on First-Time Hunts

July

> Kiefer High School Team Wins World Finals Fishing Tourney
> Oklahomans Take 6 of 12 Awards at Wildlife Conference
> New Wildlife Conservation Foundation Launches With Commission Endorsement
> Lesser Prairie-chicken Numbers Improve Again in Annual Survey
> Support Wildlife with a Specialty Plate
> Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest Deadline for Entries is Aug. 1

June

> Two State Archery Students Make U.S. All-Star Team
> Amphibian and Reptile Field Guide Custom-made for Oklahoma
> Commission Briefed on New License System Due in 2019

May

> Surplus Property Auction Bidding to Close June 19
> Bat Watch Registration Opens May 29
> Summertime and the Fishin' Is Easy; Ways to Partake Are Plentiful
> Commission Learns of OLAP's First-year Success
> Precursor to Bat Disease Continues to Spread
> Avoid Interfering With Young Wildlife; "Help" Usually Hurts
> Bear Encounters More Likely in Spring, Summer
> OLAP Has Money For Landowners Who Invite Public Walk-In Access
> New State Record Paddlefish Weighs 132.5 Pounds

April

> NWTF Praises 2 Winners at Wildlife Commission Meeting
> Songbird Recovers with Three Decades of Conservation

March

> Hackberry Flat Hosts Spring Migration Tours
> Share Spring Nature Sightings in April
> Wildlife Commission Honors Longest-serving Game Warden
> Apply for Private Land Youth Turkey Hunt by March 11
> 3 From Wildlife Department Get NWTF National Honors

February

> Annual Convention Marks a Decade of Bird Watching
> Outdoor Groups Planning Events, Fundraisers
> NBA Star Tosses Funds to Fishing in Schools Program

January

> New Guidebook Profiles Plants Important to Oklahoma Quail
> Wildlife Commission Accepts Generous Donation From NWTF
> ODWC Plans to Score Points With Free "March Rack Madness" Event
> Wildlife Department On Target in 2017 With Notable Success Stories
2017

December

> Wildlife Department Offers Online Guide for Attracting Birds
> Happy Holidays in Store for Thousands of Deer Hunters
> Game Warden of Year Honored at Wildlife Commission Meeting
> Learn About Fly Fishing at Illinois River Session

November

> Trout Stocking Under Way at State's Seasonal Fishing Spots
> Wildlife Commissioners View Renovations at Lexington WMA
> November Always a High Risk Time for Vehicle-Deer Collisions
> Quail Numbers Back to 10-Year Average in Much of State
> Choctaw, Wildlife Department Pact Yields Lake Nanih Waiya Upgrades

October

> Student Writers, Teachers Can Win Trips in Essay Contests
> Online Auction Bidding to Close Nov. 7
> Big Chill Due for Deer Muzzleloader Season Opener Oct. 28
> Girl's First Elk Hunt Yields New Cy Curtis State Record
> Youngest Hunters Get Earliest Opportunity With Firearms During Youth Deer Season
> Big Year for Endangered Bird
> Fly-fishing Classes Filling Up Now
> Game Wardens Named Captains, to Oversee 3 Law Districts

September

> Annual Monarch Watch at Hackberry Flat Center
> Deer, Elk, Turkey Archery Seasons Among Those With Oct. 1 Openers
> Commission Applauds Oklahoma Fire Bird Honoree for Quail Efforts

August

> Hunting Action Ramps Up Sept. 1 With Opening of Dove Season
> Quail, Dove Focus for Field Day Sept. 8
> Game Warden Tom Cartwright Named District 4 Chief
> Applications Due by Aug. 15 for Youth Private Land Antlerless Deer Hunts

July

> NWTF Plans Big August in OKC Area
> Lizard License Plate Helps Horned Toads
> Landowners Can Enroll in OLAP, Earn Payments for Access
> Commission Gets Dahlgren Lake Update

June

> Four Hummingbird Feeder Hints from the Wildlife Department
> NRA Donates to Shooting Range Project

May

> Talk Wild Turkey at Field Day June 15
> Watch Bats With the Wildlife Department
> Commission OKs Migratory Bird Season Changes

April

> Twice-dead Altus-Lugert Alive Again
> Altus Team Breaks Away to Take State
> Resist Urge to "Rescue" Young Wildlife
> Eastern Oklahoma Bat Tests Positive for White-nose Syndrome
> Shooting Ranges Hit Mark With Commission
> Mountain Lion Killed After Preying on Sheep
> Gobblers Active at Spring Season Start

March

> Virtual Spring BioBlitz! Begins April 1
> Gov. Fallin Appoints Newest Member Of Wildlife Conservation Commission
> Identify Backyard Wildlife With Oklahoma Field Guide
> Quail Groups to Hold 2nd State Convention
> Commission Views Trout Area Flood Effects
> Muley Record Set at March Rack Madness
> 19th Wildlife Youth Camp Coming in June

February

> Birding Tours Offered in McCurtain County
> Donate Paddlefish for Research, Get Fillets
> Annual Oklahoma SCI Banquet Set March 18
> Bring Your Antlers for March Rack Madness!
> NatureWorks Art Show, Sale This Weekend
> Snagging, Dog Tracking Amid Rule Changes
> ODWC Part of United Effort to Deal With Feral Swine
> Onslaught of Bruiser Bucks From Last Fall Are Rearranging Roster of State Records

January

> New Map Showcases Wildlife Viewing Areas
> Upland Update: Bermudagrass Not the Best for Quail Habitat
2016

December

> Avoid Expired Licenses as New Year Arrives
> Public Hearings Set for Proposed New Rules
> OSU Shotgunners Bag Honors in Contests
> Wildlife Commissioner's 40 Years of Service Draws Praises From Governor, Department
> Bird Watchers Can Help with National Surveys
> COMMISSION MEETING: Game Warden Honored as Officer of the Year

November

> Higher Pheasant Numbers Welcome News for Hunters
> DEER SEASON NOTES
> Quail opener reports lend insight on hunting activity
> ODWC Part of United Effort to Deal With Feral Swine
> 2016 RUT REPORT: Bucks on the Move as Deer Gun Season Arrives
> Testing Confirms "Rabbit Fever" in Areas of Oklahoma
> Quail Hunters Asked to Donate Wings, Crops for Study
> NWTF Donation to Wildlife Department Marks Milestone
> Invasive Zebra Mussels Confirmed in Lake Hefner
> Quail Numbers Booming for Fourth Year, Survey Shows

October

> Northern OK Game Wardens Invite Folks for Coffee
> Warm Water Delays Trout Stocking at 2 Seasonal Sites
> It's Fall Shuffle Time as Bobwhites Break Into Coveys
> Students Can Win Hunting Trips for Creative Writing
> Muzzleloader Deer, Elk, Bear Seasons Open Oct. 22
> Endangered Whooping Cranes to Move Through State
> Time is Now to Set Sights on Youth Deer Gun Season
> Youth Waterfowl Weekends Give Kids an Early Shot
> Landowners Can Survey to Learn About Quail Numbers

September

> Archery Hunting for Deer, Turkey, Others Begins Oct. 1
> Former Water Resources Board Executive Director Picked as Next Director of Wildlife Department
> Wildlife Department To Mark Monarchs
> Wildlife Commission Honors Ellis County Landowner
> Resident Canada Goose, Teal Seasons Open Sept. 10
> Bowhunters Sought as Observers During Deer Season

August

> State of Oklahoma, Choctaw Nation Agree on Hunting, Fishing Compact
> Assistant Chief of Law Named by Wildlife Department
> Hunters Reminded to Update Licenses Before Seasons
> Upland Update: Weather is Key in Forecasting Quail Hunting Season
> Wildlife Department Names Law Enforcement Chief
> Two State-Record Elk Recognized on a Single Day

July

> Feathered Homecoming at Hackberry Flat WMA

June

> Oklahoma Eagles Part of National Research

May

> Selman Bat Watch Registration to Open May 31