Contacts
Area Details
For additional information on the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge visit our partners at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/deep-fork
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted new rules in 2025 that require non-residents accessing certain Oklahoma public hunting and fishing areas to check in and out of the area. By checking in and out of these areas, hunters, anglers, shooters, birdwatchers, hikers, and any other users can help the Wildlife Department better understand how the area is being used. There is no additional cost associated with checking in or out of an area. There is no limit to the number of check-ins for an individual in a year.
A free permit is required for rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, and duck hunting. These permits are available at the NWR office and parking areas.
All shotgun hunting is restricted to federally approved nontoxic shot.
Area closed to all activities for controlled hunts:
Oct. 19-25, 2026
Apr. 10 - May 16, 2027
Closed Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Rabbit
Open Dec. 1 - Jan. 31.
- Squirrel
Same as statewide seasons, except closed from Oct. 1 - Nov. 30. Shotgun or rimfire only.
- Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers
Open to squirrel, rabbit and raccoon hunting only, Dec. 1 - Jan. 31.
- Duck, Merganser and Coot
Contact Refuge for special restrictions.
St. Jude Monitors Wildlife Disease to Safeguard Children
Medical research met wildlife disease surveillance this winter when a St. Jude disease researcher tested sediment samples at known whooping crane stopover sites in five states. This pilot project gave insights into the prevalence and detection rates of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Central Flyway.
