Contacts
Area Details
For details on Washita NWR visit our partners with the USFWS:
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.
All shotgun hunting is restricted to federally approved nontoxic shot.
Area closed to all activities for controlled deer hunts:
Oct. 9-10, 2026
Nov. 6-7, 2026
Nov. 10-11, 2026
Apr. 9-11, 2027
Closed Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Dove, Rabbit, Quail
Closed during controlled deer hunts. Contact the refuge for controlled hunt dates and special restrictions. Quail is closed to non-resident hunting February 1-15.
- Waterfowl
Goose, Duck, Merganser. Contact the refuge for designated days and 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.
