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.
Contact the Refuge for general hunting or special use permits. All shotgun hunting is restricted to federally approved nontoxic shot.
Area closed to all activities for controlled deer and turkey hunts:
Oct. 23-25, 2026
Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2026
Nov. 6-8, 2026
April 16-18, 2027
April 23-25, 2027
Closed Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Deer Archery
Closed the Friday before deer muzzleloader season through the Sunday after the last controlled deer hunt.
- Rabbit, Squirrel
Closed the Friday before deer muzzleloader season through the Sunday after the last controlled deer hunt and closes Jan. 31.
- Turkey Fall Archery
Closed the Friday before deer muzzleloader season through the Sunday after the last controlled hunt.
- Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers
Closed the Friday before deer muzzleloader season through the first nine days of deer gun season. Raccoon season same as statewide season dates. Contact the Refuge for permits.
- Duck, Merganser and Coot, Trapping
Contact the Refuge for special restrictions.
New Book Explores Oklahoma’s Natural World
“A Naturalist’s Guide to Oklahoma” can be your trail guide for learning about common and rare plants and animals, recognizing habitats, and understanding natural histories. Reading this book is like taking a friendly hike with the author and getting a personal tour of Oklahoma.
Wild America
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’ve dug deep into field guides and reference books to find Oklahoma fish and wildlife that have a tie to our country’s history and heritage. From the red, white, and blue to those “officially” named in 1776, we’ve got dozens of wild America examples and trivia that are basically firecrackers for your brain.