Landowner Programs | Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Private Landowner Assistance Districts

Managing and enhancing habitat for wildlife can be a challenging task. With it can also arise many questions. Thankfully, biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s (ODWC) Private Lands section are eager and available to assist. Even more, the technical assistance they provide is free and only a phone call away.

Hundreds of landowners have received help in past years from this dedicated team. Large or small, each property is given a thorough evaluation to classify habitat types, rank habitat condition, and identify needs. Landowner goals are the key, and each biologist develops a management plan tailored to meet those goals.

In addition, cost-share opportunities are often available, and biologists are eager to help landowners find a funding program which may work for them. Whether the goal is to enhance habitat for game species or nongame, ODWC’s Private Land staff is ready to take your call today.

A map of Oklahoma counties divided into 5 private landowner assistance districts.

Private Lands Biologists

Northwest: Brett Cooper, (405) 740-9830

Southwest: Chase Waldorf, (405) 397-1599

Central: Kyle Johnson, (405) 590-2584

Northeast: Lauren Johnson, (918) 607-1518

Southeast: Leah Lowe, (405) 206-7720

The following is a list of available programs:

Recent Journals

A large food plot with bare ground and fresh, green seedlings.

The Pros and Cons of Food Plots

A common misconception is that managing habitat for wildlife requires food plantings or a food plot. Conversely, good wildlife management does not require food plantings and, likewise, food plantings alone are not indicative of good wildlife management.

Sep 20, 2023

A large red oak tree with a wide, open crown and horizontal limbs.

The Ins and Outs of Ideal Wild Turkey Roost Trees

Roost trees are vital for a turkey on a daily basis as well as on a seasonal basis. In the evenings, turkeys will perch up off the ground where they are protected from predators, then fly down in early mornings.

Sep 20, 2023

A herd of cattle feed in a grassy pasture.

A Closer Look at Patch-Burn Grazing for Livestock and Wildlife

Management practices like patch-burn grazing are beneficial for cattlemen and wildlife managers alike, increasing both the profitability of the livestock operation while also increasing the recreational value of the property.

Aug 21, 2023

Tree seedlings available to Oklahoma landowners for conservation.