As the final seasons of 2023 come to a close and outdoor enthusiasts reflect on their year in Outdoor Oklahoma, they can take steps to make sure the state’s fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities endure.
Supporting the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation can be an easy way to achieve those conservation-minded goals. As the state agency charged with managing and protecting Oklahoma’s fish and wildlife, the Wildlife Department also manages habitat, grows a community of hunters and anglers, partners with those who love the outdoors, and fosters stewardship with those who care for the land. Though a state agency, the Wildlife Department does not receive any state tax appropriations. Instead, hunting and fishing license sales and federal conservation grants are the main funding sources.
Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, the nonprofit organization that works alongside and provides support to the Wildlife Department, or be earmarked for specific projects through the Go Outdoors Oklahoma shop. Contributions can help fund a variety of habitat-based projects; directly support the Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Diversity Program and species that aren’t hunted or fished; provide fresh venison to hungry Oklahomans; or offer hunting and fishing licenses to veterans and select family members.
Contribute to the Wildlife Conservation Foundation
While financial support helps put conservation plans into action, there are other great ways to support conservation in Oklahoma. Hunters and anglers can mentor incoming conservationists; naturalists can share their fish and wildlife sightings on free platforms like eBird and iNaturalist; and everyone can spread the word about Oklahoma’s incredible species and conservation actions. Sign up for email updates or follow the Wildlife Department on social media, @okwildlifedept, to learn more about how to get involved in conservation.
The pronghorn is just one of the species the Wildlife Department and its partners are studying this year. ? Click to watch a short clip of the annual pronghorn survey.
Highlights from 2023
The Wildlife Department is the state agency charged with managing and protecting Oklahoma’s fish and wildlife, along with their habitats. Conservation highlights from 2023 include:
Fish and Wildlife Studies: In 2023, the Wildlife Department collaborated with partners to learn about the state’s pronghorn, wild turkey, and bumble bee populations, and conducted intensive annual fish sampling efforts at dozens of lakes.
Habitat Management: Prescribed fire was applied to more than 45,000 acres of public hunting and fishing areas, cedar and other woody growth was managed on more than 7,000 acres, vegetation in Close to Home fishing lakes was maintained with a “Weedoo,” and repair work at Jap Beaver and Watonga reservoirs is on schedule to finish in 2024.
Improved Shooting and Fishing Access: As part of a long-term effort to improve access, the Wildlife Department completed the construction of two shooting ranges and one courtesy fishing dock in 2023 and is well underway on many other similar projects statewide.
Sharing the Tradition: A multitude of archery, shotgun shooting, and hunting and fishing education programs were offered to train incoming hunters and anglers.
Safeguarding Our Resources: Oklahoma’s game wardens responded to hunter and angler calls, investigated fish and wildlife violations, and completed trainings, including an internal nine-week academy for new wardens.