This is the Outdoor Oklahoma Journal, where we're all about helping you pursue and engage in Oklahoma's vibrant outdoor lifestyle. Follow us for great hunting and fishing stories, wildlife features, insider information about unique opportunities, and tangible details on how to go out and be a hunter, angler, and conservationist. The outdoors are always open, so don't miss out!
Deer Gun License Valid for Holiday Antlerless Deer Season
Holiday antlerless deer gun hunters can harvest up to two more deer with just an annual hunting license and one deer gun license.
Free Trapping Workshops Offered
Presented by Wildlife Department biologists, these workshops will cover everything from scouting to putting up the fur. You’ll even have an opportunity to set a few traps and catch some fur of your own! All equipment is provided, and the events are free. Space is limited.
Wintering Birds
When autumn finally releases its hold on winter, Oklahomans have to say goodbye to such things as fall colors and warm weather bird species, including purple martins, scissor-tailed flycatchers, and other avian summer residents. But winter is a time for greetings, and with the brisk north winds comes wintering birds.
Track Surveys Shed Light on Swift Fox
Biologists keep tabs on Oklahoma’s smallest fox, the swift fox, with annual track surveys across the High Plains.
Wild Double Take: Purple and House Finches
Tips for identifying two Oklahoma look-alike finches, the purple and house finches.
Simulated Bowfishing Tournament Gives Insights to Sport
The Wildlife Department partnered with Oklahoma Fish Stickers to learn about the impacts of bowfishing on native nongame fishes in a unique bowfishing tournament.
2023-24 Big Game Harvest Report
Oklahoma’s 2023-24 big game seasons continued to ride the trend of great success for many of those participating in the various seasons for white-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn, and black bear.
Tips for Making Your Winter Eagle Watching Trips Successful
Oklahoma's bald eagle numbers peak between November and February, making winter the prime season for eagle watching.
Venison: It's What's For Dinner!
There are numerous reasons to go deer hunting: the adventure, the tradition, the opportunity to connect with nature, and the nutritious meat it provides. As a family of four, having nutritious, self-harvested meat gives me peace of mind knowing we're eating healthy and saving money. This led me to explore the health benefits of deer meat.
Woodworking for Wildlife: Nest Boxes
Lack of suitable nest sites often prevents wildlife – primarily birds – from utilizing otherwise good habitat. Nest boxes can be added as a habitat supplement.