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A bowhunter is in a sling tree stand while aiming his bow downward.
Bow Hunter's Paradise

Oklahoma's got 1M+ acres of public land for bowhunters — pronghorn on the Panhandle prairie, black bear in the Ouachita Mountains, mule deer out west. Here's your guide to WMAs, OLAP land, and the tactics that actually work.

A bull elk with a lush green background.
2025-26 Big Game Harvest Report

Oklahoma’s 2025-26 deer harvest ranked second-best in state history. Study the numbers, find where hunters found success and use the data to plan for a successful hunt.

Hunter Education is a key first step to hunting
Hunter Education: A Key Step to Hunting in Oklahoma

Now is the time to sign up for a free Hunter Education clinic from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife conservation, and there's sure to be one near you soon.

A dove hunter sits patiently under a tree waiting for dove.
Tips for Dove Hunting on ODWC Public Hunting Lands

Plan a successful Oklahoma dove hunt with tips on public hunting lands, top Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), dove species, hunting regulations, and expert advice from the ODWC.

OLAP sign with a gun a dove displayed around it
What is the OLAP, and How Can it Benefit Landowners?

If you own land in Oklahoma, you could be earning annual payments just by allowing public access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Find out how the Oklahoma Land Access Program works and whether your property qualifies.

A whitetail buck stands in a green forest.
Increase Your Winning Odds for Controlled Hunts

Study last year's stats, stack preference points, and add extra hunt choices to maximize your odds at scoring one of Oklahoma's 5,000+ exclusive controlled hunt permits, including trophy elk, whitetail, and pronghorn opportunities.

Hunting do walking through field
Want a Great Hunting Partner? Start Now With Puppy School

Ask hunters why they hunt, and the answers are as varied as the seasons, a persistent pull that's hard to put into words. But ask one who hunts with a dog, and the answer comes without hesitation: "I love to see my dog work."

A man holds a duck with a brown body, green head, and white-ish bill in front of a yellow dog that is sitting on a truck tailgate.
Public Lands Hybrid Is Hunter’s One-in-a-Million Bird

A longtime duck hunter bagged what biologists suspect is a mallard – wood duck hybrid while hunting public lands in 2025. We dive into the science behind hybridization with the Wildlife Department’s migratory game bird technician to get a “behind-the-genes" look at this special hunt.

three people hunting in the woods
Apprentice Designation: A Learner's Permit for Hunting

Hunter education has greatly reduced hunting accidents, but if you can’t complete a course right away, the apprentice designation allows you to hunt under supervision. It works like a learner’s permit, giving you the chance to gain real experience safely until you finish hunter education.

deer tallow
Three Steps to Deer Tallow that You Can Make at Home

Don’t toss that deer fat—turn it into useful tallow for cooking, skincare, candles, and more. With a little time and care, you can honor your harvest and reduce waste.