As you plan your dove hunts, scout for deer season or get ready to chase quail this fall, don’t forget about OLAP! The Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP) is a great option for finding places to hunt across Oklahoma. With properties spread throughout the state and a variety of habitats, OLAP can become your new spot to explore.
The Goal of OLAP Is Simple: Increase Access
The Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP) is a partnership that creates more opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. ODWC receives state and federal funding, along with support from conservation partners, to expand public access and improve wildlife habitat.
Through OLAP, ODWC leases properties annually from private landowners who are willing to provide public access. These properties are not owned by ODWC; they are privately owned lands made available to the public through the program.
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF) have partnered with OLAP through their Public Access to Habitat (PATH) initiative to add more hunting access to high-quality quail habitat for sportsmen and sportswomen to enjoy across Oklahoma. PFQF has donated funds to the OLAP with the starting goal of adding 10,000 new hunting acres to the program. Thanks to their partnership, that goal has been met and over 11,500 acres have been added to the OLAP across 15 properties.
Think of OLAP as another tool in your outdoor toolbox. Whether you're looking for a new place to hunt this fall, or simply explore Oklahoma, OLAP can help you discover more places to go and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
What Can You Hunt on OLAP?
A lot! OLAP provides opportunities to pursue a variety of species throughout the year. Depending on the property and season, you may be able to hunt:
Dove
Deer
Quail and other upland game
Waterfowl
Pronghorn
Small game
Some OLAP properties also offer fishing opportunities.
Where To Go
Found an OLAP property you want to try? Let the map be your guide!
Click on a property in the OLAP Map Directory to see its boundaries, access type, available species, access dates, parking areas, habitat, and any special restrictions.
Not every OLAP property allows the same activities. Check the property details before you go. Look for the species you're interested in, then check the current hunting regulations for season dates, bag limits, and legal methods of take.
Once you arrive, look for OLAP signs, stay within the posted boundaries, and follow all property-specific rules.
The simple rule: Check the map. Check the regulations. Then go hunting!
Don’t Forget Your Permit
A Land Access Permit is required to access OLAP properties (for residents between the ages of 18 and 63, and all non-residents). You’ll also need the appropriate hunting and/or fishing license unless you are exempt.
You can purchase your Land Access Permit through GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com by searching for “Land Access Permit” under Licensing.
The money from these permits helps provide the match needed for federal funding that supports the OLAP program.
Your Land Access Permit also gets you more than just OLAP. Learn more here: https://wildlifedepartment.com/outdoorok/ooj/land-access-permit-bargain-hunters
Before you head out this fall, check the OLAP map and see what’s near you. You might just find your next favorite hunting spot.
Acess Information
When visiting an OLAP property, it is important to understand OLAP functions differently than private land and Wildlife Management Areas. OLAP properties allow different types of access types, each with its own set of regulations and allowable activities. Here is a breakdown of a few access types.
Walk-in Hunting Area (archery or shotgun only)
The majority of properties enrolled in the OLAP are walk-in hunting areas open to archery or shotgun hunting (no buckshot or slugs). These properties are open to hunters with a land access permit for all hunting seasons besides elk season and are accessible Sept. 1 through May 16.
Limited Access
Limited access areas restrict the number of hunters that may access a property at a given time, which provides a better experience to hunters and property owners in high-traffic areas. To access, hunters must check in and out at GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com. These areas are open to all hunting seasons besides elk season and are accessible Sept. 1 through May 16. These areas are also limited to archery or shotgun hunting (no buck shot or slugs).
Antelope Controlled Hunt Access
These properties provide access for hunters drawn for antelope gun hunts through the controlled hunts applications. Bowhunters however, can get an over-the-counter antelope license and hunt any OLAP property west of State Highway 136.
Other
Other access types that are not open to hunting include Walk-in Fishing Area, Walk-in Stream Area and Wildlife Viewing Area. A hunting or fishing license and an annual land access permit are required for all OLAP properties, unless exempt.
Learn More:
Land Access Permit and Other Licenses
If you're a landowner interested in providing more outdoor opportunities while earning compensation for your property, consider enrolling in OLAP.
You don't have to figure it out on your own. An OLAP biologist or technician will work with you to evaluate your property, determine whether it meets program requirements and help you through the application process. Questions? Contact Joshua Luft: (405) 535-7382; joshua.luft@odwc.ok.gov