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Outdoor Oklahoma Journal

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!

A black and yellow bumble bee feeds on a purple flower.
Establishing Plantings for Wildlife

Most wildlife rely upon plants, either eating the fruit, seeds, or nectar provided or using the plant as a source of shelter or cover. Establishing plantings for wildlife can attract more species to your property.

A young man points a gun upward while an adult crouches behind him providing guidance.
Tips for Sharing the Hunting Heritage with Kids

Conservation is funded by sportsmen when they buy hunting and fishing licenses and pay federal excise taxes on sporting goods, so an important part of ensuring a future for conservation includes ensuring a future for sportsmen. Share your heritage!

A Virginia opossum in a trash ca.
Problem Wildlife Guests or Pesky Pests?

On occasion, some animals behave more like pests than welcomed visitors, which means adapting your behavior to theirs – outsmarting or excluding them when they create a nuisance you can’t live with. This guide provides tips for dealing with problem wildlife guests or pesky pests.

The renovated shooting range at Lexington WMA was officially opened last week with help from shooting sports teams from Altus and Sequoyah (Claremore) schools along with several Wildlife Conservation Commissioners. (Don P. Brown/ODWC)
Lexington WMA "Open House"

You and your family are invited to learn about squirrel hunting and public land hunting while spending time at the gun range! This free event is hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

A brown cat lays on the ground, looking through standing vegetation.
Bobcats Focus of Study on Three Wildlife Management Areas

The Wildlife Department partnered with Oklahoma State University to study the density of Oklahoma’s most-harvested furbearer and the relationships between predator and prey.

father and son squirrel hunting
Missed Hunting Opportunities

Lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors exist on Oklahoma's wildlife management areas.

two hunters in the woods looking for squirrel
Public Land Alternatives to Private Land Hunting

Wondering where to hunt? If you're looking for public hunting opportunities in Oklahoma, here are a few areas to get you started.

Red-bellied Woodpecker. Photo by Jeremiah Zurenda
Bird Feeding Tips

We share tips for maintaining a bird feeding station.

Pine trees are scattered next to a trail.
Small Game: A Guide for Hunters

Small game hunting is due for a resurgence.

Osage orange tree, with fruit.
Wildlife Food for Thought: Osage Orange

Wildlife Food for Thought