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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 raccoon is in a snowy tree looking towards the camera.
Raccoons and Canine Distemper

Canine distemper virus can cause wildlife to act unusually and have cyclical outbreaks or density-dependent outbreaks. There has been a recent increase in reports concerning raccoons with symptoms of canine distemper virus in the northeast region of Oklahoma. The following information will help to educate those who could have this experience.

A brown spider with multiple spiderlings on its back.
These Species Put the EEK! In Ecology

We share ecological stories of five eek-worthy species.

Three mule deer are standing and grazing in a field.
What is Mule Deer Habitat?

The popularity of hunting mule deer has grown in Oklahoma. Learn what habitat mule deer prefer, what they like to eat and what they tend to avoid.

A brown and black spider perches between two green leaves with an insect held between its front legs.
Spinning Good Vibes

A biologist is spinning good spider vibes with facts and identification tips to help people take spider encounters in stride.

A corkboard showing to look-alike burying beetles with black and orange markings.
Wild Double Take: Burying Beetles

Tips for identifying two Oklahoma look-alike beetles, the American and margined burying beetles.

A photo taken from a trail camera of a small herd of deer within an ozark glade.
Habitat Highlight: Ozark Glades

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Ozark glades, their ecological importance, and the ongoing efforts to protect and restore these incredible natural spaces.

A gloved hand holding a young tilapia collected furing an electrofishing survey in NW Oklahoma.
Tilapia Stocking: Is it Worth it?

Are tilapia a viable food source for largemouth bass in private ponds? This question has become increasingly important for landowners looking to cultivate robust bass populations. The unique climate challenges in Oklahoma are something to consider when stocking your pond.

A group of dung beetles on top a pile of lung.
Down and Dirty with Dung Beetles

It’s hard to imagine anyone or anything searching far and wide for good poop, but that’s just what dung beetles do. And not just any dung will do, they seek to find the best.

A man and his niece (both wearing hunter orange) are looking at and discussing about the deer that the niece recently harvested.
Deer Licenses Just Got an Upgrade

If you have an annual hunting license, then a single deer license is all you need for a full bag limit of deer. Read on for details.

A corkboard showing two look-alike grouse.
Wild Double Take: Greater and Lesser Prairie-chickens

Tips for identifying two Oklahoma look-alike grouse, the greater and lesser prairie-chickens.