Oklahoma’s hunting seasons are strictly controlled to assure that the state’s wildlife populations are maintained responsibly. We’ve written a straightforward guide to help you understand the laws, bag limits, and licensing and permit requirements whether you’re an experienced hunter or new to the sport.
Hunting opportunities in Oklahoma’s forests include a wide variety of animals, from large game like antelope and deer to small game and even bear. To make it simple for hunters to register their deer, elk, and turkey captures, the state has established an easy online check-in system. Hunting permits may be purchased via licensing representatives or the natural resources website by both citizens and non-residents. Hunting in Oklahoma promises to be a rewarding experience for everybody thanks to the state’s effective conservation policy.
Oklahoma Hunting Seasons
Content Highlights
Oklahoma Hunting Seasons
An outstanding hunting season may be in store for sportsmen of all skill levels in Oklahoma that year. The state’s varying landscapes make it home to a wide variety of wildlife, from big game like deer and elk to small game like turkey and quail.
Private lands do not have a closed season. Any normal hunting season is available for hunting on public lands.
Dove Season
Oklahoma Dove Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Dove (Early)
1-Sep
31-Oct
A Bag limit of 15 per day.
Dove (Late)
1-Dec
29-Dec
A Bag limit of 15 per day.
Duck Season
Oklahoma Duck Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Duck (September Teal)
10-Sep
25-Sep
See regulations for more details.
Duck (Youth Waterfowl-1)
1-Oct
1-Oct
Applicants must be 12 to 15 years of age. Panhandle counties.
Duck (Panhandle Counties)
8-Oct
4-Jan
See regulations for more details.
Duck (Youth Waterfowl-2)
5-Nov
5-Nov
Applicants must be 12 to 15 years of age. Zone 1 and Zone 2.
Duck (Zone 1 and 2 -Early)
12-Nov
27-Nov
See regulations for more details.
Duck (Zone 1 and 2-Late)
3-Dec
29-Jan
See regulations for more details.
Duck (Youth Waterfowl-3)
4-Feb
4-Feb
Applicants must be 12 to 15 years of age. Panhandle counties, Zone 1 and Zone 2.
Goose Season
Oklahoma Goose Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Goose (Canada Goose-Resident only)
10-Sep
19-Sep
A Bag limit of 8 per day.
Goose (White-fronted Geese)
5-Nov
27-Nov
A Bag limit of 2 per day.
Goose (Light Geese)
5-Nov
27-Nov
A Bag limit of 50 per day.
Goose (Dark Geese)
5-Nov
27-Nov
A Bag limit of 8 per day.
Goose (Light Geese-Late)
3-Dec
12-Feb
A Bag limit of 50 per day.
Goose (Dark Geese-Late)
3-Dec
12-Feb
A Bag limit of 8 per day.
Goose (White-fronted Geese-Late)
3-Dec
5-Feb
A Bag limit of 2 per day.
Goose (Conservation Order Light Goose)
13-Feb
30-Mar
There is no A Bag limit
Pheasant Season
Oklahoma Pheasant Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Pheasant
1-Dec
31-Jan
A Bag limit of 2 per day.
Quail Season
Oklahoma Quail Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Quail (Bobwhite & Scaled)
11-Nov
15-Feb
A Bag limit of 10 per day.
Sandhill Crane Season
Oklahoma Sandhill Crane Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Sandhill Crane
22-Oct
22-Jan
West of I-35 only. A Bag limit of 3 per day.
Turkey Seasons
Oklahoma Turkey Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Turkey (Fall Archery)
1-Oct
15-Jan
Turkey (Fall Gun)
28-Oct
17-Nov
Turkey (Youth Spring)
13-Apr
14-Apr
1 Tom Turkey, statewide.
Turkey (Spring)
16-Apr
16-May
1 Tom Turkey, statewide.
Migratory Game Bird Seasons
Oklahoma Migratory Game Bird Season Dates & Limits
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Bag Limit
Dove (Mourning, White-Winged & Eurasian Collared)
1-Sep
31-Oct
15-Jan
Dove (Mourning, White-Winged & Eurasian Collared)
1-Dec
29-Dec
15-Jan
Crow
10-Oct
16-Nov
N/A
Crow
9-Dec
4-Mar
N/A
Woodcock
30-Oct
13-Dec
3-Jan
Rail (Sora & Virginia)
1-Sep
9-Nov
25-Jan
Wilson’s (Common) Snipe
1-Oct
15-Jan
8-Jan
Gallinule (Purple Gallinule & Common Gallinule)
1-Sep
9-Nov
15-Jan
Waterfowl Seasons
Oklahoma Waterfowl Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
September Teal
10-Sep
25-Sep
Special Resident Canada Goose
10-Sep
19-Sep
(Waterfowl Youth, Vet and Military -Panhandle)
1-Oct
1-Oct
4-Feb
4-Feb
Waterfowl Youth, Vet and Military - Zones 1 & 2)
5-Nov
5-Nov
4-Feb
4-Feb
(Waterfowl-Zones 1 & 2)
12-Nov
27-Nov
3-Dec
29-Jan
(Waterfowl -Panhandle)
8-Oct
4-Jan
White-Fronted Geese
5-Nov
27-Nov
3-Dec
5-Feb
Sandhill Cranes
22-Oct
22-Jan
Dark Geese
5-Nov
27-Nov
3-Dec
12-Feb
Light Geese
5-Nov
27-Nov
3-Dec
12-Feb
(Conservation Order Light Goose Season -COLGS)
13-Feb
30-Mar
Small Game Birds & Furbearer Season.
Small Game Birds & Furbearer Season
Hunting Dates
Squirrel
May 15, 2023 - Feb 28, 2024
Rabbit
Oct 1, 2023 - Mar 15, 2024
Quail
Nov 11, 2023 - Feb 15, 2024
Pheasant
Dec 1, 2023 - Jan 31, 2024
Bobcat
Dec 1, 2023 - Feb 28
Badger
Dec 1, 2023 - Feb 28
Gray Fox
Dec 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024
Red Fox
Dec 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024
Mink
Dec 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024
Muskrat
Dec 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024
Opossum
Dec 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024
River Otter & Weasel
Dec 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024
Note:
For Dove, Eurasian collared doves: There is no bag limit provided that the head or one fully feathered wing remains naturally attached to the carcass of all such birds while being transported to their final destination.
For Crow: Federally approved nontoxic shot must be used when taking crows under depredation order. See 50 CFR, Part 21.43 for complete copy of the Depredation Order.
For all species, hunting is allowed in statewide areas.
Hunting Regulations
It is illegal to hunt any animal or bird using computer software or services that enable remote control of a rifle or weapon.
Outside of hunting season, dogs may be used for training or recreation, but they cannot hunt bear, deer, elk, antelope, or turkey.
Pheasant, turkey, bear, deer, elk, antelope, and other game must be consumed in the hunter’s residence or another permitted area.
Harvests of deer, elk, antelope, bear, and turkey must be reported to the Department within 24 hours after the hunter’s departure from the hunting region, and the animal must have a carcass tag or an online confirmation number until processed or stored.
Spotlights and headlights cannot be used to hunt or capture animals, with the exception of fish and frogs. A hunter with a fur license and a.22 rimfire rifle or handgun may hunt furbearers with hounds during the lawful open season. Landowners and agricultural lessees with agricultural exemption licenses may prevent nuisance coyotes and feral pigs at night by using headlights or other light enhancement equipment.
Landowners or agricultural lessees with a valid agricultural exemption permit may take legal action at any time of day or night to safeguard agricultural products, animals, or commodities from nuisance coyotes or feral pigs. Convictions for hunting within the last three years exclude midnight coyote or wild pig management.
It is illegal to hunt or disturb animals from a public highway using artificial light, thermal imaging, or night vision.
Unless specifically exempted, hunters using shotguns with rifled slugs or any rifle or pistol bigger than a.22 caliber long rifle during big game seasons must get a license for the species being hunted.
Motorized vehicle hunting is prohibited unless you have a non-ambulatory or motor vehicle permit. With the consent of the landowner, motorized vehicles may trail hunting dogs on public highways and rivers.
Hunting on “no trespassing,” inhabited, agricultural, ranching, or forestry land need permission from the landowner.
Anyone may carry a weapon on state-owned or -operated property for any legal cause, including hunting, fishing, scouting, and tracking, unless prohibited by municipal, county, or state legislation. Federal land may be subject to stricter regulations.
A written statement detailing the taker’s name, address, customer ID number, date taken, and quantity and types of wildlife taken must accompany every game bird, animal, or other wildlife taken by another person.
Every migrating bird, endangered, and threatened species is protected by federal and state legislation. Animals, birds, fish, insects, and plants in Oklahoma are endangered or threatened.
It is unlawful to sell or trade protected fish or animals, including bird nests and eggs.
Firearms are not permitted to be discharged on public roads, highways, or railroad rights-of-way.
Only ducks and cranes are permitted to use shotguns loaded with pellets bigger than #4 buckshot.
Suppressors (mufflers): On both private and public territory, hunters may use suppressors to hunt game and nongame birds.
Hunting, pursuing, capturing, shooting, injuring, or attempting to kill any antelope, moose, whitetail or mule deer, bear, elk, mountain lion, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, wild turkey, or any subspecies thereof, using any trap, net, snare, cage, pitfall, baited hook, or similar device, drug, poison, narcotic, explosive, or similar substance, swivel, or pun
Loaded firearms are not permitted to be carried in motor vehicles. Crossbows and bows. Driving with a bow drawn is dangerous. The powder charge and bullet may be transported with the muzzleloader uncapped or the battery unplugged. A cocked or unassembled crossbow cannot be transported in a motor vehicle.
It is prohibited to hunt or trap wild animals using natural or man-made fire or smoke.
It is forbidden to dispose of the corpse after removing the skull, claws, fangs, skin, antlers, horns, or other elements of a protected species. It is also prohibited to kill a protected species and then leave the body. Any deceased animal must be buried properly to avoid erosion or overflow, and it cannot be dumped in a well, spring, pond, or stream, or left within 1/4 mile of any inhabited residence or public road. Illegally disposing of animals raises fines and penalties.
Oklahoma Hunting Licenses
A hunting license is often necessary to hunt specific animal species lawfully. To satisfy this need, the state provides a range of hunting license alternatives, including resident and nonresident options as well as yearly, 5-day, and lifetime permits. In addition, specialized permits are offered for certain species, including deer, elk, and turkey. Make sure to educate yourself with the licensing requirements for the species you want to hunt before setting out on a hunting expedition and get the necessary license.
Resident Hunting License Price
Type of License (Resident)
Valid For
Price
Note
Resident Annual Hunting
1 Year
$32
N/A
Resident Combination Hunting/Fishing
1 Year
$53
N/A
Resident Youth Hunting
1 Year
$7
16-17 yrs
Resident Youth Combination Hunting/Fishing
1 Year
$19
16-17
Resident Disability Hunting
These licenses have a five (5) year expiration from the date of purchase.
$10
See Special Licenses & Permits for details: https://www.eregulations.com/oklahoma/hunting/special-licenses-permits
Resident Deer Archery
1 Year
$20
N/A
Resident Deer Muzzleloader (antlered)
1 Year
$20
N/A
Resident Deer Muzzleloader (antlerless)
1 Year
$20
N/A
Resident Deer Gun (antlered)
1 Year
$20
N/A
Resident Deer Gun (antlerless)
1 Year
$20
N/A
Resident Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun
1 Year
$20
N/A
Resident Youth Deer Archery
1 Year
$10
Under 18 yrs
Resident Youth Muzzleloader (antlered)
$10
Under 18 yrs
Resident Youth Muzzleloader (antlerless)
$10
Under 18 yrs
Resident Youth Deer Gun (antlered)
$10
Under 18 yrs
Resident Youth Deer Gun (antlerless)
$10
Under 18 yrs
Resident Youth Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun
$10
Under 18 yrs
Resident Elk
$51
N/A
Resident Antelope
$51
N/A
Resident Bear
$101
There are time limits on purchasing bear permits. Please go to Bear Hunting Seasons for more details: https://www.eregulations.com/oklahoma/hunting/bear-hunting-seasons
Lifetime Disabled Veteran Combination Hunting/Fishing (60 percent or more disability)
Lifetime
$25
N/A
Annual Wildlife Conservation Passport
Annual
$26
Permit does not provide hunting or fishing privileges
3-Day Wildlife Conservation Passport
3-Day
$15
Permit does not provide hunting or fishing privileges
Land Access Permit (Honobia Creek WMA & Three Rivers WMA)
N/A
$40
N/A
3-Day Resident Special Use Land Access Permit
3-Day
$10
For nonhunting/nonfishing users at Honobia & Three Rivers WMA
5-Day Rattlesnake Permit
5-Day
$5
See Special Licenses & Permits for details
Arrow Rifle Permit
N/A
$20
See Big Game Regulations for details
Nonresident Hunting License Price
Type of License (Nonresident)
Valid For
Cost
Note
Nonresident Annual Hunting
not valid for antelope, bear, deer or elk
$176
Nonresident 5-Day Hunting
not valid for antelope, bear, deer, elk, turkey or quail
$75
Nonresident Deer Archery
valid from Oct. 1 - Jan. 15
$300
Nonresident Deer Muzzleloader
$300
Nonresident Deer Gun
valid for Deer Gun and Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun seasons
$300
Nonresident Youth Deer Archery Either Sex
valid from Oct. 1 - Jan. 15
$100
Nonresident Youth Deer Archery Antlerless
valid from Oct. 1 - Jan. 15
$31
Nonresident Youth Deer Muzzleloader Either Sex
$100
Nonresident Youth Deer Muzzleloader Antlerless
$31
Nonresident Youth Deer Gun Either Sex
$100
Nonresident Youth Deer Gun Antlerless
$31
Nonresident Elk
$306
Nonresident Antelope
$306
Nonresident Bear
$506
There are time limits on purchasing bear permits. Please go to Bear Hunting Seasons for more details: https://www.eregulations.com/oklahoma/hunting/bear-hunting-seasons
These licenses and permits have a one-year validity period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.
$10
Federal Duck Stamp
These licenses and permits have a one-year validity period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.
$25
includes $2 mailing fee
Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP Permit)
These licenses and permits have a one-year validity period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.
$3
Free online
Federal Sandhill Crane Permit
These licenses and permits have a one-year validity period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.
$3
Free online
Land Access Permit
Honobia Creek WMA & Three Rivers WMA
$85
Annual Wildlife Conservation Passport
$26
permit does not provide hunting or fishing privileges
3-Day Wildlife Conservation Passport
$15
permit does not provide hunting or fishing privileges
5-Day Rattlesnake Permit
$5
see Reptile & Amphibian Regulations for details
Note: “With a $3 handling charge, all hunting and fishing licenses may now be simply acquired online. Please take notice that from November 1, 2022, fiscal year licenses won’t be offered, and all annual licenses will have a 365-day expiration date. As of November 1, 2022, the prices stated below have been adjusted. For the most up-to-date price details if you want to acquire a license prior to this time, please visit the Go Outdoors Oklahoma app or website www.gooutdoorsoklahoma.com.”
FAQ’s on Oklahoma Hunting Seasons
Can you go hunting in Oklahoma off-season on your property?
The majority of the land in Oklahoma is owned privately. On their private property, hunters can often take game animals at will. They can also ask a landowner for permission to hunt on private property.
Can I go hunting in Oklahoma without a license on my property?
The hunting license is not required for resident landowners or tenants who hunt exclusively on their own or their agriculturally leased property (excluding hunting leases).
Can it be possible to recover a deer on someone else's land in Oklahoma?
You are required by law to make an effort to rescue an injured deer that wanders into someone else’s property. The landowner does not need to permit you to do this. However, when attempting to rescue the deer, you are not permitted to bring weapons into the land.
