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are not hunter ed certified may buy an apprentice-designated
license and must abide by accompanying hunter requirements.
The hunter ed course is offered for free on ODWC’s website, WILDLIFEDEPARTMENT.COM
www.wildlifedepartment.com. In-person classes are
offered across the state throughout the year and are listed
on www.GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com when scheduled.

Q: Is it legal for me to take the antlers or meat from
a road-killed deer?
A: It is unlawful for any person to possess any meat, head,
hide, or any part of the carcass of any wildlife not legally taken.
A road-killed deer is considered as game taken illegally by
an unapproved method of take. Game Wardens may issue a
special disposition if requested, provided the reporting party
adheres to all instructions.
The Wildlife Department does not remove dead animals from
roadways. Contact the street or highway maintaining authority
to report the road kill.

Q: Can I cross the fence to recover the deer I shot? Dead animals should be reported to road maintenance agencies
A: It is illegal to trespass onto private property. Hunters will for removal.
need to get landowner permission before entering to recover any
game harvested. If you cannot find the landowner to ask permis-
sion, the county Game Warden might be able to help.

Q: Does a Game Warden have the right to enter DONALD LEE PARDUE/FLICKR CC-BY2
private property to check licenses?
A: Game Wardens can legally go anywhere they need to
enforce the wildlife codes of the state. Game Wardens are
granted full police powers so they can enforce laws other
than those found within the wildlife codes. Usually this is done
in cooperation with county sheriff officers, Highway Patrol
personnel, and local police. Game Wardens are well-trained
professionals and will help a citizen every chance they possibly
can. But the primary function of a Game Warden is to enforce
the laws that regulate sport fishing and hunting. Nearly 95
percent of Oklahoma's land is privately owned, and Game
Wardens would not be able to conduct their appointed tasks
without private property access.
The public can help Game Wardens be more effective Fishing streams that flow through private land is legal as long as
anglers don’t contact the property under or alongside the water.
by providing valuable information about game and fish law
violators through Operation Game Thief. Anonymous reports
can be made by calling (800) 522-8039 from 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. weekdays. Information leading to a conviction could KELLY ADAMS/ODWC
earn the caller a cash reward.
WILDLIFE

Q: I found a baby rabbit, (or any other kind of
animal) what should I do with it?
A: The best practice is to leave young wildlife alone. Chances
are the parents are nearby keeping an eye on their young.
Unfortunately for many fledglings, their first attempts to fly
land many of them on the ground. They are not abandoned. The
parents continue to care for them and usually in a short time
these young birds are able to fly and fend for themselves. If you
are able, put them back in the nest. If you can't reach the nest, Game Wardens may enter private property to enforce federal and
state wildlife codes.

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