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JEREMIAH ZURENDA/COURTESY CONTROLLED HUNTS WEBSITE

To learn more about the
controlled hunts process
online, scan the code:

WILDLIFEDEPARTMENT.COM

application period will close in late May 2024. The Controlled Hunts webpage gives applicants complete
information about how to apply and what happens
The online application process is straightfor- if selected. Check it out under the “Hunting” tab at
ward, and the system is designed so that only wildlifedepartment.com.
the applications that are completed correctly Don’t miss your chance to win one of these
will be accepted. This assures every applicant special hunts that often create lifelong memories.
that his entry was successful and that the appli-
cant’s name will definitely be in the drawings. ABOUT CONTROLLED HUNTS
Winners of controlled hunts are random- Controlled hunts are held in areas where
ly selected through a computerized process unrestricted public hunting would pose safety
that draws applications from the entire pool of concerns or where overharvest might occur. So,
those submitted. these hunts take place on Wildlife Department-
Hunters will be able to apply for a speci- owned or -managed areas where hunting for
fied number of hunts within each category, the target species is normally not permitted.
which increases one’s Controlled hunts are offered for deer, elk,
WHAT’S THE COST? chances of being pronghorn, and turkey.
A $10 application fee allows multiple selected for a hunt. Hunters wishing to go on a controlled hunt
Hunters will also be must submit an application, which goes into
applications in controlled hunt categories
able to add extra the running with all other applications for that
(elk, pronghorn, deer, spring turkey) and
hunt choices above hunt. Hunters are selected through random
includes the option to select Preference the specified number drawings in each category.
Point Only. PointGuard insurance is allowed, at a cost of Getting drawn for a controlled hunt is a
available for an additional $10 for resi- $3 for each additional matter of odds. Many controlled hunt choic-
dents or $50 for nonresidents. Applicants choice added. es are highly sought-after, and the number of
Those not drawn applications for these marquee hunts greatly
may also add extra hunt choices beyond
in a hunt category exceeds the number of available permits. But
the standard limit for $3 each. New for
will gain a preference if you keep applying year after year, it’s likely
2024 is the chance to get one additional point for the drawings you’ll get a chance sooner or later to enjoy a
preference point in the elk and prong- held in that category controlled hunt.
horn hunt categories at a cost of $10 for in future years, as long How do I participate? Simply submit
residents and $50 for nonresidents. as the application is an easy-to-complete application online
made in the same through your GoOutdoorsOklahoma account.
hunt category. Not only that, but some hunt cat- Applications are accepted online only.
egories allow applications for an entire group of You cannot submit more than one
hunters, which boosts chances of being drawn. application per category. Since applications

12 OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA