Regulation Changes

Hunting Regulation Changes

The following are brief descriptions of regulation changes. This summary of regulation changes is intended to be used as a reference only. You are required to be familiar with all the changes to regulations that apply to each of these items.

• Possession of thermal and night vision devices is prohibited on WMAs.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) use on private and department owned lands are subject to certain restrictions.
• A new license is required for waterfowl and crane outfitters and guides.
• There is no longer a black bear quota.  
• A 48-hour waiting period has been established for nonresident deer license.
• Elk season zone quotas and season dates have changed.
• Antlerless deer zone bag limits and season dates have changed.
• For youth and veteran special hunting days the definition of youth has changed from 15 to 17 years of age.
• Edible plant parts and/or fungi may now be harvested on department owned lands under certain restrictions.
• Cable restraints are now a legal method of take for trapping.
• Falconry has been added as a legal means of take for OLAP properties.  

Fishing Regulation Changes

• Echota and Stunkard access areas on the upper Illinois River were added to the list of Department Fishing Areas and will now be managed under those regulations. See Department Fishing Areas for more information.
• The special area 18" size limits for walleye, saugeye, and sauger in Shell and Bluestem lakes have reverted to the statewide 14" limit. See Statewide Daily & Size Limits for more information.
• The 14" minimum for spotted bass in Blue River Public Fishing Area has reverted to the statewide black bass limits for rivers and streams. See Public Fishing Areas: Special Regulations for more information.
• The list of restricted aquatic species was updated. See Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) for more information.
• Rules for the legal establishment of recirculating aquaculture systems were developed. Contact Fisheries Division for more information (405) 521-3721.
• Crappie bag limits have changed for several public fishing areas. Eufaula and Atoka are 20 crappie per day. Boomer, Dahlgren, Holdenville, Purcell, Shell, Wewoka, and all "Close To Home" waters have no daily bag limit for crappie (see Close to Home Fishing Regulations and Public Fishing Areas: Special Regulations).