Skip to main content

Washita NWR

Attention Non-Residents

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted new rules in 2025 that require non-residents accessing certain Oklahoma public hunting and fishing areas to check in and out of the area. By checking in and out of these areas, hunters, anglers, shooters, birdwatchers, hikers, and any other users can help the Wildlife Department better understand how the area is being used. There is no additional cost associated with checking in or out of an area. There is no limit to the number of check-ins for an individual in a year.

Learn More About Public Check-In

Washita NWR, photo by Jeremiah Zurenda
Jeremiah Zurenda

Contacts

Hunting: (580) 664-2205
Game Warden:
(580) 695-3642 (Custer)

Area Details

Area Acres: 8,075 ac.

For details on Washita NWR visit our partners with the USFWS:

USFWS - Washita NWR

All shotgun hunting is restricted to federally approved nontoxic shot.

Area closed to all activities for controlled deer hunts:

Oct. 10-11, 2025

Nov. 7-8, 2025

Nov. 11-12, 2025

Closed Seasons
Deer Archery, Deer Gun, Deer Muzzleloader, Youth Deer Gun, Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun, Turkey Fall Archery, Turkey Fall Gun, Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring, Rail, Snipe, Gallinule, Woodcock, Crow, Squirrel, Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers, Predator/Furbearer Calling, Trapping, Sandhill Cranes
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
  • Dove, Rabbit, Quail

Closed during controlled deer hunts. Contact the refuge for controlled hunt dates and special restrictions. Quail is closed to non-resident hunting February 1-15.

  • Duck, Merganser and Coot

Only on designated days. Contact the refuge for designated days and special restrictions.

Recent Journals
Want a Great Hunting Partner? Start Now With Puppy School

Ask hunters why they hunt, and the answers are as varied as the seasons, a persistent pull that's hard to put into words. But ask one who hunts with a dog, and the answer comes without hesitation: "I love to see my dog work."

Phenology

Phenology is an easy activity to help you become more attuned to the natural areas around you, including (maybe most importantly) your backyard! It’s as easy as marking dates on a calendar (either a virtual calendar on your mobile phone or a paper calendar). 

Young Birder’s Amazing Talent Could Be His Life’s Calling

Eleven-year-old Samuel Henderson, a young birder with an extraordinary ability to mimic dozens of bird calls, gained national attention after a video of his school talent show performance went viral. His passion for birds has opened doors to new opportunities and inspired hopes of a future in conservation.