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.
Contact the Refuge for general hunting or special use permits. All shotgun hunting is restricted to federally approved nontoxic shot.
Area closed to all activities for controlled deer and turkey hunts:
Oct. 24-26, 2025
Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2025
Nov. 7-9, 2025
Apr. 17-19, 2026
Apr. 24-26, 2026
Closed Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Deer Archery
Closed the Friday before deer muzzleloader season through the Sunday after the last controlled deer hunt.
- Rabbit, Squirrel
Closed the Friday before deer muzzleloader season through the Sunday after the last controlled deer hunt and closes Jan. 31.
- Turkey Fall Archery
Closed the Friday before deer muzzleloader season through the Sunday after the last controlled hunt.
- Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers
Closed the Friday before deer muzzleloader season through the first nine days of deer gun season. Raccoon season same as statewide season dates. Contact the Refuge for permits.
- Duck, Merganser and Coot, Trapping
Contact the Refuge for special restrictions.
Young Birder’s Amazing Talent Could Become His Life’s Calling
Eleven-year-old Samuel Henderson, an autistic student 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.
Public Lands Hybrid Is Hunter’s One-in-a-Million Bird
A longtime duck hunter bagged what biologists suspect is a mallard – wood duck hybrid while hunting public lands in 2025. We dive into the science behind hybridization with the Wildlife Department’s migratory game bird technician to get a “behind-the-genes" look at this special hunt.
