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.
St. Jude Monitors Wildlife Disease to Safeguard Children
Medical research met wildlife disease surveillance this winter when a St. Jude disease researcher tested sediment samples at known whooping crane stopover sites in five states. This pilot project gave insights into the prevalence and detection rates of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Central Flyway.
