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.
Apprentice Designation: A Learner's Permit for Hunting
Hunter education has greatly reduced hunting accidents, but if you can’t complete a course right away, the apprentice designation allows you to hunt under supervision. It works like a learner’s permit, giving you the chance to gain real experience safely until you finish hunter education.
Exploring the New Herron Family WMA
The new Herron Family WMA is more than 17,000 acres of hunting land, it is also adventure, access, conservation, and tradition. Thanks to a unique partnership, Oklahoma residents now have a new place to chase deer, call turkeys, hear quail, and pass on the outdoors to the next generation.