This is the Outdoor Oklahoma Journal, where we're all about helping you pursue and engage in Oklahoma's vibrant outdoor lifestyle. Follow us for great hunting and fishing stories, wildlife features, insider information about unique opportunities, and tangible details on how to go out and be a hunter, angler, and conservationist. The outdoors are always open, so don't miss out!
Study Focused on Panhandle Black Bears Gets Big Picture Results
Camera traps and hair snares give landowners and biologists answers about status and origin of Panhandle black bears.
It’s Raining, It’s Pouring … the Crawfish Frog is Snoring
A team from Oklahoma State University has been studying the state’s secretive crawfish frog with research and survey sites spanning from a single breeding pond to the eastern one-third of Oklahoma.
Rethinking Sampling Gear Gives Better Estimate of Big Catfish
Study finds electrofishing may catch the largest numbers of blue catfish but misses a “shocking” number of big fish.
Small Butterfly Gets Big Status Update
A team organized by the Oklahoma Biological Survey tracked down the handful of frosted elfin butterfly records for the state and made it their mission to increase the number of known locations for the species.
The Business of Conservation
A behind-the-scenes look at how conservation funding is used to turn wild ideas into even wilder success stories.
Nature Sightings: What to Share and How to Share It
We offer tips for what to share when it comes to nature sightings and how to share them with biologists.
Wild Double Take: Least and Western Sandpipers
Tips for identifying two Oklahoma look-alike shorebirds, the least and western sandpipers.
Controlled Hunts: Learn What You Can Control
After some new options proved popular last year among controlled hunt applicants, hopeful hunters should be happy to learn that even more new and exciting options will be offered this year when they apply for the Wildlife Department’s controlled hunt drawings!
White Bass Angler Guide: Top Tips & Area Highlights
The annual white bass spawning run is one of Oklahoma's most celebrated fishing traditions.
Wildlife Food For Thought: Texas Bullnettle
Few plants demand greater respect than Texas bullnettle, and for good reason. But the plants boast of benefits too, especially for wildlife. For bird lovers of dove, turkey, and quail, managing for bullnettle – or at least tolerating their presence – may well be worth considering.