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Public Hearing on Nov. 7 Among Three Ways to Comment on Proposed Rule Changes

Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation proposes changes in Title 800, the administrative rules that govern hunting, fishing and wildlife department operations. The public comment period for proposed rule changes for 2025 opened Oct. 1 and will close at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 8, 2024. 

Some proposed changes are simple housekeeping matters, while others can be more substantial. All of the proposals except the change in the turkey license price are already in effect as emergency rules. This year's permanent rule change proposals are: 

  • Delete a section pertaining to the Wildlife Land Stamp, also known as Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permit, due to passage of SB 941. 
  • Modify Harvest Information Program requirements due to passage of SB 941, to specify exemptions for youths 17 and younger. 
  • Specify exemptions and privileges covered by the Youth Super Hunting License due to passage of SB 941.
  • Change license costs for turkey hunting licenses. 
  • Delete special license requirements for furbearers due to passage of SB 941. 
  • Establish a five-day paper hunting license option for winged upland game at licensed commercial hunt areas due to passage of HB 3856. 

For a summary, go to wildlifedepartment.com/public-meeting and click on Rule Change Proposals 2024 Agenda (PDF). Anyone wishing to make comments on any of the proposed rule changes may do so in one of three ways: 

  • Fill out the online public comment form at wildlifedepartment.com/public-meeting. The online public comment period closes at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 8, 2024. 
  • Write your comments in a letter and mail to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Re: Public Comment, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Letters must be postmarked by Nov. 8, 2024.  
  • Voice your comments in person during a public hearing beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 7, 2024, at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City. 

All public comments are collected and reviewed by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. Discussion and possible action on these rule changes are planned for the regular Commission meeting scheduled for Dec. 2 in Oklahoma City.