Rut Report '24: Deer Moving Ahead of Saturday’s Gun Season Opener
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COURTESY RICHARD TAYLOR
The rut is on for deer across Oklahoma, as demonstrated by this buck in mid-November in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
The rut, or deer mating season, is well underway in most of Oklahoma, as big bucks have been reported chasing does for several days in many areas. Deer movement should be plentiful this coming Saturday, Nov. 23, when the state’s deer gun hunting season officially opens a half-hour before sunrise.
It’s the most highly anticipated day of the year for roughly 130,000 hunters in Oklahoma.
This year’s annual Rut Report suggests a successful season is likely for a majority of hunters. See below for the latest rut status reports from the field.
This will be the first deer gun season under the new license requirements of the 2024 Wildlife License Modernization Act. Oklahoma residents 18 and older will need a base hunting license ($36) and a deer gun season license ($36), unless exempt. No longer are separate licenses required for each deer hunted. Instead, hunters may harvest the entire gun season limit of deer (four, with one being antlered) along with two bonus antlerless deer during the holiday antlerless deer season.
Residents younger than 18 require only the annual youth super hunting license ($26), which allows participation in the 2024-25 deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, turkey, waterfowl, furbearer and trapping seasons.
The modernization act brought Oklahoma’s fee structure for nonresident hunters in line with regional averages. For deer gun season, nonresidents older than 17 will need an annual base hunting license ($209) unless exempt, and a nonresident deer gun license ($501), which allows the hunter to take the entire regular deer gun and holiday antlerless season bag limits — a total of six deer. Nonresidents younger than 18 require either an annual youth super hunting license ($151) or a five-day youth super hunting license ($76) to hunt in Oklahoma’s deer gun season.
Oklahoma’s deer gun season is a great time to maybe tag a wall-hanger but also to stock the freezer with tasty, nutritious and healthy venison. And for filling the freezer, “Hunters in the Know … Take a Doe!”
Last year, state hunters voluntarily hit it out of the park, with antlerless deer making up 44% of the deer gun harvest. Barber said a doe harvest of at least 40% is the target for maintaining optimum buck-to-doe ratios for herd health.
To encourage doe harvest, ODWC allows each hunter to take as many as eight antlerless deer combined over the various hunting seasons. Hunters who were drawn for this year’s controlled hunts may take even more antlerless deer, as controlled hunt deer harvests do not count toward a hunter’s overall season limit.
To help deer hunters plan for opening day in the forest or field, here are the most recent regional reports from ODWC field personnel.
NORTHWEST REGION
Reported by Eddie Wilson, Wildlife Senior Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: Rut is in full swing throughout most of the northwest region and appears to be peaking now. Most bucks are currently with does. Rut is just getting started in the Panhandle counties, younger bucks are looking for does.
Habitat Conditions: Habitat conditions are good. Summer rains produced good winter cover. The acorn crop was average in the eastern parts of the region. Recent rainfall has increased the growth of native cool season grasses and forbs. Winter wheat is planted and in good condition throughout the northwest.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Hunters and landowners are reporting average to high numbers of deer in most of the northwest region. Panhandle hunters and landowners are reporting fewer deer than they were seeing this time last year.
Public Land Best Bets: Canton, Fort Supply, and Cooper WMAs are all good places to deer gun hunt. Canton is closed opening weekend for controlled hunts. Fort Supply and Cooper are open to buck-only hunting for the first nine days of deer gun season. Expect hunter numbers to be high on these WMAs. Be sure to consult the wildlife management area regulations for the specific area you choose to hunt, as they are not all the same.
Advice for Deer Hunters: Prepare in advance for your hunt! Make sure your rifle is sighted in and you know your limits on distance. Bring a range finder and binoculars. If you hunt a WMA, bring a deer cart or pack to retrieve your animal. Be sure to take a good flashlight with backup batteries. Add your county game warden’s number to your phone in case you have regulation questions or need to report a violation.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Take your time with everything! Don't rush your shot, and only take well-placed shots. Be patient, find a good location and stay there. Walking hunters are easy for deer to see. Respect the game you are pursuing and your fellow hunters.
Opening Morning Expectations: Opening weekend weather looks to be excellent for hunters. Temperatures may be a bit warm for midday deer activity. The rut seems to be on schedule, by opening weekend, rut activity will have likely slowed down some. Expect high numbers of hunters on public lands open to deer gun hunting. Good luck and hunt safe!
NORTHEAST REGION
Reported by Brent Morgan, Wildlife Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: Buck movement has been good, with bucks being seen throughout the day cruising and chasing for the last two weeks. Bucks have been observed responding to calls and rattling. Mature bucks have been chasing, but activity seems to be winding down.
Habitat Conditions: We had some timely rains, and the growing season burn areas are still green and looking great. Habitat is good and food is plentiful. Acorns are spotty to good throughout the region and cover is good with the delay in a freeze. Recent rains and continued warm weather have resulted in some cool-season plant growth.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Hunters and landowners have reported good movement by bucks and does throughout the day. Several bucks observed locked down with does this past week. Rut activity is high and been increasing for the past 10-12 days.
Public Land Best Bets: Camp Gruber WMA will be open all 16 days but is restricted to antlered harvest only. Make sure you have a UXO permit with you when afield on Camp Gruber. Eufaula WMA offers a large area with several different arm and creek units and spans over four counties. Spavinaw PHA is also a good option but will only be open the first nine days of gun season. As always check your regulations for each area you hunt.
Advice for Deer Hunters: Scouting before you go hunting will increase your odds of success. Take snacks and water with you so you can hunt all day. Find trails that lead from bedding areas and hunt downwind. Check your local weather conditions the day before so you can plan your hunt accordingly. If there is moisture on leaf litter, use midday to do some silent walking.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Too much movement and not playing the wind will foul up a hunt. Use natural cover scent to try and mask human odor. When using a tree stand or blind, make sure you have good cover around you to reduce silhouetting.
Opening Morning Expectations: Expect lots of hunters and plenty of pressure opening day and weekend. Deer movement may be slow with warm and windy conditions for opening weekend. Food availability is good with green food plots and plenty of acorns.
CENTRAL REGION
Reported by Jay Rouk, Wildlife Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: Younger bucks are on the move searching for does and checking scrapes. Older bucks seem to be moving mostly at night, possibly due to the mild weather. Does have been less visible as a heavy mast has kept them in the woods and out of food plots, which suffered from the October drought. Certainly, many does have become receptive and breeding has begun as mid-November is peak breeding time.
Habitat Conditions: Once again, oak trees produced a very substantial mast this year. Acorns are falling in the upland forests and in the river bottoms, with most oak species contributing. The October drought decimated most food plots. Timely rain in September had most seeds germinate and then subsequent lack of rain caused them to perish. Food plots may look green, but in many cases, it is opportunistic (and less desirable) cool season grasses that have replaced what was planted. Native vegetation is in good shape and has benefited from a longer frost free season.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Hunters have reported early successes during archery and muzzleloader seasons. But many are still frustrated with the lack of daytime activity. Trail cam pics reveal that rut activity is ongoing during the night. The forecast indicates cooler weather is coming. This will certainly trigger an increase in daytime activity. A waning full moon may transition daytime deer movement from midday back to “normal” dawn and dusk times.
Public Land Best Bets: Kaw WMA: a consistent producer found in north-central Oklahoma. Deep Fork WMA: an hour’s drive from either Oklahoma City or Tulsa. Love Valley and Texoma/Washita Arm WMAs: found near Texoma Lake, are the best choices for southern hunters.
Advice for Deer Hunters: If you have oaks, check your area for acorns. Acorns are always the most energy efficient food and will pull deer from other sources. Tracks and droppings found with the acorns are a sure sign of recent deer activity. Now is also the time to hunt forest bottlenecks, ridge saddles, or other travel corridors. Antler rattling would be good way to bring some action to the hunt.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Losing confidence: this will cause the hunter to go home or start walking which may decrease chances for success. Lack of proper preparation: pre-scouting, checking rifles, having stands/blinds already set and in good condition are steps one should take maximize opportunities. Not respecting the wind direction: try to set up downwind of anticipated deer movement. Deer depend on their noses to make decisions, and human scent will certainly alert them.
Opening Morning Expectations: The recent warmer weather has suppressed daytime activity somewhat. Colder temperatures should come in, just in time, to get deer moving and set hunters up for success. The deer gun opener is the most anticipated hunting day of the year, and many hunters will be headed to the woods. Be kind to other hunters. We share the common goal to enjoy the hunt with hope for success. Public land hunters need to be considerate of others and cooperate when seeking stand locations. Success can always be found in the outdoor experience and fellowship with friends.
SOUTHEAST REGION
Reported by Matt Hensley, Southeast Region Senior Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: Field reports indicate that rut activity increased steadily throughout the first week of November. During the end of the second week much of the chasing and fighting activity transitioned into tending and breeding. Hunters are reporting more mature deer sightings now and still getting good responses to calls.
Habitat Conditions: With a heavy acorn crop in much of the southeast this fall, food availability is not an issue for deer in areas with mast producing oak timber. The abundance of mast contributed to slightly slower than normal deer movement in the early season, however the rut momentum has increased in daylight hours.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Many reports of hunters seeing and taking good quality deer. It seems that the herd’s health is in good shape overall and deer numbers are high in the region.
Public Land Best Bets: Top wildlife management areas in the region for deer gun season include Honobia Creek WMA, Three Rivers WMA, and Ouachita WMA. Honobia Creek and Three Rivers WMAs require an additional Land Access Permit that must be purchased before your trip ($100 residents, $200 nonresidents). Please check your hunting regulations and the area-specific regulations for additional information on these and other wildlife management areas. Some management areas may be open for archery hunting activities but closed for deer gun season. Some may also be closed while conducting draw-awarded controlled hunts on the area.
Advice for Deer Hunters: Nowadays we have a multitude of information such as detailed topographic maps and weather forecasts that are literally available at our fingertips. Take advantage of this and maximize your efforts by virtually scouting for natural travel corridors with good downwind ambush options and being prepared for changing temperatures and precipitation so that you’ll be warm, dry, and at the top of your game when you look over to see that doe running by with a wall-hanger right behind her.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: The biggest mistake that we are all occasionally guilty of is getting in too big of a hurry. Slow down and invest some time into planning and preparing. Double-checking gear, licenses/permits, and area specific regulations will make for a safer, more enjoyable hunt, while also raising your chance of success. Another mistake often made is only hunting an hour or two at sunrise or sunset. During the rut, deer often move all day long, and hunters that go in too early might miss out on seeing a midday chase.
Opening Morning Expectations: The weather forecast looks great with a high temperature prediction of mid to high 60s with sunshine and mixed clouds. If going to public land, expect to hear and see a high number of hunters, but also expect plenty of opportunities to see and harvest a deer.
SOUTHWEST REGION
Reported by Marcus Thibodeau, Southwest Region Senior Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: Reports of mature bucks on move following does. Young bucks being seen fighting and chasing does have been reported.
Habitat Conditions: Habitat conditions vary across the southwest from moderate to good, with recent rains helping food plots.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Hunters and landowners are reporting good morning activity with mature bucks. Deer are using food plots and crop fields that have improved with recent rains.
Public Land Best Bets: Black Kettle WMA, Packsaddle WMA, Ellis County WMA.
Advice for Deer Hunters: Scout. Hunt all day. Pay attention to weather and wind.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Be sure to use ODWC-issued maps for WMA boundaries and closed roads. Review WMA-specific regulations. Be sure to wear your hunter orange.
Opening Morning Expectations: Opening weekend forecast is looking great. Weather across the Southwest Region is looking favorable, and deer activity should continue to improve.
Hunters should carefully read about license requirements, hunting hours, bag limits, field tagging and online E-check rules in the 2024-25 Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations online at wildlifedepartment.com, in the free Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app for Apple and Android, or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
AGE MY DEER
You can help collect important data that will be used to better manage the state's deer herd by allowing ODWC’s big game biologist to age your harvested deer using only photos of your deer’s lower jaw.
Your photos will be analyzed, and if an age can be accurately determined, your deer's age will be added to the statewide database used to help make deer management decisions. This process eliminates the guessing game involved with attempting to age a deer based on body conditions. And you will then have the benefit of an expert’s determination of your deer's age, as it will be posted online using your E-check confirmation number.
Buck and doe deer ages are important, so why not take a few photos as you E-check your deer and help ODWC’s management efforts while also satisfying your curiosity about the age of your harvest. For more information, go to wildlifedepartment.com/form/age-my-deer.
CWD IN OKLAHOMA
Due to the detection of chronic wasting disease in wild deer, ODWC has established three Selective Surveillance Areas (SSAs), all in northwestern Oklahoma, that require extra restrictions for removing harvested deer from the SSAs. For more information on CWD, SSA locations, regulations for carcass movement from within SSAs, restrictions on importing cervids from outside Oklahoma, and proper disposal of infected animals, go to wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/resources/deer/cwd.
ODWC is again giving Oklahoma hunters two opportunities to share their harvest with others.
Hunters Against Hunger (HAH) is a cooperative program between local meat processors, the Wildlife Department, and deer hunters to provide fresh meat to hungry Oklahomans. Hunters who legally harvest a deer during any of this year’s deer seasons can simply deliver the deer to the nearest participating processor after E-checking their harvest. Each donator is asked to contribute a tax-deductible $10 to assist with the program. The venison is distributed through a network of qualified, charitable organizations that feed hungry Oklahomans. Hunters can find participating processors at wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/processors/main.
Oklahoma Deer Share is another ODWC effort that enables hunters to donate harvested deer directly to help others in need. Hunters post their contact information on the Wildlife Department's website before their hunt so that anyone in need can reach out to them and make a commitment to accept their harvest. With a successful hunt, the hunter can quickly transfer the fresh deer to the interested party, who can then process the deer themselves or take it to a local processor. People can learn more about the program and hunters can sign up to give at wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/species/deer/deer-share.
