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Outdoor Oklahoma Journal

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!

A dove hunter sits patiently under a tree waiting for dove.
Tips for Dove Hunting on ODWC Public Hunting Lands

Plan a successful Oklahoma dove hunt with tips on public hunting lands, top Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), dove species, hunting regulations, and expert advice from the ODWC.

Hunter Education is a key first step to hunting
Hunter Education: A Key Step to Hunting in Oklahoma

Now is the time to sign up for a free Hunter Education clinic from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife conservation, and there's sure to be one near you soon.

A book cover showing a field of flowers in front of a low mountain and images of five animals underneath.
New Book Explores Oklahoma’s Natural World

“A Naturalist’s Guide to Oklahoma” can be your trail guide for learning about common and rare plants and animals, recognizing habitats, and understanding natural histories. Reading this book is like taking a friendly hike with the author and getting a personal tour of Oklahoma.

A collage of three photos showing an all-red bird, a white egret with plumes on its head, and a blue bird sitting on a clump of sumac seeds.
Wild America

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’ve dug deep into field guides and reference books to find Oklahoma fish and wildlife that have a tie to our country’s history and heritage. From the red, white, and blue to those “officially” named in 1776, we’ve got dozens of wild America examples and trivia that are basically firecrackers for your brain.

Hooked on Reading: ODWC's Wild Summer Reading List

Whether you're looking for a tale of adventure, a guide to birds and fishing, inspiration for cooking wild game, or a story that celebrates the outdoors, ODWC employees have you covered. Find a comfy reading spot and explore some of our staff's favorite summer reads.

A mural showing a scissor-tailed flycatcher, monarchs, and an American bison along Route 66
Route 66: Where Wild Things Are

Between photo ops, diner food, and getting your proverbial kicks, keep an eye out for a roadside attraction that can be seen along every mile of Route 66 — wildlife! The famous highway offers a windshield-level view of Oklahoma’s natural beauty and wildlife diversity.

dad fishing with daugher
Six Outdoor Ideas for Father's Day

Celebrate Father's Day outdoors! Take dad fishing, hit the shooting range, squirrel hunt, watch Outdoor Oklahoma together, take a hike or buy him something from the Outdoor Store. Have a memorable adventure together this Father's Day!

An orange and black butterfly with a small transmitter glued to its thorax perches on a yellow flower.
OKC Zoo Tracks Monarchs on the Move

Twenty “first generation” Oklahoma monarchs were tagged with small solar-powered transmitters at the Oklahoma City Zoo to track their northbound migration. This incredible technology has tracked one Oklahoma monarch more than 200 miles!

Mountain Bluebird Flying
Mountain Bluebird

The mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a small thrush with a round head, thin bill, and brilliant bright blue plumage on the male of the species.

OLAP sign with a gun a dove displayed around it
What is the OLAP, and How Can it Benefit Landowners?

If you own land in Oklahoma, you could be earning annual payments just by allowing public access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Find out how the Oklahoma Land Access Program works and whether your property qualifies.