CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS

This article is designed to give controlled hunts applicants some insights into how the program works, insights that might give you an edge to having your name drawn for perhaps the hunt of a lifetime.

 

2023-24 OVERALL ODDS OF BEING DRAWN: 

1 IN 23.6

 

Take some time and look into last year’s statistics on controlled hunts, and you could increase the likelihood that your name will be drawn this year for a controlled hunt permit. The numbers do reveal some application trends that you could use to your advantage. 

In the 2023-24 controlled hunts drawing, about one out of every 23 applicants had his or her name drawn. Hopeful hunters turned in 123,691 applications for one of the 5,251 individual controlled hunt permits available last year. Many of those applicants will apply again this year when the 2024-25 controlled hunts application submission period opens online. 

The No. 1 most important thing a hopeful hunter can do is to apply each year. 

The controlled hunts application period will open on April 1, 2024, at GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com. The application period will close in late May 2024. 

Jeremiah Zurenda

The online application process is straightforward, and the system is designed so that only the applications that are completed correctly will be accepted. This assures every applicant that his entry was successful and that the applicant’s name will definitely be in the drawings. 

Winners of controlled hunts are randomly selected through a computerized process that draws applications from the entire pool of those submitted. 

Hunters will be able to apply for a specified number of hunts within each category, which increases one’s chances of being selected for a hunt. Hunters will also be able to add extra hunt choices above the specified number allowed, at a cost of $3 for each additional choice added. 

Those not drawn in a hunt category will gain a preference point for the drawings held in that category in future years, as long as the application is made in the same hunt category. Not only that, but some hunt categories allow applications for an entire group of hunters, which boosts chances of being drawn.

Don’t miss your chance to win one of these special hunts that often create lifelong memories.

WHAT’S THE COST?

A $10 application fee allows multiple applications in controlled hunt categories (elk, pronghorn, deer, spring turkey) and includes the option to select Preference Point Only. PointGuard insurance is available for an additional $10 for residents or $50 for nonresidents. Applicants may also add extra hunt choices beyond the standard limit for $3 each. New for 2024 is the chance to get one additional preference point in the elk and pronghorn hunt categories at a cost of $10 for residents and $50 for nonresidents.

ABOUT CONTROLLED HUNTS

Controlled hunts are held in areas where unrestricted public hunting would pose safety concerns or where over harvest might occur. So, these hunts take place on Wildlife Department owned or -managed areas where hunting for the target species is normally not permitted. 

Controlled hunts are offered for deer, elk, pronghorn, and turkey. 

Hunters wishing to go on a controlled hunt must submit an application, which goes into the running with all other applications for that hunt. Hunters are selected through random drawings in each category. 

Getting drawn for a controlled hunt is a matter of odds. Many controlled hunt choices are highly sought-after, and the number of applications for these marquee hunts greatly exceeds the number of available permits. But if you keep applying year after year, it’s likely you’ll get a chance sooner or later to enjoy a controlled hunt. 

How do I participate? Simply submit an easy-to-complete application online through your GoOutdoorsOklahoma account. Applications are accepted online only.

You cannot submit more than one application per category. Since applications are completed and submitted online, you will receive confirmation that your application was completed correctly. This system helps to minimize mistakes, so make sure you receive confirmation of your application. If you do have any issues, call the toll-free help line listed at the bottom of the webpage, (833) 457-7285, or send an email to HelpDesk@gooutdoorsoklahoma.com.

DO THE HOMEWORK

You can increase your chances by first doing some research. This article provides data from the most recent controlled hunts drawing cycle. Anyone who plans to apply this coming year is urged to study the numbers presented here to help guide you as to which hunts you should apply for if you want higher odds of being selected. 

For example, you might see that a total of two controlled hunts will be held in the wildlife management area that you are hoping to hunt. You notice the selection odds were greater last year for one of the hunts, so you might decide to apply for that hunt in anticipation that this year’s numbers remain about the same as last year’s. 

Every time you apply and do not get selected, you earn a preference point in that category for all future drawings. So, when you apply next year, it’s like getting your name put into the drawing an extra time for each preference point. Your odds of being drawn improve if you apply again year after year. This strategy now will be able to have a greater impact with a new option in 2024 to buy an additional preference in the pronghorn and elk hunt categories. Applicants who spend $10 (for residents) or $50 (for nonresidents) will carry forward two preference points in next year’s elk and pronghorn drawings in the event they are not drawn this year. 

Additionally, some hunt categories allow you to apply with a group of other hunters, so that if one of the group is drawn, the entire group gets to hunt. If you are selected, you will receive your hunt instructions at the email address attached to your online GoOutdoorsOklahoma account.

HELPFUL TIPS

Applicants have the chance to buy extra hunt choices at $3 apiece, which will be in addition to the basic application fee. This increases your overall odds of being drawn simply by putting your name into more of the drawings.

You might consider adding PointGuard to your application as a safety net just in case something unexpected comes up and you won’t be able to attend your hunt. This “insurance” option is designed to protect your preference points in the event you are drawn but for some reason you won’t be able to go on your hunt. PointGuard costs an additional $10 over the basic application fee for residents, and an additional $50 over the basic application fee for nonresidents. 

Each preference point you earn acts like an extra application for the next year. But if you know you cannot hunt this year and still want to earn a preference point, you can now choose to mark your application as Preference Point Only. This allows you to earn a point this year that carries over to next year, but will keep your name out of the hunt drawings for this year. The PPO option is available as part of the applicant’s $10 initial application fee. 

Your chances of selection only get better each year you apply. If you’ve applied for the controlled hunt of your dreams for five years straight without having been selected, then you will have five “tickets in the hopper” compared to a first-time applicant, who will have one. 

Although preference points increase your odds of selection, they do not guarantee that applicants with the most points will get drawn. What is guaranteed is that their odds of selection improve. First-time applicants with no preference points can and do get drawn for popular hunts, while hunters who have many preference points can miss out being selected. The pool size related to the number of hunt permits also affects one’s chances of being selected.

Continuing this year, applicants who hold 20 or more preference points in the once-in-a-lifetime elk and pronghorn hunt categories will have a higher likelihood of winning a permit, as the drawing procedure has been enhanced for those categories. An initial drawing for half of the elk hunt permits and half of the antelope hunt permits will be conducted from a pool of only those applicants having 20 or more preference points in the category. The winners for the remaining half of hunt permits in each category will be drawn from the pool of all applicants (excluding those who were drawn out for hunts in the initial drawing). 

In some categories, hunters may apply in groups of up to four people. An average of the total preference points of all hunters is used for each hunter in the group. If not drawn in that category, each applicant in the group will earn a single preference point that carries forward with the rest of their points to future drawings. Once you are drawn for a hunt, all preference points that you have built up in that hunt category are cleared. You can begin building preference points again with your application next year in the deer and turkey categories. (Elk and pronghorn controlled hunts are once-in-a-lifetime draws; previous winners are not allowed to apply again.)

Here are some other tips for increasing your chances of winning a controlled hunt: 

• Consider the ratio of permits to applicants to help you decide which hunts might give you the best chance of selection. A selection ratio of 1-in-25 is better odds than a ratio of 1-in-80. 
• For those locations that offer multiple hunts in the same category, the second or third hunts (the later hunts) are often easier to get selected for than the earliest hunts. 
• You can increase your odds of being drawn when you apply for hunts that happen on key dates of the regular statewide seasons, such as the opening weekend of muzzleloader or gun season. Many hunters may skip those dates because of already-planned hunts. 
• By designating additional hunt choices, you increase your overall odds of being selected for at least one of the choices, so make as many selections as a category allows (five in the deer category, for example), rather than just three, two or one. Then consider adding even more hunt choices at $3 each, no limit. 

• Hunts that are considered by some to be less desirable, such as antlerless deer hunts, may be just the right choice for a meat hunter looking to raise his chances of getting to hunt at a premier location. (Compiled by Outdoor Oklahoma Staff)

   

2023-24 DEER HUNTS

• Total applicants (includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth choice preferences): 68,515. 
• Total permits available: 3,775.
• Overall odds of getting drawn for any one permit: 1 in 18.2. 

NOTE: Steer clear of the most popular hunts in order to have better chances of getting drawn. Controlled hunts such as those at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, the Wichita Mountains buck gun hunt, the Sandy Sanders buck gun hunt, and Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge either sex hunts will not offer the better odds of selection.

2023-24 Results

Hunt Location - Permit Type	Hunt Type	Begin Date	End Date	Hunt No.	Applicants	Permits Allowed	Draw Ration 1 in ( )	Rank
Atoka WMA - either sex	Gun	11/17/2023	11/19/2023	3001	1,549	40	38.73	57
Beaver River WMA McFarland Unit - either sex	Muzzleloader	10/28/2023	10/29/2023	3006	680	10	68	67
Beaver River WMA McFarland Unit - either sex	Gun	11/18/2023	11/19/2023	3007	490	5	98	73
Beaver River WMA - either sex	Gun	11/18/2023	11/19/2023	3008	1,110	15	74	69
Candy Creek WMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	10/28/2023	11/5/2023	3020	274	12	22.83	43
Candy Creek WMA - either sex	Gun	11/18/2023	12/3/2023	3021	497	12	41.42	61
Canton WMA - either sex	Gun	11/18/2023	11/19/2023	3030	1,059	75	14.12	30
Cherokee GMA - either sex	Gun	11/11/2023	11/11/2023	3044	1,480	60	24.67	44
Cherokee GMA - either sex	Gun	11/12/2023	11/12/2023	3046	1,042	60	17.37	36
Cookson WMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	11/4/2023	11/5/2023	3060	1,068	12	89	71
Cookson WMA - antlerless only	Muzzleloader	11/4/2023	11/4/2023	3061	76	23	3.3	9
Cookson WMA - antlerless only	Muzzleloader	11/5/2023	11/5/2023	3062	62	23	2.7	5
Cookson WMA - either sex	Gun	11/11/2023	11/12/2023	3063	1,787	12	148.92	76
Cookson WMA - antlerless only	Gun	11/11/2023	11/11/2023	3064	102	18	5.67	14
Cookson WMA - antlerless only	Gun	11/12/2023	11/12/2023	3065	64	18	3.56	10
Deep Fork NWR - (2) only 1 antlered	Muzzleloader	10/9/2023	10/15/2023	3080	804	50	16.08	32
Deep Fork NWR - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	10/30/2023	11/26/2023	3081	728	300	2.43	3
Four Canyon Preserve - antlerless only	Muzzleloader	10/20/2023	10/21/2023	3090	18	4	4.5	12
Four Canyon Preserve - (2) either sex	Muzzleloader	10/20/2023	10/21/2023	3091	193	2	96.5	72
Four Canyon Preserve - antlerless only	Gun	11/10/2023	11/11/2023	3092	28	4	7	17
Four Canyon Preserve - (2) either sex	Gun	11/10/2023	11/11/2023	3093	460	2	230	78
Fort Gibson WRP - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	10/17/2023	10/17/2023	3110	489	50	9.78	24
Fort Gibson WRP - antlerless only	Muzzleloader	10/18/2023	10/18/2023	3111	160	50	3.2	8
Fort Gibson WRP - antlerless only	Muzzleloader	11/14/2023	11/14/2023	3112	154	50	3.08	6
Fort Gibson WRP - either sex	Muzzleloader	11/15/2023	11/15/2023	3113	1,012	25	40.48	59
Fort Gibson WRP - antlerless only	Muzzleloader	11/15/2023	11/15/2023	3114	103	25	4.12	11
Grady County WMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	10/28/2023	11/5/2023	3120	208	10	20.8	41
Grady County WMA - either sex	Gun	11/18/2023	11/26/2023	3121	436	10	43.6	62
Hugo WMA (Lyndol Fry WRP)	Gun	12/8/2023	12/10/2023	3131	360	10	36	54
Lexington WMA - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/11/2023	11/11/2023	3150	714	135	5.29	13
Lexington WMA - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/12/2023	11/12/2023	3151	420	135	3.11	7
Lexington WMA - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/15/2023	11/15/2023	3152	345	135	2.56	4
Lexington WMA - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/16/2023	11/16/2023	3153	273	135	2.02	1
Little River NWR - either sex	Gun	11/3/2023	11/5/2023	3160	988	30	32.93	50
Little River NWR - either sex	Gun	11/10/2023	11/12/2023	3161	877	30	29.23	48
McAlester AAP physically challenged - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	10/6/2023	10/8/2023	3170	154	70	2.2	2
McAlester AAP - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	10/13/2023	10/15/2023	3171	1,954	275	7.11	18
McAlester AAP - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	10/20/2023	10/22/2023	3172	2,353	275	8.56	21
McAlester AAP - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	10/27/2023	10/29/2023	3173	3,593	275	13.07	27
McAlester AAP - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	11/3/2023	11/5/2023	3174	4,642	275	16.88	34
McAlester AAP - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	11/10/2023	11/12/2023	3175	4,697	275	17.08	35
McCurtain Co. WA - either sex	Gun	11/3/2023	11/5/2023	3190	844	16	52.75	64
McGee Creek WMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	10/27/2023	10/29/2023	3200	873	50	17.46	37
McGee Creek WMA - either sex	Gun	11/17/2023	11/19/2023	3201	1,428	50	28.56	47
Neosho WMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	11/11/2023	11/12/2023	3203	158	6	26.33	45
Oka'Yanahli Preserve - (2) antlerless only	Gun	12/9/2023	12/9/2023	3206	71	7	10.14	25
Oka'Yanahli Preserve - (2) antlerless only	Gun	12/10/2023	12/10/2023	3207	48	7	6.86	16
Okmulgee GMA - (2) only 1 antlered	Gun	11/11/2023	11/12/2023	3210	1,174	30	39.13	58
Osage-Western Wall WMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	11/9/2023	11/12/2023	3220	1,108	10	110.8	75
Pontotoc Ridge Preserve - (2) antlerless only	Gun	10/7/2023	10/15/2023	3223	76	6	12.67	26
Pontotoc Ridge Preserve - (2) antlerless only	Gun	1/6/2024	1/6/2024	3224	69	5	13.8	29
Pontotoc Ridge Preserve - (2) antlerless only	Gun	1/7/2024	1/7/2024	3225	46	5	9.2	22
Pushmataha WMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	12/1/2023	12/3/2023	3230	1,327	50	26.54	46
Salt Plains NWR - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	12/4/2023	12/7/2023	3240	343	25	13.72	28
Salt Plains NWR Wilderness Area - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	12/4/2023	12/7/2023	3241	351	10	35.1	52
Salt Plains NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Muzzleloader	11/6/2023	11/8/2023	3242	882	25	35.28	53
Salt Plains NWR Wilderness Area - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Muzzleloader	11/6/2023	11/8/2023	3243	705	10	70.5	68
Salt Plains NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/13/2023	11/15/2023	3244	2,153	25	86.12	70
Salt Plains NWR Wilderness Area - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/13/2023	11/15/2023	3245	1,763	10	176.3	77
Salt Plains NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/27/2023	11/29/2023	3246	1,183	25	47.32	63
Salt Plains NWR Wilderness Area - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/27/2023	11/29/2023	3247	986	10	98.6	74
Sans Bois WMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	11/10/2023	11/12/2023	3275	302	15	20.13	40
Sans Bois WMA - either sex	Gun	10/27/2023	10/29/2023	3276	565	15	37.67	56
Sequoyah NWR - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	11/6/2023	11/10/2023	3280	1,042	30	34.73	51
Sequoyah NWR - (2) antlerless only	Muzzleloader	10/25/2023	10/27/2023	3281	290	30	9.67	23
Sequoyah NWR - (2) antlerless only	Muzzleloader	11/15/2023	11/17/2023	3282	244	30	8.13	20
Sequoyah NWR - (2) antlerless only	Muzzleloader	11/29/2023	12/1/2023	3283	216	30	7.2	19
Sequoyah NWR (Refuge Islands) - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	11/6/2023	11/10/2023	3284	65	4	16.25	33
Sequoyah Resort Park - (2) 1 either sex, 1 antlerless	Archery	12/2/2023	12/3/2023	3286	962	16	60.13	65
Spavinaw GMA - either sex	Gun	10/21/2023	10/22/2023	3290	1,352	20	67.6	66
Spavinaw GMA - antlerless only	Gun	10/21/2023	10/22/2023	3291	191	30	6.37	15
Tishomingo NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	12/7/2023	12/8/2023	3300	750	20	37.5	55
Washita NWR - antlerless only	Gun	11/7/2023	11/8/2023	3320	111	5	22.2	42
Wichita Mountains WR - antlered only	Gun	11/13/2023	11/16/2023	3340	7,353	20	367.65	79
Wichita Mountains WR - antlerless only	Gun	11/13/2023	11/16/2023	3341	590	40	14.75	31
Salt Plains State Park - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	10/16/2023	10/19/2023	3350	406	10	40.6	60
Salt Plains State Park - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	12/11/2023	12/14/2023	3351	311	10	31.1	49
Texoma COE Burns Run - doe only	Gun	12/29/2023	12/31/2023	3360	112	6	18.67	38
Tishomingo NWR - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	11/8/2023	11/10/2023	3370	562	30	18.73	39
					68,515	3,775

2023 DEER HUNTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

• Total applicants (includes first, second, and third choice preferences): 327. 
• Total permits available: 112. 
• Overall odds of getting drawn for any one permit: 1 in 2.9. 

NOTE: Northeastern Oklahoma areas generally attract the most applications. Examples are Cherokee, Cookson Hills, Gruber, and Spavinaw WMAs. Consider hunts in other parts of the state.

2023-24 Results

Hunt Location - Permit Type	Hunt Type	Begin Date	End Date	Hunt No.	Applicants	Permits Allowed	Draw Ratio 1 in ( )	Rank
Cherokee GMA - either sex	Gun	10/28/2023	10/29/2023	4001	44	40	1.1	1
Cookson WMA - either sex	Gun	11/18/2023	11/19/2023	4010	42	12	3.5	8
Copan COE Parks - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	12/1/2023	12/3/2023	4015	32	5	6.4	11
Deep Fork NWR - (2) only 1 antlered	Muzzleloader	10/23/2023	10/29/2023	4020	7	5	1.4	2
Fort Gibson WRP - (2) only 1 antlered	Muzzleloader	12/2/2023	12/3/2023	4025	27	10	2.7	6
Oologah Lake COE - (2) 1 Doe 1 Buck	Gun	11/10/2023	11/12/2023	4040	68	8	8.5	12
Salt Plains NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Muzzleloader	11/6/2023	11/8/2023	4050	11	2	5.5	9
Salt Plains NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/13/2023	11/15/2023	4051	21	2	10.5	13
Salt Plains NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/27/2023	11/29/2023	4052	11	2	5.5	10
Sequoyah NWR - (2) only 1 antlered	Archery	11/6/2023	11/10/2023	4060	5	2	2.5	5
Sequoyah NWR - (2) antlerless only	Muzzleloader	11/15/2023	11/17/2023	4061	3	2	1.5	3
Sequoyah Resort Park - (2) 1 either sex 1 antlerless	Muzzleloader	12/16/2023	12/17/2023	4070	25	12	2.08	4
Tishomingo NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/9/2023	11/10/2023	4080	31	10	3.1	7
					327	112

2023 YOUTH DEER HUNTS

• Total applicants (includes first, second, and third choice preferences): 3,744. 
• Total permits available: 855. 
• Overall odds of getting drawn for any one permit: 1 in 4.4. 

NOTE: Select hunt dates that are within the regular statewide season dates, especially those that fall on opening weekends, since many hunters already have other hunting plans in place at those times. Controlled hunts that take place outside the regular muzzleloader and gun seasons typically draw more applications and therefore lower the odds of getting selected.

2023-24 Results

Hunt Location - Permit Type	Hunt Type	Begin Date	End Date	Hunt No.	Applicants	Permits Allowed	Draw Ratio 1 in ( )	Rank
Arbuckle Springs WMA - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/18/2023	11/19/2023	5004	73	15	4.87	26
Beaver River WMA McFarland Unit - either sex	Gun	10/20/2023	10/22/2023	5006	139	15	9.27	31
Camp Gruber Cantonment - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Muzzleloader	11/24/2023	11/26/2023	5009	96	40	2.4	10
Cherokee GMA - either sex	Gun	11/4/2023	11/5/2023	5010	148	50	2.96	12
Canton WRP	Gun	11/9/2023	11/17/2023	5014	75	2	37.5	44
Canton WRP	Gun	12/9/2023	12/17/2023	5015	32	2	16	39
Cookson WMA - either sex	Gun	10/28/2023	10/29/2023	5020	153	30	5.1	28
Cross Timbers WMA - antlerless only	Gun	11/18/2023	11/26/2023	5025	19	30	0.63	1
Deep Fork NWR - (2) only 1 antlered	Muzzleloader	10/16/2023	10/22/2023	5030	45	25	1.8	8
Eufaula Lake COE	Gun	11/3/2023	11/5/2023	5035	68	5	13.6	37
Fort Cobb WMA and SP - antlerless only	Muzzleloader/Shotgun	10/14/2023	10/15/2023	5040	31	40	0.78	3
Fort Gibson WRP - (2) only 1 antlered	Muzzleloader	11/11/2023	11/11/2023	5050	67	20	3.35	15
Heyburn COE - (2) only 1 antlered	Gun	12/15/2023	12/17/2023	5053	57	2	28.5	43
Kaw Lake COE - (2) 1 either sex 1 Doe	Gun	11/3/2023	11/5/2023	5055	111	6	18.5	40
Hugo WMA - either sex	Gun	10/6/2023	10/8/2023	5060	67	30	2.23	9
Hugo Lake COE Kiamichi Park - (2) only 1 antlered.	Gun	10/6/2023	10/8/2023	5061	115	10	11.5	34
Hugo Lake COE Kiamichi Park - either sex	Gun	12/8/2023	12/10/2023	5062	84	10	8.4	30
James Collins WMA - either sex	Gun	10/20/2023	10/22/2023	5070	172	40	4.3	23
James Collins WMA - either sex	Gun	10/27/2023	10/29/2023	5071	193	40	4.83	25
Keystone COE - (2) only 1 antlered	Gun	12/8/2023	12/10/2023	5080	122	8	15.25	38
Little River NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	10/27/2023	10/29/2023	5085	18	15	1.2	5
McAlester AAP - Doe	Shotgun	11/24/2023	11/26/2023	5090	39	25	1.56	6
Neosho WMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	10/21/2023	10/22/2023	5095	6	6	1	4
Neosho WMA - either sex	Gun	11/4/2023	11/5/2023	5096	16	6	2.67	11
Okmulgee GMA - (2) only 1 antlered	Gun	10/28/2023	10/29/2023	5110	64	20	3.2	14
Okmulgee GMA - (2) only 1 antlered	Gun	11/4/2023	11/5/2023	5111	70	20	3.5	18
Pine Creek WMA - either sex	Gun	11/10/2023	11/12/2023	5130	94	25	3.76	20
Pushmataha WMA - either sex	Gun	10/20/2023	10/22/2023	5140	108	35	3.09	13
Pushmataha WMA - either sex	Gun	11/3/2023	11/5/2023	5141	145	35	4.14	22
Salt Plains NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	11/3/2023	11/5/2023	5150	166	25	6.64	29
Sequoyah NWR - (2) only 1 antlered	Muzzleloader	10/13/2023	10/15/2023	5160	120	30	4	21
Sequoyah Resort Park - (2) 1 either sex 1 antlerless	Muzzleloader	12/9/2023	12/10/2023	5170	156	12	13	35
Skiatook COE  - (2) only 1 antlered	Gun	12/1/2023	12/3/2023	5175	82	4	20.5	42
Spavinaw GMA - either sex	Muzzleloader	10/28/2023	10/29/2023	5180	30	40	0.75	2
Spavinaw GMA - either sex	Gun	11/3/2023	11/5/2023	5181	137	40	3.43	17
Tenkiller COE - (2) only 1 antlered	Gun	11/3/2023	11/5/2023	5190	105	10	10.5	33
Texoma COE Burns Run - (2) only 1 antlered	Gun	11/10/2023	11/12/2023	5200	116	6	19.33	41
Texoma COE Lakeside - (2) only 1 antlered	Gun	10/20/2023	10/22/2023	5201	81	6	13.5	36
Tishomingo NWR - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	10/19/2023	10/20/2023	5210	100	20	5	27
USDA Grazinglands R.L. - (2) antlerless only	Gun	11/10/2023	11/11/2023	5220	34	20	1.7	7
USDA Grazinglands R.L. - (2) 1st antlerless, 2nd either sex	Gun	12/8/2023	12/9/2023	5221	93	10	9.3	32
Washita NWR - antlerless only	Gun	10/6/2023	10/7/2023	5240	43	10	4.3	24
Washita NWR - antlerless only	Gun	11/3/2023	11/4/2023	5260	37	10	3.7	19
Waurika Lake COE - antlerless only	Gun	11/11/2023	11/12/2023	5270	17	5	3.4	16
					3,744	855

2023-24 ELK HUNTS

• Total applicants (includes first, second, and third choice preferences): 35,279. 
• Total permits available: 321. 
• Overall odds of getting drawn for any one permit: 1 in 109.9. 

NOTE: Enhanced drawings are now upping the odds for applicants with 20 or more preference points in the category. New this year is the option to buy one additional preference point to increase your odds for next year’s drawing.

2023-24 Results

Hunt Location - Permit Type	Hunt Type	Begin Date	End Date	Hunt No.	Applicants	Permits Allowed	Draw Ratio 1 in ( )	Rank
Cookson WMA - either sex	Gun	9/27/2023	9/28/2023	1001	3,995	1	3995	9
Wichita Mountains WR - bull	Gun	12/18/2023	12/21/2023	1020	8,496	40	212.4	5
Wichita Mountains WR - cow	Gun	12/18/2023	12/21/2023	1021	1,126	70	16.09	4
Wichita Mountains WR (walk-in only) - either sex	Gun	11/20/2023	11/24/2023	1030	6,766	10	676.6	7
Wichita Mountains WR (walk-in only) - cow	Gun	11/20/2023	11/24/2023	1031	513	60	8.55	3
Wichita Mountains WR (walk-in only) - either sex	Gun	11/27/2023	12/1/2023	1040	6,957	10	695.7	8
Wichita Mountains WR (walk-in only) - cow	Gun	11/27/2023	12/1/2023	1041	414	60	6.9	1
Wichita Mountains WR (walk-in only) - either sex	Gun	12/11/2023	12/15/2023	1050	6,553	10	655.3	6
Wichita Mountains WR (walk-in only) - cow	Gun	12/11/2023	12/15/2023	1051	459	60	7.65	2
					35,279	321

2023 PRONGHORN  HUNTS

• Total applicants (includes first and second choice preferences): 2,047. 
• Total permits available: 50. 
• Overall odds of getting drawn for any one permit: 1 in 40.9. 

NOTE: New this year is the option to buy one additional preference point to increase your odds for next year’s drawing. Pronghorn controlled hunts are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

2023-24 Results

Hunt Location - Permit Type	Hunt Type	Begin Date	End Date	Hunt No.	Applicants	Permits Allowed	Draw Ratio 1 in ( )	Rank
Cimarron County - doe only	Gun	9/4/2023	9/13/2023	2002	1,320	35	37.71	1
Texas County - doe only	Gun	9/4/2023	9/13/2023	2011	727	15	48.47	2
					2,047	50

2024 SPRING TURKEY HUNTS

• Total applicants (includes first, second, and third choice preferences): 12,715. 
• Total permits available: 113. 
• Overall odds of getting drawn for any one permit: 1 in 112.5. 

NOTE: Skip the hunt choices that attract the most applications, such as the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant hunts.

2023-24 Results

Hunt Location - Permit Type	Hunt Type	Begin Date	End Date	Hunt No.	Applicants	Permit Allowed	Draw Ratio 1 in ( )	Rank
Cross Timbers WMA - tom	Shotgun	4/16/2024	4/20/2024	6000	1,892	10	189.2	7
Cross Timbers WMA - tom	Shotgun	5/12/2024	5/16/2024	6001	998	10	99.8	5
Deep Fork NWR - tom	Shotgun	4/22/2024	5/16/2024	6010	1,508	10	150.8	6
Four Canyon Preserve - tom	Shotgun	4/6/2024	4/7/2024	6020	1,467	2	733.5	10
Four Canyon Preserve - tom	Shotgun	4/13/2024	4/14/2024	6021	944	2	472	9
Little River NWR - tom	Shotgun	4/26/2024	4/28/2024	6040	895	20	44.75	1
McAlester AAP - tom	Shotgun	4/12/2024	4/14/2024	6050	1,336	20	66.8	3
McAlester AAP - tom	Shotgun	4/19/2024	4/21/2024	6051	1,114	20	55.7	2
McCurtain Co. WA - tom	Shotgun	4/5/2024	4/7/2024	6060	1,374	16	85.88	4
Tishomingo NWR - tom	Shotgun	4/25/2024	4/26/2024	6080	1,187	3	395.67	8
					12,715	113

2024 YOUTH TURKEY HUNTS

• Total applicants (includes first, second, and third choice preferences): 1,064. 
• Total permits available: 25. 
• Overall odds of getting drawn for any one permit: 1 in 42.6. 

NOTE: Choosing hunts that take place later in spring come with better odds of being selected.

2023-24 Results

Hunt Location - Permit Type	Hunt Type	Begin Date	End Date	Hunt No.	Applicants	Permits Allowed	Draw Ratio 1 in ( )	Rank
Hugo COE (Kiamichi Park) - tom	Shotgun	4/6/2024	4/7/2024	7000	209	4	52.25	3
Washita NWR - tom	Shotgun	4/12/2024	4/14/2024	7010	245	2	122.5	6
Deep Fork NWR - tom	Shotgun	4/13/2024	5/16/2024	7020	180	10	18	1
Little River NWR - tom	Shotgun	4/19/2024	4/21/2024	7040	144	5	28.8	2
Salt Plains NWR - tom	Shotgun	4/12/2024	4/21/2024	7075	117	2	58.5	4
Wichita Mountains WR (walk-in only) - tom	Shotgun	4/8/2024	4/10/2024	7096	169	2	84.5	5
					1,064	25

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can apply?

Any resident or nonresident who possesses a valid hunting license or who is otherwise exempt may apply for controlled hunts. A list of which hunting licenses are valid is available at wildlifedepartment.com. Applicants must buy a license prior to applying for controlled hunts. Applicants who are eligible for, and possess, apprentice-designated hunting licenses may also apply (although some hunts require hunter education certification by the date of the hunt.) Check the website for more information.

If I can't attend my controlled hunt, do I get my preference points back?

You will retain your preference points if you choose to buy the PointGuard insurance policy during the application period. You can claim your PointGuard insurance anytime before the day of your hunt. If you didn’t buy PointGuard, your preference points for that hunt category will be lost whether you attend the hunt or not.

If I apply for controlled hunts long enough, is it guaranteed my name will be drawn?

No; drawings are random from the entire pool of applicants. But your odds get better every year you submit an application because you earn preference points in future drawings.

Can I keep accumulating points indefinitely?

Yes, in each category, up until your name is drawn, or whenever you do not submit any application for five consecutive years.

How do I pay my application fees?

You may pay the one-time application fee ($10 for residents or $50 for nonresidents) plus any additional add-on selections using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card online at GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com. If your name is drawn, additional license and user fees may be required for some specific hunts.

What if I have an address change after I apply?

Notify the Wildlife Department’s License Section by calling (405) 521-3852.

Apply For Controlled Hunts