Oklahoma has a strong legacy of private land ownership, but our state also has a number of public lands to explore, hunt, fish, and enjoy! In celebration of the upcoming National Public Lands Day this September 28, we’ve compiled a list of resources to help you discover Oklahoma’s natural world this fall.

Find Your Wilderness at a Wildlife Management Area

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages more than 1.4 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat available to hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationists.  Whether you’re planning a hike at Sparrowhawk WMA, a hunt at Sandy Sanders WMA, or a day of fishing at Lake Vincent, check the Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Guide for specific area regulations. Maps are available at wildlifedepartment.com.

Some WMAs require a current hunting or fishing license or conservation passport. These licenses not only give you access to hundreds of thousands of acres, but also help fund habitat management, fish and wildlife research, and enforcement of our state’s hunting and fishing regulations. Login to the Wildlife Department’s Go Outdoors Oklahoma system to buy your license or passport and support conservation today.

Park it in the Great Outdoors

One National Recreation Area, more than 30 State Parks and a multitude of local parks are waiting for you to get outside and enjoy our state’s natural resources. Watch for wildlife, visit a nature center and picture your next adventure in a park this fall!   

Maps, travel tips and more resources are available online for both State Parks and lands managed by the National Park Service.

Plant Yourself (temporarily) in a National Forest or Grassland

Oklahoma’s diversity – from towering trees in the east and vast grasslands in the west – is well represented by the National Forest Service’s nearly 400,000 acres of public land in our state. Explore opposite sides of our state and see how habitat influences our wildlife by visiting a National Forest or Grassland.

Plan a Nature Retreat to a Wildlife Refuge

Granite mountains, flowing rivers and salt flats are just a few of the natural wonders found at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s nine Oklahoma National Wildlife Refuges. And these natural wonders attract a variety of wildlife – from bats at Ozark Plateau NWR to alligators at Little River NWR and bugling elk at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Gear up for your wildlife refuge nature retreat.