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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 woman stands next to a nest box while holding another nest box in her hands.
For the Love of Bluebirds

A bluebird enthusiast has made it her mission to welcome the brightly colored birds to her Elk City property with a bluebird trail.

A woman stands next to a nest box while holding another nest box in her hands.
Elk City Woman Supports Bluebirds with Nest Box Trail

Ann Freeman has been maintaining a nest box trail for decades to benefit eastern bluebirds and other cavity nesting songbirds.

A landscape view of the Little River taken after the leaves have dropped from the trees
Managing for Mussels

The Wildlife Department works with many partners to enhance endangered populations of the Ouachita rock pocketbook mussel in southeastern Oklahoma.

Big Game Report 2015/2016 - Figure 1: Total Deer Harvest
2015-2016 Big Game Report

The 2015-16 deer seasons are in the books, and many Oklahoma hunters are already directing their thoughts toward the upcoming seasons. While harvest was more than 8,000 fewer deer than the previous year, the good news is that Oklahoma’s deer herd is in great shape. Many portions of the state have received much-needed rainfall and are on the way to a full recovery from the drought. Hopefully, the rains will continue, your treestands are hung, and you are ready for opening day!

A woman attaches the predator guard to a wooden nest box.
Build a Nest Box in Seven Easy Steps

We share a supply list and instructions to build a nest box and increase habitat for cavity-nesting songbirds.

A light brown kangaroo rat, with long hind feet and an even longer tail sits on a sandy hill.
Creatures of the Night

A glimpse of Oklahoma's nocturnal animals.

A close up of a hatchet making a cut in a small tree with a spray bottle in the background
Hack and Squirt

Hack and squirt is one timber management method that can improve forestland quality.

A brown bird with a dark collar and spots on its breast perches on a limb.
Holes for Homes: Cavity Nesting Birds

Dozens of Oklahoma bird species are considered "cavity nesting birds" and build their nests in a cavity of a hollowed out tree or in man-made nest boxes.

Eastern Collared Lizard. Photo by Barry Bolton
The Burning Question: How are reptiles and amphibians affected by prescribed fire?

We check in with a wildlife biologist to find out how reptiles and amphibians are affected by prescribed fire. The answer: Biologists and researchers alike maintain prescribed fire is an important habitat management activity for these creatures, just as it is for birds, mammals, and invertebrates.

A red bird perches on a small twig sticking out of the snow.
Wildlife Well Equipped to Survive Winter Weather

The cold temperatures have us thinking about how wildlife survive the winter weather.