Hunting Seasons & Licensing · OK
Oklahoma Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonOklahoma offers diverse hunting across prairie, Cross Timbers, and Ouachita Mountain terrain. The state has approximately 350,000 deer hunters and manages over 1 million acres of Wildlife Management Areas. White-tailed deer and wild turkey are the primary big game species, with strong populations across the state. Oklahoma is also a productive state for waterfowl, dove, and feral hog hunting. The state's liberal season structure and affordable licensing make it accessible for both residents and non-residents.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Oct 1 – Jan 15, 2026 | 6 deer per season (2 antlered) | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Gun | Nov 22 – Dec 7, 2025 | 2 antlered + antlerless | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct 25 – Nov 2, 2025 | 1 deer | Muzzleloader only |
| White-tailed Deer | Holiday Antlerless | Dec 20 – Jan 1, 2026 | Antlerless only | Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow |
| Elk | General | Oct through Nov (select units) | 1 elk | Rifle, muzzleloader, bow |
| Feral Hog | Year-round | No closed season | No limit | Any legal firearm, bow, trapping |
Elk (General): Very limited — Wichita Mountains and select WMAs. Lottery required.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 6 – May 6, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct through Jan (varies by region) | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow, rifle |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Bobwhite Quail | General | Nov 8 – Feb 15, 2026 | 10 daily | Shotgun |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Dec 1 – Feb 15, 2026 | 2 daily (roosters only) | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep 1 – Oct 30 & Dec 1 – Jan 15, 2026 | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Western Oklahoma — panhandle region
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Central Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Oct 1 – Mar 15, 2026 | 10 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Squirrel | General | May 15 – Jan 31, 2026 | 10 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $25 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $123 | — |
| Resident Deer/Turkey Combo | $25 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer/Turkey License | $280 | — |
| Non-Resident 5-Day All Game | $85 | — |
| Youth (under 18) | Free with hunter education | — |
| Senior (64+) | $25 (lifetime combo) | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Oklahoma hunting licenses are available over the counter. Elk permits are very limited and issued by lottery — only a few dozen tags are available annually. Controlled hunts on WMAs require an application through the ODWC system. There is no preference point system for most species. Bonus antlerless deer tags are widely available.
Harvest Reporting
Oklahoma requires mandatory harvest reporting (E-Check) for all deer and turkey through the ODWC GoOutdoorsOK app or by phone. Reporting must be completed before transporting the animal. CWD surveillance is active with mandatory and voluntary testing depending on the management zone.
Oklahoma Wildlife Resources
- Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Operation Game Thief: 1-800-522-8039
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.