The Guide to Oklahoma Hunting Seasons 2024

If you’re ready to grab your gear and hunt near your home in Oklahoma or travel to the state for an antelope hunting adventure, make sure you have the information you need on open season dates, hunting licenses, and bag limits. 

The good news is that we’ve compiled information about the Oklahoma hunting seasons for 2024 in this guide! Plus, with the HuntWise app, you can find and mark the best spots to hunt throughout the state. So, keep reading for the HuntWise guide to hunting in Oklahoma.  

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Oklahoma?

You may not realize how beautiful Oklahoma is unless you’ve been there before or live in the state. Hunting grounds are some of the prettiest locations in the state, so your hunting experience is not only fun (and eventually delicious, after your harvest) but also an eye-pleasing adventure surrounded by Oklahoma’s beauty. 

As we mentioned, it’s also one of the best centrally-located spots in the U.S. to hunt large and small game. 

Where Should I Hunt?

Oklahoma has plenty of private and public land for hunting. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) manages public areas, which include WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas). 

Within these areas, you’ll find forested areas contrasted by dry plains. Depending on what species you hunt, you’ll also work your way through small mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, prairies, and mesas. 

As you plan your hunt, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas. So, when it’s time for deer, antelope, or turkey season, you already know where to go for a successful day in the field. 

When Can I Hunt?

Hunting season dates are fairly simple to follow compared to hunting in some other states. Still, it is crucial to pay close attention to the open season dates for the species you plan to hunt and follow them based on how you hunt (bow, gun, or muzzleloader) and Oklahoma’s hunting regulations. 

Here’s an overview of Oklahoma's hunting season dates! 

Oklahoma Dear Season 2024

In addition to the general dates noted below, Oklahoma offers hunting in Antlerless Deer Zones with specific open dates. 

• Archery: October 1 – January 15
• Youth Gun: October 18 – 20
• Muzzleloader: October 26 – Nov 3
• Gun: November 23 – December 8
• Holiday Antlerless Gun: December 18 – 31

Elk

Elk hunting dates coincide with Deer hunting dates this year. 

• Archery: October 1 – January 15
• Youth Gun: October 18 – 20
• Muzzleloader: October 26 – Nov 3
• Gun: November 23 – December 8
• Holiday Antlerless Gun: December 18 – 31

Bear

• Archery: October 1 – 20
• Muzzleloader: October 26 – November 3

Antelope

• Gun (Either sex, Draw Only, Landowner/Controlled Hunt Permits): August 29 – September 1
• Gun (Doe only, Draw only, Controlled Hunt Permit Only): August 29 – September 1
• Archery: October 1 – 14
• Gun (Doe only, Draw only, Landowner Permit Only): November 25 – January 15

Turkey

• Fall Season:
  • Archery: October 1 – January 15
  • Gun: November 2 – 22
     
• Spring Season:
  • Youth Hunt: April 12 – 13, 2025
  • General: April 16 – May 16, 2025

Waterfowl:

• September Teal: September 7 – 22
   
• Special Resident Canada Goose: September 7 – 16
   
• Youth, Vet, Military:
  • Panhandle: September 28 and February 1
  • Zones 1 & 2: November 2 and February 1
     
• Waterfowl Zones 1 & 2: November 9 – 24 and November 30 – January 26
   
• Waterfowl Zones (Panhandle): October 5 – January 1
   
• White-Fronted Geese: November 2 – 24 and November 30 – February 2
   
• Sandhill Cranes: October 19 – January 19
   
• Dark Geese: November 2 – 24 and November 30 – February 9
   
• Light Geese: November 2 – 24 and November 30 – February 9
   
• Conservation Order Light Goose Season: February 13 – March 30

Migratory Game Birds

• Dove: September 1 – October 31 and December 1 – 29
   
• Crow: October 10 – November 16 and December 9 – March 4
   
• Woodcock: October 26 – December 9
   
• Rail: September 1 – November 9
   
• Snipe: September 28 – January 12
   
• Gallinule: September 1 – November 9

Small Game

• Quail: November 9 – February 15
   
• Rabbit: October 1 – March 15
   
• Pheasant: December 1 – January 31
   
• Squirrel: May 15 – February 28

Hog

• Private Land: Year-round
• Public Land: During any legal hunting season on department-managed lands

Coyote

Year-round 

For additional information about hunting seasons and regulations, visit the ODWC website. You can also check with eRegulations for Oklahoma hunting information.

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

Anyone who hunts in Oklahoma needs a hunting license. The license you need to hunt legally is based on resident vs. nonresident status, age, and the game you plan to hunt. You can also choose annual, five-year, lifetime, and combination fishing and hunting licenses. 

Oklahoma also offers Free Hunting Days. This year, from September 7 – 8, hunters can enjoy time afield without paying for a hunting license. 

What Are the Bag Limits for the Oklahoma Hunting Seasons?

How many antelope, deer, or coyotes can you bring home this season? To comply with hunting regulations in Oklahoma, make sure you know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

For additional information and details about bag limits for these and other species, visit the Oklahoma DWC website. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

To purchase a hunting license in Oklahoma, you must pass a hunter safety course. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you are age 30 or younger, you can apply for an apprentice-designated license before taking a hunter safety course. 

You’ll also need the right gear! Depending on what and where you hunt in the state, you’ll need to bring the right essentials, including clothing, optics, odor control, spotting scopes, binoculars, and more. As a HuntWise user, you can save hundreds on gear from our app partners. 

Use HuntWise to Tag Out for the Oklahoma Hunting Seasons This Year

Ready to get out in the field? We hope the information in this guide helps you plan hunting dates to get out as often as you can this year. 

As you plan and gather your gear, make sure you’ve downloaded the HuntWise app. With this ultimate tool, you’ll have up-to-date information on hunting in Oklahoma, including state regulations and season and license information. 

You’ll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically to gain an advantage over other hunters this year and increase your chances of tagging out. With multiple map layers (including WMA Hunting Areas, WMA Food Plots, and Wetland Development Units for Oklahoma), you can thoroughly e-scout your hunt areas on a map before opening day. 

Download the app today and start your free trial! Enjoy free access to every feature for a week. You’ll be ready to hunt for opening day.