Oklahoma’s Popular Deer and Elk Hunting Season On The Way

The early mornings and late evenings here in Oklahoma are about to get a little more busy and a little more noisy. Deer season is just about here, one of Oklahoma's most popular hobby sports. If this season is new to you, here's some helpful information that'll keep you and yours safe and aware of what's going on this fall.

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What to Expect

Starting October 1st, hunters all across Oklahoma are going to be out and about, decked out in camo and orange vests (if they're dressed properly). Don't ask any questions if they smell a little funny (trust me, you don't want to know). Oklahoma separates the hunting season into different categories for the fall and winter:

• Deer & Elk Archery - October 1, 2024 - January 15, 2025
• Youth Deer & Elk Gun - October 18, 2024 - October 20, 2024
• Deer & Elk Muzzleloader - October 26, 2024 - November 3, 2024
• Deer & Elk Gun - November 23, 2024 -  December 8, 2024
• Holiday Antlerless Deer & Elk Gun - December 18, 2024 - December 31, 2024

Don't worry, it's not like you're going to see rifles slung around everyone's shoulders. In fact, deet hunters are usually up and out hunting well before most people are awake and getting ready for the day, usually wrapping up a morning hunt by 9am or 10am.

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It is important to remember that, if you live near any public land that is used for hunting, it wouldn't be wise to be out and about in that area during hunting season. Although safe shooting practice requires hunters to know what they're shooting before they pull the trigger, we know that not everyone is always safe with their gun handling experience.

You should also prepare for some very slow drivers. Sometimes hunters shoot their deer, but it runs off and passes in another location. Hunters may be looking out for their kill or looking for a specific area they'd like to hunt.

How to hunt deer (legally) in Oklahoma

Some things to keep in mind if this is your first time hunting deer or Elk in Oklahoma:

• Oklahoma has a six kill limit (no more than 2 can be antlered); this is why it's so important to pick the buck you really like when hunting - you don't get them all. According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, "deer taken during controlled hunts or during the holiday antlerless deer gun season do not count toward the combined season limit."
• As one of my coworkers put it, "elk hunting is like the 'Good ol boys club' here in Oklahoma." With deer, you don't draw for a tag the way you do elk.
• Thermal hunting is a no-go for hunting with deer, but can be used for other animals like hogs and coyotes.
• Make sure you have your hunting license before you set out to hunt. Keep in mind that those hunting with air-powered arrow rifle must have a one-time Arrow Rifle Permit.
• You cannot hunt deer with dogs in Oklahoma.

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More regulations and specific details about each hunting season category can be found here.

Where To Get A Hunting License?

There are resident and non-resident licenses you can purchase through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. As of July of this year, 50 licenses for hunting, fishing and more have been consolidated into 15. For the complete list of licenses and cost, check out the website here.

Don't forget to save some deer jerky for us! Happy hunting, Oklahoma.

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