Oklahoma’s Statewide Free Hunting Weekend Is Here: Here’s What To Expect

Don't be surprised if your friends and family can't make it for the barbecue this weekend. There's only one time of the year that anyone and everyone can enjoy the fun of hunting without a license and it's happening this week.

Starting Saturday, September 6, every person in Oklahoma will have the chance to go hunting and not have to pay for a state license. The free hunting weekend lasts until the end of the day Sunday, September 7.

Although you may not need a license, there are still regulations that you have to abide by during the weekend event. Don't lose out on an opportunity like this by not being aware.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) lists new regulations hunters must know for free hunting weekend.

Usually, common sense can go a long way when it comes to knowing how to safely hunt in Oklahoma without breaking any regulations.

Obviously, you should know not to hunt on private property without having permission from the owners or hunt out of season game with improper weapons.

However, there are a few new regulations that the ODWC recently shared on their website, including:

• A restriction of types of waterfowl bliinds to be used.
• Important notice for hunters intending on hunting on public areas during the hunting season
• An added exemption to the importation of elk, deer and other animals.

For the full list of new regulations (it's not that long), click here.

If you don't know how to hunt, here's where to start.

In a case like this, where anyone can go out hunting without a license, some folks might want to take up the hobby for the first time. It's also perfect for those who may not hunt enough to need to pay the fees for a license.

In Oklahoma, licenses for various game range from $42 to $118.But, while you may not need a license, but experience is definitely preferred.

If you're not sure what you're doing or how to get started, there are both online and in person hunter education classes constantly happening around the state that take no time to sign up.

Hunter education classes could help you prepare for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like the Elk hunt.

While it's nice to enjoy the free opportunities, like the free hunting weekend, hunters do need a license to chase the big bucks - literally.

Recently, the applications just opened up for the upcoming 2025 City of Lawton Elk Hunt.

The applications do close soon, on September 12, and the winners will be drawn on Wednesday, September 17.

For more information about the Elk hunt and how to apply, click here.

Happy hunting, Oklahoma! May the odds be ever in your favor, as they say.