Oklahoma Deer Season 2023-2024 promises an exhilarating adventure for hunters across the state, with opportunities spanning Archery to Holiday Antlerless. Deer hunting is a popular tradition across the great state of Oklahoma. The 2023-2024 seasons offer ample opportunities for hunters to pursue whitetails and mule deer under excellent regulations and management. This in-depth guide provides key details on everything you need to know about the upcoming Oklahoma deer hunt.
Oklahoma Deer Hunting Season Dates
- Archery Season: October 1, 2023 – January 15, 2024
- Youth Gun Season: October 20-22, 2023
- Muzzleloader Season: October 28 – November 5, 2023
- Gun Season: November 18 – December 3, 2023
- Holiday Antlerless Season: December 18-31, 2023
Elk Season Dates
- Archery: October 1, 2023 – January 15, 2024
- Youth Gun: October 20-22, 2023
- Muzzleloader: October 28 – November 5, 2023
- Gun: November 18 – December 3, 2023
- Holiday Antlerless Gun: December 18-31, 2023
Antelope Season Dates
- Archery: October 1, 2023 – October 14, 2023
- Gun (either sex, draw only): August 31, 2023 – September 3, 2023
- Gun (doe only, draw only): September 4, 2023 – September 13, 2023
- Gun (doe only, landowner draw): November 25, 2023 – January 15, 2024
Oklahoma Deer Bag Limits
Oklahoma enforces bag limits to help maintain healthy deer numbers in each region. Here are the statewide deer bag limits for 2023-2024:
| Season | Total Limit | Antlered Buck Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Season | 6 deer | 2 antlered bucks | Max of 6 deer, 2 antlered bucks |
| Youth Gun | 2 deer | 1 antlered buck | Max of 2 deer, 1 antlered buck |
| Muzzleloader | 4 deer | 1 antlered buck | Max of 4 deer, 1 antlered buck |
| Gun Season | 4 deer | 1 antlered buck | Max of 4 deer, 1 antlered buck |
| Holiday Antlerless | 2 deer | 0 | Max of 2 antlerless deer |
Antlerless and antlered bag limits can vary in certain zones. Carefully check regulations for your hunting area.
Oklahoma Deer Hunting Licenses
All deer hunters in Oklahoma need the proper licenses and tags. Here are the requirements:
- Appropriate hunting license (annual, 5-day, youth, etc.)
- Deer license for method of take (archery, muzzleloader, gun)
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit
- Hunter education certification for youth hunters
It is necessary to obtain licenses on a yearly basis. Costs range from $7 for resident youth to $300 for non-resident firearm deer. Lifetime license options are also available.
Oklahoma Deer Hunting Regulations
In addition to licenses and seasons, Oklahoma deer hunters must follow key regulations:
- Hunter orange required during firearms seasons
- Legal methods of take for each season (archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, etc.)
- Tagging and checking deer within 24 hours is mandatory
- Antler restrictions apply in certain zones
- Baiting regulations must be followed
- Limits on field dressing, transporting, and processing
- Safety zones around buildings and dwellings
Always consult the official Oklahoma Hunting Regulations guide for full details. Violating rules can result in fines, revocation of licenses, and even jail time.
Where to Hunt Deer in Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers vast public land options for deer hunting:
- Wildlife Management Areas: Over 1 million acres of public WMAs with excellent deer habitat and controlled hunts.
- National Forests: Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests offer additional public land access.
- Public Land Access Program: Walk-in hunting access on private lands leased by the ODWC.
- Tribal Lands: Opportunities through land leases and guided hunts.
Oklahoma also has abundant private land hunting through leases, guides, and access programs. Public lands require proper permits and regulations.
Tips for Oklahoma Deer Hunting Success
Follow these tips to have your best deer season:
- Scout areas preseason and pattern deer movement.
- Use top quality gear and practice regularly with your equipment.
- Be patient and hunt food sources and trails during peak activity.
- Properly field dress, transport, and process harvested deer.
- Follow ethical practices and take only safe, sure shot opportunities.
- Share the harvest and venison with friends and family!
What’s New for 2023-2024?
Oklahoma has implemented exciting changes recently:
- Extended holiday antlerless season through December 31.
- Increased antlerless bag limits in many zones.
- Youth deer seasons now include fall turkey hunting.
- Added controlled antlerless deer hunts on certain public lands.
- Special landowner vouchers for surplus antlerless deer.
Frequently Asked Question
Here are some FAQs related to the 2023-2024 Oklahoma deer hunting season:
Q: What are the dates for Oklahoma's deer hunting seasons in 2023-2024?
A: Oklahoma hunters have several deer hunting possibilities in 2023–2024. Archery season runs from October 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024, giving bowhunters more time to catch deer. October 20-22, 2023 is youth gun season, especially for young hunters. From October 28 to November 5, 2023, muzzleloader season offers a unique and hard hunting experience. From November 18 to December 3, 2023, gun season is a highlight for hunters. The Holiday Antlerless Season runs from December 18–31, 2023, allowing more deer shooting over the holidays.
Q: How many deer can I harvest in Oklahoma in 2023-2024?
A: Oklahoma has a total combined limit of 6 deer, no more than 2 of which can be antlered bucks. The limit is 2 deer for youth gun, 4 deer for muzzleloader and gun seasons, and 2 antlerless only in the holiday antlerless season. Some zones have more restrictive antlerless limits.
Q: What licenses do I need to deer hunt in Oklahoma in 2023-2024?
A: You will need a hunting license, a deer license for the appropriate season (archery, muzzleloader, gun), a HIP permit, and hunter education certification if required. Deer licenses must match the type of hunting you are doing.
Q: Are there any regulation changes for the 2023-2024 Oklahoma deer hunting seasons?
A: New for 2023-2024 is an extended holiday antlerless season through Dec. 31, increased antlerless bag limits in many zones, youth seasons expanded to allow fall turkey hunting, and special controlled hunts on public lands.
Q: What is the minimum age for deer hunting in Oklahoma?
A: The minimum age is 10 years old to deer hunt with firearms during youth seasons. For the regular firearm seasons the minimum age is 16 years old.
Q: How long are the deer hunting seasons in Oklahoma?
A: Archery season runs October 1 – January 15. Youth gun is a 3 day season. Muzzleloader is 9 days. Regular gun season is 16 days. And the holiday antlerless season is 14 days long. Season lengths can vary in certain public land units.
Seasons & Rules source: Oklahoma wildlife department
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