The Oklahoma archery season offers hunters options for big and small game. From deer to antelope, bear, and small game, hunters have an excellent variety available in the woods of the “Sooner State.” Oklahoma has an outstanding conservation program.
Oklahoma (OK) Archery Season, 2022-2023
The whitetail deer population grew from 500,000 to over 32 million from 1900 to today. Wild turkeys blew up from 100,000 to 7 Million in the same period. Oklahoma provides hunters with several options for hunting lands. The Department of Wildlife Conservation operates and manages over 1.6 million acres of public land.
When does Archery Season Start in OK?
Oklahoma Deer Seasons
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Archery October 1-January 15
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Youth Hunt October 14-16
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Holiday Antlerless December 18-31
*Antlerless and antlered harvest days vary by region.
Oklahoma Elk Seasons
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Archery October 1-January 15
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Youth Season October 14-16
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Holiday Antlerless December 18-31
Oklahoma Bear Seasons
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Archery October 1-16*
*Bear season closes earlier than the suggested date if the harvest quota is exceeded.
Oklahoma Antelope Seasons
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Archery October 1-14
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Either sex September 1-4
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Doe only, controlled hunt September 5-14
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Doe only, landowner November 26-January 15
Oklahoma Wild Turkey Seasons
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Fall 2022 Archery October 1-January 15
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Spring Youth Hunt April 8-9
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Spring General Season April 16-May 16
Oklahoma Small Game Seasons
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Quail November 12-February 15
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Pheasant December 1-January 31
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Dove September 1-October 31, and December 1-29
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Squirrel May 15-January 31
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Rabbit October 1-March 15
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Bobcat, Badger December 1-February 28
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Gray Fox, Red Fox December 1-February 28
Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animal.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Oklahoma?
Legal shooting hours are 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in OK
Hunters can use the online check-in system to report their harvest. Visit the Oklahoma Department of Fish and Wildlife website for more details.
Oklahoma Residents
An Oklahoma resident has lived in the state for at least six months. All residents aged 12 or older must have a hunting license.
Non-Residents
Non-residents aged 12 or older must have a hunting license.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Oklahoma residents and non-residents need a hunter education certificate to hunt. Residents and non-residents aged 12 to 17 may purchase a reduced-fee Youth License.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Oklahoma residents aged 65 or older can buy the reduced-fee Senior Hunting License or Senior Combination Angler and Hunter Licenses. They must be residents of the state for a minimum of five years. Oklahoma residents aged 65 or older who have been residents of Oklahoma for a minimum of 50 years are eligible for a reduced-fee Pioneer Combination License.
Disability Licenses
Disabled Oklahoma residents are eligible for a free lifetime Permanent Disability Fishing/Hunting Combination License. Hunters must purchase a hunting license and game tags.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Oklahoma can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel that is Oklahoma residents but stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave. Disabled resident veterans may be eligible for the Permanent DAV Hunting and Fishing License.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy an Oklahoma Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid through December 31 of each year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
