Guide to the 2024 Oklahoma Deer Season

Dillon Smith

September 25, 2024

As a land agent in Oklahoma, I’ve seen firsthand how the state’s whitetail (and mule deer) attracts hunters from all over the country. With plenty of public lands, relatively low hunting pressure, and opportunities to bag trophy bucks, Oklahoma continues to stand out as a top hunting destination.

Whether you’re preparing for the archery season or the general rifle season, here’s a breakdown of the 2024 Oklahoma deer season, covering everything you need to know to plan your hunt!

Overview of the 2024 Oklahoma Deer Season

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) manages the deer hunting seasons, working hard to ensure sustainable wildlife populations while giving hunters excellent opportunities. Below are the key season dates and regulations you’ll want to keep in mind.

Archery Season: October 1 – January 15

Archery season in Oklahoma runs from October through mid-January, allowing hunters ample time to get out and bow hunt. Compound bows, recurve bows, and longbows are all permitted, provided they meet the minimum draw weights. Crossbows are also allowed, making it a great option for those who prefer a bit of technology.

The bag limit for archery is generous, allowing hunters to take up to six deer, but no more than two can be antlered.

Youth Gun Season: October 18 – 20

This special season is reserved for young hunters, giving them a less crowded environment to hone their skills. Youth hunters can take up to two deer, with only one being antlered, providing a fantastic opportunity for families to introduce hunting to the next generation.

Muzzleloader Season: October 26 – November 3

The muzzleloader season offers a chance for hunters to take to the field with traditional firearms. Rifles must be .40 caliber or larger, while shotguns must be 20 gauge or larger. Hunters are allowed to harvest four deer, with no more than one antlered.

General Gun Season: November 23 – December 8

Gun season is the busiest time in the Oklahoma deer hunting calendar. Hunters can use centerfire rifles firing at least 55-grain soft-nosed or hollow-point bullets. There’s no restriction on magazine capacity, and legally acquired suppressors are permitted. This is the prime time to bag a big buck!

Holiday Antlerless Gun Season: December 18 – 31

This special season is perfect for those looking to fill their freezer. The holiday antlerless gun season allows hunters to take two additional deer without counting them toward the combined season limit of six deer.

Hunting Zones in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s hunting lands are divided into different zones, and some areas have unique regulations and licensing requirements. For example, residents hunting on Honobia Creek WMA, Three Rivers WMA, and Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP) areas must acquire a land access permit. Always check the latest regulations before heading out to hunt as rules can change from year to year.

Licensing and Permits

Every hunter in Oklahoma must have a valid hunting license. There are multiple license options depending on your situation, including annual resident, non-resident, military, and senior citizen lifetime licenses. Make sure to review the options on the Oklahoma state website to find the right fit for your needs.

If you’re 30 years old or younger, you’ll also need to complete a state-approved hunter education course and carry a hunter education card. This helps ensure safety in the field for all hunters.

Hunting Land (Public and Private)

Oklahoma offers nearly 1.7 million acres of public hunting land, providing hunters with a wide range of environments, from dense forests to open prairies. Popular public hunting locations include the Three Rivers WMA, known for its mix of pine and hardwood forests, and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, where hunters can enjoy the rugged beauty of the granite mountains while pursuing game. If you’re interested in private land hunting, you’ll need to secure landowner permission or purchase your own private hunting land.

Final Thoughts

Oklahoma’s deer season offers a variety of opportunities for hunters of all ages and experience levels. With long seasons, generous bag limits, and access to both public and private land, it’s easy to see why hunters return year after year. Whether you’re planning to hunt on Oklahoma’s public lands or scouting private land, preparation and respect for the land and its regulations will set you up for success in the 2024 season.

Get your license, check your gear, and make sure you’re ready for one of the most exciting hunting seasons in the country. If you’ve got questions about the upcoming 2024 hunting season, get in touch with me at DillonS@NationalLand.com or reach out to your local Land Professional!

Good luck, and happy hunting!

About the Author
Dillon Smith, a fifth-generation farmer from Kingfisher, Oklahoma is an expert in rural land real estate, specializing in farms, ranches, and hunting properties across Northwest and Central Oklahoma. As an experienced Oklahoma real estate agent, Dillon combines a deep understanding of land for sale in Oklahoma with a passion for wildlife and the outdoors. Raised on his family’s farm in Kingfisher County, Dillon learned the importance of hard work and stewardship while operating farm equipment out in the fields and working with livestock. After earning his degree from the University of Oklahoma, Dillon transitioned into the land industry as the Director of Marketing for a local land brokerage. There he used his skills to create effective marketing strategies and helped facilitate the purchase and sale of farmland, rural properties, and vacant land throughout western and central Oklahoma. Whether you’re looking for hunting land for sale or large acreages for agricultural use, Dillon's knowledge and network ensure that he can help his clients throughout the entire buying and selling process. His support doesn’t stop at the closing documents, as Dillon can also assist in setting up utilities on raw undeveloped land. Having lived in Oklahoma his whole life, Dillon is well-versed in the counties of Kingfisher, Logan, Blaine, Canadian, and Garfield and is dedicated to helping his clients find the right land for sale in Oklahoma that suits their needs. He is also an FAA-certified drone pilot and showcases his clients’ properties from high in the sky using Land Tour 360®. An active member of his community, Dillon frequently attends the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kingfisher and also supports the Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce. He also participates in local conservation efforts through his local chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Dillon’s passion for hunting whitetail, turkey, and other game birds keeps him busy and connected to the land outside of real estate. In his free time, Dillon can be found hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He and his dog, Aubrey, are based out of Kingfisher, OK.

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