Oklahoma residents can hunt free Saturday, Sunday September 5-6!
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) says the Free Hunting Days weekend allows any Oklahoma resident to go afield without the normally required standard hunting license. Oklahoma’s game wardens will not enforce the requirements for standard hunting licenses and permits for state residents on those days. Dove and squirrel seasons are open.
“Don’t pass up this chance to take someone new during Free Hunting Days. It’s a great time to take a kid hunting, and it’s also a great time to introduce adults to our sporting heritage as well,” said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for ODWC. “Dove and squirrel seasons are open that weekend, and they are plentiful around the state. These hunting seasons give sportsmen lots of action during early September.”
THE ODWC says dove can be found from one corner of the state to the next, and hunters do not typically have to travel far to find dove. Recently harvested grain fields and cattle watering ponds on private lands can be excellent places to hunt dove, and they can often be found only a few miles outside city limits. Additionally, excellent hunting can be found on some of the areas managed by the ODWC. Many WMAs have areas that are specifically for dove hunting.
To find out more about these areas, check out “Where to Hunt.” In addition to detailed maps, sportsmen can find additional information such as camping locations and contact information for local biologists.
While a hunting license is not required for Oklahoma residents during Free Hunting Days, all other regulations remain in effect. Wardens will be on duty as usual to ensure compliance with bag limits, shooting hours, shotgun plugs, hunter education requirements, and other rules.
For complete dove and squirrel hunting regulations, consult the 2015-16 “Oklahoma Hunting” guide or in print at hundreds of vendors statewide where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.