Whitetail deer have started rutting across Oklahoma so you should be extra wary of deer running across the road. Be especially careful at sunset and sunrise when they are most active.

Oklahoma Deer Hunter Brings Home The Bacon

This year, an Oklahoma Crossbow Hunter went out deer hunting and came home with a 760 pound hog! It took three crossbow bolts to kill the massive porker. This is likely to be the largest feral swine ever killed in Oklahoma. More details and a picture here:
Oklahoma Deer Hunter Kills Hogzilla/

The photo shows a picture of the hog and it looks to be a 'Barrow', which begs the question: how 'wild' was this hog?. Join in on the controversy after the jump.

New Hunting Areas in Love County

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission recently passed emergency rules for the Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Area in Love County in southern Oklahoma. The new WMA will be open during most hunting seasons except the deer muzzleloader and gun seasons. Deer gun hunts and muzzleloader deer hunts on Cross Timbers will be available next year by random drawing through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s controlled hunts program. Cross Timbers should offer great hunting for deer (archery), turkey, feral hogs and small game.

Hunters Helping The Hungry

Hunters Against Hunger is a program in which hunters who legally harvest a deer during any deer season can donate the meat to feed hungry Oklahomans. During the 2007-08 season, hunters donated over 30,000 pounds of venison, which provided thousands of meals to hungry Oklahomans. If you enjoy hunting, but hate skinning this is a great alternative.  http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/hah.htm

To donate, deliver your deer to the nearest participating meat processor after checking in your deer at a hunter check station.

Each year Oklahoma hunters donate thousands of pounds of venison to the Hunters Against Hunger program. If you want to become more involved and would like more information about the Hunters Against Hunger program, contact the Wildlife Department at (405) 522-6279. They always need more processors.

Finding Deer Hunting Spots Around Oklahoma

A good trick for finding places to deer hunt in Oklahoma is to look at maps of nearby wildlife management areas around big lakes and identify tracts that are close to water but far from roads, or that are virtually landlocked between private property and a lake or river. Those are generally the areas that get hunted the least of all our public lands. They are often visited more by duck hunters than by deer hunters. A small kayak or john boat might be your key to the secret deer hunting camp you and your buddies have been dreaming of.

The ODWC manages and maintains 64 areas through direct ownership by the ODWC and through license agreements with other agencies or entities. Named Wildlife Management Areas or WMAs, these areas provide valuable public access for hunting and various other uses.  http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/whereto.htm

While you are on the Wildlife Department website check into purchasing an Oklahoma Wildlife Management Area Atlas. It is an amazing resource for only $25.

Visit our Oklahoma Water page to learn about more local float trips on the lakes and rivers of Oklahoma.  The recent development of stable, easy to paddle recreational kayaks has opened up the sport to anyone looking for a way to get more out of life in Oklahoma. Explore the Mt. Fork River, The Illinois River, The Kiamichi River and The Blue River...all right here in Oklahoma!

Feral Hog Hunting

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa), which are wild swine from domestic ancestry, belong to the family Suidae. A hog-like animal, the javelina is native to the southwest U.S. However, the feral hog is a different species, genus and family from the javelina which belongs to the family Tayassuidae. Many hunters think the feral hog is a formidable trophy worthy of payment for hunting privileges. Feral hogs provide excellent meat and are a challenging game species to pursue with weapon or dog.

Oklahoma Hunting Regulations Pertaining to Hog Hunting

Deep Fork Wildlife Refuge -
Taken by FreeWine 10-10-2008

Who Needs Oklahoma Hunter Education Classes?

Class required for Hunters ages 10 to 35.

Class not required for Hunters age 36 or older, Military personnel who have been honorably discharged or currently on active duty and Members of the Oklahoma National Guard.

Forester Services & Trees Available for Oklahoma Landowners

Conservation seedling request forms are available to help landowners plant trees to build wind-breaks, reduce feed bills, protect livestock, improve air quality or provide food & cover for Oklahoma wildlife. You may place your order by phone at 1-800-517-3673 or online at: www.forestry.ok.gov, so give them a call today!

Arbor Week in Oklahoma is the last week in March.  http://www.arborday.org
This holiday focuses on the future, not the past.
What will you plant for the future?