By Valerie Clark
Oklahoma Hunting & Fishing Regulations
Oklahoma has a long and proud history of outdoor sports, and hunting and fishing are as popular as ever, with one in four state residents participating in fishing. The state's hunting and fishing regulations are designed so that everyone can continue to enjoy these pursuits for years to come by preserving the environment for the next generations. Fees paid to the state for permits and licenses go back into conserving the land for all to enjoy.
License Requirements
Residents of Oklahoma can obtain a five-year hunting or fishing license. Fees, as of August 2009, were $88 for each or $148 for a combo. A Social Security number and proof that you've been living in the state for at least six months is required. Applicants under 35 years old must earn a hunter education certification, or they will only qualify for an apprentice-designated license.
Oklahoma citizens may also apply for a lifetime license. Fees as of August 2009 were: hunting ($625), fishing ($225) or combo ($775) license. The same residency and Social Security requirements apply, and, in addition, a lifetime hunting or fishing license requires approval from the county game warden or authorized staff member. The state also requires a $5 annual fishing and hunting legacy permit, the proceeds of which will be used by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to buy land for public use.
Fishing Regulations
A fisherman may use up to seven fishing rods, unless prohibited by Special Area Regulations as designated by the state. It's against the law to fish on someone else's property without consent. A commercial license is required to sell or barter fish, frogs or turtles.
No more than three trotlines/throwlines may be used, and each fisherman may use only 100 hooks.
Bowfishing is allowed only for nongame fish, and crossbows are prohibited. Arrows may have no more than three points and no more than two barbs on each point.
Noodling, defined as catching nongame fish using only your hands, is allowed all year.
For a complete listing of regulations, see the Department of Wildlife Conservation's full listing of fishing regulations (see References).
Hunting Regulations
Oklahoma boasts a huge variety of game available for hunters, including antelope, bear, dove, deer, elk, feral hogs, quail, pheasant, turkey and waterfowl. For specific information on the dates of each game season, check with the state Department of Wildlife Conservation (see Additional Resources). As a rule, every turkey or deer carcass must pass through a hunter check station or by an authorized wildlife department staff member. See Additional Resources for a list of turkey and deer check stations and deer check stations.
Remote-controlled firearms are strictly prohibited.
Any hunters out during antelope, bear, deer or elk season are required to wear hunter orange on their hat and above the waist, totaling at least 400 square inches.
Dogs are allowed on the hunt of all game but bear, deer, elk, antelope and turkey.
Hunting from any type of motor vehicle is expressly prohibited.
A landowner's permission must be given before a hunter can enter private property.
See the Department of Wildlife Conservation for full listing of hunting regulations (see References).
Resources
About the Author:
Valerie Clark is the managing editor of Cascades East recreation and adventure magazine in Bend, Oregon, and previously worked as a newspaper reporter and copy editor in South Carolina and Mississippi. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2002 with a degree in print journalism.
Photo Credits:
Photo courtesy of www.sxc.hu/
