The Sooner States Rich Hunting Grounds

Justin Hunold

05/31/2024

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Hunting in Oklahoma

Hunting in Oklahoma offers an experience that seamlessly blends the wild beauty of the American heartland with an abundance of game species. While whitetail deer hunting remains the star attraction, the state’s diverse habitats also provide opportunities for black bears, pronghorn, elk, turkey, sandhill cranes, ducks, and feral hogs. Oklahoma’s varied landscape—from rolling prairies and dense forests to expansive wetlands—creates a hunter’s paradise, rich in challenge and reward.

Whitetail Deer: The Crown Jewel

Oklahoma’s whitetail deer hunting is revered for good reason. With a healthy population and generous seasons, hunters can pursue these elusive creatures in numerous environments. The prime time for whitetail is during the rut, typically in late November. Whether you prefer spot-and-stalk techniques in the western prairies or setting up a treestand in the eastern woodlands, Oklahoma offers it all.

Black Bear: A Growing Population in Rugged Terrain

Found primarily in the southeastern regions, Oklahoma’s black bear population has been steadily growing. Areas such as the Ouachita National Forest and the surrounding regions provide the dense forests and rugged terrain that black bears favor. Hunting black bears in Oklahoma is not for the faint-hearted; it requires navigating thick underbrush, steep hills, and often unpredictable weather. Patience and persistence are critical, as is familiarity with bear behavior and habitat. Success in this challenging hunt brings the reward of a bear and a profound respect for the wild environments they inhabit.

Pronghorn: The Speed Demons of the Plains

The open plains of the Oklahoma panhandle are prime pronghorn country. Known for their incredible speed and sharp eyesight, pronghorns offer a challenging hunt that tests patience and precision. These animals can spot movement from great distances, requiring hunters to employ careful stalking techniques and often cover long distances on foot. The wide-open landscapes of Cimarron and Texas counties provide the perfect backdrop for pursuing these majestic animals. Pronghorn hunting in Oklahoma tests a hunter’s skills, patience, and endurance, but the reward of harvesting one of these magnificent creatures is well worth the effort.

Elk: Majestic Giants in the Sooner State

Elk have been reintroduced in several regions of Oklahoma, notably in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and the Cookson Hills. These majestic animals roam the rolling hills and dense forests, providing hunters a memorable and challenging pursuit. Elk hunting in Oklahoma often involves long hikes, glassing from high vantage points, and using elk calls to bring bulls into range. The state’s elk population, while not as large as those in the Rocky Mountain states, offers a unique and rewarding hunting experience for those willing to put in the effort. The thrill of hearing a bugling bull at dawn is an experience that stays with hunters long after the season ends.

Turkey: Gobblers in the Heartland

Oklahoma is home to Eastern and Rio Grande turkeys, making it a premier destination for turkey hunters. The spring gobbler season is particularly popular, offering hunters the thrill of calling in these wary birds. The state’s diverse habitats, from the eastern woodlands to the western plains, provide excellent opportunities for turkey hunting. Successful turkey hunting in Oklahoma often involves pre-dawn setups, expert calling, and a good understanding of turkey behavior. The reward of a hard-earned gobbler is a highlight of any hunter’s season, and Oklahoma’s turkeys are known for their size and quality.

Sandhill Cranes: The “Ribeye of the Sky”

Known as the “ribeye of the sky” for their excellent meat, sandhill cranes migrate through Oklahoma, providing a unique hunting opportunity in the wetlands and agricultural fields. These large, wary birds offer a challenging hunt, requiring stealth and precision. The best hunting for sandhill cranes occurs in the northwestern part of the state, where they congregate during their migration. Decoys and calls are essential tools for a successful hunt, and the reward of a sandhill crane is not only in the thrill of the chase but also in the quality of the table fare they provide.

Ducks: A Waterfowler’s Dream

Oklahoma’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands attract a variety of duck species, making it a waterfowler’s dream during the fall and winter months. The state’s central location along the Central Flyway means hunters can expect to see a wide range of duck species, from mallards and pintails to teal and wigeons. The diverse habitats, from the expansive wetlands of the Red Slough to the numerous reservoirs and rivers, provide excellent duck hunting opportunities. Early mornings in the duck blind, with the sound of wings overhead and the sight of ducks cupping into decoys, are the hallmarks of Oklahoma’s waterfowl season.

Feral Hogs: Year-Round Challenge

Present statewide, feral hogs can be hunted year-round in Oklahoma. These invasive animals offer an exciting hunt and help manage their destructive populations. Feral hogs are known for their intelligence and toughness, making them a challenging quarry. They can be found in various habitats, from agricultural fields to dense forests. Hunting methods vary, from spot-and-stalk and still hunting to nighttime hunting with thermal optics. The opportunity to hunt feral hogs year-round allows hunters to hone their skills and enjoy the outdoors in any season.

Regional Breakdown

Eastern Oklahoma: Known for its dense forests and rich wildlife, this area is prime for whitetail, turkey, and black bear.

Western Oklahoma: The rolling prairies and open landscapes are perfect for pronghorn and mule deer.

Southeastern Oklahoma: Home to black bears and a growing elk population, offering a rugged and rewarding hunting experience.

Panhandle: The wide-open spaces are ideal for pronghorn and sandhill crane hunting.

Central Oklahoma: A mix of woodlands and agricultural fields provides excellent whitetail and turkey hunting.

Leveraging Infinite Outdoors for Access

One of the most significant challenges in modern hunting is gaining access to quality hunting land. Infinite Outdoors USA offers a solution by connecting hunters with private landowners who are willing to grant access. Using the app, hunters can:

• Browse Available Land: Search by species, location, and date to find the perfect spot for your hunt.
• Book Access: Securely book access to private lands, ensuring a hassle-free hunting experience.
• Scout Virtually: Utilize maps and land details provided by landowners to plan your hunt effectively.

Infinite Outdoors makes exploring Oklahoma’s diverse hunting opportunities easier than ever, without the usual barriers of permission and crowding of public land.

Gear For The Sooner State

Hunting Gear for the mixed bag in Oklahoma is pretty general; your typical deer rifle will handle any big game species if you put the bullet where it needs to go. With that, if you can go with a cartridge like a 6.5 PRC 7mm Remington Magnum or 7mm PRC, you can be sure to handle anything that these animals might throw at you. These calibers shine with the long shots you may encounter on a pronghorn hunt but will also readily take down an elk. All the other big games fall between them.

A 12-gauge shotgun will handle the ducks, turkeys, doves, and sandhill cranes in Oklahoma. Just make sure you’re using the proper choke and shot combination. Don’t try to shoot ducks with a super full turkey choke, and don't chase those gobblers with a modified choke and steel shot. It’s as simple as that.

One unique piece of gear you may want is snake boots or chaps. Oklahoma has just enough snakes to make snakeboots, gaters, or snake chaps a good idea. You may also want to hunt in brush pants, like a good upland or small game pants. There are lots of plants and brush that try to stab you in the Sooner state. Protect yourself

Final Shot

Oklahoma is a hidden gem in the hunting world, offering a rich tapestry of game species and hunting environments. Whether you’re chasing whitetail deer through the hardwoods, stalking pronghorn across the plains, or setting up for ducks in the wetlands, the state’s diverse landscapes promise adventure and reward. Equip yourself with the right gear, leverage tools like Infinite Outdoors, and embrace the wild beauty of Oklahoma for an unforgettable hunting exp