The most highly anticipated day of the year for thousands of Oklahoma hunters arrives this Saturday, Nov. 18, as the state’s deer gun hunting season officially begins a half-hour before sunrise.

For many sportsmen and sportswomen, this will be the best time to put venison in the freezer and maybe hang a trophy on the wall. Deer gun season will run 16 days, through Sunday, Dec. 3.

This year’s Rut Report indicates plenty of hunter success is likely, as plenty of deer movement is being reported in all regions of the state. See all the latest reports from the field listed below by region.

Big Game Biologist Dallas Barber with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, is reminding deer hunters that harvesting antlerless deer remains an important part of the state’s deer herd management strategy.

“Antlerless deer harvest is even more important when populations are growing,” Barber said.

To encourage a greater harvest of does, the Department allows each hunter to take as many as eight antlerless deer combined over the various hunting seasons, and has increased open dates for antlerless deer harvest. Hunters who applied for this year’s controlled hunts may take even more antlerless deer, as controlled hunt deer harvests do not count toward a hunter’s overall season limit. ODWC continues to promote the “Hunters in the Know … Take a Doe!” public awareness campaign.

Barber praised hunters for their voluntary participation in the past, which has helped with overall herd health across the state. Every time a hunter takes a shot, he or she has made a decision about deer herd management. And with about 95 percent of Oklahoma’s land under private ownership, hunter participation is critical to effectively manage deer statewide.

To help deer hunters plan their opening-day outings in the forest or field, here are the most recent regional reports from Wildlife Department field personnel.

Northeast Region

Reported by Brent

Morgan, Wildlife Biologist

– Current Buck Rutting Activity: The buck activity has really started ramping up with lots of rutting, scraping, chasing, and cruising. Bucks have been seen throughout the day cruising looking for a doe. Bucks are also being seen locked down with a doe.

– Habitat Conditions: Habitat conditions are good. Good for growth throughout the summer. Acorn production is all over the map, with some areas seeing decent mast and others almost nonexistent. Cover is good. Summer burns and timely rains have made habitat conditions ideal.

– Hunter and Landowner Reports: Lots of buck movement day and night. Big bucks on the move. Bucks being seen cruising in the daytime, chasing, and locked down with does. Slow in the heat, but cool fronts have activity picking up. Scraping activity slowing down with the chase picking up.

– Public Land Best Bets: Cherokee and Camp Gruber are both very popular WMAs for gun season, but be aware that they are restricted to the take of antlered deer only. Oologah WMA also has a high number of deer hunters, but check the regulations for any special restrictions.

– Advice for Deer Hunters: Scout, hunt mid-day, and do what the other hunters aren’t doing. Hunting water may be a good bet with the dry conditions in the region. Key in on food sources like acorns. Pack a lunch and stay in the woods as long as possible. Pay attention to the wind forecast and know how your local topography is going to alter that.

– Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Getting out in the field late, not double-checking equipment, not using the wind right, and relocating too early. Walking into your spot through where deer should bed or travel could diminish your chance at success.

– Opening Morning Expectations: Opening day should have lots of hunters afield, especially on popular WMAs. Cool mornings and evenings should have the deer up and moving. With the rut being on the tail end, bucks can still be seen cruising looking for does. Rain is in the forecast, so pack some rain gear.