This year, the Wildlife Department is offering special family hunts for families on three Wildlife Management Areas. Applications are open for hunts at Okmulgee, Arbuckle Springs and Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Areas.
This is a project designed to provide more family hunting opportunities, initiated originally in 2023 after a survey of female hunters identified the need. The application is free and open through June 20.
Deer taken during this special hunt do not count toward your season’s bag limit. A family consists of one to two adults 21 and older, plus one to three children aged 10-17. The hunts are held throughout November and December.
What is it?
The Wildlife Department initiated a pilot project to assess the potential benefits of a family- focused controlled hunt. This pilot project was initiated after a survey of female hunters highlighted the need for more family-centered hunting opportunities.
The Wildlife Department will use this pilot study to assess if a family- focused controlled hunt will support the agency’s goal to recruit new female hunters and/or retain currently licensed female hunters. In Oklahoma, 38 percent of licensed female hunters don’t purchase a license the next year, which is higher than the national average.
These are not guided hunts.
Who can Apply
This hunt is not limited to women although it is intended to better serve that constitu-ency. A family consists of one to two adults 21 and older, plus one to three children aged 1017. Each applicant must have a valid hunting license to apply.
How to Apply
The application is free and is available June 3 through June 20, 2025. Visit GoOutdoorsOklahoma. com and select the ‘Controlled Hunts’ box and then sign in or create an account if you are a new user.
Licenses and Bag Limits
Each hunter has a bag limit of two deer, and only one of which may be antlered. If drawn, annual hunting license holders will be automatically charged for required licenses. These hunts are gun hunts only.
Locations and Dates Okmulgee Wildlife Management Area
Date: Nov. 1-2, 2025 Maximum hunters: 35 Bag limit: 2 deer (only 1 antlered) Food and lodging: A primitive camping area is located just inside Entrance #4 on the Public Hunting Area and Okmulgee State Park is located just one half mile east of the main entrance to the Game Management Area on highway 56.
Arbuckle Springs Wildlife Management Area Date: Nov. 22-23, 2025 Maximum hunters: 25 Bag limit: 2 deer (only 1 antlered) Food and lodging: A designated primitive camping area is available, while both lodging and restaurants are available in Tishomingo, Ada, and Atoka.
Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Area Date: Dec. 6-7, 2025 Maximum hunters: 40 Bag limit: 2 deer (only 1 antlered) Food and lodging: The WMA offers a primitive campground and is relatively close to food and lodging options either in Marietta or Ardmore.
