When Does Rifle Season Start in Oklahoma? (2023-2024) | The Hunting Hub
When Does Rifle Season Start in Oklahoma?
Rifle season is a time-honored tradition for many Oklahomans, and with good reason. The state is home to some of the best big game hunting in the country, and rifle season is the best time to bag a trophy buck. But when does rifle season start in Oklahoma?
The answer to that question depends on the species of animal you’re hunting. For white-tailed deer, rifle season typically begins in early November and runs through late January. For elk, rifle season typically begins in late September and runs through early November. And for pronghorn antelope, rifle season typically begins in late August and runs through early October.
Of course, these are just general guidelines. The specific dates of rifle season vary from year to year and from county to county. So be sure to check the regulations before you head out hunting.
But no matter when rifle season starts, one thing is for sure: it’s a time to get outdoors and enjoy the great outdoors of Oklahoma. So grab your rifle and your hunting gear, and get ready for some exciting action!
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| Species | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | November 1 | Antlered bucks only |
| Moose | October 1 | Antlered bulls only |
| Antelope | September 1 | Any sex |
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Rifle Season Dates
Rifle season in Oklahoma typically runs from late September to late January. However, specific dates vary depending on the game animal you are hunting.
General rifle season dates
The general rifle season for deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope runs from November 15 to January 31. The general rifle season for bear runs from October 1 to January 31. The general rifle season for coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions runs from January 1 to March 31.
Specific dates for each game animal
The following table lists the specific dates for each game animal during the general rifle season:
| Game Animal | Dates |
|————-|——|
| Deer | November 15 to January 31 |
| Elk | November 15 to January 31 |
| Pronghorn Antelope | November 15 to January 31 |
| Bear | October 1 to January 31 |
| Coyotes | January 1 to March 31 |
| Bobcats | January 1 to March 31 |
| Mountain Lions | January 1 to March 31 |
Early and late seasons
In addition to the general rifle season, there are also early and late seasons for some game animals.
The early rifle season for deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope runs from September 25 to October 14. The late rifle season for deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope runs from January 1 to March 31.
The early rifle season for bear runs from September 1 to October 31. The late rifle season for bear runs from January 1 to March 31.
The early rifle season for coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions runs from January 1 to March 31.
Special seasons
There are also a number of special rifle seasons for specific game animals.
The following table lists the special rifle seasons for each game animal:
| Game Animal | Dates |
|————-|——|
| White-tailed deer | Antlerless only, December 1 to January 31 |
| Mule deer | Antlerless only, December 1 to January 31 |
| Pronghorn antelope | Does only, December 1 to January 31 |
| Elk | Cows only, December 1 to January 31 |
| Bear | Cubs only, May 1 to June 30 |
| Coyotes | No bag limit, January 1 to March 31 |
| Bobcats | No bag limit, January 1 to March 31 |
| Mountain lions | No bag limit, January 1 to March 31 |
Rifle Season Regulations
In addition to the dates listed above, there are a number of other regulations that you must follow when hunting with a rifle in Oklahoma.
Weapons and ammunition allowed
You are only allowed to use rifles that are chambered for cartridges with a bullet diameter of .22 caliber or larger. You are also only allowed to use lead-free ammunition.
Bag limits and hunting methods
The bag limit for each game animal varies depending on the season. You can find the specific bag limits for each game animal in the Oklahoma hunting regulations.
You are only allowed to use certain hunting methods when hunting with a rifle. For example, you are not allowed to use night vision or thermal imaging devices.
Restrictions on hunting certain animals
You are not allowed to hunt certain animals with a rifle. For example, you are not allowed to hunt waterfowl or game birds with a rifle.
Safety requirements
You must wear a blaze orange or fluorescent orange hat and vest when hunting with a rifle. You must also be aware of the following safety rules:
- Never shoot at a moving target.
- Never shoot at a target that you cannot clearly identify.
- Never shoot over or across a road or trail.
- Never shoot near a building or occupied area.
- Always treat your firearm as if it is loaded, even if it is not.
Rifle season is a great time to get out in the woods and enjoy the great outdoors. By following the dates and regulations listed above, you can have a safe and successful hunting experience.
When Does Rifle Season Start In Oklahoma?
Rifle season in Oklahoma typically begins in late September and runs through late January. The exact dates vary depending on the species of game you are hunting. For example, the rifle season for white-tailed deer typically begins in late September and runs through mid-January, while the rifle season for elk typically begins in late October and runs through late December.
You can find the specific dates for rifle season in Oklahoma by visiting the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.
Rifle Season Preparation
In order to have a successful rifle season, it is important to be properly prepared. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for rifle season in Oklahoma:
- Scout for game animals. Before you head out into the field, it is important to do some scouting to find out where the game animals are. You can do this by looking for signs of game, such as tracks, scat, and rubs. You can also talk to other hunters and ask them where they have been seeing game.
- Choose the right equipment. The type of equipment you need for rifle season will depend on the type of game you are hunting. For example, if you are hunting white-tailed deer, you will need a rifle that is chambered for a .270 caliber or larger. You will also need a scope that is appropriate for the range at which you will be shooting.
- Practice your shooting skills. The best way to improve your shooting skills is to practice regularly. You can practice at a shooting range or in your backyard. When you are practicing, make sure to focus on accuracy and shot placement.
- Get in shape for hunting. Hunting can be physically demanding, so it is important to get in shape before you head out into the field. You can do this by hiking, running, and lifting weights.
Rifle Season Tips
Here are a few tips to help you have a successful rifle season in Oklahoma:
- Be safe. Hunting is a dangerous activity, so it is important to take precautions to stay safe. Always wear a hunter orange vest or hat when you are in the field. Be aware of your surroundings and never shoot at anything that you cannot identify.
- Track and harvest game animals. Once you have shot a game animal, it is important to track and harvest it quickly. This will help to ensure that the animal does not suffer. You can track a game animal by following its blood trail. If you are unable to track the animal, you can call a game warden for assistance.
- Field dress and care for your meat. Once you have harvested a game animal, it is important to field dress and care for the meat properly. This will help to ensure that the meat is safe to eat. You can field dress a game animal by removing the internal organs and draining the blood. You can care for the meat by wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it in a cool place.
- Preserve your hunting memories. Hunting can be a very rewarding experience, so it is important to preserve your hunting memories. You can do this by taking pictures of your kills, writing in a hunting journal, or sharing your stories with friends and family.
Rifle season in Oklahoma can be a challenging and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of having a successful season.
When does rifle season start in Oklahoma?
Rifle season for deer in Oklahoma begins on November 11th and ends on January 31st.
What are the different types of rifles that can be used during rifle season?
Any rifle that is legal to own in Oklahoma can be used during rifle season. However, there are some restrictions on the caliber of rifle that can be used for certain species of game. For example, only rifles with a caliber of .223 or larger can be used to hunt deer.
What are the bag limits for deer during rifle season?
The bag limit for deer during rifle season is two antlered deer per hunter.
What are the other hunting seasons for deer in Oklahoma?
In addition to rifle season, there are also archery season, muzzleloader season, and youth season for deer in Oklahoma.
Where can I find more information about hunting regulations in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website has a comprehensive list of hunting regulations. You can find it here: https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/regulations
rifle season in Oklahoma typically begins in late September and runs through early January. The specific dates vary by game species and hunting zone. Hunters must have a valid Oklahoma hunting license and be familiar with the state’s hunting regulations. It is important to be safe and ethical when hunting, and to respect the rights of other hunters. By following these tips, you can have a successful and enjoyable rifle season in Oklahoma.