Commissioners approve changes to Oklahoma's migratory bird and deer hunting seasons

In a meeting filled with anticipation and strategic planning, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) Commission convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss vital changes to the migratory bird hunting season and deer harvest regulations. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of responsibility as commissioners and biologists gathered to ensure the sustainability of wildlife resources while catering to the interests of hunters across the state.

The session began with a focus on migratory bird hunting, led by Paxton Smith, the agency's wetland biologist. He outlined the adjustments for the upcoming season, which are guided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's adaptive harvest management model. This model considers population status and habitat conditions to set a federal framework for state hunting seasons. Notably, Oklahoma will maintain a liberal package with a six-bird bag limit, allowing for a robust hunting experience.

Among the key changes discussed, the Woodcock season will now start one week later, a decision influenced by feedback from constituents and game wardens. This adjustment aims to align the season with quail hunting, providing more opportunities for hunters in the field. Conversely, the September teal season will see a reduction from 16 days to 9 days due to a slight dip in the breeding population of blue-winged teal, which was recorded at 4.6 million—just below the threshold for a longer season.

In a move welcomed by many, the waterfowl split was shifted to allow the season to remain open during the Thanksgiving holiday, a change that garnered significant positive feedback from the community. Additionally, the pintail limit will increase from one to three birds, reflecting a nationwide interim harvest strategy aimed at better managing this species.

Transitioning to deer hunting, the commission turned its attention to the antlerless deer harvest. Dallas Barber, the big game biologist, reported promising news: the current deer harvest stands at approximately 126,000, with expectations for this number to rise as tribal data comes in. The focus for the upcoming season will remain on maintaining existing structures and bag limits, with adjustments made primarily for calendar alignment.

Barber highlighted that nearly half of the deer harvested this year were antlerless, with 70 out of 77 counties meeting the recommended harvest rates. However, some counties in northwestern Oklahoma struggled to reach these targets, primarily due to lower deer densities.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners expressed their gratitude for the collaborative efforts in wildlife management, emphasizing the importance of balancing hunting opportunities with conservation goals. The decisions made during this meeting will shape the hunting landscape in Oklahoma, ensuring that both wildlife populations and hunting traditions continue to thrive.