Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) funds numerous research projects across the state, from ...

If you witness a violation, call your game warden or contact Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 522-8039. If you can’t reach your local game warden and have an emergency or see someone committing a ...

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are grayish-black above with a light-colored belly. Young alligators tend to be more colorful with highlights of yellow and white. Their bodies are ...

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) is mandated to manage, protect, and perpetuate Oklahoma’s wildlife. ODWC issues permits to landowners, lessees or their designated agents to ...

Free Fishing Days June 6-7, 2026 Anyone may fish in Oklahoma on these days without a state license (a free paddlefish permit is still required). * Some city permits may still be required.

ODWC manages and operates numerous areas across the state for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation purposes. The primary objective on all lands owned or managed by the Department is the sound ...

Who Pays for Wildlife in Oklahoma? The agency receives no general tax revenues. For more information check out the Department's 2023 Annual Report. Sources of Income The Department has an annual ...

We know that fishing in Oklahoma can be good nearly all year round, but the peak time for most species and anglers is March to June, which is when we require reports to be submitted. If there is a ...

The mountain lion can be identified by several distinguishing characteristics. Its tail is more than half the length of the body, it has black tips on the tail and ears, and is primarily tan in color.

The state’s Close to Home Fishing Program was designed as a partnership between the Wildlife Department and municipalities across Oklahoma to provide urban angling opportunities.

Redear sunfish are found statewide. The redear sunfish has a red outer margin on the opercular (ear) flap. Bluegill, redear, and green sunfish are without a doubt the most common fish in Oklahoma.

An Oklahoma resident or nonresident fishing license is required of all persons 18 or older who take, attempt to take, or possess fish or other aquatic dwelling organisms by any method in Oklahoma.