Oklahoma Duck Hunting – A Comprehensive Guide
Waterfowl at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
Nestled in the southern reaches of the Central Flyway, thousands of migratory waterfowl pass through the state of Oklahoma each year, seeking refuge in its diverse wetlands, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. This makes the state of Oklahoma one of the most attractive destinations for both novice and seasoned hunters seeking an exciting and active hunting experience in central United States.
To help waterfowlers increase their chances of success, this comprehensive Oklahoma duck hunting guide will delve into the details of duck hunting across the state, including the specific hunting seasons for 2024/25, the bag and possession limits, and the best public lands for hunting across different regions of the state.
Additionally, readers will find insights into the state's hunting regulations and some practical tips to enhance their overall duck hunting experience. But before exploring any of the above, let’s first take a look at the variety of duck and waterfowl species that can be found across the vast lands of Oklahoma.
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Duck Species found in Oklahoma
Thanks to diverse water bodies and wetlands across the state of Oklahoma, waterfowl hunters can expect to come across a wide variety of duck species. Some of the most commonly hunted species in the state include:
Mallard: The most popular species among waterfowl hunters, mallards are abundant throughout Oklahoma.
Northern Pintail: Known for its long tail feathers, this elegant species can be found in large numbers during migration (usually at the beginning of the hunting season).
Gadwall: A common species that thrives in Oklahoma’s wetlands and shallow waters year-round.
Teal (Green-winged and Blue-winged): These small, fast-flying ducks are usually the first to arrive during early migration and are found in many of the state’s wetlands - particularly in shallow ponds, marshes, and flooded fields.
Northern Shoveler: Recognizable by its distinctive spoon-shaped bill, this duck species is often seen across Oklahoma’s many marshes and ponds.
Other duck species that hunters may also come across when duck hunting in Oklahoma include Wood Ducks Redheads, Scaup, and Canvasbacks. In addition to ducks, hunters may also encounter other waterfowl species such as Mergansers and Coots.
Oklahoma Duck Hunting Season
The duck hunting season varies across the state of Oklahoma. For Zone 1 and Zone 2 in Oklahoma, the regular duck hunting season spans two periods: from November 9th to November 24th, 2024, and from November 30th, 2024, to January 26th, 2025. Additionally, a special Youth, Veteran, and Active Military hunt is scheduled for November 2nd, 2024, and February 1st, 2025.
In the Panhandle region, the regular hunting season runs from October 5th, 2024, to January 1st, 2025, with Youth, Veteran, and Active Military hunting days on September 28th, 2024, and February 1st, 2025. To learn more about the hunting seasons in Oklahoma, please refer to the official eRegulations website.
Oklahoma duck hunting zones are divided into the Panhandle counties and Zones 1 & 2.
Special Waterfowl Hunting Days for Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Personnel
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has dedicated two days outside of the regular Oklahoma duck hunting season where youth hunters, veterans, and active military personnel, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, are given the opportunity to participate and enjoy the thrill of duck hunting.
During these two days, the same rules around bag limits and restrictions remain in effect. For the 2024/25 hunting season, the two days are:
Panhandle Counties: September 28th, 2024, and February 1st, 2025
Zones 1 & 2: November 2nd, 2024, and February 1st, 2025
Note: A youth hunter is an individual who is 15 years of age or younger. For youth hunters to participate, they must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age. The accompanying adult is not allowed to hunt waterfowl, but they are allowed to participate during the regular season.
Oklahoma Duck Hunting Limits
Every state in the United States has strict hunting limits (also known as bag limits), which hunters must adhere to and Oklahoma is no exception. In the state of Oklahoma specifically, the daily bag limit for ducks is six.
As part of the daily bag limit, hunters shouldn’t be in possession of more than five Mallards (only two of which can be hens), three Wood Ducks, two Canvasbacks, two Redheads, one Northern Pintail, and one Scaup.
Here, it’s also worth mentioning that possession limits for hunting increase after the first day. During the first day of hunting, the limit is set to the daily bag limit described above.
Starting from the second day, the possession limit doubles to twice the daily bag limit. For ducks, mergansers, and coots, the possession limit increases further to three times the daily bag limit after the second day of hunting.
Oklahoma Public Lands
Oklahoma is one of the best duck hunting states in central United States. This is primarily due to its diverse array of public lands, which offer endless opportunities for duck hunting. Here are some of the most popular public lands that every duck hunter should consider:
In the Northwest
The Northwestern part of Oklahoma features a varied terrain with plenty of opportunity for hunting ducks. It’s home to two popular duck hunting destinations - the Great Salt Plains and the Fort Supply Lake.
Great Salt Plains Lake
Situated in the Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, the Great Salt Plains Lake is a crucial stopover for migratory waterfowl. As a result, hunters can expect diverse waterfowl species such as mallards, pintails, and teal. One unique characteristic of this public hunting ground is that it also features shallow wetlands, which provide excellent cover and feeding grounds for ducks.Fort Supply Lake
Known for its rolling grasslands and open water, Fort Supply Lake offers an excellent variety of habitats for dabbling and diving ducks. Hunters who are specifically after this type of waterfowl species can enjoy easy access to both water and marshland areas, offering opportunities for varied hunting techniques.
In Panhandle
If there is one place in Panhandle that every duck hunter should go during the duck hunting season, it’s Optima Lake.
Optima Lake
Although water levels can fluctuate throughout the hunting season, Optima Lake still offers excellent opportunities for duck hunting. With its expansive open waters and nearby wetlands, hunters can find a variety of waterfowl species passing through during the migration season. The surrounding grasslands also provide cover for hunters seeking an upland game experience.
In North-central
This part of Oklahoma features a mix of open plains, rolling prairies, and river valleys, creating an ideal landscape for agriculture and wildlife alike. The Arkansas River and its tributaries, including the Cimarron and Salt Fork rivers, also flow through this region, supporting rich wetland ecosystems that migratory waterfowl find ideal. Some of the prime duck hunting locations in North-central Oklahoma include:
Kaw Lake
Renowned for its rich birdlife, Kaw Lake supports a large population of waterfowl during the migration season. Hunters who choose Kaw Lake will come across a large variety of ducks, geese, and even sandhill cranes. The nearby Arkansas River and adjacent wetlands further add to the waterfowl diversity and provide plenty of cover for hunters, making this public hunting ground suitable for novice hunters too.Hulah Lake
Located near the Osage Hills, Hulah Lake offers a diverse range of hunting conditions, from shallow marshes to open lake waters, making for a diversified hunting experience. The most common species that hunters will come across in this area include Mallards, Teal, and Hadwalls.Sooner Lake
This reservoir is known for holding large numbers of waterfowl during the winter months. With easy access and well-defined hunting areas, Sooner Lake offers hunters the chance to target various species of ducks, including divers and dabblers. Do note that certain areas of the Sooner Lake have restricted access, so be sure to check the local regulations and maps to stay in the clear.
In the Northeast
The Northeast is a region known for its rolling hills, wooded areas, and numerous rivers and lakes. This part of the state includes the Ozark Highlands, which are characterized by steep limestone bluffs, deep valleys, and dense hardwood forests. Some of the prime duck hunting grounds in this part of the Oklahoma include:
Oologah Lake
Surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands, Oologah Lake is one of the major hubs for a large variety of migrating waterfowl species. It’s home to expansive open water and wetlands, allowing hunters to spread out and find their ideal and uninterrupted hunting spots.Verdigris River Valley
This river valley offers a mix of flooded timber, shallow wetlands, and open water, creating a habitat that wood ducks, mallards, and other waterfowl find ideal. What’s more is that the varied terrain allows for a diverse range of hunting styles, from pass shooting to creative decoy setups.Ft. Gibson Lake
Located near Tulsa, Ft. Gibson Lake attracts large numbers of waterfowl, particularly mallards and teal. The mix of wetlands, open water, and nearby agricultural fields makes this a great location for both early-season and late-season hunts.Grand Lake
As one of Oklahoma’s largest lakes, Grand Lake offers extensive shoreline and marsh areas, which are perfect for duck hunting. Across the Grand Lake, hunters will encounter a variety of waterfowl species, including diving ducks that frequent the lake’s deeper waters.Keystone Lake
Another large reservoir in the region is the Keystone Lake. It is surrounded by woodlands and grasslands that provide cover and feeding areas for migratory waterfowl. The lake’s varied terrain makes it ideal for waterfowl hunters looking for diverse hunting conditions where they can put their hunting abilities to the test.
In the Southeast
This part of the state is characterized by its diverse landscapes, offering a mix of dense forests, rolling hills, and abundant waterways. The region is part of the Ouachita Mountains, which provide rugged terrain and thick woodlands dominated by pine and hardwood trees.
It’s arguably the most popular area of Oklahoma as far as duck hunting is concerned, as it’s home to the most bodies of water.
Lake Eufaula
This massive reservoir is one of the big favorites among Oklahoma duck hunters. The lake’s large size offers endless opportunities for waterfowl hunting, with ducks such as mallards, gadwalls, and teal being common sights. Its surrounding wetlands and flooded timber provide excellent cover for hunters looking for a true out-in-the-woods hunting experience.Kerr Lake
Kerr Lake and its surrounding wetlands are primary hotspots for migratory waterfowl. Its mixture of shallow water, marshes, and adjacent river systems offers prime conditions for duck hunters looking for a mix of species and diverse terrain.Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
A major destination for waterfowl hunters, this refuge is known for its extensive wetlands and managed waterfowl areas. Mallards, teal, and pintails are commonly seen here, and the refuge offers managed hunts to maintain sustainable populations of waterfowl.Wister Lake
A quiet, off-the-beaten-path lake, Wister provides excellent opportunities for hunting mallards, wood ducks, and various other duck species. The lake is surrounded by wetlands and bottomland forests, providing natural cover and feeding grounds that ducks are constantly on the lookout for.Hugo Lake
Known for its mix of open water and wooded areas, Hugo Lake is a manmade body of water that offers a variety of habitats that attract different species of ducks. Here, hunters can find wood ducks, mallards, and even some divers in the deeper sections of the lake - particularly on the southern side.Red Slough WMA
Located near the Texas border, Red Slough is one of the most diverse wetlands in the state. It is a prime spot for waterfowl hunting, with a variety of ducks including pintails, teal, and gadwalls. The managed wetlands provide ample opportunities for successful hunts.Sardis Lake
A quieter option, Sardis Lake is ideal for hunters seeking less crowded hunting conditions. The lake’s wetlands attract mallards, wood ducks, and teal, while the surrounding forests offer excellent cover for hunters who are looking to set up camp for a number of days.Lake Texoma
Shared with Texas, Lake Texoma is a sprawling lake known for its waterfowl hunting. Hunters can find a range of duck species here, and its extensive shoreline provides plenty of access points for hunters to set up blinds and decoys.
In the Southwest
Though a bit drier, the southwest part of Oklahoma still offers duck hunters an excellent opportunity to hunt a variety of waterfowl species, particularly across the Fort Cobb and Waurika Lakes.
Fort Cobb Lake
A popular destination in southwest Oklahoma, Fort Cobb Lake is known for its variety of duck species and diverse terrain. The lake’s wetlands and shallow areas provide excellent feeding grounds for migratory waterfowl, especially mallards and teal.Waurika Lake
Located near the Texas border, Waurika Lake offers a mix of open water and wetlands, making it a great spot for hunting dabbling and diving ducks alike. The area is also known for its low hunting pressure, making it ideal for hunters seeking a more secluded hunting experience.
Note: Please keep in mind that each individual public land may have its own rules and regulations that duck hunters need to adhere to. To avoid trouble with state and federal agencies, prior to heading out for the season, carry out the necessary research regarding the relevant public lands.
Conclusion
Though Oklahoma isn’t the first state that comes to mind when one hears waterfowl hunting, the Central Flyway runs straight through it. And thanks to its mixed terrain, including wetlands, rivers, lakes, and prairies, Oklahoma provides an excellent habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl species.
From the salt flats of the north-central region to the forested wetlands of the southeast, the state offers diverse environments that attract migratory birds throughout the hunting season.
Dense vegetation along the banks of the Mississippi River near Minneapolis.
