Oklahoma
138,300
Duck Statewide Harvest
81,900
Goose Statewide Harvest
18,600
No. Waterfowl Licenses Sold Annually
7.7
Ducks Per Hunter
10.8
Geese Per Hunter
$32
Cost of Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
$10
Cost of Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
$176; five-day license $75
Cost of Non-Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
$10
Cost of Non-Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
Photo by Austin Ross
Oklahoma generally isn't thought of as a primary duck hunting destination, but it should be. The state offers an almost unmatched array of public hunting opportunities for a free-lance hunter, and that's seals the state's A rating. More than 1 million acres are open to hunters:
• Wildlife management areas, many of which have water for ducks.
• Waterfowl management areas and wetland development units, all devoted to ducks and open to public hunting.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lakes and related lands, encompassing 27 properties.
Although there is generally more water in eastern Oklahoma, don't overlook the drier western portion of the state for excellent duck hunting opportunities. Where water is scarce, ducks pack in more densely. Plus, hunting pressure is lighter.
Goose hunting is also good but not quite as productive as it is a state or two to the north, where the big birds like to winter if they can.
— Compiled and written by Tom Carpenter
