Oklahoma
490,700
Duck Statewide Harvest
106,100
Goose Statewide Harvest
31,800
No. Waterfowl Licenses Sold Annually
15.9
Ducks Per Hunter
6.6
Geese Per Hunter
$36
Cost of Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
$21
Cost of Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
$209; five-day license $75
Cost of Non-Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
$31
Cost of Non-Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
$200 to hunt Honobia WMA, Three Rivers WMA and OLAP properties.
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
