Date: September 18, 2009
Contact: Eric Leonard, 580 622-7282
In an effort to improve the deer herd and provide a quality hunting experience, the park is instituting new park-specific regulations. An additional 515 acres have been opened to archery and shotshell hunting. In addition, for a period of no less than two years, the deer harvest will be antlerless only. Over a ten year period, deer surveys have indicated an over abundance of females (does), compared to a very low number of bucks. Of these bucks, very few are over three years old. These regulation changes should help to control the doe population, and eventually provide for a chance at a quality buck.
Archery season will begin on October 1st, through January 15, 2010. Modern gun season for deer hunting is coming up November 21st through 29th, 2009. The most significant change for the park this year is that all areas are closed to antlered hunting (all seasons). A valid Oklahoma hunting license, along with appropriate special tag, is required and must be in possession while hunting in the park. These licenses are NOT available from the park but can be obtained at local sporting goods stores.
Hunting in the National Recreation Area is limited to designated locations. See the new hunting map for designated areas. Some areas, those with nearby housing, are open only to the use of archery and shotshell hunting. Hunting maps with these areas shown and the 2009-2010 Oklahoma Hunting and Guide are available at Park Headquarters, the Travertine Nature Center, the Visitor Information Station, and from patrolling Park Rangers.
All deer taken within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area must be checked-in at the nearest certified Oklahoma Game Check Station - the Sulphur Fire Department.
The current Oklahoma Hunting Regulations DO NOT contain the NEW special Federal regulations for Chickasaw NRA. Most state hunting regulations are applicable in the recreation area with the following exceptions:
- Guns carried in a vehicle must be unloaded and either broken down or encased. New firearms regulations will take effect in February 2010.
- Baiting of wildlife is also prohibited.
- The use of artificial light to view wildlife is prohibited.
- All tree stands must be portable and removed after each hunt.
- Before entering or exiting tree stand, unload gun.
- Practice safe and ethical hunting.
Hikers, bikers and horseback riders using the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail need to be aware that the trail is located in a designated hunting area. Please wear fluorescent orange and be aware of hunters.
For more information about hunting in the recreation area, please contact the Travertine Nature Center at 580 622-7234 or Supervisory Park Ranger Randy Scoggins at 580 622-7245 or Oklahoma Game Warden Jerrod Davis 580 618-0044.
