Hunting is a permitted use under the enabling legislation for Chickasaw National Recreation Area (P.L. 94-235, §3). The legislation also provides for the designation of zones and periods when no hunting is permitted for reasons of public safety, administration, wildlife management, or public use and enjoyment.

A variety of game including quail, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, dove, ducks, geese, and deer may be found here. However, due to the small size of the area and heavy hunting pressure, success is limited. Trapping is prohibited. All deer and turkey taken within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area must be checked-in at the nearest certified Oklahoma Game Check Station.

Antlerless Dear Hunt
In an effort to improve the deer herd and provide a quality hunting experience, CNRA will institute specific regulations for the park. 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 “Park Specific” 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 November 21st through 29th, 2009.

2009-2010 Hunting dates and specifications for Chickasaw National Recreation Area

• Deer Archery, Youth Deer Gun, Deer Muzzleloader, Dove, Rail, Gallinule, Crow, Waterfowl, Turkey Fall Archery, Pursuit with Hounds, Predator/Furbearer Calling: Same as statewide season dates.
• Deer Gun: Open the first nine (9) days only. November 21st through 29th, 2009
• Quail, Snipe, Woodcock, Rabbit, Squirrel: Same as statewide season dates, except closed during the first nine (9) days of deer gun season.
• Turkey Fall Gun: Same as statewide season dates. One (1) tom limit.
• Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring: Same as statewide season dates. One (1) tom limit combined.

Most state hunting regulations are applicable in Chickasaw National Recreation Area with the following exceptions:

• The use of artificial light to view wildlife is prohibited.
• Baiting of wildlife is also prohibited.
• Feral hogs may be taken year round in compliance with state regulations.
• All tree stands must be portable.
• Damage to trees such as cutting limbs and using nails or screws is prohibited.
• Tree stands unattended for more than 36 hours will be considered abandoned property and subject to removal by the National Park Service.
• Hunters must have a valid Oklahoma hunting license.

The “Oklahoma Hunting Regulations” provides state hunting information and special regulations for Chickasaw National Recreation Area. It is available from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, State Game Rangers, Park Rangers, and license sales outlets.