As the 2025 hunting season approaches in Oklahoma, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for changes that will impact how they pursue game and explore the state’s natural resources. Starting November 1, 2025, a series of new laws passed by the Oklahoma state Legislature will introduce updated regulations for hunting, fishing, and even foraging on state-owned lands. These changes aim to balance wildlife conservation with public access, ensuring sustainable practices while preserving Oklahoma’s rich outdoor traditions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s new for hunters and foragers in 2025.
New Permit Rules for Nonresident Hunters
One of the most significant updates affects nonresident hunters looking to explore Oklahoma’s wildlife management areas (WMAs). Senate Bill 448, effective November 1, 2025, introduces a new permitting process for out-of-state hunters. These WMAs, which include all lands owned, leased, or managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s wildlife division, are popular for species like waterfowl, turkey, quail, and pheasant. Now, nonresidents must obtain written permission from the state to hunt on these lands, a change designed to better manage hunting pressure on public areas.
To support this, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is tasked with creating a lottery system to distribute permits when demand exceeds capacity. This ensures fair access to WMAs, which are critical for maintaining healthy wildlife populations. Nonresident hunters will also face an additional $100 permit fee on top of the standard hunting license fee, a measure that does not apply to Oklahoma residents or private land hunting. According to Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, the bill’s House author, this system helps the Wildlife Conservation Commission track who’s hunting on state-managed lands, addressing concerns about overcrowding raised by resident hunters.
Micah Holmes, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, emphasized that nonresident hunting pressure has been a growing concern, particularly on public lands. The agency aims to use this law to reduce strain on WMAs, especially for high-demand species. Additionally, starting this fall, all hunters—resident and nonresident—must check in using a free online system when accessing WMAs, adding a layer of oversight to ensure sustainable use.
Foraging Now Legal on State Lands
For those who enjoy gathering wild foods, Senate Bill 447 brings exciting news. Authored by Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, this law legalizes foraging for nuts, edible plants, and fungi on state-owned or managed properties, effective November 1, 2025. Previously, foraging on these lands was illegal, a fact Boren herself was unaware of until a family member pointed it out. The new law allows Oklahomans to collect items like blackberries, poke, sand plums, wild onions, yucca, and morel mushrooms for personal use, provided they are not sold commercially.
The law includes safeguards to protect the environment. Foragers cannot collect from cultivated crops or harvest plants and fungi that are endangered or threatened. Boren, reflecting on the unanimous Senate support for the bill, highlighted foraging as a cherished part of Oklahoma’s history and culture. She expressed hope that the law would inspire a cookbook featuring recipes for Oklahoma foragers, celebrating the state’s edible wild bounty.
Mountain Lion Hunting Permits via Lottery
Senate Bill 1073, authored by Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, introduces a novel approach to managing permits for species without established hunting seasons, such as mountain lions. Starting November 1, 2025, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission can issue special hunting permits through a raffle or lottery system, replacing the previous reliance on public auctions or sealed bids. This change aims to make unique hunting opportunities, like pursuing mountain lions, alligators, or bighorn sheep, more accessible to everyday hunters.
Micah Holmes clarified that this bill does not establish a mountain lion hunting season. Instead, it outlines a framework for issuing permits if wildlife officials determine a season is biologically justified based on data, verified sightings, habitat conditions, and public input. Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, the bill’s House author, noted that the raffle system levels the playing field, giving the “common citizen” a fair shot at these rare permits.
Mountain lions can already be killed year-round in Oklahoma if they pose an immediate threat to domesticated animals or human safety. In such cases, hunters must immediately notify a game warden and present the carcass within 24 hours for biological data collection. The Wildlife Department reports 85 confirmed mountain lion sightings in Oklahoma since 2002, including nine in 2024, underscoring the need for careful management.
Transporting Deer Carcasses for Taxidermy
Another change, introduced by Senate Bill 1077 and also authored by Sen. Casey Murdock, addresses a practical issue for hunters. Effective November 1, 2025, hunters can legally transport intact deer carcasses into Oklahoma if they are destined for a taxidermist in good standing with the state. Previously, bringing deer carcasses across state lines was prohibited, likely due to concerns about chronic wasting disease. This new law offers flexibility for hunters who harvest deer out of state but want to use Oklahoma’s taxidermy services, supporting local businesses while maintaining oversight.
Fish Broodstock Collection for Aquaculture
Senate Bill 777, authored by Sen. Shane Jett, caters to Oklahoma’s growing aquaculture industry. Effective November 1, 2025, licensed producers can collect limited numbers of certain adult game and non-game fish from public waters for breeding in controlled fish farming systems. This law supports the production of species like catfish, bait fish, and crawfish, which are increasingly in demand as natural fishing costs rise. The bill also adds hybrid striped bass to the definition of game fish and includes provisions for the Wildlife Department to regulate broodstock collection, propagation, and sales. Importantly, it prohibits the commercial harvest and sale of wild-born fish, ensuring sustainable practices.
Preparing for the 2025 Season
With hunting seasons for species like deer, turkey, and waterfowl kicking off in September and October, hunters have time to prepare for these changes. The new laws reflect Oklahoma’s commitment to balancing conservation with access to its natural resources. Nonresident hunters should plan to secure permits and familiarize themselves with the online check-in system for WMAs. Foragers can start exploring state lands for edible treasures, while those interested in unique hunting opportunities, like mountain lion permits, can keep an eye on the Wildlife Department’s updates for potential raffles.
For the latest details, hunters and foragers should visit the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s website, which provides comprehensive regulations and season dates. These changes, effective November 1, 2025, aim to enhance Oklahoma’s outdoor experiences while protecting its wildlife and lands for future generations.
