Hunting at Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge

Woman dressed warmly in camouflage and standing in marsh reeds aims a shotgun into the air

The forested wetlands of Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge are a remnant of a habitat that once covered 2.2 million acres of Oklahoma. This habitat provides important cover, food and breeding areas for migrating waterfowl, as well as for mammals like cottontail and swamp rabbits, beavers, raccoons and white-tailed deer. With its proximity to the Deep Fork River, the refuge is subject to seasonal flooding. This flooding results in superb conditions for waterfowl and other birds traversing the Central Flyway, including mallard, blue-winged teal, northern shoveler, pintail and resident wood ducks. Waterfowl hunters can experience classic decoy hunting for these puddle ducks in the flooded timber and oxbow lakes of the refuge. The refuge is a hot spot for bowhunting white-tailed deer. A good population of turkey can also be found. Many hunters enjoy hunting the forested areas for squirrel, rabbit and the largest population of raccoons in the state. Feral hog (exotics) can be taken during daylight hours of any refuge hunt. A waterfowl sanctuary area on the northern end of the refuge is closed to all entry October 1 to March 31. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation controlled hunt system offers a muzzleloader deer hunt.

Youth Muzzleloader Deer: October 19 - 25, 2026. Controlled hunt only. Two either-sex deer, only one may be antlered. Lottery is administered through Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Adult Muzzleloader Deer: October 12 - 18, 2026. Two either-sex deer, only one may be antlered. Controlled hunt only. Lottery is administered through Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
ADA Muzzleloader Deer: October 26 - November 1, 2026. Controlled hunt only. Lottery is administered through Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Archery deer, either sex: November 2 - November 29, 2026. Controlled hunt only. Lottery is administered through Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Squirrel: December 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027 and May 15 - September 30, 2027. Federally approved non-toxic shot required for shotguns. .22 and .17 caliber rim fire firearms are permitted. Dogs are permitted but must be removed immediately following the hunt. State bag limits apply.
Rabbit: December 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027. Federally approved non-toxic shot required for shotguns. .22 and .17 caliber rim fire firearms are permitted. Dogs are permitted but must be removed immediately following the hunt. State bag limits apply.
Raccoon: December 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027. Federally approved non-toxic shot required for shotguns. .22 and .17 caliber rim fire firearms are permitted. Dogs are permitted but must be removed immediately following the hunt. State bag limits apply.
Youth Turkey: April 10-11, 2027 and April 16 - May 16, 2027. Controlled hunt only. Lottery is administered through Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Adult Turkey: April 19 - May 16, 2027. Controlled hunt only. Lottery is administered through Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
September Teal. September 12 - September 20, 2026. Federally approved non-toxic shot required. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 30 minutes before sunrise to 1:00 pm. Blinds and decoys removed daily. Dogs are permitted but must be immediately removed following the hunt. State bag limits apply.
Special September Resident Canada Goose: September 12 - September 21, 2026. Federally approved non-toxic shot required. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 30 minutes before sunrise to 1:00 pm. Blinds and decoys removed daily. Dogs are permitted but must be immediately removed following the hunt. State bag limits apply.
Waterfowl: December 12, 2026 - January 31, 2027. Federally approved non-toxic shot required. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 30 minutes before sunrise to 1:00 pm. Blinds and decoys removed daily. Dogs are permitted but must be immediately removed following the hunt. State bag limits apply.
Feral Swine: Maybe taken during day light hours of any established refuge hunt. Hogs may not leave the refuge alive.