CREEK COUNTY — Young hunters will have two opportunities to participate in controlled deer hunts on private land in Creek County this fall.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will hold the Creek County hunts Nov. 6-7 and Dec. 18-19. The hunts are open to young people ages 12 through 17 who have harvested no more than one deer.
The Creek County events are among 11 privateland hunts being offered across Oklahoma. A total of 44 young hunters will be selected.
The program gives beginning hunters access to private property where they can hunt without feeling rushed, pressured or crowded. Landowners and hunt assistants may also provide guidance on caring for and processing deer meat after a successful harvest.
“These hunts are on private property and should provide beginning hunters a great opportunity to see some deer as well as a chance to potentially harvest one,” Chief of Wildlife Bill Dinkines said. “The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission has endorsed the youth hunt program, and we are thankful for the landowners’ willingness to allow these kids the opportunity to hunt on their property.”
Antlerless deer harvested during the controlled hunts will be considered bonus deer and will not count toward the hunter’s annual bag limit. Participants may still hunt during the youth, regular rifle or holiday antlerless seasons.
Applicants must have completed their hunter education requirements and must be between 12 and 17 years old at the time of the scheduled hunt. Each participant must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old. The accompanying adult may be licensed or unlicensed.
Youth must apply through their own Go Outdoors Oklahoma license account by Aug. 16. Applications must include the accompanying adult’s name, telephone number and email address, along with the applicant’s preferred hunts.
Applicants should not list hunts they cannot or do not want to attend. Wildlife officials will screen applicants to confirm they have not previously harvested two or more deer. All applicants will receive an email notification by Aug. 21. Those selected must have an annual youth super hunting license or an Oklahoma lifetime hunting license. Additional information will be provided through the hunter’s Go Outdoors Oklahoma profile.
For questions, contact Kyle Johnson at 405-5902584.