Originally launched as a pilot program in 2023 to address the unique needs of female and novice hunters, fresh data reveals the initiative is successfully recruiting new outdoor enthusiasts and building long-term confidence in the field.
The free application period is open now and will close on June 26, 2026. This year's deer gun hunts will take place during late fall at the Cross Timbers and Okmulgee Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
A Proven Pathway for Female and New Hunters
The program was born after agency surveys revealed a critical need for family-centered hunting opportunities, noting that 38% of licensed female hunters in Oklahoma traditionally did not purchase a hunting license the following year. By closing selected WMAs to the general public during these hunts, ODWC creates a controlled, zero-pressure environment for families to hunt public land together.
Data collected across the program's first three pilot years (2023–2025) highlights strong engagement from its target audiences:
- During the pilot phase, 37% of applicants were female.
- The program requires that every application include at least one youth hunter and so at least half the applicants were under 18.
- Among adult applicants, the program heavily attracted a younger demographic. Slightly more than a third of applicants fell into the 25–44 age bracket, followed by 35–44 (25%), 45–54 (13%), and 25–34 (9%).
Turning Applicants into Successful Sportsmen
The Special Family Hunts have successfully captured a unique mix of seasoned and brand-new hunters. While half of the applicants already held a lifetime license, nearly 29% had never held an Oklahoma hunting license. Significantly, one-third of those first-time license seekers were female.
Most importantly, the program is moving participants from the application page to actual field success.
How to Apply for 2026
The Special Family Hunts return to Cross Timbers WMA and Okmulgee WMA in 2026.
- Who can apply: A family group consists of one to two adults (ages 18 and older) and one to three children (ages 10–17). All applicants must possess a valid hunting license.
- Cost: The application is entirely free. If drawn, standard license fees apply for annual holders, and deer harvested during these select dates do not count toward the hunter's standard seasonal bag limit.
- Deadline: Applications must be submitted by June 26, 2026.
Hunters can apply by logging into their indoor profile at GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com and selecting the "Controlled Hunts" tile.