The first full weekend of September is traditionally Free Hunting Days in Oklahoma. This year, on Sept. 7-8, Oklahoma residents can get outdoors to pursue game in season without the need to carry a state hunting license.

These free days also provide a perfect chance for current hunters to gather up someone who hasn’t been hunting and give them an experience that might help preserve a time-honored American tradition in the years to come.

This year, hunting seasons that will be open during Free Hunting Days are squirrel, dove, teal, resident Canada goose, rail, gallinule, coyote, raccoon, beaver, prairie dog, nutria, striped skunk, and some species of reptiles, salamanders and amphibians.

On Free Hunting Days, no regular hunting license is required for Oklahoma residents, but nonresidents are required to possess the appropriate licenses. The Wildlife Department’s game wardens will be in the field as usual to enforce other game laws such as bag limits, shotgun plugs, and legal shooting hours.