Though some Oklahomans have put away their hunting gear until spring, there are still others who know that now is still a great time to be hunting almost anywhere in the state. Seasons such as quail, pheasant, rabbit and squirrel seasons are still open and offer endless hunting opportunities all over Oklahoma.

Quail season runs through Feb. 15, while pheasant season ends Jan. 31. Rabbit season remains open statewide until March 15, and squirrel until Jan. 31. Resident small game hunters only need a hunting license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit unless exempt, and residents age 15 and under are exempt from having to purchase a hunting license and fishing and hunting legacy permit.

Additionally, those age 16-35 who have not completed a hunter education course can hunt with a licensed adult hunter age 21 or older (or a licensed adult hunter age 21 years or older who is exempt from hunter education requirements) under certain conditions using the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s apprentice-designated hunting license.

For complete license information and guidelines regarding the apprentice-designated hunting license, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or log on to wildlifedepartment.com. After obtaining the proper license, hunters only need a place to hunt. But when you consider that the Wildlife Department offers public hunting areas all across the state that often have minimal small game hunting pressure, finding a place to hunt is not a problem.

“Countless hunters have been introduced to the sport through small game hunting,” said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “It gives them a great opportunity to learn about hunting safety and ethics and to hone their outdoor skills.”

For bag limits and regulations on small game, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons, so hunters should consult wildlife management area regulations in the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” before hunting. For more information on small game hunting in Oklahoma, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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