Crappie limit changes, new hunting rules now in effect

Hunters and anglers should be aware of several new rules affecting fishing and hunting in Oklahoma, some of which are effective immediately.

Crappie limits

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission this week approved a daily limit of 20 crappie at Lake Eufaula and Atoka Lake in response to constituent concerns about local populations.

At all Close to Home Fishing waters and at Lakes Dahlgren, Boomer, Holdenville, Purcell, Shell and Wewoka, all daily crappie limits have been eliminated. Commissioners cited stunted populations where fish rarely exceed 5 to 6 inches.

Hunting season dates and bag limits

Commissioners also approved the following:

Migratory game birds: 2026-27 season dates and bag limits are set. Youth waterfowl hunters are now defined as those 17 and younger. Woodcock season dates will align more closely with quail season.

Antlerless deer: 2026-27 season dates and bag limits are set by zone. Mule deer doe harvest is prohibited statewide during muzzleloader and gun seasons. Muzzleloader season in the Panhandle will now include antlerless hunting opportunity.

Elk: 2026-27 season dates, bag limits and quotas are set by zone. A new Special Southeast Zone has been created in parts of Carter and Murray counties east of Interstate 35. Harvest quotas increase in the Panhandle and Special Northwest zones. The Special Southwest Zone gains additional hunting days. Antlerless elk are now defined as those showing less than 6 inches of antler above the natural hairline.

Black bear: The harvest quota for muzzleloader season has been eliminated.

Emergency rules

The following emergency rules were adopted by the commission and take effect if signed by the governor:

A mandatory two-day waiting period for any nonresident who purchases a deer hunting license after the season has already opened.

New licensing requirements for hunting guides and outfitters offering waterfowl and sandhill crane hunts.

Specific protocols under the CWD Genetic Improvement Program governing the managed release of deer on private property.

Full details and maps will appear in the 2026-27 Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations guidebook. A downloadable PDF will be available at wildlifedepartment.com in July. Printed guidebooks will be distributed to license vendors statewide in late August.

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