Wichita Mountains NWR – Hunting

Elk and Deer Hunting Opportunities

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge hosts two of Oklahoma’s most popular controlled hunts, the annual elk and deer hunts. Set amidst granite mountains and prairie grasslands, the hunt is 2 1/2 days of exhilarating scenery, and possibly the finest hunt of your lifetime. While the white-tailed deer herd is native to the area, the elk herd started with introductions in 1911-1912 when Rocky Mountain elk were reintroduced from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The original herd had been wiped out by indiscriminate hunting before this area was protected as a wildlife refuge. Today, careful management insures their survival, controls their numbers, and allows a portion to be harvested.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, randomly selects hunters from applications received by the early May deadline. During March, this State agency distributes its controlled hunt catalog. To receive a catalog, write to

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
1801 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73152