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    Predator Hunting in Oklahoma

    Any and all hunting activity in the state of Oklahoma is subject to hunting regulations. All residents and non-residents must obtain a hunting license and any special license(s) with a licensing official and follow regulations set by the state and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

    Predator hunting is not exempt from obtaining a hunting license. In addition to the general hunting license, which is valid from January 1 to December 31, you must obtain a fur license. These licensing requirements apply to both residents and non-residents.

    Fur License

    A fur license is valid annually from December 1 through February 28. It is required for all persons who are hunting bobcats, foxes, raccoon and river otters, regardless of the age of the hunter or the means in which the animal is hunted (archery or firearm). The only exemption is a person who holds one of the following licenses: lifetime combination, lifetime hunting, lifetime-disabled veteran, senior citizen combination, or senior citizen hunting.

    Wearing hunter orange is also a requirement. During hunting seasons, from dawn to sunset, a hunter must wear hunter orange on their heads and on their torsos to their waists. For predator hunting at night, hunters are only required to wear either a hunter orange hat or hunter orange on their torsos to their waists.

    Predator Hunting

    In addition to obtaining the applicable hunting licenses, predator hunting must also be done by legal means. During the day, hunting of predators can be done by archery or firearm. At night a hunter can only use a .22 caliber rifle or pistol.

    Below is some information on predator hunting for coyotes, foxes and bobcats.

    Coyotes
    Coyotes are the most adaptable predator. They are pack animals, hunting for food at night. They have long triangular ears and narrow snouts. Coyotes are opportunistic; they will eat anything they find available but prefer fresh kills. They are a nuisance around farms, as they will attack young and small livestock.

    Hunting season on coyotes is open year round but only from dawn to dusk. It is against the law to hunt coyotes during the night with lights and dogs. There is no daily limit on coyotes.

    Foxes
    Thought to be a pack animal, most foxes are normally found alone or in small family groups. Known for their flattened heads with upright triangular ears and pointed, slightly upturned snout, with a long bushy tail, foxes are sly and can climb trees. They are opportunistic animals. Foxes kill their prey quickly. Their diet consists of rodents, grasshoppers, berries, or anything they find such as rabbits and chickens.

    Fox hunting season statewide is December 1 through February 28, annually. There is a daily limit of two foxes per day with only one red fox allowed. The season limit is six foxes with no more than two of the six being red foxes. A plastic tab must be looped from the eye to the mouth and placed under the skin.

    Bobcat
    Bobcats are normally found inhabiting wooded areas, urban or forest edges, semi-desert or swamplands. They are identified as being twice the size of a domesticated cat. These animals are very adaptable to their surroundings and help control pest populations. A bobcat’s preferred diet consists of rabbits, but they will also feast on insects, rodents, small deer and chickens. Bobcats are very curious animals.

    Bobcat hunting season statewide is December 1 through February 28, annually. There is no daily limit. However, there is a season limit of 20 bobcats per issued license. A plastic tab must be looped from the eye to the mouth, under the skin.

    Exemptions from Regulations

    Any bobcat, coyote or fox that is found to be destroying livestock or poultry is exempt from regulations. Further, there are no regulations on running or chasing, including the running of dogs for sport, on any bobcat, coyote or fox unless otherwise posted as prohibited.

    Possession and Sale of Carcasses, Hides and Furs

    There are state laws and regulations regarding the possession and sale of carcasses, hides and furs of bobcats, coyotes and foxes. Please refer to the Furbearer Regulations for details on timeframes and requirements with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.