Hunting in Oklahoma: Things to Know About Urban Deer Hunting in Cities and Suburbs

When it comes to hunting, Oklahoma is a popular destination for people who live in the Midwestern parts of the country. There is plenty of gaming activity for sporting types to look forward to during any month of the year.

Deer is arguably the most popular game that hunters pursue. However, various cities, towns, and municipalities in Oklahoma have experienced a problem in recent years with escalating deer populations. The increasing number of deer in urban areas leads to more traffic accidents and property damage.

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In an article for Grand Lake News, the deer population surge is described as “a problem over the years as the deer population has increased, forcing thousands of these animals into peripheral suburban areas and leaving homeowners to deal with damage to ornamental and garden plants.”

More automobile accidents have also been reported as deer dart out into highways in city areas before motorists can stop.

So, how do cities combat the problem?

According to Game and Fish magazine, hunting of urban deer is the only effective way of curbing the population problem.

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Meanwhile, those interested in non-terminal methods rely on such tactics as repellents, scaring, electric fencing, and using deer feeding behaviors. However, these methods only seem to have a minimal effect.

It would also appear that those looking to hunt deer in urban areas are running into snags. In 2012, a debate raged over whether to allow bow hunting within the city ordinance of Oklahoma City.

Specifically, the Oklahoma City Parks Commission “voted 5-1 ... to recommend against allowing archery hunting in the areas (Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge and Lake Stanley Draper). It follows a previous unanimous vote by the city Game and Fish Commission to allow it," according to NewsOK.

Clearly, there are plenty of gaming options are available for hunters throughout the year in the state of Oklahoma. That being said, it’s essential that a solution to the problem of overpopulation of deer be found. It’s a benefit not only to hunters, but to residents of the state’s urban areas as well.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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