Return to Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Hunting

At Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Sitting in field blinds at Washita National Wildlife Refuge, hunters eagerly await dawn as thousands of geese lift off nearby Foss Lake. Each fall, 50,000 to 100,000 geese can be found on the refuge. These include Canada, snow, white-fronted and Ross’s geese, all of which may be hunted during refuge hunts held on weekends and Wednesdays during dark goose season. Waterfowl hunting is open to the public during state dark goose seasons on a first-come first-served basis on select farm fields. It is recommended that hunters use calling and decoys to lure the geese into range. Sandhill cranes and ducks may be hunted during waterfowl hunting season. The refuge also offers dove, quail, and rabbit hunting in season, and deer and turkey hunts by state drawing. Incidental take of feral hogs (exotics) during other hunts is permitted.

The entire refuge is closed to all entry during the following controlled hunts:

Youth Deer Hunts: October 9-10, 2026; November 6-7, 2026.
General Deer Hunt: November 10-11, 2026.
Youth Turkey Hunt: April 9-11, 2027.

Hunting at Washita NWR

The following State Seasons apply: Dark Geese, White-fronted Geese, Light Geese, Sandhill Crane, Ducks and Mergansers. Waterfowl and sandhill crane hunting is permitted on a first-come first-served basis on specific farm fields. There is absolutely no hunting over water on the refuge. Waterfowl and sandhill crane hunting is allowed on selected weekends and Wednesdays during the State Waterfowl Season and closed during the refuge controlled deer and turkey hunts. Shotgun only. Waterfowl hunters are allowed to access the refuge 2 hours prior to legal shooting hours and must leave the field by 12:00 pm.

State hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, shooting hours, bag limits, and license requirements apply to all hunting on the Refuge. Hunters must possess only federally approved non-toxic shotgun ammunition while in the field.

Deer hunting is available through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) Controlled Hunts Program. The number of hunters and bag limits are determined by the refuge annually based on current biological data. More information on controlled hunts is available at www. wildlifedepartment.com.

Turkey hunting is available through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) Controlled Hunts Program. The number of hunters and bag limits are determined by the refuge annually based on current biological data. More information on controlled hunts is available at www. wildlifedepartment.com.

Washita National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1961 to serve as a wintering and migratory stopover site for waterfowl and other migratory birds. The refuge is located in Custer County along U.S. Highway 33 near the towns of Butler and Hammon. The refuge includes 8,075 acres of grasslands, woodlands, farm fields, and open water that provides habitat for many resident and migratory species of wildlife. The refuge’s mixed grass plains of west-central Oklahoma is superimposed on the upper reaches of Foss Reservoir.

Parking is available at refuge recreation areas. Hunters may access hunting areas only from designated parking areas.

Accessibility
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. For more information please contact the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Equal Opportunity, https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights.
An accessible hunting blind is available for waterfowl and sandhill crane hunters. Contact the refuge for guidelines to obtain special access.

Firearms
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).

Vehicles
All vehicles must remain on existing roads or in designated parking areas. Blocking gates or roadways is prohibited. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are prohibited.

Harvest Reporting
Requirements in accordance with State of Oklahoma Hunting Regulations.

Prohibited Activities
•Littering, dumping garbage, waste or household items.
•Possession of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances while hunting.
•Whole fish or parts of fish may not be left at recreation areas.
•Release of wild or domestic animals.
•Baiting or hunting over bait, salt, or any attractant other than hunting scents.
•Spotlighting—artificial light may not be used to locate wildlife.
•Taking of wildlife, antlers, mushrooms, or plants (including cutting trees or brush) unless authorized.
•Searching for or removing any object of archaeological or historical significance including arrowheads, pottery, or other artifacts.
•Marking trails with paint or leaving flagging tape, ribbons, or trail tacks.
•Blocking gates, or roadways with vehicles.
•Camping and fires.
•Hunting from a tree stand of any kind.
•Target practice.
•The use or possession of crossbows, bows and arrows, air guns, spears, gigs, and other weapons unless authorized.
•All-terrain vehicles.
•Horses or mules.