How to Hunt Bears in Oklahoma

Believe it or not, bear populations in Oklahoma are big enough to warrant management hunting. Here's how to get into that club.

Bear presents a unique challenge to Oklahoma hunters. Most of us are more at home in a blind overlooking a wheat field. Bear do not roam our wheat fields. They live in the heavily wooded areas in Eastern Oklahoma. Real forest country.

Most hunters normally secure private lands to hunt so that they may take advantage of baiting and hanging stands. It's amazing what a mix of corn and diesel can attract. If you don't have the deep pockets to lease (average is $2500 per section) there's always public lands, but that also comes with bummers.

The greatest money our politicians spend are those normally spent on our natural resources. Things like lakes and public use wildlife management areas. They are open to public use for managing the wildlife populations. There are WMA's available to hunt your bear.

Now the question is 'How?'

You can literally stalk the woods until you find one, but this won't make you any friends in the WMA. Hunters have prepped for weeks, picked out their spots, and most likely beat you to the punch... the last thing they'll want to see is some goober walking through their little patch of woods. It's not a nice thing to do, but you can do it. Also, this method drastically increases your odds of being accidentally shot.

Pop-up blinds are your best friend on public lands. They're easy to pack in, easy to set up, and don't have break the bank. Hit Academy, they have a Bone Collector series that starts around $100, and they're built well enough to last a few years.

If you need a license, information on public use lands, or any questions concerning your bear hunt in Oklahoma, start over on the Wildlife Department website. Or call a game warden, they can answer any question you have.