Attention all hunters looking to secure a coveted spot for the Fall Oklahoma Waterfowl Season: the annual duck blind drawing event is just around the corner. "The annual drawing for waterfowl blind sites at Lake Stanley Draper and Lake Overholser/Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge will be Saturday, Sept. 14," reports the City of Oklahoma City website. Registration kicks off at 10 a.m. with the main event following an hour later at the Lake Draper Marina.
For those interested in participating, it's essential to be equipped with an annual permit, which can be acquired for $12.50. Prospective hunters can purchase these permits online or through authorized vendors prior to the drawing. According to the City of Oklahoma City, "Participants must have annual permit before the drawing." Remember, to toss your name into the hat, you need to be of at least 18 years in age.
During the draw, each hunter will vie for their preferred blind site locations, which, along with the strict hunting regulations, will be clearly posted for all to see. Hunters are reminded to set up their blinds at their designated sites no later than three days before the first day of hunting season. Waterfowl hunting, which includes ducks and geese, commences in November, and these animals may be hunted exclusively from the designated blind sites.
The city enforces specific rules to maintain safety and conservation efforts. "City code prohibits hunting, shooting, trapping, capturing or killing permitted ducks and geese with anything but a shotgun (no larger than 10-gauge) using non-toxic shells (no larger than BB-sized shot)," as per the guidelines on the City of Oklahoma City. Additionally, bank hunting or hunting from watercrafts are not allowed, and all watercraft used to reach blinds must have a current city boating permit.
For those wishing to obtain more information about the drawing, regulations, or permits, the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department encourages future attendees to reach out at (405) 297-1426. The staff at the Lake Draper Marina, available at (405) 799-0870, can also provide further assistance. Detailed information is readily accessible on the official Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation website under the hunting section.
