As Oklahoma's waterfowl season takes off, duck hunters in and around Oklahoma City are set to benefit from an updated city ordinance that makes it easier to access hunting blinds. The Oklahoma City Council voted in September to change from season-long allotment of blind locations to daily rentals, a move to increase hunter participation and the equitable use of public lands.
The newly adopted process allows hunters more flexibility to enjoy the natural offerings of Lake Stanley Draper and Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge. According to Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation, hunters can now easily reserve one of the 48 blind locations at Lake Draper or one of the 23 at Stinchcomb for up to seven days in advance. This change aims to truly democratize the outdoor experience, allowing even more enthusiasts to equally share and to potentially discover the sportsmanship and serenity of duck hunting.
According to the Oklahoma City government website, the new rule has been met with anticipation from the hunting community. "We are excited about this new process," John Rayfield, OKC Parks fisheries biologist and manager of the City hunting program, told the site. The rental rate is set at an affordable $5 per day, ensuring that hunters from all walks of life can access these coveted spots. There's a small catch, though—hunters can only book one location per day and temporary blinds erected must be removed daily.
Those keen to reserve a spot will need to make sure they are adequately licensed. Hunters must purchase an Oklahoma state hunting license, an Oklahoma City waterfowl shooting permit, which costs $5 per day or $20 per year, and an Oklahoma City boating permit if they plan to hunt from a boat—priced at $6.25 per day or $33 per year. Detailed instructions and rules are available on the city's website, a handy resource for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike. To make your reservation, visit OKC Parks and secure your spot seven days in advance for that essential day out in the wild.
This latest shift from an entire season allotment to a day-by-day rental approach is seen as a welcome change, contrary to the previous years where access was granted through a drawing system. For additional assistance or inquiries about the new rental system, OKC Parks directs hunters to contact the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 297-1426.
