Archery hunters again demonstrated strong performance during the 2024-25 deer season, harvesting 38,787 deer. Although this number did not surpass recent record-setting years, it remains a significant contribution to the overall harvest and continues to reflect the growing presence and impact of bowhunters in Oklahoma’s hunting community.

Importantly, archery hunters maintained a meaningful role in population management efforts. Antlerless deer made up 47% of the total archery harvest, underscoring a continued commitment to balanced herd dynamics. This emphasis on harvesting does is a key aspect of sustainable deer management, helping to regulate population growth and maintain healthy habitat conditions across the state.

Participation in archery season remained strong, with an estimated 109,830 hunters taking part — the highest number recorded since 2021, according to data from ODWC’s annual Game Harvest Survey (GHS). The GHS is a scientifically designed, longstanding monitoring effort to track hunter activity and harvest outcomes across all seasons and methods.

The archery season, offering the longest continuous window for deer hunting, ran uninterrupted from Oct. 1 through Jan. 15, giving hunters over three months of opportunity. The season’s bag limit allowed for the harvest of up to six deer, with no more than two antlered deer, providing flexibility while still aligning with overall management goals.