Oklahoma deer season is one of the most anticipated hunting traditions in the state, but hunters now face a growing challenge: feral hogs. With an estimated 500,000 wild hogs roaming Oklahoma, the rise of Oklahoma hog hunting has become an important part of managing these invasive animals that uproot food plots, destroy farmland, compete with whitetails for acorns, and even prey on fawns.
As the 2025–2026 deer season approaches, understanding both deer regulations and hog control methods is essential. Hogs may be hunted year-round, but their presence has a direct impact on deer movement and hunting success.
Learn more about the Boar Blanket Hog Trap in Oklahoma — a one-person, portable trapping system that captures entire sounders quietly and effectively.
2025 Oklahoma Deer Season Dates
| Season Type | Dates (2025–2026) | Notes |
| Archery | Oct 1 – Jan 15, 2026 | Longest deer season window |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 25 – Nov 2, 2025 | Primitive weapons only |
| General Firearms | Nov 22 – Dec 7, 2025 | Strict antler restrictions |
| Youth-Only Deer | Oct 18 – Oct 19, 2025 | Ages 16 & under |
These dates overlap directly with hog feeding cycles, especially during acorn drop, when hogs dominate food sources deer need for the rut.
Oklahoma Hog Hunting License Rules vs. Deer Hunting
- Deer: Requires a valid hunting license, deer tags, and reporting through Oklahoma’s E-Check system.
- Hogs: Require only a valid hunting license. No tags, no reporting, and no bag limits.
The difference is clear: deer hunting is regulated and seasonal, while hog hunting is simpler and constant. But ignoring hogs can ruin a deer hunt before it starts.
How Feral Hogs Threaten Oklahoma’s Deer Season
- Food Competition: Hogs clean out acorns and crops deer depend on.
- Food Plot Damage: Clover and winter wheat planted for deer are rooted up.
- Feeder Domination: Hog sounders take over corn feeders meant for deer.
- Predation: Hogs kill fawns and ground-nesting birds.
- Habitat Damage: Rooting destroys bedding cover, erodes creek beds, and disrupts deer movement.
Hunters across Oklahoma report fewer deer sightings in hog-heavy areas, especially in bottomland forests and river valleys.
What Species of Hogs Are in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma hogs are a mix of:
- Domestic feral hogs – Highly prolific and widespread.
- Eurasian wild boars – Introduced for sport, larger and more aggressive.
- Hybrids – The most common, thriving in Oklahoma’s varied terrain from Panhandle farmland to Cross Timbers forests.
Large boars (200+ lbs) are notorious for dominating deer feeders and scaring whitetails away from prime hunting areas.
Control Methods for Oklahoma Hog Hunting (2025 Rules)
- Year-Round Hunting: Hogs may be hunted year-round with no bag limits.
- Night Hunting: Allowed on private land with landowner permission and sheriff notification. Thermal and night vision optics are legal.
- Trapping: Legal statewide. The Boar Blanket is highly effective for capturing whole sounders.
- Public Land Rules: Hog hunting tied to open game seasons with weapon restrictions matching that season.
- Aerial Gunning: Permits available for helicopter-based eradication.
- Transport Restrictions: Live hog transport requires registration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.
Oklahoma Hog Hunting: How to Hunt Hogs During Deer Season (Tips)
- Integrate Hog Hunts: Carry hog ammo while deer hunting — hogs often appear during deer sits.
- Set Traps Away from Stands: Keep hog trapping areas separate from deer setups.
- Use Whole Sounder Trapping: Prevent hogs from rebounding quickly. See our Sounder Trapping Guide.
- Opportunistic Harvests: Take hogs whenever they appear; every hog removed benefits deer.
FAQs for Oklahoma Hunters
Can I hunt deer and hogs at the same time in Oklahoma?
Yes. On private land, hogs can be hunted year-round alongside deer hunts. On public land, hog hunting is tied to open seasons.
Do hogs ruin deer hunting in Oklahoma?
Yes. They compete for food, damage habitat, and dominate feeders.
Do I need tags for hogs like I do for deer?
No. Hogs require only a license, no tags or reporting.
Can non-residents hunt hogs in Oklahoma?
Yes. A non-resident license is required, but hogs may be hunted year-round.
Are there bag limits on hogs?
No. Hogs may be taken without restriction.
Related Resources
Final Thoughts
Oklahoma’s deer season is short, but hog pressure is constant. With feral swine populations exploding, hunters must adapt by integrating hog management into their deer strategies.
The Boar Blanket is the ideal solution for Oklahoma’s rugged terrain, giving hunters and landowners a simple, effective way to capture entire sounders and protect their whitetail season in 2025.