Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 through Jan. 15, 2012 is the statewide archery season. The limit is six deer, which may include no more than two antlered deer. Oklahoma’s Robin Hoods have never been so lucky! 

The O.D.W.C. has expanded the deer herd and extended the seasons. With the addition of crossbow hunting for everyone, you can bet we will have the best season ever this year. Shown below are the legal means of taking a deer with archery equipment.

• BOW: Minimum of 40 pounds draw weight. Hand-held releases are legal. Devices that permit a bow to be held mechanically at full or partial draw are allowed.

• BROADHEADS: Arrows/bolts must be fitted with hunting type points not less than 7/8 inches wide, including mechanical broadheads meeting this width requirement when fully open.

• CROSSBOWS:  Minimum of 100 pounds draw weight and equipped with safety devices. Bolts must be a minimum of 14 inches in length. Leverage gaining devices are legal.

• FIREARMS RESTRICTION:  No person may carry or use any firearm in conjunction with archery equipment during the archery season while hunting deer, except under provisions of the Oklahoma Self Defense Act.

Hunters are allowed to carry both archery equipment and a muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, provided they have the appropriate licenses and follow other muzzleloader season regulations.

Hunters are also allowed to carry both archery equipment and legal firearms during any modern gun season, again, provided they have the appropriate licenses and follow other regulations to participate in those seasons.

Keep your arrows sharp and have a safe, successful hunt.

- L. FRY