HUGO — Since opening his Growler Pines tiger preserve in Choctaw County several years ago, Ryan Easley had become one of Hugo’s most promising businessman and civic volunteers, including serving on the Hugo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The 2024-25 muzzleloader deer season in Oklahoma spanned nine days, from Oct. 26 through Nov. 3. This season appeals to hunters who enjoy the unique challenge of using black powder firearms, and it continues to play a key role in the state’s overall deer management strategy.

Controlled hunts are offered for deer, elk, antelope, and turkey. They are held in areas where unrestricted public hunting would pose safety concerns or where overharvest might occur.

Black bear hunters had a great hunting season in 2024, taking a total of 77 (49 male and 28 female) bears, nine fewer than the year before.

Residents Residents are not required to check in to Wildlife Management Areas, however residents are required to check in to OLAP limited access areas.

The 2024-25 big game hunting season marked the second consecutive year in which hunters in Oklahoma navigated new challenges following the detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) within the state’s native wild deer populations.

Although lands managed by the ODWC — including WMAs and other public properties — make up only about 3% of Oklahoma’s total land area, their contribution to the state’s overall deer harvest is significantly greater than their size might suggest.

‘Take a Doe’ takes off in state’s second-best season ever The 2024-25 big game hunting season in Oklahoma showcased another year of remarkable success for hunters across the state.

Seventeen members of American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) Cooperative traveled to Washington, D.C., to represent Oklahoma’s agricultural producers as the state’s grain and cotton farmers struggle with high input costs and low commodity prices.

WILBURTON –– Eastern Oklahoma State College has announced the hiring of Rene’ Mc-Cracken as the new Dean of the Division of Agriculture. McCracken brings more than 25 years of experience in agriculture, education and industry leadership to her role at Eastern.