Big Thicket

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Chickasaw National Recreation Area Hunting Map and Regulations We hope you have a safe and successful hunting season. A variety of game including quail, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, dove, ducks, geese, and deer may be found here. However, due to the small size of the area and heavy hunting pressure, success is limited. Trapping is prohibited. Hunting Regulations The current Oklahoma Hunting Regulations provides state hunting information and may provide special regulations for Chickasaw National Recreation Area Most state hunting regulations are applicable in Chickasaw National Recreation Area with the following exceptions or items of special emphasis, • The use of artificial light to view wildlife is prohibited. • Baiting of wildlife is prohibited. • Feral hogs may be taken year round in compliance with state regulations. • Damage to trees such as cutting limbs and using nails or screws is prohibited. • All tree stands must be portable. Tree stands unattended for more than 36 hours are considered to be abandoned property and subject to removal by the National Park Service. • Hunters must have a valid Oklahoma hunting license. Hunting licenses, special tags and waterfowl stamps are available from local businesses. • Displaying wildlife carcasses or remains is prohibited in campgrounds and developed areas. Firearms A new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws to legally possess firearms in the park. Federal regulations prohibit the discharge of firearms within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, except in the lawful taking of game animals. All sighting in and target practice must be done before entering the recreation area, since there is no designated target practice area. Fully automatic weapons and prohibited. Federal law continues to prohibit the possession of firearms in designated ‘‘federal facilities’’ in national parks, for example, nature/visitor centers, offices, ranger stations or maintenance facilities/building, these places are marked with Firearms Prohibited signs. Boundaries Chickasaw National Recreation Area is surrounded by private lands. State law requires that permission of the landowner or the custodian he obtained before entry on public lands. Therefore, it is important that hunters he familiar with the recreation area boundaries. Not all of the recreation area is open to hunting. All developed areas are closed and some areas are restricted to archery and shot shells only. The color-coded map found on the other side of this brochure indicates which areas are closed or restricted. Camping and Vehicles Off-road travel is not permitted in the recreation area. Camping is available throughout the year in designated campsites. All vehicles are restricted to established roads. Safety Tips • • • • • • • • Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot. Treat every gun with respect due to a loaded gun. Always be sure that the barrel and action are clear of obstruction. Carry your gun so that you can control the direction of the muzzle. Keep safety on until you are ready to shoot. Never climb a tree, fence, or other obstacle with a loaded gun. Never shoot at a flat, hard surface, or the surface of the water. Unattended guns should be unloaded. In Case of Emergency Park personnel are on duty to make your visit safe and enjoyable. In case of an emergency, call 911. For ranger assistance call 580-622-2000. Chickasaw National Recreation Area Sulphur, OK EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior