The first full weekend of September is traditionally Free Hunting Days in Oklahoma. On these two days, which will be Saturday and Sunday, Oklahoma residents may participate in open hunting seasons without the requirement to have a state hunting license. It’s a perfect chance to instruct a newcomer to the sport or to introduce someone new to hunting.

The regulations are available online at www. wildlifedepartment. com/hunting/regs and in the free Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app for Apple or Android.

••• Waterfowlers won’t be waiting much longer before they can get out into the marsh or field to do some hunting in Oklahoma. Sept. 7, which is Saturday, marks opening day for two early waterfowl seasons in Oklahoma. The September teal season will run through Sept. 22, and the special resident Canada goose season will run through Sept. 16.

Because blue-winged teal and green-winged teal usually migrate through Oklahoma earlier than many other ducks, hunters are offered the chance to harvest these birds before regular duck seasons. Teal are small, fast fliers and have an erratic flight pattern, challenging even the best of wing-shooters.

Hunters are reminded that only teal may be harvested, and bird identification is important. Hunters often see other species of ducks while teal hunting, such as resident mallards or wood ducks, along with some other early migrants. Be sure of your target.

Waterfowl hunters also have a chance to hunt resident Canada geese during the special September season. These non-migrating geese have established healthy populations in areas across the state, particularly near some larger urban areas. Goose hunters must obey all hunting restrictions for any area in which they are hunting.

Teal hunters are allowed a daily bag limit of six birds. Hunters taking resident Canada geese are allowed a daily bag limit of eight birds.

All other federal migratory bird hunting regulations are in effect for these two early waterfowl seasons. Only federally approved nontoxic shot is permitted; possession of any lead shot while waterfowl hunting is prohibited. And all shotguns must be plugged to hold only three shotshells.

Duck and goose hunters must possess a resident or nonresident hunting license unless exempt; a federal duck stamp (age 16 and older); a state duck stamp or state waterfowl license (ages 18-64); and a federal Harvest Information Program permit (ages 16-63). In some cases, other license exemptions may apply. New for 2024, the adult nonresident fiveday hunting license is not valid for waterfowl hunting.

Ensure you are abiding by all the rules in the current Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations found online at www.wildlifedepartment. com, in the Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app, or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.