Lifetime License increasing

One of the best deals in Oklahoma is getting ready to increase. The Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License will increase effective July 1, 2024, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

If you have one of these licenses, or know someone who does, they will attest to its value. I bought mine in 1994, and figure it has paid for itself, many times over, since then. Of course when I bought mine it was even more of a bargain, but it is still worthwhile for anyone who loves to hunt and fish in Oklahoma.

Another change from the ODWC is that after July 1, you will no longer be able to purchase just the lifetime hunting license, instead, you will have to get the combination license (includes both hunting and fishing). Currently the lifetime hunting license is $625 and will increase to $1,024. The current combination license is $775.

Another change is that the ODWC is increasing the Senior Citizen Lifetime combination license from $25 to $60. While the senior license does not offer all of the benefits of the regular lifetime license, it is still a great deal.

As the owner of a lifetime combination license, you may hunt and fish in the State of Oklahoma for as long as you live, subject to the rules set forth for the separate hunting and fishing licenses. Lifetime hunting license holders are exempt from purchasing an annual hunting license; Oklahoma waterfowl stamp; Wildlife Conservation Passport; Fur License; Annual Trapping License; deer, elk, antelope, and turkey licenses; and controlled hunt permits.

The lifetime hunting license does not exempt the holder from purchasing a bear license, H.I.P. permit (ages 16 to 64), federal permits, federal fees that may be required (such as a federal duck stamp or federal controlled hunt user fee), or a land access permit for designated areas. If the license holder hunts migratory birds, he/she must fill out a yearly migratory bird survey (HIP permit). The HIP permit may be obtained free of charge online or it can be purchased at a license dealership for $3.00.

Although the lifetime hunting license is going away, the lifetime fishing license will remain, but it too will reflect an increase, going to $375 from its current price of $225. Lifetime fishing license holders are exempt from purchasing an annual fishing license. The lifetime fishing license does not exempt you from having to purchase a Lake Texoma license if you fish on the Texas side of Lake Texoma (unless age 65 or over), a land access permit for designated areas, or a paddlefish permit.

Only legal residents of Oklahoma for six months preceding application date, who intend to remain permanent residents of Oklahoma, may obtain a lifetime license. Any resident of Oklahoma who reaches 64 years of age shall be eligible for the senior citizen lifetime license during the calendar year in which said person turns 65 years of age.

For Resident Lifetime Licenses, you will have to submit an application. The process may be completed online, by mail, or in person at our Oklahoma City Headquarters office (1801 N. Lincoln Oklahoma City, OK 73105). If you are mailing your application, the county game warden or an authorized Department employee must approve your application prior to submitting the application. A copy of a driver’s license or other form to prove residency must be used.

The ODWC will also streamline other hunting and fishing licenses— consolidating 50 current licenses into 14 licenses — and slightly increasing the prices on each. A fishing license for an Oklahoma resident will go from $25 to $30 per year. A 5-year combination hunting and fishing license that costs $150 will now be a three year license for $120. A “youth” is now anyone under 18. The law also consolidates all youth hunting licenses into a “super license.” Annual licenses will now be good for a full year from the purchase date, rather than season dates. ODWC says this will be the first increase in more than 20 years

For more information and a copy of the application go to https://wildlifedepartment.com/licensing/lifetime-license.