Outdoor shows offer way to beat cabin fever

As I’m writing this the outside temps are in the teens and wind chills around 0, but you might still need that outdoor fix. If it is too cold to get outdoors, then there are several upcoming outdoor shows where you can…see the latest in outdoor products, attend classes to improve hunting or fishing techniques, book fishing or hunting trips, and much more.

There are several outdoor shows on the schedule for Oklahoma, but the biggest are:

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the OKC Boat & RV Show set for Jan 10-12 at the Oklahoma Fairgrounds.

See what’s new and get great prices on boats and RVs for the upcoming year. Tickets are $15 for adults, children 12 and under are free, and military/seniors get $2 off. Pick up a coupon for $5 off at OKC OnCue locations.

Another great event to attend is the annual Oklahoma Backwoods Hunting and Fishing Expo. The Backwoods show is scheduled for Feb 28-Mar 2 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Admission is $12 for adults, military and seniors is $10, kids 10 and under are free.

The Backwoods Hunting and Fishing Expo, Inc. hosts its 39th annual event with the largest, most exciting program of attractions, exhibits and seminars with guest experts in many fields. This big three-day show will appeal to all people who love the outdoors, including experienced hunters and fishermen, as well as novices. And there is plenty for the entire family to see and do with several youth and adult competitions.

One of my favorite thing to see at the Backwoods show is the Oklahoma White-Tail Hall of Fame, a collection of the largest deer taken in Oklahoma. There is also the opportunity to get a deer rack scored by biologists for the Cy Curtis, Boone & Crocket, and Pope & Young awards program. Other features included the Kids Zone, Heart of Texas Snake Handlers and appearance by Jeff Danker of the TV Series Buckventures.

The Lawton RV, Boat & Outdoor Leisure Show is back at the Lawton Comanche County Fairgrounds this Jan. 31- Feb. 2. Come see the latest models and makes of new RVs and Boats at special show prices! See the latest models for 2025 with various exhibitors showcasing Oklahoma based businesses with more for the outdoors!

Cost is $8 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Get discount tickets at Ft. Sill Federal Credit Union, Aqua Marine or RV Connection.

2025 Hunting seasons

If you are working on your calendar for the new year, here are some general set dates for the upcoming season. Dates are subject to change, and will become official in late summer.

Deer Archery: Oct. 1 to Jan. 15

Deer Muzzleloader: The fourth Saturday in October continuing nine days through the first Sunday in November

Youth Deer Gun: The third Friday in October and runs for three days through Sunday

Deer Gun: The Saturday prior to Thanksgiving and runs for 16 consecutive days in management zones as designated by Commission resolution

Holiday Antlerless Deer: Dec. 18 to Dec. 31

Spring Turkey: April 16 through May 16

Youth Spring Turkey: The Saturday and Sunday preceding the spring turkey season

Archery Antelope: Oct. 1 through Oct. 14

Elk season(only in open zones) follows deer season dates

Elk Archery in Special SW Zone (All private lands in Caddo, Comanche, and Kiowa Counties): The first Saturday in October for five consecutive days through Wednesday. And then again the second Saturday in Dec. for five consecutive days through Wednesday.

Youth Elk Gun in Special SW Zone (All private lands in Caddo, Comanche, and Kiowa Counties): runs concurrent with the youth deer gun season

Elk Gun in Special SW Zone (All private lands in Caddo, Comanche, and Kiowa Counties): The Thursday immediately following the Oct. elk archery season for four consecutive days through Sunday. And again the Thursday immediately following the December elk archery season for four consecutive days through Sunday

Additional Antlerless Elk in Special SW Zone (All private lands in Caddo, Comanche, and Kiowa Counties): The Saturday before Thanksgiving and running for sixteen (16) consecutive days, and Jan. 1 through Jan. 31

Bear Archery: Oct. 1 through the third Sunday in October.

Bear Muzzleloader: Runs concurrently with deer muzzleloader season

Turkey Fall Archery: Runs concurrently with the deer archery season

Turkey Fall Gun: The last Saturday of the deer primitive season through the Friday preceding deer gun season

Quail: the second Saturday in November through Feb. 15

Prairie Dog: Open year-round

Squirrel: May 15 to Feb. 28

Rabbit: Oct. 1 to March 15

Pheasant: Dec. 1 through Jan. 31

Bobcat, Badger, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Opossum, River Otter & Weasel: The first day of Dec. to the last day of Feb

Raccoon, Beaver, Striped Skunk, Nutria and Coyote: Open year-round