Deer Hunting Keystone Lake WMA: Your Guide to Public Land Hunting In Oklahoma

If you’re looking for an exciting public land whitetail deer hunting experience in Oklahoma, look no further than Keystone Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Spanning over 22,000 acres across Creek, Osage, and Pawnee counties, this public hunting area offers a wide range of whitetail habitats, making it a prime destination for deer hunters of all experience levels. Whether you’re hunting from a tree stand, saddle hunting, or setting up in a ground blind, the diversity of terrain, walk-in access, and boat-accessible locations give hunters plenty of options to get close to that trophy buck.

Best of all, December Ranch is conveniently located less than two miles from Keystone Lake WMA and offers comfortable accommodations in a 2024 30-foot Forest River Wolf Den camper. With the camper’s modern amenities and capacity to sleep up to four adults, it’s an ideal spot for out-of-state hunters looking for a place to relax after a long day in the field. Here’s your guide to hunting whitetails in this region and everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

Hunting Whitetails on Keystone Lake WMA: Habitat and Terrain

Keystone Lake WMA offers a diverse mix of habitat types that whitetail deer call home. The Arkansas and Cimarron Rivers, which flow through the area, create floodplains and bottomlands lined with cottonwood and willow trees—excellent areas for deer to bed down. As you move away from the rivers, the elevation rises, transitioning into a mix of bottomland hardwoods, cropland fields, and upland habitats with native grasses and brush. Fallow farm fields, pockets of thick timber, and the brushy undergrowth surrounding the lake provide ideal cover for deer, especially during the rut.

If you’re hunting during the rut, which typically peaks in Oklahoma in mid-November, focus on pinch points, travel corridors between feeding areas and bedding grounds, and water sources. Whitetails in this area also love the agricultural fields that border the WMA. These fields, often planted with wheat or other grains, become feeding zones for deer, especially during early morning and late afternoon hours.

Methods for Hunting Whitetail on Public Land

One of the great things about hunting Keystone Lake WMA is the variety of tactics that can be employed based on the terrain and personal preference. Here’s a breakdown of some popular methods:

Oklahoma Public Land Saddle Hunting

Saddle hunting is gaining popularity across the country, and it’s particularly useful on public land like Keystone WMA, where mobility and flexibility are key. The ability to move between trees quickly and quietly, set up on pinch points, or hunt over feeding areas makes this a perfect method for navigating the varied terrain of the WMA. The abundant cottonwood and hardwood trees provide great anchor points for saddles, allowing hunters to stay elevated and undetected.

Hunting Whitetails From Treestands

Treestands are a tried-and-true method, especially for hunting deer on the edges of agricultural fields or transition zones between thick cover and open spaces. Tree stand placement can be critical here—look for well-used trails or scrape lines during the rut and set up accordingly. Be sure to check regulations on treestand use within the WMA, as some areas restrict permanent stand placement.

Whitetail Hunting Public Land From Ground Blinds

Ground blinds offer excellent concealment in areas where treestand options may be limited, such as along riverbanks or in more open floodplains. They can also be a great choice for hunters who prefer a more stationary approach. Setting up near feeding areas or well-traveled game trails can provide close encounters, especially if you’re hunting with archery gear.

Walk In River Access For Public Land Whitetails

While much of Keystone WMA is accessible by foot, river access offers a unique advantage. Many prime hunting spots along the Arkansas River are only reachable by boat, which keeps pressure lower and gives you an edge over hunters relying solely on walk-in access. The river corridors also serve as natural funnels for deer movement, making these areas ideal for setting up in strategic ambush points.

Whitetail Hunting Statistics for Keystone Lake WMA and Oklahoma

Oklahoma is known for producing high-quality whitetail bucks, and the Keystone Lake WMA is no exception. In fact, deer harvests in this area consistently yield impressive results, with both archery and rifle hunters reporting success.

Oklahoma’s whitetail population has been growing steadily, with the statewide harvest exceeding 100,000 deer annually in recent years. Keystone Lake WMA, thanks to its vast size and varied terrain, supports a healthy population of deer, providing ample opportunities for hunters to tag a buck or doe.

While public land hunting can sometimes be challenging, success rates for whitetail hunters in Oklahoma are strong, with archery hunters typically harvesting around 20% of the state’s total whitetail deer. Keystone Lake WMA sees a good mix of both archery and rifle hunters each season, making it a popular spot for whitetail chasers looking to bag their next trophy.

State Regulations for Deer Hunting at Keystone WMA

Before hitting the field, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Oklahoma’s hunting regulations, particularly those that apply to public lands like Keystone WMA. Here’s a quick rundown of the most important rules to keep in mind:

Season Dates: Archery season typically runs from October 1st through January 15th, while the deer gun season occurs in mid-November through early December. Check the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) for specific dates and any changes to the seasons.

Bag Limits: In Oklahoma, hunters can take a maximum of six deer, no more than two of which can be antlered bucks. However, different bag limits apply during each season (archery, muzzleloader, and rifle), so make sure to stay within the legal limits for your specific method.

Licenses and Permits: To hunt whitetail on Keystone WMA, you’ll need a valid Oklahoma hunting license, deer permit, and a WMA permit for public land. Non-resident hunters must purchase a non-resident license, and special tags may be required for antlerless deer during certain seasons.

Stay Close to the Hunting at December Ranch.

What better way to round off a successful day of whitetail hunting than with a comfortable place to stay just minutes from the action? December Ranch, located less than two miles from Keystone Lake WMA, offers top-tier accommodations for out-of-state hunters looking to extend their trip.

Our 2024 30-foot Forest River Wolf Den camper provides all the comforts of home, including heating, air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and space to sleep up to four adults. Whether you’re prepping meals or relaxing after a day in the field, the camper comes with everything you need—from a convection oven and fridge to a Keurig coffee maker and all the utensils and cookware you’ll need. It’s the perfect base camp for those long hunting weekends.

Plan Your Keystone Lake WMA Hunting Trip Today!

Keystone Lake WMA is a public land hunter’s paradise. With its mix of habitats, walk-in access points, and the added benefit of river access, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get on deer. Whether you prefer to saddle hunt from the treetops, set up a ground blind along a game trail, or take your chances near the river’s edge, Keystone Lake WMA offers a variety of environments to fit every hunting style. And with December Ranch nearby, you’ll have a comfortable and convenient place to stay, making your whitetail hunt in Oklahoma an adventure to remember.

So grab your gear, plan your strategy, and come experience some of the best public land whitetail hunting Oklahoma has to offer!

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