The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) runs shooting ranges on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across the state. There's no range fee, but there is a catch: you need an Oklahoma hunting license to use them. ODWC's WMA shooting ranges page is the official source; this guide adds the facilities and current status for each range.
The rules for ODWC ranges
From ODWC's shooting range rules:
- License: every shooter, and any adult with a shooter, needs a valid Oklahoma hunting license or combination hunting/fishing license, unless exempt.
- Hours: open year-round from official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, unless closed by area rules, controlled hunts or posted signs.
- Unmanned: there is no staff on site, so bring everything you need.
- Youth: shooters under 16 must be immediately supervised by an adult 18 or older.
- Safety gear: eye and ear protection are required.
- Targets and ammo: paper or clay targets only. No centerfire .50 caliber or larger, no full-auto, no exploding targets, tracers or incendiary rounds.
- No alcohol.
Ranges by region
| Range | Near | What you can shoot | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington WMA | Noble (Norman/OKC) | 50- and 100-yd rifle (5 covered benches), 25-yd pistol | Reopened Oct. 2, 2026 |
| Copan WMA | Copan (Bartlesville) | 100-yd rifle, 50-yd pistol (6 covered benches each), archery, restrooms | Open |
| Kaw WMA | Newkirk | Two 100-yd rifle ranges (12 covered benches), 30-yd pistol, archery | Open |
| Okmulgee GMA | Okmulgee | 200-yd rifle (5 covered benches), 30-yd pistol, trap | Conflicting: see note below |
| Cherokee PHA | Zeb (Cherokee County) | 100/200-yd rifle, 25-yd pistol, trap | Conflicting: see note below |
| Fort Gibson PHA | Wagoner | 100-yd rifle (2 benches) | Open |
| James Collins WMA | NE of McAlester | 100-yd rifle, 30-yd pistol | Open |
| Atoka WMA | Atoka | 100-yd rifle, 30-yd pistol, trap, archery | Open |
| Hickory Creek WMA | Marietta | 80-yd rifle (2 benches) | Open |
| Texoma/Washita Arm WMA | Tishomingo | 100-yd range (1 bench) | Open |
| Pushmataha WMA | Clayton | 200-yd rifle, 25-yd pistol, trap (when complete) | Under construction; ODWC estimates fall 2026 |
| Canton WMA | Canton | 100- and 200-yd rifle (2 covered benches) | Open (renovated) |
| Packsaddle WMA | Arnett | 100-yd rifle, trap | Open |
| Fort Supply WMA | Woodward | 100-yd rifle | Open |
| Beaver River WMA | Turpin (Panhandle) | 100-yd rifle, trap | Open |
| Optima WMA | Hardesty (Panhandle) | 100-yd rifle | Open |
Okmulgee and Cherokee: ODWC's own area pages conflict. Okmulgee GMA's page says the area is closed to all non-hunting activities Oct. 1-Feb. 15, but its FAQ says the gun range is open daily and doesn't close during controlled hunts. Cherokee PHA's page says the area is closed to non-hunting activities (except hunter camping) Oct. 1-Jan. 31 and during spring turkey season, but also describes its rifle range as open year-round. Call the area biologist (Okmulgee 918-759-1816, Cherokee 918-931-0432) before you go.
"Open" means ODWC lists the range without a closure. WMAs can close for controlled hunts, so call the area biologist (the number is on each listing) before a long drive. Lexington stays open during controlled hunts, per ODWC.
Closest free ranges to Oklahoma City and Tulsa
- Oklahoma City / Norman: Lexington WMA, about 5 miles south and 6 miles east of Noble. It's the only ODWC range in the central metro area.
- Tulsa: Okmulgee GMA is closest (ODWC's page is unclear on whether the range is open Oct. 1-Feb. 15, so call first). Fort Gibson PHA near Wagoner and Copan WMA north of Bartlesville are the other options.
If you'd rather have staff, rentals or a covered indoor lane, see our guide to gun ranges in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Frequently asked questions
Are Oklahoma's public shooting ranges free?
There's no range fee, but you need a valid Oklahoma hunting or combination license unless you're exempt. Buy one through ODWC's licensing system before you go.
Can kids shoot at ODWC ranges?
Yes. Shooters under 16 must be immediately supervised by an adult 18 or older. ODWC also says any accompanying adult needs a license unless exempt.
Can I shoot steel targets?
No. ODWC allows paper or clay targets only.
This guide is general information only, not legal advice. License requirements, exemptions and closures are set by ODWC and can change, so check wildlifedepartment.com before you go.