December 18 19 & 20, 2026 ~ Tatanka Ranch ~ Stroud, Oklahoma
This rifle-only whitetail deer hunt is designed to provide a safe, enjoyable, and educational hunting experience for new hunters. Participants may harvest up to two mature antlerless whitetail deer in accordance with Oklahoma hunting regulations.
Each hunter will be paired with an experienced mentor who will provide one-on-one guidance and support throughout the weekend. The experience begins Friday afternoon with a Deer Hunting 101 workshop covering the fundamentals of deer hunting, ethics, shot placement, and hunting strategies. On Saturday morning, participants will receive firearm safety instruction followed by time at the shooting range to improve marksmanship and build confidence before heading to the field.
The hunt includes two nights of lodging and all meals. All hunting will take place from comfortable ground blinds overlooking established feeders, providing excellent opportunities for safe, ethical shots and a successful hunting experience. This mentored hunt is designed to help you gain knowledge, confidence, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Mentored Deer Hunt Application Process & Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Oklahoma Hunters & Anglers Mentored Deer Hunt, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Application Process
- Submit a completed application by November 14, 2026. Link to application below.
- Include a one-time, non-refundable $25 application fee payable to the Oklahoma Hunters & Anglers (OHA).
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess a valid Oklahoma deer hunting license prior to submitting an application.
- Not have harvested a whitetail deer within the past five (5) years.
- Not have a felony conviction.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Qualified applicants will be reviewed and selected according to OHA’s established selection process and available hunt opportunities.
Selected hunters will be required to:
- Successful applicants will be notified by phone no later than November 19, 2026.
- Pay $250 plus applicable taxes for two nights of lodging at the ranch, including meals.
- Guests are welcome to stay in the cabin with the hunter.
- Submit full payment on or before November 30, 2026.
- Bring an ODWC-approved blaze orange vest and head covering.
- Possess a valid Oklahoma Deer Hunting License.
- Possess a valid Hunter Education Certification or qualify for an exemption under Oklahoma law.
- Bring a portable chair for use in the ground blind.
- Bring an ice chest large enough to hold one or two quartered deer.
- Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- No alcohol will be permitted on the ranch premises at any time.
Firearms
Selected hunters may bring their own firearm or use a firearm provided by their assigned mentor. All personally owned firearms must be .243 caliber or larger. The following calibers are not permitted for this hunt: .222 Remington, .223 Remington/5.56 NATO, and .22-250 Remington.
All firearms must be in safe working condition and be sighted in prior to the hunt. Hunters are responsible for ensuring they are familiar with the safe operation of any firearm they choose to use.
Hunt Agenda
Friday, December 18
- 11:00 a.m. – Hunters arrive at Tatanka Ranch.
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Cabin and room assignments.
- 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch.
- 12:30 – 5:00 p.m. – Welcome, orientation, and Deer Hunting 101.
- 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Dinner and an old-fashioned deer camp.
Saturday, December 19
- 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast.
- 9:00 a.m. – Firearm safety review and range session.
- 11:00 a.m. – Lunch.
- 1:30 p.m. – Hunters depart for the afternoon hunt with their mentors.
- 5:00 p.m. – Deer recovery, followed by a field dressing and quartering demonstration with hands-on participation.
- 6:30 p.m. – Dinner and an old-fashioned deer camp.
Sunday, December 20
- 5:45 a.m. – Breakfast.
- 6:30 a.m. – Hunters depart for the morning hunt with their mentors.
- 11:00 a.m. – Hunters return to the ranch. Field dressing and quartering demonstration with hands-on participation, as needed.
- 12:00 p.m. (Noon) – Hunters depart Tatanka Ranch.
Interested in participating? Complete your application for this hunt by clicking the link below
