The three refuge hunts (two Youth Hunts and one General Hunt) accounted for 43 antlerless deer harvested this season. 29 youths, age 10 to 15, bagged 25 deer, and 20 adult hunters added another 18 to the total. During the eight years the hunts have been offered at the refuge, 385 participants have bagged 607 deer.

The hunts are considered a management tool for the refuge and are used to control the total number of deer living on the 8,075 acre tract. By targeting antlerless deer the buck to doe ratio has gradually shifted to a more natural level.  The hunt is a joint effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the ODWC. Anyone interested in participating in the hunt can apply through the Oklahoma Controlled Hunts program. The Controlled Hunts brochure and web site are available in the spring of the year and application may be made through the mail or on line with an application deadline in early May.