State guide
When to catch Oklahomathrough the year
We follow 3 places in Oklahoma for winter wildlife and wildlife by season: winter at Salt Plains Refuge and Sequoyah Refuge and spring at Sequoyah Refuge. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
When are you going?
Fall in Oklahoma
Good in fall
- Salt Plains RefugeSandhill cranes, October through April
- Sequoyah RefugeSnow goose flocks of up to 20,000, the largest in Oklahoma
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Winter in Oklahoma
- SEASON · WINTER WILDLIFESequoyah RefugeNovember through JanuaryOklahoma
“November through January” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
- More winter wildlife:Tishomingo Refuge
Also good in winter
- Salt Plains RefugeGolden and bald eagles, January through February
- Sequoyah RefugeWaterfowl at their highest numbers, November through January
- Tishomingo RefugeSnow geese by the thousands, from November until they head north by early March
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Spring in Oklahoma
Also good in spring
- Salt Plains RefugeSandhill cranes, October through April
- Sequoyah RefugeSongbirds
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Summer in Oklahoma
Places in Oklahoma
- Spring
- Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Planning a Oklahoma trip
Towns to stay in
- Oklahoma City, OKTishomingo Refuge · 100 mi
- Muskogee, OKSequoyah Refuge · 30 mi
- Ardmore, OKTishomingo Refuge · 28 mi
Nearest place we follow, straight-line miles.
Browse by season and event
- Winter wildlife · 3 places hereWinter wildlife, everywhere →
- Wildlife by season · 1 place hereWildlife by season, everywhere →
Questions people ask
Is there a fee at Salt Plains Refuge?
No, there are no entrance fees or passes needed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: General Information brochure (June 2025) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is it open at Salt Plains Refuge?
Daily from sunrise to sunset. Trails may close for controlled hunts, prescribed fires and maintenance.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: General Information brochure (June 2025) ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When in the day is best at Sequoyah Refuge?
Wildlife is most active near sunrise and sunset. Take your time and stay quiet so the shyer animals get used to you.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sequoyah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring at Sequoyah Refuge?
Check the forecast and dress for it, and bring insect repellent, sunscreen, drinking water and snacks.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sequoyah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Nearby state guides: Kansas · Missouri · Texas · Mississippi
Oklahoma in pictures
How we know
- Sep 28Park ServiceBest times and places to see eagles and cranes, trails, hours, fees, rulesSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Plains NWR: General Information brochure (June 2025) in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceSeasons of wildlife: October–February birds, snow geese in November and DecemberSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sequoyah NWR: Species in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceWaterfowl peak months, nature trails, hours, fees, restrooms and rulesSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sequoyah NWR: Visit Us in a new tab)
- Sep 29Park ServiceSnow geese from November through the winter; geese head north by early MarchSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tishomingo NWR: Species in a new tab)