Delta Waterfowl Supports Oklahoma Law to Provide Structure to Guiding and Outfitting

Governor signs legislation to promote waterfowl hunters and landowners

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Legislation to provide clarity and structure to guiding and outfitting operations in Oklahoma was signed into law May 11 by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Senate Bill 2095 has been a priority for Delta Waterfowl in the Sooner State.

The new law requires hunting guides to purchase a guide license and maintain personal liability insurance. Additionally, guides and outfitters must obtain written permission for the private land on which they’re guiding. The provision will protect private landowners and provide a level of safety and peace of mind for their clients and an enforcement mechanism for rogue guides and outfitters.

“We’re grateful for Sen. Spencer Kern and Rep. Eddy Dempsey for their work on the bill,” said Jeff Wardlaw, Delta’s senior manager of government affairs for the Central and Mississippi flyways. “Duck hunters want to know the guides they’re using are safe and following the law. This law will provide protections to hunters and make it easier to prosecute those who choose to try and skirt the rules.”

Oklahoma has become a premier destination for waterfowl and sandhill crane hunting, leading to tremendous growth in the guiding and outfitting industry. Until now, there have been very few safeguards in place to protect landowners, hunters, and legitimate guiding operations from bad-faith outfitters operating without accountability. 

Legislation to create guardrails for guides and outfitters has been introduced in each session since 2023. SB2095 is the result of years of discussions with hunting guides, private landowners, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and it was a key priority for Delta Waterfowl during the 2026 legislative session.

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group founded in 1911 that uses science-based solutions to produce ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and ensure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit our website.

For more information, contact Jeff Wardlaw.