Improving public access to private land upland habitat across the state
Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are proud to announce the Public Access to Habitat (PATH) program has expanded to Oklahoma. Partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), the program aims to enroll 10,000+ acres of high-quality upland habitat through the agency’s Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP).
PATH represents PF & QF’s primary mechanism to increase public hunting access on private lands – a key strategy identified in the organization’s National Strategic Plan. Successful pilot programs in South Dakota and Nebraska have already secured public hunting access to more than 120,000 acres of prime upland bird habitat. Following the recent announcement of PATH expansion in North Dakota, the program now moves south to the Sooner State.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring PATH to Oklahoma,” said John Laux, PATH programs manager. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership with ODWC, and helping create more public access for bird hunters in quail country.”
Only 4% of Oklahoma is publicly owned, making access to private land crucial to the future of upland bird hunting in the state. Recognizing these challenges, ODWC initiated OLAP in 2016 to increase public hunting opportunities on private lands. OLAP is a voluntary program that provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to allow public, walk-in access for hunting. Through Oklahoma PATH, funds raised by local PF & QF chapters, donors, and other conservation partners will be matched with funding support from onX Hunt’s Adventure Forever Grants Program. Collectively, this funding will be further leveraged by ODWC funds (including Pittman-Robertson dollars) to allow for the expansion of OLAP in key geographies throughout the state.
“I believe we have started something great with PF & QF,” said Joshua Luft, wildlife biologist for the ODWC. “PATH has given the Oklahoma Land Access Program the ability to continue growing, provide more access, and add high-quality acres for sportspersons in Oklahoma to enjoy. I am excited for this partnership and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together!”
To learn more about enrolling acres in PATH or contributing to this effort, please visit the Oklahoma PATH website, or contact John Laux at JLaux@pheasantsforever.org.