Gov. Stitt, Wildlife Conservation go to battle with AG Drummond over rule of law

Governor Stitt Fights for Rule of Law, Wildlife Conservation

 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (November 20, 2025) – In the wake of Attorney General Drummond’s decision to put the desires of political donors above Oklahoma law, Governor Stitt doubled down on his commitment to upholding the rule of law, regardless of race. He applauded the Wildlife Commission’s decision to order the Attorney General to stop interfering with their duty to uphold the law and opt to hire an independent attorney that will defend their position.

  

“The most core American value is that laws are applied equally regardless of race,” said Governor Stitt. “The courts have been clear time and time again, the application of the misguided McGirt decision does not extend to every part of Oklahoma life. The state can and will continue to enforce wildlife laws, traffic laws, and tax laws to every Oklahoman.”

Tickets included bear baiting, spotlighting, hunting without a license on state owned property and hunting without a license on federal land that is managed by OWDC.

Stitt defends equal enforcement of state hunting laws, countering action by Attorney General "lawless Drummond"

Governor Stitt Defends Equal Enforcement of State Hunting Laws, Appoints Special Prosecutor 

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 13, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Russ Cochran, former Assistant District Attorney for Lincoln and Pottawattamie Counties and former General Counsel for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, to act as a special prosecutor in the wake of the State Attorney General’s actions regarding the prosecution of certain crimes in eastern Oklahoma.

“State and federal courts have been clear. The State of Oklahoma can prosecute Indians who commit non-major crimes in our state,” said Governor Stitt. “I will not stand by and allow lawless Drummond to undermine district attorneys who are prosecuting crimes and keeping Oklahomans safe.”

Senate passes bill to allow foraging on state-owned lands

Senate unanimously approves Boren’s foraging bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, won unanimous Senate support for Senate Bill 447 to allow foraging for nuts, edible plants and fungi on state-owned or state-managed property. Boren said she didn’t even know it was against the law until a family member brought the situation to light.

“My mother-in-law and mother were on state property, and they picked up a few pecans on their outing but were scolded by a state park ranger who told her it was illegal. Even if you are out hunting, if you pick up a single mushroom, technically, that’s against the law,” Boren said. “My legislation makes it legal for people to forage for nuts, edible plants or fungi on state property.”

Sen. Hamilton highlights key policy initiatives for upcoming legislative session

Sen. Warren Hamilton Highlights Key Policy Initiatives for Upcoming Legislative Session

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 28th) – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, recently announced five bills that are key to his legislative agenda for the 2025 session. Hamilton is the author of Senate Bills 19, 448, 504, 599, and 869, each designed to protect Oklahomans and their way of life.

“Among these pieces of legislation are efforts to safeguard Oklahoma’s children from any individuals or institutions that may try to harm them,” Hamilton said. “This includes ensuring that our school libraries are free from inappropriate or harmful materials, protecting minors from entering into premature or potentially dangerous marriages, and implementing stronger penalties for those convicted of child sexual abuse. Each of these measures is a critical step in upholding the well-being and safety of our youth.”

State Senate committee studies solutions to reverse state's turkey population decline

Senate committee looks for ways to increase state’s turkey population

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Tourism and Wildlife Committee heard from wildlife experts Monday about why Oklahoma has seen a significant decline it its turkey population. Sen. Blake “Cowboy” Stephens, R-Tahlequah, requested the study to find possible legislative solutions to increase their numbers.

“As someone who grew up hunting in rural Oklahoma, I’m extremely concerned and saddened by the disturbing drop we’ve seen in our state’s turkey population in recent years,” Stephens said. “We have a legislative and moral responsibility to protect not only our state lands, but the species that inhabit them, including the wild turkey.  I appreciate the recommendations we received from our state’s wildlife experts and am looking forward to working with my colleagues to help better protect the majestic thunder chicken as it is fondly referred to.”