| MAY 2008 NEWS
RELEASES |
WEEK OF MAY 1, 2008
WEEK OF MAY 8, 2008
New Three Rivers agreement
approved
At its May meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission
voted to accept a new land use agreement with Weyerhaeuser Company for the Three
Rivers Wildlife Management Area in McCurtain County.
Under the new three-year agreement, the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation will lease 250,190 acres at 50 cents per acre per year for
recreational public access as the Three Rivers WMA. As in the past, a Land
Access Permit will be required of users.
Beginning Aug. 1, the cost of that permit will increase to cover the
cost of the new lease.
Additionally, ATV use will only be allowed during deer season (Oct.
1 – Jan. 15) and only by licensed deer hunters. The following guidelines will
apply to ATV use on the area:
* Any hunter while operating an ATV/ORV at any time
must comply with daylight florescent orange requirements as required for deer
gun seasons. If a crash helmet is worn, only the fluorescent orange chest
covering is required.
* ATV/ORV use is restricted to WMA roads that are on the current Three Rivers
WMA map unless otherwise closed.
* Only unaltered standard manufactured ATV/ORVs with
a 700 cc motor displacement or less are allowed.
* ATV/ORV use shall be restricted to a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour.
* ATV/ORV operators and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a crash helmet
that complies with standards established by 49 C.F.R., Section 571.218.
* Passengers in addition to the operator are not allowed on ATV/ORVs
unless that ATV/ORV has been specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry
passengers in addition to the operator.
* Leaving any ATV/ORV unattended on Three Rivers WMA without the owner’s name
and address conspicuously attached is prohibited.
Use of ATV/ORVs off of delineated roads
for retrieval of lawfully taken and tagged deer is permissible only with the
following restrictions.
* ATV/ORVs shall not travel more than one half mile
from the nearest road.
* ATV/ORVs shall not cross rivers and streams unless
on a road with constructed stream crossing structures.
* ATV/ORVs used for deer retrieval shall not be used
in areas otherwise closed to the use of motor vehicles.
“For the past 10 years Weyerhaeuser, through an agreement with the
Wildlife Department, has allowed hunters and anglers to use our property;
however, that contract will expire this May,” said Matt Williams, Weyerhaeuser
timberland manager in Oklahoma and Arkansas. “Many things have changed in the
past 10 years, including the economies of timber production. Although this new
agreement will be much different than our previous one, we think it represents a
significant opportunity for hunters and anglers, with over 1,000 miles of
private roads, hundreds of streams and rivers for all types of outdoor
recreation.”
Williams said the company looks forward to building on the success
of the last 10 years, which has included both opportunities for sportsmen and
benefits for conservation.
“There’s been quality hunting and fishing experiences for the public
to enjoy. There’s been a reduced incidence of wildfire, unauthorized access and
dumping on the property that is critical to our continuing this agreement,”
Williams said.
Williams said the Department’s agreement with Weyerhaeuser involves
what may be the largest property in the country of its kind where a private
timberland company and public entity have entered into a cooperative agreement
to allow public access.
“Although we manage our properties primarily for timber production,
Weyerhaeuser is dedicated to enhancing fish and wildlife resources and we hope
to continue providing quality public recreation on a good portion of our
property,” Williams said. “This new agreement solution is positive for all
parties involved — Weyerhaeuser, the Wildlife Department and the sportsmen.”
Richard Hatcher, assistant director of the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation, said the encouraging thing about the new agreement is
that both the Wildlife Department and Weyerhaeuser are very committed to
maintaining the strong tradition of public hunting and fishing in the area.
“This area is a large contiguous area that will continue to allow us
to focus our resources and management efforts,” Hatcher said. “Every dollar
brought in from the land access permit goes right back into the area, whether to
pay the lease or manage the property.”
Though there are different terms and conditions with the new
agreement than there has been in previous agreements, Hatcher says it is
important for sportsmen to look at the big picture.
Located in
Composed primarily of pine and mixed oak forests, Three Rivers
supports large numbers of whitetail deer and eastern wild turkey, as well as
plentiful numbers of small game such as rabbits and squirrels. The area also
supports an abundance of non-game wildlife, particularly songbirds. Several
highland streams flow through both areas, offering excellent fishing
opportunities for a number of game species, particularly smallmouth bass.
Land access permit holders also have access to the nearby Honobia
Creek WMA, an additional 75,000 acres of land.
For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, log
on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Southeast
At its May meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife
Conservation Commission voted to accept a new agreement between the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation and Weyerhaeuser Company for land use in the
Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area in southern
The Department’s 10-year lease term with Weyerhaeuser is expiring in
May, and under the new agreement, just over 250,000 acres at a lease cost of 50
cents per acre will be included in a three-year lease.
Just as in the past, a Land Access Permit will be required of users.
The cost of that permit, however, will increase Aug. 1 to help cover the cost of
the new lease.
Additionally, ATV use will only be allowed during deer season and
only by licensed deer hunters and under certain regulations. A complete list of
the new ATV regulations can be viewed on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at
wildlifedepartment.com.
Although Weyerhaeuser manages its properties primarily for timber
production, officials with the company say its relationship with the Wildlife
Department has been beneficial to the Three Rivers WMA area, resulting in less
incidence of wildfire, unauthorized access and littering as well the opportunity
for quality hunting and fishing.
“This new agreement solution is positive for all parties involved —
Weyerhaeuser, the Wildlife Department and the sportsmen,” said Matt Williams,
Weyerhaeuser timberland manager in
Richard Hatcher, assistant director of the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation, said the encouraging thing about the new agreement is
that both the Wildlife Department and Weyerhaeuser are very committed to
maintaining the strong tradition of public hunting and fishing in the area.
“This area is a large contiguous area that will continue to allow us
to focus our resources and management efforts,” Hatcher said. “Every dollar
brought in from the Land Access Permit goes right back into the area, whether to
pay the lease or manage the property.”
Other business at the Commission’s May meeting involved elk hunting
in southwest
The Commission recognizes the free-ranging elk on lands east and
west of SH 115 in Kiowa, Comanche and Caddo counties as two independent elk
herds — the Granite herd to the west of the highway, and the Slick Hills herd to
the east of the highway. According to Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the
Wildlife Department, the Slick Hills elk herd has nearly doubled in recent
years, and suitable elk habitat in that area is limited.
The Commission proposed emergency rules to increase the bag limit on
elk that can be taken on private land in Caddo, Comanche, and Kiowa counties.
Last month, the Commission approved more days to hunt elk, whereas this month
they increased the season limit to two elk on lands east of SH 115, one of which
must be a cow elk. The decision also simplifies the licensing process for
hunters. Hunters can now purchase an elk license anywhere that sells hunting
licenses but still must carry written permission from the landowner while in the
field.
Peoples said at last month’s Commission meeting
that landowners in the affected counties revealed a desire to harvest
more elk and to limit depredation problems caused by elk in agricultural areas.
In other business, the Commission approved a resolution placing a
three-year moratorium on commercial turtle harvest in state waters.
“We feel we don’t have enough information about the impact of
commercial turtle harvest in public waters to justify the current system,” said
Barry Bolton, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department. “This resolution
will give us time to better understand the impacts this practice could have on
the resource. In the meantime, turtle harvest for private use will continue
without a change in regulations.”
Commercial harvest will continue to be permitted on private land
waters, such as farm ponds.
The Commission also recognized Scott Webb, wildlife technician at
Sandy Sanders WMA, for 20 years of service to the Wildlife Department.
The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing
board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife
Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for
the Wildlife Department and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife
conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and
confirmed by the Senate.
The next scheduled Commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. June 2 at
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium),
located at the southwest corner of 18th and
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Five-year hunting and fishing license to benefit sportsmen in 2009
Ask any Oklahoman how much money they spend on their favorite
pastime — whether it is golf, shopping, video games or another activity — and
you will quickly learn that hobbies can cost big bucks. Sportsmen are no
different, spending money on the latest gear, hunting leases, outdoor apparel
and gasoline and food for their outings. But starting in January 2009, Oklahoma
sportsmen will have the option of getting a great bargain by purchasing a
five-year hunting, fishing or combination license at a fraction of the cost of
buying an annual hunting and fishing license each year.
State Rep. Randy McDaniel (R) recently authored House Bill 2667,
which was recently signed into law by the governor, creating five-year hunting,
fishing or combination licenses that will be available to sportsmen in 2009.
Senator John Ford (R) was the Senate author.
“Hunting and fishing are great traditions in
Rep. McDaniel is the state’s District 83 representative (northwest
Oklahoma City) and serves on several House committees, including Tourism and
Recreation, for which he is vice chair; Industry and Labor; Arts and Culture;
Human Services; and Health. Sen. Ford represents District 29 (northeast
The bill sets the fee for these licenses at $88 for a five-year
fishing license, $88 for a five-year hunting license and $148 for a combination
license, which also includes the five-year fishing and hunting legacy permit.
Normally, hunters and anglers pay $5 each year for the legacy permit, or $25
over five years.
“For most sportsmen, five years of annual combination licenses and
fishing and hunting legacy permits comes to about $210, but for just $148
sportsmen can get a hunting and fishing license as well as a fishing and hunting
legacy permit that will last five years,” said Melinda Sturgess-Streich,
assistant director of administration for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation. “That is an enormous saving.”
Sportsmen who hold a five-year license will still be required to
purchase other applicable annual permits such deer and turkey licenses,
appropriate waterfowl stamps, land access permits and other permits where
required.
The five-year fishing, hunting or combination license will be
available in January 2009 at any sporting goods store or location that sells
hunting and fishing licenses, or online through the Wildlife Department’s Web
site at wildlifedepartment.com.
The Wildlife Department is the state agency charged with conserving
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As the weather continues to warm up,
families may be taking notice of all the fishing opportunities that surround
them, including the opportunity to learn about the popular sport. And there are
plenty of opportunities throughout the summer thanks to the Oklahoma Department
of Wildlife Conservation’s Aquatic Resources Education Program (AREP).
“There is a lot of great fishing in Oklahoma, but if you have never
been introduced to the sport, it can be beneficial to have some help,” said
Damon Springer, aquatic education coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “One
of our family fishing clinics, held throughout the summer, is a great place to
start.”
Starting May 20, the aquatic education program will host the free
family fishing clinics from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening through
Aug. 12.
Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling (405)
521-3855.
The Aquatic Resources Education Program is the Department's means to
promote the sport of fishing and aquatic resource awareness as well as a way to
give youth, regardless of family situation, an opportunity to learn about
Developed in 1988, the program's objectives are to increase the
understanding, appreciation, and awareness of
These one-day events present information on such topics as fish
identification, knot-tying, fish cleaning and cooking, fishing tackle selection
and use, water safety, outdoor ethics and more.
Most clinics, including
Family fishing clinics are also available in the
For more information about the Aquatic Resources Education Program,
log on to the Department’s Web site at
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com.
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New crappie
records set, but could be broken again soon
Two recent crappie catches at Texoma and Thunderbird fill spots in
the state’s lake record books as well as tip off one of the hottest times of the
year to catch crappie.
The Texoma crappie was caught by
“We’re coming into a time of the year when catching a lake record
crappie could be easier than ever,” said Greg Summers, fisheries research
laboratory supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “But even if you don’t catch
a record, you can certainly catch high numbers of fish, and you can do it
without a boat and with simple tackle.”
Summers is referring to annual the spawning activity of crappie,
when they move to shallow waters — usually only two to three feet deep.
Naturally, this activity makes the shallows along banks an excellent place for
anglers to target the highly sought after fish as well to introduce youngsters
to the sport of fishing.
“All anglers really need for bait this time of year for crappie
fishing is a handful of jigs or minnows,” Summers said.
Anglers hoping to score on crappie this time of year should
concentrate on brush and rocky structure in shallow water. Anglers know crappie
will bite a variety of bait, are easily accessible from the bank and make
excellent tablefare.
For a complete list of regulations, anglers should consult to the
current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide” or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
The Web site also offers more information about the lake record
crappie and the Wildlife Department’s Lake Record Fish Program. Through an
easily-operated search feature, visitors to the site can view a wealth of lake
record fish information, ranging from the size of record fish caught to what
kind of bait or rod and reel was used to catch them.
Lakes included in the program include Arbuckle, Broken Bow,
Species eligible for spots in the lake records book include blue,
channel and flathead catfish and largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass in
addition to crappie, paddlefish, striped bass, striped bass hybrids, sunfish
(combined) walleye/saugeye and white bass. Minimum weights are set for each
species are detailed on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at
wildlifedepartment.com.
Anglers who catch a potential record from a participating lake
should contact designated business locations around the lake that are enrolled
as lake record keepers. A listing of official lake record keepers is available
on wildlifedepartment.com.
Once it has been determined that an angler has landed a record fish,
the media is notified and the public will be able to view information about the
catch on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
All past and current state record fish are registered in the Lake
Record Fish Program as records for their respective lakes.
To see the complete database of all lake record fish caught, or to
learn more about the Lake Record Fish program, log on to the Wildlife
Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
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Prescribed Fire Day – spreading the news of sound land management
“Only you can prevent forest fires.”
Smokey the Bear coined this famous term, and by doing so created the
longest running public service announcement in
Smokey knows a thing or two about preventing wild fires, and
starting in May, people in the state of
Prescribed fire is a beneficial tool for wildlife that helps
maintain habitat for a number of wildlife species, including some that are
endangered or threatened. It helps control certain disease-carrying organisms
and non-native or undesirable plant species, plant diseases, insects and some
animal parasites. It is also an economically and ecologically sound alternative
to herbicide for reclaiming native prairies, shrublands or forests. Not only so,
but it reduces the probability of wildfire by reducing flammable overgrowth and
debris.
About 2.5 million acres of native prairie, shrubland and forestland
are intentionally burned through prescribed fire in
To learn more about prescribed fire in
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A new way for
landowners to help manage for wildlife
On May 1, farmers and ranchers in northwest
The program, set up through the Farm Service Agency, was created to
benefit wildlife in 16 states and covers up to 500,000 acres.
"These habitat restoration projects represent the best of President
Bush's Cooperative Conservation Initiative because they assist farmers and
ranchers to voluntarily conserve habitat across our great nation to help a wide
range of wildlife which have the greatest need," said Agriculture Secretary Ed
Schafer. "Because SAFE helps marginal, ecologically sensitive acreage, prime
cropland can remain in production at a time when commodity prices are high."
Over 15,000 acres of land in northwest portions of
Incentives may be available for participating landowners, including
annual rental payments for 14- and 15-year contracts, sign-on bonus payments of
$100 per acre, up to 50 percent cost-share and a 40 percent practice incentive
payment that would help with the costs of establishing permanent vegetative
cover and an annual CRP maintenance payment. Management practices that may be
implemented through the SAFE program include prescribed burning, mowing and
strip disking.
Besides improving wildlife habitat, SAFE will help address issues of
fragmentation and will indirectly help improve water and air quality, reduce
soil erosion and provide hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The
Dewey: (580) 328-5331 x2
Ellis: (580) 885-7244 x2
Harper: (580) 735-2033 x2
Woods: (580) 327-3136 x2
Woodward: (580) 256-7882 x2
For more information about the SAFE program, log on to fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/safe08.pdf.
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Stonecipher reappointed to Wildlife Commission
Harland Stonecipher has been
re-appointed to a third term on the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation
Commission by Gov. Brad Henry and recently was confirmed by the Oklahoma
Senate.
The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member
governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The
Wildlife Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets
policy for the Wildlife Department and indirectly oversees all state fish
and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by
the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Stonecipher represents
"It gives me great honor to have this opportunity to serve the
sportsmen and sportswomen of
Stonecipher has served as a member
of the Commission since 1993. He was reappointed once before, in 2000, by
Gov. Frank Keating.
An avid sportsman and hunting dog enthusiast,
Stonecipher is also the founder and C.E.O. of
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., a company that is listed on the
In addition to his passion for the outdoors,
Stonecipher brings dynamic leadership and
valuable experience to the Commission. He is keenly aware of the challenges
facing the Department, and he said he is eager to continue working to ensure
and maintain the integrity of the state's wildlife resources.
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District
seven Wildlife Commissioner’s term confirmed
The Wildlife Conservation Commission term of
The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member
governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The
Wildlife Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets
policy for the Wildlife Department and indirectly oversees all state fish
and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by
the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Commission district seven includes Ellis, Dewey, Roger Mills,
Custer, Beckham,
Tisdal, whose appointment on the
Commission runs until 2011, was born and raised in Clinton and founded
Tisdal Law Firm, a general practice legal office
which has oil and gas, environmental law and complex litigation among its
areas of focus. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and his
Juris Doctor degree from the
An avid quail hunter, Tisdal says he
has many fond memories of growing up in western
“I started out hunting quail with my dad and granddad when I was
about seven or eight years old,” he said. “My first shotgun was a .410, but
I quickly graduated to a 20-gauge Browning Auto Five which I still use to
this day. My dad, at 87 years young, accompanies us on several family quail
hunts each year. He can still shoot with the best of them.”
In addition to training what he calls his “four hard-headed
pointers,” Tisdal enjoys turkey hunting,
fishing, golf, running, snow skiing, and just being outdoors. He also has a
keen interest in wildlife conservation. Tisdal
and his wife, Marian, have a daughter, Julia, who lives and works in New
York City, and son, Logan, who is currently working in Vietnam. He says
sharing
“Preserving and passing on the outdoor tradition is important to
me,” he said. “We need to ensure even greater open access to outdoor
opportunities, and market those opportunities in such a way that we
continue, and even improve upon, our outdoor traditions.”
“I think our outdoor opportunities exist today because of many
people who have worked for the Wildlife Department and dedicated their
careers to that cause. Certainly, there are ways to expand those
opportunities, and I think that should always be a part of the agenda.”
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Squirrel season open
The month of May marks the opening of one of Oklahoma’s most
available but most forgotten game animals — squirrels.
“Sportsmen who don’t spend any time hunting squirrels are
missing out on a hobby they might really enjoy, not to mention a lot more
time in the woods,” said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The squirrel season, which runs nearly nine months straight (May
15-Jan. 31), is a popular part of
Oklahoma is home to two species of squirrel that are legal to
hunt, the gray squirrel, which inhabits the far eastern portion of the
state, and the fox squirrel, which is found statewide in suitable habitats.
“Squirrel hunting is a great way to introduce a youngster to the
sport of hunting because of the availability and likelihood of seeing game,”
said Meek. “It’s also a great way to teach people to hunt and how to keep
the sport of hunting safe. Squirrels are smaller animals, but they are a
challenge to hunt. Someone who learns to hunt squirrels will also acquire
many of the skills needed for hunting deer or turkey as well. Also, you have
a generous bag limit of 10 squirrels per day.”
Whether pursuing bushytails with a
shotgun or .22 rifle or by stalking, still
hunting or following a trusty squirrel dog through the woods, hunters have
no shortage of squirrel hunting opportunities. Excellent squirrel hunting
can be found on Keystone, Spavinaw Hills, Deep
Fork, Hickory Creek and many other wildlife management areas. Central
Oklahoma residents can find good success at Lexington WMA, and hunters in
northwest
Sportsmen can attract squirrels to them using calls as well as
find them in the woods by searching for food and habitat sign, such as areas
containing hardwoods and mast-producing trees. About any tract of oaks,
hickory or pecan trees can be productive. Another option is to hunt them
with a dog that is bred and trained to locate squirrels.
Hunters taking to the woods after squirrels would also be
interested to know that squirrel skins and/or tails may be legally sold and
have brought up to $2 for whole skins in recent years.
“If you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hunt squirrels, or if you
miss the great taste of the once-popular tablefare
or even if you want to take your kid hunting, then you should really try to
get out this year and hunt squirrels,” Meek said. “You’re sure to have a lot
of fun.”
To hunt squirrels in
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Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days
slated
Oklahomans looking to try something new with the family this summer
may want to give fishing a try, and they can start June 7-8 during Oklahoma’s
Free Fishing Days, which allow people to fish without state fishing licenses or
permits (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits).
Urban areas across the state offer angling opportunities through the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Close to Home Fishing program,
which provides quality fishing opportunities without a long drive into the
country. Anglers also have access to a number of lakes, rivers, streams and
small ponds where they can catch fish all day long as well. And those anglers
who just don’t know where to start can turn to the Wildlife Department’s weekly
state fishing report to find just the right place to go.
“The Department’s state fishing report reveals inside information on
the best places to go angling, when the fish are biting and what baits they are
hitting the most,” said Jeff Boxrucker, assistant chief of fisheries for the
Wildlife Department.
Compiled by Wildlife Department personnel and independent reporters,
the reports even include techniques and locations within specific waters to
increase angler success. Anglers can receive the fishing report by subscribing
to the Department’s weekly news release at wildlifedepartment.com.
“Fishing in Oklahoma normally requires a license and a fishing and
hunting legacy permit, which you can purchase at various sporting good vendors
across the state, but Free Fishing Days gives people a chance to just ‘test the
waters’ and see if they would enjoy the sport,” Boxrucker said. “We are
confident they will.”
Anglers should note that certain city permits may still apply to
specific fishing areas during Free Fishing Days.
Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing
days over 25 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states
that have established similar days.
Anglers should be aware of and abide by all Texas fishing license
and permit requirements when fishing the Texas portion of Lake Texoma June 7-8.
The Texas Free Fishing Day is June 7, so anglers will be able to fish both Texas
and Oklahoma portions of the lake for free that day. On June 8, free fishing
will only be allowed on the Oklahoma portion of the lake. Anglers must follow
all other fishing regulations.
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Outdoor
Marketplace returns to 2008 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo
Oklahomans interested in the outdoors should mark their calendars
now for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s fourth annual
Oklahoma Wildlife Expo slated for September 26-28 at the Lazy E Arena, just
north of Oklahoma City.
The Wildlife Department will be working with a range of
organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the Expo — an
event intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma’s wildlife and
natural resources.
“The Expo is the state’s largest indoor and outdoor recreation
event,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Wildlife
Department. “Tens of thousands of people get a chance to enjoy the outdoors and
maybe experience something new.”
Among many other activities, Expo visitors will be able to fish,
shoot shotguns, kayak, ride mountain bikes, see and touch wildlife, attend dog
training seminars and learn about recreation in the great outdoors. They will
also be able to win a variety of free prizes thanks to the Expo’s generous
sponsors. And just like last year, the Expo will feature the Outdoor
Marketplace, a large area where commercial vendors will be selling their hunting
and fishing-related merchandise and services. This year’s Marketplace will again
feature venders under a large tent, but outdoor open-air spaces also have been
added for displaying larger items such as ATVs and treestands. Nonprofit
conservation organizations also will be able to sign up for free booth spaces to
promote membership and educate sportsmen about their organizations. A 10’ x 10’
booth space under the tent costs $500, while a 20’ x 20’ outside space costs
$500. Both include electricity.
“The Outdoor Marketplace was a big hit with Expo visitors last
year, and we are glad to bring it back,” Rodefeld said. “It will be bigger and
better than last year, and it will be a great opportunity to showcase your
products to thousands of outdoorsmen.”
Log on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on the
upcoming Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.
For more information about obtaining a booth in the Outdoor Marketplace or to
obtain an application for a booth, contact Rhonda Hurst, Wildlife Expo
Coordinator at (405) 522-6279.
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Young wildlife better left alone
Springtime in Oklahoma’s outdoors means newborn wildlife, and
biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say young
critters are best left alone when discovered by outdoor enthusiasts.
“When you see newborn wildlife that appears to be alone, such as a
fawn, baby squirrel or bird, chances are their parents are nearby and simply
waiting for you to move along so they can care for their young,” said Mike Shaw,
research program supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “It is common for fawns
to be left in a safe place while does feed nearby, and interfering with that
always causes more harm than good.”
In Oklahoma, most fawns are born in May and June and start becoming
visible in mid to late June.
Young birds and squirrels can be blown out of their nests during
storms as well, and even though they may appear to be alone, distressed or in
need of help, their parents will often find and care for them.
“You can actually cause them more stress by trying to move or help
them,” Shaw said. “Sportsmen and others who care about wildlife tend to want to
help, which is a good thing, but sometimes the best help we can offer young
wildlife is to leave them alone and let nature run its course.”
In some cases, it may also be illegal to pick up wildlife. Log on to
wildlifedepartment.com for more information about wildlife conservation in
Oklahoma.
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Lake Record
Fish Program still growing as records mount
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Lake Record Fish
Program is going strong, with lake records continuing to be caught at lakes
across the state. Recent lake record catches were established in the last week
at Thunderbird and Canton lakes, with the popular annual “Canton Lake Walleye
Rodeo” held May 15-18 yielding three new lake records in the walleye/saugeye,
largemouth bass and sunfish categories.
Lakes included in the program include Arbuckle, Broken Bow, Canton,
Eufaula, Ft. Cobb, Grand, Kaw, Keystone, Sardis, Skiatook, Tenkiller, Texoma and
Thunderbird.
Species eligible for spots in the lake records book include blue,
channel and flathead catfish and largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass in
addition to crappie, paddlefish, striped bass, striped bass hybrids, sunfish
(combined) walleye/saugeye and white bass. Minimum weights are set for each
species are detailed on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at
wildlifedepartment.com.
Anglers who catch a potential record from a participating lake should
contact designated business locations around the lake that are enrolled as lake
record keepers. A listing of official lake record keepers is available on
wildlifedepartment.com.
Once it has been determined that an angler has landed a record fish,
the media is notified and the public will be able to view information about the
catch on the Wildlife Department’s Web site.
All past and current state record fish are registered in the Lake
Record Fish Program as records for their respective lakes.
Below is an updated listing of recently caught lake records. To see
the complete database of all lake record fish caught, including an
easily-operated search feature that allows those interested to view a wealth of
lake record fish information, ranging from the size of record fish caught to
what kind of bait or rod and reel was used to catch them, or to learn more about
the Lake Record Fish program, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
NEW LAKE RECORDS CERTIFIED
Broken Bow
Smallmouth
Weight: 5.7
Angler: Chuck Tillman
Date: Feb. 9
Bait: Soft plastic bait
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=466
Fort Cobb
Striped Bass Hybrid
Weight: 12.1
Angler: Shanon Pack
Date: April 19
Bait: Hard baits/Plugs
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=476
Canton
Flathead catfish
Weight: 45
Angler: Betty Willey
Date: May 4
Bait: Hard baits/Plugs
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=462
Canton
Walleye/Saugeye
Weight: 9.3
Angler: Corey Newer
Date: May 16
Bait: Hard baits/plugs
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=471
Canton
Sunfish
Weight: 1.5
Angler: Raylee Tautfest
Date: May 17
Bait: Natural bait
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=473
Canton
Largemouth bass
Weight: 7.4
Angler: Justin Norton
Date: May 17
Bait: Soft plastic bait
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=475
Thunderbird
Largemouth bass
Weight: 7.1
Angler: Delbert E. Gault
Date: May 17
Bait: Spinner
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=472
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Oklahoma Aquarium turns five
years old
The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks turns five years old this month, and
in that time has enjoyed successful growth while leaving its mark on Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Aquarium houses over 200 exhibits consisting of both
salt and freshwater fish.
“People need to come out and see the Aquarium,” said Colin Berg,
education supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “The
exhibits are awesome, and they even have record fish on site, like the state
record blue catfish that you can see up close. This really is a great
partnership.”
Over the last five years, the Oklahoma Aquarium has welcomed about 2
million visitors, and approximately 1/3 of its guests come from out of state.
Additionally, the Aquarium has led to an estimated $100 million in tourism for
The Wildlife Department is proud to be a part of the Oklahoma
Aquarium’s success. Along with maintaining an office branch at the Jenks-based
Aquarium, the Department gets involved by holding aquatic education clinics at
the site. Additionally, the Hayes Family Ozark Streams exhibit at the Aquarium
was partially funded through the Oklahoma Sport Fish Restoration Program.
Visitors to the Oklahoma Aquarium can learn about the biodiversity
and adaptation of many different species. Learning is only half the fun, though,
as the Oklahoma Aquarium holds within it some very special visual opportunities.
The Hayes Family Ozark Streams exhibit features
Visitors to the Oklahoma Aquarium who present a current
For additional information about the Oklahoma Aquarium and how you
can plan your visit, log on to okaquarium.org or call (918) 296-3474.
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Selman Bat
Watch provides unique glimpse of wildlife
Come see one million bats spiral out of their roost, flying over
your head and into the nighttime sky at a Selman Bat Watch. The nightly exodus
of bats attracts visitors to the
The Bat Watches will be held on the last three weekends in July and
the first weekend in August. Visitors must pre-register in order to attend. You
can download the registration form beginning June 2nd at wildlifedepartment.com.
The Department purchased the area around the bat cave in 1996
because of its ecological importance to the Mexican free-tailed bat. According
to Melynda Hickman, wildlife diversity biologist for
the Wildlife Department, the cave is important because it is one of only five
major sites in
Hickman says the bats provide a great service: free pest control.
The bats spend daylight hours inside the cave. But most of the action is after
sunset.
“They fly about the countryside hunting insects from dusk until
dawn,” Hickman said, “We estimate they eat about 10 tons (20,000 pounds) of
insects, moths and beetles every night.”
The bats’ evening emergence is the highlight of a Bat Watch, but
there’s more to the evening than simply watching bats. There’s also learning and
exploring. Buses take visitors to the Selman Bat Cave Wildlife Management Area,
usually closed to the public. Visitors learn facts about bats and the prairie
community. There is also an optional nature hike before the bats emerge. On
Friday and Saturday evenings, staff and telescopes from the
The Bat Watches benefit the local economy by drawing tourists from a
multi-state region into
“It is exciting to offer this rare opportunity to get close to wild
bats and to share their importance to our environment and economy,” Hickman
said.
The event is limited to 75 people each night, and registration is
required. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for youth aged 12 and younger. For
more information, call 405-424-0099 or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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First
Central Oklahoma Women in the Outdoors Skills Workshop
Ladies, grab a friend, your mom or sister and come to the first
Central Oklahoma Women in the Outdoors Skills Workshop to be held Saturday, June
7 at Choctaw Creek Park in Choctaw, Oklahoma, just 15 miles east of Oklahoma
City.
The workshop is part of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Women
in the Outdoors outreach program, which is now celebrating its 10th year. Since
1998, the program has worked to share the outdoor tradition by providing expert
instruction and hands-on education through events designed for women. During its
inaugural year, Women in the Outdoors hosted 18 events and today the program
organizes more than 400 events across the nation.
Sponsored by H&H Gun Range, the city of Choctaw and the Choctaw
Chamber of Commerce, the workshop will feature over a dozen classes on archery,
shooting, Dutch oven cooking, mountain biking, backpacking, fishing, outdoor
photography, nature journaling, jewelry making, gardening for wildlife and more.
“Women are discovering that outdoor hobbies provide fun ways to
reconnect with the special people in their lives,” said Beth Ann
Amico, coordinator for the event. “This day-long
workshop will offer ladies ages 14 and up the opportunity to learn new outdoor
skills and meet people with similar interests in a relaxed, non-competitive
environment.”
The registration fee is $50 and includes choice of three classes,
use of all equipment, lunch, a one-year membership to the Women in the Outdoors
program and a subscription to Women in the Outdoors magazine, which features
articles about conservation and outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
For more information about the Women in the Outdoors Skills
Workshop, contact Beth Ann Amico at (405) 769-4108.
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