SEPTEMBER 2009 NEWS
RELEASES
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2009
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2009
Archery hunters to make history Sept. 14 with first open antelope hunt
Oklahoma archery hunters will make history Sept. 14 when they take
part in the state’s first antelope archery season.
Until now, antelope hunting in Oklahoma has been limited to hunts
offered through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s controlled
hunts program, in which hunters must be drawn for an antelope hunt, or through a
limited number of landowner permits. But now archery hunters can purchase
antelope licenses over-the-counter for a 14-day archery season, without having
to be drawn for a hunt.
“The open archery season provides additional hunting opportunity
while managing the herd within tolerable numbers,” said Wade Free, northwest
region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department.
The 2009 antelope archery season will run Sept. 14-27 and will be
open in Cimarron Co. and that portion of Texas Co. west of Hwy 136. Written
landowner permission is required and must be carried while hunting antelope.
Drawing-only antelope hunts will continue to be available through the controlled
hunts and landowner permit drawing programs. The combined season limit is two
antelope, which may include no more than one buck, regardless of season or
method of take.
According to biologists with the Wildlife Department, information
gathered from biological data, aerial surveys and requests from landowners show
that the Panhandle’s antelope population can sustain the new archery season.
Additionally, biologists say archery hunters can do a few things to make the
most of their antelope season Sept. 14-27.
“The archery hunt is a very unique opportunity for hunters,” Free
said. “However, archery pronghorn hunting will be very challenging and require
determination and patience.”
According to Free, antelope can sometimes be patterned coming to and
from feeding and watering areas, just like deer. The difference, though, is that
there are not as many antelope per acre as there are deer in most parts of the
state, and the terrain is wide open.
“I stress the wide open part,” said Free. “These factors require
extra patience.”
Free suggests several approaches to harvesting an antelope during
the archery season.
“Typically the best chance of success will be setting up portable
blinds at water holes or areas that antelope use as a travel corridor,” Free
said.
Free also said the spot-and-stalk approach can be effective as well.
He also suggested some hunters may consider using decoys to attract curious
antelope.
“Decoys can work in some situations and can bring animals in from
long distances,” Free said. “If the animals are fixated on the decoy, it can
give you a little wiggle room to make the shot.”
Antelope are typically sociable and spend time in groups, making the
challenge of a successful archery shot more difficult. According to Free, one
exciting part of a pronghorn hunt is that, once you find them, “you can easily
have upwards of a dozen or more making eye contact with you over the tip of your
arrow.”
Free also stresses that, since the antelope archery season is new to
both hunters and landowners, sportsmen should be diligent in building positive
relationships with landowners.
“Be sure and know exactly what is expected from the landowner you
are hunting on,” Free said. “Things like what roads you can drive on, where and
when landowners are working cattle or are farming, areas off limits to hunting,
keeping gates closed, other hunters in the area, off-road travel, and littering
are always important issues to address.”
Free also reminds hunters to obtain the required written landowner
permission before hunting.
The state’s pronghorn population has seen a gradual increase over
the past several years, and that might give archery hunters an edge Sept. 14-27.
“Whether you connect or not, the real opportunity is that you get to
hunt one of the most unique big game animals in North America,” Free said. “Yes,
right here in Oklahoma! Is this a great state or what?”
To hunt antelope during the first antelope archery season, resident
hunters must have an appropriate hunting license or proof of exemption and, if
their hunting license was purchased prior to July 1, a fishing and hunting
legacy permit. Additionally, all antelope hunters must have an antelope license
for each antelope hunted, or proof of exemption. All antelope hunters must carry
written permission from the landowner while hunting antelope, unless exempt. For
full season details, consult the “2009-10 Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or log on to
wildlifedepartment.com.
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Electrofishing demonstrations to educate visitors at Wildlife Expo
Each spring, fisheries biologists use electrofishing techniques to
survey bass populations at lakes across the state, and sportsmen can see how it
is done on a unique field trip during the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, slated for
Sept. 25-27.
As the name suggests, electrofishing surveys use electric current to
“stun” fish in a specific area of a lake, causing them to surface long enough
for biologists to collect biological data. A short time later, the fish recover
from the shock and swim on their way.
This spring, electrofishing survey results from the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation showed that even small lakes under 1,000
acres produced high numbers of bass during the survey. In fact, American Horse
Lake in northwest Oklahoma produced the highest numbers of bass at 168 surveyed
per hour.
Other data provided in the spring electrofishing survey is the
number of bass over 14 inches that are surveyed per hour and the heaviest bass
recorded from each lake. Though factors like inclement weather or prolonged high
water levels can prevent biologists from surveying some lakes from year to year,
the data collected provides useful information for biologists and for anglers
planning their next getaway. The full 2009 report can be viewed online at
wildlifedepartment.com.
Sportsmen can watch electrofishing firsthand by signing up to attend
one of several fisheries field trips during this year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.
The field trips take place at Guthrie City Lake, located near the Expo grounds
at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Field trip participants will
board a boat for a one-of-a-kind seminar that shows them how fisheries
biologists manage lakes for angling.
Fisheries biologists with the Wildlife Department will perform
management demonstrations such as electrofishing and trap netting.
According to Bill Wentroth, northcentral region fisheries supervisor
for the Wildlife Department, participants can learn how these and other
practices are used to help develop management plans for fisheries.
“It helps them get some perspective on how we manage the lakes in
Oklahoma as well as the different gear we use,” Wentroth said about the field
trips.
Biologists employ different methods of data collection depending on
the species they are studying as well as the time of year. For example,
springtime electrofishing is especially effective for surveying black bass, as
bass spend more time in shallow water during the spring than at other times of
the year and are therefore more susceptible to electric shock. During the
summer, bass may be too deep in the water for electrofishing to effectively
survey large numbers of fish. Saugeye are more vulnerable to electrofishing in
the fall, and other species, such as crappie, can be captured and surveyed
through methods such as trap netting. Crappie tend to perceive the nets as
underwater structure and are likely to concentrate in such areas, making them
easier to catch and survey.
According to Wentroth, field trip participants will not only learn
what methods are used to collect data in the field, but also will gain an
understanding of how the information is used to manage the state’s fisheries for
better angling. They also will learn why biologists study the ages of fish and
will get a chance to try their own hand at aging fish.
Those interested in taking the field trip must pre-register by Sept.
24 or before available slots are filled. Space is limited, and sign-up is on a
first-come, first-served basis. Field trip times include 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26, and 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27.
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Wildlife
Expo School Day to attract more than 8,000 kids
Children go hand in hand with fishing, dogs, bikes, and other
outdoor fun, and this year more than 8,000 kids are expected at the annual
Oklahoma Wildlife Expo’s Schools Day Sept. 25.
“This is the second year that we’ve incorporated School Day into the
Wildlife Expo,” said Colin, Berg, School Day coordinator for the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation and one of hundreds of Wildlife Department
employees working to make the Expo happen.
According to Berg, the Expo’s School Day will be an outstanding
outdoor experience for everyone involved, which already includes 121 schools
from across the state, many of which participated in School Day last year.
One school group, Moss Public Schools near Holdenville, is planning
to participate in the Expo’s School Day for the second year in a row, claiming
the event is “organized,” “well-ran,” and a “wonderful experience” for both
students and teachers.
“The students love the hands on activities, and the teachers
appreciate the knowledge the students acquire and bring back to the classroom,”
said Tina Cartright, principal of Moss Elementary School. “The Oklahoma Wildlife
Expo is our students’ favorite field trip of the year.”
The fifth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, slated for Sept. 25-27,
will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. The event draws
tens of thousands of visitors from all over the state for three days of outdoor
recreation and education. Opportunities such as shotgun shooting, archery, ATV
rides, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife watching, music, seminars and booths
related to hunting, wildlife management, sporting dog training, camping, and
just about anything related to enjoying the outdoors in Oklahoma will be
available for all visitors. And it’s all absolutely free.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is hosting the
Wildlife Expo in partnership with a wide range of other state agencies, private
individuals and outdoor-related companies. The Expo is designed to promote and
perpetuate appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide
hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. The Expo
isn’t just for kids, though. Adults will find plenty of interesting hands-on
learning opportunities to expand their own appreciation of the outdoors, whether
experienced in the outdoors or not. Some individuals will even go home with a
prize, such as a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, courtesy of Expo sponsor P&K
Equipment.
Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sept. 25-27.
Admission and parking are free. To learn more about School Day or for more
information on the Wildlife Expo, log on to the Wildlife Department’s Web site
at wildlifedepartment.com.
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Free outdoor
“make-n-takes” at the Wildlife Expo
Outdoorsmen find satisfaction in do-it-yourself-projects, and this
year at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, visitors can try their hand at making their
own birdhouses or fishing lures as well as learn how to cook a meal in a Dutch
oven, tie their own fly fishing lure, or gain an understanding of how to attract
wildlife to their property.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with
a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related
companies to host the Wildlife Expo. Held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of
Oklahoma City, the event is designed to promote and instill appreciation for
Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning
opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. The event is free and open
to the public.
Activities range from shotgun and archery shooting to fishing,
kayaking, ATV riding, mountain biking and much more. Additionally, numerous
learning opportunities are available at booths and exhibits at the Expo.
Visitors can speak with wildlife biologists and outdoorsmen experienced in
fishing, hunting, game calling, wildlife and fisheries management, reptiles and
amphibians and more, as well as attend seminars on hunting dog training, wild
game cooking and mule packing, among other topics. And for Expo visitors who
like to shop, a large area called the Outdoor Marketplace is set aside at the
Expo for vendors who will be on hand showcasing and offering for sale their
outdoor merchandise and services.
“In short, the Expo is a celebration of everything outdoors in the
state of Oklahoma,” said Rhonda Hurst, Expo coordinator for the Wildlife
Department. “We want you to leave the Expo with a new appreciation for wildlife
and the hobbies of hunting, fishing and wildlife watching that fund conservation
through participation from sportsmen and women.”
The Expo is Oklahoma’s largest outdoor recreation event, drawing
tens of thousands of people each year, including celebrities.
“If you want to try over a hundred outdoor activities, then be at
this year's Wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27,” said native Oklahoma country music star
Blake Shelton, who has made appearances at the Expo in the past. “If you love to
hunt and fish like I do, then take someone to this year’s Wildlife Expo.
The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of
Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 25-27. Log
on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on this year’s Expo
activities.
This year’s Expo will again feature “School Day” Sept. 25, when
busloads of school students from across the state will arrive and enjoy a day at
the event. Educators interested in planning a trip to the Wildlife Expo with
their students this year should call (918) 299-2334 for more information.
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Broken Bow anglers’ comments sought for five-year management plan
Broken Bow Lake anglers have an opportunity to share their thoughts
about fisheries management at the lake with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation Sept. 14.
Anglers have the opportunity to speak their mind on a range of
topics affecting the lake such as fishery and management goals, objectives and
strategies for the lake.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Lakeview Lodge at
Beavers Bend State Park.
Broken Bow Lake is located in southeast Oklahoma and is part of
Oklahoma’s 1,120 square miles of lakes and ponds. There are an estimated 611,000
anglers in the state who spend about $502 million annually. Fishing creates an
estimated 10,300 jobs in the state. The Wildlife Department receives no general
state tax appropriations and is supported by hunting and fishing license fees
and federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment.
For more information about the Wildlife Department, log on to
wildlifedepartment.com.
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Wildlife
Department receives $40,000 for Wildlife Expo
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation received a huge
boost to be used for introducing youth to the outdoors at the Oklahoma Wildlife
Expo thanks to a recent $40,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service.
The grant, accepted by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission
at its September meeting, was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service’s Black Kettle
National Grasslands.
The Black Kettle National Grasslands is owned by the U.S. Forest
Service and covers nearly 31,000 acres in the mixed grass prairie of northwest
Oklahoma near Cheyenne. The land provides sportsmen with hunting and other
recreational opportunities such as wildlife watching and camping. Forest Service
Ranger Tom Smeltzer said the Black Kettle National Grasslands is glad to partner
with the Wildlife Department in offering the Wildlife Expo to sportsmen.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is a three-day recreational and
educational event dedicated to providing outdoor learning opportunities and
exposure to Oklahoma’s outdoors. Visitors can try archery, shotgun shooting,
kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and more as well as participate in a number
of seminars that teach outdoor skills and provide information about Oklahoma’s
outdoor opportunities. The event is free and open to the public. This year’s
Wildlife Expo is slated for Sept. 25-27 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of
Oklahoma City. Expo hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. all three days.
In other business, the Commission recognized Virgil Wallgren for his
continued support of and dedication to the sportsmen of Oklahoma. Wallgren was a
longtime advocate for hunters, particularly houndsmen, and worked with the state
Legislature to help ensure the future of hunting in Oklahoma. Wallgren has
served as a representative for the Oklahoma Fox and Wolf Hunters Association and
the Oklahoma Federation of Coonhunters, but colleagues say Wallgren’s work
benefited all sportsmen. Wallgren was recently inducted into the Fox Hunters
Hall of Fame.
“Under his guidance and leadership, we worked to preserve the rights
of people who hunt here in Oklahoma,” said District 5 Wildlife Commissioner Ed
Abel. Abel added that although Wallgren represented the Oklahoma Fox and Wolf
Hunters Association and the Oklahoma Federation of Coonhunters, he remained
sensitive to the rights of other hunters, trappers and other sportsmen and
worked to preserve the rights of outdoorsmen all over the state.
Abel expressed his gratitude to Wallgren for his work on behalf of
sportsmen over the last 34 years.
“I personally want to thank Virgil for all of the years that he has
spent on behalf of houndsmen,” Abel said.
Harland Stonecipher, District 4 Wildlife Commissioner, said
Wallgren’s work with the State Legislature is benefiting sportsmen even today.
“Sometimes you don’t really appreciate people until they’re not
there,” Stonecipher said regarding Wallgren’s retirement from working with the
Legislature.
John Groendyke, Commission chairman, said Wallgren’s service to the
sportsmen of Oklahoma has helped make the state better for hunters, too.
“Today we can say we have a better Department, and we have better
opportunities for the sportsmen than we had 20 or 30 years ago, and Virgil was a
part of that,” Groendyke said.
The Commission also heard a presentation from Nels Rodefeld,
information and education chief for the Wildlife Department, and Colin Berg,
information and education supervisor for the Wildlife Department, about several
educational programs used by the Wildlife Department to introduce Oklahomans to
the outdoors. The presentation included information about Project WILD, hunter
education, aquatic resource education, the Department’s Arcadia Conservation
Education Area and the Oklahoma Archery in the Schools program, all of which are
designed to introduce youth and newcomers to the outdoors.
The Commission also approved a revised purchasing policy for
Wildlife Department employees and recognized several Department employees with
tenure awards. The Commission recognized Carlos Gomez, game warden, for 30 years
of service and Karlin Bailey, game warden, for 20 years.
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. Oct. 5 at
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium),
located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.
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Longtime Oklahoma houndsman recognized for efforts on behalf of sportsmen
Oklahoma’s rich tradition of hunting has been passed down for
generations by grandparents, parents and family friends, and some individuals go
above and beyond to ensure that the hunting heritage is preserved and a future
for conservation and the outdoors is secured.
At its September meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation
Commission recognized Virgil Wallgren for his continued support of and
dedication to the sportsmen of Oklahoma. Wallgren is known for being a longtime
advocate for hunters, particularly houndsmen, and has worked with the state
Legislature on a number of wildlife and hunting related bills to help ensure the
future of hunting in Oklahoma. He was active in organizing and uniting hunters
and supporting causes that would conserve wildlife and preserve the traditions
of hunting in Oklahoma. Wallgren has served as a representative for the Oklahoma
Fox and Wolf Hunters Association and the Oklahoma Federation of Coonhunters, but
colleagues say Wallgren’s work benefited all sportsmen. Recently, Wallgren’s
work was recognized when he was inducted into the Fox Hunters Hall of Fame.
Richard Hatcher, director of the Wildlife Department, said
Wallgren’s efforts on behalf of sportsmen were fueled by his personal passion
for the outdoors and that it was time he be recognized for his career in
advocating for hunters and outdoorsmen.
“Under his guidance and leadership, we worked to preserve the rights
of people who hunt here in Oklahoma,” said District 5 Wildlife Commissioner Ed
Abel. Abel added that although Wallgren represented the Oklahoma Fox and Wolf
Hunters Association and the Oklahoma Federation of Coonhunters, he remained
sensitive to the rights of other hunters, trappers and other sportsmen and
worked to preserve the rights of outdoorsmen all over the state.
Abel expressed his gratitude to Wallgren for his work on behalf of
sportsmen over the last 34 years.
“I personally want to thank Virgil for all of the years that he has
spent on behalf of houndsmen,” Abel said.
Harland Stonecipher, District 4 Wildlife Commissioner, said
Wallgren’s work with the State Legislature is benefiting sportsmen even today.
“Sometimes you don’t really appreciate people until they’re not
there,” Stonecipher said regarding Wallgren’s retirement from working with the
Legislature.
John Groendyke, Commission chairman, said Wallgren’s service to the
sportsmen of Oklahoma has helped make the state better for hunters, too.
“Today we can say we have a better Department, and we have better
opportunities for the sportsmen than we had 20 or 30 years ago, and Virgil was a
part of that,” Groendyke said.
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. Oct. 5 at
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium),
located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.
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New
report provides full details on Oklahoma Big Game Hunting
Oklahoma deer hunters set two records last year during the 2008-09
season, and hunters can read all about them in the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation’s “Big Game Report,” available now in the
September/October issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.
The report details how last year’s doe harvest reached an all-time
high of 48,358 does, showing that deer hunters understand something about
conservation.
"Oklahoma hunters should be commended for their dedication to doe
harvest efforts,” said Jerry Shaw, big game biologist for the Wildlife
Department. “Each time a hunter bags a deer, he or she has made a management
decision that can affect population growth, herd health, buck:doe ratios, and
habitat quality and quantity. Persistent effort to ensure adequate doe harvest
is a positive step in the continuation and even improvement of the quality deer
hunting we have come to expect in our state."
The report also reveals that archery hunters set a season harvest
record of 17,784 deer last year, helping to reach a total harvest of 111,427
deer for the 2008-09 deer season.
At 18 pages, the “Big Game Report” provides detailed information
about the counties and wildlife management areas where deer were harvested and
shows a range of figures and tables that break down the dynamics of last year’s
big game seasons. Additionally, readers can learn about one Oklahoma woman who
discovered the joy of hunting with her husband and now avidly pursues deer every
year.
Along with the “Big Game Report,” the September/October issue
includes an article by “Outdoor Oklahoma” TV show host Todd Craighead explaining
how to gain outdoor skills by hunting coyotes, information on the 2009 Oklahoma
Wildlife Expo, and more.
Outdoor Oklahoma magazine is an award-winning bi-monthly publication
of the Wildlife Department covering hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation,
natural history, camping and more. Recognized as having some of the nation’s
best outdoor photography, each issue is filled from cover to cover with
informative articles geared toward wildlife enthusiasts.
Subscriptions to Outdoor Oklahoma magazine are just $10 for one
year, $18 for two years, or $25 for three years. Subscriptions can be obtained
instantly by logging on to
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com
. Single copies are available for $3 at most Wildlife Department field offices
and at its headquarters in Oklahoma City. Copies also are available by mail for
$4.
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Wildlife Expo hunter ed course to give away free lifetime license
For someone who has just completed a hunter education course, few
rewards could honor their accomplishment like a free lifetime hunting license,
but that is exactly what one student will win at a unique hunter ed class held
Sept. 26 at the Wildlife Expo.
Along with hands-on activities like archery, shotgun shooting and
fishing, visitors to the Expo can participate in a unique hunter education class
in which one student will be drawn to win a free lifetime hunting license from
the Wildlife Department. The course will be taught as a home study course, in
which students who attend must first complete a portion of the course online
through wildlifedepartment.com.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is hosting the
Wildlife Expo in partnership with a wide range of other state agencies, private
individuals and outdoor-related companies. Held at the Lazy E Arena, just north
of Oklahoma City, the event is designed to promote and instill appreciation for
Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning
opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. The event is free and open
to the public.
The Department’s Hunter Education course teaches a range of topics
including firearms safety, wildlife identification, wildlife conservation and
management, survival, archery, muzzleloading and hunter responsibility. The
course is available as a standard eight-hour course, or as a home study course.
Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say hunter
education courses have not only reduced accidents within Oklahoma, but also in
every state and Canadian province with similar programs. Over the past 30 years,
hunting related accidents and fatalities have declined by more than 70 percent
in Oklahoma.
The Wildlife Expo’s hunter education course will be held from 8 a.m.
to noon Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Expo. Pre-registration for the course is
required and can be done by calling (405) 521-3855.
The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of
Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 25-27. Log
on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on this year’s Expo
activities.
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Wild game and
camp cooking feed thousands at Expo
How much wild game can 38,600 sportsmen consume in three days? The
answer is at least 2,000 pounds of venison and catfish and well over 200 gallons
of buffalo chili. That is how much food was sampled at the Taste of the Wild
exhibit at last year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, and that does not even include
the near 7,000 samples of camp-style Dutch oven snacks served to Expo visitors.
Sportsmen can sample wild game and camp food this year, too, at the fifth annual
Wildlife Expo slated for Sept. 25-27.
Held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, the Wildlife
Expo is Oklahoma’s largest outdoor recreation event, offering guests the chance
to shoot shotguns and archery equipment, ride mountain bikes and ATVs, catch
fish in a fully-stocked pond, experience kayaking, attend seminars and more for
free.
At this year’s Expo, wild game meat will be served at the popular Taste of
the Wildlife booth, where last year more than 1,000 pounds of fried catfish,
more than 1,000 pounds of venison and about 220 gallons of buffalo chili were
served to Expo visitors. Dutch oven demonstrators also served samples of
deserts, stews and other delicious camp foods cooked right on site and provided
seminars on the basics of Dutch oven cooking. Visitors were able to learn
secrets of the trade, including what tools are needed to make camp cooking
easier and how many coals to use when cooking with a Dutch oven.
“Visitors to the 2009 Wildlife Expo should make it a point to try each of
the foods they can sample at the Taste of the Wild booth,” said Rhonda Hurst,
Expo coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “They
should also be sure to attend a Dutch oven seminar to learn a new recipe or even
learn about this style of camp cooking for the first time.”
In addition to sampling game meat and camp food, visitors also can attend
a cooking seminar with renowned chef, restaurant owner and wild game cook
Michael Fusco. Owner of Michael Fusco’s Riverside Grill in Tulsa, Fusco shows
the ins and outs of handling and preparing wild game with culinary expertise
every year at the Expo.
“Michael Fusco has partnered with the Wildlife Expo from its
beginning and has always been a favorite among Expo visitors,” Hurst said.
The Wildlife Expo is hosted by the Wildlife Department in
partnership with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and
outdoor-related companies to host Expo. The huge event is designed to provide
hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts while
promoting and instilling an appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and natural
resources.
Whether catching a fish for the first time, designing a personal
fishing lure, or building a birdhouse to take home with them for free, visitors
to the Expo get the chance to soak up a full weekend of free outdoor knowledge,
skills and experiences as hundreds of volunteers and Wildlife Department
employees work to keep the event exciting, educational and entertaining.
“If you want to try over a hundred outdoor activities, then be at
this year's wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27,” said country music star and outdoorsman
Blake Shelton of Ada, who has made an appearance at the Expo in the past. “If
you love to hunt and fish like I do, then take someone to this year’s Wildlife
Expo.”
The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of
Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 25-27. Log
on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on this year’s Expo
activities.
This year’s Expo will again feature “School Day” Sept. 25, when
busloads of school students from across the state will arrive and enjoy a day at
the event. For more information about School Day or the Wildlife Expo, log on to
wildlifedepartment.com.
Editor's note: Below is a link for an accompanying photo that is 300 DPI and
intended for newspaper publication. The ending link is .jpg. The photo will open
in your browser. If you have a PC, you should be able to right click, then
select “Save picture as,” then choose the file type you prefer and click “Save.”
Another option is to select “File” your toolbar, choose “Save picture as,” then
select the file type of your choice and click “Save.” Images can be viewed with
the article at
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com
Photo Caption: Volunteers at the 2008 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo prepare and serve
food samples at a Dutch oven cooking demonstration. This year the Wildlife Expo
will be Sept. 25-27 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City.
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Wildlife Department employment exam is first step to rewarding wildlife career
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is known for its
long-tenured employees, and people who work there can explain why.
“It’s the best department in the state,” said Johnny Herd, central
region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department.
“You work with hunters and fisherman, and they are the best people
in the state. And our people—they are the best in the state,” Herd said.
Herd has worked for the Wildlife Department for 47 years and said he
cannot imagine working anywhere else.
“Hunting is dear to me,” Herd said. “I love talking to people about
hunting and the wildlife resources in the state.”
Other employees with the Department have been on board for more than
20 and 30 years. Others are just beginning their careers at the Wildlife
Department.
One of the longest-tenured state agencies in Oklahoma, the Wildlife
Department will be holding an open employment exam Friday, Sept. 25, at Rose
State College. Taking the test is the first step in the hiring process for
individuals seeking positions as game wardens, biologists, fish hatchery
assistant managers or technicians with the Department.
The standardized employment exam is set for 10 a.m. in the
auditorium of the Tom Steed building at Rose State College. The exam is free,
and participants must have photo identification upon check-in. Late arrivals
will not be permitted to enter the examination room after 10 a.m.
“The Department looks for the best wildlife conservation employees
available, and we want those who are interested to begin getting involved,” said
Mikki Gutierrez, human resource administrator for the Wildlife Department. “This
test is the first step for most positions at the Wildlife Department.”
Specific job and education requirements for Department positions as
well as suggested study material for the exams are listed on the Department's
official Web site at
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com
Individuals may take the exam once in a 12-month period. Test scores
are valid for 12 months from the test date, and top scorers will be invited to
submit an employment application. When a job opening becomes available, selected
applicants from the test register will be scheduled for an interview. For more
information, contact the Wildlife Department's Human Resource office at (405)
521-4640.
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Robbers Cave to
host BioBlitz! 2009 in September
Oklahoma outdoor enthusiasts can attend a 24-hour, fast-paced
wildlife watching event next month when Robbers Cave State Park hosts BioBlitz!
2009 in conjunction with the Oklahoma Biological Survey.
Slated for Sept. 18-19,
BioBlitz! is a fun and educational event
that invites volunteers to participate in a rapid inventory of biological
diversity in Oklahoma’s unusual areas. Volunteers will count as many species as
possible in 24 hours at the state park and adjoining Robbers Cave Wildlife
Management Area near Wilburton in east-central Oklahoma. Robbers Cave WMA
covers, 6,180 acres of Latimer Co. and consists mostly of hills covered with
pine timber and scattered Oaks and Hickory. The WMA is managed by the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is excited to be a
partner in the annual Oklahoma BioBlitz!” said Mark Howery, wildlife diversity
biologist for the Wildlife Department. “We have been a partner with the Oklahoma
Biological Survey for every BioBlitz!, even since the project began in April of
2001.”
The Oklahoma Biological Survey is a research unit of the University
of Oklahoma, but anyone can be a researcher at BioBlitz! 2009. BioBlitz!
volunteers range from professional scientists, families and college students to
high school groups and amateurs. Participation is free for several educational
activities led by experts in conjunction with BioBlitz! These include night-time
insect trapping, a bird walk, seining for amphibians, learning about the fish of
Oklahoma, exploring the ferns of Robbers Cave, identifying venomous and common
snakes and more. For a small fee, anyone interested also can take advantage of
tent camping, an event T-shirt, a ticket for the Friday-evening picnic and 24
hours of biological diversity. Registration is available, online or by calling
Priscilla Crawford, Oklahoma Biological Survey, at (405) 325-7658. For
accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Crawford. Volunteers also
can register at the event. Pre-registration is suggested.
The
BioBlitz! goal is to encourage Oklahomans to appreciate the
biological diversity found right in Oklahoma’s borders. BioBlitz! offers a
hands-on scientific experience and a chance to learn more about the natural
diversity that exists close to home.
“People often think of biological diversity as something that exists
in the tropical rain forests, but 1,100 to 1,500 species of plants,
invertebrates and vertebrates can be found in just about any natural area in
Oklahoma,” Howery said.
Robbers Cave State Park is located in the scenic, hilly woodlands of
the San Bois Mountains of southeast Oklahoma near Wilburton. The park enjoys the
notoriety as a former hideout for outlaws. Robbers Cave and the adjoining
wildlife-management area offer thousands of acres of biological diversity.
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Wetland status reports
now available online
Waterfowl seasons are quickly approaching and wetland status reports
are now available on the Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
Wetland development units are managed by the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation and are funded through sales of Oklahoma waterfowl
licenses. Wetland status reports include the size of the area, the percent of
the unit that is flooded, as well as forage conditions.
In addition, maps of the wetland development units, waterfowl
hunting zone maps, waterfowl reports during the season and more are available on
the Department’s Web site. To view the reports, log on to
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com
Deer season
fast approaching with Oct. 1 archery opener
Thousands of Oklahoma deer hunters have the Oct. 1 deer archery
season opener in their sights when they will kick off another season of deer
hunting.
Last year, Oklahoma bowhunters set a new archery season harvest
record by taking 17,784 deer, helping to push the annual combined season deer
harvest to the second highest level in state history. Sportsmen checked in a
total of 111,427 deer overall, a 16 percent increase over the previous year and
only 7,922 deer shy of the state's all-time annual harvest record of 119,349
deer in 2006.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's
recently published “Big Game Report” — available now in the Sept/Oct issue of
Outdoor Oklahoma magazine — an estimated 83,335 hunters participated in archery
season last year. Jerry Shaw, big game biologist for the Wildlife Department,
says that high number could be the result of the added challenge and extra time
in the woods that the archery season offers.
“Combined with the added challenge, many archery hunters take up the
sport to enjoy greater opportunity to be in the woods, as archery season is the
longest of our deer seasons,” Shaw said.
Shaw also said archery hunting can offer a chance to harvest more
meat and more close-to-home hunting opportunities that might otherwise be
missed.
“Deer numbers remain at high levels, and hunters should take
advantage of the very liberal season dates and bag limits afforded to archers,”
Shaw said. “Additionally, some areas close to our urban centers can be safely
and effectively hunted by those using archery equipment. While the majority of
our deer hunting still takes place in the more rural areas of our state,
bowhunters should not overlook opportunities that might be found closer to home.
Of course hunters looking at suburban opportunities should always check local
laws to make sure that they are in compliance.”
Bowhunting not only gives hunters more time in the woods, but it
also builds a skill that can be learned from home.
“It is never too early to begin to prepare for archery season,” Shaw
said. “While a gun hunter can sight in a rifle in the course of an afternoon, it
may take a bow hunter several weeks of practice to dial in his equipment and to
build and train muscles not used for many other activities. Besides, part of the
fun in archery hunting is getting to practice in your own backyard.”
According to Shaw, archers can expect good hunting, but some hunters
in parts of the state might have to watch closely for game during the earliest
part of the archery season.
“Our wet summer has helped the vegetation to reach great height and
density,” Shaw said. “The deer will still be out there; it will just be tougher
to see them. However, it appears that the acorn crop will be plentiful, which
should help draw deer out of the thicker cover and perhaps under a hunter
waiting in a tree stand.”
To hunt deer during archery season, resident hunters must have an
appropriate hunting license and, if their hunting license was purchased prior to
July 1, a fishing and hunting legacy permit. Additionally, all deer hunters must
possess a deer archery license for each deer hunted or proof of exemption.
Nonresident deer hunters are exempt from a hunting license while hunting deer,
but they must possess a nonresident deer archery license for each deer hunted,
or proof of exemption. Holders of nonresident lifetime hunting and lifetime
combination licenses are not exempt from purchasing deer licenses. All hunters
who harvest a deer must check in their animal at the nearest open hunter check
station, with an authorized Wildlife Department employee or online at
wildlifedepartment.com. A county-by-county listing of hunter check stations is
available in the “2009-10 Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or at wildlifedepartment.com.
To learn more about deer hunting in Oklahoma or to purchase a
hunting license, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Black bears provide sportsmen new hunting opportunity, challenge
Oct. 1 marks the opening of Oklahoma's first black bear archery
season in Latimer, LeFlore, McCurtain and Pushmataha counties in southeast
Oklahoma.
“Any sportsman or sportswoman that has ever wanted to hunt an
Oklahoma bruin should be very excited about the upcoming first ever black bear
season in Oklahoma,” said Jeff Ford, southeast region wildlife biologist for the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Black bears once ranged across North America, including the entire
area of what is now Oklahoma, but by the early 1900s, sightings had become rare.
Factors like urban development, unregulated hunting and habitat fragmentation
caused black bear numbers to eventually decline drastically.
In the late 1900s, however, black bears began making a comeback in
Oklahoma after the successful reintroduction of black bears in the Ouachita and
Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. That initial relocation of about 250 bears from
northern Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada, turned into thousands of bears in the
mountains of Arkansas, which then expanded into southwest Missouri and eastern
Oklahoma. Viewed as one of the most successful reintroductions of large
carnivores in the world, this successful reestablishment of black bears led to a
renewed black bear hunting season in Arkansas in 1980.
Today bears have a growing population in southeast Oklahoma and are
an important part of the state's wildlife diversity. Biologists with the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation have collected more than 15 years
of biological data and information from responding to nuisance bear calls.
Additional research projects were conducted by the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and
Wildlife Research Unit with Oklahoma State University, and results show Oklahoma
can sustain a bear season to address nuisance bear issues while creating new
opportunities for sportsmen.
The bear archery season will run from Oct. 1 through Oct. 23 or
until the season quota of 20 bears has been met. If the season quota is not met
during bear archery season, black bear muzzleloader season will open Oct. 24 and
run through Nov. 1 or until the season quota is met. Hunters must check by phone
or online at wildlifedepartment.com before hunting each day to see if the quota
has been reached. Once the quota of 20 bears is reached, the season will close.
The use of dogs is prohibited, and baiting is prohibited on wildlife management
areas.
Ford said weather conditions are right for the start of bear season,
and sportsmen looking for an approach to hunting bears should look what bears
are looking for — food.
“The above average rainfall and below average temperatures during
August has helped to ensure there will be an abundance of acorns and soft mast,
such as poke berries, wild grapes and persimmons — food's on which black bears
rely to put on a thick layer fat for winter,” Ford said. “With white oak acorns
falling first, concentrating on areas along ridge tops would be a good place to
do some early scouting.”
Ford also said hunters should scout areas near where timber harvest
has occurred, since plants and trees that produce soft mast thrive in such
locations. Additionally, Ford said finding a watering hole near a food source
can increase a hunter's chance for success.
To hunt black bears in Oklahoma, resident hunters must possess a
hunting license and, if their hunting license was purchased prior to July 1, a
fishing and hunting legacy permit. Additionally, resident bear hunters must
possess a bear license. Nonresident bear hunters are exempt from a hunting
license while hunting bear but must possess a nonresident bear license.
Lifetime license holders are not exempt from the purchase of a bear
license. Bear licenses for the archery season must be purchased prior to Oct. 1
and bear licenses for the muzzleloader season must be purchased by 11:59 p.m.
Oct. 23. An unfilled bear archery license will be valid for the bear
muzzleloader season if the season quota of 20 bears has not been reached. Once
the quota has been reached, the season has closed.
Extra Wildlife Department personnel will be available in the
four-county hunt area during the first five days of the bear season to help
check in bear harvests, visit with sportsmen, and to help ensure compliance of
bear hunting regulations. Wildlife Department personnel will collect biological
data from each bear harvested, including a tooth for age determination and
specific size measurements. Additionally, bears harvested may be subject to
forensic analysis to ensure legal means of harvest were observed. The Wildlife
Department also will work in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service to
establish several hunter check points throughout the hunt area for checking bear
hunters.
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Free
Wildlife Expo offers chance to share the sport of fishing
More than 25,000 worms are expected to fly through the air and into
the pond at the Lazy E Arena Sept. 25-27 by Oklahomans hoping to catch a fish at
the fifth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.
The Wildlife Expo is Oklahoma's largest outdoor recreation event,
drawing thousands of people to the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City,
for three days of hands-on outdoor recreation and learning. The Expo is hosted
by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in partnership with a wide
range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related
companies.
Among the many activities available will be those that promote the
sport of fishing and even give visitors the chance to catch their own fish from
a fully stocked pond. Prior to the event, about 2,500 pounds of live channel
catfish and several hundred hybrid sunfish are stocked in the pond to be caught
by thousands of visitors during the event.
According to Damon Springer, aquatic resource education coordinator
for the Wildlife Department, the event can be the springboard for a lifetime of
fishing excitement.
“Oklahoma has thousands of ponds, lakes and streams that are teeming
with fish, and several are open to public access,” Springer said. “Even with the
abundance of open fishing waters, there are so many folks who still have not had
the opportunity to fish. The Expo offers those folks with little to no previous
exposure to fishing the opportunity to learn basic fishing and safety at the
pond.”
Other angling-related opportunities at the Expo include seminars,
bowfishing simulations, kids casting games, fly fishing and fly-tying lessons,
fish filleting demonstrations and exhibits hosted by Wildlife Department
fisheries personnel. Visitors can speak with experts on a range of fishing
topics such as the Wildlife Department's paddlefish and streams programs, black
bass tactics, fishing tackle and more.
“If you know of someone who wants to learn about fishing, you should
bring them with you to the Expo,” Springer said. “They will enjoy the whole
atmosphere and go home with so much information.”
Designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of
outdoor enthusiasts, the Expo offers something for everyone to try while
promoting and instilling an appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and natural
resources. Visitors can shoot shotguns, ride mountain bikes, try rock climbing
and even build a birdhouse to take home with them — all for free.
The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of
Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 25-27. Log
on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on this year's Expo
activities.
This year's Expo will again feature “School Day” Sept. 25, when
busloads of school students from across the state will arrive and enjoy a day at
the event. To learn more about the Expo or to learn more about the Wildlife
Department, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Photo Caption: Visitors to this year's Oklahoma Wildlife Expo can try their hand
at angling at a pond stocked with fish. This year the Wildlife Expo will be
Sept. 25-27 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City.
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Enjoy outdoor fun; sign up to win free off-road utility vehicle
At this year's Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, slated for Sept. 25-27,
visitors can test ride an off-road utility vehicle and then sign up to win one
thanks to generous Expo sponsor P&K Equipment.
For the fifth year in a row, P&K Equipment will provide one lucky
Expo visitor with a free John Deere Gator utility vehicle, the event's grand
prize giveaway. All visitors have to do in order to get a chance to win is sign
up for the drawing. Other great prizes at the Expo include a lifetime
combination hunting and fishing license, outdoor getaways and more. Registration
stations will be set up across the Expo grounds at the Lazy E Arena, just north
of Oklahoma City, where visitors can enter to win one of many prizes.
The John Deere Gator and lifetime combination license only scratch
the surface of the many prizes that visitors can win.
“Many of the sponsors will be giving away some great prizes this
year, including a paddlefish snagging trip, a kayak, kayak lessons, and several
annual fishing and hunting licenses,” said Mikki Gutierrez, human resource
administrator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and one of
hundreds of volunteers working to make the fifth annual Wildlife Expo happen.
“All you have to do is look for the prize registration boxes at many of the
exhibits, fill out a registration slip and drop it in the box. It's as easy as
1,2,3!”
The Wildlife Expo is Oklahoma's largest outdoor recreation event,
drawing thousands of people for three days of hands-on outdoor recreation and
learning. The Expo is hosted by the Wildlife Department in partnership with a
wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related
companies. Designed to promote and perpetuate appreciation of Oklahoma's
wildlife and natural resources, the Expo offers visitors a chance to shoot
shotguns, try archery, catch fish from a stocked pond, ride mountain bikes, try
rock climbing and even build a birdhouse to take home with them — all for free.
Guests also can attend seminars and booths related to hunting, wildlife
management, sporting dog training, camping, wild game meat handling and
sampling, and just about anything related to enjoying the outdoors in Oklahoma.
Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 25-27.
Admission and parking are free. For more information about the Wildlife Expo or
the Wildlife Department, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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2009
Wildlife Expo to feature Oklahoma's outdoors this weekend
Fall has arrived in Oklahoma, which often means family gatherings,
making memories and time spent outdoors — all of which can be done this weekend
at the fifth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.
The Wildlife Expo, sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation and coordinated by hundreds of volunteer organizations and
individuals, is slated for September 25-27 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of
Oklahoma City. The event offers three days of nonstop outdoor action for all
ages and levels of experience with the outdoors. And it's free.
The Expo takes a hands-on approach to educating visitors about the
outdoors. Guests can try their own hand at shooting a shotgun or bow and arrow,
riding a mountain bike or ATV, floating in a kayak, building a birdhouse,
painting their own fishing lure, catching a fish and more.
Booths and other activities inside the arena offer information and
resources about more outdoor opportunities than visitors may even know are
available to them in Oklahoma. Visitors can learn about fly fishing or deer
hunting or even go inside a “butterfly tent” to get an up-close glimpse of a
variety of winged-wildlife.
Snacking at the popular “Taste of the Wild” booth gives visitors a
sample of wild game meat, and attending a seminar can enhance their knowledge on
a number of outdoor topics ranging from aging deer on the hoof to training
hunting dogs or caring for wild game meat in the field.
Additionally, shoppers have a chance to glance through and buy some
of the best outdoor gear available at the Expo's Outdoor Marketplace, a huge
area at the Expo where vendors are set up to display and sell outdoor-related
products and services.
“The Expo is a fun way to learn all about the outdoors, and it's all
completely free,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the
Wildlife Department. “It draws tens of thousands of people who come for a day of
fun and learning, and people leave with a little better understanding of the
value of conserving the outdoors.
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.
Expo hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 25-27. Admission is free.
This year's Expo will again feature School Day on Friday, Sept. 25, when almost
10,000 students from schools across the state will convene onto the Expo grounds
for a field trip they won't soon forget. For more information about the Expo,
log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Enjoy outdoor fun;
sign up to win free prizes
At this year's Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, slated for Sept. 25-27,
visitors can test ride an off-road utility vehicle and then sign up to win one —
along with many other prizes — thanks to generous Expo sponsor P&K Equipment.
For the fifth year in a row, P&K Equipment will provide one lucky
Expo visitor with a free John Deere Gator utility vehicle, the event's grand
prize giveaway. All visitors have to do in order to get a chance to win is sign
up for the drawing. Other great prizes at the Expo include a lifetime
combination hunting and fishing license, outdoor getaways and more. Registration
stations will be set up across the Expo grounds at the Lazy E Arena, just north
of Oklahoma City, where visitors can enter to win one of many prizes.
The John Deere Gator and lifetime combination license only scratch
the surface of the many prizes that visitors can win.
“Many of the sponsors will be giving away some great prizes this
year, including a paddlefish snagging trip, a kayak, kayak lessons, and even
fishing and hunting licenses,” said Mikki Gutierrez, human resource
administrator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and one of
hundreds of volunteers working to make the fifth annual Wildlife Expo happen.
“All you have to do is look for the prize registration boxes at many of the
exhibits, fill out a registration slip and drop it in the box. It's as easy as
1,2,3!”
The Wildlife Expo is Oklahoma's largest outdoor recreation event,
drawing thousands of people for three days of hands-on outdoor recreation and
learning. The Expo is hosted by the Wildlife Department in partnership with a
wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related
companies. Designed to promote and perpetuate appreciation of Oklahoma's
wildlife and natural resources, the Expo offers visitors a chance to shoot
shotguns, try archery, catch fish from a stocked pond, ride mountain bikes, try
rock climbing and even build a birdhouse to take home with them — all for free.
Guests also can attend seminars and booths related to hunting, wildlife
management, sporting dog training, camping, wild game meat handling and
sampling, and just about anything related to enjoying the outdoors in Oklahoma.
Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 25-27.
Admission and parking are free. For more information about the Wildlife Expo or
the Wildlife Department, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Lake Keystone anglers' comments sought for five-year management plan
Keystone Lake anglers have an opportunity to share their thoughts
with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Oct. 6 on a range of
topics affecting the lake.
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Oct. 6, at the Keystone State
Park Meeting Hall and Community Center, and discussion is open to a range of
topics, such as fishery and management goals, objectives and strategies for the
lake.
Keystone Lake is located in northeast Oklahoma and is part of
Oklahoma's 1,120 square miles of lakes and ponds. There are an estimated 611,000
anglers in the state who spend about $502 million annually. Fishing creates an
estimated 10,300 jobs in the state. The Wildlife Department receives no general
state tax appropriations and is supported by hunting and fishing license fees
and federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment.
For more information about the Wildlife Department, log on to
wildlifedepartment.com.
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Young outdoor writers to share their heritage and win trip of a lifetime
This fall Oklahoma youth have a unique opportunity to share their
outdoor heritage through creative writing while competing for the chance to win
an all-expense-paid outdoor getaway.
According to Colin Berg, education supervisor for the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation, the essay contest is an ideal way for youth
to show their love for the outdoors and, in the process, possibly win a vacation
in the great outdoors.
“Each year we receive a number of great essays, and that shows just
how much Oklahoma's youth enjoy archery and sharing their hunting tradition,”
Berg said. “Teachers often comment about how some students jump at the chance to
write about their hunting experiences. I myself always found it more enjoyable
to write about topics I'm interested in, and this subject matter connects with
lots of students who enjoy hunting.”
To participate, students must be 11-17 years of age and currently
enrolled in any Oklahoma school or home school. Students also must use the theme
of “Hunting: Sharing the Heritage” or “Archery: What I like about Archery in the
Schools and Bowhunting” or the concept of the theme to develop a descriptive
essay or short story. Winners of the 2008 contest are not eligible. Applicants
must have successfully completed an Oklahoma Hunter Education course by the
entry deadline, which is Nov. 20, 2009. There are two age categories — 11-14 and
15-17.
Winners in the 15-17 age category (one boy and one girl) will
receive a guided antelope hunt in New Mexico, and winners in the 11-14 age
category are competing for a scholarship within the Apprentice Hunter Program at
the YO Ranch in Mountain Home, Texas. Safari Club International's Apprentice
Hunter Program is a unique, hands-on course designed for girls and boys aged
11-14. The program covers topics such as the history of hunting, the ethical
basis of modern sport hunting, wildlife management, field identification,
tracking and interpreting sign, game cooking and the SCI Sportsmen Against
Hunger Program. There are three sessions — each one week long — during the
summer of 2009.
The four statewide winners and their legal guardians will be invited
to Oklahoma City to attend an awards ceremony in March. In addition, the top 25
essay entrants will receive a one-year youth membership to Safari Club
International. The winning student essays will be published in the OSCSCI
newsletter, “Safari Trails.” Publication qualifies the winning entries for the
Norm Strung National Youth Writing Contest sponsored by the Outdoor Writers
Association of America. Several past national winners have come from Oklahoma,
including two from last year's contest.
Steven Maichak of Edmond took third place in the senior prose
division (grades 9-12) of the national contest, and Raini Stiles of Collinsville
took first place in the junior prose division (grades 6-8). Both received
national recognition and cash rewards.
Essays may also be printed in Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.
One educator also will be awarded an all-expenses-paid scholarship
for an eight-day conservation education school at Safari Club International's
American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) at Granite Ranch near Jackson,
Wyoming, according to Berg.
The AWLS program is conducted during the summer and presents an
outdoor program for educators that concentrates on natural resource management.
Participants learn about stream ecology, map and compass, language arts and
creative writing in an outdoor setting, fly tying, shooting sports, wildlife
management, the Yellowstone ecosystem, camping, white-water rafting, educational
resources and how to implement outdoor education ideas. Six sessions will be
offered June through August of 2010.
Both the essay contest rules and teacher scholarship applications
are available from the Department's Web site at
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com.
Essays and applications must be postmarked no later than Nov. 20, or
delivered by Nov. 20 in person to the Department of Wildlife's Jenks Office at
201 Aquarium Drive, Jenks. Address entries to: Essay Contest, Attn: Education
Section Supervisor, ODWC Jenks Office, P.O. Box 1201, Jenks, OK 74037.
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Free hunter education courses available throughout the fall season
Oklahomans hoping to go hunting this year can prepare by enrolling
in one of many hunter education courses to be held this fall by the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The Department's Hunter Education course teaches a range of topics
including firearms safety, wildlife identification, wildlife conservation and
management, survival, archery, muzzleloading and hunter responsibility. The
course is available as a standard eight-hour course, or as a home study course.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation offers a full
listing of available upcoming hunter education courses online at
wildlifedepartment.com. Visitors to the site can learn when and where classes
will be held and, if pre-registration is required, a phone number is provided.
To hunt big game or small game alone, hunters ages 10-35 must be
hunter education certified. Hunters age nine and under can hunt big game or
small game alone except during youth deer gun and turkey seasons and on public
lands, where additional regulations may apply. Hunters exempt from hunter
education include those 36 years of age or older, those honorably discharged
from or currently on duty the U.S. Armed Forces, and members of the National
Guard.
Oklahomans who are not exempt from hunter education but who are not
hunter ed certified may be eligible to hunt with an apprentice-designated
hunting license. For full details and license requirements, log on to
wildlifedepartment.com or consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
Even those hunters who can hunt with an apprentice-designated
hunting license are encouraged to enroll in a hunter education course.
Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say
hunter education courses have not only reduced accidents within Oklahoma, but
also in every state and Canadian province with similar programs. Over the past
30 years, hunting related accidents and fatalities have declined by more than 70
percent in Oklahoma.
Oklahomans interested in becoming volunteer hunter education
instructors for the Wildlife Department can reserve a spot and attend an
upcoming workshop Dec. 12 at H&H Gun Range, located at the I-40 and Meridian
area in Oklahoma City (400 S. Vermont, Suite 110).
Volunteer instructors teach and assist in numerous classes
throughout the state each year, making hunter education more readily available
for more Oklahomans. Volunteers help set up and teach classes, assist other
instructors and represent the Wildlife Department and sportsmen of the state.
To become a volunteer instructor or to reserve a spot at the
upcoming workshop, contact Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the
Wildlife Department, call (405) 522-4572.
For more information about hunter education in Oklahoma, log on to
www.wildlifedepartment.com
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Stop by Cole and see the
monarchs
Dubbed the monarch capital of Oklahoma, the town of Cole which is
just southwest of Norman will be holding its Monarch Migration and Butterfly
Festival on Saturday, October 3rd from 10 am to 4 pm. The park will be in full
bloom with nectar plants that have been planted especially for butterflies.
Monarchs stop by Cole in October so they can nourish themselves on
their long journey to Mexico in the fall. The route of these monarchs is very
specific, ranging from Canada to forests of Mexico, and usually even to the same
tree. Monarchs begin their fall migration before nighttime temperatures drop
below 55 degrees. Since they are cold-blooded and need heat to keep their
bodies warm, they cannot function in cold conditions.
The festival will include activities like learning about monarch
migration, butterflies and butterfly gardening. Visitors can enjoy art, music,
face painting, educational displays, good food and the great outdoors. Visitors
are encouraged to bring their families and binoculars. A butterfly release is
scheduled for 2 p.m.
Adults and children who come dressed as a butterfly or caterpillar
can join a Parade of Butterflies at noon.
For information about attracting butterflies to your own backyard,
check out Landscaping for Wildlife, a book available through the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation's Outdoor Store at wildlifedepartment.com.
For more information about the Festival, contact Annie Hart
405-485-2962.
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