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protecting livestock from predation; reducing beaver damage to agriculture, prop-
erty, and human health/safety; and assessing and reducing public health threats
from wildlife diseases such as rabies, swine brucellosis, and pseudorabies. To learn
more, go to www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage.

Q: How can I improve my land for wildlife?
A: There is no clear-cut answer, as each case is different. All animals have basic
requirements to live: cover, food, water, and living space. Ensuring those resources
are available and of good quality is a good start. However, to take it to the next
level, ODWC has a staff of biologists available to you for free, and programs
dedicated to helping landowners reach their goals for wildlife management and
habitat improvement. Contact the biologist covering your county to set up a visit
to discuss your goals and objectives and help identify what practices and what
programs may be of help to accomplish those. Go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/
lands-and-minerals/landowner-programs for more.
FISHERIES

Q: How can I get ODWC to stock fish in my pond?
A: Largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill are available to pond owners
if they meet and adhere to the requirements for participation: 1. The pond must
be at least a quarter-acre in size. 2. Fish will not be provided to private ponds that
charge for fishing. 3. No pond that has an existing fish population will be stocked.
4. All applicants must have a current Oklahoma fishing
license. 5. You must allow law enforcement personnel to
check licenses of those fishing in your pond. 6. A Game
Warden must inspect your pond prior to stocking. WILDLIFEDEPARTMENT.COM
Those who meet the requirements will submit an
application for each pond and have it on file with
ODWC before June. If your application is accepted,
you will be notified of the time and place you may pick
up your fish.
If you want to buy fish to stock in your pond, call
(405) 522-6128 for a list of commercial hatcheries. You
can also go to https://ag.ok.gov/aquaculture-program/
for a list of Aquaculture License holders in Oklahoma.

Q: Can I catch and keep trout when it’s not
trout season?
A: Yes. Trout season refers to the period during
which trout are stocked. You may catch and keep trout
year-round. See trout regulations for daily bag limits
and size restrictions. It is possible to catch trout year-
round in the Lower Illinois River and Lower Mountain
Fork River.
OTHER QUESTIONS

If you have Wildlife Department-related questions
and didn't find answers here, try using the search win- Landowners may apply to ODWC’s Farm Pond
dow on the homepage of the Department’s website: www.wildlifedepartment.com. Stocking Program to receive bass, sunfish, and
catfish for their pond.
You may also use the online contact form at www.wildlifedepartment.com/contact
or use the phone directory on the same webpage to contact a specific division.
While your buddies often mean well when sharing “what they know,” they might
not always get it right. In today’s high-tech world, all kinds of information is avail-
able at your fingertips. It’s always best to ask questions, do some quick research,
and find out the correct answer for yourself.

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