Page 15 - 2024MarApr

LATE DIRECTOR LEAVES LASTING IMPACT ON CONSERVATION

EDITOR’S NOTE: Former ODWC Director Greg Duffy season debates and
died Dec. 8, 2023. In his 38-year career, Duffy also rule change proposals, PROVIDED
held the positions of Chief of Wildlife, Assistant Chief landing us where we are
of Wildlife, Wildlife and Lands Biologist, and Water- today — truly a top-10
fowl Biologist. deer hunting state. He
laid the groundwork for
BY NELS RODEFELD, CHIEF, COMMUNICATION AND Oklahoma being much
EDUCATION DIVISION, OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT more than just a great
OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION deer hunting state.
Amazing elk and bear
Greg Duffy served as the Director for the Okla- hunting opportunities
homa Department of Wildlife Conservation from come to mind, and
1993-2009. he helped put a focus
He was one of longest-tenured directors among on quail research and
the states that make up the Southeast Association management, some-
of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. In fact, his tenure thing he was very pas-
as director is one of the longest in the country in sionate about. Greg Duffy on a deer hunt ca. 2021.
the modern era of state fish and wildlife agencies. Working with the Oklahoma Wildlife Conserva-
Duffy started his career helping Oklahoma tion Commission and Oklahoma State University,
restore and create the amazing fish and wildlife he helped establish a pilot program that led to
opportunities we enjoy today. He hauled turkeys, the world’s most foremost paddlefish research and
deer, elk, geese, river otters — almost every- management program. Oklahoma has the most
thing we have today. During his tenure as the extensive understanding of paddlefish in the world,
Department’s leader, he helped grow our public and his vision helped ODWC raise more than $10
land opportunities by more than 550,000 acres million, which helped ODWC stay solvent without
through landmark agreements with timber com- regular increases in fees for everyday hunters and
panies in southeast Oklahoma and by purchasing anglers. Striped bass, hybrid striped bass, sau-
numerous wildlife management areas throughout geyes, Florida largemouth bass — all of those fish-
the state. eries were developed and thrived during his tenure.
He led the Department through some of the most His personal, and personable, style made
tumultuous times for wildlife conservation the state him able to talk to anyone, and he “never met a
has faced, including the drought cycle in the late stranger” at a boat ramp or at a public hunting
2000s and early 2010s. There were numerous deer area campground.

COURTESY BOAT DOCK ADDED AT FORT COBB RESERVOIR

Southwestern Oklahoma boaters have cause for celebra-
DARRIN HILL/ODWC tion as ODWC has added a new courtesy dock at Fort Cobb
Reservoir. This 8-by-14-foot dock and 64-foot gangway will
improve the boating and fishing experience for local resi-
dents and visitors.
Found at the Fly Inn 2 access area, the new courtesy dock
can accommodate multiple boats at once, cutting down on
wait times. It is now easier for boaters to dock in the event of
fluctuating water levels. The project aims to make Fort Cobb
Reservoir a welcoming destination for boaters of all skill levels.
Fort Cobb Reservoir, a popular fishing and recreational
destination, is in Caddo County. This new courtesy dock con-
firms ODWC’s dedication to providing exceptional amenities
for all who enjoy Oklahoma’s natural resources. Work has also
begun on similar courtesy docks for Stroud Lake and Lake
Ellsworth at Collier’s Landing.
— Nathan Copeland,
Boating Access Coordinator

MARCH/APRIL 2024 13