Page 43 - 2024MarApr

SEAN WILLIAMS/READERS' PHOTO SHOWCASE 2018

to the east of the central region. is using two quarters from your pocket. Tap Kaw Wildlife
Management Area
These characteristics make it a little harder to them together to mimic squirrel barking or rub
discover unknown areas, but focusing on less the edges together to mimic the teeth-grind-
popular species can be a way to avoid the crowds. ing sound. Signs that suggest squirrels could
Squirrels are plentiful on Kaw, Okmulgee, be nearby include nests in the treetops and
Deep Fork, Lexington, and Cross Timbers busted shells on the ground beneath trees.
WMAs. All of these areas (in no particular order)
are good places to start. Be sure to check spe- PUBLIC ACCESS AT WMAs
cific area regulations as season dates do vary
• Most WMAs require visitors (hunting or nonhunting) to pos-
from WMA to WMA. Hunters interested in pur-
sess a hunting, fishing, or combination license, or a Wildlife
suing squirrels should focus on blocks of timber
Conservation Passport, to legally enter the area. Check the
that have mast-producing trees; trees that pro-
“Special Area Regulations” sections of the Oklahoma Fishing
duce some type of berry or nut. Upon locating
and Hunting Regulations for WMA-specific rules.
such trees (oaks, pecans, mulberry, walnut, etc.)
• Buying a hunting or fishing license can cost less than buying
the hunter can sit and observe the forest floor
a Wildlife Conservation Passport. Plus, license holders are
or canopy for movement. Typically, squirrels will
granted the privileges of that license and can enjoy fishing or
run along the forest floor when searching for or
hunting during the license term.
concealing food but will commonly run through
• People younger than 16 at the start of the calendar year, and
the canopy, jumping from tree to tree to move
students and instructors participating in bona fide education-
throughout the woods. If one is not observ-
al tours or activities sponsored or organized by an education
ing movement, listening for squirrels barking,
institution, or any other organized event sanctioned by and
chattering, teeth grinding, or even the rustle of
approved in advance by the Wildlife Department, are exempt
the leaves on branches or on the ground from
from the Wildlife Conservation Passport requirement.
squirrels moving around can be just as effec-
• Anyone carrying a firearm or archery equipment on Department-
tive. Sitting under a tree looking and listening
managed lands must possess a hunting license. All persons using
for 20-30 minutes is more than enough time to
shooting ranges must possess a valid Oklahoma hunting or
know if squirrels are in the vicinity.
combination license, unless otherwise exempt. Anyone younger
Other ways to locate squirrels includes using
than 14 must be immediately supervised by an adult while afield.
calls and looking for sign. Commercial calls are
Minors aged 14-16 must be immediately supervised by an adult
available for purchase through several sport-
unless they possess hunter education certification.
ing goods or outdoor stores. The simplest call
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