Page 5 - 2024MarApr

NWTF AWARDS CREATE $1.2M IN ODWC SUPPORT SINCE ’17

The Oklahoma Board of Directors for the National • $1,500 to support an Wildlife Department
Wild Turkey Federation recently evaluated proposals Game Warden’s travel to convention.
for funding through the Hunting Heritage Super Fund • $2,000 to conservation field
in 2024. Board members budgeted $69,000 for conser- day and R3 event support.
vation projects and $41,284 for other projects including
outreach-education events, state scholarships, and 4H Since Fiscal Year 2017, the NWTF
Shooting Sports support. Hunting Heritage Super Fund has
NWTF funding will be matched with nearly $1 million provided $225,969 for ODWC habi-
in partner funds for the approved projects in Oklahoma. tat projects and $108,140 for ODWC
Super Fund awards for ODWC conservation proj- Archery in the Schools and Shooting
ects include: Sports programs. In many cases, federal funds
• $31,000 in carry-over funds from Fiscal Year 2023 have provided a 75/25 match on these donations,
projects, including Canton WMA, Sandhills WMA, resulting in more than $1.2 million in funding for habitat
Cherokee WMA, and Cimarron Bluff WMA (work is conservation activities by ODWC.
a multi-year effort). “A sincere thanks goes out to all the hard-working
members and volunteers who make our mission in Okla-
• $10,000 to support Canton WMA with invasive homa possible,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biol-
species removal.
ogist for Texas, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. “Our
• $8,000 to support Waurika WMA with invasive volunteers in Oklahoma are going above and beyond,
species removal. tackling conservation issues both in the state and across
In addition, ODWC received funding to support edu- boundaries for the greater good.”
cation/outreach efforts in Oklahoma, including: Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has
• $10,000 to support the National Archery in the invested over a half-billion dollars into wildlife conser-
Schools Program in Oklahoma for 2023-24. vation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million
acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization contin-
• $10,000 to support the Scholastic Shooting Sports ues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and
Program in Oklahoma for 2023-24. robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S.

NEW DURABLE LICENSE CARDS SHOW BLUEGILL, PHEASANTS

By Michael Bergin, Senior Communications Specialist provide support for the Wildlife Department. Artwork
Each year, Oklahoma sportsmen and sportswomen auction proceeds will further benefit con-
may choose to have their hunting and fishing licenses servation efforts in Oklahoma.
encoded on collectible license cards. The plastic cards Meyer created the artwork
are durable and waterproof, easily carried in a wallet featured on last year’s collect-
or pocket. ible cards: a white bass and a
The newest pair of cards features images of a bluegill mallard. He won the Depart-
(see front cover) and a pair of ring-necked pheasants, ment’s annual waterfowl stamp
both painted by local artist Shea Meyer. They are avail- design contest in 2014, and was
able now for $6. a runner-up in the contest in 2022
The cards can carry up to seven licenses or privileges, and 2023. He's a lifetime license
which are encoded on the back side. The card can then holder, outdoorsman, and educator
be carried into the field or on the lake and serves as at Stratford Schools. He is an accomplished
proof of license whenever needed. outdoorsman and a supporter of conservation.
A portion of the sale of each card is designated for “I am a proud Oklahoman, and I am honored
outreach efforts aimed at recruiting, retaining and reacti- to have my work represent our state and it’s amazing
vating lapsed hunters and anglers — important because wildlife,” Meyer said.
the Wildlife Department relies on hunting and fishing To get your hunting or fishing licenses encoded on
license sales for funding. one of the newest collectible cards, log on to your
Additionally, Meyer's original paintings will be Go Outdoors Oklahoma profile and click “Purchase
framed and donated to the Oklahoma Wildlife Con- Licenses.” If you already have a current hunting or fish-
servation Foundation to be auctioned at one of its ing license, you can still buy a collectible card from the
upcoming events. OWCF is a nonprofit charitable License Catalog. Or, when buying any license, you can
foundation formed to work exclusively alongside and add a collectible card to your purchase.

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