Page 8 - OutdoorOK2024MayJune ONLINE

GAME WARDEN’S JOURNAL

ACCOUNTS FROM THE FIELD BY THE PUBLIC SERVANTS WHO ENFORCE THE FISH

AND WILDLIFE LAWS OF OKLAHOMA .

On March 19, Game Warden Andrew Potter
(based in Choctaw County) responded to a report
that sacks of geese had been dumped on the Indian
Nation Turnpike north of Antlers. He found 52 snow
geese piled on the shoulder of the southbound lanes
at mile marker 23. Exams proved all the geese had
been shot, and none of the meat had been harvest-
ed. Game Wardens will continue to investigate this
wanton waste and improper disposal of this wildlife
resource. Please report any information to Potter at
(580) 317-5000; Game
Warden Eric Barnes
(580) 513-5014; Game
Warden Thomas Gill-
ham, (580) 271-0808; or Brandon Lehrman (based in Greer County) participated
Operation Game Thief, in Sayre Public Schools College and Career Fair on March
(800) 522-8039. Caller 13 for students in grades 6-12. Students could pick five
can remain anonymous. career paths to evaluate, and 120 students chose the Game
Warden career path! The Game Wardens taught about their
careers and other career paths available within ODWC.
On March 16, Game
Wardens Spencer Grace
(based in Kay County), Oklahoma Game Wardens helped with the Bassmas-
and Game Warden Larry ter Classic on Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees. Anglers
Green (based in Osage from across North America pursued the championship
County), responded to a on the 46,500-acre fishery in late March. The greatest
911 call about two fisher- celebration of the sport of fishing was on full display
men stranded on rocks from Grove to Tulsa, and Game Wardens were glad
with water rising below to be there. Thank you Grove Police and Fire, Grand
Kaw Dam. Other first River Dam Authority, and Tulsa Police Department for
responders had been the team effort that made the event a huge success!
dispatched to the area
including Oklahoma High-
way Patrol, Kay County
Sheriff’s Department, and
Ponca City Fire EMS. The
Game Wardens launched
their boat, and the two
young fishermen ages 17
and 18 were rescued. Both
were wet from falling into
the water. Thankfully this
event had a happy end-
ing. When fishing tailwa- (Reports from the Oklahoma Department of Wild-
ters below any dam, move life Conservation-Game Wardens Facebook page.)
to the safety of higher
ground when warning sirens are sounded. EDITOR’S NOTE: Please help make a difference!
When violators break the law, they steal fish and
wildlife from you! Report violations anonymously
Game Wardens Lt. James Edwards (based in Beckham by calling Operation Game Thief at (800) 522-
County), Clint Carpenter (based in Custer County), and 8039. You could earn a cash reward.

6 OFF THE BEATEN PATH