Page 8 - 2019 MAY/JUNE Outdoor Oklahoma

Game Warden’s Journal

ACCOUNTS FROM THE FIELD BY THE PUBLIC
SERVANTS WHO ENFORCE THE FISH AND
WILDLIFE LAWS OF OKLAHOMA

In August 2018, Game Warden Ty $2,989 and ordered to pay $3,000 in
Runyan, based in Pontotoc County, restitution, loss of rifle, loss of hunting
was contacted by a concerned sports- privileges for three years, and ordered
man stating that two men from the Ada to serve 20 hours of community ser-
area had “found” a large whitetail buck vice. The accomplice was fined $3,989,
in Coal County. Runyan contacted the ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution,
main suspect, who stated the buck was loss of thermal device, and loss of hunt-
hanging in a tree in Latta. The suspect said he and his friend ing privileges for three years.
had gone out to hunt hogs at night and the first thing they saw
was the big buck. The suspect used a thermal device and shot (Report from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
the buck. Runyan seized the thermal scope and gun used to kill Conservation-Game Wardens Facebook page.)
the buck as evidence. Capt. Tom Cartwright, District 4 Chief
and an official Boone and Crockett measurer, scored the buck EDITOR’S NOTE: Please help make a difference! When viola-
at 203 inches. In March 2019, both men accepted a plea deal on tors break the law, they steal fish and wildlife from you! Report
charges of possession of wildlife not legally taken and hunting violations anonymously by calling Operation Game Thief at
with the aid of motor vehicle. The primary suspect was fined (800) 522-8039. You could earn a cash reward.

SOME WILL WIN HUNT OF A LIFETIME; APPLY NOW

Hunters have until May 22 to apply for the Wild-
life Department’s controlled hunt opportunities for
2019-20. All applications must be submitted through BLAKE PODHAJSKY/ODWC
your Go Outdoors Oklahoma system account; log
in at www.wildlifedepartment.com/ControlledHunts.
The Controlled Hunts Program offers a vari-
ety of highly desirable hunts through random
drawings. Controlled hunt opportunities include
hunts on Department- or government-owned
or managed lands where unrestricted hunting
would pose safety concerns or where overharvest
might occur.
“Sportsmen have more than 150 different
quality hunts to choose from including elk,
antelope, deer and turkey hunts,” said Melinda
Streich, assistant director of administration for
the Wildlife Department. “And more than 850 Being selected in the drawing for a pronghorn controlled hunt is a once-in-a-lifetime
of these hunt permits are designated specifical- event sought after by many Oklahoma big-game hunters.
ly for youths ages 14 and 15.” through a secure application process.”
All applicants, including lifetime license holders, pay a $5 Hunts are offered in seven categories: elk hunts, antelope
application fee to enter the drawing for controlled hunts. The hunts, deer hunts, youth deer hunts, deer hunts for people with
fee is paid only once per person per year, regardless of the num- non-ambulatory or motor vehicle hunting permits, youth spring
ber of hunt categories entered. turkey hunts, and spring turkey hunts.
“Every year that you apply, you earn preference points that “You don’t want to miss out on these hunting opportunities,
increase your chances to be drawn for a controlled hunt,” so mark your calendars to apply before the deadline of May
Streich said. “It takes just a few minutes to apply online 22,” Streich said.

6 Off the Beaten Path

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