Page 2 - 2020 May/June Outdoor Oklahoma

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hen I’ve been confronted by a crisis in life, basic firearms handling and ultimately leads to a skilled
it helps me focus on things that really shooter. Once mastered, the shooting skills fit seamlessly
matter. The events of COVID-19 have into hunting.
W tested all of us. For many, our faith, fam- For nearly a decade now, Americans have engaged more in
ily, and friends are at the forefront like they should be when the shooting sports, and the Department has started a shooting
the seas are calm. I do have faith that we Oklahomans will range construction and renovation initiative to provide places
get through this. I also plan to spend more time with family to shoot, whether just for fun, to teach basic shooting skills, or
and friends in the woods and on the water. both. Learning and practicing a fun, safe activity together is
Does anyone think about going hunting and fishing 365 always a great way to build relationships while doing something
days a year? Good! I’m not alone! Being an that builds confidence and increases the chances
avid outdoorsman and the Assistant Direc- of having a successful hunt later.
tor of your Wildlife Department, I do won- Target practice and recreational shooting
der if we think about the future of hunting are important because they provide critical
and fishing and all outdoor participation funding for wildlife conservation activities.
often enough. When shooters buy guns and ammo, a federal
If our kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces, excise tax is collected. That money comes back
and friends are to care about wildlife, nature, to the states for programs including wildlife
the outdoors and conservation, then we need restoration, state wildlife grants, hunter edu-
a purpose-driven outdoor life. That doesn’t cation and landowner incentive programs, and
just mean catch more fish and shoot bigger public lands. Simply put, shooters help fund
deer. We need to share and teach basic skills the conservation machine.
we take for granted. Having introduced hundreds of kids Recognizing the importance of sport shooting to Oklaho-
to the outdoors, I can tell you that mentoring someone on mans, the Department is renovating existing public-access
their first deer, turkey, quail, squirrel or fish is the ultimate shooting ranges and building new ones across the state on
reward for any outdoorsman. My motto is “Replace Yourself wildlife management areas. We’re also building ranges with
Plus One.” I take that seriously. universities and improving access to private ranges. We’ve
As hunting, fishing and outdoor education continue to finished renovating four ranges and will turn dirt this sum-
decline across the country, it is up to each of us to introduce mer to renovate two. And new ranges are set for Kaw, Copan,
folks to our pursuits. Opportunities are plentiful. You only Sandy Sanders and Packsaddle WMAs.
need to look at the Department’s website to get started. As these new ranges come on line, (and as we all, hope-
Free Fishing Days will be June 6-7. Every kid deserves fully, are able to return to normal) I urge you to go shoot,
a chance to catch sunfish on a bobber and worm. Mostly “Replace Yourself Plus One,” and mentor the next genera-
though, they need to be mentored. Youths need to be taught tion of outdoor enthusiasts that will fund the conservation
basic skills like how to tie on a hook, where to fish along the machine. Our future depends on it.
bank, and how to clean a fish. Try a Close to Home fishing
lake and be that person who got you hooked when you were
a kid!
Hunting is in ways harder, as there are fewer public
places to learn skills and more skills to learn. It starts with Wade Free