Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release

May 4, 2006

A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

News Contacts: Micah Holmes or Kristen Gillman (405) 521-3856

Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

Commissioners discuss historical wetlands in Garfield County

Oklahoma youth shoot for success

Squirrel season opens May 15

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Commissioners discuss historical wetlands in Garfield County

Wildlife Department staff presented information about an important wetland area in north central Oklahoma at the May meeting of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Drummond Flats area is located 15 miles south of Enid and just west of Drummond in Garfield County. Three creeks converge on the low-lying area forming a large, natural wetland.

Historically, the area has been an important migration stop for shorebirds and waterfowl. Today, the area is primarily used to grow crops or as pasture for cattle. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is currently looking into opportunities to restore this unique wetland habitat and create more opportunities for sportsmen and other wildlife enthusiasts.

Commissioners voted to endorse the concept of buying at appraised value - from willing sellers - about 3,000 acres in the wetland basin, plus up to 2,000 acres in the surrounding uplands.

"We've done some initial surveys of local landowners, but now we're ready to see if some type of comprehensive purchase can become a reality," said Alan Peoples, wildlife chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Also at the May meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a resolution to designate June 3-4 as Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma. Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing days 24 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states that have established similar free fishing days.

"Free fishing days are a great opportunity to introduce family and friends to fishing," said David Warren, information and education chief for the Wildlife Department.

Resident and non-resident fishing licenses (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits) are not required on the free fishing days, although anglers should note that local or municipal permits might be required on those days. Texoma Lake anglers should be aware that the Texas free fishing day is June 3 only. Anglers must also follow all other fishing regulations.

In other business, the Commission recognized Mackie Fairfield, clerk for the Wildlife Department's Information and Education Division for 25 years of service.

The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

The next scheduled Commission meeting is June 5 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City at 9:00 a.m.

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Oklahoma youth shoot for success

More than 200 youngsters converged at the University of Central Oklahoma Wellness Center for the second annual Oklahoma Archery in the Schools State Tournament April 27.

Eric White, a 9th grader from Sapulpa, took home the top shooter trophy, while Coweta High School captured the team high school trophy. In a very tight match, Cottonwood School in Coalgate grabbed first place in the middle school division. South Rock Creek in Shawnee took first place honors in the Kindergarten through 5th grade team category.

"It was a very intense competition this year. These kids didn't just come to participate, they came to win," said Lance Meek, Wildlife Department coordinator for the Archery in the Schools program. "Everyone had a great time including the teachers. During a couple of the shoot offs at the end of the day I thought I was going to have to get ear plugs because the kids were cheering so loud."

According to Meek, the tournament would not have been possible without a variety of important partners including the UCO Wellness Center, Sportsman's Warehouse, Norman Archery and assistance from a number of Wildlife Department game wardens.

The tournament showcased the innovative archery education curriculum called the Archery in the Schools program. Offering a two-week long archery curriculum, the program is designed to introduce Oklahoma students to Olympic-style archery. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation coordinates the ambitious program.

To date, Oklahoma is one of 36 states that have adopted the Archery in the Schools program. In 2005, about 500,000 students across the nation went through the Archery in the Schools curriculum. With more than 50 schools and 5,000 students already involved in Oklahoma, the program is quickly gaining popularity. Wildlife Department officials expect participation to double by the end of the year.

To participate in the Archery in the Schools program, teachers must simply attend a free one-day training session conducted by certified instructors. Once a teacher has completed the training course, their school is eligible to purchase an equipment kit at a reduced cost. Some equipment grants also are available through Wildlife Department. To learn how to bring this exciting program to your school, contact:

Central and Western region: Lance Meek, lmeek@odwc.state.ok.us or (405) 522-4572

Southeast region: Steve Burge, sjburge@prodigy.net or (918) 297-0150

Northeast region: Colin Berg, cberg02@sbcglobal.net or (918) 299-2334

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Elementary School Division

Girls

Abigail Unruh, Morris

Brooke King, Morris

Brett Maxie, Morris

Boys

Seth Garcia, Christian Heritage Academy

Brandon Muniz, Cottonwood

Bailey Cobbs, Christian Heritage Academy

Middle School Division

Girls

Courtney Dearth, South Rock Creek

Courtney Lowry, South Rock Creek

Haley Robinson, Coweta

Boys

Hunter Rasberry, Coweta

Alex Horney, Tahlequah

Jordan Parris, South Rock Creek

High School Division

Girls

Charlie Carr, Coweta

Kelli Hefley, Coweta

Tasha Byrd, Coweta

Boys

Eric White, Sapulpa

Bobby Pitcock, Coweta

Tyler Huddleston, Coweta

Editor's Note:

Pictures of all the winners are available for viewing and download at www.wildlifedepartment.com/archeryevents.htm

Squirrel season opens May 15

What more could one ask for in a hunting season? Plentiful game, a long season, thousands of acres of public access, challenging shooting - squirrel hunting has it all. Running May 15 through Jan. 31, squirrel season is one of the longest running, and most underused, hunting seasons available in Oklahoma.

Public hunting opportunities abound in Oklahoma for squirrel hunters and both the gray and fox squirrel are abundant on many of the Department's wildlife management areas. Excellent squirrel hunting can be found on Keystone, Spavinaw Hills, Deep Fork, Hickory Creek and many other wildlife management areas. Just about any tract of oaks, hickory or pecan trees can be a productive area for hunters and you would be hard-pressed to find a small crowd of squirrel hunters anywhere.

Squirrel hunting is a perfect opportunity to introduce someone new to hunting. In fact, the more eyes the better. With their sharp eyesight and hearing, squirrels have a tendency to disappear in the tree tops.

A generous 10-squirrel limit offers a challenge to those going afield with a .22 caliber rifle. Other sportsmen prefer carrying a shotgun while going after squirrels. Another option that is increasing in popularity are pellet rifles, which through the years have become adequately powerful to deliver squirrels to the bag.

To hunt squirrels in Oklahoma, you need a resident or non-resident hunting license unless exempt and a $5 Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permit, unless exempt. Resident hunters younger than age 16 can hunt squirrels without a license. For a complete list of squirrel hunting regulations consult the "2006 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

MAY

9: Hunter Education Home Study, Bass Pro, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 218-5200.

11: Oklahoma Quail Forever Chapter banquet will be held at the Embassy Suites, OKC (1815 S Meridian). Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is limited. Tickets are $50 and includes annual membership. For more information or to purchase tickets contact James Dietsch at (405) 721-9405 or Frank Lambert at (405) 990-4033.

13: Hunter Education Home Study: Midwest City Library, Midwest City; 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; (405) 732-4828.

13: Aquatic Education Clinic at G.S.P. Pond, Greenleaf State Park. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Steven Evans at (918) 487-7125.

16: Aquatic Education Clinic: ODWC Family Clinic, Casting Pond at ODWC, Jenks. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling ODWC- Jenks at (918) 299-2334.

18: Aquatic Education Clinic: ODWC Family Clinic, Casting Pond at ODWC, Jenks. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling ODWC- Jenks at (918) 299-2334.

FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 3, 2006

CENTRAL

Draper: Elevation 2 ft. above normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 2-6 ft. around structure. Largemouth bass good on tandem spinners, medium divers and plastic worms at 3-6 ft. in coves. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

Hefner: Elevation 3-4 ft. below normal, water 72. Channel catfish being caught slip corking off the dam at 4-8 ft. on punch bait and stinkbait. Walleye being caught on the west side of the dam on minnows fishing the bottom at 12 ft. Bluegill being caught using crickets. Report submitted by Bob Martin, OKC Fisheries.

Thunderbird: Elevation 5 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie excellent on minnows and jigs at 2-6 ft. around structure. Largemouth bass good on tandem spinners, medium divers and plastic worms at 3-6 ft. Saugeye fair to good on jigs and medium divers (green) off points and old road beds. White bass good on minnows, jigs and medium divers off points. Catfish slow. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 3 ft. below normal and muddy in feeder creeks and clear around roadbed area and main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 16-18 ft. around underwater structure. Catfish fair to good on minnows and chicken liver in the shallows back in the west end of the lake. White bass fair trolling with crankbaits at 7-10 ft. Largemouth bass fair to good on spinnerbaits, lizards, tubes and assorted soft plastic in grassy beds and mossy areas with some action on topwater lures early morning. Report submitted by M.M. Fowler.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: The only fishing method allowed at Bell Cow is rod and reel fishing. Elevation 3 ft. below. Crappie good on minnows. Catfish fair on the east side of the islands on dough baits. Report submitted by lake ranger.

Carl Blackwell: Water 70 and murky. Crappie have picked back up after the storms and are biting well in shallows in the morning and evening on jigs, road runners, and minnows. Saugeye have been caught roaming the shorelines with minnows and jigs, trolling with crawler rigs and worms. Largemouth bass are biting on spinners and crankbaits. Striped bass hybrids have slowed down but are still being caught on large minnows, shad imitations and rattle traps. Channel catfish good fishing the shallows at night with stinkbait, minnows and worms. Report submitted by Tyler Gann, lake ranger.

Chandler: Elevation 3 ft. below normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by lake ranger.

Copan: Elevation 3 ft. above normal with two gates open below the dam. Water is muddy. Crappie good on medium minnows in and around the coves and creek channels at 6 ft. Channel and blue catfish good on worms, shad, and large minnows. Report submitted by Jason Cain, Copan Handi Mart.

Eucha: Elevation 11 ft. below normal, water 60 and murky. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush at 5-10 ft. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Catfish fair on night crawlers. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass good on spinners. White bass good on minnows and jigs in creek channels. Catfish excellent on prepared baits and worms. Reported submitted Don Cole, game warden stationed in Wagoner

Grand: Elevation normal and murky. Channel catfish fair to good on worms and shad guts in lake tributaries. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10 ft. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Greenleaf: May 2. Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits along shoreline. Catfish good on cut bait on bottom. Crappie excellent on minnows and jigs around fishing dock. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair to good on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfish fair to good on juglines baited with cut shad in river channel. Crappie slow to fair on plastic jigs at 3-8 ft. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Kaw: Elevation is 5 ft. above normal, water 62 and stained. Blue and channel catfish fair in upper end of the lake on shad, stinkbait and goldfish. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Keystone: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water 65-70 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and plastics at 2-8 ft. around buck brush in coves. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and jig and chunk at 5-10 ft. around rocky deep coves. Spotted bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits at 5-10 ft. in deep rocky coves. White bass fair on rooster tails and rattle traps at 4-8 ft. in coves with feeder creeks. Striped bass good on buck tails and large sassy shad at 3-6 ft. below the dam. Channel and blue catfish good on worms and crawdads at 4-8 ft. along banks in shallow coves. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 3-6 ft. around flooded brush. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. above normal, water 60, muddy on the north end and clear on the south end. Channel catfish good on worms and dough baits in creeks running into the lake and also in the Verdigris River itself. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around submerged structure at 4-8 ft. deep. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and bass tubes around flooded brush at 2-4 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 65 and murky. Smallmouth and largemouth bass fair to good, in the shallows, on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and some plastics at 4-6 ft. in the creeks. Crappie fair to good on small and medium minnows at 15-25 ft. around bridges and other structure, and in the creeks. Striped bass hybrids fair in creeks. Catfish fair on trotlines with very large minnows. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Spavinaw: Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 58 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 8 ft. below normal, water 69. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass fair in coves and off points on spinnerbaits or crankbaits at 3-15 ft. Crappie fair at 3-10 ft. on minnows or jigs and good trolling the main channel with deep runner and at night under lights at 10-15 ft. on small minnows. White bass good trolling main channel on deep runners and good under lights at night on small minnows at 10-15 ft. Sunfish good on shallow gravel banks with worms. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits along riprap and creek channel. Channel catfish good on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good around brush structure and bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation normal. Crappie good in upper end of lake on minnows and jigs. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on minnows, jigs and crankbaits along dam. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Ft. Supply: Crappie and walleye fair on jigs and spinners in the shallows. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.

Great Salt Plains: Elevation below normal and murky. Catfish good on trotlines baited with shad in the spillway and Coon Hollow on shrimp, shad or stinkbait. Report submitted by R.C Nickols, Great Plains State Park.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 3 1/2 ft. below normal, water 68-70 and clear. Crappie fair off docks and around brush piles. White bass are spawning up creeks and along dam. Bass good to fair on jigs, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics off points and in coves. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 68 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow. Elevation 10-12 ft. below normal, water 50 and clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits in the mouths of creeks. White bass good on white and yellow grubs and rooster tails along Panther Creek. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around structure and in the upper-end of Holly Creek. Walleye good on rouges late evening and early morning in the upper end of Holly Creek. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 4 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits at 1-6 ft. along the rocks. White bass good on crankbaits at 3-8 ft. trolling. Blue catfish good on shad at 4-10 ft. on the flats. Crappie good on jigs at 2-10 ft. along the banks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 4 ft. above normal, water 63 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and soft plastic lures. Crappie good on live minnows. Channel catfish fair on cut bait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 75 and clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and plastic worms at 4-6 ft. along weed beds. White bass fair on minnows and jigs at 15 ft. in the discharge channel. Channel catfish good on stinkbait at 8-10 ft. along points. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair to good on soft plastic lures at 2-8 ft. around standing timber. Channel catfish fair on juglines baited with live bait. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Pine Creek: Elevation above normal, water murky. Crappie fair on blue and black jigs. Bass fair on spinnerbaits around points at 8-12 ft. Catfish fair on cut shad on juglines. Report Submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 71 and stained. Largemouth bass good at 2-4 ft. using plastic baits and spinnerbaits fishing the weed, rock and wood shorelines. Crappie fair at 6-8 ft using minnow fishing the edge of the channels. White bass good at 5-10 ft. using jigs and shad imitation lures fishing below Webbers Falls and Kerr dam. Blue catfish good at 3-10 ft. using fresh cut shad fishing the windy shorelines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation normal. White bass good in Jack Fork Creek. Crappie good on minnows around bridges and tower. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and rising. Water 64 and murky to north and clear to the south. Largemouth bass fair to good on plastic baits at 10-15 ft. in creek channels. White bass and striped bass fair to good on sassy shad at 15-20 ft. in Burns Run. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on cut shad at 5-10 ft. in Little Glasses Creek. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 5-10 ft. around structure on the south end of the lake. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

SOUTHWEST

Ellsworth: Elevation 10 ft. below normal, and murky. Crappie good in shallow water around structure on minnows and jigs. Catfish fair on cut bait off rocky points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 70 and clear. Walleye and saugeye fair on live bait or small jigs in front of the dam. White bass good. Hybrid striped bass fair. Catfish good on cut bait. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Tom Steed: Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 62 and murky. White bass good on minnows off points and trolling crankbaits. Crappie fair on minnows at 4-8 ft. around rocks. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.

Waurika: Elevation below normal, water 69 and clear. White bass excellent on shad and white jigs. Hybrid striped bass fair. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around boat docks. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.

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