Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release

July 13, 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

Wildlife Commission approves dove, teal and resident goose seasons

Controlled hunt results available online July 20

Wildlife Expo featured in "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Wildlife Commission approves dove, teal and resident goose seasons

Waterfowl hunters will have additional days in the field this year to pursue teal during September. The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved the dates for the September teal season along with several other popular seasons at its July meeting in Oklahoma City.

"After two nine-day September teal seasons in a row, waterfowl hunters will now be able to pursue teal for 16 days this year (Sept. 9-24). The length of the season is based on the breeding population level of blue-winged teal, as determined by United States Fish and Wildlife surveys each year," said Alan Peoples, wildlife division chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Breeding populations are on an upswing. The teal season is a great opportunity to try duck hunting and we would encourage people to participate."

The Commission also voted to approve hunting regulations for resident Canada geese, which will run Sept. 9-18. Dove season will run Sept. 1 - Oct. 30. Commissioners also approved seasons for rail, gallinule, woodcock, and common snipe. With the exception of the longer teal season, season lengths and limits will be similar to last year.

For a specific listing of all hunting season dates for the upcoming fall seasons, consult the "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" available soon at hunting and fishing license vendors.

In other business, the Commission voted to correct an inadvertent typographical error in the commercial mussel harvest rules.

Also at the meeting, the Commission voted to provide a 5.5-percent cost of living allowance for Wildlife Department employees and a five-percent cost of living allowance for the Director, both effective July 1, 2006.

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.

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Controlled hunt results available online July 20

Applicants can find out if they were drawn for any of the hunts offered through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Controlled Hunt program beginning July 20 by logging onto www.wildlifedepartment.com.

Applicants anxious to know if they were drawn can access the Controlled Hunt drawing results through the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com. Click on the "Controlled Hunts Results" banner and enter your last name, birthday, and the number (either their Social Security or driver's license number) the hunter used on the original application. The system will only access the Controlled Hunts results database when the correct number (Social Security Number or drivers license number) matches with the hunter's other information. This service is free, easy and the instant results it provides have proven very popular the last six years.

"Sportsmen have found that checking the results from the comfort of their home or office is very easy and is often the most efficient way to find out if you have been selected," said Melinda Sturgess-Streich, assistant director of administration and finance for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. "Sportsmen without readily available Internet access can check their results at computer terminals available at the Department's headquarters and regional offices during those office's regular business hours. In addition, many local libraries offer Internet access to library cardholders. Check with your local library for Internet services and user-policies. Successful applicants will also be notified by mail."

The opportunity to hunt on some of Oklahoma's most unique and coveted properties have made the Department's controlled hunts program one of the most popular programs in the country.

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Wildlife Expo featured in "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine

The latest issue of "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine, now available at Wildlife Department offices, features eight full pages of all the information you need to know about the upcoming Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.

"All of the popular events will be back this year, plus we highlight a number of new activities that are sure to be crowd favorites," said Nels Rodefeld, editor of "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine, the official bi-monthly publication of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "I think everyone will be encouraged to attend this unique event, because there is something for everyone."

The free Wildlife Expo, which drew more than 45,000 people from around the state last year, will offer hands-on learning opportunities at nearly 200 booths and activities. The Expo is designed as an entertaining and educational event for both avid outdoor enthusiasts and those new to hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Every visitor will be sure to find something that interests them, from shotgun shooting, to mountain bike riding, to dog training, to wild game cooking and eating.

"We know from surveys conducted last year that tens of thousands of people came to the Expo and tried some kind of activity for the first time," Rodefeld said. "And it's such a great venue for doing just that. Most of it is hands-on and there's no pressure to buy anything - it is strictly focused on providing an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle."

The Wildlife Expo will take place on the expansive grounds of the Lazy E Arena, Aug. 25-27. Expo hours will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For more information regarding activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

The July/August issue of "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine also features a special profile on the Spavinaw Wildlife Management Area in northeastern Oklahoma. The article chronicles the diverse recreational opportunities available on the 14,300-acre area.

Also included in the issue is an annual favorite - the Reader's Photography Showcase. The showcase spotlights the state's best amateur photographers and their best shots of the Oklahoma outdoors.

Individual copies of the July/August issue of "Outdoor Oklahoma" are available for $3 if picked up at any of the Wildlife Department's offices, or $4 by mail (mail request with a certified check or money order to Outdoor Oklahoma, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152). One-year subscriptions, for only $10, are available by calling (800) 777-0019, or you can order over the Internet by logging on to the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JULY

20: Aquatic Education Fishing Clinic: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Family Fishing Clinic, Casting Pond at the Oklahoma Aquarium, Jenks. Pre-registration required. Register by calling the Wildlife Department at (918) 299-2334.

21 & 22: Project WILD for college credit at Tulsa Community College (West Campus), Tulsa. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. For more information or to enroll call (918) 595-8126.

21: Caterpillars and Butterflies at Crow's Secret Nature Center, Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 1 p.m. Join the naturalist in making your very own caterpillars and butterflies to take home with you. There is a $1.00 fee for this program. For more information contact the Nature Center at (405) 321-4633.

21: Shoreline Seining at Crow's Secret Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 2 p.m. Join naturalist at the Handicap Trail for a wet program where we see what can be found in the lake. Wear clothes and shoes to get into the lake with. For more information contact the Nature Center at (405) 321-4633.

22: Aquatic Education Fishing Clinic: Crystal Lake, OKC Parks and Rec. Pre-registration required. Register by calling Bob Martin at (405) 755-4014.

22: Hunter Education: First Baptist Church, Fairfax; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

22: Hunter Education: VFW Building, Coalgate. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

22: Bats around us at Crow's Secret Nature Center, Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 10 a.m. Join us for a slide show on the bats that fly in Oklahoma and around this area. For more information contact the Nature Center at (405) 321-4633.

22: Get to know the insects at Crow's Secret Nature Center, Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 1 p.m. For more information contact the Nature Center at (405) 321-4633.

22 Caterpillars and Butterflies at Crow's Secret Nature Center, Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 3 p.m. Join the naturalist in making your very own caterpillars and butterflies to take home with you. There is a $1.00 fee for this program. For more information contact the Nature Center at (405) 321-4633.

22: Bi-Monthly Fly tying Workshop at the Broken Arrow Bass Pro Shops. Bass Pro Shops Fly Fishing Department will hold a one hour fly tying session twice a month. Starting time 10:00am. Format: Question, answer and demonstration. 23: Future Bass tournament trail at Hugo Lake. The tournaments will be a team format. Team members may be two adults or one adult partnering with an angler younger than 18. To compete as a youth angler, an individual must be 17 before Sept.

24, 2006. Awards will be given at each event for the top team with a youth angler, including a $4,000 Bass Cat boat at the September championship. For more information, contact Joe Copeland, (580) 759-2088

22: Get Hooked Fishing Clinic at Round Hollow Public Access on Highway 10. Illinois River, Tahlequah. Program will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission at (918) 456-3251.

For a complete listing of upcoming outdoor activities and events, go to wildlifedepartment.com and check out the Outdoor Calendar.

FISHING REPORT FOR JULY 12, 2006

CENTRAL

Arcadia: Elevation normal, water 80 and semi- clear. Crappie fair to good on minnows at 5-6 ft. in the morning around docks. Sunfish fair to good in the mornings around the docks casting worms at 5-6 ft. Report submitted by Linnie Mason, gate attendant.

Hefner: Elevation 5 ft. below normal. Channel catfish fair on stinkbait, doughbaits and cut baits slip corking and tight lining on bottom on the north side of the dam by the pump house. All boat ramps are useable. Report submitted by Bob Martin, Oklahoma City Fisheries Division.

Overholser: Channel catfish being caught on cut shad, minnows and stinkbait. Crappie fair on jigs around docks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma and Canadian counties.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 3 1/2 - 4 ft. below normal, water 77-85 and clear. Crappie fair to good on small minnows and crappie jigs at 10-12 ft. around brush piles and structure around Fish Market roadbed just north of the south boat ramp right off bottom. Catfish good on chicken livers, shrimp, worms, shad gizzards and fresh cut bait in deep water. White bass schooling throughout the day especially in the morning and early evening on deep diving crankbaits around the dam area. Largemouth bass poor with some being caught on jigs, crawfish, motor oil colored worms with some action on topwaters in the early morning and evening. Report submitted M. M. Fowler at St. Gregory.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 4 ft. below normal and water 85. Largemouth bass slow on plastic worms at 8-10 ft. Crappie slow using minnows in deep water around structures. White bass fair trolling with crankbaits off points. Channel catfish good on stinkbaits, chicken livers and cut shad at 3-4 ft. Report submitted by Ronnie Arganbright, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: Elevation 2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass slow. Channel catfish fair on doughbaits. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game stationed in Lincoln County.

Birch: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 70 and clear. Channel catfish fair on cut shad off rocky shoreline. Crappie fair in the mornings and evenings on minnows and jigs at 20-30 ft. over deep brush piles. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Carl Blackwell: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 82 and murky. Striped bass hybrids fair trolling with crankbaits. Crappie fair around docks on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Copan: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal and murky. Channel catfish and blue catfish fair on fresh shad in river and creek channels at 15-20 ft. All other fishing is slow. Report by submitted by Jeff Brown, game warden stationed in Nowata County.

Eucha: Elevation 8 ft. below normal, water 79 and murky. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 10-12 ft. Largemouth fair on plastic baits off rocky points. Bluegill good on crickets and worms. Catfish fair on cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation normal, water 83. Largemouth bass good on spinners and worms. White bass good on slabs and rattletraps. Catfish good on cut baits and worms. Reported submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Muskogee and Wagoner counties.

Grand: Elevation normal and murky. Crappie fair to good at 10-15 ft. on minnows or jigs. White bass biting fair to good in mouth of lake streams and tributaries using spinnerbaits and spoons. Channel catfish fair to good in mud flat areas and lake river channel using cut shad or worms. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along shoreline and in creek channels. Catfish fair on bottom with cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around fishing dock and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits. White bass fair to good on small crankbaits and lures in the upper end of the lake. Channel and blue catfish good on juglines baited with cut shad. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Kaw: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. above normal and clear. Blue catfish good in upper Arkansas River and in Washunga Bay on cut shad. Largemouth bass fair in flooded willows on main lake on spinnerbaits. White bass fair early and late in tailwaters on 1/8th ounce jigs. Channel catfish fair north of Washunga Bay in flooded trees on worms and stinkbait. White bass fair trolling crankbaits in main lake at 15-25 ft. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Keystone: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. above normal, water 80 and clear to murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits, flipping tube and crankbaits at 2-0 ft. in flooded cover in mid-section of coves. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and small jig and chunk at 6-12 ft. in deep coves. Spotted bass fair on topwaters and small crankbaits from surface to 10 ft. in main lake coves. White bass good on rooster tails and white crankbaits at 4-8 ft. trolling main lake points. Striped bass good on topwaters and bucktails from surface to 4 ft. below the dam. Striped bass in the lake are fair on live shad and deep crankbaits at 12-18 ft. off main lake points and near river channel. Channel catfish fair on worms and stinkbaits at 6-10 ft. in coves with creek channels. Blue catfish good on cut shad and punch baits at 8-20 ft. in the flats along the river channel. Flathead catfish fair on live shad and goldfish at 5-15 ft. off steep rocky banks. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-18 ft. around brush piles and bluffs. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. above normal, water 80 and clear. White bass good trolling shad colored lures on flats in main part of the lake at 10-15 ft. Watch for schooling fish early and late. Channel and blue catfish fair on shad using juglines on flats near the river channel at 15-20 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation 6 2/3 ft. below normal, water 80 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows at 10-25 ft. around structure and in creeks. Crappie also fair to at Highway 20 bridge. Largemouth bass fair, suspended over deeper water around brush piles and other structures, with jig and chunk or plastics. Carolina rigging also works well. Catfish fair on trotlines with perch and very large minnows. Striped bass hybrids fair on points and mouths of creeks on shad, very large minnows and pearl white sassy shad. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Sooner: Largemouth bass fair around weed beds early and late on buzzbaits. Channel catfish good on riprap on stinkbait.

Striped bass hybrids and striped bass excellent in main lake on live shad at 10-20 ft. White bass good early schooling on top. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Spavinaw: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 82 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth fair on crankbaits. Bluegill fair on crickets and worms around grass beds. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth bass with slow some action over brush on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair in brush on tube jigs, or minnows. Catfish good on stinkbaits at 17-20 ft. and good on juglines at 25-35 ft. with cut shad. Sunfish good near docks on night crawlers. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along riprap. Catfish fair on bottom with cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-14 ft. around brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 83 and clear. Channel catfish hitting on cut baits and doughbaits in baited holes up Guy Sandy Creek. White bass slow. Crappie are being caught off docks and around brush piles at 18-22 ft. on jigs and minnows. Bass fair on drop shot rigs, worms and crankbaits on main lake. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 85 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on worms, doughbaits and liver. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Water in the mid 80's and clear. Largemouth bass are beginning to slow down, but is still fair in the mornings and late evenings on topwater baits in coves and points near deep water. Crappie good along structure and standing timber on minnows and jigs. Catfish and walleye slow. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 2 1/4 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and Carolina-rigs off points at 4-10 ft. White bass good on slab spoons at 8-15 ft. on the flats. Blue catfish fair on juglines baited with fresh shad on the flats. Crappie fair on jigs at 12-20 ft. around standing timber and under bridges. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 81 and murky. Bass fair using soft plastic lures, worms, salt craws and sluggo's at 10-20 ft. around submerged structure and drop offs. Crappie fair while using minnows in brushy areas off creek channels at 10-20 ft. Catfish fair using cut shad, earthworms and commercially prepared baits at 12-20 ft. in creek channels. Report submitted by Joe Young, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Hugo: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 83 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and light colored grubs. Crappie fair on live minnows channel catfish fair on cut bait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 85 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms at 5-8 ft. in weed beds. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Bass fair early and late on topwater lures and on soft plastic lures at 8-12 ft. off rocky points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around cedar trees at 10-20 ft. Report submitted by Joe Young, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Zone 1 fair to good, but that will improve with the stocking that is scheduled for later this week. Zone 2 good on parachute adams, small light mayfly imitations, elk hair caddis, zebra midge, Griffiths gnat, brightly colored streamers, and wooly buggers. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Zone 1 is catching trout on bead head pheasant tails and y2k. Zone 2 good on size 14-6 wooly buggers and various colored soft hackles in sizes 18-14, midges and muddler minnows. Zone 3 is good on size 14-6 wooly buggers and various colored soft hackles in sizes 18-14. Report submitted by Jesse King, Three Rivers Fly Shop.

Murray: Elevation slightly below normal, water 83 and clear. Channel catfish good on stinkbait and shrimp. White bass fair on topwaters early morning and late evening. Largemouth bass good on soft plastics early morning off rocky points. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.

Pine Creek: Elevation normal, water 81 and clear. Bass fair early and late on topwaters and fair during the day at 10-20 ft. on soft plastic lures and around rocky points at 10-20 ft, using Carolina rigging and soft plastic, worms and salt craws. Channel catfish fair on the bottom in or near creek channels with earthworms. Crappie fair on minnows or jigs around structure at 10-20 ft. around brush and the old highway bridge. Report submitted by Joe Young, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 82 and clear. Largemouth bass slow at 6-8 ft. using plastic baits fishing the rip-rapped jetties around the lake. Crappie fair at 10 ft. using minnows fishing the old creek channels. White bass good from surface to 8 ft. using jigs and shad imitation crankbaits fishing the Applegate, Kerr Beach and Cowlington Point areas. Blue and flathead catfish good at 3-5 ft. using live bait and fresh cut shad fishing the rocky areas around the lake. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass slow. White bass and walleye good trolling around islands. Blue and flathead catfish good on trotlines and juglines baited with cut baits. Crappie good around bridges and brush piles on minnows. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 2 3/4 ft. below normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on deep-diving baits at 5-20 ft. around structure. Striped bass and white bass very good on live shad, slabs, topwater baits from surface to 20 ft. from Washita Point to Caney Creek. Channel and blue catfish fair on live and cut baits at 5-15 ft. in Platter Flats and Little Glasses Creek. Crappie slow on minnows at 5-15 ft. around fish structures. Sunfish good on worms around fishing docks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation normal, water 86 and murky. Blue catfish fair on juglines baited with cut shad at 10-15 ft. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits at 4-8 ft. Flathead catfish fair on trotlines baited live sunfish at 8-12 ft. Channel catfish good around the riprap areas of Quarry Island on chicken livers at 8- 15 ft. Report submitted by D.G. Belcher, game warden stationed in Latimer and LeFlore counties.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 17 ft. below normal and murky. Level is dropping quickly. North shore boat ramp is high and dry. Crappie biting on minnows. White bass good on minnows near Lakeview Boat Ramp north shore. Catfish fair on shad. Walleye and striped bass hybrids fair. Report compiled by Quartz Mountain Grocery.

Foss: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 85 and clear. White bass and striped bas hybrids good on live bait. White bass surfacing in late evenings. Walleye and saugeye slow to fair. Bass slow. Catfish good with cut shad or liver. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Ft. Cobb: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal and stained. Striped bass hybrids fair trolling crankbaits. Saugeye fair trolling crankbaits or drifting night crawlers over submerged islands or off points. Catfish fair on hotdogs on juglines. Report submitted by James Edwards Jr., game warden station in Caddo County.

Waurika: Elevation 3 1/2 ft. below normal. White bass good on jigs and shad off rocky points. Catfish good on juglines and trotlines. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.

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