Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release

October 19, 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

Oklahoma teachers and students eligible to win trips to Wyoming, New Mexico and Texas

Recent rains in southern Oklahoma the start waterfowl hunters were looking for

Deadline nears for special youth waterfowl hunts

Upcoming Hunter Education Classes

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Oklahoma teachers and students eligible to win trips to Wyoming, New Mexico and Texas

Several students and one educator will win a trip of a lifetime thanks to a contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Station Chapter of the Safari Club International (OSCSCI) and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Winners will compete for trips to New Mexico, Wyoming and Texas through a youth writing contest and teacher application process.

"It's absolutely imperative that we do everything we can to give kids the opportunity to share and actively take part in their hunting heritage, and that is exactly what this contest is designed to do," said Sam Munhollon, who serves on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Station Chapter of the Safari Club International. "As a grandfather of 12 grandchildren, I know first hand what a special bonding experience it can be to go hunting with your family."

Winners in the 15-17 age category (one boy and one girl) will receive an all-expense-paid guided antelope hunt in New Mexico. Funding for the trips, including a full shoulder taxidermy mount of the youth's harvested antelope will be provided by the Oklahoma Station Chapter Safari Club International.

Students in the 11-14 age category are competing for an all expense paid trip to the Apprentice Hunter Program at the YO Ranch in Mountain Home, Texas. The Safari Club International's Apprentice Hunters' Program is a unique, hands-on experience which covers a wide range of topics including; the ethical basis of modern sport hunting, wildlife management, field identification, and wild game cooking. The Oklahoma Station Chapter of the Safari Club International will provide travel reimbursements to attend the weeklong course.

The four statewide winners and their legal guardians will be invited to Oklahoma City to attend an awards ceremony in March. In addition, the top 25 essay entrants will receive a one-year youth membership to Safari Club International. The winning student essays will be published in the OSCSCI newsletter "Safari Trails." Publication qualifies the winning entries for the National Youth Writing Contest sponsored by the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Several past national winners have come from Oklahoma.

"Students aren't the only ones eligible to win," said Colin Berg, education supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "One educator will be awarded an all-expenses-paid scholarship for an eight-day conservation education school at Safari Club International's American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) at Granite Ranch near Jackson, Wyoming."

The AWLS program is conducted during the summer and presents an outdoor program for educators which concentrate on natural resource management. Participants learn about stream ecology, map and compass, language arts and creative writing in an outdoor setting, fly tying, shooting sports, wildlife management, the Yellowstone ecosystem, camping, white-water rafting, educational resources and how to implement outdoor education ideas. Lodging, meals and training materials will be provided by Oklahoma Station Chapter Safari Club International. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will cover transportation to Jackson, Wyoming.

Both the essay contest rules and teacher scholarship applications are available from the Department's Web site www.wildlifedepartment.com/out_ed.htm. Essays and applications must be postmarked no later than Nov. 17, 2006, or delivered by 5 p.m. Nov. 17, 2006, in person to the Department of Wildlife's Jenks Office at 201 Aquarium Drive, in Jenks. Address entries to: Essay Contest, Attn: Education Section Supervisor, ODWC Jenks Office, P.O. Box 1201, Jenks, OK 74037.

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Recent rains in southern Oklahoma the start waterfowl hunters were looking for

Dust off the decoys, find your duck calls and patch your waders; duck season has already begun in the three Panhandle counties and will begin soon in the remainder of the state.

"Biologists are reporting excellent duck reproduction in Canada, which translates to more young birds in the fall flight. And more young birds can have a big impact on hunter success," said Mike O'Meilia, migratory game bird biologist for the Wildlife Department. "Of course, the overall success of our Oklahoma waterfowl season depends on the weather. The good news is that there is lots of food and vegetation around the lakes, but we really need some more timely rains to bring the water levels up so that ducks can get to that food. If we could get some more rains like we had last week across the state it could shape up to be a great year for waterfowl hunters."

Duck season dates and daily limits are similar to last year, with most of the state enjoying a six-bird daily limit and 74-day season with a 12-day mid-season closure.

O'Meilia noted that Oklahoma, as a member of the Central Flyway, will be participating in the Hunter's Choice trial over the next three years. Oklahoma is participating only as a control state, meaning Oklahoma hunters will not use the Hunter's Choice bag limit. The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a new bag limit system designed to maintain maximum duck hunting opportunity. For more information about Hunter's Choice, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

In zone 1 (most of northwest Oklahoma), the first half of the duck season will open Oct. 28 and run through Dec. 3, with the second half beginning Dec. 16 and running through Jan. 21, 2007. Pintail and canvasback season will open Oct. 28 and run through Dec. 3, and then re-open on Dec. 16 and run through Dec. 17. Youth waterfowl hunting days in zone 1 will be Oct. 21 and 22.

In zone 2, the duck season will run from Nov. 4 through Dec. 3 and Dec. 16 through Jan. 28, 2007. Pintail and canvasback season will open Dec. 21 and run through Jan. 28. Youth waterfowl hunting days in zone 2 will be Oct. 28 and 29.

Panhandle counties will offer the longest duck season. It is currently open and will run through Jan. 4, 2007. Pintail and canvasback season will run through Nov. 14. Youth waterfowl dates for the panhandle were Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

Hunters will be allowed a daily limit of six ducks combined, no more than five of which can be mallards. Of those, only two mallards may be hens. Only two scaup, two wood ducks, two redheads may be included in the daily limit. There is a shortened season on pintails and canvasbacks with a daily limit of one pintail and one canvasback during the specified time period in each of the established duck seasons.

The statewide Canada goose season will run from Nov. 4 through Dec. 3 and Dec. 16 through Feb. 18, 2007. The daily limit will be three birds. The season for white-fronted geese will run Nov. 4 through Dec. 3 and Dec. 16 through Feb. 9, 2007. The daily bag limit is one. The regular season for light geese (snows, blues and Ross') will run Nov. 4 through Dec. 3 and Dec. 16 through Feb. 18. The daily bag limit is 20.

Sandhill crane season will be from Oct. 28 - Jan. 28, west of I-35 only. The daily limit will be three birds.

Hunters who wish to participate in the waterfowl season must have a resident or non-resident hunting license, a 2006 Federal Duck Stamp, and unless exempt, a 2006 Oklahoma Waterfowl License, a Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permit and a Harvest Information Program Permit. The federal duck stamp costs $15 and is available at U.S. Post Offices. Hunters pursuing sandhill cranes must also purchase a separate sandhill crane hunting permit.

Hunters should consult the "2006-07 Waterfowl Hunting Guide" for complete hunting regulations and license requirements. Waterfowl Guides are available at hunting and fishing license dealers statewide or hunters can obtain complete regulation information from the Wildlife Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

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Deadline nears for special youth waterfowl hunts

Brek Henry loves his job. Henry serves as a game warden stationed in Rogers County for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Every day is a new adventure with new challenges, but some days are just plain fun. One day last December was one of those days.

"Several game wardens and other Wildlife Department employees got together to host a youth waterfowl hunt where we introduced several kids to hunting for the first time," Henry said. "That morning as the sun was coming up and the ducks were coming in, the boy I was taking hunting turned around and said, 'This is as much fun as I've had in my whole life,' and the first thing I thought was, 'Me too.'"

Henry and his colleagues are hoping to duplicate that experience for more Oklahoma youngsters this year. Youth 14 or 15 years of age have a special opportunity to participate in a special two-day waterfowl hunt coordinated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and hosted at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge near Vian.

On the field day, Thursday, Dec. 21, youth will participate in several waterfowl hunting related demonstrations including duck calling, hunting safety and decoy placement.

"The day before the hunt, the kids will get an opportunity to shoot a shotgun, learn about retriever training and how to identify ducks on the wing. We're even going to give every kid a duck call to take home with them - which I'm sure the parents will love," Henry said.

The following day, Dec. 22, the youth will be taken on a guided waterfowl hunt on the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.

"The area we are going to be hunting on that Friday is normally closed so the kids will have the area all to themselves. This should make for a real memorable hunt," Henry said.

Participants will be chosen through a random drawing and youth must submit a postcard with their name, address and age to:

Youth Hunt

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

Rt. 1 Box 18-A

Vian, OK 74962

All entries must be received by November 1. Lodging will not be provided, however, lunch will be provided by the Oklahoma Game Wardens Association on the field day and breakfast will be provided on the hunt day.

Oklahoma youngsters age 12 to 15 have another opportunity to apply for special controlled waterfowl hunts sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The hunts are designed to provide youth who do not have an adult mentor who waterfowl hunts an opportunity to experience the traditions of waterfowling.

"When it comes to our hunting traditions there is nothing more important we can do than taking a young hunter afield," said Mike O'Meilia, migratory game bird biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "These hunts can provide a unique opportunity for those kids that might otherwise never have the chance to experience waterfowl hunting. Our hope is that the experience will spark a lifelong interest in hunting and dedication to wildlife conservation as an adult sportsman or woman."

Youth hunters will be randomly drawn from a list of applicants for each hunting area. Applicants must be 12 to 15 years of age on the day of the hunt, have proof of successfully completing a certified hunter education course, and have an adult guardian who can accompany them on the hunt.

A Wildlife Department employee will accompany each youth and their adult guardian for the controlled waterfowl hunt at one of several Department-managed areas. Only the youth hunter will be allowed to hunt.

The locations to choose from are: Hackberry Flat, Altus-Lugert Lake, Canton Lake, Ft. Gibson Refuge, Ft. Cobb Lake Refuge, Vann's Lake, Wagoner Co., Webbers Falls Refuge, and Wister Lake Refuge.

Each youth applicant and their guardian may apply only once and must provide the following information on a 3x5 postcard to be eligible for the drawing: names, addresses, telephone numbers, youth's hunter education number, and the name of the desired hunt location and two alternate hunt locations where they would like to hunt. The scheduled date of the hunt will be coordinated with successful applicants after the drawing. Applicants may apply only once and should specify the primary hunt area desired and two alternate locations.

Applications must be received by November 15, 2006, and should be mailed to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Youth Waterfowl Hunts, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Successful applicants will be notified by November 17, 2006.

The Wildlife Department will provide successful applicants the necessary nontoxic shotgun shells and a 20-gauge single shot shotgun will be available for use if the youth does not have his or her own shotgun. For more information contact Jeff Neal, Wildlife Department migratory game bird technician at (405) 424-0122.

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HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES SCHEDULES PRIOR TO GUN SEASON

Course locations are listed by town, followed by date, course location and time. If a phone number is listed, pre-registration is required. Courses are a minimum of eight hours and are free. Students must pass an exam with a score of 70 percent. For updated information on upcoming courses, check our Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunted.htm

OCTOBER

26: Hunter Education Home Study, Tulsa Tech Center, Peoria Campus; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (918) 299-2334.

26: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888.

26: Hunter Education Home Study, Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 302-4800.

26 & Nov. 9: Hunter Education: Murray State College (LS 100); Tishomingo

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

NOVEMBER

2: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888.

3 & 4: Hunter Education: Great Plains Technology Center, Lawton; Nov. 3 (6 p.m. - 10 p.m.) and Nov. 4 (9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.).

3 & 4: Hunter Education: Big Pasture School, Randlett; Nov. 3 (6 p.m. - 10 p.m.) and Nov. 4 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.).

4: Hunter Education High School Bldg #6, Jenks; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (918) 299-2334.

4 & 11: Hunter Education: High School Auditorium, Bokchito; 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (918) 299-2334.

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

7: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888.

7: Hunter Education Home Study, ODWC Office, Jenks; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (918) 299-2334.

7: Hunter Education Home Study, Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 302-4800.

9: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888.

9: Hunter Education Home Study, Tulsa Tech Center, Peoria Campus; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (918) 299-2334.

11: Hunter Education: Community Center, Owasso. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (918) 299-2334.

11: Hunter Education: Zoo Education Center, OKC; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (405) 521-4636.

11: Hunter Education: High Plains Tech Center, Woodward; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.;

11: Hunter Education: Meridian Tech Center, Stillwater; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.;

11: Hunter Education: Kiamichi Tech Center, McAlester; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

11: Hunter Education: High School, Mangum; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

11: Hunter Education: High School, Pauls Valley; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (405) 521-4636

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

12: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888.

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

14: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888.

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

14: Hunter Education Home Study, ODWC Office, Jenks; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (918) 299-2334.

13, 14, 16: Hunter Education: Bass Pro, Broken Arrow; 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (918) 299-2334. Must attend all three nights.

15: Hunter Education: Zoo Education Center, OKC; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (405) 521-4636.

16: Hunter Education Home Study, Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 302-4800.

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

16: Hunter Education: Tulsa Tech Center, Riverside Campus, Jenks; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (918) 299-2334.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

OCTOBER

26: Tulsa Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet to be held at the Tulsa Event Center at 26th & Memorial. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door. To order advanced tickets call Richard Godfrey at 918-521-6669. The event includes dinner, a live auction, a silent auction, raffles and give-a-ways. There will be a special raffle table for the ladies and a Greenwings only room for the kids. We are fortunate to have as a special guest emcee, Dick Faurot, an avid outdoorsman and meteorologist from KOTV-6.

28- Nov. 5: Deer - Muzzleloader Season. Antlerless days vary by zone. Be sure to consult the "2006-2007 Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

28: Fall Clean-up at Crow's Secret Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 9 a.m. and runs until noon. Meet other volunteers behind the nature center as we gear up to clean up the lake before winter. Lunch will be provided afterward so registration is necessary. Contact Julie Morris at (405) 321-4633 for registration.

28: Wildflower Walk at Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa. The program runs 10:00-11:00 a.m. and is open to all ages. The tree leaves are turning their autumn colors, and goldenrod and asters color the prairie. Join us at Oxley for this final wildflower walk of the season. Free, registration not required. For more information, contact the staff at (918) 669-6644 or if you prefer by email at oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

NOVEMBER

3 & 4: Project WILD for college credit at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. Class runs from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. on Friday

and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information or to enroll call Education Outreach at 1-800-765-8933.

4: Flying WILD at Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa. Class runs from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information or to enroll call Deidra Wakeley at (918) 745-9264.

4: National Wild Turkey Federation Women in the Outdoors program sponsored by Garvin County Longbeards chapter at the Waters' Place, East of Wynnewood. For women and girls aged 14 years and older. Registration fee is $50, which includes use of all equipment, instruction and lunch. Fee also includes a one-year membership to Women in the Outdoors. Pre-registration is required. Make checks to NWTF and mail to PO Box 457, Wynnewood, OK 73098. For more information call (405) 665-2323.

11 -12: National Wild Turkey Federation Women in the Outdoors Skills Workshop sponsored by the Greasy Creek Gobblers and Tenkiller State Park at Tenkiller State Park Vian, OK. For more information or to register contact Leann Bunn at (918) 489-5641/email: lbunn@otrd.state.ok.us or lbunn@oklahomaparks.com

11-Feb 15, 2007: Quail Season. Be sure to consult the "2006-2007 Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

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

FISHING REPORT FOR OCTOBER 18, 2006

CENTRAL

Arcadia: Elevation slightly below normal, water 66 and semi-clear. Catfish good on punch bait and worms in the morning and evenings off the southwest bank just off bottom. Crappie good on crappie jigs in the morning and evening off southwest banks just off bottom. Report submitted by Linne Mason, gate attendant.

Overholser: White bass being caught off points and boats trolling. Channel catfish being caught on cut bait and shrimp. Crappie being caught off points and around docks on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma and Canadian counties.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 6- 6 /1/2 ft. below normal, water 70-79 and murky. Catfish good on fresh cut baits, minnows, chicken livers, bait shrimp and minnows in deeper water around the dam and in feeder creeks and main lake channel. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around dam tower and underwater structure at 8-10 ft. White bass good on assorted crankbaits. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits around grassy and weedy beds with some action on dark colored soft plastics and good Carolina-rigging along main lake channel lip and early morning and evening on topwater lures. Report submitted M. M. Fowler at St. Gregory.

NORTHEAST

Copan: Elevation 2 ft. below normal and murky. Blue catfish good in deeper pools near the dam with shad. Crappie fair around brush lines, at 10 ft. on small to medium minnows. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Eucha: Elevation 11 ft. below normal, water 62 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 14-16 ft. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms. Catfish fair using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 85. White bass fair to good on jigs and spinners trolling. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 7-15 ft. Report submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner and Muskogee counties.

Grand: Elevation below normal and clear. White bass fair on gravel points using spoons and spinnerbaits. Channel catfish fair to good on juglines at 15 ft. and in the old river channel at 30 ft. on cut or whole shad. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Hulah: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and murky. Blue catfish good in deeper pools near the dam with shad. Crappie fair around brush lines, at 10 ft. on small to medium black minnows. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Keystone: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal. White bass fair on rooster tails trolling the lake around points. Striped bass good on topwater lures just below the surface below the dam. Blue catfish good on shad, liver and large minnows below the dam. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. in coves and around docks. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 70 and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 15 ft. Blue catfish good on shad around standing timber on upper end of the lake. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Sooner: White bass and striped bass hybrids fair in deep water on shad and slabs. Catfish fair on cut bait in the channels. Crappie fair around brush piles at 10-12 ft. on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 63 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 71 and clear. Crappie fair around docks at 15-20 ft. on minnows. Sunfish good around docks at 10-15 ft. on worms midday. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 72. Crappie good around brush piles at 18-25 ft. Bass fair using Carolina rig, crankbaits and jigs. Watch for underwater hazards. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 63 and clear. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Bass fair on minnows and flies. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Oct. 16. Elevation 6-7 ft. below normal. Largemouth bass fair in the mouths of creeks on topwaters in the morning and evening. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around structure at the north end of the lake. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 4 ft. below normal and clear, Largemouth bass good on crankbaits at 3-8 ft. along creek channels. White bass good on slab spoons at 8-20 ft. on the flats. Blue catfish fair on shad at 15-25 ft. drifting the flats. Crappie good on minnows or jigs at 8-20 ft. around standing timber. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation normal, water 78 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Crappie fair on live minnows. Channel catfish fair on liver and stinkbait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 64 and clear. Largemouth bass good along the points and around the dam at 5-10 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Trout fair to good. Pay attention the behavior of the fish. They will normally make it known what type of fly and at which level in the water column they prefer. Fly selection has ranged from very tiny midges to quite large (by comparison) streamers, and of course, everything in between. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

Pine Creek: Elevation below normal and clear, elevation below normal. Bass good onplastic worms at 15-18 ft. near points. Crappie good on minnows around submerged timber and structures. Catfish fair on trotlines baited with cut shad and some reports indicate that they are also biting on dough baits. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 67 and clear. Largemouth bass fair at 4-6 ft. using plastic baits and spinnerbaits fishing the rock and weed cover. Crappie fair at 10 ft. using minnows fishing in the old creek channels. White bass fair 10 ft. using jigs fishing below Webbers Falls and Kerr dams. Blue catfish fair at 8-10 ft. using fresh cut bait fishing the flats next to the old creeks and river channels. Flathead catfish fair at 25 ft. using live bait on trotlines and juglines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Crappie good along structure on minnows and jigs and off bridges. Largemouth bass fair on shallow running crankbaits and spinnerbaits running shallow. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 77 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on plastic baits at 10-20 ft. in the creek channels. Striped and white bass fair to good on sassy shad and live bait at 15-20 ft. near the islands. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut shad and stinkbait at 10-15 ft. deep at Washita Point. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. at Widow Moore and Kansas creeks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation 2 ft. below normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair to good on plastic baits off points at 10-12 ft. Blue catfish fair on cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows around brush piles at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.