Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release

October 26, 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

Quail and pheasant numbers on the rise in areas with field buffers

Trout return to the Panhandle - winter trout season begins Nov. 1 at seven Department trout areas

Last chance to take a hunter education class before deer gun season

Upcoming Hunter Education Classes

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Waterfowl Report

Quail and pheasant numbers on the rise in areas with field buffers

The old cliché is true - build it and they will come.

Oklahoma farmers who recently installed buffers around their agriculture fields are finding the features to be a magnet for upland game birds and small game. As icing on the cake these landowners were paid to establish this grassy habitat through a relatively new program called the Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds (CP-33) program.

"We're in the midst of surveying these fields and when we compare fields with buffers to fields without buffers we see significantly more quail, pheasants, rabbits and even deer in fields with buffers," said Mike Sams, private lands biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "In Grant County an average of nine pheasants were found within the buffers."

Enrollment in the program is completely voluntary and simply requires establishing 30-120 foot buffers of planted or native vegetation around the perimeter of crop fields. In turn, the landowner or farmer receives annual rental payments for the life of the 10-year contract as well as the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to restore vital wildlife habitat. Payments are based on the type of soils on the property and differ in various parts of the state. In Oklahoma, the average annual rental payment is $32 an acre. Additionally, landowners also receive a sign-up bonus of up to $100 an acre and cost share for installing the buffers.

Oklahoma has been approved to install up to 2,500 acres of buffers across the state under the CP-33 provisions, however just over 600 acres have been enrolled so far.

"This is real win-win program for landowners and wildlife. And this is the time to sign up for the program while there is still an opportunity to get in while the program is new," Sams said. "I would highly encourage farmers across the state to do themselves a favor and look into this program."

For example, depending on the soil type, if a landowner installs a 120-foot wide buffer on 160 acres of agricultural ground, the program will pay an incentive payment of $2,780 to install the 27 acres of buffers as well as an annual rental payment of $900 per year for the next 10 years. If a landowner chooses to install a 35-foot wide buffer on a 160 acres of agricultural ground, the program will pay an incentive payment of $420 to install the four acres of buffers as well as an annual rental payment of $136 per year for the next 10 years.

According to Sams the program offers several benefits to farmers, including:

Stabilizes income on what is typically the least productive portions of fields.

Controls soil erosion and improves water quality in nearby creeks and ponds.

Provides critical cover for rabbits, quail, pheasants and grassland songbirds.

Provides quality hunting areas for family and friends.

Landowners can sign-up for this voluntary program at their local Farm Service Agency. More information on this and other initiatives is also available at the Farm Service Agency's Web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov

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Trout return to the Panhandle - winter trout season begins Nov. 1 at seven Department trout areas

After a year's absence, trout are returning to the Oklahoma Panhandle. Summer rains provided about 30 acres of water to the once dry Lake Carl Etling near Boise City.

"It is great to have this trout area open once again. We are stocking about 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout including about 35 fish at least 14 inches long," said John Stahl, northwest region fisheries supervisor.

Beginning Nov. 1, trout season opens at the seven designated winter trout areas managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. These fisheries provide trout fishing in areas where warm water temperatures are not suitable for trout during the summer.

There are plenty of adventures to choose from. You can camp out at Roman Nose State Park near Watonga, you can stay in a cozy cabin at Robbers Cave State Park in southeast Oklahoma or you can really "rough it" at the first class Quartz Mountain State Park Lodge in southwest Oklahoma.

Trout are stocked approximately every two weeks with catchable size rainbows and anglers can find maps, fishing tips and even up-to-date trout stocking schedules on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's official Web site, www.wildlifedepartment.com.

To fish for trout in Oklahoma, anglers need either a resident or non-resident fishing license, as well as a trout license, which costs $10. Youth trout licenses are available for just $5. There are no exemptions from purchasing the trout license to fish in a state designated trout area. Before visiting one of Oklahoma's trout areas, check the "2006 Oklahoma Fishing Guide" for complete regulations, as well as maps and additional information for each area.

State designated winter trout fishing areas:

Quartz Mountain - The trout water is in the North Fork of the Red River directly below the dam at Lake Altus-Lugert. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 15. To get there from Altus, take OK-44A north about 18 miles. Lodging and camping facilities are available at Quartz Mountain State Park.

Blue River - The Blue River flows through the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area near Tishomingo. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 31. To get there from Tishomingo, go four miles east on OK-78 and then six miles north. Bank access and wade fishing is available throughout the area. Primitive camping is allowed at the Blue River campground. Anyone on the area must have a hunting or fishing license or a Blue River Conservation Passport unless exempt.

Robbers Cave - Located in Robbers Cave State Park, the Robbers Cave trout fishery is in the Fourche Maline River directly below Carlton Dam to the south boundary of the park. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 15. To get there from Wilburton, go five miles north on OK-2. Bank access and wade fishing is available anywhere within state park boundaries. Camping facilities and cabins are available at the park.

Lake Watonga - This 55-acre lake is in Roman Nose State Park. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 31. To get there from Watonga, go seven miles north on OK-8A. Bank access and a boat ramp are on the west side of the lake. Camping and lodging are available at the park.

Lake Pawhuska - This 96-acre lake is about three miles south of Pawhuska. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 31. During that time, the City of Pawhuska waives the City fishing fee. To get there from Pawhuska, go three miles south on OK-60, and then go 1.75 miles east on a marked County road. The lake has a boat ramp, fishing dock and restrooms. Primitive camping is available at the lake.

Lake Carl Etling - This lake is located at Black Mesa State Park in Cimarron County. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - April 30. To get there, take US-325 28 miles west of Boise City. Boat ramps are on the south and east sides of the lake. Primitive and developed camping facilities are available at the park.

In addition to these areas, the Department also manages year-round trout fisheries at the Lower Illinois and Lower Mountain Fork rivers. The Department stocks both of these areas with not only rainbow trout, but also occasionally brown trout as well.

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Last chance to take a hunter education class before deer gun season

Time is running out for would-be deer gun hunters needing to take a hunter education course, With deer gun season just a matter of days away, the opportunities to complete a hunter education class are dwindling by the day.

"In the next couple of weeks there are more than 20 hunter education classes around the state, but they are filling up fast and I would encourage folks to sign for a class very soon," said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

For a complete list of hunter education classes, sportsmen can log onto the Department's Web site - wildlifedepartment.com. All classes are free of charge.

"One of the worst parts of my job is having to tell kids or even adults on the day before gun season that they can't buy a deer license because they did not complete a hunter education class. That is one of the reasons I want anyone who even thinks they might go deer hunting to sign up for the next class they can attend," Meek added.

Anyone under 16 years of age must successfully complete a hunter education course before hunting big game (deer, elk, antelope) during primitive firearm and gun seasons. The law also requires that anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1972, upon reaching 16 years of age, must exhibit a hunter education certificate from the Wildlife Department or a like certificate from another state to purchase or receive any Oklahoma hunting license.

Hunters born after the above date who purchased a lifetime license before they turned 16 must complete a hunter education class before the can hunt big game with a firearm unless otherwise exempt. For complete information on hunting seasons and hunter education requirements, hunters should pick up a copy of the "2006-07 Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

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HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES SCHEDULES PRIOR TO GUN SEASON

Course locations are listed by date, followed by course location, town and time. If a phone number is listed, pre-registration 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

NOVEMBER

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

NOVEMBER

7: United States Department of Agriculture agencies and Oklahoma Department of Agriculture will host an Agriculture and Natural Resource Career Fair at Langston University, OKC, from 9 a.m. to noon.

7 & 8 & 9: Boating/water safety class at Eufaula High School, Eufaula. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will present boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information or to register contact call 877-253-2820.

7 & 9: Boating/water safety class at Kiamichi Tech Center, Durant. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will present boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information or to register contact call 877-253-2820.

9: United States Department of Agriculture agencies and Oklahoma Department of Agriculture will host an Agriculture and Natural Resource Career Fair at Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton, from 10 a.m. to noon.

9: Ducks Unlimited Cleveland County Chapter Banquet Fundraiser. The dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Optimist Gym on North Base, 1005 Lexington street at Robinson and HWY 77( Flood Street), Norman. Tickets for the banquet are $25. For more information contact Bobby Proctor at (405) 360-1277 or Doug Haws at (405) 620-3643.

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

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: Boating/water safety class at REA Meeting Room, Marietta. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will present boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to register contact call 877-253-2820.

11: Boating/water safety class at Eastern OK State College, Wilburton. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will present boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. For more information or to register contact call 877-253-2820.

11: Boating/water safety class at Antlers High School Auditorium, Antlers. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will present boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch. For more information or to register contact call 877-253-2820.

13 & 14: Boating/water safety class at Indian Capital Tech Center, Muskogee. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will present boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information or to register contact call 877-253-2820.

14 & 16: Boating/water safety class at Greenwoods, Skiatook. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will present boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information or to register contact call 877-253-2820.

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

FISHING REPORT FOR OCTOBER 25, 2006

CENTRAL

Hefner: Elevation 7 ft. below normal. Channel catfish being caught off the dam slip corking and tightling with stinkbait and dough bait. Crappie are being caught off the dam at 18 ft. on minnows or small crappie jigs slip corking. Many boat ramps are closed. The ramps adjacent to the Lake Patrol Station are useable with caution. Report submitted by Bob Martin, Oklahoma City Fisheries Division.

Overholser: White bass are being caught trolling and casting off points. Channel catfish being caught on shrimp, liver and cut bait in the lake and below the dam. Crappie are being caught off points and around docks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma and Canadian counties.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. below normal, water 67-68 and murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around dam tower and around structures at 9-11 ft. Catfish fair to good on worms, fresh cut baits, chicken livers and various stinkbaits in deep water in the back west end of the lake. White bass fair to good on lures and crankbaits at 8-10 ft. Largemouth bass fair on various spinnerbaits in the creek area north of the south boat ramp with some action at the

west end of the lake. Report submitted M. M. Fowler at St. Gregory.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. below normal, water 64. Largemouth bass slow on lizards and plastic worms around structure and in channels at 8-12 ft. Channel catfish good on chicken livers and cut baits at 8-12 ft. around the dam and in channels. White bass good trolling off points and around the dam on medium-diving crankbaits. Report submitted by Ronnie Arganbright, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: Elevation below normal and murky. Crappie good on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game stationed in Lincoln County.

Chandler: Elevation below normal and murky. Crappie good on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Eucha: Elevation 10 1/2 ft. below normal, water 57 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 14-16 ft. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 78. Catfish good off drop-offs and in channels. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 15 ft. Report submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner and Muskogee counties.

Grand: Elevation below normal and clear. Channel catfish fair in river channel using cut and whole shad. White bass fair around gravel points. Crappie biting fair in baited areas around docks using minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Greenleaf: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits, jigs, worms and crankbaits along the shoreline and in creek channels. Crappie fair around the fishing docks and brush structure on minnows and jigs. Catfish being caught on bottom with stinkbait and cut bait. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on jig and pork and topwaters at 6-9 ft. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Kaw: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and clear. White bass good on rooster tails around Kaw City Bridge and Washunga Bridge. Blue catfish good on juglines lake-wide on cut shad. Crappie fair on chartreuse and black jigs at 5-10 ft. in Five Fingers area. Report submitted by Tracy Daniel, game warden stationed in Kay County.

Oologah: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water mid to upper 60's and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 12-15 ft. Blue catfish fair on shad on flats at 15 ft. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits in the creeks at 3-6 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation 11 ft. below normal, water upper 60's and clear. Catfish fair on cut baits and large minnows, near dam and at upper end on flats. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and rogues. No reports on largemouth bass. Crappie fair on small to medium minnows at 15-25 ft. around docks, bridges and other structures. Striped bass hybrids poor. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Sooner: Catfish fair in channels on cut and live bait. Crappie fair around brush piles at 10-12 ft. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on live bait. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 58 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinner baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 5 1/3 ft. below normal, water 70. Crappie fair around docks on minnows at 15-20 ft. mid-day. Sunfish good around docks on worms at 10-20 ft. Catfish fair in coves on night crawlers at 5-15 ft. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits along riprap. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 12 ft. around brush structure. Catfish good on bottom with cut bait and stinkbait. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation 5 ft. below normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around deep brush piles. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair drifting shad and slabs. Channel catfish good on stinkbait and live bait. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

SOUTHEAST

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 55 and murky. Catfish good on stinkbait and night crawlers. Largemouth bass fair on spinners and minnows. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Water murky. Bass good off points on salt craws, jig heads and soft plastics. Catfish good on trotlines and juglines bait with cut bait or sunfish. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 4 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 4-10 ft. in creek channels. White bass fair on slab spoons at 6-15 ft. on the flats. Blue catfish fair on shad drifting the flats at 10-20 ft. Crappie good on minnows or jigs at 8-18 ft. around boat docks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 75 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Crappie fair on live minnows. Blue catfish fair on liver and stinkbait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 60 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits at 8-12 ft. along points. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal, water 72 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 2-10 ft. along rocky shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 2-10 ft. around cedar brush along main creek channels. Channel catfish fair on sunfish on jugs and trotlines. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: The powerhouse has been erratic with its generation schedule. It has been difficult to predict. Seems that the best flies have been various streamers during the dark hours and wooly buggers around daylight, then shifting to mostly midge patterns and soft hackled flies during the day and sporadic success using a "spent spinner" fly too. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

Pine Creek: Elevation normal and rising and murky. Bass fair on plastic worms at 15-18 ft. off points. Crappie fishing overall has declined due to the water fluctuation. Catfish good on dip bait when fished on pole and line at the old bridge. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 64 and clear. Largemouth bass fair from the surface to 5 ft. using topwater baits or plastic baits fished along the weed and rock cover. Crappie good at 10 ft. using minnows fishing in the old creek channels. White bass good at 10 ft. using jigs fishing below the dams. Blue catfish fair at 3-10 ft. using fresh cut bait, large minnows and worms fishing in the timbered areas used by the cormorants. Flathead catfish fair at 20 ft. using live bait used on trotlines or 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 3 ft. below normal and rising from recent rains. Water 76 and clear to the south and murky to the north. Largemouth and smallmouth bass slow with some fish being caught around riprap at 5-10 ft. on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Striped and white bass fair to good on live bait and sassy shad at 10-20 ft. at Washita Point and Platter Flats. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut shad and worms at 10-20 ft. in Little Glasses Creek. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 5-15 ft. near the fish attractors. After recent rains the lake is starting to rise, but boaters should still use caution and look for objects that are barely covered with water. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits off points. 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.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 33 ft. below normal. Lake level rising slightly. A few catfish are biting. Report compiled by Quartz Mountain Grocery.

Ellsworth: Elevation 13 ft. below normal and murky. Catfish good around the dam on cut bait. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 60 and clear. Striped bass hybrids good along the dam on slabs. White bass good. Walleye and bass fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Tom Steed: Crappie fair on minnows at 12-15 ft. near the dam. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden

stationed in Kiowa County.

WATERFOWL REPORT FOR OCTOBER 24, 2006

NORTHWEST

Canton: Lake level is 5.46 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is poor. Water level has dropped below all vegetation along the shoreline due to water release. Winter wheat plantings are mostly complete but are in poor condition. Duck numbers are moderate. Goose numbers are low, with residents and a few migrants. Some migration movement into and through the area has been observed within the last week. A few sandhill cranes and whitefronts are using the lake area for roosting. The boat ramp west of Canton WMA headquarters is not usable due to low water levels. One of the north ramps at Big Bend is usable for small boats. We are anticipating a request for another water release in the next few weeks which will drop Canton lake an additional 4 to 6 ft.

Ft. Supply: Lake level is 3 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions around the lake are poor, with lots of open shoreline. Local wheat crops are fair to poor. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Area bird movement has been fair with each new cold front. Area ponds and sloughs are mostly dry, and some boat ramps are closed due to low lake levels.

Washita National Wildlife Refuge: Lake level is 4.58 ft. below normal. Wheat in the area is up, but not doing well. Duck numbers: wigeon 158; redhead 88; green-winged teal 91; gadwall 29; pintail 9; mallard 5; canvasback 1. Goose numbers: Canada 30.

SOUTHWEST

Ft. Cobb: Lake level is 2.06 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is fair. Peanut harvest is in progress, with wheat condition fair. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low.

Hackberry: Refuge reservoir is approximately 1 foot below conservation pool, with around 1000 plus acres of wetland units flooded. Habitat conditions are good, with Johnson grass, wild millet, milo, and sunflower. Goose numbers are low. Several hundred sandhill cranes on the area. Sandhill crane season on Hackberry Flat WMA runs Nov. 4 through Jan. 28, 2007. Hackberry Flat WRP is closed to all activity from October 15 to January 31.

Mtn. Park: Lake level is 8.66 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is fair. Winter wheat is being planted now, with vegetation above waterline at this time around the lake. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low.

Waurika: Lake level is 4.55 ft. below conservation pool. Lake habitat condition is poor, with Japanese millet coming late due to drought. Surrounding private lands shows wheat is beginning to come up in most fields. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low.

NORTHEAST

Copan: Lake level is 2.1 ft. below normal. Lake level is not flooding terrestrial vegetation. Soybeans and wheat in Ag fields on WMA. Beans are uncut, with wheat coming up. Duck numbers are low, with about 100 ducks observed. Goose numbers are low. A significant migration has been noted in the last few days, however due to low lake and pond levels, it appears birds are moving on in search of better food conditions.

Deep Fork NWR: Water conditions are poor. Wetland conditions are dry. River is a normal base level. Food conditions are good. Duck numbers: wood duck 60; mallard 35; green-winged teal 28. Goose numbers: Canada 4.

Eufaula: Lake level is 3.89 ft. below normal. Current habitat condition is poor due to lake level, but habitat potential is excellent. Very little farming in the area. No geese observed. Few ducks observed. No bird movement has been observed.

Ft. Gibson: Lake level is 0.23 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is good, with smartweed, barnyardgrass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo, and wheat in the area. Duck numbers are low, with slow bird movement. No geese are present.

Hulah: Lake level is 1.2 ft. below normal. Lake level is not flooding terrestrial vegetation. Soybeans and wheat in ag fields on WMA. Beans are currently being cut. Duck numbers are low, with about 200 ducks observed. Goose numbers are low. A significant migration has been noted in the last few days, but birds are moving on through due to low lake levels.

Kaw: Lake elevation is normal. Habitat condition is good, with millet and natural food available. Duck numbers are good with early migrants. Goose numbers are good. Snow and white-fronted geese are migrating. Good numbers of waterfowl on the lake while most of the millet has not been flooded.

Keystone: Lake level is 4.2 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions are poor, with all habitats dry on survey. Habitat potential is fair to good in wetland units. Habitat potential is fair on the mudflats, sloughs, potholes, and lower elevation portions due to summer water storage in the lake. Both duck and goose numbers are low, with only minor waterfowl movement. Pumping operations are underway at Cottonwood Creek WDU. Lower units should be approximately 10-20 percent full by this weekend.

Oologah: Lake level is 3.71 ft. below normal. Current habitat conditions are fair. No flooded vegetation on the lake. Ag fields have been planted with wheat and soybean, and are in fair condition. Duck numbers are poor, with some gadwalls, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, wigeon, lesser scaup, and redheads seen in the area. Goose numbers are poor. There is no water at Overcup Bottoms until there is significant rainfall. Upper Verdigris has no reports of waterfowl and both units are dry, until there is significant rainfall.

Webbers Falls: Lake level is 2.69 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is good, with smartweed, barnyardgrass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Duck numbers are low, with slow movement. No geese are present.

SOUTHEAST

Hugo: Lake level is 0.6 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is fair to good, with Japanese millet, sedges, and other native vegetation in the area. Duck numbers are very low. Goose numbers are very low. Bird movement has been slow in the area with mostly gadwall, teal, and some mallards moving around.

Little River NWR: Water levels across refuge are extremely low. Food conditions are good. Gadwall 25; wood duck 150. No geese observed.

Red Slough: Wetland units are mostly dry with Teal Lake at 50 percent and Unit #21 at 80 percent. Habitat conditions are good with milo and Japanese millet. Duck numbers are around 1,200. No geese are present.

Whitegrass Flats: Habitat conditions on the area are fair to good with little or no water. Japanese millet, sedges, and other native vegetation in the area. Duck numbers are very low. Goose numbers are very low. Slow to almost no bird movement in the area.

Wister: Lake level is 1 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions are fair if lake rises to normal elevation. No ducks present. No geese present. First movements observed last week.