Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release:

December 7, 2006

A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856

Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

Additional quail habitat to be restored on Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area

License dollars support conservation

Equipment available for landowners to improve wildlife habitat

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Additional quail habitat to be restored on Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area

One of the state's best public quail hunting destinations could get even better thanks to a generous donation from the Central Oklahoma 89er Chapter of Quail Forever.

At their December meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission accepted a donation of $4,000 from the non-profit organization. The donation will be matched with $4,000 of Wildlife Restoration funds and will help restore native grasslands on the Packsaddle WMA.

"There is a 500-acre area on Packsaddle that was planted by the previous owner years ago in Old World bluestem. Unfortunately, this is a non-native grass that makes for very poor quail habitat, and it is also difficult to control. This donation will allow us to disc the soil and re-plant native grasses more beneficial to wildlife," said Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Quail Forever, a non-profit organization dedicated to quail conservation and education, was started in the summer of 2005 by its parent organization, Pheasants Forever. Quail Forever is focused on successful local chapter development, localized habitat initiatives, and national public policy leadership and advocacy.

"One of the great things about Quail Forever is that all the money that is raised here through our banquets stays here. This project at Packsaddle is a great example of the types of on-the-ground habitat projects we hope to help with more in the future," said James Dietsch, president of the 89er Chapter of Quail Forever.

Sara Lyda, regional biologist for Quail Forever, said the young organization has a growing and diverse membership.

"We certainly have many dedicated quail hunters as members, but we also have a number of landowners, ag producers and general bird enthusiasts," Lyda said. "Quail are a species that most everyone can identify with, and they are often an excellent indicator of the overall quality of the habitat. When we restore habitat for quail, we restore habitat for all grassland birds and a host of other wildlife species."

To learn more about Quail Forever, log on centralokquailforever.com or call Sara Lyda at (405) 612-6889.

Also at the December meeting, Terry Swallow, Wildlife Department game warden stationed in Woods County, was awarded a pair of special honors. Swallow was named the 2006 Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Game Warden of the Year. Additionally, Swallow was presented with the Shikar Safari Officer of the Year award.

Shikar Safari is a 300-member international organization that has focused on wildlife conservation and wildlife law enforcement around the world since 1952.

Swallow has served the sportsmen and citizens of Oklahoma since 1979 when he began his career as a warden in Woods County. Swallow maintains excellent working relationships with landowners and outdoor enthusiasts in his county and is routinely involved in community events, including teaching four hunter education classes last year.

"Throughout his career, Terry has provided top-notch service to the sportsmen of the state and has been an excellent representative for the Wildlife Department," said Larry Manering, law enforcement chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Also at their December meeting, Commissioners recognized a pair of employees for their tenure of service to the sportsmen of the state:

Ron Suttles, natural resources coordinator, for 35 years of service (Suttles retired at the end of November), and;

Gayle Langston, game warden stationed in Ottawa County, for 20 years of service.

In other business, the Commission voted to accept the bid from Chesapeake Energy Corporation for an oil and gas lease on about 2,200 acres of Department-owned property in Atoka County.

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 Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

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License dollars support conservation

Tens of thousands of hunters have headed into the woods this fall and winter carrying their hunting licenses in their back pocket. When hunters purchase a license the Wildlife Department works hard to make sure sportsmen get their money's worth - and much more.

"When hunters and anglers buy a license we can leverage those dollars with federal funding through the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs," said John Stafford, federal aid coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "For instance when a deer hunter buys a $20 hunting license, the Wildlife Department can leverage those dollars with up to $60 in matching federal funds. They may not realize it, but when a hunter purchases a license they are investing up to $80 or more into wildlife conservation in Oklahoma."

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs are a tremendous example of true partnerships between private industries, state governments, the federal government and hunters, anglers and boaters. Firearms, bows and arrows, fishing tackle, boat fuel and other outdoor related equipment are subject to special federal excise taxes which help fund conservation efforts around the country.

The federal government collects these taxes from manufacturers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses the funds to the state fish and wildlife agencies like the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters ultimately pay these taxes through the purchase of products. These same groups benefit from the funds, as states must spend the money on sport fish and wildlife habitat restoration/development, population management, user access and facilities and education.

The funds are used by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for a wide range of important activities, including the purchase and maintenance of wildlife management areas, restoration and maintenance of fish hatcheries, user facilities, surveying fish and wildlife populations, and educating young hunters.

For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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Equipment available for landowners to improve wildlife habitat

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation may be able to help landowners wanting to improve wildlife habitat on their property this winter. The Department has two tree spades and one roller chopper that are available to landowners for wildlife habitat enhancement projects. The equipment is accessible for a small rental fee used for annual maintenance costs.

"This is the perfect time of year to use both pieces of equipment," said Mike Sams, private lands senior biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Taking the time to improve wildlife habitat now will pay dividends for years to come."

The tree spade, used for transplanting trees and shrubs, can be used on riparian habitat projects and to establish turkey roost sites as well as shrub thickets for quail and small game. Much faster than hand-planting individual tree seedlings, the tree spade is ideal for moving shrubs like sand plum or sumac and trees up to four inches in diameter. The preferred time for transplanting is during winter months when shrubs and trees are dormant. Landowners renting this equipment will be provided an operator to run the machine. The tree spades can be reserved for dates between December 15 and March 1 annually. The cost is $100 per day.

Roller choppers are large drums with a series of mounted blades. Pulled behind a tractor, they chop and crush brush, small trees, and heavy plant growth. They also disturb the soil and allow sunlight and rain to reach the surface and encourage growth of more desirable plants. Roller choppers can be used to set back rangeland succession and reduce the canopy of brush structure. A wide range of wildlife, including quail, deer and turkeys, can benefit from this practice. Landowners wanting to rent the roller chopper must have access to a tractor with at least 80 hp to pull the machine as well as provide transportation for the machine. An operator is not provided with the roller chopper rental, but the equipment is simple to operate. The roller chopper rents for $50 per day.

The equipment is located at the Wildlife Department's Northwest Regional Office in Woodward. Landowners interested in using this equipment and who would like additional information should contact that office at (580) 254-9173.

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*****Photo*****

Editor's note: Below are links for four accompanying photos that are 300 DPI and intended for newspaper publication. The ending link is .jpg for the photo. The photo will open in your browser. If you have a pc you should be able to right click, save picture as, choose the file type you want to save as and click save. The other way is on file in toolbar, save picture as, choosing the file type you want to save as and click save. Images can be viewed with the article at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm.

High resolution - http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...rchoperhigh.jpg

Low resolution - http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...rchopperlow.jpg

Caption: Pulled behind a tractor, roller choppers crush and chop brush, small trees, and heavy plant growth. They also disturb the soil and allow sunlight and rain to reach the surface and encourage the growth of more desirable plants. A wide range of wildlife can benefit from this practice including quail, deer and turkeys.

High resolution - http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...06/treehigh.jpg

Low resolution - http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...706/treelow.jpg

Caption: The tree spade, used for transplanting trees and shrubs, can be used on riparian habitat projects, establishing turkey roost sites, and to create shrub thickets for quail and small game. Landowners renting this equipment will be provided an operator to run the machine.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

DECEMBER

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

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

16: Boating/water safety class at Sportsman's Warehouse (2301 West Memorial Rd, OKC). The Oklahoma Highway Patrol presents boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch. Class is limited to 25. For more information or to register call (405) 302-4800.

16: Boating/water safety class at Central Tech Center, Drumright. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol presents boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a break for lunch. For more information or to register contact call (877) 253-2820.

16: Discovery Club: "Feeding the Birds" The program is for kids ages 3-5 years, each accompanied by an adult, and runs from 10:00-11:30 a.m. We will make our own natural bird feeders from pinecones, seeds, and peanut butter. We'll hang one here at Oxley and make one to take home. Fee: $2 for general public and free for members of the Friends of Oxley. Please register at least two days in advance. For more information or to register contact Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa, (918) 669-6644 or oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

16: Adventure Club: "A Rottin' Place to Live. The program is for ages 6-8 years and runs from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Let's explore the prairie trail and look for things with wings. Birds use wings to fly, what else has wings? Fee: $2 for general public and free for members of the Friends of Oxley. Please register at least two days in advance. For more information or to register contact Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa. (918) 669-6644 or oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

16: Hunter Education, Civic Center, Piedmont; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

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

FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 6, 2006

CENTRAL

Hefner: Channel catfish being caught on shrimp and worms. Crappie fair on jigs. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Channel catfish being caught on shrimp and worms. Crappie fair on jigs. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

NORTHEAST

Eucha: Elevation 8 ft. below normal, water 44 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 16-18 ft. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits off rocky points. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation normal, water 53 and clear. Catfish good on cut bait and shad on juglines. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. around brush piles, docks and structure. Report submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner and Muskogee counties.

Greenleaf: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on jigs and worms around brush structure. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and stinkbait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around docks and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Kaw: Crappie fair on dark-colored jigs at 18-20 ft. around brush piles. Report submitted by Marshal Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Keystone: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water clear to murky. Largemouth bass fair on jig and chunk at 8-12 ft. in coves. Smallmouth bass fair on finesse jigs at 8-12 ft. off secondary points. Spotted bass fair on small crankbaits at 8-12 ft. off main lake bluffs. White bass slow on minnows and spoons at 8-15 ft. off main lake points. Striped bass below the dam are being caught on sassy shad at 2-4 ft. Striped bass in the lake are slow on live shad at 8-15 ft. off main lake points. Channel catfish slow on worms and minnows at 6-10 ft. in coves. Blue catfish fair on shad at 8-12 ft. along channel edges. Flathead catfish slow on shad at 8-12 ft. along rocky banks and riprap. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at 10-15 ft. around brush piles and docks. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water in the 50's and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 20-25 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Sooner: White bass, striped bass and striped bass hybrids good in the discharge channel on topwater lures and sassy shad. Catfish fair on cut and live bait along Hwy 15. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 40 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 1/2 ft. above normal, water 52 and clear. Crappie good around docks on minnows or tube jigs at 15-20 ft. Sunfish good around docks on worms at 10-15 ft. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits, jigs and worms along riprap and creek channels. Channel catfish fair on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at 12-18 ft. around bridges and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation 6 ft. below normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs near deep brush. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair trolling crankbaits. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 51 and stained. Crappie good off docks and channel drop offs mid lake and good using spoons. White bass being caught off same drop-offs using chrome spoons at 40-50 ft. Bass slow. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 41 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power baits, super dupers and meal worms and rooster tails. Report submitted by Charles Baker, 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 2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass slow. White bass slow. Blue catfish fair on shad at 4-10 ft. on the flats. Crappie fair on jigs or minnows at 10-20 ft. around brush piles and under boat docks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 9 ft. above normal, water 59 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair on live minnows. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and liver. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 52 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits in the discharge canal at 15 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation normal, water 58 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 12-25 ft. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Pine Creek: Elevation above normal and murky. Bass fair on crankbaits in deeper water. Catfish fair on dough bait around Turkey Creek. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation above normal, water 48 and murky. Largemouth bass slow at 8-10 ft. using plastic baits fishing the rock and riprap banks. Crappie slow at 12 ft. using minnows fishing the old creek channels. White bass slow at 10 ft. using jigs fishing below Webbers Falls and Kerr dams. Blue catfish fair at 5-10 ft. using fresh cut shad, minnows or worms fishing the timbered areas around the lake. 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 4 1/3 ft. below normal, water 61. Striped bass fair on live bait and slabs at 15-20 ft. in river channels. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

SOUTHWEST

Foss: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 55 and clear. Striped bass hybrids good on slabs in deep water. White bass good on live bait. Crappie good. Walleye and saugeye fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.