Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release:

December 28, 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

Hearings slated for 12 Oklahoma towns

Winter Bird Survey offers chance to help conservation

Wildlife Department news service keeps sportsmen current

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Hearings slated for 12 Oklahoma towns

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will hold public hearings in 12 communities across the state Jan. 8 and 9 to discuss a broad list of proposed fishing and hunting regulation changes. Citizens are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions on a number of proposals that affect Oklahoma hunters and anglers.

The list of proposals slated for discussion includes a range of topics. Several fisheries proposals are being considered, among them a proposal to increase the bag limit on black bass at Lake Arcadia from three fish per day to six. Also affecting black bass at Lake Arcadia is a proposal to reduce the 22-inch minimum size limit to 14 inches. Another proposal scheduled for discussion is a reduction of the 18-inch minimum size limit on walleye at Lake Altus-Lugert to 14 inches.

Discussion also is slated for the proposal of special trout fishing regulations at the new Evening Hole/Lost Creek areas in the Lower Mountain Fork River trout stream as well as a portion of the Lower Illinois River Public Fishing and Hunting Area (from the USGS gauging station downstream to the gravel pit county road). The proposed regulations would include placing the areas under a one-fish-per-day bag limit and a 20-inch minimum size limit restriction on rainbow trout. Discussion will also include a proposal to restrict the areas to the use of artificial flies and lures and barbless hooks only. All of these regulations are currently effective in emergency status at the Evening Hole and Lost Creek areas.

Regarding hunting, some of the most notable proposals involve the state's deer hunting regulations and bag limits. One proposal seeks to reduce the state's combined annual antlered deer limit from three to two. Another proposal is to establish an Experimental Quality Deer Management Unit in southwest Oklahoma. The proposed combined annual deer bag limit for the unit would include no more than one antlered deer. Also on the table is a proposal to allow the harvest of a buck along with a doe during the youth gun season, resulting in a youth gun season bag limit of one antlered and one antlerless deer.

Regulation changes typically originate from proposals by Department staff and citizens, and selected proposals advance toward further consideration. After first being considered by a review committee of Wildlife Department personnel, recommendations are scheduled for public hearings, where citizens have the opportunity to comment on proposed regulation changes. Public comments and recommendations are then brought before the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Wildlife Department's governing board. The Commission can then make decisions to accept, amend or reject the recommendations.

Those unable to attend the hearings are encouraged to send their comments by mail to: Attn: Proposed hunting and fishing regulation changes - Wildlife Department, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. All comments are weighted equally whether received in writing or delivered at the public hearings.

The following is a list of public hearing dates, times and locations:

Date: January 8, 2007

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Durant - State Fish Hatchery, 2021 Caddo Hwy

Lawton - Lawton Public Library, 110 SW 4th St.

Okmulgee - East Central Electric, Public Meeting Room, 2001 South Wood Drive

(Hwy 75)

Date: January 8, 2007

Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Muskogee - Northeastern State University Campus Auditorium, 2400 West

Shawnee

Date: January 9, 2007

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Ada - Pontotoc County Vo-Tech Center, 601 W. 33rd Street (Wildlife Hearing

Only)

Altus - Altus Public Library, 421 N. Hudson St.

Broken Bow - Broken Bow Public Library, 404 N. Broadway

Enid - Central Fire Station, 410 West Garriott

Oklahoma City - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, 1801 N.

Lincoln Blvd., Auditorium

Tishomingo - Tishomingo Community Center, Fairgrounds, 816 E. 6th

(Fisheries Hearing Only)

Tulsa - Tulsa Technology Center Riverside Campus, Alliance and Conference

Center Building, 801 E. 91st St., Aud. Rm A150

Date: January 9, 2007

Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sallisaw - Indian Capital Vo-Tech, North Meeting Room, 401 Houser Ave.

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Winter Bird Survey offers chance to help conservation

Oklahomans who enjoy feeding and watching birds can use their hobby to support conservation efforts this winter.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is asking bird watchers to participate in the 19th annual Oklahoma Winter Bird Survey. Bird watchers can help Department biologists by choosing any two days between Jan. 11-14 to count birds at their household feeders. The information gathered from participants can then be used to help track population trends in the state's winter birds.

"By asking bird watchers across Oklahoma to take the survey, biologists can accomplish more in four days than we ever could have on our own," said Melynda Hickman, wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Department. "Since there are so many bird watchers in Oklahoma, we can use the information they gather to help us look for trends."

Hundreds of households have participated in the survey in years past, and the results can help the Department decide if bird ranges and populations are normal as well as warn of potential conservation issues. The survey involves counting birds at backyard feeders at least four times a day for two days during the survey dates and completing a form provided by the Wildlife Department.

The Wildlife Department is currently developing an extensive bird-watching resource that will be available soon at wildlifedepartment.com. Participants will be able to use the bird-watching Web pages to find extensive winter bird information such as identification tips, diets, feeding behaviors and winter ranges as well as links to other birding Web sites.

Hickman said anyone who has a bird feeder can participate, but that certain efforts can be made to attract more birds to feeders. Black-oil sunflower seed is a good choice for bird feeders because of its high protein content that birds can use during the winter and because all seed-eating Oklahoma songbirds will eat it. Suet, animal fat often mixed with grains or peanut butter, is good for drawing in species such as woodpeckers and birds that don't primarily eat seeds. Finally, a source of water and cover such as brush piles or dense shrubs located near the feeders might draw more birds, Hickman said.

For detailed instructions and to take the survey, log on to wildlifedepartment.com and click on "2007 Winter Bird Survey." Participants have until Feb. 12 to submit results.

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Wildlife Department's news service keeps sportsmen current

People with an interest in hunting, fishing or the outdoors can stay current on what's happening in Oklahoma's outdoors by subscribing to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's weekly news release. The service is free, and people can sign up by logging on to the Department's Web site at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm.

News stories each week provide subscribers with information on everything from fishing and hunting news to eagle and bat-watching activities, and they refer readers to additional sources of information on certain topics relating to Oklahoma's outdoors. Put simply, the Department's weekly news stories provide readers with important, timely information that Oklahoma outdoorsmen need to know.

Subscribers not only receive updates on the latest Department news and outdoor-related tips and information, but they also receive the Department's weekly Outdoor Calendar, Fishing Report and other seasonal information such as the Waterfowl Report.

Now is an especially good time for duck and goose hunters to subscribe to the news release because of the Waterfowl Report, which provides recent information on waterfowl populations and habitat at lakes all over the state. It can make planning a hunt much easier since hunters can get an idea of what to expect at their favorite spot as well as those places they've never visited or hunted.

"The weekly news release is designed to keep people informed, and the Waterfowl Report is just one part of it that could provide an advantage to hunters," said Nels Rodefeld, Information and Education chief at the Wildlife Department. "Oklahomans have no shortage of opportunities to learn and enhance their outdoor experiences, but they need to have access to the dates, locations and other important details of these events. The Department's weekly news release not only provides this information, but it delivers it in plenty of time to plan to attend an activity."

In addition to current events and other outdoor news, the weekly release provides an Outdoor Calendar that gives a detailed outlook on a variety of outdoor-related events taking place across the state. Activities designed to educate people on wildlife and to hone their outdoor skills take place all year long, and annual events such as tackle shows and the Wildlife Expo provide endless entertainment.

"The news release is truly a great tool for anyone who appreciates wildlife in our state," Rodefeld said. "Oklahoman's should really take advantage of this kind of resource, as well as any of the various resources provided by the Department that might apply to them."

To learn more about the Wildlife Department and its resources for hunters, anglers, landowners and other wildlife enthusiasts, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JANUARY

7: In Search of Eagles at the Wichita Mountains. This interpretive programs for the general public in the afternoon. The program will begin at the refuge headquarters at 1:30 p.m. and will last approximately two and a half to three hours. Due to the length of the program, all children must be at least eight years old. There will be a $5 per person reservation fee collected at check-in. Reservations can be made Dec. 18 from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by calling (580) 429-3222.

9 & 11: Hunter Education: South Intermediate High School (601 S. Main), Broken Arrow; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.; (918) 259-4580.

13: Dutch Oven Cooking for Beginners at Crow's Secret Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. Join the naturalist at the nature center to learn how to cook outdoors in a Dutch oven just like the pioneers did in the old west. There is an $8 fee per person and you must be registered by Jan. 10. Contact Julie Morris at (405) 321-4633 for registration and entry fees.

13-14: In Search of Eagles at the Wichita Mountains. This interpretive program is for the general public. The program will begin at the refuge headquarters at 1:30 p.m. and will last approximately two and a half to three hours. Due to the length of the program, all children must be at least eight years old. There will be a $5 per person reservation fee collected at check-in. Reservations can be made Dec. 18 from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by calling (580) 429-3222.

13 & 20: Project WILD for college credit at Tulsa Community College (West Campus), Tulsa. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. both days. For more information or to enroll call SPICE Program at (918) 595-8126.

15, 16 & 18: Hunter Education: Bass Pro Shop (101 Bass Pro Dr.), Broken Arrow; 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.; (918) 355-7600, ask for promotion manager.

20: The Lake Arcadia Tournament will take place at the Spring Creek Ramp. Sign up will begin at 7 a.m. Start time is 8 a.m. Weigh in starts at 2 p.m. The lake charges $6 per vehicle for entrance into the park and $6 per boat. Entry Fee is $50. Big Fish Jackpot is additional $10 for those who feel lucky or just plain confident. Additional information can be found at http://www.catfishangler.com/chapters/node/82. Contact Mike Strawn for questions at (405) 601-0770 or (405) 417-1635.

FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 27, 2006

CENTRAL

Hefner: Channel catfish fair on worms and cut bait. Crappie are being caught on jigs around the dam and rocks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Channel catfish fair on worms and cut bait. Crappie are being caught on jigs around the dam and rocks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

NORTHEAST

Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass slow on salt craws. Catfish slow on bottom with cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around the fishing dock. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Kaw: Blue catfish fair in the south end of Coon Creek at 10-15 ft. on shad. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Tenkiller: Elevation 1 1/3 ft. above normal, water 50. Crappie fair around brush at 10-20 ft. on tube jigs and around docks at 15-20 ft. on minnows or tube jigs. Sunfish good around docks on worms or small jigs. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass slow on deep diving dill baits and salt craws. Channel catfish slow on cut bait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-18 ft. around brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 50 and stained. Crappie good off Guy Sandy dock and mid-lake around brush piles. White bass excellent on spoons off drop-offs at 40-50 ft. Bass fair using drop shot and Carolina rigs off deep main lake points. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 44 and clear. Bass slow on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power bait, super dupers, rooster tails, mill worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Elevation is 3 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair off rocky points on crawdad colored crankbaits. Catfish good on juglines and trotlines baited with sunfish or cut bait. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and clear. Blue catfish fair on shad at 10-2 ft. on the flats. Crappie fair on minnows or jigs at 10-20 ft. around boat docks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 53 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinners. 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 54 and clear. Largemouth bass good on Carolina rigged worms off points and in the discharge channel at 15 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation normal, water 58 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures and jig and pig, fished slowly along humps at 15-25 ft. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation above normal, water 46 and murky. Largemouth bass slow at 8-10 ft. using plastic baits fishing the rock and rip-rap areas around the lake. Crappie fair at 8-10 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 6-10 ft. using fresh cut bait, worms and minnows fishing the cormorant roost areas. 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 ½ ft. below normal, water 54 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass slow with some fish being caught on plastic baits at 10-20 ft. around drop offs on the river banks. Striped and white bass fair on cut shad at 10-20 ft. near Catfish Bay and Platter Flats. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut shad at 10-20 ft. above the highway 70 bridge. Crappie fair on minnows at 5-15 ft. at Widow Moore and Kansas creeks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic baits. Crappie excellent on minnows and jigs below the dam. Channel catfish very good on cut shad below the dam. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Ellsworth: Elevation 14 ft. below normal and murky. Crappie fair at Ralph's Resort at 12-15 ft. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 45 and clear. Striped bass hybrids good on slabs in deep water around dam. Walleye and catfish good. Crappie fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

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