Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release:

February 22, 2007

A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

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

Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

2007 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo to include new Outdoor Marketplace

Applications available now for Wildlife Department Youth Camp

Wildlife Department employment exam scheduled

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

2007 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo to include new Outdoor Marketplace

Oklahomans interested in the outdoors should mark their calendars now for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's third annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo slated for September 28-30 at the Lazy E Arena.

The Wildlife Department will be working with a range of organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the Expo - an event intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources.

"The Expo is the state's largest indoor and outdoor recreation event," said Greg Duffy, director of the Wildlife Department. "Literally thousands of people get a chance to enjoy the outdoors and maybe experience something new."

Among many other activities, Expo visitors will be able to fish, shoot shotguns, kayak, ride mountain bikes, see and touch wildlife, attend dog training seminars and learn about recreation in the great outdoors. They will also be able to win a variety of free prizes thanks to the Expo's generous sponsors.

New this year, the Expo will feature the Outdoor Marketplace, a large tent where commercial vendors will be selling their hunting and fishing-related merchandise, services and memberships to outdoor organizations.

"We are confident that the Outdoor Marketplace will be a good addition to the Expo," Duffy said. "It will be one more thing for visitors to enjoy, and it will give Oklahoma's outdoor businesses one more way to showcase their products and services at an event that offers maximum exposure to the state's outdoor-minded individuals."

Log on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on the upcoming Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.

For more information about obtaining a booth in the Outdoor Marketplace or to obtain an application for a booth, contact Rhonda Hurst, Wildlife Expo Coordinator at (405) 522-6279.

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Applications available now for Wildlife Department Youth Camp

Youth interested in wildlife, fisheries and law enforcement can apply now to attend the ninth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Department Youth Camp scheduled for June 10-15.

"This camp is free, and youth get a chance to learn about several interesting careers in wildlife conservation," said Jon Cunningham, camp coordinator and Oklahoma game warden stationed in Payne County.

Held at Camp McFadden near Ponca City, the camp is open to Oklahoma youths ages 14 to 16 and is designed to give an increased awareness of protecting and managing Oklahoma's wildlife resources. Participants will attend courses in firearms handling, wildlife law enforcement, wildlife and fisheries biology, water safety, self-defense, rifle and shotgun training, waterfowl hunting and archery.

The camp is free of charge, but will be limited to 35 participants. Applicants should be interested in fish and wildlife management or law enforcement and must submit a 75-word essay explaining why they want to attend the camp, why they believe they should be selected and what they expect to learn while attending. They must also submit a letter of recommendation from a person of their choice other than a family member.

The application deadline is April 27, and applicants must turn 14 prior to June 10, 2007. Obtain applications by logging on to the Wildlife Department's Web site at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/campap.htm. Simply print off the application, fill it out and mail it in with the essay and letter of recommendation to: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Law Enforcement Division Youth Camp, P.O. Box 53465 Oklahoma City, OK 73152.

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Wildlife Department employment exam scheduled?

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will be holding an open employment exam Friday, March 30. Taking the test is the first step in the hiring process for individuals seeking positions as game wardens, biologists, fish hatchery assistant managers or technicians with the Department.

The standardized employment exam is set for 10 a.m. at the Tom Steed Development Center Auditorium located on the Rose State College campus. The Center is located immediately north of I-40 on Hudiburg Road in Midwest City. The exam is free, and participants must have photo identification upon check-in. Late arrivals will not be permitted to enter the examination room after 10 a.m.

Specific job and education requirements for Department positions as well as suggested study material for the exams are listed on the Department's official Web site at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/jobs.htm.

Individuals may take the exam once in a 12-month period. Test scores are valid for 12 months from the test date, and top scorers will be invited to submit an employment application. When a job opening becomes available, selected applicants from the test register will be scheduled for an interview. For more information, contact the Wildlife Department's Human Resources office at (405) 521-4640.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

MARCH

12 & 13 & 15: 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.

12 & 13 & 15: 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.

14 & 15: Hunter Education: Francis Tuttle 1400A (12777 N Rockwell), OKC; 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (405) 521-4636.

16 & 17: Stars over the Wichitas interpretive program. The public is invited to participate in an evening with the stars where they will study major constellations and other heavenly bodies with the assistance from an amateur astronomer. The two hour program begins 30-minutes after sunset. Participants will meet at the Boulder/Lost Lake picnic area. Program is limited to 15 people and participants must be at least eight years of age. Registration is required and a $5 fee will be collected. Reservations can be made by call (580) 429-3222.

17: Hunter Education: High School, Sallisaw; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

17: Hunter Education: Civic Center, Wagoner; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.;

23-25: The Third Annual Oklahoma Selfbow Jamboree, hosted by the Rutter family. The farm has a three-acre pond next to the campsite, where those who wish can fish. A small covered pavilion will serve as the center of activities. Portable out-houses will be provided, and limited trailer camping is available. There is sufficient room for primitive (tent) camping. For directions and additional information go to www.ojam.org.

26: Hunter Education, High Plains Tech Center, Woodward. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

26: Hunter Education Home Study, Bass Pro (200 Bass Pro Drive), OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 218-5200

30: Standardized Employment Exam, at Rose State College, Tom Steed Building, Auditorium, I-40 & Hudiburg Rd, Midwest City. Exam starts at 10 am. Bring a photo ID.

30 & 31: Project WILD for college credit at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. Class runs from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.. For more information or to enroll call Education Outreach at 800-765-8933.

FISHING REPORT FEBRUARY 21, 2007

CENTRAL

Hefner: Water 40 and clear. Crappie being caught slip corking off the dam. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Water 44 and murky. Crappie being caught around docks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

NORTHEAST

Carl Blackwell: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 42 and murky. Crappie fair in deeper water on small jigs. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Copan: Elevation 2 ft. below normal and murky. Crappie good at 14-15 ft. on chartreuse or black and pink tube jigs from the bank. Catfish fair to good on juglines in or near the river channel. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, state game warden stationed in Washington County.

Eucha: Elevation slightly above normal, water 43 and clear. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at 15-16 ft. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation normal and clear. Channel catfish good on juglines in the river channel and around drop-offs on whole shad. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. Report submitted Don Cole, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Grand: Elevation normal and clear. Channel catfish fair on juglines at 20 ft. on cut shad. Crappie fair around baited docks on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and stink bait on bottom along creek channels and points. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and stink bait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around fishing dock and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hulah: Elevation 2 ft. below normal and murky. Crappie good at 14-15 ft. on chartreuse or black/pink tube jigs from the bank. Catfish fair to good on jug lines in or near the river channel. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, state game warden stationed in Washington County.

Kaw: Elevation normal, water 42 and clear. Crappie good at 22 ft. around both marina boat slips. The average size is 3/4 lbs. Most crappie are being caught from brush piles that have been placed in areas close to natural structure, drop-offs and riprap. The riprap on the Washunga Bay Bridge and Sarge Creek Bridge are historically good areas and good from the upper Arkansas River to the dam. There are brush piles that have been placed by the Wildlife Department, and these areas are marked with fishing buoys. When fishing from a boat, a depth finder is necessary to find the brush. Generally, if your lure or minnow is not in close proximity to the brush (approximately 2 ft. or closer), the fish won't see your bait. When fishing for crappie, try using 1/8 oz jigs with 2-inch body, black and green. Ten lb. supper lines (fire line) helps the abrasive effects of the zebra mussels or minnows. Blue catfish will pickup as the water temps edge closer to 50. Jug fishing with cut bait is a very effective technique with hooks set at 5 ft. intervals from 5 ft. to 30 ft. When fish are caught concentrate hooks and bait in the productive zone. The best areas are the upper portion of the lake in the river channel. Trotlines are also very effective, most anglers use fresh gizzard shad cut into pieces caught with a cast net in the same area. Fishing below Kaw dam has been slow due to limited amount of water being released through the dam. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Keystone: Elevation 2 ft. above normal, water 38-42 and clear to murky. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass slow to fair on jig and chunk and suspended baits at 8-15 ft. off points, bluffs and ledges. White bass slow to fair on jigging spoons and minnows at 15-25 ft. in river channel drop-offs. Striped bass below the dam slow on red fins and Long-A bombers at 2-4 ft. early mornings and cloudy days. Striped bass in the lake slow on live shad and big swim baits at 15-25 ft. in river channel drop-offs. Channel catfish slow to fair on worms and shrimp at 8-15 ft. in creeks. Blue catfish fair to good on shad at 15-20 ft. along ledgers and humps. Flathead catfish slow on goldfish at 12-20 ft. along riprap. Crappie fair to good on small jigs and minnows at 15-25 ft. around docks and brush piles. Saugeye fair on 1/8 oz jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers at 4-8 ft. downstream to pedestrian bridge. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation normal, water in the lower 40s and clear. Crappie fair on jigs around brush piles at 20 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation 12 ft. below normal, water 38 and clear. Fishing generally poor, but warming temperatures should improve things by the weekend. Crappie fair on minnows at docks. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Spavinaw: Elevation slightly above normal, water 40 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth bass fair on jigs. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 2 ft. above normal, water 38 and clear in the upper end. Catfish fair mid-lake on flip flops with cut shad at 30-40 ft. Crappie slow with some action in the upper and lower ends around docks or brush. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass slow. Channel catfish fair on cut bait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12 ft. around brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation normal, water 41 and clear to stained. Due to weather, not many fisherman on lake. Bass best on jig and pig off bluffs. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 47 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power bait, super dupers, rooster tails and meal worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Eufaula: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal and murky. Largemouth bass and white bass slow. Blue catfish fair on shad at 6-20 ft. off flats. Crappie fair on jigs or minnows at 12-20 ft. around boat docks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 45 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair on live minnows. Blue catfish fair on liver and cut bait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 44 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on cut baits off points and along roadbeds at 8-10 ft. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on minnows and jigs in the discharge channel at 15 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 46 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures, fished slow over deep drop-offs. White bass fair on grubs, fished along windy points. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Trout good on March brown mayflies and dry flies. Emerging mayfly and midge fly patterns have also worked well at times. The powerhouse seems to be releasing water daily, but the schedule is erratic. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

Pine Creek: Elevation above normal, water 45 and murky. Bass good on crankbaits around points. Crappie fair around tops on jigs. Catfish good on cut shad on juglines. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 41 and murky. Largemouth bass slow at 8-10 ft. using jigs and plastic baits fishing the rock and riprapped areas next to the old channels. Crappie fair at 10 ft. using small minnows fishing the old creek channels. White bass slow at 10 ft. using jigs fishing below the Webbers Falls and Kerr dams. Blue catfish fair using fresh cut bait fishing from the windy shorelines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation 3 ft. below normal. Largemouth bass slow to fair off points and around islands on crankbaits and crawdads. White bass good around islands trolling rattle traps and below the dam on grubs. Catfish fair on trotlines and juglines baited with cut shad in deep flats and channels. Crappie good on minnows around bridges and tower. Walleye fair on jigs and grubs below the dam. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on deep-diving baits at 15-20 ft. deep along drop offs. Striped bass fair on live bait at 15-20 ft. in the coves. Channel and blue catfish fair on live minnows at 15-20 ft. above the highway 70 bridge. Crappie fair on small minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. in underwater brush. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation 1- 1 1/2 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass slow. Crappie good on minnows and jigs. Channel catfish good on cut shad. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Ellsworth: Elevation 13 ft. below normal. Crappie fair at Ralph's Resort at 12-15 ft. Catfish fair off rocky points on cut bait. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 38 and clear. Striped bass hybrids good on slabs in deep water near the dam. Walleye good in deep water. Crappie good around structures. Catfish fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Ft. Cobb: Elevation 1 3/4 ft. below normal. Crappie slow to fair around marina and boat slips. Saugeye slow to fair along east end of dam. Report submitted by James Edwards Jr., game warden station in Caddo County.

Tom Steed: Crappie good on jigs 15-20 ft. over brush piles. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.

Waurika: Elevation normal, water 38 and murky. Blue catfish fair on shad and punch bait. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.