Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release:

March 8, 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

Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approves numerous regulation changes

2007 deer season set; new limits stand to benefit state's herd and hunters

Donations from angler clubs tripled by Sport Fish Restoration Dollars

Game wardens use special tools and tactics to break big cases

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Waterfowl Report

Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approves numerous regulation changes

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission passed a host of hunting and fishing regulation changes at its regular meeting Monday, most notably a number of significant deer hunting regulation changes aimed at improving the health of Oklahoma's deer herd while providing additional hunting opportunities for antlerless deer.

Specific deer hunting regulation changes were:

The statewide combined season limit on antlered deer was reduced from three to two bucks.

Youth under the age of 18 will have the opportunity to harvest a buck during the Youth Gun Season.

For most of the state (antlerless zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), the number of days open to antlerless deer hunting was increased to include the entire muzzleloader season (Oct. 27 - Nov. 4) and the entire gun season (Nov. 17 - Dec. 2). Zone one, located in the Panhandle, will be open to antlerless deer hunting Nov. 17 and Dec. 2 (gun), while zone 10 in southeast Oklahoma will be open to antlerless deer hunting Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 2-4 (muzzleloader) and Nov. 17, 24 and Dec. 2 (gun).

Special antlerless seasons for most of the state (antlerless zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) will be open Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30. The Panhandle and portions of southeast Oklahoma are excluded. For a map of specific antlerless hunting zones, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

In antlerless deer harvest zone two, which includes much of northwest and north central Oklahoma, the antlerless deer bag limit for muzzleloader and gun seasons was increased to two antlerless deer. For a map of zone two, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say the changes should help in managing the state's deer herd while at the same time providing benefits to hunters.

"We are confident that the changes approved by the Commission will help create a more favorable buck-to-doe ratio, improve the health of the herd and give hunters more chances to harvest does, and hopefully nicer bucks," said Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Wildlife Department.

Deer regulations were not the only hunting regulations to change. The Commission voted and approved the following hunting items as well:

River otters were added to the list of species that can be taken during the state's furbearer season in 14 counties in eastern Oklahoma, including Adair, Atoka, Cherokee, Choctaw, Coal, Haskell, Latimer, LeFlore, McCurtain, McIntosh, Muskogee, Pittsburg, Pushmataha and Sequoyah counties. A season limit of two river otters will apply. For tagging and other requirements, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Mountain lions were added to the list of species that can be taken year-round when committing or about to commit depredation or when deemed a nuisance or health hazard.

The Commission voted to clarify guidelines for taking care of injured, sick or young wildlife for licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

Those participating in Oklahoma's Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) will be permitted to harvest antlerless deer with modern firearms during the entire month of December.

In addition, the Commission established a south zone for dove hunting that will be open during the regular season Sept. 1-Oct. 30, but also Dec. 26-Jan. 4. The daily limit in the south zone will be 12 doves. The south zone starts on U.S. 62 from the Texas border west of Hollis, east to Interstate 44, Interstate 44 south to OK 7, OK 7 east to U.S. 81 and U.S. 81 south to the Texas border at the Red River. The remainder of the state will be considered the north zone, and regulations for that area were not changed.

"Since this portion of Oklahoma holds such strong dove populations through much of the winter, this change gives hunters more days to go out and hunt during times of the year when game is plentiful," Peoples said. "It's great because the new added dates fall right in line with the Holidays, so people may get more chances to meet up with family and friends to hunt."

Other changes that were approved affect fisherman and several popular fishing spots.

Lower Illinois River Public Fishing and Hunting Area (PFHA): A 20-inch minimum size limit and one-fish-per-day limit on rainbow trout as well as an artificial flies and lures, barbless hooks-only restriction was approved for a half-mile portion of the trout stream (from the USGS stream gauge station downstream to the gravel pit county road). There are, however, provisions to allow anglers fishing this area to use natural bait on barbed hooks as long as the hooks are size 3/0 or larger. The area is popular with anglers who fish for striped bass using live bait.

Lower Mountain Fork River trout stream: A 20-inch minimum size limit and one-fish-per-day limit on rainbow trout as well as an artificial flies and lures, barbless hooks-only area was approved for the Evening Hole/Lost Creek areas. Additionally, the existing 20-inch minimum size limit and one-fish-per-day limit on rainbow trout as well as the artificial flies and lures, barbless hooks-only restriction on that portion of stream from Rough Branch Creek downstream to the reregulation dam was eliminated.

Blue River PFHA: A catch-and-release only portion of the Blue River PFHA trout stream from the northern-most boundary of the Plaster Wildlife Management Unit/Landrum Wilderness Areas downstream approximately a half-mile was established and will be effective Nov. 1-Feb. 29 annually. During that period, artificial flies and lures, barbless hooks-only are permitted in this area. From March 1 through the end of trout season, this rule will not be in effect and the statewide trout limit will apply.

Department-owned lakes and access areas: Hunting seasons on those areas open to hunting (Lake Hall, Jap Beaver, Burtschi, Nanih Waiya, Ozzie Cobb, Schooler, Evans Chambers, American Horse and Vanderwork) were extended to the period from Sept. 1 through spring turkey season each year.

The minimum size limit on walleye at Lake Altus-Lugert was reduced to 14 inches.

The minimum size limit on black bass at Lake Arcadia was reduced to 14 inches, and the daily limit on black bass at Lake Arcadia was increased to six.

The limit on the number of shad a person can have in possession while on the water was eliminated, and the possession limit on the number of shad that can be legally transported via land-based transportation was increased from 150 to 200. Additionally, the sale, offer to sell and transportation of shad taken from Oklahoma waters out of state with the intent to sell were prohibited.

The Arcadia Conservation Education Area was added to the rules governing public use on Department Fishing Areas, which allows walk-in access to Arcadia Lake from the property, prohibits unauthorized camping and restricts unsanctioned fishing in educational training ponds.

Camping on the Lower Illinois River PFHA will be prohibited.

"Low-point" beer was added to language that places restrictions on possession and consumption of intoxicating beverages, except in camping and parking areas, on all Department areas. Also, an existing rule prohibiting controlled and dangerous substance possession on Department Fishing Areas was clarified.

The definition of a legal bowfishing arrow was changed to an arrow with one point having no more than four barbs.

Gaff hooks will be allowed for landing paddlefish taken while bowfishing.

Fishing and angler camping will be permitted at Lake Dahlgren on the Lexington Wildlife Management Area.

Finally, the Commission re-affirmed the Department's control of fish stocking in all waters of the state.

Wildlife Department Fisheries Chief Kim Erickson said the slate of fishing regulation changes should improve fisheries management and angling opportunities across the state.

"Oklahoma's fish and the anglers who enjoy them were the top priority in making these changes," Erickson said. "People should definitely take advantage of the fisheries near them and the increased fishing opportunities created by these decisions."

The Commission approved several other items Monday relating to mussel harvest regulations and other wildlife. Pertaining to mussel harvests, the Commission made permanent several current rules that will:

Require mussel harvesters to notify local game wardens of commercial mussel harvest operations.

Modify some reporting procedures, including a requirement to list mussels purchased by species.

Define how mussel dealers calculate their dollar value of purchased shells.

Other items include the following:

An approval to allow the use of .17 HMR rimfire firearms on areas owned or managed by the Wildlife Department.

The establishment of hunting seasons on the new Arcadia Conservation Education Area, Drummond Flats, Lower Illinois River PFHA and Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge and WMA.

The increase of hunting opportunities on several wildlife management areas.

The clarification that controlled hunt applications are only available on the Department's Web site and must be submitted online.

A change to allow youth under 16 years old to participate in the Department's Controlled Youth Hunt if they have successfully completed the Hunter Education requirements. Previously, only youth ages 12-14 on the date of the hunt could participate.

The new regulations must now pass through the legislative process and be signed by the governor. Look for complete details in the next Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Guides.

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 scheduled for 9 a.m. April 2 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

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2007 deer season set; new limits stand to benefit state's herd and hunters

The 2007 Oklahoma deer hunting regulations have now been approved by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission, and officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say both deer and sportsmen will reap the benefits of changes adopted for this year.

Changes to the state's combined season deer limits, youth seasons and antlerless deer hunting opportunities were among the most significant items approved Monday at the meeting of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The annual combined season limit of six deer will not change, but the number of antlered deer allowed in that total has been reduced from three to two.

"This change is a good step toward improving the structure of our deer herd," said Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Department. "A better age structure translates to a healthier population overall."

Also new for 2007, antlerless deer hunting zones in most of the state (antlerless deer zones 2-9) will be open to antlerless hunting every day during muzzleloader season (Oct. 27-Nov. 4) and gun season (Nov. 17-Dec. 2). Areas in antlerless harvest zone one, which includes most of the Panhandle, will be open to antlerless hunting Nov. 17 and Dec. 2 during gun season. Zone 10, which includes southeast Oklahoma, will be open to antlerless hunting Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 2-4 during muzzleloader season and Nov. 17, 24 and Dec. 2 during gun season.

Also new this year, hunters in zone two, which includes much of northwest and north central Oklahoma, will be allowed to harvest two does during muzzleloader and gun seasons. For a map showing the state's antlerless deer harvest zones, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting guide."

The special antlerless deer season will be open in most areas of the state Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30. Hunters in the central, southwest and northeast portions of Oklahoma previously enjoyed only three days during the special antlerless deer season. For specific areas open to the special antlerless deer season, consult the "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

"Additional doe days, more generous bag limits during muzzleloader and gun seasons and opening up the special antlerless deer season for more days in more areas means more chances to go hunting," Peoples said. "If hunters take advantage of this, our deer herd will benefit because the health of the herd and our buck-to-doe ratios will continue to improve."

Also new for 2007, youth hunting in the youth gun season will be allowed to take a buck, unlike in years past when only antlerless deer were permitted. Another change made to benefit youth hunters will allow anyone under 16 years old who has successfully completed the Department's Hunter Education course to participate in the state's Controlled Hunts for youth. Previously, Controlled Hunts for youth were limited to youth ages 12-14. Look for Controlled Hunts information on the Department's Website at wildlifedepartment.com around April 1.

"These changes are good for Oklahoma," said Peoples. "They offer many additional ways that deer hunters can share their heritage with family and friends while helping improve our deer herd, too."

The "2007-08 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" listing the new changes will be available this summer.

The new regulations must now pass through the legislative process and be signed by the governor. Look for complete details in the next Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Guides.

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 scheduled for 9 a.m. April 2 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

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Donations from angler clubs tripled by Sport Fish Restoration Dollars

The Lower Illinois River Public Fishing and Hunting Area is going to become an even better place to fish because of the generosity of several local and international angler groups.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recently accepted several donations from the 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited as well as the Tulsa Fly Fishers and Federation of Fly Fishers. Each group donated $1,500, and the 89er Chapter also donated a custom-made centennial seal to the Department at the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting held Monday at the Department headquarters. The financial donations are matched three to one by Federal Sport Fish Restoration dollars.

"These donations are going to be used on habitat improvement projects on the Lower Illinois River Public Fishing and Hunting Area," said Kim Erickson, fisheries chief for the Wildlife Department.

The 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited has donated a total of $21,000 since their inception, and the Tulsa Fly Fishers have donated a total of $12,000 for a total of $33,000 between the two.

"When you match that three to one with Sport Fish Restoration dollars, that means these groups have helped contribute close to $100,000 to wildlife conservation," Erickson said. "Their donations go a long way when it comes to improvements to fisheries habitats. We're grateful for their partnership and the effort they put into so many projects."

The Wildlife Department receives no general state tax revenues and is funded by sportsmen through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and special federal excise taxes on sporting goods.

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 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.

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Game wardens use special tools and tactics to break big cases

On any given night in November, there may be more than just stars in the sky. There may be game wardens with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation looking to catch poachers who are illegally taking wildlife.

"Using the airplane is just one of the special emphasis tools we employ to make the outdoors better for everyone to enjoy," said Larry Manering, Law Enforcement Chief with the Wildlife Department. "Operation Game Thief, our hotline where concerned sportsmen and citizens can report illegal behavior, is also an important tool."

According to Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties, using an airplane makes it difficult for poachers to hide their activities.

"We concluded a case not too long ago that came from plane work," Harvey said. "A group of wardens, using the plane and ground units with radio communication, saw two subjects on ATVs spotlighting a field."

Shane Fields, game warden stationed in Pittsburg Co., was inside the plane working as a spotter and radio communicator. Harvey, along with Game Wardens Eric Barnes, stationed Pushmataha Co., and Dru Polk, McCurtain Co., were in the area and responded to the scene. Upon further investigation, they discovered that three men had possession of illegally taken deer.

A fourth man fled but was tracked down the next day by game wardens using information obtained from the three men as well as through interviews with other individuals in the area. Though he tried to deny his involvement, the officers matched brand new equipment found on the ATVs the night before with its product packaging found in his vehicle. He ended up pleading guilty to four charges.

Citations were issued for multiple offenses, and the four men involved paid a combined total of more than $7,000 in fines and costs. The group had killed two fawns, which the Wildlife Department donated to a needy family.

Game wardens play the crucial role in making sure Oklahoma's game laws are observed, and in recent years, they have been using modern resources and thorough direct observation and investigative techniques to search out violators of game laws.

The work of a game warden involves everything from providing lake reports to helping biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation accomplish their wildlife management goals, but the most critical role of the job is to ensure compliance of wildlife laws and ensure sportsmen have an equal opportunity to enjoy hunting and fishing.

"Even though Oklahoma is home to many ethical sportsmen, you always have a few bad apples that show blatant disregard for Oklahoma's wildlife and the laws that regulate use of wildlife," said James Edwards, Jr., game warden stationed in Caddo Co. "We have to be innovative in our approach and careful in our investigations to make sure game law violators are caught. One case where we had to do some thorough investigating and interviewing took place recently in Comanche County."

The case Edwards, Jr. is referencing is the prosecution of an elk-killing ring near the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. Several individuals had been involved in activities including the unlawful hunting and killing of elk during closed season, illegal possession of wildlife parts and other violations.

Evidence seized included elk parts, firearms and ammunition, audio-taped interviews with guilty parties, numerous photographs from the investigation and bullet fragments taken from each of three illegally killed elk involved.

Other measures for protecting wildlife include the Operation Game Thief Reward program, a hotline (800-522-8039) that can be called to report violations of the state's game and fish laws. Callers are assigned a code and are not required to give their names.

Two Texans found out last fall just how well Operation Game Thief can work. With the deer archery season underway, Game Wardens Brady May and Tony Clark received an Operation Game Thief tip that two men were hunting deer illegally in the Tahlequah area.

After conducting extensive surveillance work on the suspects to confirm the report, May and Clark, both stationed in Cherokee Co., apprehended the two Texas hunters with six illegally taken whitetail deer.

"The two were almost ready to head back to Texas and had all six deer quartered and on ice ready for transport when they were apprehended," May said. "They had killed four bucks and two does with rifles out of season north of Tahlequah on private land. In addition, each defendant was charged for hunting without a non-resident license."

The two out-of-staters ended up pleading guilty and, through plea agreements with the Cherokee Co. district attorney's office, settled with a total of $6,000 in total fines and court costs and restitution. Each defendant will pay $2,000 in fines, and each will make restitution to the Wildlife Department by making a $1,000 contribution to the Operation Game Thief program. The Wildlife Department donated the meat from the poached deer to its Hunters Against Hunger program, where it will be dispersed to needy families through food distribution programs in the Tahlequah area.

"It's a shame that we sometimes have to deal with individuals who break our state's wildlife laws, but it's comforting for sportsmen to know game wardens are actively involved in stopping this kind of activity in Oklahoma," Edwards, Jr. said. "Sometimes we have to conduct interviews, collect evidence, take phone calls or use airplanes to do the job. That's just part of what we do. And the extra measures taken make things better for the many sportsmen who do it right."

Game wardens are some of the most recognized employees of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. A game warden's primary job is to enforce the fish and wildlife laws of the state. These laws ensure that all sportsmen continue to enjoy opportunities to hunt and fish for years to come.

In addition to their law enforcement duties, game wardens teach hunter education courses, submit weekly fishing reports from area lakes, assist fisheries and wildlife biologists in research projects and assist landowners with technical information on fish and wildlife habitat improvement.

Becoming a game warden is no easy task. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and must take a challenging employment exam. After prospective candidates are selected through interviews and background checks, their training begins at the Wildlife Department's headquarters in Oklahoma City. There they undergo five weeks of intensive training, including criminal law, arrest procedures and how to professionally contact the public. Next, new wardens attend 364 hours of training through the Council on Law Enforcement and Training (CLEET). After graduation, they are then paired with a field-training officer. The veteran officers work alongside the new wardens for 10 weeks before the wardens begin their first solo assignments.

The Wildlife Department employs about 120 game wardens, including at least one in every county of the state. To find a game warden working in your county, consult the current Oklahoma Hunting or Fishing Guide or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

"Most ethical sportsmen enjoy the outdoors legally in ways that benefit both themselves and wildlife, and that's the agency's goal," said Manering. "We will keep working toward that."

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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.

31-April 1: Youth spring turkey season

FISHING REPORT FOR MARCH 7, 2007

CENTRAL

Hefner: Water 42 and clear. Crappie slow around the dam on jigs. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Water 56 and murky. Catfish being caught on cut shad. Crappie being caught around docks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Thunderbird: Elevation 10 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 7-10 ft. around structure. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 5 1/2 - 6 ft. below normal, water 46-50 and slightly murky. Catfish fair to good on minnows, fresh cut baits, chicken liver and various stinkbaits in deeper water along main lake channel and back west among timbers. White bass fair on crankbaits at 8-10 ft. Largemouth bass fair on assorted brighter-colored soft plastics and on crankbaits at 8-10 ft. Report submitted by Ronnie Arganbright, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County.

NORTHEAST

Carl Blackwell: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 48 and murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Copan: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie good at 13-14 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, game warden, stationed in Washington County.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation normal, water 42 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms, jig and frig combo at 8 ft. off windy points and rocky ledges. White bass good on deep-diving crankbaits in the mouth of tributaries of the lake and main river channel. White bass staging at mouth of creeks in preparation for spawn. Channel catfish good on cut shad and whole shad on juglines along the edge of river and creek channels at 20 ft. Crappie are spotty at 12 ft. on minnows and jigs around brush Report submitted Don Cole, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Grand: Elevation normal and clear. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 10 ft. around docks. Channel catfish fair in river channels on rod and reel and juglines baited on cut or whole shad. White bass fair in lake tributaries on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on jigs, worms and crankbaits in creek channels. Channel catfish fair on cut bait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal and murky. Catfish fair to good on cut shad. Crappie fair to good on minnows near bottom around brush piles. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Hulah: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and fairly clear. Crappie good at 13-14 ft. on chartreuse or black/pink tube jigs fishing from the bank. Catfish fair to good on jug lines in or near the river channel. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Kaw: Elevation one ft. above normal, water mid-40s and clear. Crappie fishing is picking up at 20-22 ft. The warmer days of early March the crappie will move into 5-10 ft. in the afternoon. Crappie can be difficult to locate in March; due to changing water temperatures, the fish are relocating to spawning areas. Most crappie are being caught from brush piles that have been placed in areas close to natural structure, drop-offs and riprap. Both marinas on the lake are producing good numbers of crappie. The riprap on the Washunga Bay bridge and Sarge Creek bridge are historically good areas. Washunga bay has been producing the best the last part of February and first few days of March, although fishing is good from the upper Arkansas River to the dam. There are brush piles marked with fishing buoys. When fishing is done 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, the fish won't see your bait. Try two ft. with 1/8 oz. jigs with two-inch bodies. Ten-pound. super line (fire line) helps the abrasive effects of the zebra mussels. 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 between 5 - 30ft. 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 picked up with the recent release of water, with a few white bass showing up. It is time to start watching for white bass in the upper portions of Kaw Lake. Fish can be caught during spring break in the Arkansas River around the river bridge east of Newkirk, upstream and downstream. White bass spawn when the water temperature is between 50-55. Report submitted by Larry Green (580-761-4097), game warden stationed in Osage County.

Keystone: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water 45-50 and clear to murky. Largemouth and smallmouth fair on jig and chunk and jerk baits at 8-12 ft. off secondary points in coves. Spotted bass fair on shaky worm rigs and small crankbaits at 8-12 ft. around bluffs in coves. White bass good on spoons and 1/8 oz jigs at 3-8 ft. up rivers and creeks. Striped bass below the dam good on jerk baits and sassy shad at 2-6 ft. when discharging. Striped bass in the lake fair on live shad and big swim baits at 6-10 ft. along river channel. Channel catfish fair on worms and shrimp at 6-10 ft. in shallow coves and creeks. Blue catfish fair on shad and worms at 8-15 ft. in mouth of coves. Flathead catfish fair on live shad and goldfish at 10-15 ft. along riprap and bluffs. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at 8-20 ft. around ledges, shallow coves and brush piles. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation normal, water in mid to upper 40's and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 18-20 ft. Largemouth bass fair on jigs along south facing rock banks at 15-18 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation 12 ft. below normal, water 43-52 and clear. Crappie fair to good on jigs and minnows, in creek channels and on structure. Largemouth bass fair in relatively shallow water on jigs and crankbaits. Smallmouth bass fair to poor, suspended over deeper water on stick baits and crankbaits. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Sooner: White bass and striped bass hybrids fair trolling at 10-12 ft. and in the discharge channel on sassy shad and top water lures. Catfish fair on live and cut bait around Hwy 15. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Tenkiller: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 44-46 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on drop-offs with soft plastic baits. Smallmouth bass fair in feeder creeks on shad type plastic baits. Crappie fair in docks or brush on minnows or jigs at 15-20 ft. White bass slow with some action in the mouths of coves on jigging spoons. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on jigs and worms along shoreline and around brush structure. Channel catfish fair on stinkbait and 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.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation 8 ft. below normal. Crappie fair around brush piles. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on the lake side of the spillway. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Ft. Supply: Elevation below normal. Crappie fair on grubs along shoreline. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation normal, water 44-49 and stained. White bass are up in creeks on rattletraps. Crappie good off docks and brush piles. Bass fair to good using jig-n-pig, rattletraps and spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 53 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on minnows and flies. 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 1/2 ft. above normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits at 4-10 ft. around rocky areas. White bass slow. Blue catfish fair on shad at 4-15 ft. off the flats. Crappie fair on minnows at 10-12 ft. around docks and along riprap along I-40. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation slightly above normal, water 48 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair on live minnows. Blue catfish fair on liver and dead minnows. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits off points and along road beds at 6-10 ft. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair 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 ft. above normal, water 48 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures fished slowly over submerged humps. White bass fair on grubs fished along windy points. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Little change from past weeks, other than the powerhouse seems to be a bit more predictable. They have been releasing water daily during the morning. This means that fishing in zones two and three is now a viable possibility (if the powerhouse maintains the same schedule). Reports from zone two have been a little sparse, and reports from zone three have been non-existent. Trout in zone two are fair, with zone one reportedly having the most success. Best flies have been various forms of mayflies and Midge patterns, soft hackle flies, dry flies, griffiths gnats, hares ears, copper johns, pheasant tails and egg patterns. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

Pine Creek: Elevation normal and clear. Bass good on red crankbaits around points. Crappie good on jigs around brushy tops. Catfish fair on cut bait and liver. White bass fair on white beetle spins. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 43 and murky. Largemouth bass slow at 6-8 ft. using jigs and plastic baits fishing the riprapped jetties and rocky areas next to deeper water. Crappie good at 6 ft. using small minnows fishing the edges of the old creek channels. White bass fair at 10 ft. using jigs fishing below Webbers Falls and Kerr dams. Blue catfish good at 20-30 ft. using fresh cut bait fishing the deep areas next to the old river channel. 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 48 and clear. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass fair on spinnerbaits at 10-20 ft. near drop offs and points. Striped bass and white bass fair on live bait and cut shad at 15-25 ft. in the coves and river channels. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on live and cut shad at 20-30 ft. at Washita Point. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-20 ft. around underwater structure and brush piles. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8 ft. Channel catfish good. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Foss: Elevation 5 ft. below normal and clear. Striped bass hybrids and walleye fair around the dam. Crappie fair around docks and structure. 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.

Waurika: Elevation below normal, water 48 and muddy. Catfish slow to fair on punch bait and live bait. Crappie slow to fair around boat docks. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.

WATERFOWL REPORT FOR MARCH 7, 2007

Duck season is closed. Conservation Order Light Goose Season (COLGS) is open from February 19 to March 31. For zone maps and complete waterfowl hunting regulations log on to wildlifedepartment.com

NORTHEAST

Ft. Gibson: Lake level is 0.54 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is good, with smartweed, barnyard grass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo, and wheat in the area. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is low, with low success.

Webbers Falls: Lake level is 2.49 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is good, with smartweed, barnyard grass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is low, with low success.

[drbewley]

Phil,

Without reading through all of that, do they still allow using trout for bait?

[Phil Lilley]

Who are "they". Oklahoma?

[Rusty]

As far as I know they do, as does a state East of you drbewley.

How else are they going to catch stripers on the Illinois.

[Phil Lilley]

I don't know... I wouldn't think so.

[Rusty]

Confirmed, you can use trout as bait in both Oklahoma and Tennessee. Slot and length limits along with creel limits apply. However, in Tennessee you can purchase trout to use as bait, but you must have receipt proving you purchased them. Not proud of it though.