Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release: July 12, 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

Quail Forever donation accepted; early migratory bird regulations set

Clinton attorney named to Wildlife Commission

Controlled hunt results available online July 19

Toss a tomahawk at this year’s Wildlife Expo

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Quail Forever donation accepted; early migratory bird regulations set

Oologah Wildlife Management Area’s quail habitat will improve thanks to a generous donation to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to accept a donation of $2,500 from the Indian Territory Chapter of Quail Forever at its regular meeting July 9 in Oklahoma City. According to its Web site, Quail Forever is “dedicated to the conservation of quail, pheasants and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.”

“This is a great donation from Quail Forever,” said Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Wildlife Department. “These types of efforts and contributions from groups like Quail Forever help the Department provide better habitat for wildlife and better hunting for sportsmen.”

The $2,500 will be used to help purchase a no-till drill and a 12’ disc to conduct quail habitat improvement activities on Oologah WMA. Oologah WMA covers 12,941 acres in Nowata and Rogers counties in northeastern Oklahoma.

The Commission also voted to apply for a donation of 605 acres of property from the General Services Administration (GSA) in eastern Osage Co. The land is the last remnant of the former Candy Lake project currently being disposed of by GSA through the National Park Service’s Federal Lands to Parks Program. The Commission’s approval completes the application process for the Department to be considered for receiving the land donation.

Peoples said the land, if donated to the Department, would be used for controlled youth hunts and will be open for small game hunting as well. He said it also offers several benefits for sportsmen.

“This land is close to the Tulsa metro, it offers fishing access to Candy Creek and it’s within a 35-mile radius of seven other wildlife management areas,” Peoples said.

In other business, the Commission voted to establish hunting regulations for September teal and September special resident Canada goose, dove, rail, gallinule, woodcock and common snipe. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers populations and habitats for establishing hunting seasons on migratory game bird seasons that open prior to Oct. 1 at an annual meeting in June each year. The Service publishes the federal hunting season frameworks for these species soon after this meeting, and state conservation agencies like the Wildlife Department can then make their season selections within the federal framework guidelines.

“There are only a couple of slight changes to dove and resident Canada goose regulations,” Peoples said. “The slated changes increase opportunity for doves in southwest Oklahoma and potential for success during the resident Canada goose season. For doves, there is a newly-established southwest zone that will have a reduced daily bag limit of 12 doves rather than the 15 permitted everywhere else statewide. The bag reduction allowed us to add an additional 10 days in December and January in the southwest zone. Hunters participating in the resident Canada goose season will be allowed to hunt with unplugged shotguns, hunt 30 minutes after sunset and use electronic calls.”

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 slated for 9 a.m. Aug. 6 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

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Clinton attorney named to Wildlife Commission

Clinton attorney Mart Tisdal has been named by Gov. Brad Henry to serve the remainder of the district seven Wildlife Commission term vacated by Wade Brinkman’s resignation.

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. Commission district seven includes Ellis, Dewey, Roger Mills, Custer, Beckham, Washita, Kiowa, Greer, Jackson, Harmon and Tillman counties.

Tisdal, whose current appointment on the Commission runs until 2011, was born and raised in Clinton and founded Tisdal Law Firm, a general practice legal office which has oil and gas, environmental law and complex litigation among its areas of focus. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma. In addition to receiving numerous professional awards, he has served as the president of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation. He is also a veteran, having served on active duty in the U.S. Army, field artillery, from 1971-73.

An avid quail hunter, Tisdal says he has many fond memories of growing up in western Oklahoma.

“I started out hunting quail with my dad and granddad when I was about seven or eight years old,” he said. “My first shotgun was a .410, but I quickly graduated to a 20-gauge Browning Auto Five which I still use to this day. My dad, at 87 years young, accompanies us on several family quail hunts each year. He can still shoot with the best of them.”

In addition to training what he calls his “four hard-headed pointers,” Tisdal enjoys turkey hunting, fishing, golf, running, snow skiing, and just being outdoors. He also has a keen interest in wildlife conservation. Tisdal and his wife, Marian, have a daughter, Julia, and son, Logan. He says sharing Oklahoma’s outdoor heritage with the next generation is an important part of the future of conservation.

“Preserving and passing on the outdoor tradition is important to me,” he said. “We need to ensure even greater open access to outdoor opportunities, and market those opportunities in such a way that we continue, and even improve upon, our outdoor traditions.

“I think our outdoor opportunities exist today because of many people who have worked for the Wildlife Department and dedicated their careers to that cause. Certainly, there are ways to expand those opportunities, and I think that should always be a part of the agenda.”

****Photo*****

Editor’s note: Below is a link for an accompanying photo that is 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...isdal_large.jpg

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

Credit: wildlifedepartment.com

Caption: Clinton attorney Mart Tisdal has been named by Gov. Brad Henry to serve on the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission for the remainder of the district seven term vacated by Wade Brinkman’s resignation.

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Controlled hunt results available online July 19

Applicants can find out if they were drawn for any of the hunts offered through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Controlled Hunt program beginning 8 a.m. July 19 by logging onto the Department’s web site at wildlifedepartment.com.

Once applicants log on to the Web site, they can click on the "Controlled Hunts Results" banner and enter their last name, birthday, and the number they used on the original application (either their Social Security or driver’s license number). The system will only access the Controlled Hunts results database when the correct number matches with the hunter’s other information.

“This service is free, easy and efficient,” said Melinda Sturgess-Streich, assistant director of administration and finance for the Wildlife Department. “With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can find out if you drew out on that highly sought after hunt of a lifetime.”

Sportsmen without readily available Internet access can check their results at computer terminals available at the Department's headquarters and regional offices during those offices’ regular business hours. In addition, many local libraries offer Internet access to library cardholders. Applicants should check with their local library for Internet services and user-policies. Successful applicants will also be notified by mail.

The opportunity to hunt on some of Oklahoma’s most unique and desirable hunting properties have made the Department’s controlled hunts program one of the most popular programs in the country.

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Toss a tomahawk at this year’s Wildlife Expo

Oklahomans can get a taste of America’s early days by pitching a genuine tomahawk at this year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo slated for Sept. 28-30 at the Lazy E Arena north of Oklahoma City.

The tomahawk is a multi-purpose tool dating back to the Colonial days. English, Dutch, French and Native American traders placed value on the tomahawk as a tool and weapon. The popularity of the tomahawk continued thru the Rocky Mountain fur trade era and remains a popular event at modern day rendezvous Native Americans made similar tools made of stone, and Expo visitors will have the chance to view these historic artifacts while trying their hand at pitching a tomahawk.

“Not only are you going to be able to look at these tomahawks, you’ll get a chance to throw them at a bullseye, too,” said John Stahl, northwest region fisheries supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and one of hundreds of Wildlife Department employees and other volunteers working to make the Expo happen. “This new Expo activity offers just one more way people can have a great time enjoying Oklahoma’s outdoor heritage. Those who are too young to throw a tomahawk can try their hand at the goose knocking booth, where you throw a long, dull-pointed rod at a goose-shaped target. The Expo is a great family event because it offers something for everyone. It’s also absolutely free!”

Pitching a tomahawk is one of several brand new attractions at the third annual Wildlife Expo and one of more than 200 hands-on activities that will be available. Other new highlights include music from country star Blake Shelton and shopping opportunities at the Outdoor Marketplace, a huge tent where the state’s outdoor-related businesses will be selling outdoor equipment, merchandise and services.

This year’s Expo will also feature popular attractions like wild game calling, shotgun and archery shooting, atlatl-throwing, mountain biking, dog training and performances, wildlife art, ATV riding, wild game meat tasting and more.

“Visitors from previous years wouldn’t be surprised that the Wildlife Expo is the largest indoor and outdoor recreational event in the state,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Wildlife Department. “And this year’s Expo will be the biggest so far. You won’t run out of things to see and try.”

This year’s Expo also features prizes from sponsors such as P & K Equipment, who is giving away a John Deere Gator. Log on to wildlifedepartment.com in the coming weeks to find out how to win prizes and to stay up on all the details of this year’s Expo.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Expo hours will be from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information regarding activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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White bass kill reported at Waurika Lake

Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation have received reports of a number of dead white bass at Waurika Lake, and though recent heavy rains and lake conditions have limited research opportunities, biologists are working to understand just what killed the fish.

“We want people to know that we are aware of the white bass kill at Waurika Lake, and we are monitoring the situation closely,” said Larry Cofer, southwest region fisheries supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “The disease that was killing them seems to have run its course because there doesn’t appear to be any significant number of fish continuing to die. The bigger problem right now is that recent weather is limiting the amount of research we can do on the water.”

Cofer said biologists cannot thoroughly research the loss of white bass — one of Oklahoma’s most popular sport fish — because boat ramps have been closed due to heavy rains, and lake access is currently limited to shorelines.

“"Based on the signs and the fact that only white bass seem to have been killed, we can rule out pollution. Similar fish kills have affected other state lakes in the past, such as Tenkiller, Texoma, Foss, Altus-Lugert and Ft. Cobb, and lakes have been affected in Kansas and South Dakota” Cofer said. “In these cases, the condition has run its course and not returned. Thankfully, Waurika has abundant populations of white bass, and though we are concerned and unsure of exactly how many white bass were killed at this point, the number doesn’t appear to be significant in terms of the total number of white bass in the lake. In the fall, we’ll survey the fish populations and will have a little better idea of exactly how much the lake has been affected.”

Cofer said no apparent impact to hybrid striped bass — a cross between the white bass and striped bass — has been observed.

Officials with the Wildlife Department first learned of the fish kill through reports from concerned members of the public.

“We’re glad the public is concerned because that’s how we caught wind of this,” Cofer said. “We want everyone to know that we are watching the situation closely, and we encourage people to continue helping the Department by reporting unusual observations in the outdoors.”

According to Cofer, there is no known impact to humans when eating healthy white bass caught from lakes experiencing similar fish kills, and anglers should continue enjoying the fishing at Waurika Lake .

“The recent rains may have put some limitations on anglers across the state recently, but I am confident that the high water is going to make fishing great all over the state this summer and for years to come, including Waurika Lake,” Cofer said.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JULY

16: Centennial Bison Tour at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This bus tour departs the headquarters at 5:30 p.m. Reservation are required and $5 per person will be collected at the beginning of the tour. For more information or to make reservations contact the Refuge Headquarters at (580) 429-3222.

16 & 17 & 19: 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.

18 & 19: Hunter Education: Francis Tuttle 1400A (12777 N Rockwell), OKC; 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (405) 521-4636.

21: Under Cover of Darkness Tour at the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. This bus tour and short walk will depart from the headquarters at 8 p.m. For more information contact the Refuge at (580) 429-3222.

21: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic: Dolese Youth Park Pond, OKC Parks and Rec. To register contact Bob Martin at (405) 755-4014.

21 & 22: Backwoods Bowhunters 3-D Archery Shoots (located seven and a half miles west of Hwy 4 on Britton Rd. between Yukon and El Reno). Shoot start at 8 a.m. Books close at 2 p.m. Scores in by 4 p.m. Cost is $10. Contact Johnny Pappan at (405) 350-1551 or Pat Finnigan (405) 262- 7559 or e-mail jnlpappan@sbcglobal.net

28: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic at Crystal Lake. To register contact OKC Parks and Rec Bob Martin at (405) 755-4014.

FISHING REPORT FOR JULY 11, 2007

CENTRAL

Hefner: Elevation above normal and clear. Largemouth bass being caught on spinnerbaits, plastic worms and jigs along the shoreline and the boat marina. Channel catfish being caught on stinkbaits, cut baits and minnows along the shoreline and shallow grassy areas. Crappie being caught on minnows and jigs around docks and trolling jigs and crankbaits and on minnows and jigs off points. Blue gill are being caught off the spawning beds. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Water murky. Striped bass hybrids being caught below the dam. Channel catfish being caught along the rocky shoreline on cut bait and stinkbait. Crappie being caught around docks and along shoreline. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: Elevation above normal and muddy. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and spinnerbaits. Channel catfish good on worms and dough baits. Crappie fair on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game stationed in Lincoln County.

Chandler: Elevation above normal and muddy. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and spinnerbaits. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and stinkbait. Crappie fair on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Eucha: Elevation slightly above normal, water 85 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 10-12 ft. Largemouth bass fair on Carolina rigged plastic baits off rocky points. Bluegill good on crickets and worms around weed beds. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 27 1/3 ft. above normal, water 80 and murky. All boat ramps are closed. Channel catfish good in flooded fields. Report submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Greenleaf: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits along shorelines and creek channels. Channel catfish good on cut baits and stinkbaits on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-15 ft. at brush structures. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation 10 ft. above normal. Channel and blue catfish good on cut shad and worms. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Kaw: Lake closed to boat fishing due to rising waters. Channel catfish and crappie fair below dam. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Keystone: Elevation 29 1/2 ft. above normal, water muddy. White bass good on tube jigs and minnows at 2-4 ft. below dam. Striped bass fair on bucktails and sassy shad at 4-8 ft. below dam. Channel catfish fair on worms at 6-10 ft. below dam. Blue catfish fair on cut shad at 6-10 ft. below dam. Flathead catfish good on goldfish at 6-10 ft. below dam. Crappie fair on tube jigs and minnows at 4-8 ft. below dam. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody’s Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 25 ft. above normal, water muddy. All boat ramps and parks are still closed and will be for some time. White bass fair on jigs below dam. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Spavinaw: Elevation slightly above normal, water 85 and dingy. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair using jerk baits. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 5 1/5 ft. above normal, water 81 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on soft bass jigs at 2-10 ft. and on topwaters early and late. Catfish fair on rocky points at 18-21 ft. with stinkbaits and on juglines with cut bait. Sunfish good on night crawlers in and around docks. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation 6 ft. above normal, water murky to muddy. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits along creek channels. Channel catfish good on cut baits, stinkbaits and sunfish on mudflats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs along creek channels and at brush structures. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: White bass, striped bass hybrids and walleye fair in lake side of spillway on jigs and slabs and fair drifting shad, night crawlers and slabs over submerged islands. Channel catfish good in upper end of lake on cut bait and live bait. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Ft. Supply: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water clear. White bass good on jigs and spinnerbaits along dam. Channel catfish good on stinkbait. Walleye fair on jigs and spinnerbaits below dam. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. above normal and dropping, water 81. Crappie still good at brush piles. White bass chasing shad all over lake on 1/4 oz. rattle trap and topwater. Bass good early using topwaters. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation 3 ft. above, water 75 and muddy. Catfish slow on liver, worms and stinkbait. Bass slow on minnows and flies. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Elevation 8-9 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good off points and in the mouths of creeks on soft plastics and grubs. Channel catfish are being caught on trotlines and juglines baited with cut baits. Crappie good around standing timber and structure in the upper end of the lake on minnows and jigs. Walleye fair in the late evenings off points on crankbaits and five inch grubs. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 12 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits flipping the flooded willows. White bass good on jigs below the dam. Blue catfish good on shad below the dam. Crappie slow. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 20 ft. above normal, water 79 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and soft plastic lures. Crappie fair on live minnows. Blue catfish fair on earthworms and liver. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 89 and clear. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures, plastic worms at 4-8 ft. off points and in weed beds. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, shad off points and in south cove at 10 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Trout poor due to the rain and high and muddy water. The good news is that spillway creek is clearing up quickly, so fishing that area is still an option. Lots of mayflies and midges hatching. Before the latest rainfall, folks were catching lots of fish using light colored mayflies (both dry and wet versions), midge patterns, elk hair caddis and wooly bugger flies were also working. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

McGee Creek: Elevation 16 1/3 ft. above normal, water 80 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures along weed beds. Channel catfish fair over baited holes on stinkbait and punch bait. Crappie fair on minnows over cedar brush. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Murray: Elevation normal. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on various lures. Channel catfish good on stinkbait and shrimp. Flathead catfish slow on live bait. Crappie and walleye slow. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.

Pine Creek: Elevation high, water muddy. Some anglers are catching catfish on trotlines along the shorelines in the flooded timber with catalpa worms. Boaters should exercise caution due to debris floating in the lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation above normal, water 80 and murky. Largemouth bass fair at 4-8 ft. using topwater baits early morning and late evening on soft plastic baits and spinner baits during the day. Crappie fair at 8-10 ft. using minnows fishing the old creek channels. White bass fair at 8 ft. using crankbaits trolling in the Applegate Cove area. Blue and flathead catfish fair at 3-6 ft. using fresh cut bait and live bait on juglines and trotlines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation 5 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and artificial lures in creek channels. White bass good trolling around islands. Channel catfish good on cut shad on juglines and trotlines. Crappie fair on minnows around bridges and brush piles. Walleye good. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 21 ft. above normal and slowly rising, water 79 and clear to muddy. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on spinnerbaits at 5-20 ft. along shorelines. Striped and white bass fair to good on live bait, sassy shad, slabs and surface lures at 5-30 ft. on the south end of the lake. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on worms, cut bait and live bait at 10-15 ft. on the Washita river arm. Crappie and sunfish and all other species slow. Most if not all boat launching area closed and boating is highly discouraged at this time due to heavy debris coming down river systems into the lake. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation 12 1/2 ft. above normal and muddy. Largemouth bass slow. Crappie fair on live minnows at timber. Channel catfish fair on cut baits with jugs and trotline. Flathead catfish fair on live sunfish with trotline. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation normal. Flood control gates are closed but water is flowing over spillway. Fishing in the lake has slowed considerably. Fish are still biting in the river (near low water bridge). Primarily catfish (big ones), gar and goldeye. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.

Ellsworth: Elevation normal with 9 floodgates open. Catfish good behind the dam on cut shad and shad gizzards. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 1 1/4 ft. above normal, water 70’s and clear. Striped bass hybrids slow on live bait. Walleye and catfish fair. Crappie slow. Two gates open. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

[brownieman]

At least an effort is being made to help a diminishing species due to hunting pressue, loss of habitat, etc.

Hope the donatee's monitor the efforts to ensure the donation is being wisely used. I hope this effort gives good results. IMO too often the money is, well...you know.