Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

Wildlife Department hosts summer fishing clinics

Parents and children can learn about one of the state’s most popular recreation activities as a family this summer at more than 100 fishing clinics across the state, including a number to be held near Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's special conservation education area at Lake Arcadia.

To view a schedule of the Wildlife Department's fishing clinics, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. At Lake Arcadia, family fishing clinics are scheduled every Tuesday through Sept. 4 at the Lake Arcadia Conservation Education Area. The clinics are open to all ages and offer educational opportunities in fish identification, knot tying, fish cleaning, fishing tackle selection and use as well as outdoor ethics.

“These events are set up through the Wildlife Department’s Aquatic Resources Education Program,” said Damon Springer, aquatic resources education coordinator for the Department. “They promote the sport of angling and allow youth who have never been fishing a chance to learn not only about how to catch fish, but also about the environments where fish live.”

The Aquatic Resources Education Program was established in 1988 to increase the understanding, appreciation and awareness of Oklahoma’s aquatic resources and to facilitate the learning of angling skills, outdoor ethics and sportfishing opportunities in the state. Other objectives of the program include inhancing urban fishing opportunities, developing adult fishing clinics and seminars and providing information on specialized fishing techniques.

The Lake Arcadia Family Fishing Clinics run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each week at the Arcadia Conservation Education Area, consisting of property leased to the Wildlife Department. The area offers year-round walk-in fishing access to Arcadia Lake (but not in area ponds), and is located on the south side of the lake. For more information about opportunities in the area, call Springer at (405) 521-4603.

“The fishing clinics are completely free, and you don’t need a fishing license to participate,” Springer said. “All you have to do is pre-register.”

To pre-register for a Lake Arcadia Family Fishing Clinic, or for directions to the event site, call (405) 521-3855. Other frequent locations for aquatic resources education clinics include Jenks Aquarium’s Zebco Pond, Dolese Youth Park Pond and others across the state. To learn more, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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Wildlife Department selected to receive national grant

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recently was selected to receive a $25,000 grant from a national shooting sports organization for communication efforts aimed at letting hunters — and those who might want to hunt — know about the new apprentice hunting license designation option.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a major firearms trade organization, chose Oklahoma along with several others to receive grants.

“We really wanted to to do some extra things to let people know about this new apprentice-designated hunting license option,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Wildlife Department. “It provides a way for beginners to go hunting under the supervision of a qualified adult hunter.”

Later this year, the Wildlife Department will launch a radio campaign announcing the availability of apprentice-designated hunting licenses. The campaign will be funded by the recent grant and will invite those who have never taken a hunter education course to go hunting under the supervision of a licensed hunter.

The new apprentice designation is a result of House Bill 1042, approved last season by the Legislature and signed by the governor. The bill modifies hunter education requirements to encourage more interest in hunting.

The bill permits people 16 and older who have not completed the Wildlife Department’s hunter education course to purchase regular hunting licenses with an “apprentice” designation. A licensed hunter 21 years old or older who possesses a hunter education certificate, or a person 21 years old or older who is exempt from hunter education requirements or license requirements, must accompany apprentice-designated license holders in the field. The accompanying hunter must remain within arm’s reach of the apprentice hunter when hunting large game and within sight of the apprentice when hunting small game.

People under 16 years old who hunt any large game must complete the Department’s hunter education course before hunting, but they can hunt small game without hunter education certification when supervised by an adult who meets the qualifications of an accompanying hunter. If they are hunter certified, they can hunt alone and must carry their hunter education card while afield. Hunters under 16 years of age who have completed hunter education certification can buy a turkey license and hunt alone as well (except during youth turkey season, when youth season regulations still apply), but turkey licenses held by uncertified hunters under 16 years of age will be marked with the apprentice designation. Hunters 36 years and older are exempt from hunter education requirements in Oklahoma. Other exemptions include those honorably discharged from or currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or members of the National Guard.

“These changes will increase opportunities for responsible adults and require supervision for young, uncertified hunters who would be safer in the field if accompanied by an adult,” Rodefeld said.

Rodefeld said the Wildlife Department’s radio campaign is expected to hit airwaves in early November.

For more information about purchasing hunting license, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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Shooting sports open to public at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

The third annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, slated for Sept. 28-30, will feature nearly 200 hands-on activities, including several opportunities for guests to try their hand at popular shooting sports.

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 the appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

“The Expo is a great place to discover shooting sports,” said Todd Craighead, host of Outdoor Oklahoma Television, the Wildlife Department’s official TV show. “Visitors who try shotgun and pellet gun shooting or archery should be aware that they could be finding themselves a new lifelong hobby. Whether you are just target shooting, hunting or even competing against others, shooting sports are just plain fun. And at the Expo, you can try them for free. It doesn’t matter if you are the best marksman in your hunting camp or even just a beginner.”

Instructors with the Wildlife Department’s Shotgun Training and Education Program (STEP) will be on hand giving participants an opportunity to shoot clay targets. Expo attendees will also be able to participate in an interactive Oklahoma Archery in the Schools demonstration. This ever-growing Wildlife Department program helps schools teach students about archery by incorporating it into the physical education curriculum.

The free Wildlife Expo, which has drawn more than 80,000 people from around the state over the last two years, will offer hands-on learning opportunities at nearly 200 booths and activities. The Expo is designed as an entertaining and educational event for both avid outdoor enthusiasts and those new to hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Every visitor will be sure to find something that interests them, from live butterflies to mountain bike riding to dog training and even sampling wild game meat.

The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. 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 about activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, or to see how you can win one of several prizes thanks to the generosity of Expo sponsors, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JULY

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 starts 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

24: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic at Arcadia Con. Ed Area. To register, contact Damon Springer at (405) 521-3855.

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

28: Green Country Quail Forever is sponsoring the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Step Shoot in Tulsa. This event is open to both youth and adults. The event starts at 7:30 a.m. and goes until 2:30 p.m. at Woods and Water Club (east of Tulsa on Highway 412, signs will be posted). For more information contact Keith Lindsay at (918) 251-0023 or Carl Brown at (918) 242-3742.

31: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic at Arcadia Con. Ed Area. To register contact Damon Springer at (405) 521-3855.

FISHING REPORT FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2007

CENTRAL

Overholser: Water 86 and murky. Channel catfish being caught on cut bait and stinkbait along shoreline. Crappie being caught on jigs around docks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Hefner: Water 85 and clear. Largemouth bass being caught on plastic worms and spinnerbaits along shoreline and from boats. White bass being caught on minnows, jigs and topwater lures along shoreline and from boats. Channel catfish being caught on punch baits, stinkbaits and cut baits along shoreline. Crappie being caught on jigs around docks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

NORTHEAST

Birch: Elevation 9 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms at 8-12 ft. Striped bass hybrids good on main lake. Crappie fair on minnows at 12-15 ft. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Bell Cow: Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms. Channel catfish slow. Crappie good on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Chandler: Elevation above normal, water muddy. Largemouth bass slow. Channel catfish slow. Crappie fair on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Copan: Elevation 17 ft. above normal. The flood control pool is 68.44% full. Copan Point and Osage Plains are closed. All campgrounds are open but 30+ sites are closed. Water is muddy. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, game warden stationed in Washington 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 crankbaits off rocky points. Bluegill good on crickets and worms around grass beds. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 26 ft. above normal, water 83 and clear. White bass fair to good on minnows and jigs around bridges and mud flats. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait and shad around bridges and mud flats. Use extreme caution on the lake and watch for debris. Report submitted by Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along shoreline and at creek channels. Channel catfish good on cut bait and stinkbait on bottom and at spillway. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at brush structure and fishing docks. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hulah: Elevation 27 ft. above normal. The flood control pool is 76.55% full. Wa-Sha-She State Park is closed. Some boat ramps and campsites are under water. Water is muddy. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Kaw: Elevation above normal and rising. Most ramps are closed due to high water. No fishing along banks due to high water. White bass excellent on green feather jigs below dam. Striped bass excellent on four-inch sassy shad in chartreuse or pearl below dam. Striped bass hybrids excellent on green feather jigs below dam. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Keystone: Elevation 27 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 buck tails and sassy shad at 3-8 ft. below dam. Channel catfish fair on worms at 4-8 ft. below dam. Blue catfish fair on cut shad at 4-10 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 20 ft. above normal and falling slowly, water low 70s and muddy. All parks and ramps are still closed on the lake, except Hawthorne (Campground Only) is open. White bass fair on jigs below dam. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation 7 ¼ ft. above normal, water in low 80s and clearing at lower end. Upper end muddy. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8-12 ft. in creeks, at docks and Hwy 20 Bridge. Largemouth bass slow to fair on crankbaits in shallow water around cover. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Catfish good on cut baits and large minnows in the creeks. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Sooner: White bass good on topwater lures. Striped bass hybrids good on live shad, slabs and trolling at 14 ft. Crappie good on brush structures at 20 ft. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation slightly above normal, water 86 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 6 ft. above normal, water 82 and clear. Catfish fair on flip flops at 15-25 ft. on cut baits and on stinkbaits off points at 18-21 ft. Crappie slow with some action at 25 ft. around brush on jigs or trolling at 30 ft. on deep running lures. Sunfish good on worm-tipped jigs near docks. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation 5 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits at creek channels. Channel catfish good on cut bait on bottom and at mud flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at bridges and brush structures. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. above normal. White bass, striped bass hybrids and walleye fair drifting shad and slabs. Channel catfish good in upper end of lake in newly flooded areas on cut bait and live bait. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

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

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 6 ft. above normal, water 85 and very stained. Crappie biting on marked brush piles at 12-15 ft. on minnows and jigs. White bass are chasing shad in mid lake. Bass fair shallow on topwater and flukes and deep on Carolina-rig. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation 3-4 in. above normal, water 73 and murky. Largemouth bass slow on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver and worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Eufaula: Elevation 12 1/2 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms in flooded willows. White bass good on jigs below dam. Blue catfish good on shad below dam. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 30 ft. above normal, water 79 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair on live minnows. Blue catfish fair on chicken liver. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 91 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms and topwater lures at 4-8 ft. on weed beds. Channel catfish good on shad and chicken livers at 5-10 ft. in south cove. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Fishing has been relatively good in the Park. Bait fishing in the "blue zone" has been good, fly fishing in the "red zone" has been good. Midges have been good fly patterns most of the day, with mayfly patterns working well late in the day. Elk hair caddis will sometime get the job done. Various hares ear, soft hackles, wooly buggers and copper johns will also work. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

McGee Creek: Elevation 17 1/2 ft. above normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures in flooded timber. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Murray. Elevation above normal, water 88 and murky. Bass good on worms, soft crankbaits, and plastic jerk baits. White bass biting early morning and later afternoon on surface. Channel catfish good on stinkbait, cut bait and worms. 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, liver and night crawlers. 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 normal, water 81 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on topwater baits early morning and evening, plastic baits during the mid-day at 4-6 ft. around the weed, wood and rock cover. Crappie fair at 8-10 ft. using minnows fishing the old creek channels. White bass fair at 6-10 ft. using shad-imitation crankbaits trolling in the Applegate cove area. Blue and flathead catfish fair at 5-8 ft. using fresh cut bait and live bait fishing the rocky areas on trotlines and juglines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardiss: 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, lake is still flooded, water 79 and murky to muddy. There is very little access to the lake for boating, and boating is discouraged at this time. Striped bass are being caught on live bait on the south end of the lake. Catfish are being caught on the Washita River in the north end of the lake. It has been estimated that with no more rain and a steady discharge from the flood gates it will be early August before a few of the ramps might be open for public use again. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation 17 ft. above normal and muddy. Largemouth bass slow. Crappie fair on live minnows around timber. Channel catfish fair on cut baits with jugs and trotlines. Flathead catfish fair on live sunfish with trotline. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game Warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation above normal, with several flood control gates open, and water is flowing over spillway. Striped bass hybrids are becoming more active in the lake. Walleyes fair in numbers but large ones are being caught. Fish are still biting in the river. Large catfish, some striped bass hybrids and goldeye are being caught near the low water bridge. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.

Ellsworth: Elevation full with six floodgates open. Catfish good behind dam on cut bait. White bass and striped bass hybrids good behind dam on jigs and spoons. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss Lake: Elevation 1 ft. above normal with two gates open, water 78 and clear. White bass surfacing in late evening hours and good. Striped bass hybrids good. Walleye and catfish fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Ft. Cobb: Elevation 5 1/4 ft. above normal, water 84 and murky. Striped bass hybrids fair. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut shad with juglines. Report submitted by Gary Roller, game warden stationed in Caddo County.

Waurika: Elevation above normal, water 73 and clear. White and striped hybrid bass good on white and pearl-colored jigs along spillway. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait, live bait and punch bait. Fishing is limited due to closed boat ramps and limited shoreline. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.