Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

August 3, 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

August 31 deadline to apply for bonus youth deer hunts

Pre-register for Expo and win a John Deere Gator

Duck blind drawings slated

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

August 31 deadline to apply for bonus youth deer hunts

Beginning deer hunters have a unique opportunity to participate in four youth controlled antlerless deer hunts that will take place on private lands in several Oklahoma counties. Applications must be received at the Wildlife Department by 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, 2007.

The hunts are scheduled for either October or January. This year, 52 bonus antlerless deer gun licenses will be drawn for youth 12 to 16 years of age who have completed their hunter education requirements.

"These hunts are on private property and should provide young hunters a great opportunity to see some deer as well as a chance to harvest a doe," said Bill Dinkines, assistant chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission has endorsed the youth hunt program and we are thankful for the landowners' willingness to allow these kids the opportunity to hunt on their property.”

To apply for a hunt, applicants must send the Department a 4” by 6” index card titled "Private Lands Youth Deer Hunts." The card should provide the hunter's name, date of birth, mailing address, telephone number, hunter education certification number, social security or driver’s license number, their order of hunt preferences (may list all 4 hunts) and lifetime license number if applicable. A non-hunting adult who is at least 21 years old must accompany the youth, and must also be listed on the index card. The envelope should be labeled “Private Lands Youth Deer Hunt” and should be mailed to: Department of Wildlife, Attn: Wildlife Division-Youth Deer Hunts, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.

Hunts will be offered in Ellis County (Oct. 12-13), Osage County (Oct. 12-14), Craig County (Oct. 14), Alfalfa County (Jan. 11-13).

The drawing will be held Sept. 7, and successful applicants will receive a notification letter in the mail about their hunt the following week. The letter will inform them of their selection and provide details about the hunt and license requirements. Selected resident youth will need to purchase a $10 resident youth deer gun license unless they possess an Oklahoma resident lifetime hunting or resident lifetime combination license. Selected nonresidents will need to purchase a $201 nonresident deer gun license. The youth's non-hunting adult does not need a license. Any antlerless deer harvested during the controlled hunt will be considered a bonus deer and will not count against the youth’s combined season limit.

For additional information concerning the hunts, contact the Wildlife Department at (405) 521-2739.

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Pre-register for Expo and win prizes

Individuals who pre-register for and attend the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s third annual Wildlife Expo have a chance to win one of several prizes thanks to the Expo’s generous sponsors.

“They’re giving away a John Deere Gator, lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, guided trips and a lot of other cool stuff,” said Blake Shelton, Oklahoma-based country music star and avid sportsman who will be at the Expo Sept. 30. “I was just sorry to hear I’m not eligible to win anything.”

The Expo is slated for Sept. 28-30 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, and is designed to celebrate the state’s diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Other prizes also will be given away during the Expo, which will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“Even though the Expo is scheduled for Sept. 28-30, you have to pre-register for the event now in order to win the John Deere Gator utility vehicle,” said Micah Holmes, information supervisor for the Wildlife Department and one of hundreds of employees working on the event. “All you need to do is log on to wildlifedepartment.com and pre-register. When you do that, your name is automatically entered into the drawing.”

Starting Sept. 4, participants also can register for the hunter education clinic featured at this year’s Expo.

“Sept. 4 also marks the first day people can register for the unique Wildlife Department Fisheries Management Field Trip,” Holmes said.

The fisheries field trip includes a pontoon boat ride on Guthrie City Lake to see firsthand how fisheries biologists collect population data to help them create and sustain fisheries all over Oklahoma.

“This Expo will be the biggest and best we’ve had yet, and with chances to win a utility vehicle, hunting licenses, Buster boats and other great prizes, there’s no reason not to be a part of it,” Holmes said. “Log on to wildlifedepartment.com to keep updated and to pre-register. Someone is going to win, and you can’t win if you don’t sign up.”

More than 200 booths and different activities have already been confirmed for this year’s Expo. From shotgun and archery shooting to canoeing, kayaking, wild game tasting, mountain biking, seminars and more, there will be plenty to see and experience during the free three-day event.

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, including both avid and beginner outdoorsmen.

To learn more about the Expo and the Wildlife Department, or to pre-register, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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Duck blind drawings slated

Drawings for permanent duck blinds at Fort Gibson, Eufaula, Webbers Falls, Waurika and W.D. Mayo will take place Saturday, Sept. 22.

Anyone wanting a permanent blind permit must be 16 years of age and they must be present at the drawings.

Registration and drawings for duck blinds at Fort Gibson, Eufaula and Webbers Falls will take place at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation field office in Porter, located between Wagoner and Muskogee on Hwy. 69. Registration and drawings for Fort Gibson will be at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., respectively; for Eufaula, 9:30 and 10:30, respectively; and for Webbers Falls, noon and 1 p.m., respectively.

Drawings for Waurika will be at 9 a.m. at the Corps of Engineers office at the Waurika Lake dam.

The drawing for duck blinds at W.D. Mayo will be at 10 a.m. at the Spiro City Council Chamber, 510 South Main St. (located at the south end of Main).

Applicants must have a current Oklahoma hunting or combination license and a valid state waterfowl license and a federal duck stamp, unless they are exempt. Additionally, they need a valid Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit. Consult the “2007-08 Oklahoma Waterfowl Guide,” available in September, for regulations and hunting information.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

AUGUST

6: The Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium) located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

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

10 & 11: 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 assistance from an amateur astronomer. The two-hour program begins 30 minutes after sunset. Participants will meet at the Boulder/Lost Lake picnic area. The 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 calling (580) 429-3222.

10 & 11: Duncan Fishing and Tackle Show at the Stephens County Fairgrounds. Admission is free. For more information or to reserve a table, contact Jerry at (580) 255-3525.

10 & 11: Hunter Education: County Fairgrounds, Duncan. Aug. 10. 2 (6 p.m. - 10 p.m.) and Aug. 11 (9 a.m. - 1:30).

11: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic: Metro Tech Springlake. To register, contact Bob Martin with OKC Parks and Recreation at (405) 755-4014.

11: Red Plains Outdoor Expo at Sayre City Park, Sayre. The expo runs from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. No admission. Hands-on activities will include trap shooting, 3D archery, casting and pitching, predator calling, turkey calling, fly fishing and much, much more.

13 & 14 & 16: 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.

FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 1, 2007

CENTRAL

Hefner: Water 86 and clear. Largemouth bass being caught on plastic worms and spinnerbaits along shoreline and from boats. Striped bass hybrids being caught trolling the shoreline with minnows, jigs or crankbaits. Channel catfish being caught along the shoreline on cut bait and stinkbaits. Walleye being caught trolling crankbaits and along the shoreline on jigs. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Water 86 and murky. White bass being caught on jigs and spinners along the shoreline. Channel catfish being caught along the rocks on stinkbaits and cut baits. Crappie being caught around the rocks on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Thunderbird: Elevation 5 ft. above normal and falling. Crappie good on minnows at 4-6 ft. on structure. Saugeye good on medium-diving crankbaits, jigs and sassy shad off points early morning and late evening. White bass good trolling off points with medium-diving crankbaits, jigs and sassy shad. Channel catfish fair on live shad at 6-8 ft. Bass slow. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 1-2 ft. above normal, water 83-87 and clearing, still murky in feeding creeks. White bass being caught while trolling. Crappie fair on small minnows and jigs along Fishmarket roadbed and around brush piles. Catfish fair to good on worms, chicken liver, shrimp and assorted dough baits. Largemouth fair early morning and evening with spinnerbaits. Report submitted by M.M. Fowler, St. Gregory’s.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: Elevation normal, water muddy. Bass good on plastic worms. Channel catfish good on dough bait and cut bait. Crappie good on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Birch: Elevation 7 1/2 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits. Striped bass hybrids good on main lake early mornings and late evenings. Crappie fair on minnows at 12-15 ft. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Carl Blackwell: Elevation normal, water 85 and murky. Striped bass hybrids fair on live bait. Catfish fair on live and cut bait. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Chandler: Elevation normal, water muddy. Bass good on plastic worms. Channel catfish good on dough bait and cut bait. Crappie good on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Eucha: Elevation normal, water 84 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 10-12 ft. Largemouth bass fair on Carolina-rigged plastic baits on rocky points. Bluegill good on crickets and worms around grass beds. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Greenleaf: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and bill bait at creek channels and along shoreline. Channel catfish good on cut baits and stinkbaits at spillway and on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at fishing docks and brush structures. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation 9 1/2 ft. above normal. Channel and blue catfish good on cut shad. White bass fair to good on small lures. Largemouth bass fair to good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Kaw: Elevation above normal and dropping. White bass good on riprap at Washunga Bridge and Sarge Creek Bridge. Blue catfish fair on cut bait on juglines. Crappie good on riprap at Washunga Bridge and Sarge Creek Bridge. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Keystone: Elevation 17 1/3 ft. above normal, water murky. White bass good on small spoons and medium shiners at 2-4 ft. below dam. Striped bass good on four-inch sassy shad and bucktails at 3-6 ft. below dam. Channel catfish fair on worms and shrimp at 3-6 ft. below dam. Blue catfish fair on cut shad at 3-6 ft. below dam. Flathead catfish fair on goldfish at 4-8 ft. below dam. Crappie fair on tube jigs and minnows at 3-6 ft. below dam. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody’s Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 11 ft. above normal, water in the mid-70s and murky. White bass fair below the dam on jigs. Most boat ramps on the main lake are still closed. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Spavinaw: Elevation slightly below normal, water 87 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows. Largemouth bass fair using crank baits. Bluegill fair on crickets and worms. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 6 ft. above normal, water 85 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on topwaters early and late and hitting soft bass baits on rocky points. Catfish good on stinkbaits at 18-21 ft. on points or mudflats. Sunfish good in coves or docks on worms. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

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

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation 3 1/2 ft. above normal. White bass, striped bass hybrids, walleye and channel catfish fair drifting shad and trolling crankbaits. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Ft. Supply: Elevation normal, water clear. White bass fair on jigs along west end of dam around the gate tower. Channel catfish good on stinkbait and shrimp at stilling basin. Report submitted by Paul Cornett, game warden stationed in Woodward County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 4 ft. above normal, water 85 and stained. Crappie are biting on brush piles using minnows and jigs. Channel catfish good using stink bait. White bass surfacing early and late on tiny torpedos or small grubs. Bass good early and late in the day using chug bug, flukes and jig-weighted worms. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. above normal, water 79 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair to good on liver, worms and blood bait. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good on 8-10 inch soft plastics, Carolina or Texas-rigged off points after dark. Channel catfish being caught on cut bait or shad. Walleye fair on deep running crankbaits around the islands. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 10 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits flipping the flooded willows. White bass fair on jigs below the dam. Blue catfish fair on shad below the dam. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 24 ft. above normal, water 81 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie good on live baits. Blue catfish fair on cut bait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 93 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms and topwater lures at 4-8 ft. on weed beds. Channel catfish good on shad at 5-10 ft. in south cove. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: The Power House has changed its 24/7 schedule. They have been releasing water in the afternoons for several hours. You should be able to fish in zone 2 during the morning hours. Flies to try include grasshoppers, ants, griffiths gnats, elk hair caddis, Light Cahills and egg patterns. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

McGee Creek: Elevation 11 1/3 ft. above normal, water 83 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 82. Bass good early morning and in the evenings with some schooling. White bass biting early mornings and later afternoons on topwaters. Channel catfish good on stinkbait, cut bait and worms. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.

Pine Creek: Elevation above normal, water clear. Bass are good on spinnerbaits and zara spooks fished in schools in the upper end of the lake. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on night crawlers on trotlines and juglines. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

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Robert S. Kerr: Elevation below normal, water 84 and murky. Largemouth bass fair at the surface to 6 ft. using topwater baits in the early morning and late evening and plastic baits and spinnerbaits during the mid-day. Crappie fair at 8-10 ft. using minnows fishing the old creek channels. White bass fair at 6-8 ft. trolling crankbaits in the Applegate cove area. Blue and flathead catfish fair at 5-10 ft. using fresh cut and live bait on trotlines and juglines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden for 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 16 ft. above normal, water 83 and the water clarity varies from murky to muddy with some clear water in the coves. There is still little access to the campgrounds and boat launching sites. If you do go on the lake, use extreme caution while operating your boat; many new objects are showing up as the lake recedes. Fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass and catfish is still good for those that can get to them from the shoreline or boat. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation 14 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. Fishing excellent below the dam, snagging is very productive. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game Warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal and dropping. Irrigation canal is running. Striped bass hybrids and walleye are somewhat active in the lake. Fish are still biting in the river. Large catfish (20 and 22 lbs) are being caught in the river. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.

Ellsworth: Elevation normal. All floodgates shut. Catfish still good behind the dam on cut bait. Walleye good in lake around goose island while trolling. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 1/4 ft. below normal, water 80 and clear. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on slabs. Walleye fair with live bait. Catfish good. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Ft. Cobb: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. above normal and falling. Catfish slow to fair on juglines. Saugeye slow to fair trolling or drifting. Report submitted by James Edwards, Jr., game warden stationed in Caddo County.

Waurika: Elevation above normal, water 73 and clear. White and hybrid striped bass good on white and pearl-colored jigs along spillway. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait, live bait and punch bait. Water discharge has slowed and a boat ramp is open. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.