Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

August 23, 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

Dove season forecast indicates scouting is key

Expo to feature unique fisheries field trip

Smallmouth buffalo record shattered by white bass angler

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.

-30-

Dove season forecast indicates scouting is key

Dove season is just days away, and the verdict from biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is in: scouting is as important this year as always.

“The best thing hunters can do right now is scout,” said Johnny Herd, central region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department. He added that scouting for dove season can be just as fun as hunting.

Craig Endicott, northeast region wildlife supervisor, said the same thing, adding that hunters should start with the areas that have been productive in the past.

Recently harvested grain fields, such as milo, can be hot spots for dove hunters because of the concentrated numbers of doves using the fields, but with recent heavy rains making it too wet to use farm implements in some grain fields, hunters’ biggest challenge may be finding areas where large numbers of doves are gathering.

“There’s always some good dove hunting to be found, but hunters need to scout out areas with recently harvested grain fields or otherwise high concentrations of doves, and ask for permission from landowners to hunt those areas,” Endicott said.

According to Mike O’Meilia, migratory game bird biologist for the Wildlife Department, the key is to scout “right up to the season and on through the season.” O’Meilia said the dynamics of dove season can shift easily as the summer turns to fall and as food sources change. Sportsmen may have access to hunting locations that seem less productive during the early part of the season, but may be prime locations for finding high concentrations of doves as the season progresses. That is why O’Meilia said a diligent hunter willing to scout can enjoy great success this year.

Dove season is one of the most highly anticipated hunting seasons in the state – and it is no wonder why. Dove hunting not only offers first class wingshooting and fine tablefare, but it is an easy sport to learn. A shotgun, an ample supply of shells and a place to go is all you really need to have a great day of dove hunting.

September 1-2 marks Oklahoma’s Free Hunting Days, and Oklahoma residents do not need a hunting license, fishing and hunting legacy permit or HIP permit to go afield.

Dove can be found from one corner of the state to the next, but hunters do not have to travel far to find them. Excellent hunting can be found on some of the wildlife management areas managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Some areas of those properties have been managed specifically for doves.

To find out more about where wildlife management areas are in the state, log onto wildlifedepartment.com and check out the free digital wildlife management area atlas. In addition to detailed maps, sportsmen can find additional information such as camping locations and contact information for local biologists.

New to dove hunting this year is the state’s Southwest Zone in southwest Oklahoma. The Southwest 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 zone will be open during the statewide dove season Sept. 1 - Oct. 30, but also Dec. 26 - Jan. 4.

The daily limit on doves is 15, except in the Southwest Zone, where the daily limit is 12 doves. The limit may consist of any combination of mourning doves, white-winged doves and Eurasian collared doves.

To hunt doves, sportsmen need a hunting license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, unless exempt. Additionally, all hunters, unless otherwise exempt, must carry a Harvest Information Permit (HIP) while afield. For complete hunting license information and dove hunting regulations, be sure to pick up a copy of the “2007-08 Oklahoma Hunting Guide” at a sporting goods retailer or at wildlifedepartment.com.

-30-

Expo to feature unique fisheries field trip

Ever wonder exactly what goes into maintaining Oklahoma’s great fishing opportunities? Participants at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo can find out Sept. 28-30 by taking the Fisheries Management Field Trip at Guthrie City Lake.

“Here is a way for everyday anglers to get an inside look at the daily activities of a Wildlife Department fisheries biologist,” said Jeff Boxrucker, assistant chief of fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The unique trip will include a barge ride where attendees can observe biologists electrofishing (shocking) to collect largemouth bass and trap netting to collect crappie and other game fish. The field trip also will include an opportunity to learn how biologists age fish and see how these are used to maintain quality fisheries around the state.

“The work that Wildlife Department biologists conduct plays an important role in making Oklahoma such a great place to fish,” Boxrucker said.

Those interested in taking the field trip must pre-register between Sept. 4-27 to reserve a time. Pre-register by calling Carol Lee at (405) 521-3721 or by e-mailing clee@odwc.state.ok.us between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Space is limited on the trips, and sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Five trips will be taken during Expo Sept. 28-30, including 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 and 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Registration will close on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. In the event of cancellations, interested individuals can check at the Information Booth during the EXPO to see if space is available and what sessions are open.

Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, bug spray and appropriate clothing for outdoor conditions. Life jackets are required and will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own life jacket if possible. Cancellation of trips is possible due to weather and safety conditions immediately prior to the session.

The Fisheries Field Trip is only one of hundreds of activities and events featured at this year’s Expo, held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City.

The Wildlife Department 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.

Expo hours will be from noon to 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28 and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30.

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.

-30-

Smallmouth buffalo record shattered by white bass angler

The last two state record smallmouth buffalo had been reeled out of the waters of Canton Lake near Watonga, but the lake’s streak was broken Aug. 15 when Marvin Williams of Noble shattered that record with his 44 lb., two ounce catch out of Konawa.

Williams caught the giant smallmouth buffalo on a Tiny Fluke while using eight-pound testline. The previous record smallmouth buffalo weighed 38 pounds, 3.8 ounces and was caught by Rodney Meyer of Balko on just 12-pound testline.

What makes Williams’ catch so unique is that he was actually fishing for white bass, and though he knew about smallmouth buffalo, he had never caught one previous to his state record catch.

“I had seen them before, but I’d never caught one,” Williams said.

The record fish was weighed on certified scales at the Oklahoma Fisheries Research Lab operated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

“Normally, state records are broken by mere ounces,” said Barry Bolton, fisheries chief for the Wildlife Department. “This one blew the previous record out of the water!”

For a complete list of record fish and the procedures regarding state record fish, consult the "Oklahoma Fishing Guide" <http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishregs2.htm> or log on to wildlifedepartment.com. If you think you may have hooked a record fish, it is important that you weigh the fish on an Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture certified scale and the weight is verified by a Wildlife Department employee.

-30-

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

AUGUST

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

29 & 30: Hunter Education: Francis Tuttle Room 1400A (12777 N Rockwell), OKC; 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (405) 521-4636.

30: Hunter Education Home Study: H&H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.; (405) 947-3888.

30: Hunter Education Home Study: Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.; (405) 302-4800.

31 & Sept. 1: Hunter Education: Vici School Gym Lobby, Vic; Aug. 31 (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and Sept. 1 (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.).

SEPTEMBER

1- Oct. 30: Dove Season, statewide. Be sure to consult the “2007-2008 Oklahoma Hunting Guide” for regulations and statewide and Southwest Zone daily limits.

4: 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.

4: Hunter Education Home Study: Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.; (405) 302-4800.

4 & 6: Hunter Education: Kiamichi Technology Center, Atoka; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

4 & 18: Hunter Education Home Study: Wakita High School Ag Building, Wakita.

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

7 & 8: Hunter Education: Victory Life Church, Durant; Sept. 7 (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and Sept. 8 (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 22, 2007

CENTRAL

Arcadia: Elevation above normal. Largemouth bass being caught on crankbaits. Channel catfish being caught on cut shad. Flathead catfish being caught on sunfish. Crappie are being caught on red and chartreuse jigs. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Hefner: Water 87 and clear. Largemouth bass being caught from boats and shoreline on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. White bass and walleye being caught on deep diving crankbaits. Channel catfish being caught on stinkbaits off windy points. Crappie being caught around docks on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Ron Comer, game warden stationed in Canadian County.

Overholser: Water 87 and muddy. Channel catfish being caught off windy points on cut shad and stinkbait. Crappie being caught on small jigs around docks. Report submitted by Ron Comer, game warden stationed in Canadian County.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: Elevation above normal and muddy. Largemouth bass good on plastics. Catfish slow. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Birch: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water 87. Largemouth bass good on plastics in creeks. Striped bass hybrids fair trolling main lake. Crappie good at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Carl Blackwell: Elevation normal, water 89 and murky. Catfish fair on live bait and cut bait. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Chandler: Elevation above normal. Bass good on plastics. Catfish fair on cut bait. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at night. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Copan: Elevation normal and murky. Crappie good on minnow and jigs at 8-10 ft. near brush piles. White bass fair while trolling with silver rattletraps. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Eucha: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 85 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 16-18 ft. Largemouth bass fair on topwater baits early mornings and late evenings. Bluegill fair on crickets and worms around grass beds. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 4 ft. above normal, water 91 and murky. Largemouth bass good on buzzbaits, worms and salt craws. White bass good trolling bridges and rocky points and spoons on the mud flats. Channel catfish good on juglines baited with cut bait and shad in the mud flats. Report submitted by Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Grand: Elevation above normal and clear. Channel catfish fair on cut or whole shad at about 10 ft. on juglines. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and worms. Crappie fair around brush structure and the fishing dock on minnows and jigs. Catfish fair on cut bait and stinkbait on bottom. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation 2 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good on salt craws and plastic baits. White bass good around structure and bridge pilings on slabs and small jigs. Channel catfish good on cut shad. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Hulah: Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 10-12 ft. near brush piles. Catfish fair below dam on cut shad. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Kaw: Elevation 9 ft. above normal, water 88 and clear. Blue catfish fair on juglines using cut bait. Noodling for flathead catfish is fair. Blue catfish good below Kaw Dam on fresh cut bait. White bass good early and late in the day on surface lures. White bass good on slabs at the Washunga and Sarge Creek bridges. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Keystone: Elevation 5 1/2 ft. above normal and dropping, water murky. Largemouth bass good on buzzbaits and plastic worms at 2-8 ft. at flooded cover and points. Smallmouth bass slow on crankbaits, jigs and chunk baits at 6-10 ft. along rocky points and riprap. Spotted bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits at 6-10 ft. at bluff areas. White bass good on spoons and minnows at 6-10 ft. at bridges and below dam. Striped bass good on bucktails and storm wild-eyed shad at 3-6 ft. below dam and bridges. Channel catfish fair on stinkbait and worms at 4-8 ft. in coves and creeks. Blue catfish fair on punch baits and cut shad at 8-15 ft. inside points of coves. Flathead catfish fair on goldfish and live shad at 8-15 ft. in riprap and deep coves. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs at 8-15 ft. along brush piles in deep coves. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody’s Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 3 ft. above normal and falling, water in the 70-80s and murky. White bass fair trolling shad-colored crankbaits off flats on the main lake at 10-15 ft. Blue catfish fair on shad below the dam. White bass fair on jigs below the dam. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation 4 ft. above normal, water lower 90s and clear. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on shad while drifting. Crappie fair on minnows in timber. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Sooner: White bass good on topwaters. Striped bass hybrids fair on slabs on shad in deeper water. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation slightly below normal, water 87 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits at night. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Webbers Falls: Elevation 3 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits in creeks and along shoreline riprap. Catfish good on bottom on stinkbait and sunfish. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush and bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed Muskogee County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 88 and stained. Crappie good around marked brush piles on jigs and minnows. White bass are surfacing and being caught on tiny torpedo or wiggle tail grub. Channel catfish fair. Bass fair to good, and night fishing is good using worms and jigs. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 79 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver, worms and stinkbait. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass schooling in the morning, good on buzzbaits and at night at 8-10 ft. on worms. Catfish good on juglines and trotlines on cut shad and sunfish. Crappie good on minnows and jigs in the upper end of the lake around structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. above normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and Carolina rigging at 4-8 ft. off points. White bass very good on topwaters early and late around bridges and on the main flats. Blue catfish fair on fresh shad drifting the flats at 10-20 ft. Crappie fair on minnows or jigs at 10-20 ft. around bridges and standing timber. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 17 ft. above normal, water 86. Largemouth bass fair to good on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair to good on minnows. Blue catfish fair on cut bait. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.

Konawa: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 93 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on topwater lures in weed beds and off points at 4-8 ft. Channel catfish good on shad in the south cove at 5-10 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Zone 2 good, with smaller trout but an occasional 18" - 20" fish being caught. Best flies reportedly have been grasshoppers, egg patterns, light cahills, soft hackles, wooly buggers, prismatic emergers, hares ears and prince nymphs. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

McGee Creek: Elevation 1 1/3 ft. above normal, water 85 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 3-10 ft along cover. White bass fair on shad-colored crank baits in open water. Crappie fair on minnows over cedar brush. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Murray: Elevation above normal, water 84. Bass good early mornings and in the evenings on jerk baits and worms. White bass fair early mornings on topwaters. Channel catfish fair. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 91 and murky. Largemouth bass slow at 4-8 ft. using plastic baits fishing the deeper water next to the weed and rock cover. Crappie slow at 10 ft. using minnows fishing the old creek channels. White bass at 6-8 ft. using crankbaits in the Applegate Cove areas. Blue and flathead catfish slow at 6-10 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 2 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good in flooded timber on spinnerbaits. Catfish good on cut bait or live shad. Crappie good around bridges, brush piles and dam tower on minnows. White bass good trolling the islands. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. above normal, water 87 and clear. Largemouth bass fair to good on topwater baits and medium range crankbaits from the surface to 10 ft. in the coves. Striped and white bass have been good on topwater baits and live bait from the surface to 20 ft. from the intake to Platter Flats. Channel and blue catfish have been fair to good on live bait and traditional catfish baits at 10-20 ft. from the railroad bridge north to the Washita River. All other fishing is slow. As the lake recedes more camp grounds and boat launching sites are opening. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation 2 ft. above normal and muddy. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic worms. Crappie fair on live minnows around timber. Channel catfish fair on cut baits and liver 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 7 ft. below normal. Lake level is dropping, irrigation canal is running. Fishing is very spotty. Some good-sized striped bass hybrids are being caught in deep water. Catfish are most active in the river above the low water bridge. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.

Ellsworth: Elevation normal and murky. Catfish good on cut bait and punch bait around Goose Island. Crappie fair at Ralph’s Resort on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 1/4 ft. above normal, water 82 and clear. Striped bass hybrids fair. White bass good. Catfish good. Bass fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Waurika: Water 70 and clear. Blue catfish very good on cut bait in the spillway. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 23-26 ft. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.