Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release:

November 29, 2007

A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856

Web site: wildlifedepartment.com

Early winter angling heating up

Furbearer season opens Dec. 1

Eagles soar in Oklahoma

Keystone draw hunt application deadline approaching

Outdoor Calendar

Hunter education clinics

Fishing Report

Early winter angling heating up

Early winter fishing is great right now according to biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Oklahomans focused only on current hunting seasons are in danger of missing it.

“Fall and early winter is an absolutely gorgeous time to go fishing,” said Gary Peterson, fisheries biologist for the Wildlife Department. “Once the bass tournaments are over and deer season begins, there are fewer people on the lakes and rivers. It is quieter without boats roaring by, and many fish species are more willing to bite. In northeast Oklahoma, the osprey fly in and go fishing with you, and sometimes eagles try to steal the osprey’s catch.”

Peterson noted that while some fish species prove more elusive in cooler temperatures, others are active and abundant.

“Crappie actually are more active as the weather gets colder, and we’ve found some nice blue cats and channel catfish out there,” Peterson said.

Crappie, blue catfish and channel catfish aren’t the only catch awaiting winter anglers.

“Right now is prime time for trout,” said James Vincent, senior fisheries biologist with the Department. “For streams and rivers in southern Oklahoma, this is our Monday Night Football game, and we’re getting ready to kick off.”

Vincent points out several advantages to fishing this time of year.

“During the summer, trout areas often have diverse usage like swimming and boating, and trout are not as willing to bite,” Vincent said. “However, those other users are gone now. Our cooler weather has brought cooler water, making it ‘go’ time for trout fishing, especially in the Lower Illinois and the Lower Mountain Fork rivers.”

Trout are not the only fish to catch, however.

“A few weeks of prime fall fishing for the native smallmouth bass still remain,” Vincent said.

For Oklahoma anglers who venture out in winter temperatures, Northcentral Region Fisheries Supervisor Bill Wentroth urges anglers to use common sense while fishing.

“It is vitally important that anglers stay dry in winter weather,” Wentroth said. “Enclosed fishing docks are good places to catch fish like crappie but also allow anglers to stay safe and comfortable.”

Consult the current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide” for a listing of enclosed docks throughout the state.

Statistics from 2006 reveal that over 611,000 anglers fished in Oklahoma last year, but the vast majority of those anglers fished in spring and summer. Even though there are great hunting opportunities right now, fisheries biologists hope Oklahomans won’t forget about angling. With such great fishing abundant in the state, and so few anglers taking advantage of it, it may be time to grab a fishing pole and head for water in the coming weeks.

“The fish are there,” Peterson said. “They are there, and they are available.”

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Furbearer season opens Dec. 1

December 1 marks the opening day of furbearer season in Oklahoma, offering outdoorsmen the chance to hone their outdoor skills, harvest a variety of game species and perhaps earn some extra cash in the process.

Leo Farmer of Muskogee is a trapper who says that harvesting furbearers is not only important for predator management, but also for helping in the management of other wildlife. He also said his time spent trapping makes him a more skilled sportsman.

“We have to study the animals that we are trying to trap,” Farmer said. “It definitely makes you a better outdoorsman. I’m a much better deer hunter now than I was 10 years ago. Ten years ago, I didn’t trap. Now, I’m studying all animals. And I’m learning a lot about deer just by being conscious of looking for sign.”

Furbearing animals include raccoons, minks, badgers, muskrats, opossums, weasels, bobcats, beavers, skunks, river otters and gray and red foxes to name a few, and many hunters and trappers harvest these furbearers and sell their pelts. Check the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” for requirements on tagging, selling and possessing furbearing wildlife.

In recent years, bobcat pelts have generally sold for higher prices than other furbearing species.

Hunters and trappers tagged 7,741 bobcats during the 2006-07 season, which was a 21-year high according to biologists with the Wildlife Department. The good news continued for sportsmen when they sold their furs. The values of bobcat pelts were the highest they had been since the 1987-88 season, with the average pelt selling for about $63.

Glen Johnson, a licensed Oklahoma fur buyer and owner of KanOkla Fur Company located on the Oklahoma/Kansas border, said that he usually pays anywhere from $80-$175 for top quality Oklahoma bobcats. But bobcat pelts of lower quality can sell for considerably less. According to Johnson, bobcat prices have risen because of higher demand overseas in places such as Italy, where he said he does most of his fur selling.

Johnson said bobcat pelts taken later in the season can sell for more than those taken earlier, and since Oklahoma’s bobcat season spans Dec. 1, 2007 – Feb. 28, 2008; statewide, sportsmen have the opportunity to harvest a bobcat when its pelt is at its best. According to Johnson, pelts from species like raccoon are at their best when taken earlier in the furbearer season. Seasons on raccoon, badger, mink, muskrat, opossum, weasel and gray and red fox run Dec. 1, 2007 – Jan. 31, 2008, statewide; river otters can be taken Dec. 1, 2007 – Jan. 31, 2008 in select counties. Beaver, nutria, striped skunk and coyote seasons are open year-round statewide. Check the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” for open areas, daily limits and other important regulations for each furbearer species.

For a list of fur buyers in Oklahoma, log on to the Wildlife Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com/furdeal.htm.

A hunting license and fishing and hunting legacy permit are required for all residents and nonresidents who hunt or trap furbearers in Oklahoma, unless exempt. Additionally, those wanting to take bobcats, river otters, raccoons or gray or red fox must possess a fur license. It costs $10 for residents or $51 for non-residents. Resident lifetime hunting or combination license holders are exempt from having to purchase the fur license.

In addition to a valid hunting license and fur license, a trapping license is required for all persons who trap. The cost is $10 for residents and $345 for nonresidents. A resident professional trapping license for the use of more than 20 traps costs $68.50. Only resident landowners or tenants or their children who trap on land they own or lease (not including hunting leases) are exempt from purchasing trapping licenses.

Hunters and trappers are also reminded that all bobcat pelts must be tagged with an official identification tag, available from several Department installations and selected check stations statewide. For a list of bobcat check stations, log on to the Department's Web site at wildlifedepartment.com or contact the Wildlife Division at (405) 521-2739.

-30-

Eagles soar in Oklahoma

This winter come watch bald eagles soar at an eagle viewing event near you. Each winter, as northern lakes freeze over, thousands of bald eagles migrate to warmer, southern waters. Oklahoma is visited by 750-1,500 eagles annually. According to the National Wildlife Federation, Oklahoma is one of the top 10 states in the nation for winter eagle viewing.

“Events are hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, state parks, lake management offices and local conservation groups,” said Lesley McNeff, wildlife diversity information specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “There are plenty of opportunities to view a bald eagle in the wild. This winter there are more than 60 viewing events all across the state!”

Most events are free or have a minimal charge and occur on weekends during January. Many begin with informative bald eagle programs led by naturalists and biologists. At all events, people will be on hand to assist visitors with viewing wild eagles.

“Not only is the bald eagle an American symbol, it’s also an endangered species success story, having recently been removed from the national threatened species list,” McNeff said.

When adopted as the nation’s symbol in 1782, eagles inhabited every large river and major concentration of lakes in North America. They nested in 45 of the lower 48 United States, but by the 1950s had been reduced to fewer than 400 nesting pairs. Due to nationwide concern and action, eagle numbers have increased seven-fold since the early 70s.

View event descriptions, locations, dates and times by logging onto wildlifedepartment.com <http://www.wildlifedepartment.com> or call (405) 522-3087 for more information.

-30-

Keystone draw hunt application deadline approaching

The Walnut Creek State Park on Keystone Lake will host two late season controlled archery hunts, Jan. 4-6, 2008 and Jan. 11-13, 2008 for antlerless deer only. Ten hunters will be drawn for each hunt. Since the hunts are not bonus hunts, deer taken will count toward the hunter’s annual combined deer season limit. Hunters with a 2008 hunting license, deer archery license, and fishing and hunting legacy permit, unless exempt, may harvest the number of antlerless deer that remain on their 2007 archery bag limit. There is a mandatory pre-hunt briefing on the first day of the hunt. Up to four hunters may apply for the hunt as a group. Each hunter may apply only once. Camping is also available at the State Park.

To apply, mail an index card in an envelope to: Keystone Lake Project office; Attn: Controlled Hunt, 23115 W. Wekiwa Rd., Sand Springs, OK 74063. The card should have each hunter’s name, mailing address, telephone number, hunting license number, and the first and second choice of hunt dates. Application deadline is December 10, 2007. Successful applicants will be notified by mail. For more information, contact Jeff Pennington at (918) 629-4625.

-30-

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

DECEMBER

1-Jan. 31, 2008: Pheasant season: Consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” for details.

1: Ponca City Ducks Unlimited Banquet. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m. This year’s dinner will be catered by Bill's Fish House, featuring fried catfish, calf fries, chicken and the fixings! The banquet will feature a silent auction, live auction, raffles and games. Tickets are $35 single, $50 couple and green wings $10. To purchase tickets call David VanBuskirk at (580) 763-7272.

3: The Wildlife Conservation Commission 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.

8: Tulsa Chapter Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation European Pheasant Hunt. The hunt starts at 9 a.m. and costs $200 per shooter. A Benelli Nova gun will be given away. Ten birds per shooter, two shooters per station. Includes breakfast/coffee and lunch. For more information contact Barry Lockhart at barry@drbarrylockhart.com <mailto:barry@drbarrylockhart.com> or Gary Lawson at (918) 695-5100.

8: The Kingfisher Roy Boecher chapter of Ducks Unlimited Banquet and Auction. At the Kingfisher fairgrounds exhibit building on 13th St. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more info contact Steve Stolz (405) 834-8974 or Ed Larsen (405) 375-3603.

21-23; 28-30: Special Antlerless Deer Gun Season: Consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” for details.

HUNTER EDUCATION CLINICS

A list of upcoming hunter education clinics is available on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at the following link: http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/courses.htm <http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/courses.htm> .

If a phone number is listed, pre-registration is required. If a phone number is not listed, pre-registration is not required. Special arrangements and testing procedures can be made for persons with disabilities. Contact the Wildlife Department at (405) 522-4572 two weeks prior to the course if a person has disabilities which require special arrangements.

FISHING REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 28, 2007

CENTRAL

Thunderbird: Elevation normal, water clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8-10 ft. on structure. White bass good on inline spinnerbaits, jigs and sassy shad at 6-8 ft. off points and humps. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

NORTHEAST

Eucha: Elevation slightly below normal, water 51 and dingy. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 16-18 feet around brush and structure. Largemouth fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries

Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on deep diving bill baits and crankbaits. Channel catfish fair on stinkbaits and cut baits on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at fishing docks. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Kaw: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 54 and clear. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair below dam. Catfish fair on shad with juglines below dam and upper end of lake. Blue catfish excellent in confluence of Coon Creek (from the bank in the Coon Creek campground) and the Arkansas River on fresh cut shad and from a boat on rod and reel and jug fishing. Striped bass hybrid population is increasing in Kaw Lake. Crappie good at 12-15 ft. near brush. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Keystone: Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and chunkbaits at 4-8 ft. in creeks and coves. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and chunkbaits at 6-10 ft. in deep coves. Spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and chunkbaits at 6-10 ft. in main lake pockets. White bass fair on rat-l-traps and roostertails at 3-6 ft. along points and creeks. Striped bass fair on live shad and storm swim shad at 3-6 ft. below dam. Channel catfish fair on worms at 4-8 ft. in creeks and coves. Blue catfish fair on cut shad at 6-10 ft. at Cimarron River flats. Flathead catfish fair on live shad at 6-10 ft. in riprap. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-18 ft. at docks. Report submitted by Woody’s Bait and Tackle.

Sooner: Catfish fair on live and cut baits off Hwy 15. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation slightly below normal, water 52 and dingy. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth fair on spinner baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

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

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs near brush piles. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 61 and stained. Crappie good on chartreuse jigs off docks and marked brush piles. Sand bass good on slab spoons off creek channel drop-offs. Bass fishing fair to good on crankbaits and some jigs. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 49 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power baits, super dupers, mealworms and roostertails. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on jigs and worms around points and islands. Catfish good on jugs with sunfish. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around structure. Walleye biting on deep-running crankbaits after dark around islands and points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. above normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 4-8 ft. in rocks. White bass slow. Blue catfish fair on shad drifting the flats. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8-15 ft. around boat docks. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 57 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 15 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation normal, water 62 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures off rocky points. Crappie fair on minnows at 16-25 ft. over cedar brush. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Pine Creek: Elevation below normal, water clear. Bass fair on Carolina-rigged lizards at 10-15 ft. Crappie fair on minnows. Channel catfish fair on punchbaits and nightcrawlers around the old bridge. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, Game Warden Stationed in McCurtain County

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation below normal, water 54 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits at 6-8 ft. in rock cover next to deeper water. Crappie being caught on minnows at 10 ft. around edges and bends in the old creek channels. White bass fair on jigs at10 ft. below Webbers Falls dam. Blue catfish biting on fresh cut bait at 8-12 ft. drifting the old Arkansas River channel. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden for Haskell County.

Sardis: Elevation normal. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and plugs in coves. White bass and walleye slow trolling. Blue and flathead catfish fair on juglines and trotlines with live bait, shrimp and cut bait. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Wister: Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair to good on spinnerbaits at drop-offs. Crappie slow. Channel and blue catfish fair on juglines with liver. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 8 1/4 ft. below normal and rising. Fishing is fair. Trout good on corn. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.

Ellsworth: Elevation above normal, water murky. Catfish slow. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at Ralph’s Resort, with reports of 1 1/2 lb. crappie being caught. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water clear. Striped bass hybrids good on slabs or eyeballs in early mornings on south side of lake. Catfish fair on stinkbait. Crappie fair on live bait. Walleye slow. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Lawtonka: Elevation above normal, crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

This program operates free from discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinion or affiliation, race, creed, color, gender, age, ancestry, marital status or disability. A person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against or would like further information should write: Director, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152, or Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.

[drbewley]

Do they still allow trout to be used for bait?

[The Caddis]

“During the summer, trout areas often have diverse usage like swimming and boating, and trout are not as willing to bite,” Vincent said. “However, those other users are gone now. Our cooler weather has brought cooler water, making it ‘go’ time for trout fishing, especially in the Lower Illinois and the Lower Mountain Fork rivers.”

It's 'go' time.

[Rusty]

Do they still allow trout to be used for bait?

I am having visions of a dead horse being whipped.

And yes they still do.