Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

Wildlife Department schedules public hearings

2007 Youth writing competition winners announced

Oklahoma sportsmen have additional doe days six years running

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Wildlife Department schedules public hearings

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will be holding public hearings across the state Jan. 7-10, 2008 to collect input on proposed hunting and fishing regulation changes.

Sportsmen are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions on proposals, which range from certain deer hunting regulation changes to changes in size and daily limits on some fish.

Several of the proposals involve adjustments to deer seasons and deer bag limits both statewide and in designated areas. One proposal would allow deer archery hunters to harvest a deer of either sex during the period from Jan. 1-15. Currently, only antlerless deer may be taken during that time period. Also involving deer archery season is a proposal to increase the number of deer that can be harvested by archers from four deer to six deer. Another proposal would open deer gun season to the same as statewide season dates on Broken Bow, Honobia Creek, Three Rivers and Ouachita wildlife management areas.

Other hunting-related proposals include the following:

* Changing the deer gun season limits and muzzleloader season limits on Keystone and Skiatook WMAs so that the limit on each season would be one antlered and one antlerless deer.

* Changing the muzzleloader season at Lexington WMA to allow for the harvest of antlerless deer the second Saturday and Sunday of the season. Currently, deer muzzleloader season on Lexington WMA is limited to antlered deer only.

* Allowing those persons certified to use a crossbow to use a device that permits a bow to be held mechanically at full or partial draw for archery hunting.

* Clarifying that persons with disabilities and youth hunters are eligible to draw more than one controlled hunt per year and clarifying permit requirements (nonambulatory or motor vehicle permits) for those applying for the Deer Hunts for Persons with Disabilities category of the Controlled Hunts program.

A slate of other wildlife and hunting-related items will be open for discussion during the public hearings across the state, including allowing the use of poison to control prairie dogs on public land, establishing rules regarding the nuisance control programs for beaver and coyote and the Feral Hog Depredation Program and others. To view the complete agenda for the public hearings, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Among the fishing-related proposals is one to exempt spotted bass from length limits and to remove the bag limit on spotted bass statewide, except in certain streams. Another proposal would limit the harvest of alligator gar to one fish per angler per day statewide, except from April 1 - June 15, when fishing for alligator gar would be catch and release only.

Other fishing-related items are on the public hearing agenda as well, such as tightening restrictions on dealing with invasive aquatic species, adjusting definitions related to limbline angling and making permanent a currently established emergency rule requiring paddlefish anglers to carry a free paddlefish permit.

Those unable to attend the hearings are encouraged to send their comments by mail to: Attn: Proposed hunting and fishing regulation changes – Wildlife Department, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. All comments are weighted equally whether received in writing or delivered at the public hearings. Comments will be accepted at this address until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 25.

The following is a list of public hearing dates, times and locations. The public is encouraged to attend.

Date: Jan. 7, 2008

Time: 7 p.m.

Ada – Pontotoc County Technology Center, 601 W. 33rd

Jenks – Tulsa Technology Center, 801 E. 91st St.

Lawton – Lawton Public Library, 110 SW 4th

Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Auditorium – 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd.

Date: Jan. 8, 2008

Time: 7 p.m.

Clinton – City Hall, 415 Gary Blvd.

Durant – Durant Fish Hatchery Meeting Room, 2021 Caddo Hwy

Enid – Central Fire Station, 410 W. Garriot

Date: Jan. 9, 2008

Time: 7 p.m.

Miami – Miami Civic Center, 129 5th Ave NW

Date: Jan. 10, 2008

Time: 7 p.m.

Guymon – OSU Extension Center, 301 N. Main

Hugo – Kiamichi Tech Center, 107 South 15th St.

Okmulgee – East Central Electric Co-op, 2001 S. Wood Dr. (U.S. Hwy 75)

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2007 Youth writing competition winners announced

The results of the annual youth writing contest focused on Oklahoma's hunting heritage were recently announced by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International.

"This year, contestants got to choose between two different topics — 'Hunting: Sharing the Heritage' or 'What I like about Archery in the Schools and Bowhunting' — and we got some great entries," said Colin Berg, education supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "As is the case with this contest every year, Oklahoma youth showed a solid connection with the heritage of hunting in Oklahoma. The sport of hunting is in good hands for the future."

Winners in the ages 11-14 category were Joshua Mouser of McLoud and Hannah Stevens of Overbrook. Winners in the ages 15-17 category were Zack Ellison of Coweta and Elissa Stiles of Collinsville.

"The younger winners receive a scholarship to the YO Ranch Apprentice Hunter Program in Texas," Berg said. "Our senior age category winners will receive an all-expenses-paid antelope hunt in New Mexico."

The scholarship to the YO Ranch Apprentice Hunter Program and expenses for the antelope hunts are covered by the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International with funds raised at the Chapter's annual banquet.

The youth writing competition is designed to promote America's hunting heritage among Oklahoma's youth. It provides them an opportunity to express the importance of hunting in their lives and to affirm their commitment to carrying on the hunting tradition. Students use the essays or short stories to relive memorable hunts, to explain why hunting is important to them and to recognize mentors who have influenced them to grow as hunters.

"I wish to thank all the young people who took the time and effort to participate in this essay contest," said Sam Munhollon, past president and education representative for the Oklahoma Station Chapter of SCI. "One of our greatest challenges is finding ways to encourage young people to get away from the sedentary activities and get into the woods to explore and appreciate nature. The contest provides a great forum for inciting students to gain insight from more than just the classroom. These contest winners will, by being published in local newspapers and the 'Safari Trails' newsletter, become eligible to participate in the Norm Strung Outdoor Writers Association National Youth Essay Contest. Winners of that contest are awarded cash prizes and scholarships. I am very proud of our Oklahoma students. In the 14 years since the inception of this essay contest, Oklahoma essay contest winners have placed each year in the finals of the Norm Strung Outdoor writers Association National Youth Essay Contest."

The Wildlife Department and the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International will submit the winning essays to the National Youth Writing Contest held annually by the Outdoor Writers Association of America.

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Oklahoma sportsmen have additional doe days during the holidays for six years running

For the sixth year in a row, hunters will have an additional six days of antlerless deer hunting during the holidays, providing sportsmen with extra time afield as well fulfilling important deer harvest objectives.

The season dates will be right before the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays — Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30 — and will be open in most of the state, excluding most of the panhandle and portions of southeast Oklahoma. For a map of Oklahoma's antlerless deer hunt zones and to see which counties will be open for the antlerless season, consult page 17 of the "2007-08 Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

"The holiday antlerless deer season is a good time to get out and harvest a doe," said Jerry Shaw, big game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "The colder weather should have them moving around a little more than they did earlier in the deer season. When temperatures become colder, deer need to eat more to maintain health, which usually leads to more activity. That in turn can increase a hunter's chance of seeing deer from their hunting stands."

To participate in the antlerless deer gun season, resident hunters must possess a valid hunting license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, unless exempt, as well as a special antlerless deer gun license. Resident lifetime hunting or combination license holders are exempt from purchasing these licenses. Resident youth hunters 16 or 17 years old must purchase a hunting license, and all youth under 18 years of age may purchase a $10 youth special antlerless deer gun license. Nonresident deer hunters are exempt from a hunting license, but they must possess a nonresident special antlerless deer gun license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit or proof of exemption. Nonresident lifetime license holders are not exempt from purchasing deer licenses.

In addition, hunters participating in the special antlerless deer season must comply with the hunter orange requirements for the regular deer gun season. Archery hunters and those hunting most other species in open special antlerless zones must wear either a hunter orange hat or upper garment while hunting.

According to Shaw, the special antlerless deer gun season has several valuable benefits to hunters, among them the creation of hunting memories and a smart approach to conservation.

"Hunting for does during the holidays can be a way to bring the family together for another trip to the deer woods, but it also plays an important role in managing our herd health and population dynamics," Shaw said.

To learn more about this year's antlerless deer season, refer to the "2007-08 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

DECEMBER

21-23; 28-30: Special Antlerless Deer Gun Season: Consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" for details. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. Consult WMA regulations beginning on page 34 of the "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

JANUARY

7: 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.

15: Last day of 2007-08 deer archery season. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. Consult WMA regulations beginning on page 34 of the "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

31: Last day of 2007-08 squirrel season. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. Consult WMA regulations beginning on page 34 of the "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 13, 2007

CENTRAL

Thunderbird: Elevation normal, water clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8-10 ft. on structure. Saugeye are reportedly hitting some after dark on minnows off points. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

NORTHEAST

Eucha: Elevation normal and rising, water 49 and dingy. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 16-18 feet. Largemouth fair on spinner baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Crappie fair at fishing dock and brush structure on minnows and jigs; black bass fair on plastic worms and jig-n-worms; catfish fair on stinkbait and cut shad on the bottom. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Spavinaw: Elevation normal and rising, water 50 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Webbers Falls. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie good at brush structure and bridges on minnows and jigs; catfish fair on stinkbait and cut shad on the bottom; black bass slow along riprap along creek channels on plastic worms and jig-n-worms. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

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

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 1 1/2 ft below normal, water 54 degrees and stained. White bass good at 28-35 ft at mouths of coves. Crappie good on 1/4 oz. strataspoons at brush piles and mid-lake drop-offs. Bass fishing fair to good on dropshot, crankbaits in crawdad pattern, and bass jig. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. Bass slow on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power baits, super dupers, roostertails and mealworms. 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 2 ft. below normal, water clear. Largemouth bass slow. White bass slow. Blue catfish fair on shad drifting deep flats. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 10-20 ft. near boat docks. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation normal, water 58. Bass and catfish slow. Crappie fair on minnows along the river channel. Report submitted by Joe Young, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 49 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 5-10 ft. in discharge canals. Channel catfish fair on chicken livers at 15 ft. in discharge canals. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation one ft. below normal, 58 degrees, 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 are fair on Carolina-rigged lizards in 10-15 ft of water. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel catfish are fair on punch bait and night crawlers around the old bridge. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation normal. Largemouth bass slow in coves. White bass and walleye slow. Blue catfish good to fair deep on cut bait near channels. Crappie excellent on minnows around brush piles and bridges. Flathead catfish slow. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation is 2 1/3 ft. below normal, water 58 and clear. Striped bass fair on live bait at 10-20 ft. at Platter Flats. Channel and blue catfish fair on live bait at 10-15 ft. deep in the Washita River arm. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 5-10 ft. along Kansas and Rock Creeks. Report submitted by Danny Club, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

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

SOUTHWEST

Ellsworth: Elevation above normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 18 ft. at Ralph's Resort. Catfish fair on cut baits. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.