Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

February 8, 2008

A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

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

Web site: wildlifedepartment.com

Wildlife Department receives monetary, land donations

Meeting scheduled to gather public input on wind power policy

Applications available for Wildlife Department Youth Camp

NatureWorks art show slated

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Waterfowl Report

Wildlife Department receives monetary, land donations

At its February meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission accepted $2,000 from Whitetails of Oklahoma as well as 36.31 acres of land from a private donor, both of which will be used to support conservation activities in Oklahoma.

“Conservation in Oklahoma is funded by sportsmen through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses as well as special federal excise taxes on sporting goods, but donations like these really add to what the Wildlife Department can do to serve the outdoorsmen in the state,” said Greg Duffy, director of the Wildlife Department. “The Department appreciates the generosity of its supporters, and we recognize how much more we are able to do in conservation because of their support.”

The donation from Whitetails of Oklahoma will be used to help fund the Department’s 2008 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, the state’s largest indoor and outdoor recreational event featuring over 150 outdoor-related booths and activities. The Expo is hosted by the Wildlife Department in cooperation with a number of partners including other state agencies, conservation organizations, private individuals and sponsors and draws thousands of people each year to the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, for three days of recreation and outdoor education.

Along with being an Expo sponsor, Whitetails of Oklahoma is a non-profit organization comprised of wildlife enthusiasts working to promote activities related to whitetail-deer, ranging from hunting wild deer to raising domestic herds. For more information, log on to whitetailsofoklahoma.com.

The land parcel donated to the Wildlife Department is located in Ellis and Roger Mills counties adjacent to the southern border of Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area along the South Canadian River.

The Commission also recognized Nick Woodard, game warden stationed in Grant Co., for 30 years of service to the Wildlife Department. Woodard is a game warden supervisor and has served in Grant Co. for 28 years. Frank Huebert, game warden stationed in Major Co., was also recognized for 30 years of service.

In other business, the Commission approved an emergency rule change to make portions of the Department’s rules consistent with current state law. The Wildlife Department has regulatory authority over native wildlife, while the USDA has certain regulatory authority over non-native exotic wildlife.

The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

Commissioners voted to set the next scheduled Commission meeting for 9 a.m., March 10, at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City. The regular April meeting will be held Tuesday, April 1, also in Oklahoma City.

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Meeting scheduled to gather public input on wind power policy

A public meeting will be held in Woodward to gather input from hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts about the possible lease or sale of Cooper Wildlife Management Area for wind power development.

The meeting will be Wed., March 12, at 6 p.m. at the High Plains Technology Center. The Wildlife Conservation Commission, the governing board that sets policy for the Department of Wildlife Conservation, has created a subcommittee to look at wind power issues and make a recommendation to the full Commission regarding specific offers the Wildlife Department may receive for purchase or lease of its properties.

“We have a letter of interest from OG&E about Cooper. The Commission is looking at this issue closely because it is a policy decision that could impact several other areas in western Oklahoma that are owned by the Department,” said Greg Duffy, Wildlife Department director.

“For people who are interested in voicing their opinion but will be unable to attend the meeting in Woodward, we would encourage them to go to our Web site and email us their comments. We will compile all comments and make sure that they are presented to the Wildlife Commission.”

The Wildlife Department’s Web site can be accessed at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

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Applications available for Wildlife Department Youth Camp

Youth interested in wildlife, fisheries and law enforcement can apply now to attend the 10th annual Oklahoma Wildlife Department Youth Camp scheduled for June 2-6, 2008. This camp is free, and youth get a chance to learn about careers in wildlife conservation.

Held at OU Biological Station near Lake Texoma, the camp is open to Oklahoma youths ages 14 to 16 and is designed to give an increased awareness of protecting and managing Oklahoma's wildlife resources. Participants will attend courses in rifle and shotgun training, hunting and wildlife identification, wildlife law enforcement, wildlife and fisheries biology and management, self-defense, and ropes and rappelling.

The camp is free of charge, but will be limited to 35 youth. Applicants should be interested in fish and wildlife management or law enforcement and must submit a 75-word essay explaining why they want to attend the camp, why they believe they should be selected and what they expect to learn while attending. They must also submit a letter of recommendation from a person of their choice other than a family member and a photograph of a recent outdoor-related event or activity.

Applications will be accepted Feb. 1 – April 18, and applicants must turn 14 prior to June 2, 2008. Obtain applications by logging on to the Wildlife Department's Web site at wildlifedepartment.com/youthcamp.htm. Simply print off the application, fill it out and mail it in with the essay, letter of recommendation and photograph to: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Law Enforcement Division Youth Camp, P.O. Box 53465 Oklahoma City, OK 73152.

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NatureWorks art show slated

Slated for Feb. 23-24 at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center, the annual NatureWorks art show will feature everything from wildlife paintings and photography to sculptures and carvings.

NatureWorks, Inc., located in Tulsa, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting in wildlife conservation efforts and wildlife education opportunities.

The annual Wildlife Art Show and Sale, sponsored by NatureWorks, draws talented artists both nationally and internationally known and has generated matching grants to assist a variety of state wildlife conservation projects.

“We are one of the few remaining wildlife shows of this type,” said Ken Greenwood, senior director of NatureWorks. “We have been blessed with great volunteers through the years.”

Projects such as the Department’s paddlefish management program, duck stamp print program and centennial duck stamp print have benefited from NatureWorks’ support along with habitat work at the Harold Stuart Waterfowl Refuge Unit within the Deep Fork Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and the Grassy Slough WMA.

Additionally, NatureWorks has been an important supporter of the Wildlife Department’s Hunters Against Hunger program, in which hunters can donate their legally harvested deer to feed hungry Oklahomans.

“Sportsmen donated over 25 tons of deer meat to the Hunters Against Hunger program during the 2006-07 season alone,” said Rhonda Hurst, coordinator of the Hunters Against Hunger program for the Wildlife Department. “Because of groups like NatureWorks, the program is very successful, and the Wildlife Department appreciates their support.”

Hours for the NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show and Sale will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. The Tulsa Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center is located at 6808 South 107th East Avenue (71st and US-169). For more information about NatureWorks or the art show, call (918) 296-4278 or log on to natureworks.org.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

14 – 17: Oklahoma Tackle Show at the State Fairgrounds (Travel & Transportation Building, Cox Pavilion, Carriage Hall). Show Times: Thursday: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: $7 per person.

16: 10th Annual Trout Derby sponsored by the Prairie Trout Club. There are a few changes this year. Pre-registration ($25) entitles you to receive a free Prairie Trout Club t-shirt. Please indicate t-shirt size on your entry form. Log on to pawhuskachamber.com for an entry form and the rules for the derby. This annual fishing event will be held regardless of the weather, and all registration fees are non refundable. Also log on to wildlifedepartment.com for state laws and requirements. Good luck this year, as the opportunity to catch a tagged fish has been extended till the end of the season on March 31 for registered derby participants only. The $10,000 Fish sponsored by Osage Million Dollar Elm Casinos is valid on tournament day only! Kids under 12 can compete in their own division this year. All entry forms, payments & t-shirt sizes must reach John Moreland, the Prairie Trout Club Official, at the address below by Friday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m.

17: Woodward Archers 3-D Shoot. Range Directions from 48th St and Oklahoma Ave:go one mile west, turn left off Hwy 15 go south two and a half miles west. For more information contact Ed Kinney at (580) 256-3320 or Frank Patterson, Jr. at (580) 256-6613. Memberships available, and shoots are open events. Sign in begins at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m.

21: Bluebird Bob Walshaw will present a hands-on seminar on bluebirds and how to deal with house sparrows at 7 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow This program will be held in the upstairs meeting room, is free and open to the public, and door prizes will be awarded.

23: Green Country Delta Waterfowl Dinner. Social starts at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. Being held at VFW, 1109 E. 6th Street (West of 6th and Peoria), Tulsa OK 74133. For more information and tickets, contact Ralph Wright at (918) 455-0623 or Joe Anderson at (918) 271-1473. Log on to deltawaterfowl.org for additional information.

23 & 24: NatureWorks Art Show at the RENAISSANCE Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center (6808 South 107th East Avenue (71st and US-169)), Tulsa. Show run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday Tickets are $5.

29: – March 2: Backwoods Hunting and Fishing Expo at the Fairgrounds, OKC. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will be on hand with an information booth and to score deer racks. For more information contact Dale Welchel at (405) 769-8816.

29: The National Wild Turkey Federation, Canadian Valley Lonesome Hen Chapter Annual Banquet and Auction will be held at the Mustang Town Center (1201 N. Mustang Road, Mustang OK 73064). Doors will open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be at 7:30 p.m. There will be live and silent auctions, raffles an games plus a "family friendly" atmosphere. Ticket prices are: $10 for Jakes -ages up to 17; $40 for singles; $50 for couples; $275 for sponsors; and $550 for corporate tables. For further info or tickets call Jerry McNeil at (405) 990-1412 or Brandon Groves (405) 659-7803 or email: lonesomehen@sbcglobal.net.

29 – March 2: The Watonga Trout Derby at Lake Watonga located within Roman Nose State Park. This year the derby is being sponsored by The Watonga Chamber of Commerce & The Friends of Roman Nose State Park. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. each morning and continue through 5 p.m. Friday & Saturday and until 1 p.m. Sunday. All fish must be weighed in by 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, which will mark the end of the derby. The three-day event provides fisherman an opportunity to catch tagged trout. All tagged trout are worth daily cash or gifts. Each day, $100 in prize money will be given for the heaviest single trout caught in the senior division (age 16 and older), and $50 in prize money will be given each day for the heaviest single trout caught in the junior division (age 15 and younger). For more information call Roman Nose State Park at (580) 623-7281 or e-mail romannosepark@oklahomaparks.com or call the Watonga Chamber of Commerce at (580) 623-5452 or e-mail watongachamber@pldi.net Also contact Sue Smith at (580) 623-7234 or carolsusmith@hotmail.com.

MARCH

7 & 8: Stars Over the Wichitas Tour at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife. Participants can search for and locate major constellations and other heavenly bodies with assistance from an amateur astronomer. For reservations and more information, call the Visitor Center at (580) 429-8587. A $5 reservation fee per participant is collected prior to the program.

8: Tulsa Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 20th Annual Big Game Banquet at the Tulsa Convention Center (100 Civic Center, Downtown Tulsa). For information and tickets contact Mitch Bray at (918) 407-7542. Due to reserve dinner and seating, no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $55 for single meals; $75 for couples meals; $10 for kids meals; and $20 for each additional adult meal. Includes dinner, annual supporting membership in the RMEF, 1 year subscription to the RMEF “BUGLE” Magazine and a RMEF decal.

8: Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International 23rd Annual Awards Banquet and Charity Fundraiser. 6:30 p.m. at The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum located 1700 N.E. 63rd St. Oklahoma City 73111. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. To purchase tickets or for further information, contact Verilea Faust at (405) 721-7229 or 1-800-405-3580 or e-mail faust4v@pldi.net. View auction items and bid online at oklahomastationsci.org.

8: The Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance 2008 fur auctions will be held at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds, Okmulgee. For more information contact John Weygandt at (918) 645-5667.

10: Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission Meeting. Meetings are held at monthly at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Building (auditorium), 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK at 9 a.m.

16 & April 20: Woodward Archers 3-D Shoot. Range Directions: from 48th St and Oklahoma Ave, go one mile west, turn left off Hwy 15 go south two and a half miles west. For more information contact Ed Kinney at (580) 256-3320 or Frank Patterson, Jr. at (580) 256-6613. Memberships available, and shoots are open events. Sign in begins at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m.

18 & April 24: Bluebird Bob Walshaw will present a hands-on seminar on bluebirds at 7 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow. This program will be held in the upstairs meeting room, is free and open to the public, and door prizes will be awarded.

22: Tulsa Fly Fishers is sponsoring a family event entitled "One for the Illinois River” on the Illinois River just below the Tenkiller Dam. The play day will include instruction for fly casting, tying, and fishing. Plus music, raffles, prizes, and prize-winning barbeque will be available. All proceeds will be donated to improve access, habitat, and water quality of the Illinois River. Everyone is invited to attend and admission is free. The event ischeduled to begin at 9 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m. For more information log on to TulsaFlyFishers.org.

27-30: The Fourth Annual Oklahoma Selfbow Jamboree hosted by the Rutter family. For directions and additional information, log on to ojam.org.

28: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation standardized employment exam at Rose State College. Testing begins at 10 a.m. No one will be admitted after that time. A photo ID is required for admission.

28 & 29: National Wild Turkey Federation Owasso Chapter presents a Women in the Outdoors Event to be held at Camp Okiwanee in Sapulpa. The event is for women four and older. To register or for more information, contact Pattie Bing at (918) 224-8097 or pjbing1@juno.com <mailto:pjbing1@juno.com> .

FISHING REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2008.

CENTRAL

Arcadia: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits. Channel and blue catfish good on cut shad. Crappie good on minnows and chartreuse jigs at heated dock. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Hefner: Elevation below normal, water clear. Channel and blue catfish good on cut shad. Crappie good on minnows and red and white jigs at dock. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Elevation normal, water clear. White bass good on white grubs. Channel and blue catfish good on cut shad. Crappie good on minnows in rocks. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

NORTHEAST

Birch: Elevation normal, water in the middle 30s and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 20-30 ft. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut bait in main channels at 30-40 ft. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Eucha: Elevation slightly above normal, water 47 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 14-16 ft. around brush and structure. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 4 ft. above normal, water 35 and murky. Largemouth bass fair in deep water around drop-offs at 20-25 ft. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at 15-20 ft. around docks and brush piles. Report submitted by Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits along shoreline and in creek channels. Catfish fair on cut bait and stinkbaits on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around fishing dock and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Kaw: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water 35 and murky. Crappie good over deep brush piles at 20-30 ft. on 1/16 oz. chartreuse and black or red and black tube jigs. Fish are not in every brush pile, so you have to "search and move" if you are not catching fish on a particular brush pile. Blue catfish fair on juglines in main lake channels using shad. Blues are also being caught below the dam when generation is occurring. Report submitted by Tracy Daniel, game warden stationed in Kay County.

Keystone: Elevation 1/10 ft. below normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on jigs, chunk baits and big crankbaits at 8-12 ft. around points at the mouths of creeks and coves. Smallmouth bass fair on finesse jigs at 8-12 ft. in deep coves with secondary points. Spotted bass fair on small jigs and crankbaits at 8-12 ft. around bluffs and main lake pockets. White bass fair on minnows and jigging spoons at 15-25 ft. in main lake river channel and bends. Striped bass fair on bucktails and jerk baits at 3-6 ft. below dam. Channel catfish slow on chicken livers and worms at 8-12 ft. in creeks. Blue catfish fair on cut shad at 25-35 ft. at humps along river channel and mouths of coves. Flathead catfish slow on live shad at 15-25 ft. around bluffs and steep banks near mouth of deep coves. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 12-25 ft. around ledges, docks and bluffs. Walleye and saugeye fair on minnows and jerk baits at 4-8 ft. in holes below dam from Swift Park to I-44 Bridge in Tulsa. Report submitted by Woody’s Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and falling, water in mid-40s to near 50 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 15-20 ft. Blue catfish fair on shad drifting flats near the river channel at 20-25 ft. Walleye and striped bass hybrids fair on jigs below the dam. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Pawhuska Lake: Elevation slightly below normal, water in lower 30s and clear. Trout fair on power bait and home-made bait and casting chartreuse and yellow super dupers and rooster tails at 5-15 ft. Submitted by Spencer Grace, Game Warden stationed Osage County.

Skiatook: Elevation normal, water low to mid-30s and clear. Crappie fair on minnows in creek channels. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Sooner: Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on sassy shad in the discharge. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation slightly above normal, water 42 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

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

NORTHWEST

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

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 43 and down stained. Crappie being caught around brush piles around the dam. White bass slow. Largemouth bass slow due to the windy, cold weather. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 50 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power bait, 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 spoons on jig and pig around rocky points and structure. Channel catfish fair on juglines and trotlines baited with shad. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs around structure in the upper end of the lake. Walleye fair on deep-running crankbaits. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass and white bass slow. Blue catfish fair on fresh shad in deep creek channels. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 8-20 ft. around boat docks over brush piles. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 48. Crappie fair on minnows at 15-25 ft. in channels and timber. Blue cats fair on cut bait. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 49 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits in weed beds and off points at 5-8 ft. White bass and hybrid striped bass fair on minnows and jigs in the discharge channel at 15 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation 8 inches below normal, water 48 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures and jig and pig at 16-30 ft. over submerged humps. 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 and clear. Bass good on red shad-colored soft plastics. Crappie good on jigs and minnows. Catfish fair to good on liver, garlic punchbait and cut shad at the old bridge and at the spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation below normal, water 46 and murky. Largemouth bass slow on plastic baits and jigs at 8 ft. fishing the rock and woody structure next to deeper water. Crappie fair at 10 ft. on minnows up Big Sans Bois and Dirty creek. White bass slow on jigs at 10 ft. below Webbers Falls and Kerr dams. Blue catfish good on fresh cut bait at 8-10 ft. next to old creek channels. Flathead catfish fair using live bait on trotlines and juglines at 20-30 ft. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden for Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation normal. Bass good on plastics on flats and points, especially on warmer afternoons. Catfish good on jugs using cut bait on flats near creek channels at 20-35 ft. Crappie excellent around the tower using minnows suspended from bottom and jigs. Walleye slow. White bass good on spoons around flats and points. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 46 and clear. Striped bass fair on live bait at 15-20 ft. in the coves. Channel and blue catfish fair on live minnows at 10-15 ft. north of the Hwy 70 Bridge. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 5-10 ft. around boat docks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation below normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair to good on soft plastic baits. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam in the old river channel. Channel and blue and catfish good on cut shad below dam and on juglines baited with liver in lake. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game Warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 6 ft. below normal and rising. Crappie and walleye poor to fair. Trout good in river on corn. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.

Ellsworth: Elevation above normal, water murky. Crappie fair at Ralph's Resort on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation normal, water 41 and clear. Gates closed. Crappie fair around south side with red thunder baby shad. Striped bass hybrids slow. Walleye and saugeye slow. Catfish fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Lawtonka: Elevation below normal. Crappie fair on minnows off the dam. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Tom Steed: Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie and saugeye slow to fair at 20-24 ft. over brush piles. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.

WATERFOWL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2008

For zone maps and complete waterfowl hunting regulations log on to wildlifedepartment.com

NORTHWEST

Ft. Supply: Lake level is 0.54 ft above normal. Habitat conditions around the lake are poor to fair. Local wheat crops in the area range from good to poor condition. Duck numbers are good, with mostly divers. Goose numbers are fair. Hunting activity is low, with no reports of success. Bird movement in the area has been low, but should increase with forecasted cold fronts.

SOUTHWEST

Ft. Cobb: Lake level is 1.02 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is poor. Winter wheat is good in the area. Goose numbers are good. Hunting activity is high on the weekends and moderate during the week. Hunter success is fair to good. Bird movement in the area is good, with birds moving around all day.

Hackberry: Refuge reservoir is approximately 4 to 5 ft. below conservation pool, with around 600 acres of wetland units flooded. Habitat conditions are fair. Goose numbers are fair. Hunter activity is moderate, with fair success. No significant bird movement in the area. Hackberry Flat Waterfowl Refuge Portion is closed to all activity from October 15 to January 31.

Mtn. Park: Lake level is 1.1 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is fair due to water in shoreline vegetation. Winter wheat is poor to fair on the Wildlife Management Area. Wetland Development Units are flooded and still have some food left. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are fair. Hunting activity is low and success is unknown.

NORTHEAST

Copan: Lake level is 0.62 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair. Flooded native plants on wetland units are in fair condition, with cornfields on the Wildlife Management Area in good condition. Plenty of flooded vegetation present to hold birds. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is light, with poor success. Most birds have been seen in the upper end of the lake using the moist soil units.

Eufaula: Lake level is 1.25 ft. below normal. Current habitat condition is very poor. Very little farming in the area. Goose numbers are low. No bird movement has been observed in the past few days.

Ft. Gibson: Lake level is 2.8 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is good. Due to the extreme high water throughout summer and early fall, the vegetation is in poor shape. There are some agricultural crops in the area. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is low, with fair success.

Hulah: Lake level is 0.53 ft. above normal. Lake level is not flooding terrestrial vegetation. Wetland Development Unit is three-quarters full with flooded vegetation. Wheat is coming up in various agricultural fields around the area. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is low, with low success.

Kaw: Lake level is 0.93 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair. Most food for waterfowl in the area has been depleted. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is low, with poor success. Bird movement has been slow.

Keystone: Lake level is normal. Habitat conditions are poor, with almost no food available due to prolonged summer flooding on the lake. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity and success is low. Hunters using the area this year should be prepared for very deep mud. Caution should be taken, especially if hunting alone.

Oologah: Lake level is .29 ft. above normal. Current habitat conditions are poor to fair. No flooded millet or native vegetation on the lake. Ag fields have not been re-planted due to flood conditions this summer, and most are inaccessible or in poor condition due to ice storm. Goose numbers are poor. Giant Canadians have been seen in the area flying through and on private land. Hunter activity and success is unknown. There is significant ice storm damage to the Wildlife Management Area and to the Wetland Development Units. Most if not all roads are inaccessible within the Wildlife Management Area. Hunter’s should contact the Army Corp of Engineer’s Office at Oologah to see if boat ramps are clear or open to access the lake. Upper Verdigris Wetland Development Unit has a few Gadwalls, and both units are 90 percent capacity. Contact the area biologist for information.

Sooner: Lake level is near average. Habitat conditions are poor, with winter wheat around the area also in poor condition. Goose numbers are low.

Webbers Falls: Lake level is 3.66 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is good, with smartweed, barnyardgrass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is low, with fair success.

SOUTHEAST

Grassy Slough: Water level is 70 percent full. Habitat condition is good. Goose numbers are low. No bird movement has been monitored in the area.

Red Slough: Water level is 85 percent full. Habitat condition is excellent, with plenty of wild forage. Goose numbers are low.

Texoma: Lake level is 1.11 ft. below normal. Due to high water levels that persisted throughout the growing season, no millet and very little native food is available. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is low, with low success.