Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

February 14, 2008

A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

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

Web site: wildlifedepartment.com

Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International's annual banquet around the corner

Outdoor Oklahoma Photo Contest Accepting Entries

Wildlife Department employment exam scheduled

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Waterfowl Report

Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International's annual banquet around the corner

Outdoor enthusiasts can contribute to important projects supported by the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International by attending their 23rd Annual Awards Banquet and Charity Fundraiser Saturday, March 8 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International offers support and funding to a number of sportsmen’s causes, especially local efforts that benefit the sportsmen and wildlife of Oklahoma. The chapter is a sponsor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo and a donor to the Hunter's Against Hunger program, which oversees the distribution of thousands of pounds of hunter-harvested venison to needy families.

The organization also helped fund the purchase of an airboat used by the Wildlife Department on waterfowl surveys and other wetland management tasks, and they provided the Department with a 24-foot trailer for use in the Department's Shotgun Training Education Program (STEP). The STEP program introduces both youth and adults to shotgun shooting techniques and the proper handling of firearms. Additionally, the chapter purchased eight elk for introduction into an existing herd in southeast Oklahoma. The chapter also sponsors the Department's annual youth essay contest, which gives youth the opportunity to share their feelings about Oklahoma’s outdoors and to win great prizes, including a guided pronghorn antelope hunt in New Mexico.

One of the highlights of the annual event is the live auction, where bidders have a chance to buy guided hunts in Oklahoma, across the United States and around the world. There also will be a selection of items on the auction block including art, firearms, camping equipment, vacations, jewelry and much more.

This year’s banquet also may offer something new to those who cannot attend through its online bidding option. Log on to oklahomastationsci.org regularly between now and the banquet to learn more about the possibility of bidding online for auction items. The Web site also provides a growing list of items up for auction.

The banquet begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, but registration begins at 5:30 p.m. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is located at 1700 N.E. 63rd St. Oklahoma City 73111.

Tickets may be purchased in advance through Thursday, March 6 for $75 or at the door for $100. 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. For questions relating to the hunts that will be auctioned, contact Safari Club director Mike Mistelske at mjmistelske@yahoo.com.

For more information on the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International, log on to oklahomastationsci.org.

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Outdoor Oklahoma Photo Contest Accepting Entries

The editors of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine are calling on Oklahoma sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts for entries in the annual Reader’s Photography Showcase contest.

Amateur or professional, it makes no difference. Any Oklahoman with a digital camera and an interest in the outdoors is eligible to see their work published in this years Showcase edition of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine. Submissions are being accepted through March 31, and winners will have their work featured in the July/August 2008 issue.

Last year’s competition marked the first all digital Reader’s Photography Showcase.

“We are encouraging everybody who enjoys the outdoors in Oklahoma to make a submission this year,” said Nels Rodefeld, editor of Outdoor Oklahoma. “Photos can be of anything related to the outdoor heritage in Oklahoma, such as shots of wildlife, birds, insects, landscape and people enjoying hunting and angling trips or even watching bird feeders in their own backyards. We just want to see how people participate in the outdoors in Oklahoma.”

Although the editors of Outdoor Oklahoma encourage readers to submit images including a variety of outdoor-related subjects, the magazine has been focusing on “faces in the outdoors” to show hunters, anglers, kids and other outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the outdoors.

Each participant may submit up to five digital images. Each submission must include a description of the photo, including the location taken, names and hometowns of subjects and what it took to get just the right shot. Photos should be in sharp focus, and images should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). The canvas size should be about 8 inches by 11 inches. Slides and print images will not be accepted.

Hopeful photographers can mail a disk to: "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine, Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Readers may also e-mail their entries to photoshowcase@odwc.state.ok.us.

Individuals can subscribe to “Outdoor Oklahoma” by calling 1-800-777-0019. Subscriptions are just $10 for one year, $18 for two years, or $25 for three years. You can also subscribe over the Internet by logging on to the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

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Wildlife Department employment exam scheduled

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will be holding an open employment exam Friday, March 28. Taking the test is the first step in the hiring process for individuals seeking positions as game wardens, biologists, fish hatchery assistant managers or technicians with the Department.

The standardized employment exam is set for 10 a.m. at the Rose State College campus. The college is located immediately north of I-40 on Hudiburg Road in Midwest City. The exam is free, and participants must have photo identification upon check-in. Late arrivals will not be permitted to enter the examination room after 10 a.m.

“The Department looks for the best wildlife conservation employees available, and we want those who are interested to begin getting involved,” said Mikki Gutierrez, human resources administrator for the Wildlife Department. “This test is a great first step.”

Specific job and education requirements for Department positions as well as suggested study material for the exams are listed on the Department's official Web site at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/jobs.htm.

Individuals may take the exam once in a 12-month period. Test scores are valid for 12 months from the test date, and top scorers will be invited to submit an employment application. When a job opening becomes available, selected applicants from the test register will be scheduled for an interview. For more information, contact the Wildlife Department's Human Resources office at (405) 521-4640.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

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. Also, log on to deltawaterfowl.org.

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. For more information, log on to Natureworks Art Show.

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

29: The National Wildlife 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 and 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 1p.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, and $100.00 in prize money will be given each day for the heaviest single trout caught in the senior division (age 16 and older), while $50 in prize money will be given each day for the heaviest single trout caught in the junior division (age 15 and younger). Contact one of the following for more information: Roman Nose State Park at (580) 623-7281, e-mail romannosepark@oklahomaparks.com; The Watonga Chamber of Commerce, (580) 623-5452, e-mail watongachamber@pldi.net; Sue Smith at (580) 623-7234, e-mail carolsusmith@hotmail.com.

MARCH

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

1: 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited 13th Annual Banquet and Auction. Auction preview starts at 5 p.m. and begins at 6 p.m. The banquet will be held at the Sportsman's County Club (4001 Northwest 39th St. OKC). All anglers and friends welcome. Tickets $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For ticket information call: Backwoods (Tom Adams) 751-7376 or Brian Ellis 236-1010.

6: 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.

6: Tulsa Bicycle Club Program at Martin Regional Library, Tulsa. Bicycle touring abroad and at home, Adventure Cycling Association program starts at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information on rides and programs sponsored by the Tulsa Bicycle Club, please visit tulsabicycleclub.com.

7 & 8: Stars Over the Wichitas Tour at the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. the public is invited to participate in an evening with the stars. Participants will search and locate major constellations and other heavenly bodies with assistance from an amateur astronomer. Bring your own optics, or view the night skies through a 13" Dobsonian telescope. The two-hour program begins 30 minutes after sunset. Participants should meet at the Boulder/Lost Lake picnic area entrance gate. For reservations, which are required, may be made by telephoning the Visitor Center at (580) 429-3222. 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 “Pass It On” for Wildlife 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: $55 Single Meal; $75 Couples Meal; $10 Kids Meal; $20 Each additional adult meal. Includes dinner, annual supporting membership in the RMEF, one-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: The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission Meeting. Meetings are held monthly at 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Building (auditorium), 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

12: A public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the High Plains Technology Center 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 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.

15: The Oklahoma City Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold their annual banquet and fundraiser at the Sportsman's Country Club 4001 N.W. 39th St. OKC. Banquet tickets including meal and membership, Single $65, couples $95. Free Buck knife with sheath with new or renewed membership when attending the banquet. For additional information, contact Gayle Steele at steelmg@osu.okc.edu.

16: Woodward Archers 3-D Shoot. Range Directions from 48th St and Oklahoma Ave: go one mile west, turn left off Hwy 15 go south 2 1/2 miles west. For more information, contact Ed Kinney at (580) 256-3320 or Frank Patterson, Jr. at (580) 256-6613. Memberships available; shoots are open events. Sign in begins at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m.

18: 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.

22: Tulsa Fly Fishers is sponsoring "ONE FOR THE ILLINOIS RIVER,” a family event on the Illinois River just below the Tenkiller Dam. The “play day” will include instruction for fly casting, tying, and fishing. Music, raffles, prizes, and prize-winning barbeque also 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. Please bring your own chairs. This celebration for the river is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Further information is available at TulsaFlyFishers.org.

27-30: The Fourth Annual Oklahoma Selfbow Jamboree. Hosted by the Rutter family. The farm has a three-acre pond next to the campsite, where those who wish can fish. A small covered pavilion will serve as the center of activities. Portable out-houses will be provided, and limited trailer camping is available. There is sufficient room for primitive (tent) camping, and families are welcome. There will be lots of activities going on all weekend long. Other than holding a Clout Shoot to raise money to offset expenses incurred in hosting this event, nothing formal is currently scheduled. However, demonstrations/participations for building selfbows, BBOs, river cane arrows, and flint knapping are being planned. Bring your tools, or just your willingness to learn. For directions and additional information go 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. The event will be held at Camp Okiwanee in Sapulpa. The event is for women 14 and older. To register or for more information, contact Pattie Bing at (918) 224-8097 or e-mail her at pjbing1@juno.com.

FISHING REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2008

NORTHEAST

Birch: Elevation normal, water upper 30s and stained. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 20-30 ft. A few hybrids are being caught suspended in open water at 25-30 ft. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut bait at 30-40 ft. in main channels. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Copan Lake: Elevation 6-8 in. above normal. Crappie fair at 8-12 ft. near submerged structure in the lake. Crappie fishing near lake side of dam is slow due to the release of water. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Eucha: Elevation 1/4 ft. above normal, water 43 and dingy. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 16-18 ft. Largemouth fair on jerk baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 3 1/2 ft. above normal, water 37 and murky. Catfish good on cut bait and shad at river drop-off points in the upper end of the river. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at 15-20 ft. around docks and brush structure. Report submitted by Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits in creek channels and brush structure. Catfish fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits in upper creek channel at the spillway. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs at fishing dock and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hulah Lake: Water level slightly above normal. Crappie slow near lake side of dam due to the release of water. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Keystone: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits, jigs and chunkbaits at 10-18 ft. in main lake pockets with steep banks. Smallmouth bass fair on jerk baits, jigs and chunkbaits at 10-18 ft. at points and secondary points in Salt Creek area. Spotted bass fair on jerk baits, jigs and chunkbaits at 10-18 ft. around main lake bluffs. White bass fair on minnows and jigging spoons at 15-25 ft. at mouths of deep creeks near river channel. Striped bass good on bucktails and jerk baits at 3-6 ft. below dam. Channel catfish fair on chicken livers and worms at 8-15 ft. in creeks with recent rain run-off. Blue catfish fair on cut shad and worms at 12-20 ft. in riprap and around bluffs. Crappie fair on pumpkin and chartreuse jigs and minnows at 12-25 ft. at docks and ledges along main lake bluffs. Walleye slow on large shiners at 4-8 ft. in downstream holes below dam to Riverside Drive. Saugeye slow on small jigs tipped with minnows at 4-8 ft. in downstream holes below dam to Riverside Drive. Report submitted by Woody’s Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 1 ft above normal and falling, water mid 40s to near 50 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft around brush piles. Blue catfish fair on shad at 20-25 ft. drifting flats near the river channel. 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 above below normal, water upper 30s and clear. Trout fair on power bait. Also fair casting chartreuse and yellow super dupers, spoons and roostertails in 5-15 ft. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Sooner: Fishing fair to good on ghost minnows and sassy shad and on topwater lures in the evening. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation 2/5 ft. above normal, water 43 and dingy. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth fair on jerk baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Webbers Falls: Elevation below normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits near riprap and brush structure. Catfish good on cut baits on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-16 ft. around brush structure and bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 1 1/5 ft. below normal, water 44 and stained. Crappie good at brush piles near dam. Sand bass fair on spoons at 25 ft. Bass fair on Carolina rigs, jigging spoons & jigs. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 48 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 spoons and jig and pig around rocky points and structure. Channel catfish fair on juglines and trotlines baited with shad. Crappie fair to good around structure in the upper end of the lake on minnows and jigs. 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, water clear. Largemouth bass slow. White bass slow. Blue catfish fair on fresh shad in deep flats adjacent to deeper creek channels. Crappie fair at 10-20 ft. in riprap at boat docks with brush. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 53 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms at 4-8 ft. along points and weed beds. White bass and hybrid striped bass good on minnows, jigs and trolling crankbaits at 10-12 ft. along points and roadbeds. Report submitted by Darrell Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation 10 inches below normal, 47 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, water clear. Bass good on red shad-colored soft plastics. Crappie fair on minnows. Catfish fair on beef blood magic bait. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation below normal, water 48 and stained. Largemouth bass slow on plastic baits and jigs at 6-8 ft. and fishing the rock and woody structure next to deeper water. Crappie fair on minnows at 10 ft. in the old creek channels of Big Sans Bois, Dirty and Sallisaw creeks. White bass slow on jigs at 10 ft. below Webbers Falls dam. Blue catfish good at 6-12 ft. on fresh cut bait along the windy shorelines. Walleye and sauger fair on jigs and minnows off the bottom on the east side of Webbers Falls dam. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in 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 on tower using minnows suspended from bottom and jigs. Walleye slow. White bass good on spoons on flats and points. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 47 and clear. Striped bass fair on live bait at 10-20 ft. in the coves. Channel and blue catfish fair on live bait at 10-15 ft. north of the Hwy 70 Bridge. Crappie fair on minnows at 5-10 ft. around underwater brush areas. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Tenkiller: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 43 and stained. Catfish fair on cut shad and flip flops at 40-70 ft. Crappie fair on tube jigs at 25 ft. around brush and at docks. Sunfish good on night crawlers at 15-20 ft. around docks. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

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

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 5 22/31 ft. below normal and rising. Crappies poor to fair. Walleye poor to fair. Trout very good on corn in river. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.

Ellsworth: Elevation above normal, water murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at Ralph’s resort. Catfish fair on cut baits. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Ft. Cobb: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and falling. Crappie slow to fair around marina and boat slips. Catfish slow to fair on cut baits. Report submitted by James Edwards Jr., game warden stationed in Caddo County.

Foss: Elevation normal, water 44 and clear. Crappie fair around ramps and docks with baby shad jigs. Hybrid striped bass slow on slabs. Walleye slow. Catfish fair. Report submitted By Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

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

WATERFOWL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 14, 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 1.2 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is poor, very little to no flooded vegetation around the lake. Winter wheat is good in the area. Goose numbers are good. Hunting activity and success is fair.

Hackberry: Refuge reservoir is approximately 4 to 5 foot 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 1.16 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is poor. Winter wheat is poor on the Wildlife Management Area. Wetland Development Units are flooded and still have some food left. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity and success is low.

NORTHEAST

Copan: Lake level is 1.21 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, very few birds seen.

Eufaula: Lake level is 1.13 ft. below normal. Current habitat condition is very poor. Very little farming in the area. No geese were observed. No bird movement has been observed in the past few days.

Ft. Gibson: Lake level is 3.5 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair. 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 low success.

Hulah: Lake level is 0.35 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 poor success.

Kaw: Lake level is 0.93 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is poor. 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 .02 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 flying through the area 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. Both units of the Upper Verdigris Wetland Development Unit 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 3.35 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair, with smartweed, barnyardgrass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is low, with low 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.