MISCELLANEOUS

You can access maps of all the wildlife management areas through Digital Wildlife Management Area Atlas. You can customize and print off your map. Be sure to check the Oklahoma Hunting regulations for which ones are open for the different seasons. http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wmas2.htm

We are seeing more and more bears in our community. How can we keep them away?

It is critical that citizens learn how to keep bears from becoming habituated to coming around homes and businesses in bear habitat. It is unlikely that bears will be a nuisance between October 15 and June 1. Most problems arise during the late summer (August) when young males, in particular, are on the move, and all bears are looking for food. If it is a bad year for natural foods, low production of soft and hard mast, then the problem of bears looking toward artificial food sources will be greater. If trash or pet food does need to be kept outdoors, it should be kept in airtight containers. Also, using deodorizers around trash containers can help keep bears from detecting something to eat. Only feed pets outdoors what they can eat in one sitting and then pick up the rest. Apiaries in bear habitat should be fenced with electric fencing. Believe it or not, most nuisance bears in Oklahoma actually get their start because people were intentionally feeding them. Never feed or harass a bear. If people actually see a bear, they should not approach it, especially if it is a female with cubs. Bear sightings should be reported to ODWC.

How can I subscribe to Outdoor Oklahoma magazine?

Call 1-800-777-0019 to sign up for a $10 one-year subscription (6 issues), an $18 two-year subscription, or a $25 three-year subscription. You can pay with credit card or we can bill you! Subscribe on-line.

When does Outdoor Oklahoma Television Show air?

On the statewide OETA network, Outdoor Oklahoma airs on Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m., and Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. In the greater OKC area, Outdoor Oklahoma is also aired on KSBI network (channel 52) Thursday evenings at 5:30 pm and Saturday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. Check the schedule here.

When do hunting regulations come out?

Typically, hunting regulations should be available at license vendors and department installations by August 1st.

When do waterfowl regulations come out?

Typically, waterfowl regulations should be available at license vendors by mid- to late- September.

Can I canoe and/or fish on streams in Oklahoma that flow through private lands?

Technically, you can canoe and fish on Oklahoma streams, however, private land laws apply to the bottom of the river and to the riverbanks. Canoeists and stream anglers should exercise caution with such pursuits. In many cases getting out of your canoe to wade in the river and/or accessing the banks of streams can be considered trespassing.

How do I find out if a hunter education course is available in my area?

To find a course in your area look us up on the web at www.wildlifedepartment.com/courses.htm. The on-line schedule of classes is updated weekly. You can also check the local sports page in your newspaper or watch the OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA television show on OETA.

How old does my child need to be to attend a hunter education course?

There is no minimum age restriction to attend a hunter education course, however the Department recommends that students under age twelve be accompanied by an adult.

I found a snake in my yard. How can I tell what kind it is?

Get a copy of Oklahoma’s Amphibians and Reptiles. This book introduces readers to all160 species and subspecies of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and salamanders in Oklahoma. Colored tabs make it easy to flip to each category of animal. Colored photographs, range maps and species descriptions help the reader identify and learn about the state’s amphibians and reptiles. This book is great for parents, students, educators, gardeners, sportsmen and others who spend time enjoying Oklahoma’s outdoors. To purchase a copy click here.

What can I do about skunk, squirrel, opossum, bird, and beaver problems?

If inside city limits call your local animal control person and if outside of city limits you can call a predator control agent (Agricultural Dept.) for your county. You can also call 1-800-580-2474.

I found a baby bird, (deer, rabbit, etc.) on the ground alone and the mother has left it. What should I do?

Young wildlife should not be disturbed, even if you find a critter that you think has been abandoned. Usually, seemingly abandoned creatures are actually receiving good care. Wildlife parents often conceal their offspring during the day, periodically returning for feeding to see if they're safe. In some cases human scent can scare a parent away or make it easier for predators to find a young animal.

If you find a young bird on the ground, its age will determine what you should do. If it has very few feathers, try to put it back in its nest. If it has a lot of feathers, it may have tried to fly out of its nest on its own. Probably the parents are nearby. You can put these juvenile birds up in a bush or tree. Birds have a poor sense of smell and aren't affected by human scent.

Birds are flying into my windows, what do I do?

Birds are incapable of perceiving glass as a barrier. Some windows appear invisible and create a see-through effect and others reflect or mirror the outside habitat. In both cases, birds either attempt to fly through the glass into daylight or into the vegetation reflected by the glass. Some suggestions for reducing bird/window collisons:

- move feeders and bird baths close to windows (2-3 feet) so that birds can't build up momentum if they do hit the window

- break up the reflectivity by hanging a wind chime, a mobile or other object in front of the window

- on inside of window you can spray "snow" or rub some soap on the window

-close draperies and cut off lights

What do I do about a woodpecker that is pecking at my house?

Cover siding with a lightweight nylon mesh or plastic netting from the eaves at least 3 " out from the siding. Also, cover siding with a sheet of plastic, as woodpeckers will not be able to perch on this smooth surface.

I found an injured animal...now what?

Do not handle any wild animal. It will likely try to defend itself by biting you. Contact your county game warden for the phone number of an animal rehabilitator nearest you.

How do I get a bird out of my house?

Close all window shades and turn out the lights and leave an outside door open. The bird will fly to the light and leave the house.