WEEK OF JULY 30, 2009
WEEK OF JULY 23, 2009
WEEK OF JULY 16, 2009
WEEK OF JULY 9, 2009
WEEK OF JULY 1, 2009
Year-round
trout fishing makes for fun summer vacation
Trout in the Lower Mountain Fork River offer some of the best
cold water angling even during some of the hottest months of the year.
The Lower Mountain Fork River trout fishery is stocked with
rainbow trout nearly every two weeks, while brown trout are occasionally
stocked.
Because of heavy rainfall, the Lower Mountain Fork River trout
fishery in southeast Oklahoma recently experienced the most extreme flooding
the area has seen since Broken Bow Lake was impounded in 1969. The lake
feeds the Lower Mountain Fork, and the recent flooding caused significant
damage to portions of the trout fishery. However, biologists with the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say that, although fishing was
affected for a short time by flooding and inaccessibility, fishing is
getting back to normal and anglers are enjoying great summer fishing.
“Habitat enhancements in Spillway Creek, Evening Hole, and the
stream we created called Lost Creek, all in Beavers Bend State Park,
suffered impacts from the flooding,” said Paul Balkenbush, streams
management supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “We have addressed
several of these issues already, but it is going to take some time to repair
it all. Still, trout stocking has fully resumed and fishing in the area is
good. Summer anglers should be as successful as always at the Lower Mountain
Fork River.”
The Lower Mountain Fork River designated trout stream includes
an 11-mile portion of the Lower Mountain Fork extending from the Broken Bow
Lake spillway downstream to the U.S. Route 70 bridge. About five miles of
the trout fishery lies within Beaver's Bend State Park in McCurtain County.
Bank access is unlimited within the state park and downstream to the
Re-regulation dam. Great camping and cabin rentals throughout the area
attract anglers from all over to enjoy world-class angling and many other
forms of outdoor recreation.
“One great thing about trout fishing at the Lower Mountain Fork
River is that you can go fishing with your family close to home, but feel
like you are far away on a once-in-a-lifetime getaway,” Balkenbush said.
“But it's not ‘once-in-a-lifetime' because it is here to stay and you can go
all you want. The scenery is second to none, and you can enjoy other
activities such as hunting, camping, hiking and much more.”
The Wildlife Department's streams management team works
vigorously on projects to enhance trout habitat in certain state waters.
Along with the year-round trout fisheries at the Lower Mountain Fork River
and Lower Illinois River, seasonal trout fisheries in Oklahoma include Lake
Pawhuska, Robbers Cave, Blue River, Lake Watonga, Quartz Mountain and Lake
Carl Etling. Trout season in these areas kicks off Nov. 1.
Trout are an introduced species to Oklahoma, and anglers can
view the trout stocking schedules on the Wildlife Department's Web site at
wildlifedepartment.com.
A trout license is required for all who fish in state-designated
trout areas or in tributaries of state-designated trout streams during trout
season. Trout anglers also must carry a resident or nonresident fishing
license, unless exempt, while fishing. Anglers who bought their annual
fishing license before July 1 also must have a fishing and hunting legacy
permit, available on wildlifedepartment.com or anywhere fishing licenses are
sold. Fishing licenses sold after July 1 will have the legacy permit
included in the cost of their fishing license. Anglers should also note the
special trout angling regulations that are in effect in certain areas.
For trout angling tips as well as daily trout limits, season
dates and other trout fishing regulations for each area, log on to
wildlifedepartment.com or consult the current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide.”
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Wild game a favorite at the
Expo
Most sportsmen would agree that eating well makes an outdoor
adventure all the better. At this year's Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27,
visitors can get a taste of some of the best outdoor cooking, as well as get
a few tips on how to prepare their own camp foods, wild game and more.
Held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, the
Wildlife Expo is Oklahoma's largest outdoor recreation event, offering
guests the chance to shoot shotguns and archery equipment, ride mountain
bikes and ATVs, catch fish in a fully-stocked pond, experience kayaking,
attend seminars and even sample wild game and camp cooking for free.
At this year's Expo, wild game meat will be served at the popular
Taste of the Wildlife booth, where last year more than 1,000 pounds of fried
catfish, more than 1,000 pounds of venison and about 220 gallons of buffalo
chili were served to Expo visitors. Dutch oven demonstrators also served
about 7,000 samples of camp-style food at last year's Expo and provided
seminars on the basics of Dutch oven cooking in the outdoor area of the
Expo.
“Visitors to the 2009 Wildlife Expo should make it a point to try each
of the foods served at the Taste of the Wild booth,” said Rhonda Hurst, Expo
coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “They should also be sure to attend
a Dutch oven seminar to learn a new recipe or even learn about this style of
camp cooking for the first time.”
In addition to sampling game meat and camp food, visitors can also
attend a cooking seminar with renowned chef, restaurant owner and wild game
cook Michael Fusco. Fusco, who owns Michael Fusco's Riverside Grill in
Tulsa, shows the ins and outs of handling and preparing wild game with
culinary expertise every year at the Expo.
“Michael Fusco has partnered with the Wildlife Expo from its
beginning and has always been a favorite among Expo visitors,” Hurst said.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering
with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and
outdoor-related companies to host Expo. The huge event is designed to
provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts
while promoting and instilling an appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and
natural resources.
Whether catching a fish for the first time or building a bird
house to take home with them for free, visitors to the Expo get the chance
to soak up a full weekend of free outdoor knowledge, skills and experiences
as hundreds of volunteers and Wildlife Department employees work to keep the
event exciting, educational and entertaining.
“If you want to try over a hundred outdoor activities, then be
at this year's wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27,” said country music star and
outdoorsman Blake Shelton of Ada, who has made an appearance at the Expo in
the past. “If you love to hunt and fish like I do, then take someone to this
year's Wildlife Expo.
The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north
of Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept.
25-27. Log on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on this
year's Expo activities.
This year's Expo will again feature “School Day” Sept. 25, when
busloads of school students from across the state will arrive and enjoy a
day at the event. Educators interested in planning a trip to the Wildlife
Expo with their students this year should call (918) 299-2334 for more
information.
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Dove
hunters gain 10 days, unlimited Eurasian collared dove limit
Dove hunters will enjoy expanded opportunities this fall, including
10 additional days of hunting.
For all of the state except the southwest zone, the 2009-10 dove
season will run from Sept. 1-Nov. 9, with a daily limit of 15 mourning doves and
white-winged doves. However, there will be no daily limit of Eurasian collared
doves as long as the birds are transported to their final destination with fully
feathered heads or one wing naturally attached.
In the Southwest Zone, where the season will run Sept. 1 through
Oct. 31 and Dec. 26 through Jan. 3, the daily limit has been increased from 12
to 15 mourning doves and white-winged doves daily, and no daily limit on
Eurasian collared doves that have fully feathered heads or wings naturally
attached until transported to a final destination. The southwest zone starts on
U.S. 62 from the Texas border west of Hollis, east to Interstate 44, Interstate
44 south to OK 7, OK 7 east to U.S. 81 and U.S. 81 south to the Texas border at
the Red River.
To hunt doves, sportsmen need a hunting license, unless exempt.
Additionally, all migratory bird hunters, unless otherwise exempt, must carry a
Harvest Information Permit (HIP) while afield. Hunters who bought their annual
hunting license before July 1 also must have a fishing and hunting legacy
permit, available on wildlifedepartment.com or anywhere hunting licenses are
sold. Hunting licenses sold after July 1 will have the legacy permit included in
the cost of their hunting license.
The expanded dove season opportunities were approved by the Oklahoma
Wildlife Conservation Commission at its July meeting, along with regulations for
September resident Canada goose, September teal, rail, gallinule, woodcock and
common snipe seasons. The regulations fall within a federal framework that
allows states to create their seasons for these species according to guidelines
established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dates for each season are
available on the Wildlife Department's Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
In addition to expanded dove hunting opportunities, September teal
season hunters will also be able to hunt resident Canada geese at the same time.
September teal season will be Sept. 12 through 27, statewide, with a daily limit
of four teal. This year's special September resident Canada goose season will
run Sept. 12 through 21, statewide, with a daily limit of five.
According to Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation, the decision to schedule the special
September resident Canada goose season during September teal season comes in
response to requests from sportsmen wanting to hunt resident Canada geese and
teal at the same time.
“We'd very much like for more people to participate in the resident
Canada goose season,” Peoples said.
In other business, the Commission accepted a grant of $7,500 from
the National Rifle Association Foundation to purchase ammunition and shooting
supplies for the 2009 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo. The grant is expected to cover
about half the cost of all shooting expenses.
The Commission also recognized Steve Nall as the Oklahoma Department
of Wildlife Conservation Landowner of the Year. Nall's western Creek Co.
property has benefited from numerous wildlife habitat improvements, including
cedar control and native vegetation management.
Additionally, the Commission also recognized Rich Fuller,
information supervisor, for 20 years of service to the Wildlife Department, and
Dale Schmitz, assistant hatchery manager, for 30 years of service.
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.
The next scheduled Commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. Aug. 3 at
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium),
located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.
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Wildlife Department's Oklahoma Landowner of the Year recognized
Western Creek Co. landowner Steve Nall was recently awarded the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Landowner of the Year Award.
Every year the Wildlife Department selects a landowner who has gone
above and beyond to improve their property for wildlife habitat, and according
Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Wildlife Department, this year is no
exception.
Nall is the owner of Canyon Creek Ranch in western Creek Co., which
spans over 1,000 acres of mixed hardwoods with scattered mixed grass openings.
His wildlife conservation efforts include prescribed burning, food plot
management and participation in several Wildlife Department landowner programs
such as the Deer Management Assistance Program, the Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Program and fish stocking program. Nall also participates in the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and actively involves
his young daughters in his effort while introducing them to the outdoors.
“It's wonderful that Steve is introducing these girls to the
outdoors and it's obvious from visiting with him and some of the pictures that
he has shown of the place that it's about the kids,” said Russ Horton, lands and
wildlife diversity supervisor for the Wildlife Department.
Efforts such as prescribed burning have led to increases in wildlife
on the property while also helping control the spread of Eastern red cedar.
“I certainly consider it a privilege and an honor to be selected as
Landowner of the Year and definitely appreciate the recognition and the work not
going unnoticed,” Nall said. He added that the work and progress on his ranch
would not have been possible without the Wildlife Department and its employees
as well as everyone who has helped work on the ranch.
“An achievement like this is definitely a group effort, and I want
to take this time to just thank everybody that's been involved,” Nall said.”
To learn more about wildlife conservation and landowner programs
operated by the Wildlife Department, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Photo Caption: Steve Nall, recipient of the Wildlife Department's Landowner of
the Year Award, makes sure to involve his daughters in the outdoors and in the
management of his 1,088-acre Creek Co. ranch.
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Wildlife Department receives $7,500 NRA grant for Wildlife Expo
Visitors to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's 2009
Oklahoma Wildlife Expo have the opportunity to try first hand several outdoor
activities, including shooting sports thanks to a grant from the National Rifle
Association Foundation.
At its July meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission,
which is the governing board of the Wildlife Department, accepted a grant of
$7,500 from the NRA Foundation to purchase ammunition and shooting supplies for
the 2009 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo. The grant is expected to cover about half the
cost of all shooting expenses.
The Wildlife Expo is Oklahoma's largest outdoor recreation event
designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor
enthusiasts while promoting and instilling an appreciation for Oklahoma's
wildlife and natural resources. Among other activities, Expo visitors have the
opportunity to try a variety of shooting sports including air rifle shooting and
shotgun shooting. Last year, about 4,200 Expo visitors shot close to 27,500
shotgun shells, and an estimated 60-70 percent of the shooters were under the
age of 18.
According to Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the
Wildlife Department, the National Rifle Association and its Oklahoma members,
through the Friends of the NRA and the NRA Foundation, have been very supportive
of the Wildlife Department, particularly in the areas of shooting sports
education and promotion. Rodefeld added that, in the past, NRA foundation grants
have been used to purchase shotguns, clay target throwers, trailers, and other
equipment for the Department's Shotgun Training and Education Program.
Darren Delong, senior field representative for the NRA, presented
the grant check to the Wildlife Department on behalf of the NRA.
“The NRA is glad to partner with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation to bring the Wildlife Expo to Oklahoma,” Delong said. “It's a great
event and we are happy to provide this grant. We know it will go a long way in
sharing the tradition of shooting sports and the outdoors with Oklahomans.”
Photo Caption: At its July meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation
Commission accepted a grant of $7,500 from the NRA Foundation to purchase
ammunition and shooting supplies for the 2009 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo. Pictured
is Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Wildlife Department,
accepting the grant check from Darren Delong, senior field representative for
the NRA.
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Controlled hunt
results available now online
Applicants can find out if they were drawn for any of the hunts offered
through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Controlled Hunt
program by logging onto the Department's web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
Once applicants log on to the Web site, they can click on the
"Controlled Hunts Results Available" link and enter their last name, birthday,
and the number they used on the original application (either their Social
Security or driver's license number). The system will only access the Controlled
Hunts results database when the correct number matches with the hunter's other
information.
Sportsmen also can check their results at computer terminals available
at the Department's headquarters and at certain regional offices during those
offices' regular business hours. Contact information for Wildlife Department
field offices are available at wildlifedepartment.com. In addition, many local
libraries offer Internet access to library cardholders. Applicants should check
with their local library for Internet services and user-policies. Successful
applicants will also be notified by mail.
“This is a free service that is easy to use,” said Melinda
Sturgess-Streich, assistant director of administration and finance for the
Wildlife Department. “It takes only minutes to find out if you have drawn out on
that hunt you've been hoping for.”
The opportunity to hunt on some of Oklahoma's most unique and
desirable hunting properties have made the Department's controlled hunts program
one of the most popular programs in the country.
For more information about the Wildlife Department's Controlled Hunts
program, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Efforts underway to improve water quality at the Illinois River trout fishery
Summer water temperatures on the Lower Illinois River have been
higher than normal the past two years. Wildlife Department officials are working
jointly with Southwest Power Administration (SWPA) and the Corps of Engineers
(COE) to develop a strategy to allow the continued stocking of trout throughout
the summer.
“Both the Corps and Southwest Power have been very open to our
suggestions and have accommodated our request whenever possible,” said Jim
Burroughs east-central region fisheries supervisor. “We can't rule out that
stockings may have to be halted later this summer but we're hoping for the best.
If not for the cooperation of both COE and SWPA, stocking schedules would likely
have at best been altered and at worst postponed already.”
The waters released through SWPA turbines used for hydropower
generation flow directly into the Lower Illinois River trout stream. In normal
years hydropower generation supplemented with releases from the Corps is
sufficient to support the trout fishery. However, because of abnormally high
flood releases the last two years, the supply of cold water near the bottom of
the lake has been depleted. Fisheries officials hope that a cold winter followed
by a spring without much floodwater in the Tenkiller drainage will result in
pre-2008 water conditions.
“The good news is that trout stockings will continue for now, but
stocking locations may vary depending on the water conditions on individual
stocking days. Stockings will focus on upstream sites and sites with flowing
water as these typically will have cooler water than downstream locations and
those with only pooled water”, said Burroughs. “Our goal is to continue stocking
all summer but we will have to evaluate conditions on a week by week and even a
day by day basis.”
Stockings have also been adjusted from mornings to evenings to
coincide with water releases by the SWPA.
The Illinois River is one of only two year round trout fisheries in
the state. Trout fishing has been excellent this spring with some anglers
reporting the best fishing ever. Officials hope to be able to continue stocking
and keep angler success and satisfaction high.
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Birdwatchers find just what they are looking for at the Wildlife Expo
Over 350 bird species can be found in Oklahoma, and visitors to the
Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27 will have the chance to view several of them
at an interactive birding area.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with
a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related
companies to host the Expo. Held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma
City, the event is designed to promote and instill appreciation for Oklahoma's
wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for
all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
An entire area at the Expo grounds is being dedicated to birding
activities, including a birdwatching station complete with feeders and a blind
to avoid spooking visiting birds. Visitors can enjoy seminars held every hour
covering topics such as how to attract birds to a backyard, how to feed wild
birds and how to identify wild birds. Additionally, visitors to the Expo can
learn about what makes a suitable birdhouse as well as what to avoid when
searching for a birdhouse for their property. Additionally, guests can even
build their own fully functional bluebird house at the Expo that they can take
home with them. Volunteers will be on hand instructing guests and helping them
build birdhouses that will attract bluebirds to their yards for years to come.
Plus, the entire event is free, including building materials for the birdhouse
make-and-take exhibit.
“Birds are an important part of Oklahoma’s wildlife, and everybody
can participate in birding activities in some way,” said Melynda Hickman,
wildlife diversity biologist for the Wildlife Department. “Whether it is putting
out a bird feeder or birdhouse, participating in the Wildlife Department’s
winter bird survey, or simply getting out and enjoying the diversity of birds in
the state, Oklahoma’s birds offer something for everyone.”
Birds and birdwatching are just the beginning of what’s available
for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts at the Expo. Activities range from shotgun
and archery shooting to fishing, kayaking, ATV riding, mountain biking and much
more. Additionally, numerous learning opportunities are available at booths and
exhibits at the Expo. Visitors can speak with wildlife biologists and
outdoorsmen experienced in fishing, hunting, game calling, wildlife and
fisheries management, reptiles and amphibians and more, as well as attend
seminars on hunting dog training, wild game cooking, Dutch oven camp cooking and
mule packing, among other topics. And for Expo visitors who like to shop, a
large area called the Outdoor Marketplace is set aside at the Expo for vendors
who will be on hand showcasing and offering for sale their outdoor merchandise
and services.
The Expo is Oklahoma’s largest outdoor recreation event, drawing
tens of thousands of people each year, including celebrities.
“If you want to try over a hundred outdoor activities, then be at
this year's Wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27,” said native Oklahoma country music star
Blake Shelton, who has made appearances at the Expo in the past. “If you love to
hunt and fish like I do, then take someone to this year’s Wildlife Expo.
The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of
Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 25-27. Log
on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on this year’s Expo
activities.
This year’s Expo will again feature “School Day” Sept. 25, when
busloads of school students from across the state will arrive and enjoy a day at
the event. Educators interested in planning a trip to the Wildlife Expo with
their students this year should call (918) 299-2334 for more information.
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Save time,
obtain a hunting or fishing license online
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Web site is
making it easier for sportsmen to get their hunting and fishing licenses.
The Wildlife Department recently revamped its online license system
to help sportsmen manage their hunting and fishing license purchases online. By
logging on and setting up an account, sportsmen can obtain hunting and fishing
licenses without waiting in lines the night before a trip or the day before
their favorite season opens. Plus, they save even more time on future license
and permit purchases since their account information only has to be entered when
they sign up the first time.
“The new online license system is designed to help sportsmen meet
all their licensing needs in a hassle-free, user friendly manner with the
convenience of getting everything they need from the comfort of their home,”
said Mike Chrisman, license supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “I am
confident that sportsmen who check it out and set up an account with us online
will be glad they did.”
Sportsmen who sign up to manage their license account online only
have to enter the required information once. That information, which is required
in order to obtain a hunting or fishing license online or from one of many
vendors across the state, is then stored so that license renewals and other
licenses can be obtained quickly and easily.
“Sportsmen can update their information as they please, such as in
the event they relocate to a new address, but they don’t have to keep
re-entering information or getting out to the nearest vendor to buy a license,”
Chrisman said.
If a sportsman has purchased a hunting or fishing license online
from wildlifedepartment.com in the past, they are not required to set up an
account; however, in order to modify or change their information, an account
must be established. Online accounts also are not required to obtain a free
Harvest Information Permit (HIP) or paddlefish permit.
Most hunters are required to have an appropriate state hunting or
fishing license to hunt or fish in Oklahoma. A full list of requirements and
exemptions is available in the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or on
wildlifedepartment.com.
The online license system also points users to other helpful
information available on wildlifedepartment.com. Along with providing a
user-friendly online license system for sportsmen, wildlifedepartment.com also
includes a wealth of other features and information to help sportsmen keep up
with what is happening in Oklahoma’s outdoors. Outdoor-related news, calendars,
tips, and regulations are available on the site, as well as information on
wildlife and fish identification, wildlife law enforcement, landowner and
educational program, and more. The site also includes maps of Wildlife
Department lands and information on various Department programs and research
projects.
To learn more about wildlife conservation, hunting or fishing, log
on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Lake
Record Update: Trotline angler lands big Eufaula flathead
Angler Mike Blankenship of Okmulgee caught a 66.5-lb. lake record
flathead catfish June 26 from Eufaula Lake. The fish was caught on a trotline
using natural bait.
More information about the flathead and other lake record fish can
be found on an easily-operated search feature available at
wildlifedepartment.com, the Web site of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation. The feature allows those interested to view a wealth of lake
record fish information, ranging from weight of the fish to the kind of bait and
the brand of rod and reel used to catch it.
The Wildlife Department’s Lake Record Fish Program continues to
grow. Since last year the program has doubled in size and there are now 28 lakes
currently enrolled in the program.
The Lake Record Fish program recognizes anglers who catch a fish
that qualifies as a record setter for the lake in which it was caught. Though
the program was established as a way to serve anglers and recognize significant
fish, it also serves as an indicator of trophy fish production in the state’s
lakes.
Anglers who catch a potential record from a participating lake
should contact designated business locations around the lake that are enrolled
as lake record keepers, or vendors. The lake record keeper may then enter the
fish into an automated database via the Internet. Once it has been determined
that an angler has landed a record fish, the media is notified and the public
will be able to view information about the catch on the Wildlife Department’s
Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
All past and current state record fish are registered in the Lake
Record Fish Program as records for their respective lakes.
Species eligible for spots in the lake records book include blue,
channel and flathead catfish and largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass in
addition to crappie, paddlefish, striped bass, striped bass hybrids, sunfish
(combined) walleye/saugeye and white bass. Minimum weights are set for each
species included to avoid a rush of potential yet easily broken records early in
the program’s inception.
For more information about the new Lake Record Fish Program or for
contact information for lake record keepers, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
To view a photograph and to learn more about Blankenship’s Eufaula
Lake record flathead catfish, log on to
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=735&lake%5B%5D=66&species%5B%5D=12&&sort
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Oklahoma youth outdoor writing contest winners take national honors for
excellence
Two Oklahoma teenagers were recognized recently for placing high
among their peers in a nationwide youth outdoor writing contest.
Steven Maichak of Edmond took third place in the senior prose
division (grades 9-12) of the Norm Strung National Youth Writing Competition,
and Raini Stiles of Collinsville took first place in the junior prose division
(grades 6-8). Both received national recognition and cash rewards.
“This speaks highly of the youth here in Oklahoma,” said Colin Berg,
education supervisor for the Wildlife Department. According to Berg, Oklahoma
always has youth that perform very well in national level competitions for
outdoorsmen.
Maichak and Stiles were entered in the national writing contest as
part of their reward for winning a local outdoor writing contest sponsored by
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Station
Chapter of Safari Club International. Contestants in the annual statewide youth
outdoor writing contest pick from two essay topics — “Hunting: Sharing the
Heritage” or “What I like about Archery in the Schools and Bowhunting” — giving
them a chance to share their outdoor heritage with others. The winning essays of
the state contest are then entered into Norm Strung Youth Writing Competition.
Additionally, winners in the state's senior division receive an
all-expenses-paid antelope hunt in New Mexico, and junior division winners
receive a scholarship to the YO Ranch Apprentice Hunter Program in Texas. 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.
The Wildlife Department and the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari
Club International submit the winning essays to the Norm Strung National Youth
Writing Competition, held annually by the Outdoor Writers Association of
America.
To learn about how to compete in the state's youth outdoor writing
contest and become eligible for the Norm Strung writing contest, log on to
wildlifedepartment.com.
****Photo*****
Editor's note: Below is a link for an accompanying photo that is 300 DPI and
intended for newspaper publication. The ending link is .jpg for the photo. The
photo will open in your browser. If you have a pc you should be able to right
click, save picture as, choose the file type you want to save as and click save.
The other way is on file in toolbar, save picture as, choosing the file type you
want to save as and click save. Images can be viewed with the article at
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com
.
Steven Maichak
Raini
Stiles
Photo Caption: Steven Maichak of
Edmond took third place in the senior prose division (grades 9-12) of the Norm
Strung National Youth Writing Competition, and Raini Stiles of Collinsville took
first place in the junior prose division (grades 6-8). Both received national
recognition and cash rewards.
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Lake Record Fish
Program continues filling books
The heat is not stopping Oklahoma anglers from catching a mess of
fish that qualify as records in the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation's Lake Record Fish Program. Recently several crappie, catfish and a
striped bass hybrid have been added to the books.
More information about the lake record fish program can be found on
an easily-operated search feature available at wildlifedepartment.com, the Web
site of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The feature allows
those interested to view a wealth of lake record fish information, ranging from
weight of the fish to the kind of bait and the brand of rod and reel used to
catch it.
The Wildlife Department's Lake Record Fish Program continues to
grow. Since last year the program has doubled in size and there are now 28 lakes
currently enrolled in the program.
The Lake Record Fish program recognizes anglers who catch a fish
that qualifies as a record setter for the lake in which it was caught. Though
the program was established as a way to serve anglers and recognize significant
fish, it also serves as an indicator of trophy fish production in the state's
lakes.
Anglers who catch a potential record from a participating lake
should contact designated business locations around the lake that are enrolled
as lake record keepers, or vendors. The lake record keeper may then enter the
fish into an automated database via the Internet. Once it has been determined
that an angler has landed a record fish, the media is notified and the public
will be able to view information about the catch on the Wildlife Department's
Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
All past and current state record fish are registered in the Lake
Record Fish Program as records for their respective lakes.
Species eligible for spots in the lake records book include blue,
channel and flathead catfish and largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass in
addition to crappie, paddlefish, striped bass, striped bass hybrids, sunfish
(combined) walleye/saugeye and white bass. Minimum weights are set for each
species included to avoid a rush of potential yet easily broken records early in
the program's inception.
For more information about the new Lake Record Fish Program or for
contact information for lake record keepers, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
RECENT LAKE RECORD UPDATES:
Skiatook
Crappie
Weight: 2 lbs.
Angler: Ken Fostar
Bait: Natural bait
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=747
Keystone
Crappie
Weight: 3.7 lbs.
Angler: Dave Bargas
Date: June 3
Bait: Jig
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=716
Keystone
Blue catfish
Weight: 63 lbs.
Angler: Kevin Cartwright
Date: June 6
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=719
Skiatook
Flathead
Weight: 59 lbs.
Angler: J.T. Combs
Date: June 6
Bait: Natural Bait
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=744
Skiatook
Striped bass hybrid
Weight: 9 lbs.
Angler: Larry W. Jones
Date: June 26
Bait: Hard baits/plugs
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=741
Murray
Channel catfish
Weight: 15.2 lbs.
Angler: Darla Herndon
Date: July 22
Photo link:
http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=752
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Volunteers help make fishing memories for children with illnesses
Sixty-eight volunteers recently came together to take over 100 kids
from Oklahoma Children's Hospital fishing at Lake Texoma.
Camp Cavett offers outdoor experiences to children who are
undergoing treatments for illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, sickle cell
anemia and other childhood illnesses, and each year anglers and boaters from
across Oklahoma, Texas and even Louisiana volunteer their time and their boats
to take them fishing.
“Some of these kids have had a tough time over the last few years,
but they're just like any other kids — they love to go fishing and take a boat
ride,” said Gene Gilliland, central region fisheries supervisor for the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Gilliland volunteers each year and said some of the campers don't
get to fish at home, either because their conditions will not allow them to fish
easily or because they are in the hospital too much to find time. Getting the
opportunity to go through Camp Cavett gets them involved in the outdoors, giving
them something to look forward to as well as broadening their appreciation for
the natural world.
“Both the volunteers and kids have a great time. It is something we
all look forward to," Gilliland said.
Other opportunities this summer will allow childhood patients to
experience fishing as well, and volunteers are needed. Children who are burn
victims will have the opportunity to go fishing Aug. 15 through the 2009
Oklahoma Firefighters' Burn Camp. Volunteers who wish to guide or provide a boat
can print out a form available by logging on to
http://www.okbassfednation.com/Community/Burn%20Camp%20Boater%20Form.pdf
, and upon completion, mail or email it to the address provided. For more
information, contact Burn Camp Fishing and Boating chairman Kristi Collins at
(918) 830-463.
Photo Caption: Camp Cavett offers outdoor experiences to children who are
undergoing treatments for illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, sickle cell
anemia and other childhood illnesses, and each year anglers and boaters come
together as volunteers to take the campers fishing on Lake Texoma.
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Olympic and
Paralympic archers to train at UCO
The University of Central Oklahoma has been designated as an
official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site for archery, and
those archers will soon be able to use the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation’s Arcadia Lake Conservation Area facility for
training.
The U.S. Olympic Committee announced UCO’s designation
Tuesday, July 28, at the Oklahoma River Boathouse.
“Central is committed to providing an opportunity-rich
environment to enable people to become productive, creative, ethical and
engaged citizens and leaders, and this designation as an official U.S.
Olympic Training Site exemplifies that commitment,” said University of
Central Oklahoma (UCO) President W. Roger Webb. “We couldn’t be more
proud to serve the community and the country as a partner with the
United States Olympic Committee.”
UCO’s involvement in Paralympic sports began in 2000, when
it hosted the first annual Endeavor Games for Athletes with Physical
Disabilities. Then at the 6th annual Endeavor Games in 2005, USA
Volleyball announced UCO as the official site of Men’s National Sitting
Volleyball, making the university an official Paralympic Training Site.
There are currently nine resident athletes who live and train on the
campus in the sports of archery, sitting volleyball and track & field.
Though the designation came in July, UCO resident archery
athletes have already brought the training site international glory,
having a successful run at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing. T.J.
Pemberton, a Guthrie native and Paralympic archer, finished fourth in
the Men’s Individual Compound Open competition.
“With a successful run at the 2008 Paralympics and the new
Olympic designation, UCO looks forward to continuing to contribute to
the U.S. Olympic movement,” said Katrina Shaklee, Director of Sports and
Recreation at the UCO Wellness Center. “UCO is devoted to expanding its
Paralympic and Olympic services and venues for the elite athletes in
training.”
One way UCO will be expanding its training services is
through a partnership with the Wildlife Department. In December 2008,
the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is the governing
board of the Wildlife Department, approved a resolution to work with UCO
to develop archery facilities at the Department’s Arcadia Lake
Conservation Education Area. The facility will be part of a memorandum
of understanding between the Department and UCO to work together in
developing interest and participation in the sport of archery. Initial
efforts will focus on an outdoor Olympic archery practice range for the
University’s Paralympic and Olympic athletes, and in the future, indoor
archery training and shooting facilities.
“Oklahoma has a longstanding tradition of archery, and now
the state will leave an even bigger imprint on the sport with UCO’s
designation as an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic archery training
site,” said Richard Hatcher, director of the Wildlife Department. “There
are over 80,000 bowhunters and thousands more archery enthusiasts in
Oklahoma, and the Wildlife Department is glad to be a partner in the
Olympic movement.”
The Arcadia Lake Conservation Education Area is a unique
property located in central Oklahoma that offers opportunities for
wildlife viewing, fishing and more. At least 25 fishing clinics are held
on the area each year. Development and construction of a 7,000-sq.-ft.
multi-purpose building on the area grounds is in progress and will be
used for a number of educational and recreational purposes such as
hunter education, aquatic education and wetland education. Additionally,
a wetland boardwalk and outdoor teaching facility will provide
educational opportunities as well as increased public access in the
future for walk-in fishing access, wildlife viewing and nature hiking.
The planned Olympic archery training facility will not only
benefit UCO’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes, but also will compliment
the Wildlife Department’s Oklahoma Archery in the Schools program.
Oklahoma Archery in the Schools is part of a nationwide program to
introduce students to the sport of archery through target shooting
practice and competition among schools. The last Oklahoma Archery in the
Schools state shoot hosted more than 1,000 student shooters at the
Oklahoma Cox Convention Center in April. Thousands of students from
close to 200 schools participate in the program statewide.
For more information about the Wildlife Department’s Arcadia
Lake Conservation Education Area, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Tulsa
residents and visitors enjoy wildlife artwork
Tulsa residents and visitors commonly come across elk,
whitetail deer, and even mountain lions right in the middle of town
thanks to one organization that is using art to not only decorate the
city with lifelike wildlife statues, but also to support conservation.
NatureWorks is a Tulsa-based conservation organization that
has been supporting wildlife and sportsmen for years by providing money
for habitat projects and programs such as the Wildlife Department’s
Hunters Against Hunger program. But the all-volunteer group is also
responsible for numerous bronze wildlife statues that decorate parts of
the City of Tulsa.
NatureWorks is the outgrowth of the Ducks Unlimited
Wildlife Art Show that started 30 years ago in downtown Tulsa. Today,
NatureWorks hosts the annual art show that draws both national and
international wildlife artists to display their work. The art show and
sale also generates funds that NatureWorks uses to support conservation
projects.
“NatureWorks annual Art Show and Sale produces proceeds that
enable NatureWorks to fund nearly 100,000 in wildlife conservation
projects annually,” said John Cowen, monuments chairman for NatureWorks.
Sticking to its appreciation of wildlife and art, for the
last decade NatureWorks has been donating the bronze wildlife monuments,
which depict various species of wildlife native to Oklahoma and other
parts of the country, to the city of Tulsa.
Pictures of the beautiful bronze monuments could never do
them justice, as their size is normally described as “heroic.” While
many of these statues are larger than life depictions, they fit
perfectly into the Tulsa metro area.
“NatureWorks has given 19 larger than life bronze monuments
to the Tulsa community since 1994,” Cowen said. “Many of the monuments
can be seen along the Arkansas river on Riverside Drive. The monuments
are selected over a year in advance of their placement and monuments
numbers 20 and 21 are already in the works.”
The first bronze monument was erected in 1994 near the
Gilcrease Museum in honor of Harold C. Stuart for his lifelong
commitment to conservation. Since then a total of 18 bronze monuments
have been presented in the Tulsa metro area recognizing various
individuals and groups for their enthusiastic commitment to wildlife
conservation.
Along with providing wildlife statues for viewing pleasure,
NatureWorks also helped fund Wildlife Department projects such as the
wetlands project at Keystone Lake, the Grand River Paddlefish study,
habitat improvement on the Oologah Wildlife Management Area, and many
other Department projects across the state. Additionally, NatureWorks
provided a grant in 2009 that puts the Wildlife Department’s Outdoor
Oklahoma magazine in every public school and library in the state,
furthering outdoor education and putting wildlife information in the
hands of future stewards of the outdoors.
With the warm weather and a few weeks of summer break still
remaining, now is an excellent time to take the family to Tulsa and
check out some of these monuments that provide a life like
representation of wildlife. For location information, log on to
natureworks.org and check out the monuments link at the top of the page.
In addition to providing locations of monuments, it also offers a cool
online brochure with info on each of the monuments and NatureWorks.
For more information about NatureWorks, log on to
natureworks.org.
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Western Oklahoma photography contest open; winner to be displayed at
Wildlife Expo
This year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo will include something
for every kind of outdoorsman, including photographers hoping to
showcase their work.
The Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance is
currently accepting entries for the Great Plains Trail Photography
Contest, and the winning photo will be displayed at the Wildlife Expo
Sept. 25-27 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Judging
for the contest will take place at the Washita Battlefield National
Historic Site in Cheyenne, which will be accepting entries through Aug.
10.
Submissions should depict the unique attractions,
landscapes, wildlife, and wildflowers found across portions of the Great
Plains Trail of western Oklahoma.
“The Great Plains Trail of Oklahoma is a road-based wildlife
viewing trail that takes visitors into some of the most unique
landscapes in Oklahoma,” said Melynda Hickman, wildlife diversity
biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, a
primary partner in the Great Plains Trail project. “Unique wildlife
species such as the Texas horned lizard, American pronghorn, prairie
dogs and American avocets are just a few of the many wildlife species
that can be seen while driving the loops of the Trail.”
The Great Plains Trail of Oklahoma explores a significant
portion of the state located west of HWY 81. Full details on the Great
Plains Trail, including different routes, maps and local amenities along
the trail can be found by logging on greatplainstrail.com.
To enter the contest, applicants must mail or deliver their
submissions and an official entry form to Washita Battlefield Historic
Site, Rt. 1 Box 55a Cheyenne, OK 73628. Contest entry forms and rules
can be found online at owpha.org.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, hosted by the Wildlife
Department, is Oklahoma’s largest outdoor recreation event, offering
guests the chance to shoot shotguns and archery equipment, ride mountain
bikes and ATVs, catch fish in a fully-stocked pond, experience kayaking,
attend seminars and even sample wild game and camp cooking for free. The
Wildlife Department partners with a wide range of other state agencies,
private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host Expo. The
event is designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for all
types of outdoor enthusiasts while promoting and instilling an
appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources.
Whether catching a fish for the first time or building a
bird house to take home with them for free, visitors to the Expo get the
chance to soak up a full weekend of free outdoor knowledge, skills and
experiences as hundreds of volunteers and Wildlife Department employees
work to keep the event exciting, educational and entertaining.
“If you want to try over a hundred outdoor activities, then
be at this year's wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27,” said country music star
and outdoorsman Blake Shelton of Ada, who has made an appearance at the
Expo in the past. “If you love to hunt and fish like I do, then take
someone to this year’s Wildlife Expo.”
The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just
north of Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Sept. 25-27. Log on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to
date on this year’s Expo activities.
This year’s Expo will again feature “School Day” Sept. 25,
when busloads of school students from across the state will arrive and
enjoy a day at the event. Educators interested in planning a trip to the
Wildlife Expo with their students this year should call (918) 299-2334
for more information.
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Artists wanted for Oklahoma waterfowl stamp design contest
The Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp design contest hosted by the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will feature the ringneck
in 2010-11, and entries will be accepted from July 1 through Aug. 31,
2009.
Every year artists from across the country enter their
renditions of a pre-selected waterfowl species in the contest, and the
winning art is printed on the next year’s Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp,
which can also serve as an Oklahoma waterfowl hunting license. Oklahoma
waterfowl hunting licenses are required of Oklahoma waterfowl hunters,
unless exempt.
“When waterfowl hunters purchase a stamp or a waterfowl
license, they are funding on-the-ground habitat work,” said Micah
Holmes, information supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “The stamp
is a popular item for collectors as well.”
Duck stamp sales help finance many projects that benefit
ducks and geese. Since the duck stamp program began in 1980, thousands
of acres of waterfowl habitat have been created through duck stamp
revenues.
Artwork may be of acrylic, oil, watercolor, scratchboard,
pencil, pen and ink, tempera or any other two-dimensional media. The
illustration must be horizontal, six and a half inches high and nine
inches wide. It must be matted with white mat board nine inches high by
12 inches wide with the opening cut precisely 6.5 x 9. Artwork may not
be framed or under glass, but acetate covering should be used to protect
the art. All artists must depict the ringneck, and any habitat appearing
in the design must be typical of Oklahoma. Artists also can include a
retriever dog in their entry, as long as the ringneck is the featured
element of the artwork. For complete entry guidelines, call (405)
521-3856.
Entries should be sent to the Duck Stamp Competition
Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box
53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Fed Ex, UPS and other ground deliveries
should be sent to 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
Entries will be judged on anatomical accuracy, artistic
composition and suitability for printing. The winner and honorable
mentions will appear in a future issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.
A non-refundable entry fee of $20 (cash, money order or
cashier’s check) must accompany each entry. No entries will be accepted
after 4:30 p.m. Aug. 20.
The winning artist will receive a purchase award of $1,200,
and the winning entry will become the sole and exclusive property of the
Wildlife Department.
A selection of waterfowl stamp art from previous years is
currently on display in the lobby of the Wildlife Department
headquarters located at 1801 N. Lincoln, in Oklahoma City.
Prints of previous winning waterfowl artwork can be
purchased at wildlifedepartment.com.
For more information about the contest call (405) 521-3856.
For a complete list of contest rules, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Tenkiller anglers’ comments sought for five-year management plan
Lake Tenkiller anglers have an opportunity to share their
thoughts with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Aug. 6.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation values
public input in the management of the state’s wildlife resources, and
will hold the upcoming meeting to gather feedback on the agency’s
five-year fisheries management plan for the lake.
Anglers have the opportunity to speak their mind on a range
of topics affecting the lake ranging from fishery and management goals,
objectives and strategies for the lake.
All Oklahomans are welcome to attend. The meeting will be
held from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Tahlequah City Library,
located at 102 S. College.
Lake Tenkiller is located in eastern Oklahoma and is part of
Oklahoma’s 1,120 square miles of lakes and ponds. There are an estimated
611,000 anglers in the state who spend about $502 million annually.
Fishing creates an estimated 10,300 jobs in the state. The Wildlife
Department receives no general state tax appropriations and is supported
by hunting and fishing license fees and federal excise taxes on hunting
and fishing equipment.
For more information about the Wildlife Department, log on
to wildlifedepartment.com.
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