JUNE 2010
NEWS
RELEASES
WEEK OF JUNE 24, 2010
WEEK OF JUNE 17, 2010
WEEK OF JUNE 10, 2010
WEEK OF JUNE 3, 2010
Unusual state record fish point to Oklahoma’s angling diversity
To the average angler, terms like black buffalo and river
redhorse might appear to be references to obscure breeds of livestock, but
they are both Oklahoma fish species that have earned state record listings
this spring.
The same is true of species such as smallmouth buffalo, common
carp, river carpsucker, northern hognose sucker, smallmouth buffalo and even
the flathead catfish. While none of these species are classified as game
fish and only a few of them may be recognizable among most anglers, they are
all actively pursued by sportsmen and represent the diversity of fishing
opportunities in Oklahoma.
“So often when we think of fishing in Oklahoma, we think of a
rod and reel and our most sought after species like stripers, black bass,
crappie, sunfish and other popular sport fish,” said Barry Bolton, chief of
fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “But there
are a lot of less commonly discussed species in our waters that we can catch
— both on rod and reel as well as by other methods such as archery and
gigging.”
Examples include the 48 lb., 13, oz., common carp arrowed May 16
at Broken Bow Lake by Scotty Littles, as well as the northern hognose sucker
and river redhorse taken in March by gigging, or spearing, by brothers Clint
and Carl Williams, respectively.
And while nongame fish species may seem less common, they
continue to show up as record breakers when anglers land them both
intentionally and unexpectedly.
Just last month, El Reno angler Richard Williams was bass
fishing with a crankbait at El Reno Lake when he caught a 78 lb., 8 oz.,
state record flathead catfish. He was not trying to catch a state record
flathead, nor is he a catfish angler, but he admitted that catching a state
record fish was “pretty cool.”
Though flathead catfish are well known and highly sought after
by anglers, they are still not considered game fish. But flathead fishing
opportunities are abundant as are opportunities for other nongame fish, such
as the state record black buffalo caught on a rod and reel by E. Dale Dampf
in April, the record smallmouth buffalo caught on a trotline May 20 by
Rickey Wayne Smith, or the river carpsucker arrowed April 25 by Jeffrey Ray
at Ft. Cobb Lake. None of these fish were small, either — Dampf’s black
buffalo weighed over 22 lbs., Ray’s carpsucker topped 8 lbs., and Smith’s
smallmouth buffalo weighed a whopping 50 lbs., 4 oz.
“Not only do the nongame fish provide some unique ways to fish
like archery, gigs, trotlines and even noodling, but they also are species
that have a tendency to grow very large,” Bolton said. “And when you combine
these two things, it makes for some great fishing opportunities to
compliment all of our popular favorites,” Bolton said.
Nongame fish species like carp can be found at most lakes and
often are best pursued by way of archery. Anglers who consistently land
large numbers of carp often do so with specialized baits and equipment.
Flathead catfish are an exception, however, as they can be caught regularly
by rod and reel and are often caught by noodling, or fishing bare-handedly.
For a complete list of record fish and the procedures regarding
certifying state record fish, consult the current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide”
or log on to wildlifedepartment.com. Anglers who believe they may have
hooked a record fish must weigh the fish on an Oklahoma State Department of
Agriculture certified scale, and a Wildlife Department employee must verify
the weight.
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Sixth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo to offer outdoor learning opportunities
Oklahomans interested in the outdoors should mark their
calendars now for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s sixth
annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo slated for Sept. 25-26 at the Lazy E Arena,
just north of Oklahoma City.
The Wildlife Department is working with a range of
organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the Expo —
a free event intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma’s
wildlife and natural resources by providing hands-on learning opportunities
for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
“The Expo is a one-of-a-kind outdoor recreation event,” said
Rhonda Hurst, Expo coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “This is a place
where literally tens of thousands of outdoor-minded people of all ages and
skill levels gather for a weekend of activities and learning opportunities
that are entirely focused on Oklahoma’s outdoors.”
Organizations interested in helping promote the outdoors through
and educational booth or activity should contact Hurst at (405) 522-6279.
Among many other activities, Expo visitors will be able to try
firsthand activities such as fishing, shooting sports such as shotguns and
archery, kayaking, mountain biking and more. They will have access to
seminars on hunting dog training, outdoor cooking, camping, hunting,
fishing, birdwatching, and other activities in the great outdoors. Visitors
to the event also can win a variety of free prizes thanks to the Expo’s
generous sponsors. Additionally, guests can shop at the Outdoor Marketplace,
a large area at the Expo designated for shopping for the latest in outdoor
gear and merchandise.
Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, Log on to
wildlifedepartment.com as the event draws near to stay up to date on the
upcoming Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.
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Outdoor Marketplace returning to 2010 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo
Though very little equipment is required to enjoy the outdoors,
shopping for outdoor gear is a favorite activity for sportsmen, and for the
fourth year in a row, vendors at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo’s Outdoor
Marketplace will be on hand offering their outdoor goods and services
visitors at the event.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s sixth annual
Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is slated for September 25-26 at the Lazy E Arena,
just north of Oklahoma City. The Wildlife Department will be working with a
range of organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies to host
the event — intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma’s
wildlife and natural resources. Last year’s Expo drew an estimated 42,000
visitors to the Lazy E Arena over the course of three days.
“Admission for the Expo is free, and all of the events and
activities it offers are free,” said Rhonda Hurst, Expo coordinator for the
Wildlife Department. “Tens of thousands of visitors come out to the Lazy E
Arena to enjoy the fun, so this a great opportunity for vendors of outdoor
goods and services to showcase their products to outdoor-minded people at
the Outdoor Marketplace.”
The Outdoor Marketplace is a large area where commercial vendors
will be selling their hunting and fishing-related merchandise and services.
The Marketplace features vendors under a large tent, but outdoor open-air
spaces also are available for displaying larger items such as ATVs and
hunting blinds. A 10’ x 10’ booth space under the tent or a 20’ x 20’
outside space costs $300. Both include electricity. Nonprofit conservation
organizations also will be able to sign up for free booth spaces to promote
membership and educate sportsmen about their organizations.
Along with shopping at the Outdoor Marketplace, Expo visitors
will be able to fish, shoot shotguns, kayak, ride mountain bikes, see and
touch wildlife, attend dog training seminars and learn about recreation in
the great outdoors. They will also be able to win a variety of free prizes
thanks to generous sponsors of the event.
“Any vendor who wants to reach people interested in the outdoors
needs to be a part of the Outdoor Marketplace at this year’s Wildlife Expo,”
Hurst said.
Log on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on
the upcoming Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.
For more information about obtaining a booth in the Outdoor
Marketplace or to obtain an application for a booth, contact Ben Davis,
Outdoor Marketplace coordinator, at (405) 521-4632.
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Conservation passport provides new way to support conservation
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will soon offer a
new avenue for wildlife enthusiasts to support wildlife conservation.
At its June meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission
established a special use permit that will be required of persons using certain
Department-owned lands who do not hold a valid hunting or fishing license. The
permit has been designated the conservation passport and will be available in
the form of a license that will be sold online at wildlifedepartment.com or
anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
House Bill 2862, by Representative Phil Richardson and Paul Roan and
Senator Ron Justice, authorized the Wildlife Conservation Commission to
establish the passport on lands owned by the Wildlife Department. The passport
was already required at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area in
southcentral Oklahoma.
Many other WMAs offer shooting ranges, camping, hiking, horseback
riding, nature trails, wildlife watching and other activities as a result of
sportsmen’s dollars used to purchase, enhance and develop those areas primarily
used for hunting and fishing.
“We had a number of conservation groups that wanted to have a permit
that could help support these public use areas,” said Jim Edwards, assistant
director of the Wildlife Department. “And since these properties are bought or
managed by sportsmen’s dollars, people that use those properties ought to also
pay at least a corresponding amount for upkeep and maintenance.”
The new requirement will go into effect Jan. 1, 2011, at all
Wildlife Department owned areas except Blue River, where the passport is already
required. The price for the conservation passport is set at $26, which is $1
more than a hunting or fishing license. In addition to saving money on the
purchase price, those who opt for a hunting or fishing license will also see
their dollars go further in conserving wildlife because of matching federal
dollars from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that apply to hunting and
fishing license sales but not to conservation passport sales.
Other opportunities to support wildlife conservation in addition to
the purchase of a hunting and fishing license or a conservation passport include
the purchase of a wildlife license plate, offered through local tag agencies, as
well as habitat patches and caps, which feature a range of wildlife artwork and
are sold online at wildlifedepartment.com.
In other business, the Commission approved changes to its retirement
plan for Wildlife Department employees.
Under the new plan, employees hired after July 1, 2010, will be
provided a defined contribution retirement based on their years of service to
the Department. For current employees, there will be no changes to the lifetime
retirement benefit under their defined benefit plan — a guarantee that promises
they’ll receive a specified pension throughout retirement.
The new plan is expected to save millions of dollars and avoid
financial troubles before they have a chance to develop, while at the same time
maintaining obligations to retirees.
The Commission also accepted a contribution of $2,000 from
Whitetails of Oklahoma for the 2010 Wildlife Expo, slated for Sept. 25-26 at the
Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Whitetails of Oklahoma is non-profit
organization for whitetail enthusiasts, including among others, those who hunt
and raise whitetail deer in Oklahoma.
Whitetails of Oklahoma has given away hunts at the Wildlife Expo in
past years and already has secured three deer hunts and a striper fishing trip
at Lake Texoma to give away at the 2010 Expo.
The Wildlife Department is working with a range of organizations,
individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the Expo — a free event
intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma’s wildlife and natural
resources by providing hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor
enthusiasts.
Among many other activities, Expo visitors will be able to try
firsthand activities such as fishing, shooting sports such as shotguns and
archery, kayaking, mountain biking and more. They will have access to seminars
on hunting dog training, outdoor cooking, camping, hunting, fishing,
birdwatching, and other activities in the outdoors.
The Commission also approved the Department’s fiscal year 2011
annual budget at $42 million.
The Commission elected new officers at the meeting as well, who will
begin serving in their positions at the July Commission meeting. Serving as
chairman will be District 7’s Mart Tisdal; serving as vice-chairman will be
District 3’s Mike Bloodworth; and serving as secretary will be District 1’s M.
David Riggs.
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., Tuesday,
July 6, at the Wildlife Department’s Outdoor Education and Training Center
located at the Arcadia Conservation Education Area (7201 E. 33rd St., Edmond).
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Wildlife
Conservation Commission establishes new officers
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission established new
officers to begin serving next month on the Commission.
The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing
board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and is responsible for
establishing state hunting and fishing regulations, setting policy for the
Wildlife Department and indirectly overseeing all state fish and wildlife
conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and
confirmed by the Senate.
Commissioner Mart Tisdal will serve as the new Commission chairman.
Tisdal represents District 7, including Ellis, Dewey, Roger Mills, Custer,
Beckham, Washita, Kiowa, Greer, Jackson, Harmon and Tillman counties.
Tisdal was named by Gov. Brad Henry in 2007 to serve the remainder
of a vacated district seven term.
Tisdal, whose current appointment on the Commission runs until 2011,
was born and raised in Clinton and founded Tisdal Law Firm, a general practice
legal office which has oil and gas, environmental law and complex litigation
among its areas of focus. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and his Juris
Doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma. In addition to receiving numerous
professional awards, he has served as the president of the Oklahoma Bar
Foundation. He is also a veteran, having served on active duty in the U.S. Army,
field artillery, from 1971-73.
An avid quail hunter, Tisdal says he has many fond memories of
growing up in western Oklahoma. Tisdal also enjoys turkey hunting, fishing,
golf, running, snow skiing, and just being outdoors. He also has a keen interest
in wildlife conservation. He says sharing Oklahoma’s outdoor heritage with the
next generation is an important part of the future of conservation.
Serving as Commission vice-chairman will be District 3 Commissioner
Mike Bloodworth. District 3 consists of LeFlore, Latimer, Pittsburg, Atoka,
Pushmataha, McCurtain, Choctaw, Bryan, Marshall, Carter and Love counties.
Bloodworth is from Hugo and was appointed to the Commission by Gov.
Brad Henry in 2007. Bloodworth's term will run through 2015. A lifelong resident
of Hugo, Bloodworth founded an independent insurance agency in that Choctaw
County community after serving as a sixth-grade teacher and elementary school
principal for 10 years. He earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree in
education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. He is also an
active duck and goose hunter.
Serving as Commission secretary will be District 1 Commissioner M.
David Riggs. District 1 consists of Ottawa, Delaware, Craig, Mayes, Nowata,
Rogers, Washington, Tulsa, Pawnee and Osage counties.
Riggs, of Sand Springs, was appointed to the Commission by Gov. Brad
Henry, and his term will expire in 2013.
A lifelong resident of Sand Springs, Riggs is a partner in one of the state's
largest law firms - Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis. Riggs also
served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1971 to 1987
and in the Oklahoma Senate from 1987 to 1988.
Riggs is active in a number of local conservation organizations
including serving of the board of trustees of The Nature Conservancy and serves
as the chairman of the board of directors for the Sutton Avian Research Center.
He graduated from Phillips University in Enid in 1959, received a Masters of
Arts form the University of Oklahoma in 1962 and graduated first in his class at
the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1968.
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World’s best bass anglers to descend on the Arkansas River Navigation System
this weekend
The best bass fisherman in the world are coming to Oklahoma June
17-20 for the Bassmaster Elite Sooner Run bass tournament on the Arkansas River
near Muskogee.
The tournament is part of a sports league, membership organization
and multimedia company called B.A.S.S. that draws anglers to tournaments held at
some of the finest fishing destinations across the country. The Arkansas River
is no exception, offering several lakes that all provide good black bass fishing
opportunities. But it’s the Three Forks Harbor area of the river that will host
the tournament.
“Attracting a B.A.S.S. Elite Series tournament to Oklahoma is not
just about fishing quality — although the Webbers Falls, Robert S. Kerr and
Chouteau pools on McClellen-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System are know for
great summertime bass fishing — it is about facilities and people,” said Gene
Gilliland, central region fisheries supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation, who added that a range of groups have come together to
make the tournament happen.
Launch time for the tournament is 6 a.m. at the Three Forks Harbor,
and weigh-ins take place at 3:30 p.m. at the same location. According the to the
Muskogee Chamber of Commerce website, free parking will be available at the
site.
“We are excited to have ESPN bring the Elite Series Auto Zone Sooner
Run to Muskogee,” said Treasure McKenzie, vice president of tourism and
marketing for the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce. “The new Three Forks Harbor on
the Arkansas River is beautiful and perfect for this kind of event. What better
way to premier this new attraction to the world than on ESPN?”
The B.A.S.S. membership organization has more than half a million
members, and multimedia platforms include a range of magazines, websites and TV
shows on ESPN and ESPN2 designed to entertain and inform anglers. It’s
tournament series draws anglers from all skill levels to compete for millions of
dollars in cash and prizes.
For more information about B.A.S.S., log on to
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/index
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Annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is a chance to introduce newcomers to the
outdoors
The sixth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is coming to Oklahoma
Sept. 25-26 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, providing an
ideal opportunity for sportsmen to introduce a friend or family member to
the outdoors.
The Wildlife Department is working with a range of
organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the Expo —
a free event intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma’s
wildlife and natural resources by providing hands-on learning opportunities
for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
"Aside from actually taking someone hunting or fishing, the Expo
is the best place for Oklahomans to learn about the outdoors,” said Rhonda
Hurst, Expo coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “There’s going to be
something for even the most seasoned sportsmen to learn about at the Expo,
as well as lots of opportunities for people to try activities they may never
have tried before, like shooting a shotgun or bow or catching a fish in the
pond.”
Organizations interested in helping promote the outdoors through
an educational booth or activity should contact Hurst at (405) 522-6279.
Among many other activities, Expo visitors will be able to try
firsthand activities such as fishing, shooting sports such as shotguns and
archery, kayaking, mountain biking and more. They will have access to
seminars on hunting dog training, outdoor cooking, camping, hunting,
fishing, birdwatching, and other activities in the great outdoors. Visitors
to the event also can win a variety of free prizes thanks to the Expo’s
generous sponsors. Additionally, guests can shop at the Outdoor Marketplace,
a large area at the Expo designated for shopping for the latest in outdoor
gear and merchandise.
Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is
free. Log on to wildlifedepartment.com as the event draws near to stay up to
date on the upcoming Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.
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Free
family fishing clinics slated throughout summer
Free fishing clinics offered by the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation’s Aquatic Resource Education Program are being held
throughout the summer to teach families about the sport of fishing. And now
is a great time to learn, as the month of June offers prime opportunities to
catch spawning sunfish along banks of local waters.
Through the program, kids and adults can choose from one-day
courses held near urban areas of the state to learn about fish
identification, fishing tackle selection, knot-tying, fish cleaning and
cooking, water safety, outdoor ethics and more. Most clinics even include
fishing opportunities where families can put to immediate use the lessons
they learned from their instructor.
According to Damon Springer, aquatic education coordinator for
the Wildlife Department, the free clinics will benefit families trying to
learn about the sport as well as those looking for easy and affordable
opportunities to spend time with family.
“The family fishing clinics are a great opportunity for families
to have an activity they can all do together,” Springer said.
The Aquatic Resource Education Program will hold classes
throughout the summer, many of which will be held at the Wildlife
Department’s Arcadia Conservation Education Area in Edmond or the Zebco Pond
in Tulsa. Others will be held at local ponds in Oklahoma City and in Jenks.
A full course listing is available on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at
wildlifedepartment.com. Pre-registration for each course is required and can
be done by calling the phone number listed with each course.
For more information about the Aquatic Resources Education
Program, log on to the Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
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Oklahoma sportsmen’s organization to give away $25,000 worth of outdoor
getaways
For the next few months, sportsmen could win big simply by being
a member of the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International, a
major supporter of wildlife conservation who is giving away $25,000 worth of
free outdoor getaway trips now through September.
According to Mike Mistelske, SCI’s Oklahoma Station Chapter
president, new members as well as current members who sponsor newcomers to
the organization are entered to win a range of free getaways. Trips to be
given away range from waterfowling opportunities in Oklahoma to pheasant
hunting in Kansas, fishing in Alaska, and even hunting trips abroad in
locations like Namibia and Macedonia. The trips range in value from $1,200
to $10,000 and will be given away courtesy of the Oklahoma Station Chapter
of SCI.
Complete details are available on the chapter’s website at
oklahomastationsci.org. The site provides descriptions of the six trips to
be given away as well as membership applications for those interested in
joining the organization and entering to win a trip.
The Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International offers
support and funding to local conservation efforts that benefit the sportsmen
and wildlife of Oklahoma. The chapter is a supporter of projects conducted
by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, such as the Hunters
Against Hunger program that coordinates the annual distribution of over
30,000 of pounds of venison to needy families. The Chapter is also a sponsor
of the Wildlife Department’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, which educates tens of
thousands of Oklahomans each year on the value of wildlife and the outdoors
to quality of life in Oklahoma.
The organization also has helped fund the purchase of an airboat
used by the Wildlife Department on waterfowl surveys and other wetland
management tasks, and several trailers 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. The Oklahoma Station Chapter also partners with the Wildlife
Department each year to hold an annual youth essay contest that provides
youth a chance to share their feelings about Oklahoma’s outdoors and to win
great prizes, including a guided pronghorn antelope hunt in New Mexico.
Additionally, the chapter purchased eight elk for introduction into an
existing herd in southeast Oklahoma.
For more information on the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari
Club International, log on to oklahomastationsci.org.
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Lawton
attorney named to Wildlife Conservation Commission
Lawton attorney John P. Zelbst is the newest member of the Oklahoma
Wildlife Conservation Commission, the governing board of the Oklahoma Department
of Wildlife Conservation.
The Wildlife Commission establishes most state hunting and fishing
regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department and indirectly oversees all
state fish and wildlife conservation activities.
Zelbst, appointed by Governor Brad Henry and confirmed this past
session by the State Senate, will begin his eight-year term July 1. He will
serve as the Commission’s District 6 representative, which includes Blaine,
Kingfisher, Canadian, Caddo, Grady, Comanche, Stephens, Jefferson and Cotton
counties.
“Wildlife is the peoples’ treasure and I’m committed to helping
ensure sportsmen and other outdoor enthusiasts have access to their wildlife
resources,” Zelbst said. “I come from a long ranching background. In fact, my
son will be a fifth generation rancher, so I know the importance and value of
being connected to the outdoors and environment.
“A concern of mine is that our young people aren’t as connected to
the outdoors as they used to be and many know very little about the environment.
Outdoor recreation and activity leads to a higher quality of life, so it’s
important we work on getting children involved in the outdoors.”
Zelbst has 30 years experience as a trial lawyer and is the managing
partner at Zelbst, Holmes & Butler law firm. The firm serves Oklahoma City,
Lawton, Edmond, Norman and with the assistance of local counsel, all of the
United States. Zelbst’ legal career has focused solely on representing people
who have been injured, wronged, falsely accused and mistreated.
A member of the Oklahoma Association for Justice (formerly the
Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association), he served as the Association’s President in
2000. He also holds the distinction of having secured $24 million in the largest
known personal injury verdict in state history.
Along with other professional memberships, recognition and awards,
he was awarded the title of Oklahoma Super Lawyer for the years 2006-2010,
Superlawyers.com; and is a member of the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers,
92nd Edition, Martindale Hubbell and is also Peer Review Rated by
Martindale-Hubbell.
Zelbst received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cameron University
in Lawton in 1976 and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa,
College of Law, in 1980. He is a graduate of and a board and faculty member of
the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, DuBois, Wyo.
Zelbst and his wife, Cindy, own and reside on the U2 Ranch in Meers.
They have a son, Clay, and are actively involved in cattle operations on the
ranch. He also supports numerous civic and community development programs, and
currently chairs both the Comanche County Board of Trustees and the Comanche
County Memorial Hospital Trust.
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Photo caption: Lawton attorney John Zelbst is the newest member of the Oklahoma
Wildlife Conservation Commission, representing District 6 for a term running
until 2018.
Learn
jerky-making at this year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo
Few snacks have the unique flavor and ability to conjure up good
memories and excitement for the outdoors like the ever popular treat known as
jerky, which will be celebrated at this year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo through
hands-on learning seminars that teach visitors how to refine their own
jerky-making skills.
Put simply, jerky is dried meat. But there are many ways to create
the delicious mixture of flavors, texture and satisfaction enjoyed by sportsmen
who know how create their own nutritious snack from game meat they harvested
themselves. The nutritional value, resistance to spoilage, and versatility of
jerky has been known most likely for centuries and was used by early Native
Americans and explorers as a high-energy food.
At this year’s Expo, slated for Sept. 25-26, visitors can learn
about a variety of techniques, equipment and game meats used for making jerky,
and they can sample different types of jerky as well at one of several seminars
hosted at the event.
In fact, in addition to trying their hand at all kinds of outdoor
activities like shotgun shooting, kayaking and mountain biking, visitors can
enjoy a range of outdoor cooking and learning opportunities. The Expo’s popular
Taste of the Wild booth offers wild game samplings like fried catfish, venison
bacon and buffalo chili. Last year thousands of pounds of wild game samples were
prepared and handed out free to Expo visitors, making the booth one of the most
popular exhibits at the Expo.
Visitors can stop at the booth as they work their way through more
than 100 booths and activities set up at the Lazy E Arena, just north of
Oklahoma City.
Additionally, Expo visitors can try Dutch-oven-prepared food samples in a
camp setting as well as attend seminars on Dutch oven cooking.
The Wildlife Expo is Oklahoma’s largest outdoor recreation event, offering
guests the chance to try shooting sports, ride mountain bikes and ATVs, catch
fish in a fully-stocked pond, experience kayaking, attend seminars and more —
all for free.
“If you like sampling good outdoor food, you need to come to the Expo,”
said Rhonda Hurst, Expo coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “Booths and
seminars serving up good food and teaching you how to improve your own outdoor
cooking skills are a favorite at the Expo, but on top of that there are so many
other reasons to attend, like watching a child learn to bait a line and catch a
fish, or taking a friend or spouse to learn how to shoot a shotgun and hit a
moving clay target.”
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation partners with a
wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related
companies to host Expo every year. 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.
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. 25-26. Log
on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on this year’s Expo
activities.
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Free family
fishing clinics slated throughout summer
“Gone fishin’” or “I’d rather be fishing” are common sayings found
on Oklahoma bumper stickers, cabin greeting signs, or other paraphernalia, but
such messages might say something entirely different — “gone video gaming” just
doesn’t have the same ring to it — if people had no one to teach them about
fishing and the outdoors.
Enter the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s free
Aquatic Resource Education Program (AREP).
Through the program, kids and adults can choose from courses held
near urban areas throughout the state this summer to learn about fishing and try
their own hand at catching a fish.
Oklahoma has thousands of miles of shoreline along its many lakes,
rivers, streams and ponds, and many of them are close to urban areas and open to
the public for angling. The AREP program is designed to help people get a start
in the sport so they can take advantage of the many fishing opportunities
available to them.
According to Damon Springer, aquatic education coordinator for the
Wildlife Department, the free clinics will benefit families trying to learn
about the sport as well as those looking for easy and affordable opportunities
to spend time with family.
The Aquatic Resource Education Program will hold classes through
August, many of which will be held at the Wildlife Department’s Arcadia
Conservation Education Area in Edmond or the Zebco Pond in Tulsa. Others will be
held at local ponds in Oklahoma City and in Jenks. A full course listing is
available on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
Pre-registration for each course is required and can be done by calling the
phone number listed with each course.
The Aquatic Resources Education Program is the Department's means to
promote the sport of fishing and aquatic resource awareness as well as a way to
give youth, regardless of family situation, an opportunity to learn about
Oklahoma's aquatic environments and how to fish.
Developed in 1988, the program's objectives are to increase the
understanding, appreciation, and awareness of Oklahoma's aquatic resources;
facilitate the learning of angling skills, outdoor ethics, and sport fishing
opportunities in the state; enhance urban fishing opportunities; develop adult
fishing clinics and provide information on specialized fishing techniques.
These events — usually lasting a few hours — present information on
such topics as fish identification, knot-tying, fish cleaning and cooking,
fishing tackle selection and use, water safety, outdoor ethics and more.
Most clinics, including Lake Arcadia family fishing clinics, include
fishing at a nearby pond or lake.
According to Springer, the fishing clinics will benefit youth as
well as play an important role of the future of Oklahoma’s outdoor heritage.
For more information about the Aquatic Resources Education Program,
log on to the Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
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