Wildlife Legislation
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 19, 2009
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WEEKLY WILDLIFE
NEWS Wildlife Legislation |
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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 19, 2009 |
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Rut reports flooding in; consensus good for opening day deer gun hunters
Deer rifle season kicks off Saturday, Nov. 21, and reports from
across the state indicate the timing of the rut is just right to provide an
exciting opening weekend.
The whitetail deer breeding season, or rut, is a biological process
that typically occurs around the second week of November. Deer activity during
the rut picks up but the amount of activity can be influenced by a host of
factors such as day length, temperatures, moon phase and herd condition.
In some parts of the state, biologists are reporting that the rut is
only just now picking up and that action could be at its peak during deer gun
season, a welcomed possibility for hunters hoping to have an exciting season.
Prior to this past weekend, rut activity in the northwest part of
the state had been slow and picking up gradually, but according to Wade Free,
northwest region wildlife supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation, cooler weather over the weekend boosted activity.
“The cold rainy weekend — 35 degrees, rain, drizzle, and overcast —
gave the bucks a needed jolt, and there has been a considerable increase in buck
movement, mostly cruising, the past three mornings,” Free said the week leading
up to the opener. “The hard chasing in the northwest is on track for the gun
opener.”
Before the weekend, Free had reported that most rut activity had
been occurring at night and that it had been “trickling along and could really
cut loose” if the forecasted weather arrived over the weekend. Food sources
currently being used by deer in the northwest region of the state include mostly
agricultural crops such as wheat, rye, alfalfa and milo. Before the recent cold
front Free reported crop fields with high numbers of does and fawns together,
indicating that bucks had not yet started chasing does intensely. The sudden
swing in the weather could be just what hunters need for a successful,
action-packed opening day.
Reports from the southwest region indicate the rut is picking up
there as well. According to Rod Smith, southwest region supervisor for the
Wildlife Department, reports of smaller bucks chasing does have been coming in,
with larger bucks just now beginning to chase does. Smith predicts strong
rutting activity this week as the state heads toward opening day, with bucks
still active during opening weekend.
Smith said hunter success during muzzleloader season was similar to
2009, with some areas having a higher harvest than normal.
“We anticipate a good deer gun season,” Smith said. “Deer numbers
continue to increase in several areas. We look forward to seeing the impact of
the increased antlerless opportunities in much of the region.”
Much of the southwest region falls into antlerless zone 8, where
does can be harvested every day during the deer gun season. In addition, two
does can be harvested in the region during the deer gun season, along with a
buck. For more information, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
Hunters are reminded that the southwest has a rapidly growing deer population
and that hunters can play a major role in maintaining a healthy herd with an
adequate doe harvest. Hard work now on managing the herd can pay off in the
future with good buck:doe ratios, mature bucks and good overall health.
Reports are that deer are shifting toward winter-type food sources
in the southwest region, such as agriculture, some left-over mast and browse.
In the central region, pre-rut activity was observed toward the end
of muzzleloader season. While most hunters may have expected the rut to peak in
mid-November, above normal temperatures continued until this past weekend, and
the rut appears to be continuing as a result.
According to Rex Umber, central region senior biologist for the
Wildlife Department, muzzleloader hunters enjoyed excellent weather and vibrant
fall colors.
“It was a good time to be in the woods, even if you didn't see or
harvest a buck,” Umber said.
Deer harvest has been up from 2008 in the central region.
“If the acorn crop is good in your area, that's where your deer will
be,” Umber said. “Do your scouting a few days in advance of your hunt, but stay
out of your honey hole at least three days before because bucks will be on the
move. Don't forget to shoot your rifle before you go hunting.”
According to Craig Endicott, northeast region wildlife supervisor
for the Wildlife Department, the northeast part of the state enjoyed a fair to
good muzzleloader season with buck harvest up the last two days of the season,
indicating the rut was drawing near. Bucks were starting pre-rut activity around
Nov. 1. While some breeding activity will likely still be occurring on the
opening weekend of the statewide deer gun season, hunters should expect the peak
to be winding down and adjust techniques accordingly. Doe estrous calls, antler
rattling, and grunt tubes may still work, but hunting travel lanes to and from
bedding or feeding areas may be more effective.
A possible Boone and Crockett record buck was reportedly harvested
in Adair Co. during the muzzleloader season.
Hunters in the northeast region are reminded of the importance of
scouting out their hunting spots before the season, including searching out food
sources, such as acorns. According to Endicott's report, “most all oak species
produced acorns, and recent reports indicate deer are still on acorns where
available.” Hunters should also be on the lookout for browse such as greenbrier
and cool season forbs. Hunters searching for a mature buck should use weekdays
to their advantage if possible, and should not overlook the second week of the
season, especially if hunting public land. Hunters not successful early on
opening day should remember that deer frequently get up to feed and move about
around mid-morning to mid-day. Those still in the woods during that time frame
often go home with a deer.
In the southeast region, the rut is reportedly in full swing
according to Joe Hemphill, southeast region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife
Department. Deer muzzleloader season was a success alongside a successful
inaugural bear season. Deer harvest numbers were up and hunters harvested 19
black bears toward the state quota of 20. Food availability may be part of the
equation for both successful seasons. Hemphill said there was a good acorn crop
in the region and that deer are still feeding on large quantities of acorns.
“We seem to have a large number of deer and it seems like the
pressure wasn't there as much as usual on public land,” Hemphill said. Deer gun
season could bring more pressure, but deer hunting opportunities should be
plentiful.
Southeast Oklahoma is known for large expanses of public land open
to deer hunting, particularly on wildlife management areas such as Honobia Creek
and Three Rivers WMAs.
For just $40 — the cost of a Land Access Permit from the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation — Oklahoma hunters can gain a year of
hunting or fishing access on the Honobia Creek and Three Rivers Wildlife
Management Areas in southeast Oklahoma, where some of the most rugged terrain
and abundant cover in the state allows deer to grow to mature age classes.
Additionally, the upcoming deer season is expected to be a good one
on Honobia Creek and Three Rivers WMAs.
“Our 2009 deer surveys produced the highest number of deer surveyed
since the WMAs were established in the late 1990s,” said Kyle Johnson, Wildlife
Department biologist stationed on Honobia Creek and Three Rivers WMA.
He added that both black and white oak trees produced good crops of
acorns this year, which offer food for deer and good areas for hunters to focus
on when locating a great spot to hunt.
Deer gun season runs Nov. 21 through Dec. 6. For more information
about license requirements, regulations and antlerless deer hunting
requirements, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or log on to
wildlifedepartment.com.
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Deer gun season brings
families together
Since 1933, deer gun hunters have been making their way into the
woods and fields of Oklahoma for a tradition as deeply rooted as any in the
state. Every year a huge portion of Oklahoma's 356,257 licensed hunters join
family members and friends for the opening day of deer gun season, and this year
looks to be no different, with opening day slated for Nov. 21.
“The opening day of deer gun season is the biggest day of the year
for hunters in Oklahoma,” said Nels Rodefeld, chief of information and education
for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Not only that, it's a big
day for families, friends and loved ones who come together for a pastime that
brings them close to each other and closer to nature.”
While deer hunting is a time for fun, family and the outdoors, it's
also important to realize the critical role that hunting plays in wildlife
conservation across the state. In fact, Oklahoma's record of restoring deer
populations and other species of fish and wildlife and protecting natural
habitat can be largely credited to the millions of dollars generated by the
state's sportsmen and women.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the state agency
responsible for managing fish and wildlife. The Wildlife Department receives no
general state tax dollars and is supported by sportsmen through the sale of
hunting and fishing licenses. Additionally, for each hunting gear purchase, a
portion of the money is returned to state fish and wildlife agencies for
conservation efforts. Through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act,
passed in 1937 at the request of the hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts,
special excise taxes on hunting gear have contributed billions of dollars for
wildlife conservation.
In the early part of the last century, when deer populations were
down to just a few hundred animals, hunters and the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation took up the call to once again have healthy deer
populations across the state. Part of this conservation effort began with the
historic deer trap-and-transplant projects of the mid-1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s.
Today, Oklahoma can boast having deer in every county and a whitetail population
in excess of 500,000 animals. Hunters have generous harvest limits and expansive
opportunities statewide for hunting deer.
For more information about Oklahoma's deer season, consult the
current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide,” or log onto wildlifedepartment.com.
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Oklahoma economy made
stronger by hunting
Hunting may be a mainstream, popular pastime in Oklahoma, but it is
also an important part of the state's economy, sustaining jobs, drawing in-state
and out-of-state business, and flooding the economy with millions of dollars
each year.
The number of people who hunt in Oklahoma could fill both Owen Field
and Boone Pickens stadium almost two times, and deer hunters make up a large
portion of those hunters.
The role deer hunters play in the state simply by participating in
the outdoors is far-reaching. Original expenditures made by hunters, anglers and
wildlife watchers generate rounds of additional spending throughout the economy.
The total economic effect of deer hunting activity in Oklahoma during 2006 was
estimated at nearly $500 million, and the total economic effect from 2006
hunting activity in Oklahoma in general was estimated to be $843 million.
Expenditures made for hunting, fishing and wildlife watching
activities support jobs throughout the state. Many of these jobs are in
companies that directly serve recreationists, such as retailers, restaurants,
motels and more. Others are in companies that support the first companies and
employees such as wholesalers, utilities, manufacturers, grocers and more. Total
jobs, full and part time, supported in Oklahoma in 2006 from deer
hunting-related activities was estimated at 5,662.
Given that outdoor recreation dollars are often spent in rural or
lightly populated areas, the economic contributions of fish and wildlife
resources can be especially important to rural economies.
Deer season draws hunters to Oklahoma from across the country as
well as thousands of sportsmen who live and work in Oklahoma. These hunters
purchase gear — some of which is made right here in Oklahoma — and they stay in
small-town hotels and spend money at local grocery stores, restaurants, and
other vendors. Hunting is big business in Oklahoma and an important part of the
fabric of the state's economy, which is relatively healthy compared to other
parts of the country.
During hard economic times, families and friends are drawn closer
together through hunting, and the fabric of Oklahoma's economy is woven even
tighter and stronger thanks to a pastime enjoyed by thousands and supported by
Oklahoma's rich natural resources.
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Hunters making a
difference for the hungry
Every year thousands of hungry Oklahomans reap the benefits of deer
season in Oklahoma through the Hunters Against Hunger program.
Through the program, hunters who legally harvest a deer during any
of this year's deer seasons can donate the meat to feed hungry Oklahomans. All
they have to do is deliver their harvested deer to the nearest participating
meat processor after checking the deer at a hunter check station. To view a
list of participating meat processors, log on to the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation's Web site at
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hah.htm.
To help with processing charges, each donator is requested to
contribute a tax-deductable $10 to assist with the program.
The ground venison is then distributed to the needy through a
network of qualified, charitable organizations. During the 2007-08 season,
hunters donated 39,765 pounds of venison that provided almost 160,000 meals to
needy people.
Participation by meat processors and hunters is the key to success
to helping feed Oklahoma's hungry. The Wildlife Department pays a special thanks
to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of eastern
Oklahoma for their participation in the Hunters Against Hunger program.
Important donors to this program also include Tulsa-based conservation group
NatureWorks, and the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International. To
learn more about NatureWorks, log on to natureworks.org. To learn more about the
Oklahoma Station Chapter of SCI, log on to oklahomastationsci.org.
To become more involved in the Hunters Against Hunger program,
contact the Wildlife Department at (405) 522-6279.
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Savory venison
recipes for your 2009 deer harvest
MARINATED VENISON BROCHETTES (ALSO KNOWN AS “DEER KABOBS”)
Ingredients:
2 pounds of venison loin, rump or flank steak. (will make approximately 12 to 15
brochettes)
vinegar and oil based Italian Salad Dressing (i.e. Zesty Italian).
10 oz. jar of either mild or hot jalapeno peppers (sliced).
1 pound bacon
1 8 oz. jar of pearl cocktail onions (a.k.a. Martini Onions), or 2 to 3 small
yellow onions cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
salt, pepper, seasoned salt to taste
wooden toothpicks and/or skewers
Preparation:
Remove as much of the "silver skin" and any connective tissue (white) from
venison as possible and cut into strips approx. one and a half inches wide, by
1/2 inch thick by approximately three to four inches long. Place all strips
into large bowl and mix with Italian Salad Dressing and refrigerate overnight
(Hint: give the meat at least one stir overnight to marinate the venison strips
evenly). Take each strip and place 2-3 slices of jalapeño at one end with one
cocktail onion (or cube of onion). Roll (or fold) the onion/peppers inside the
strip of venison, then take one strip of bacon and wrap around the venison roll,
then secure in place by tooth picks (Hint: spearing the toothpicks through the
onion in the center of the roll really helps to hold everything together).
Season outside of each brochette with salt, pepper or your favorite meat
seasoning (i.e. Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning, Cavender's Greek Seasoning
etc.).
Grilling or Smoking:
Brochettes can be grilled on a normal gas or charcoal barbecue grill, but be
careful not to cook in direct flame. Grilling over an open flame can be
dangerous once the bacon fat begins dripping on the open flame, which can cause
flare ups. Place meat where it will not drip on the grill burners, or charcoal.
Or, for the safest (and most tender) brochettes, place in a slow smoker (225
degrees for 2 hours). Brochettes can also be broiled in an oven, but a pan must
be placed below to catch drippings from bacon. Although cooking the jalapeño
peppers lessens their spiciness, you may want to prepare some brochettes with no
jalapeños. Or, you may want to use milder pepper varieties (i.e. mild chilli,
banana or bell peppers) for those with a low tolerance for hot and spicy foods.
A surprisingly tasty variation to the above involves placing a dried apricot in
the brochette along with the onion and pepper!
VENISON TIPS AND GRAVY
Ingredients
1-2 lbs. chopped venison (any choice cuts, diced to one-inch cubes)
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 cup water
salt, pepper, or steak & fajita spice
3-4 servings rice
Whisk brown gravy mix into one cup cold water. Set aside. Season venison cubes
and brown in large skillet, then add gravy mixture. Cover and simmer at least
one hour. Serve over rice.
VENISON STEW PAPRIKA
2 1/2-3 lbs. venison stew meat cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 C flour
3 T paprika
Salt and Pepper
2 T butter
2 med. Onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 t marjoram
1-11 oz. Can tomatoes or 1 can tomato sauce
1/2 C sour cream at room temperature
1/2 C wine or 7-Up
Shake meat cubes in plastic bag with the flour, 1T paprika, salt and pepper. In
Dutch oven, melt butter and sauté coated venison cubes until browned (may have
to brown the cubes in stages, do not crowd them to get nicely browned). Remove
cubes to warm dish and in the same Dutch oven, sauté onions and garlic with 2 T
paprika until soft. Then add marjoram, tomatoes and wine or 7-Up. Add browned
venison cubes and simmer over low heat until meat is tender (45 min-1.5 hours).
Just before serving, stir in 1/2 C sour cream. Serve with egg noodles or rice.
GROUND VENISON FOIL WRAP
Take a 12" square piece of foil. Put a venison patty (about the size of a
hamburger patty) on middle of foil. Pull up sides of foil to form a bag. Add
about 1/4" slices of potatoes to top of meat, then add onion slices, put about a
teaspoon of butter and 1/8 cup of water in foil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, & a
little garlic powder. Close foil and put in hot charcoaler for about 20-30
minutes. Or you can cook at 350 degrees in an oven for about the same time. You
can add other vegetables and sauces, such as barbecue sauce or ketchup, if you
want to the foil wraps.
-Submitted by Susan Jones
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Wildlife Department to host new town hall meetings and public hearings
Sportsmen will have a new opportunity this year to voice their
thoughts on wildlife, hunting and fishing related issues at one of several town
hall meetings held across the state by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation.
“These town hall meetings are a chance for sportsmen to have open
discussions with Wildlife Department officials about matters that affect them
directly,” said Micah Holmes, information and education supervisor for the
Wildlife Department. “In the past, the Wildlife Department has held public
hearings where discussions are usually limited to a posted meeting agenda, and
while the Department will still collect formal comments on proposals, these town
hall meetings provide a better opportunity for sportsmen to discuss other
matters on their mind.”
At each town hall meeting, visitors will have the chance to speak
with Wildlife Department officials about a range of topics of their choice. Law
enforcement and wildlife and fisheries biologists from the Wildlife Department
will be on hand to answer questions and facilitate discussion.
Meetings are scheduled for Dec. 7, 8, 9 and 11 at locations
statewide. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. The following is listing of dates and
locations:
December 7, 2009, 7 p.m.
Enid – Central Fire Station, 410 W. Garriott
December 8, 2009, 7 p.m.
Ada – Ponotoc Technology Center, 601 West 33rd
Jenks – Tulsa Technology Center, Riverside Campus, 801 E. 91st Street
McAlester – Kiamichi Technology Center, 301 Kiamichi Drive: SW corner of Hwy 69
and Hwy 270
Lawton – Great Plains Technology Center, 4500 W. Lee Blvd
December 9, 2009, 7 p.m.
Muskogee – Muskogee Public Library, 801 W. Okmulgee
Clinton – Senior Citizen Center, 323 S. 8th Street
December 11, 2009, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Auditorium, 1801 N.
Lincoln Blvd.
In addition to the new town hall meetings, the Wildlife Department
also will be hosting three public hearings Jan. 11-12. One of the three hearings
— to be held in Oklahoma City — will have an agenda that includes a slate of
proposed rule changes to Oklahoma's hunting and fishing laws, while two others
held in Miami and Pryor will have agendas limited to fisheries topics.
Unlike town hall meetings, public hearings discussion is limited to
a pre-established meeting agenda that includes a slate of proposed hunting or
fishing rule changes. Examples include increasing opportunities for hunters and
anglers and adding new laws to better conserve wildlife. The meeting agendas
will be posted online at wildlifedepartment.com Dec. 1, and the public can
comment at the meetings or online.
“If you are not able to make one of the public hearings, we
encourage you to provide your comments through wildlifedepartment.com anytime
before 4:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 2010,” Holmes said.
Additionally, those interested can submit written comments by mail
to our main office in Oklahoma City (P.O. Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152).
Meetings will be held at 7 p.m. at the following locations:
January 11, 2010, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Auditorium, 1801 N.
Lincoln Blvd.
Miami – Miami Civic Center, 129 5th Ave NW, Banquet Room (Fisheries topics only)
January 12, 2010, 7 p.m.
Pryor – OSU Extension Office, 2200 NE 1st Street (Mayes County Fairgrounds)
(Fisheries topics only)
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North
American Falconers Association to meet in Woodward
During Thanksgiving week, hundreds of birds of prey — eagles,
falcons, hawks and owls — and their falconers will flock to Woodward for the
annual Field Meet of the North American Falconers Association (NAFA).
Falconry can be defined as the taking of wild quarry in its natural
state and habitat by means of a trained raptor.
These trained birds will not only be flying in the Oklahoma skies in
pursuit of game but also will be on display for the public. This is a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Oklahomans to learn more about falconry — the
ancient “sport of kings.” The event is slated for Monday, Nov. 23 through
Friday, Nov. 27.
Several activities are available free to the public, including
opportunities to take photos of birds in the weathering yard. Visitors also can
meet falconers and their birds in person. The headquarters for the meet will be
the Northwest Inn of Woodward, located at Highway 270 & 1st Street. The
“weathering yard,” where birds rest and sun themselves, will be the field
directly adjoining the hotel.
The best time to see the birds in the yard will be daily from
mid-morning to-mid afternoon. Many of the birds will be hunting in early morning
and late afternoon.
Because all raptors are protected by state, federal, and
international law, all potential falconers must obtain necessary permits before
acquiring a hawk or practicing falconry. After receiving their permits, they
become apprentices for two years while learning the basics under a sponsor.
Falconers can later obtain a General or Master classification, but practicing
falconry is a lifelong learning process.
Falconers are men and women from all backgrounds and occupations.
However, they all share one thing in common: the passion for their birds and the
sport. They also have a keen understanding and appreciation for the environment.
Falcons, hawks, eagles and owls are essential elements of our wildlife.
Falconers follow sound and ethical conservation principles in the pursuit of the
sport.
Thought to have originated in Mongolia, Egypt and Asia, falconry is
an ancient art and practice between man and essential elements of nature that
has existed for at least 3,000 years in many forms and cultures.
Today, the sport of falconry brings common ground and heritage to
many people around the world. Falconers from all over the United States, Canada,
Mexico and numerous other countries will be participating throughout the week.
The meet is hosted by the Oklahoma Falconers Association (OFA) and
the
Woodward Tourism and Convention Bureau. Additional information about the meet is
available online at
http://www.n-a-f-a.com/Meet09.htm.
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