Page 5 - Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine Mar-Apr2023

NEWEST COLLECTIBLE LICENSE CARDS NOW ON SALE

BY MICHAEL BERGIN, SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Each year, Oklahoma sportsmen and sportswom-
en may choose to have their hunting and fishing
licenses encoded on collectible license cards fea-
turing the work of an Oklahoma wildlife artist. These
license cards are durable and waterproof, easily
carried in a wallet or pocket whenever needed.
The newest pair of cards features images of a white
bass and a mallard drake, both painted by Stratford
artist Shea Meyer. And they are on sale now for $6.
While the collectible license card option has been
available for the past five years, 2023 marks the first
year the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conserva-
tion has commissioned a local artist to specifically pro-
duce original images for the durable card program.
The cards can carry up to nine licenses or privileg-
es, which are encoded on the back side. The card
can then be carried into the field or on the lake and
serves as proof of license whenever needed.
A portion of the sale of each card is designated for
outreach efforts aimed at recruiting, retaining and
reactivating lapsed hunters and anglers — important
because the Wildlife Department relies on hunting
and fishing license sales for funding.
Additionally, Meyer’s original paintings will be
framed and donated to the Oklahoma Wildlife Con-
servation Foundation to be auctioned at one of its
upcoming events. OWCF is a nonprofit charitable
foundation formed to work exclusively alongside
and provide support for the Wildlife Department.
The proceeds from the artwork auction will further
benefit conservation efforts in Oklahoma.
The program is a “win-win-win” for wildlife, the
Wildlife Department, and state artists whose artwork is such a big part of my subject
is showcased. The Department plans to continue com- matter. And I couldn’t wait to
missioning artists for future collectible license cards. paint a white bass, Oklahoma’s
It didn’t take long for Wildlife Department per- state fish,” he said. “I am a proud
sonnel to realize Meyer was the right artist for this Oklahoman, and I am honored
inaugural commissioned project. to have my work represent our
Meyer won the Department’s annual waterfowl state and it’s amazing wildlife.”
stamp design contest in 2014, and was a runner-up in To get your hunting or fishing
the contest the past two years. That contest is judged licenses encoded on one
by a panel of wildlife professionals, and the artists’ of the newest collectible
names are withheld until judging is completed. cards featuring Meyer’s
Meyer’s work captured the attention of the most work, log in to your Go
scrutinizing waterfowl experts and proved time and Outdoors Oklahoma
again the artist’s attention to wildlife detail. Not only profile and click “Purchase
that, he’s a lifetime license holder, outdoorsman, and Licenses.” If you already
educator at Stratford Schools. He is an accomplished have a current hunting or
outdoorsman and a supporter of conservation. fishing license, you can still
Meyer said he feels honored to have his work fea- buy a collectible card from
tured on the new cards. the License Catalog. Or, when buying
“I was excited to find out the Wildlife Depart- any license, you can add a collectible
ment wanted me to paint a mallard, since waterfowl card to your purchase.

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