Page 11 - 2018 MAY/JUNE Outdoor Oklahoma

DON p. BrOWN/ODWC OLAP SEEKS LEASES FOR 2ND YEAR

The Oklahoma Land Access
Program (OLAP) provides finan-
cial incentives to landowners who
allow public access for hunting,
fishing, stream access and wildlife
viewing opportunities on private
lands. The Wildlife Department
received a $2.26 million grant
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of the 2014
Farm Bill, through the Voluntary Public Access — Habitat
Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).
OLAP aims to increase walk-in access opportunities for
sportspersons while including and rewarding conserva-
tion-minded landowners. Landowners have the flexibility
to maintain their current farming or ranching practices
while providing sporting opportunities. Enrolled land-
owners are compensated based on enrolled acres, location,
access type and contract length. Added compensation is
available for properties enrolled in conservation programs,
OLAP wildlife biologist Jeff Tibbits hangs a sign marking the boundary of
an OLAP site. such as CRP, to further reward landowners making efforts
to conserve and sustain wildlife. A bonus is available to
of grunts and snorted at the buck to try to change its course. multiple landowners who form local OLAP cooperatives.
It worked! Almost anyone who owns or leases at least 40 acres can
Within 30 seconds, the buck was heading back toward me qualify. Property boundaries are posted with signs, and
but was now downwind. Still breathing heavily and somewhat parking areas will have informational signs indicating
stunned, I managed to take a position that might allow a shot. access dates and allowed activities. Enrolled landowners
At about 35 yards from me in the thick brush, the buck stopped are accorded limited liability by existing state laws, and
and put its nose in the air. It again looked at me and just as Game Wardens periodically patrol OLAP properties.
quickly darted into the trees. I grunted several more times and Landowners may temporarily deny access while ranching
let out another wheeze at the buck. It was about 60 yards away or agricultural activities are occurring. Access is limited
but was in some very thick brush and moving away from me. I to foot traffic only, and vehicles are prohibited.
ceased calling for a bit and just watched the deer through the For more information or to sign up, go to
trees. As the animal walked, I had to turn completely around www.wildlifedepartment.com/OLAP.
to keep an eye on it.
Any shot opportunity would be slim because I hadn’t con-
sidered shooting that direction when I set up. I looked down
the most likely shooting lane, and my eyes stuck on a very fresh mArk SyzEmOrE viA fACEBOOk
scrape about 35 yards from me. I just might get another chance.
I grunted once more, and it seemed as if the buck had read
my mind. It began walking straight toward the scrape. I drew
my bow as the buck approached a tree that I ranged at 45 yards,
then it stopped in the opening near the scrape. I put my sight on
the deer and let the arrow fly. It struck the deer, but I couldn’t
tell if it passed through or not. I waited about 30 minutes, then
climbed down. I immediately found a blood trail that was easy
to follow. I found the buck piled up about 100 yards from where
I shot him. He was a mainframe 10-pointer with very good tine
length. What a day!
I was blessed to have this opportunity. That buck ended up
being the only deer I would harvest in the 2017 deer season,
a lucky encounter on a last-minute trip to a public-access
area. I really appreciate the work by the Wildlife Department
for developing the OLAP and for advocating for people who
hunt on public land in Oklahoma. I am excited to see this
program grow.

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