The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission accepted a $10,000 donation from the 1791 Foundation in support of the Hunters Against Hunger program operated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).
ODWC Assistant Director Nels Rodefeld, presenting on behalf of the foundation, told commissioners the Hunters Against Hunger program not only addresses the nutritional needs of Oklahoma’s hungry but also satisfies a wildlife management goal to harvest more does to maintain a healthier wild deer herd.
Last year, the program collected 1,300 donated deer, which produced 56,000 pounds of venison for an estimated 250,000 meals. The effort depends on hunters willing to harvest and donate, volunteer wild game processors statewide, and the Wildlife Department.
Commissioners also accepted donations totaling $10,425 from the Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers (OHA), most of which was raised at the group’s Deer Conference earlier this year. The donations are eligible for matching federal grant funds, creating even more benefit to ODWC.
OHA President Rick Nolan said the group’s membership decided to allocate funds toward three needs suggested by ODWC. The Hunters Against Hunger program received $3,400; hunter education received $4,500 to buy six sets of nonfunctional firearms for hunter education classes; and the Law Enforcement Division received $2,525 for metal detectors.
In other business, the Commission:
- Honored Central Public School (Sallisaw) teacher Suzetta Wise as the International Hunter Education Association’s Oklahoma’s Instructor of the Year.
- Received an update from Director Wade Free on various activities within ODWC’s five divisions, including the opening of two renovated shooting ranges at Lexington and Canton wildlife management areas.
- Recognized game warden Spencer Grace, based in Kay County, for 20 years of service.
- Authorized the Director to pursue acquiring property in Creek County.
- Approved an ODWC employee handbook policy for operation of aerial drones while working.
- Approved the dates for 2027 Commission meetings: Jan. 4, Feb. 8, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 6, Aug. 2, Sept. 7, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The 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 Oklahoma Senate.
The next regular Wildlife Commission meeting is set for Nov. 2 at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.
To view a video of the Oct. 5 meeting, go to https://www.youtube.com/live/ujIedcL6KQY?si=NWrjJoeWaNk5Gdnf.
