Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commissioners gathered at the Grand National Gun Club north of Enid for a regular meeting Jan. 12, during which they gratefully welcomed a $42,975 donation from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).
Annie Farrell, District Biologist for NWTF, Mike Westmoland, NWTF State Chapter President, and other NWTF representatives continued the organization’s longtime support of Oklahoma’s wildlife conservation efforts with this year’s funding, which can result in many times the amount of the donation when paired with qualifying federal funds.
This year’s donation includes funds for timber stand improvement, invasive species removal, and riparian work at Sans Bois, Okmulgee and Black Kettle Wildlife Management Areas. NWTF funding also supports the Varsity Archery Program and the Oklahoma Scholastic Shooting Sports Program, both among a suite of educational programs offered by ODWC to schools statewide.
Also, Commissioners learned about the extensive conservation activities conducted by Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever in Oklahoma. Jeff Tibbits, Director of Conservation Delivery-South Region for PF/QF, presented on the group’s Build a Wildlife Area Program. Laura McIver, Oklahoma and Southern Kansas Regional Field Representative for PF/QF, outlined the group’s Public Access to Habitat program in Oklahoma.
In other business, Commissioners:
- Heard an update on the Wildlife Division’s progress on wetland restoration within the Drummond Flats Wildlife Management Area.
- Learned about the Fisheries Division’s walleye and saugeye spawning program that is operated by the Byron State Fish Hatchery.
- Received updates from Director Wade Free on various activities within ODWC’s five divisions. Free announced a new shooting range at Copan Wildlife Management Area would open soon and reminded Commissioners that ODWC’s annual Rack Madness public scoring event is set for March 4 at the Oklahoma City headquarters.
- Recognized Wildlife Department employees with tenure awards: Chris Cantellay, Fisheries Hatchery Manager, 25 years; Kurt Kuklinski, Wildlife Research Supervisor, 25 years, Weston Storer, Wildlife Northwest Region Supervisor, 20 years.
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 Feb. 9 at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.