Welcome to the Oklahoma Chapter of Navhda

For Immediate Release
February 6, 2003
A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
News Contacts: Micah Holmes or Kristen Gillman (405) 521-3856
Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

Commissioners make rule changes permanent
Hunting and fishing licenses available online
Paddlefish one of state's most unique fish
"Oklahoma Water Atlas" now available online
Outdoor Calendar
Hunter Education
Fishing Report
Waterfowl Report

Commissioners make rule changes permanent
Members of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a slate
of rule changes at their regularly scheduled, February 3 meeting in
Oklahoma City.
In last year's session, the Oklahoma Legislature authorized the Wildlife
Conservation Commission to establish a Blue River Conservation Passport
for entering or using the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area in
south central Oklahoma. Commissioners voted to implement that new rule and
establish a fee for the passport.
Individuals who hold valid hunting or fishing licenses are exempt from
purchasing the passport, which will cost $13.50. Exemptions will also be
allowed for those under 18 years of age, students on educational tours and
those participating in organized events sanctioned in advance by the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The passport will be
required beginning July 1, 2003.
A significant percentage of the visitors to the area, especially during
the summer months, do not hold a hunting or fishing license. The Blue
River Public Fishing and Hunting Area is one of the top trout fishing
destinations in the winter and a favorite outdoor recreation place in the
summer. The passport will help to maintain camping locations, provide
upkeep for roads and manage wildlife habitat.
Commissioners also passed rules that restrict certain restricted aquatic
fish species that are prohibited in the state. The current law requires a
$10 license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to commercially
raise fish, frogs and other aquatic species, and these rules spell out
which non-native species are prohibited from being grown or sold.
Amid growing concern over one of the state's most unique fisheries
resources, the Commission also made permanent rules pertaining to
paddlefish that were already in place as temporary rules.
"The last few years, anglers have become very successful at harvesting
paddlefish in their pre-spawning staging areas," said Kim Erickson, chief
of fisheries for the Department. "These rules will help to maintain the
health of paddlefish populations and ensure long term recreational
opportunity."
Paddlefish are large, prehistoric fish found in Oklahoma mainly in the
Grand and Neosho river systems. Paddlefish consume algae and zooplankton
from the water by swimming slowly with their mouths open.
Several regulations were amended, starting with the statewide daily bag
limit on paddlefish, which was changed to one fish per day year-round.
Catch and release fishing will be allowed year round until an angler keeps
his or her limit of one fish, then the angler must stop snagging. The new
rules define a hook used in snagging as one single hook or one treble hook
and require all hooks to be barbless.
For a complete list of the regulation changes regarding paddlefish, refer
to page 8 of the "2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide."
In other business, Commissioners accepted a $1,200 donation from the 89er
Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The funds will go to the construct a
trout-rearing pen below the Broken Bow Lake dam at Spillway Creek.
"The 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited has been a great partner in improving
the trout fishing opportunities in the state. Over the last year alone,
the group has donated $11,500 to benefit the trout program," said
Erickson.
A pair of Department employees were recognized for their service to the
sportsmen of the state.
Frank Huebert, Oklahoma game warden stationed in Major County, was
recognized for his 25 years of service.
"Frank has been very involved in the schools in Major County and has
given many presentations to the kids about the great wildlife resources in
the area," said Greg Duffy, Executive Director of the Wildlife Department.
Nick Woodard, Oklahoma game warden stationed in Grant County, was also
recognized for his 25 years of service.
"Over the years, Nick has proven to be a great asset to the sportsmen,
the landowners and to the wildlife resources of Oklahoma," Duffy said.
Duffy also gave commissioners an update on the pre-filed bills in the
Oklahoma state legislature, which relate to fish and wildlife
conservation. A daily update of the progress of those bills will soon be
available on the Department's Web site at
www.wildlifedepartment.com/legislation.htm
Commissioners approved a budget increase of $30,000 to improve and
increase the efficiency of the computer program which processes the
controlled hunt applications over the Internet. Last year approximately 60
percent of the 20,000 controlled hunt applicants applied online.
In other action, commissioners voted to solicit bids for leasing of
mineral rights on an 85.24 acre property near Roman Nose State Park. The
lease will include a "no surface entry" clause to protect the downstream
watershed.
The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board
of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife
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 Senate.
The next scheduled Commission meeting is March 3 at the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the
southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City at 9:00 a.m.

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Hunting and fishing licenses available online
No more waiting in line, no more checking the mailbox, you can now
purchase your hunting and fishing licenses online.
Simply log on to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Web
site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/hflicens.htm. Enter your information on
the secure site, pick which licenses you would like to purchase, print
your license off and head out on your next hunting or fishing adventure.
You can pay using a MasterCard or Visa. There is a $3.00 convenience fee
to use the online license service.
"We hope this will make hunting and fishing license sales even more
convenient and accessible for the sportsmen," said Melinda
Sturgess-Streich, chief of administration for the Wildlife Department.
"Now you can purchase your license any time of day while checking your
e-mail or the latest sports scores."
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation receives no general state
tax revenues and is funded primarily by sportsmen, mostly through license
sales. These funds go to conserving the state's diverse fish and wildlife
resources for future generations, while providing the best recreational
opportunities possible. Every time you purchase a hunting or fishing
license in Oklahoma, you are helping fund wildlife conservation in the
state.
There is more than one way to buy your license, there are over 1,000
license dealers spread across the state - from sporting goods stores to
bait shops, from convenience stores to large discount centers - there is a
license dealer near most every Oklahoma community. You can also order an
annual resident or nonresident license (or nonresident lifetime license)
directly from the Wildlife Department by calling (800) 949-6392,
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. (Visa or MasterCard only. Allow
for mailing time to receive your license). In addition, you can get an
instant license over the phone, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by calling
Bass Pro Shop at (800) 223-3333.
For more information on hunting and fishing in Oklahoma consult the
current Oklahoma hunting and fishing guides or log on to the Department's
Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

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Paddlefish one of state's most unique fish
With an extra long snout, gaping mouth and enormous size, the paddlefish
is certainly one of Oklahoma's most unique fish.
Paddlefish, or spoonbills, are large, prehistoric fish found in Oklahoma
mainly in the Grand and Neosho river systems. Paddlefish, which can grow
to over six feet long and weigh over 100 pounds, gather algae and
zooplankton from the water by swimming slowly with their mouths open.
"There is certainly no other fish quite like it and fishing for paddlefish
seems to be growing in popularity," said Barry Bolton, assistant chief of
fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Mature paddlefish begin staging at the upper end of reservoirs in early
spring in anticipation of the spawning run. As water temperatures rise and
rains bring water levels up, paddlefish begin moving upstream to spawn.
Due to changes in their habitat, paddlefish only occupy a small percentage
of their former range in the U.S. Oklahoma, however, has maintained a
healthy population of paddlefish in northeast Oklahoma, according to
Bolton.
During their annual spring spawning run paddlefish can be more vulnerable
to overharvest. To provide the maximum sustainable fishing opportunities
and to ensure the long-term health of the paddlefish population, the
Wildlife Department has modified the fishing regulations which pertain to
paddlefish.
"During the spring, paddlefish are concentrated in the river systems.
Also, this species is slow to mature," Bolton said. "Paddlefish
regulations are designed to ensure that our paddlefish fishery is viable
for future generations of Oklahomans."
Several regulations were amended to ensure that paddlefish will be
abundant for many years to come. The daily bag limit on paddlefish taken
during the spawning season was reduced from three fish to one per day.
Catch and release fishing will be allowed year-round until an angler
reaches his limit of one and then the angler must stop snagging. The new
rules define a hook used in snagging as one single hook or one treble hook
and require all hooks to be barbless. Anglers will be required to tag
(with name, address and license number) all paddlefish and paddlefish
parts until reaching their residence. The new rules also allow
non-residents to take four daily limits home (not in boat) and changes
legal snagging hours below the dam at Ft. Gibson from "sunset to sunrise"
to 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
For a complete list of the regulation changes consult the "2003 Oklahoma
Fishing Guide" or log onto the Department's web site at
www.wildlifedepartment.com.

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"Oklahoma Water Atlas" now available online

The "Oklahoma Water Atlas," one of the Oklahoma Water Resource Boards most
popular publications is now available online at www.owrb.state.ok.us.
Whether you are planning a fishing trip, camping vacation or just a
picnic, the atlas includes a variety of helpful information.
The new site features 142 federal, public and private lakes throughout
the state and will soon include maps of recently constructed lakes and
additional details about existing lakes as new information becomes
available.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
13-16: Oklahoma Tackle Show at the State Fairgrounds Transportation
Building, OKC. Thurs. 5-9 p.m., Fri and Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun, 10
a.m. - 5 p.m.

15: Dutch Oven Cooking for Beginners at Lake Thunderbird Nature Center,
Norman. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information contact (405) 321-4633.

15 & 22: Eagle viewing event at Beavers Bend State Park. Meet at the
Nature Center at 9 a.m. for eagle viewing along the Mountain Fork River.
For more information please call: (580) 494-6556.

21-23: Green Country Tackle & Hunting Show, Expo Center, Claremore.

21-23: Oklahoma Ducks Unlimited Dinner, Two Man Calling Contest Chapter.
Please check with James Keith: (918) 443-2292.

22: Eagle viewing event at Lake Wister State Park. Program starts at 9:30
a.m. Eagle viewing on the lake by pontoon boat, space limited so advanced
reservations are required, cost for boat tour is $5.00. For more
information, please call: (918) 655-7886.
22: Project WILD at OU-Norman from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. To sign-up contact
Debbie Hubbard (405) 325-1947. Workshops are six hours with a working
lunch where participants bring lunch and work on assignments as they eat.
26 & March 3: Project WILD at Mayo Demonstration School, Tulsa. To
sign-up contact Diana Stockton (918) 925-1500. 3-6 p.m. both days.
Workshops are six hours with a working lunch where participants bring
lunch and work on assignments as they eat.
28: Stars over the Wichitas sites tour at Wichita Mountains National
Wildlife Refuge meets at the Refuge Headquarters. Headquarters are located
on the west side of the refuge approx. six miles from the Visitor Center.
Star viewing program begins 30 minutes after sunset at Boulder Gate. Lawn
chair suggested. Program $3. For more information and reservations: (580)
429-3222.
27- March 2: Backwoods Hunting and Fishing Expo at the State Fairgrounds
Transportation Building, OKC. Thurs. 3-8 p.m., Fri and Sat. noon to 8 p.m.
and Sun, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
MARCH
1 & 2: NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show and Sale at Tulsa Marriott Southern
Hills (1902 East 71st St.), Tulsa. March 1 (10 a.m. - 7 p.m.) and March 2
(11 a.m. - 5 p.m.). For more information contact NatureWorks at (918)
296-4ART or www.natureworks.org.
STATEWIDE HUNTER EDUCATION COURSES
Course locations are listed by town, followed by date, course location and
time. If a phone number is listed, pre-registration is required. Courses
are a minimum of 10 hours and are free. Students must pass an exam with a
score of 70 percent. For updated information on upcoming courses, contact
the Wildlife Department's Hunter Education Hotline at (405) 521-4650 or
check our Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunted.htm.

Tinker AFB: Feb. 15; First Term Airman's Center, (Bldg. 5899); (405)
734-2289 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 weekdays; 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Bennington: Feb. 15; Bennington High School; 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
OKC: Feb. 20; Home Study, H&H Gun range; (405) 947-3888; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tulsa: Feb 21 & 22; Parkview Baptist Church, (5805 S. Sheridan); (918)
492-4545; Feb. 21 (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and Feb. 22 (8 a.m.- 4 p.m.).
Higgins: Feb. 22; ODWC Southeast Regional Office, Higgins; Register from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at (918) 297-0152; 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Owasso: March 1; Community Center, (301 S. Cedar); (918) 299-2334; 8
a.m. - 7 p.m.

FISHING REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2003
CENTRAL
Wes Watkins: Elevation 4 1/2 -5 ft. below normal, water 42-51 and clear.
Catfish good on minnows, fresh cut bait and chicken livers in deeper
waters around dam tower and along main lake channel; largemouth bass fair
on jigs, crankbaits and assorted soft plastics along edge of creek channel
at both west and north branch of main lake channel. North gate closed.
South gate opens daily at sunrise.
NORTHEAST
Bell Cow: Elevation below normal, water 61. Catfish and bass slow to fair.
Copan: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal. Water clear and steady. Crappie
fair near creek channels and off rocky points on small jigs and minnows at
8 ft.; catfish poor below the dam, blues fair in the lake near the dam and
on rocky points on shad.
Eucha: Elevation 8 ft. below normal, water 38 and clear. Crappie active
on jigs and minnows in brush 18-20 ft. deep.
Grand: Elevation below normal and clear. Catfish fair on cut shad at 25-30
ft.; crappie good on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. around brush piles.
Greenleaf: Elevation normal and murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs
around bridges and brush structure; catfish fair on cut shad.
Hulah: Elevation 1/4 ft. above normal. Water steady and clear. Crappie
fair in deeper water of creek channels on small tube jigs and minnows at
6-8 ft.; catfish poor below the dam and fair in the lake in river channels
and near the dam on live bait and shad.
Skiatook: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. below normal, water 41 and clear. Crappie
fair at 15 - 25 ft., at night, in docks, brush piles and under bridges
with live bait or jigs. Quapaw Park closed for repairs.
Spavinaw: Elevation 1 1/2 ft, below normal, water 42 and clear. Crappie
fair around dam area on jigs and minnows.
Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and clear. Catfish fair on cut bait and
worms off bottom; crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 14-18 ft. around
fishing docks and brush structures.
SOUTHEAST
Eufaula: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. White bass fair on
jigs below the dam; channel catfish good on fresh shad drifting deep
flats; crappie fair on minnows around boat docks.
Murray: Elevation normal, water 48 and clear. Bass fair on minnows, at
bottom around brush at indoor fishing dock; crappie on jigs and minnows
around brush piles, at lake bottom; sunfish slow on bottom with worms and
minnows; carp beginning to move around at lake bottom.
Texoma: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 46 and clear. Striped bass
fair on live shad, 15-25 ft. around islands; crappie fair on minnows 5-10
ft. on Kansas and Rock creeks.
SOUTHWEST
Ellsworth: Elevation 9 ft. below normal. Most boat ramps unusable. Blue
catfish fair on fresh cut shad around points.

WATERFOWL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2003

Duck Season is Closed

Northwest

Canton: Lake elevation is normal. Habitat conditions on lake are fair.
Winter wheat is fair to good. Goose numbers are moderate; most are Canada
with a few snow geese. Hunter activity is low. Most of the goose hunting
in the Canton area will occur on private land. Landowner permission to
hunt geese is obtainable and needs to be acquired before hunting.

Ft. Supply: Lake elevation is 2004.20 (normal pool is 2004.0) Habitat
conditions are fair and local wheat is fair to good. Goose numbers are
low. Hunter activity is low.

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge: Goose numbers, small Canada
(9,853), large Canada (294) and snows (11,120) are good.

Washita National Wildlife Refuge: Habitat conditions on refuge are poor,
winter wheat has been eaten out on most fields. Goose numbers Canada
(21,959) and snows (1,905) are good.

Southwest

Ft. Cobb: Lake elevation is normal. Shoreline vegetation is poor. Winter
wheat and peanut residue in local fields is fair. Goose numbers are high.
Hunter activity is low and success is moderate. Geese are using wheat and
peanut fields around the lake.

Hackberry: There are approximately 1,600 acres flooded. Habitat conditions
are good (flooded pigweed, sunflower, wild millet and wheat). Goose
numbers are low. Hunter activity and success is low. Very few geese are
present on area.

Mtn. Park: Lake elevation is 7 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions are
poor. Winter wheat in the area is poor due to the lack of rainfall. Goose
numbers are moderate. Hunter activity is low and success is moderate.
Geese are using wheat fields on WMA on the southwest side of lake.

Waurika: Lake elevation is normal. Habitat conditions are fair. Winter
wheat on private lands is in good condition. Goose numbers are very low.
Geese are feeding on privately owned wheat fields.

Northeast

Chouteau: Four moist soils units and the greentree unit is full. Habitat
conditions are good, native vegetation flooded. Goose numbers are low.
Hunter activity and success is slow.

Copan: Lake elevation is 709.47 (normal level 710.0). Habitat conditions
are fair. Goose numbers are low, 100 Canadas. Hunter activity and success
is low. No significant bird movement since last survey.

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge: Habitat conditions are poor. Goose
numbers are very low.

Eufaula: Lake elevation is 582.77 (normal level 585). Native vegetation
ranges from fair too poor. Some is presently inundated. Lake level is
falling, degrading habitat availability. Japanese millet is poor. No geese
are present. No hunter activity.

Ft. Gibson: Lake elevation is 1 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions are
fair. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity and success is slow.

Hulah: Lake elevation is 733.25 (normal level 733.0). Habitat conditions
are poor. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity and success is low. No
significant bird movement since last survey.

Kaw: Lake elevation is 1010.27. Habitat conditions are fair. Goose
numbers are low. Hunter activity and success is low.

Keystone: Lake elevation 722.2 (normal elevation in 723.0). Habitat
conditions on mudflats and sloughs are poor due to water storage in the
lake during the summer months and current low lake levels. Habitat
conditions in wetland units are fair. Goose numbers are low. Hunter
activity and success is low. No bird movement.

Oologah: Lake elevation is 636.42 (normal elevation is 638) Habitat
conditions are fair to good at higher lake levels, poor at current levels.
Very little flooded Japanese millet and native plants on lake some flooded
native plants at Overcup Bottom. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is
moderate and success is fair to poor.

Webbers Falls: Wetland unit is 50% full. Habitat conditions are good.
Goose numbers are fair. No hunter activity.

Southeast

Hugo: Lake elevation is 406.39. Habitat conditions are poor. Very few
geese are present. There has been no hunter activity.

Red Slough: Units are about 98-100% full. Habitat conditions are good.
Very few geese are present. There has been no hunter activity.

Texoma: Lake elevation is 614.34. Habitat conditions are good. No geese
are present. There is no hunter activity.

Wister: Lake elevation is 478.25 (normal elevation is 478). Habitat
conditions are good. Goose numbers are low. There is no hunter activity.