Oklahoma Wildlife news 1-13

[Fishing Report]

January 13, 2012
A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856
Website: www.wildlifedepartment.com <http://www.wildlifedepartment.com>
E-mail: info@odwc.state.ok.us <mailto:info@odwc.state.ok.us>

National Wild Turkey Federation recognized for conservation contributions
Outdoor Oklahoma magazine now accepting annual photography showcase entries
Outdoor Calendar
Fishing Report


National Wild Turkey Federation recognized for conservation contributions
While the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is charged with conserving the state’s wildlife, agency officials are quick to point out the crucial role of its partners, such as the National Wild Turkey Federation who just donated $86,250 for wildlife management efforts in the state.
At its January meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission recognized the NWTF for its donation as well as for its role as a long-term partner in wildlife conservation. Presenting the donation to the Commission was Gary Purdy, senior regional director for the NWTF. Under Purdy’s leadership, the NWTF’s current donation includes $40,000 to help fund the purchase of the recently acquired Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Area, over $30,000 to fund habitat projects and equipment purchases, and $10,000 for the Oklahoma National Archery in the Schools Program. Other projects funded by the donation include sending representatives from the Department to regional meetings and conventions held by the NWTF, building habitat signs to be placed on public use areas, and supporting the Department’s annual Wildlife Youth Camp.
There were two viable NWTF chapters in Oklahoma when Purdy was hired by the organization about 15 years ago.
“We have 56 Chapters in the state of Oklahoma right now,” Purdy said. “That’s a lot of volunteers, and that’s a countless number of hours that these volunteers spend raising money.”
The NWTF is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and other wildlife that, according to its website at nwtf.org, has spent more than $372 million throughout North America to conserve nearly 17 million acres of habitat. That has included over $1 million spent in Oklahoma over the years by Oklahoma chapters alone.
The Commission also recognized BancFirst for its long-standing tradition of supporting the Dolese Youth Park Pond annual trout season in Oklahoma City.
The two-month long trout season, held during January and February each year at Dolese Park (located near 50th and Meridian) features several stockings of rainbow trout provided through BancFirst’s donation. As a result, Oklahoma City residents enjoy an affordable and entertaining opportunity to catch a fish they don't catch at other times of the year when water temperatures are warmer.
The trout season at Dolese is also popular, according to Barry Bolton, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department.
“The most recent survey indicates that over 14,000 hours are spent fishing this 18-acre lake over the two-month season,” Bolton said. “Over 50,000 trout are stocked between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 at a cost of $10,000.”
Bolton credits the efforts of Wildlife Department and Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department personnel for their efforts in coordinating the season, but said it is BancFirst’s participation that provides the crucial funding for the program.
“None of this would have been possible without the generous donations from BancFirst,” Bolton said. “Their $2,500 annual contribution is matched with another $7,500 in Sport Fish Restoration funds each year.”
According to Hank Bradley, executive vice president of business development for BancFirst, their participation is well worth the effort.
“I was 12 years old before I caught a trout, and that was in Red River, New Mexico,” Bradley said. “And to see these kids at this age have the opportunity to do this in Oklahoma City — it’s just unbelievable, and we’re just proud to be a part of it.”
BancFirst ranks 19th in the nation on the Forbes 2012 list of best banks in America and is the only Oklahoma bank in the top 25 listing.
Part of the “Close to Home Fishing” program, the Dolese trout season is a result of a partnership between BancFirst, the Wildlife Department and the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department.
The “Close to Home” fishing program provides fishing areas that are often just a short drive away from even the most urban locations, saving families time and gas money. In addition, it allows parents and children to fish together after school or on a busy weekend. The season is open now and will run through Feb. 28.
In other business, the Commission voted to continue supporting efforts that would secure sufficient water from Tenkiller Lake to maintain the trout fishery in the Lower Illinois River below the dam.
In 2011, two significant fish kills including both trout and native species were documented in the river because of adverse conditions brought about by lack of water releases from the lake. While rainfall after a period of record heat and drought did improve water levels and trout stockings have since resumed, officials say the biggest water shortage concerns at the fishery have not been resolved.
While finding a solution to water shortages in the river poses unique challenges, Bolton said the Wildlife Department is committed to maintaining the fishery and will continue to work to ensure quality fishing for those who depend on the fishery for recreation and business.
The Commission also approved a new mortality table for the Department’s retirement plan and voted to increase the agency’s annual contribution for the plan, while also approving other minor language changes as required by the IRS.
Wildlife Department Director Richard Hatcher also reported to the Commission that long-time District Eight Wildlife Commissioner John D. Groendyke has been reappointed by the Governor to another eight-year term, which would start in July. The appointment requires Senate confirmation. Groendyke, who has served on the Commission since 1976, is chairman of the board of Groendyke Transport, Inc. Founded by his father, H.C. Groendyke in 1932, it is one of the nation's largest motor carriers of bulk commodities serving the continental United States, Canada and Mexico. He graduated from Wentworth Military Academy where he attended high school and junior college and received his Bachelor of Science degree in business from Oklahoma State University. District Eight includes Cimarron, Texas, Beaver, Harper, Woodward, Woods, Major, Alfalfa, Grant, Garfield, Kay and Noble counties.
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 set for Feb. 6 at the Food and Agricultural Products Research and Technology Center on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater.

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Outdoor Oklahoma magazine now accepting annual photography showcase entries
The editors of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine say it is easier than ever to snap a good photograph in the outdoors, and they are calling on Oklahomans to participate in the bi-monthly magazine’s annual Readers’ Photography Showcase contest, open to entries now through March 31.
The annual “Readers’ Photography Showcase” issue is featured in the July/Aug issue and gives both professional and amateur photographers the chance to have their digital photos displayed in the award-winning magazine.
“This a great chance for us to show our readers what sportsmen and wildlife enthusiasts are doing and seeing all over our great state,” said Michael Bergin, associate editor. “It’s challenging for the judges to make their final selections, but we always end up with an exciting issue filled with quality photographs of Oklahoma’s outdoors — everything from hunting and fishing scenes to stunning wildlife, birds, insects, landscapes, and even eye-gripping storms.”
Each participant may submit up to five digital images. Each submission must include a description of the photo including the location taken, name and hometown of photographer, names and hometowns of subjects and what it took to get just the right shot. Contact information for the photographer also must be included.
Photos should be in sharp focus, and images should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). The canvas size should be about 8 inches by 11 inches. All submissions must be digital. Slides and print images will not be accepted. Though images will remain the property of the photographer, actual submissions that are mailed on CD or other form of storage device will not be returned.
Hopeful photographers can e-mail their entries to photoshowcase@odwc.state.ok.us <mailtohotoshowcase@odwc.state.ok.us> or mail a disk to: Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.
Individuals can subscribe to Outdoor Oklahoma by calling 1-800-777-0019. Outdoor Oklahoma is known for providing decades of outdoor entertainment to both youth and adults. Subscriptions are just $10 for one year, $18 for two years, or $25 for three years. You can also subscribe over the Internet by logging on to the Department's website at wildlifedepartment.com. Hunters who purchase a new Oklahoma Wildlife Management Area Atlas, available from the Wildlife Department for $25, also receive a one-year subscription to Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JANUARY

12: Tulsa Fly Fishers & Oklahoma Trout Unlimited Meeting with guest speaker is Kevin Calhoun of Just Fishin' Guides. The program will be How To Catch Smallmouth On The Fly. Kevin, will cover tackle (rods, reels, fly lines, and leaders), how to read the water (current seams, cover, etc.), fly presentations, flies and will share some of his favorite rivers to fish. Kevin has fished extensively from CO, NM, AR and WY for trout; TX, AR, KS for the basses, done saltwater fishing in FL, TX and Mexico and salmon in AK. Meetings are held at the Hardesty Public Library (8316 E. 93rd St. on the North side of the Creek Turnpike off Memorial Drive). Meetings are free and open to the public and beings at 6:30 p.m. For more information see www.tulsaflyfishers.org <http://www.tulsaflyfishers.org/>

13: Eleventh annual OKC trout fishing clinic at Putnam City High School Gym (5300 NW 50th Warr Acres) for anyone interested in fishing for and catching rainbow trout. Program is free. To register call the H.B Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 755-4014.

14: The Oklahoma Fly Fishers Fly Tying Extravaganza will be at the Creek County Fair Grounds in Sapulpa. The public is invited, there is no cost to attend and plenty of parking will be available. This is our annual fundraising event. Tiers and guides from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri will be attending. Tables will be available for vendors as well. The Oklahoma Fly Fishers is a Federation of Fly Fishers Charter Club. For more information, log on to www.oklahomaflyfishers.org or contact Greg Dodds, club president, at Gregory@checkurfly.com or (918) 809-4629.

16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - State Offices Closed.

17: Bob Walshaw will present a hands-on bluebird program including how to deal with house sparrows at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow at 7 p.m. This event will be held in the upstairs seminar room, is free and open to the public, and door prizes will be awarded. For more information (918) 355-7600.

21: The Nature Center located at the Watchable Wildlife Area will be open from 9 am – 3 pm. The biologist on duty will be happy to visit with visitors about wildlife in the area or take a walk with you on the nature trail. Hours will be 9 am to 3 pm.

24: Predator Calling Seminar at 7 p.m. in the upstairs seminar room at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow.. Scott Ruff will cover bobcat calling, and Travis Alzate will cover coyote calling. Both men are expert predator hunters, videographers and seminar presenters with many years of multi-state experience. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call (918) 355-7600.

28: The Lawton Oklahoma Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be hosting a Waterfowl Hunters Party at the Great Plains Coliseum (Prairie Building) at 920 S. Sheridan Road, Lawton. Doors Open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 each, which includes a meal and Ducks Unlimited membership. Auction will be held for decoys and hunting equipment. Come out and enjoy a great evening of fun and fellowship. For more info and to purchase tickets contact Ricky Moore, Lawton Ducks Unlimited Chapter President, at moore6395@sbcglobal.net or (580) 351-8824.

28: Ducks Unlimited 75th Anniversary Banquet of the Miami/Ottawa County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be hosting a banquet at the Buffalo Run Hotel and Casino in Miami. This will be one of the first opportunities for hunters to bid on 2012 limited edition DU 75th anniversary prints, guns, and equipment. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner and auction to follow. Tickets are $25 per person or $40 per couple available at the door. For advance tickets, information, or sponsorships contact Jeff or Shannon White at (918) 961-1083

31: Prescribed Burn Workshop. Topics will range from legal considerations and techniques for managing fire to environmental considerations and developing prescribed burning plans. Weather permitting an afternoon demonstration burn will be conducted with an explanation of necessary equipment. Workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration fee is $20 and includes lunch. To register call the Noble Foundation at (580) 224-6411 or log on to www.noble.org/AgEvents <http://www.noble.org/AgEvents> .


FISHING REPORT FOR JANUARY 11, 2012

NORTHEAST

Ft. Gibson: January 8. Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 39 and clear. Crappie good on minnows and black and chartreuse jigs at 15-25 ft. Catfish fair on cut bait and shad drifting in the main channel. Report submitted by Rick Stafford in Wagoner.

Greenleaf: January 9. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits, bill baits and jig-and-worm around brush structure, creek channels, shorelines and rocky points. Catfish good on fresh cut bait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs in yellow, red and green around fishing docks. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: January 11. Elevation normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 14-18 ft. around brush pile areas. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Rogers and Mayes counties.

Keystone: January 10. Catfish being caught on cut bait and worms below the dam when no water is running and on worms at old Prue and Osage. Crappie being caught on minnows and tube jigs at 15 ft. around brush piles and docks. Report submitted by Woody’s Bait and Tackle.

Lower Illinois: January 9. Elevation normal, water 40 and clear. Striped bass fair on jigs at 1-4 ft. at mouth of the river. Channel catfish good on cut bait on bottom all along the river. Trout good fly-fishing the surface, on rooster tails at 1-2 ft. and on Power Bait on bottom from Gore Landing to the dam. Report submitted by D. Tracy, Town of Gore.

Oologah: January 8. Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water near 50 and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 12-18 ft. around brush piles. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Sooner: January 10. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on ghost minnows and sassy shad in the discharge. Catfish fair on cut bait and live bait around points. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Tenkiller: January 9. Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 50-52, water clear and steady. Crappie fair in docks on jigs at 15-20 ft. Sunfish fair on worm-tipped jigs in docks at 15-20 ft. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: January 9. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along riprap and brush structure. Catfish good on fresh cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on minnows and jigs in purple and black around brush structure and bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: January 10. Elevation 11 1/2 ft. below normal, water clear. Channel catfish good on stinkbait along dam. Crappie fair on jigs near brush along the dam. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: January 8. Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 47-47 and clear to stained. Bass slow on Alabama rigs, jigs and crankbaits. Crappie slow off docks and deeper brush piles. Crappie and white bass being caught on CC spoons along creek channels in mid lake. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Broken Bow: January 9. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on black jigs, jig-and-pig, black #11 and black and blue flake in deeper water. Catfish good on juglines baited with cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs in deeper water around structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Hugo: January 8. Elevation 1 ft. above normal. Crappie fair on minnows in the river channel. Crappie and blue catfish fair to good below the dam. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.

Konawa: January 8. Elevation normal, water 45 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic worms at 5-10 ft. around points and road beds. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on minnows and jigs at 15 ft. in the discharge canal. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: January 8. Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 50 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 8-20 ft. Crappie fair at 10-20 ft. around cedar brush just off of main creek channels. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Pine Creek: January 8. Elevation below normal, water clear. Bass good on deep running crankbaits. Crappie good on spoons and minnows in the deeper waters. Catfish fair on trotlines baited with cut shad. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Sardis: January 8. Elevation normal. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits early and late. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait and dead minnows. Crappie good at 8-14 ft. Walleye good trolling at 12-14 ft. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: January 8. Elevation 3 3/4 ft. below normal, water 50 and mostly clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on plastic combination baits, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits at 10-15 ft. on the points and drop-offs in the creek channels. Striped and white bass fair to good on live bait, slabs and sassy shad at 10-20 ft. from Platter Flats to the west and south. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on stinkbait, minnows and worms at 10-15 ft. from Alberta Creek to the north. Crappie fair to good on minnows and small tube jigs at 5-15 ft. around underwater brush and fishing docks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: January 8. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs below the dam. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Catfish fair to good on juglines baited with cut shad and liver. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: January 8. Elevation 27 ft. below normal. Walleye and striped bass hybrids being caught at Hicks Mountain. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson.

Foss: January 9. Elevation 7 ft. below normal with gates closed, water 50s and clear. Striped bass hybrids good on slabs in deep water near dam. Walleye fair on live bait. Catfish slow to fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Lawtonka: January 8. Elevation 9 1/2 ft. below normal. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs off the dam. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.


This program operates free from discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinion or affiliation, race, creed, color, gender, age, ancestry, marital status or disability. A person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against or would like further information should write: Director, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152, or Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.

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