January 5, 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>

Deadline nears to comment on proposed regulation changes
New Oklahoma waterfowl stamp art selected
Outdoor Oklahoma magazine now accepting entries for annual photography showcase
Outdoor Calendar
Fishing Report
Waterfowl Report


Deadline nears to comment on proposed regulation changes
Sportsmen have the opportunity to voice their thoughts online now through Jan. 13, 2012, regarding hunting and fishing related rule change proposals currently under consideration.
Proposed rule changes are often considered to increase opportunity for sportsmen and improve wildlife conservation measures.
“This is an opportunity to discuss items that could lead to changes in our hunting and fishing regulations,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “We feel strongly that our constituents should have every chance to provide their comments, which is why we are providing an online comment form for those wanting to be heard on these specific subjects. We encourage you to provide your comments through wildlifedepartment.com anytime before 4:30 p.m., Jan. 13, 2012.”
Additionally, those interested can submit written comments by mail to the Wildlife Department’s main office in Oklahoma City (P.O. Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152).
To view a complete listing of proposed rule changes or to complete an online comment form, log on to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/ab...ic_meeting.htm <http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/aboutodwc/public_meeting.htm> .
Among others, some of the proposed rule changes this year include the following:
* To make it unlawful to bait wildlife on wildlife management areas.
* To change the bear archery season to Oct. 1 through the third Sunday in October and eliminate the quota for bear archery season.
* To set the statewide daily limit of striped bass at five, except as designated.
* To eliminate daily harvest limits on furbearers so that only season limits apply.
* To establish permanent rules for newly purchased wildlife management areas while altering certain rules on already established public lands.
* To adjust ATV usage rules on Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area to match those in place at Three Rivers WMA.
The Wildlife Department also will be hosting public hearings and one town hall meeting on the proposed rule changes. The two public hearings will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters auditorium in Oklahoma City (1801 N. Lincoln Blvd) and at the Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau (1509 South McKenna). The town hall meeting will be held in Antlers at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Antlers Wildlife Heritage Center (610 Southwest “D” Street).

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New Oklahoma waterfowl stamp art selected
The 2012-2013 Oklahoma waterfowl stamp design contest results are in, and first place goes to Richard Clifton of Milford, Del., whose winning painting portraying the white-fronted goose will be featured on the 2012-2013 state waterfowl stamp.
Clifton’s win comes after already earning an honorable mention in last year’s Oklahoma waterfowl stamp contest with his portrayal of the blue-winged teal.
Honorable mentions this year were awarded to Tom Morgan Crain of Branson, Mo., Cynthie Fisher of Hamilton, Mont., and Doug Walpus of Hartsville, Tenn.
Images of Clifton’s winning artwork along with all three honorable mentions can be viewed on the Wildlife Department’s website at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fa...ampcontest.htm <http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/facts_maps/duckstampcontest.htm> .
“Duck stamp sales help finance many projects that benefit ducks and geese,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Since the duck stamp program began in 1980, thousands of acres of waterfowl habitat have been enhanced and restored through duck stamp revenues.”
Entries were judged on public input, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for printing. The winner and honorable mentions also will appear in a future issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.
The goldeneye will be represented in next year’s contest and will be featured on the 2013-2014 Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp.
For more information about waterfowl or waterfowl hunting in Oklahoma, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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Outdoor Oklahoma magazine now accepting entries for annual photography showcase
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

5-8: Oklahoma Tackle and Hunting Show at the Oklahoma City Fair Grounds, Oklahoma City.

5-8: Oklahoma Winter Bird Feeder Survey. Help the Wildlife Department track wintering birds at backyard feeders. For more information, log on to www.okwinterbirds.com <http://www.okwinterbirds.com/> .

9: Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting. Meetings are held monthly at 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Building (auditorium), 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

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.

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.

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 4, 2012

NORTHEAST

Ft. Gibson: January 1. Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 45 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-20 ft. under the docks. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and Biffle Bugs at 10-15 ft. around under water structure. Catfish slow on cut shad and sunfish sides. Report submitted by Rick Stafford in Wagoner.

Greenleaf: January 2. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and bill baits along shorelines, creek channels and brush structure. Catfish good on fresh cut bait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs in green, yellow and red around fishing docks and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Lower Illinois: January 3. Elevation normal, water 40 and clear. Striped bass fair on jigs at 3-4 ft. in the 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 1. Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water upper 50s 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.

Pawhuska: January 3. Trout good on Power Bait. Report submitted by David Clay, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Webbers Falls: January 2. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along riprap, creek channels and brush structure. Catfish good on fresh cut bait on bottom in the mudflats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around bridges and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: January 2. Elevation 12 ft. below normal, water clear. Channel catfish good on stinkbait along the dam. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs along the dam. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Ft. Supply: January 3. Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at the intake. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Woodward County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: January 1. Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 53-56 and stained. Crappie being caught on deeper brush piles and docks. Crappie and white bass being caught on CC spoons near drop-offs of creek channel bends. Bass being caught on jerk baits, jigs and finesse worms at 12-24 ft. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: January 3. Elevation normal, water 42 and clear. Trout fair on garlic scented Power Bait, salmon eggs and small spoons. Fly-fishing fair on olive and brown woolly buggers, elk hair caddis flies, San Juan worms and midges. Smallmouth and spotted bass fair on soft plastics. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and stinkbait. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: January 1. Elevation above normal and rising, water murky. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass good on soft plastic baits and crankbaits in the upper creeks. Catfish fair on juglines and trotlines baited with cut bait. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: January 1. Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water clear. Blue catfish fair on fresh shad on the flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 8-14 ft. around docks with brush, around brush piles and standing timber in the main lake. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: January 1. Elevation 2 ft. above normal. Blue catfish and crappie fair to good below the dam due to water releases. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.

Konawa: January 1. Elevation normal, water 48 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits 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 1. Elevation 4 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 1. Elevation above normal, water murky. Bass fair on soft plastics. Catfish good on juglines baited with chicken liver. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Sardis: January 1. Elevation normal. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits, swim baits and crankbaits. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait. Crappie good on at 6-12 ft. Walleye fair trolling. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: January 1. Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 50 and murky north and clear south. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on plastic combination baits at 15-20 ft. around the points and drop-offs. Striped and white bass fair to good on live bait, slabs and sassy shad at 15-20 ft. in the river channels from Platter Flats to the south. Channel and blue catfish fair on live bait and stinkbait at 10-15 ft. from Alberta Creek to the south. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 5-10 ft. around the fishing docks with brush in them. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: January 1. Elevation 2 ft. above normal, water murky. Crappie good 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

Foss: December 29. Elevation 7 ft. below normal with gates closed, water 50s and clear. Walleye good on slabs in deep water. Striped bass hybrids fair on slabs and live bait. Catfish fair on doughbait. Crappie fair on live bait around docks. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Ft. Cobb: January 4. Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 45 and clear. Only Sunset Boat Ramp and Lemon Hill still open. Catfish being caught on whole shad White Catfish Cove early nights. Crappie being caught on crappie jigs around marina and boat slips in evenings. Report submitted by Sgt. Kevin Bean, park ranger at Ft. Cobb State Park.




WATERFOWL REPORT FOR JANUARY 4, 2012



Waterfowl season currently open in Zones 1 and 2. For zone maps and complete waterfowl hunting regulations log on to wildlifedepartment.com. The next waterfowl report is scheduled for January 18.

NORTHWEST

Ft. Supply – Zone 1: Water level is 2.31 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor, with local winter wheat also in poor condition. Duck numbers are moderate. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity has been high on the weekends and moderate during the week. Hunter success has been fair on ducks and low on geese. Duck movement has been fair in the area the last week. The WMA portion of the lake is currently surrounded by approximately 50 yards or more of open shoreline, there are no boat ramps open for use.

Salt Plains NWR – Zone 1: Water level is slightly below normal. Habitat conditions are good. Recent rains have increased water in wetlands. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are good. Sandhill Crane numbers are good. Geese are heading north, east, and southeast of the lake to feed on agricultural fields and sandhill cranes heading southeast, east and northeast onto agricultural fields.

SOUTHWEST

Ft. Cobb – Zone 2: Water level is 3.60 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor due to water levels, with winter wheat on the area in fair condition. Duck numbers are high. Goose numbers are high. Hunter activity has been fair, with good success. Geese observed using the area wheat fields.

Hackberry – Zone 2: Water level is approximately 6.5 feet below normal. Habitat conditions in the area are fair, with some winter wheat. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are excellent. Hunter activity has been moderate, with good success. Geese in the area are mainly feeding on private land, but some are using the WMA fields.

Mtn. Park – Zone 2: Water level is 6.68 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor, with winter wheat planted and growing. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are good. Hunter activity has been light, with fair success. Geese in the area observed using the WMA fields on the southwest side of the lake.

NORTHEAST

Copan – Zone 2: Water level is 0.85 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are excellent, with native vegetation present. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are fair. Hunting pressure in the area has been high. Most birds observed using the main body of the lake.

Ft. Gibson – Zone 2: Water level is 0.47 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are good, with a variety of vegetation present. Duck numbers are moderate. Goose numbers are moderate. Hunting activity in the area has been moderate, with fair to good success. Bird movement in the area has been slow.

Hulah – Zone 2: Water level is 1.35 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are good, with harvested soybeans and wheat present. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunting pressure has been high on the area in the last couple weeks. Most birds observed using private ponds around the area.

Kaw – Zone 2: Water level is 3.25 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are excellent, with a variety of vegetation present. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are good. Hunting activity has been light, with very good success. Most birds are using ponds during the day, and returning to the lake in the evening.

Keystone – Zone 2: Water level is 0.5 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are good, with an abundant supply of natural food resources available. Duck numbers are low to fair, with a majority of ducks seen on the Arkansas River mudflats south of Cleveland. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity has been high over the past couple weeks, with fair success. Heavy hunting pressure has moved many birds out of the area. All sloughs and potholes have filled enough to provide habitat and hunting opportunity. Southern two units of Cottonwood Creek WDU are pumped.

Webber Falls – Zone 2: Water level is 2.97 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are good, with a variety of vegetation available. Duck numbers are moderate. Goose numbers are low to moderate. Hunting activity in the area has been moderate, with fair to good success. Bird movement in the area has been slow.

SOUTHEAST

Texoma – Zone 2: Water level 3.92 feet below normal. Food conditions in the area are good. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are fair. Hunting activity has been light, with fair success. Recent cold fronts have not produced any large amounts of birds. Boat access continues to be a problem.

Wister – Zone 2: Water level 0.51 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are good, with various food sources available. Duck numbers are moderate. Goose numbers are low.

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.