November 4, 2011
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>

Quail season opens Nov. 12
Mountain lion killed by vehicle near Minco provides research opportunity for Wildlife Department
Outdoor Calendar
Fishing Report
Waterfowl Report


Quail season opens Nov. 12
Oklahoma’s quail season opens Nov. 12 and runs through Feb. 15, providing hunters with an opportunity to hunt one of the most popular game birds in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has conducted annual roadside surveys in August and October since 1990 to index quail populations across Oklahoma. Department employees run 83 different 20-mile routes in all counties except Oklahoma and Tulsa, and large counties like Beaver, Ellis, LeFlore, McCurtain, Osage, Pittsburg and Roger Mills have two routes.
“The 2011 statewide index decreased 37 percent from 2010, which was already down from the 21-year average,” said Doug Schoeling, upland game bird biologist for the Wildlife Department.
The continued decline in quail numbers is believed to be a result of the continued drought and the record number of days above 100 degrees this summer, which are known to negatively impact quail nesting attempts and success. The only region where the number of quail observed increased from the 2010 survey was in the south-central region, where quail numbers only slightly increased over 2010 numbers.”
Even though the survey shows quail numbers down, Schoeling still encourages hunters to get out this season. Some areas of the state experienced rain in August that could have contributed to successful late nesting attempts that may not necessarily be reflected in the survey results. There are always those areas that have good habitat that experienced favorable nesting conditions where there will be opportunity for some good hunts. Wildlife management areas (WMAs) in western Oklahoma probably will offer hunters the best opportunity to find birds on public land. Quail season shooting hours and regulations on some public lands may vary from statewide seasons, so hunters should consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” for specific area details. To view the current Hunting Guide or find contact information for the WMAs, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Oklahoma still remains one of the strongest holdouts of native bobwhite quail populations and habitat. However, seeking to address quail population declines, the Department has launched several major research efforts to try to identify the factors contributing to their decline.
As part of the initiative, the Wildlife Department is working with the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, Texas A&M, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Texas Tech universities on a project called Operation Idiopathic Decline. Wildlife Department biologists are trapping quail and sending biological samples to Texas Tech University where researchers are investigating the potential impact of disease, parasitism, pesticides, toxins and contaminants on quail.
The Wildlife Department is also starting an upland game bird initiative that will provide extensive information on matters that could lead to improvements in the quail population and quail habitat management.
“We’re working with Oklahoma State University to implement a long-term, well-designed telemetry study that’s going to look at the dynamics of reproduction, recruitment and the movements of quail,” Schoeling said. These key aspects of quail ecology will be evaluated in relation to habitat management, weather patterns and events, vegetation and insect abundance, predators and hunting.
Although the research will focus on Packsaddle and Beaver River WMAs — where intensive quail habitat management is being done such as strip disking, patch burning and regulated grazing — research findings will also be used to assist landowners in managing quail on their properties. Quail populations will be closely monitored before and after the application of these management efforts, and their response carefully documented. Quail will be leg-banded and fitted with radio tracking devices where biologists can track movements, reproductive success and survival. Hunters harvesting banded or radio-tagged quail are asked to contact the Wildlife Department or Oklahoma State University. Signs will be posted on the areas detailing how hunters can report banded and tagged birds. Researchers will also use weather stations on the two WMAs to intensively monitor and collect information on localized weather events in order to correlate the relationship between weather, vegetation and insect abundance and intensive management habitat efforts.
The Wildlife Department will be working to improve methods for monitoring quail populations on a yearly basis.
“Effectively monitoring the quail population is critical to evaluating management efforts, tracking annual fluctuations in the quail population and informing hunters,” Schoeling said.
Limited supplies of a Wildlife Department publication called “Upland Urgency” are available free for those wanting to learn more about quail research in Oklahoma. To request a copy, call the Wildlife Department at (405) 521-3856 or visit the headquarters office at 1801 North Lincoln in Oklahoma City.

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Mountain lion killed by vehicle near Minco provides research opportunity for Wildlife Department
A mountain lion was found dead Nov. 1 along HWY 81 north of Minco after having been hit by a vehicle, according to Erik Bartholomew, furbearer biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The young, 130-lb. male mountain lion will provide an important research opportunity for the Department since the animals are rare and elusive and because biologists have had few opportunities to study them up close in Oklahoma. Bartholomew and a team of Wildlife Department biologists have already collected data on the cat to determine its age and condition, and the animal itself will be used for educational purposes by the Department.
“We took general measurements of the body of the animal,” Bartholomew said, which included the cat’s weight and measurements of its body, head, tail and paws. Additionally, a tissue sample was collected for DNA analysis to try and determine the origin of the lion, and a tooth was also pulled so that it could be sectioned and stained to more precisely determine the age of the animal.”
“His fur did have some faint spotting, and based on that, he would be a sub-adult between 12-20 months old,” Bartholomew said.
Bartholomew said the mountain lion might have been following the South Canadian River corridor in search of new territory, as young males are sometimes pushed out of the territories of older, dominant males.
“These young males tend to have very large home ranges and can have movements of over 200 square miles. They go out, they look for new territory, and this one unfortunately ran into a car.”
River corridors are major travel passageways for all types of wildlife. Bartholomew said since humans build cities and towns along rivers, close encounters with wildlife will occur, but a mountain lions basic instinct is to avoid people.
Bartholomew said the Wildlife Department receives scattered reports of mountain lions “all the time,” but only three have been confirmed this year, including one in the Tulsa area and another whose photograph was captured by a trail camera near Sand Springs.
Also called “panthers,” “cougars” and “pumas,” mountain lions are native to Oklahoma, and Bartholomew said it is a common misconception that the Wildlife Department denies their existence in the state. Another common but false rumor is that the Wildlife Department has released mountain lions in Oklahoma.
“There is no doubt from the Wildlife Department’s standpoint that mountain lions occur in Oklahoma, but the Wildlife Department has never released them here,” Bartholomew said. “Additionally, we have never confirmed reproduction of mountain lions within the state. Without reproduction, we do not have a population. What we have are transient animals moving through the state looking for new territory.
Many wildlife species and domestic animals can be and often are mistaken for mountain lions, so getting confirmed, verifiable sightings can be challenging.
“As scientists, we can only rely on those sightings that are verifiable and confirmed, and fortunately we have had the evidence in recent years to confirm several sightings,” Bartholomew said.
Still, Bartholomew said the cats are rare in the state and that few people will ever have the opportunity to see one in the wild.
“Mountain lions are very secretive,” he said. “Even in states like New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado where there’s lots of mountain lions, very rarely are they seen. In fact most of the ones that are seen are the ones that are hit on the road.”
One of the state’s most elusive species, mountain lions were originally found throughout Oklahoma and were thought to have been eradicated in the state during the 19th century. There have been few documented cases since the late 1900s, but in the last decade, the Department has documented several confirmations. In addition to those this year, an adult male was killed illegally in Cimarron County in February of 2010. In April of 2010, a young radio-collared male from Colorado traveled through Texas County in the Panhandle and is now living in New Mexico. In the fall of 2009, trail cameras from Tillman and Atoka counties recorded mountain lions. In 2006, a mountain lion in Cimarron County was killing a landowner’s goats and was shot, and in 2004, a young radio-collared male from the Black Hills of South Dakota was hit by a train near the town of Red Rock.
Several characteristics distinguish mountain lions from other wildlife and domestic animals. Its tail is more than half the length of its body, and it has black tips on the tail and ears. Their coat is primarily tan in color. Males average seven feet long and weigh about 140 pounds, while females average six feet in length and weigh about 95 pounds.
There is not a mountain lion hunting season in Oklahoma. However, the law allows mountain lions to be taken by licensed hunters, but only when a mountain lion is committing or about to commit depredation on any domesticated animal or when deemed an immediate safety hazard. Individuals who kill a mountain lion must immediately call a game warden or other Wildlife Department employee.
Officials with the Wildlife Department rely on the public to report verifiable sightings, photos and reports of mountain lions to help document the species in Oklahoma.
“The only way we get information is when people report it,” Bartholomew said. “If people send us trail camera photos and we can confirm the location, that’s great information for us. Likewise this one was hit on the road, and somebody turned it into us. That’s the only way we can get data on these animals because they’re so secretive. There’s so few in this state that we rely on the public in order to gather information on them.”
To submit photographs and report sightings of mountain lions in Oklahoma, call Bartholomew at (405) 385-1791.


****Photo*****

Editor's note: Below is a link for an accompanying photo that is 300 DPI and intended for newspaper publication. The photo will open in your browser. If you have a pc, you should be able to right click, select “Save picture as,” then choose the file type you want to save as and click “Save.” The other option is to click on “File” in the toolbar, select “Save picture as,” choose the file type you want to save as and click “Save.” Images can be viewed with the article at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/weekly_news.htm <http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/weekly_news.htm> .

High res: http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/ne...ion2_large.jpg
Low res: http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/ne...ion2_small.jpg
Caption: Erik Bartholomew, furbearer biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Mike O’Meilia, program supervisor for the Wildlife Department, take conduct research on a mountain lion that was killed by vehicle Nov. 1 near Minco.
Credit: wildlifedepartment.com

High res: http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/ne...lion_large.jpg
Low res: http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/ne...lion_small.jpg
Caption: Erik Bartholomew, furbearer biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, takes measurements while conducting research on a mountain lion that was killed by vehicle Nov. 1 near Minco.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

NOVEMBER

5: Sooner Retriever Club Training Day. For more information contact Bill Blochowiak at labske@aol.com <mailto:labske@aol.com>

5-27: Waterfowl season dates for Zone 2. Consult the current “Oklahoma Waterfowl Guide” at wildlifedepartment.com for zone boundaries and bag limits.

5: Sapulpa's Pretty Water Lake Trout Derby from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free for City of Sapulpa trout permit holders, $5 for non-permit holders. Prize is given every hour for largest trout caught. This event is sponsored by Sapulpa Parks and Recreation Dept. Pretty Water Lake is located just minutes from downtown Sapulpa off Highway 97 between Sapulpa and Sand Springs. Turn West off Hwy 97 onto 86th St.; after approximately two miles you’ll see the lake on the south side of 86th St. Visit Sahoma Lake Bait & Concession Store for all your fishing needs, snacks, cold beverages and clean restrooms. Sahoma Lake is located just ¼ mile west of Pretty Water Lake. For more information call the Sahoma Bait & Concession Store at (918) 227-1534.

5-6: National Wild Turkey Foundation Women in the Outdoors event at Tenkiller State Park and The Methodist Boys Ranch. There are 39 different classes being offered from Outdoor Survival Skills to Making River Cane Flutes. Fore more information contact Leann Bunn, naturalist and event coordinator at (918) 489-5641 or lbunn@oklahomaparks.com <mailto:lbunn@oklahomaparks.com> . For more information, log on to nwtf.org.

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

10: The Oklahoma Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Tulsa Fly Fishers will host Norm Crisp of Prairie Village, Kan., as the guest speaker. Mr. Crisp is the owner and head guide for Streamside Adventures. He is an internationally known fly fisherman, author, teacher/lecturer and water resources scientist. He has fly fished throughout North America and many parts of the world including Russia, Nepal, Scotland, England, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, the former Yugoslavia and even the Atlas Mountains of Morocco in North Africa. He has written numerous articles about fly fishing for trout and his travels in search of trout. Meetings are held at the Hardesty Public Library located at 8316 E. 93rd St. Tulsa. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. For more information see www.tulsaflyfishers.org <http://www.tulsaflyfishers.org/> .

12: Wheelin’ Sportsman Gun Bash Benefit at the McAlester Country Club, doors will open at 6 p.m. This Wheelin' Sportsmen benefits give you a chance to go home with one of 30 firearms that will be given away that night and have a great time with friends. Tell your friends. You do not have to be present to win. Ticket prices: one ticket for individuals not able to attend - $85; one ticket with meal for those who can attend - $100.00; 1 ticket with two meals for those who can attend - $120. You can purchase as many tickets has you want. To purchase a ticket, contact Gary Garman at (918) 470-8279 or Gary Brooks at (918) 421-0800 or Angie Grippando at (918) 470-7320.

12- Feb. 15, 2012: Quail Season. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. For more information consult the “2011-2012 Oklahoma Hunting Guide,” available free online at wildlifedepartment.com.

19: Byron Hatchery Watchable Wildlife Area Nature Center will be open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 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. For more information about these events, e-mail mhickman@zoo.odwc.state.ok.us or (405) 990-4977.

19-Dec. 4: Deer Gun Season (Antlerless days vary by zone). Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. For more information, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide,” available free online at wildlifedepartment.com.


FISHING REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2011

CENTRAL

Hefner: October 31. Elevation below normal and rising, water 53 and 60 and murky. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and spinnerbaits at 3-10 ft. in rocky areas. Smallmouth bass slow on crankbaits and spinnerbaits at 3-12 ft. in rocky areas. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on sassy shad, grubs and rooster tails at 2-8 ft. in water inlet area. Channel catfish good on punchbait and cut bait at 5-10 ft. at water inlet and the dam. Blue catfish good on cut bait at 5-20 ft. at the water inlet and the dam. Crappie good slip corking jigs at 12-15 ft. at the dam. Walleye fair on jerk baits and grubs at 2-8 ft. along rocky shores and the dam. Report submitted by Lucky Lure Tackle.

NORTHEAST

Eucha: November 1. Elevation 9 ft. below normal, water 56 and dingy. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush and structure. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.

Keystone: November 1. Elevation below normal, water 58. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-18 ft. around structure. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around points and structure. Catfish fair on cut bait and shad in channels and drop-offs. White bass fair on spinnerbaits, jigs and spoons around points and bridges. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.

Lower Illinois: October 31. Elevation normal, water 44 and murky. Largemouth bass slow on topwater lures in coves. White bass slow on small spinnerbaits at 1-2 ft. in back water. Channel catfish good on cut bait on bottom all along the river. Crappie slow on spinnerbaits at 1-2 ft. in coves. Trout fair fly-fishing the surface, on rooster tails at 1-2 ft. and on Power Bait on bottom at Gore Landing. Report submitted by D. Tracy, Town of Gore.

Oologah: October 30. Elevation 2 3/4 ft. below normal, water mid 60s and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10 ft. around brush piles. White bass fair on jigs 5-10 ft. off main lake points. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Sooner: October 31. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on sassy shad and ghost minnows in the discharge. Catfish fair on cut bait in the discharge. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: November 1. Elevation slightly below normal, water 59 and dingy. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.

Tenkiller: October 31. Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 65 and clear. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and soft plastic baits at 5-10 ft. Catfish fair on flip-flops baited with small sunfish. Crappie fair on minnows and small jigs at 10-15 ft. in docks. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

NORTHWEST

Canton: October 30. Elevation 11 1/2 ft. below normal, water stained. Crappie fair on jigs near brush piles along dam. Channel catfish good on shad between Sandy Cove and Longdale Campground. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Great Salt Plains: The fishery has not recovered from the 2011 kill.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: October 29. Elevation 7 ft. below normal, water 67 and stained up creeks and clear main lake. White bass being caught on small jigs along the bluffs next to bank. Crappie being caught on 1/8 ounce chartreuse jigs on brush piles and break lines near vertical drop-offs. Bass being caught on jerk baits, crankbaits and football jigs; on very windy days use spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Broken Bow: October 30. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits around points, structure, mouths of creeks and ledges early and late. Catfish good on juglines and trotlines baited with cut bait. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around structure in the upper end of the lake. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: October 30. Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and crankbaits in rocky areas. Blue catfish fair on fresh shad in shallow flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 6-10 ft. in riprap under bridges and standing timber. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Konawa: October 31. Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 68 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits at 5-10 ft. around points and road beds. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on minnows and jigs at 15 ft. in the discharge canal. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: October 30. Elevation 6 3/4 ft. below normal, water 68 and clear. Largemouth bass fair to good on spinnerbaits and swim baits 6-12 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: October 30. Elevation below normal, water clear. Bass fair on crankbaits near rocky outcroppings. Crappie good on spoons around any deep structure. Catfish good on juglines baited with cut shad. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Sardis: October 31. Elevation 2 ft. below normal. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures early and late and on spinnerbaits and crankbaits at midday. Channel, blue and flathead catfish good. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 14-16 ft. Walleye fair trolling. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: October 30. Elevation 8 1/2 ft. below normal, water 69 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on plastic combination baits and crankbaits at 5-15 ft. around points and underwater structure. Striped and white bass fair to good on live bait, sassy shad and slabs at 10-20 ft. in the river channels. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on live bait, cut shad and worms at 5-15 ft. from Platter Flats to the north. Crappie fair to good on minnows and tube jigs at 5-10 ft. in the upper creek channels. Sunfish fair to good on worms, shrimp and small tube jigs at 5-10 ft. around the fish attractors. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: October 31. Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures early and late. Catfish fair on juglines baited with cut shad and liver, best on night crawlers. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: October 30. Elevation 27 3/4 ft. below normal and dropping. Catfish fair. Crappie fair to good on minnows, worms and shrimp. White bass fair to good on minnows and worms from bank near dam. Walleye fair to good on minnows, worms and shrimp. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson.



WATERFOWL REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2011



Duck season is currently open for Panhandle Counties and Zone 1. Zone 2 opens Saturday November 5. For zone maps and complete waterfowl hunting regulations log on to wildlifedepartment.com. The next waterfowl report is scheduled for November 16.



NORTHWEST



Canton – Zone 1: Water level is 11.82 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are good, but none are flooded. Duck numbers are low, with primarily redheads and wigeon. No geese were observed in the area. Hunter activity has been high, especially on the weekends. Hunter success has been fair on ducks and low for geese. Bird movement has been light, but an increase in dabbling ducks has occurred over the past week. Water levels are well below boat ramps.



Ft. Supply – Zone 1: Water level is 3.18 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity has been moderate with low success. Bird movement in the area has shown an increase this week. The WMA portion of the lake is currently surrounded by approximately 100 yards or more of open shoreline, with no boat ramps open for use.



SOUTHWEST



Ft. Cobb – Zone 2: Water level is 4.22 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor due to water levels. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low, with resident birds present. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Bird movement in the area has been light.



Hackberry – Zone 2: Water level is approximately 5 feet below normal. Habitat conditions in the area are poor, with some winter wheat. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Small number of ducks using refuge reservoir, and geese are slowly coming in every few days. All wetland units are dry.



Mtn. Park – Zone 2: Water level is 7.59 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Bird movement in the area has been slow.



Waurika – Zone 2: Water level is 5 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor. No ducks or geese observed on the area. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. No bird movement was observed in the area.



NORTHEAST



Copan – Zone 2: Water level is 2 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are excellent, just need water. Duck numbers are low, with mostly teal. Goose numbers are low, with mostly resident birds. Hunting activity and success were light during last weekend’s youth season. Bird movement in the area has been light, but increasing with each northern frontal passage.



Eufaula – Zone 2: Water level is 4.18 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor at current lake elevation. Farming activity in the area is light. Duck numbers are very low. Goose numbers are low, with local resident birds present. No reports of hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Several large flocks of migrating whitefronts were observed moving through the area late last week.

Ft. Gibson – Zone 2: Water level is 1.30 feet below normal. Habitat condition is good, with a variety of vegetation present. Duck numbers are low. No geese were observed in the area. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Bird movement in the area has been light.



Hulah – Zone 2: Water level is 3 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are excellent, just need water. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low, with resident birds present. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Bird movement in the area has been light, but increasing with each northern frontal passage.



Kaw: Water level is 1.46 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are good, with a variety of vegetation types available. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Bird movement in the area has been light, with more activity expected with incoming cold fronts.



Keystone – Zone 2: Water level is 4 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor, with a very abundant source of food, but no flooded food source. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity and success were light during last weekend’s youth season. Bird movement in the area has been light.



Oologah – Zone 2: Water level is 2.83 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are fair to good at current lake level. 550 to 600 acres seeded with Japanese millet, but not flooded at this time. Duck numbers are fair, with mostly blue-winged teal, green-winged teal and northern shoveler. Goose numbers are poor, with resident Canadas present. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Bird movement in the area has been light to fair, with most activity in the wetland units at Overcup Bottoms WDU. An increase in birds is expected over the next several weeks with each northern frontal passage.



Sooner: Water level is 3 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor, with mostly winter wheat in the area. Duck numbers are low, with mostly scaup, redhead, wigeon and ring-necked. Goose numbers are low, with resident birds present. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. No significant bird movement was observed in the area.



Webbers Falls – Zone 2: Water level is 2.76 feet below normal. Habitat condition is good, with a variety of vegetation present. Duck numbers are low. No geese were observed in the area. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Bird movement in the area has been light.



SOUTHEAST



Grassy Slough – Zone 2: Wetland units and slough dry. Habitat conditions are poor. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. No reports of bird movement.



Hugo – Zone 2: Water level is 6 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are fair, with a variety of vegetation present. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Bird movement in the area has been light, but seems to be picking up. All wetland areas are currently dry at this time.



Red Slough – Zone 2: Area is mostly dry except for the Waterfowl Refuge Area, with some water in Teal Lake and unit 21. Habitat conditions are poor. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity was low this past weekend for the youth season. No reports of bird movements on the area.



Texoma – Zone 2: Water level 8.58 feet below normal. Food conditions in the area are good, but water level needs to rise for in order for it to be flooded. Duck numbers are low, with some green-winged teal in the area. Goose numbers are low. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. No reports of bird movement in the area.



Wister – Zone 2: Water level is 2.25 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor. Duck numbers are low. No geese observed on the area. No reports on hunter activity or success with season currently closed. Around 300 birds were seen on the Fourche-Maline WDU.





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.