07-27-2007, 11:10 PM
After the storms: fish and wildlife impacted by recent heavy rains
Wildlife Department seeks artists for waterfowl stamp design
Outdoor Calendar
Fishing Report
Wildlife Expo brings in the Centennial
One hundred years ago, Oklahoma's Statehood Day might have been celebrated with shotgun blasts, flying arrows and tomahawks, food cooked over a campfire, cowboys with guitars and other wild and exciting activities. This year will be no different because Oklahomans can do all of these activities at the 2007 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, which has been designated an official centennial event.
"The third annual Expo is slated for Sept. 28-30 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City," said Rhonda Hurst, Expo coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "What better way to celebrate the heritage of Oklahoma than through the great outdoors? Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities have always been a significant part of daily life in Oklahoma. It only seems fitting that the Expo will help bring in the next century of statehood."
The Expo will feature more than 200 hands-on activities, ranging from shotgun and archery shooting to wild game meat tasting, ATV rides, kayaking, fishing, camp cooking, mountain biking and more. Oklahoma native and country music superstar Blake Shelton will be at the Expo September 30 as well.
"The Expo is the perfect family event," said Shelton, who is an avid outdoorsman himself. "It's fun, it's free and I'll guarantee your kids will be tired at the end of the day."
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate the appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts, including both avid and beginner outdoorsmen.
The Wildlife Expo drew nearly 80,000 people from around the state over the last two years, but the 2007 Expo is expected to be the biggest and best yet.
"The Expo is sure to have something for every person that comes through the gates of the Lazy E, whether its dog training, hunting seminars, demonstrations, tomahawk throwing or just shopping at the huge Outdoor Marketplace where vendors will be selling outdoor merchandise and services," Hurst said.
The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from noon to 6 p.m., Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information about activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, or to see how you can win one of several prizes thanks to the generosity of Expo sponsors, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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After the storms: fish and wildlife impacted by recent heavy rains
After a very wet spring and early summer, Oklahoma sportsmen may wonder just how much recent heavy rains are impacting fish and wildlife, and officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say the answer includes both short- and long-term aspects.
Fisheries biologists with the Wildlife Department say recent heavy rains may currently limit fishing access in some parts of the state because of flooding, but great fishing should resume once water levels are closer to normal.
"Right now we're dealing with some high lake levels that may be keeping anglers off the water, but anglers will see the positive effects these recent rains will have on fishing long after lake levels return to normal," said Barry Bolton, fisheries chief for the Wildlife Department.
Bolton said heavy rains recharge nutrient levels in state waters. Additionally, submerged vegetation creates habitat and feeding areas for popular fish species like bass and catfish. Tailwaters are expected to provide outstanding fishing opportunities this summer as well.
Game animals and other wildlife undoubtedly are impacted by recent rains and flooding as well. Mike Sams, private lands biologist for the Wildlife Department, said the effects on wildlife should be considered with the big picture in mind, rather than apparent short-term stressful effects.
"While the heavy rainfall could have had some short-term impacts on wildlife that are not all positive, there's no question that, after several years of drought, the good outweighs the bad," Sams said. "From a population standpoint, there are primarily positive impacts. In fact, the rains have broken a drought cycle that could be much worse for wildlife than heavy rainfall."
Among those positive implications is a cooling affect from the rain and improved food sources that could extend reproductive seasons of some species such as bobwhite quail. Good forage production can also mean better nutrition for deer that need to be as healthy as possible when entering their breeding seasons later in the year.
While recent heavy rains fell at a time of year not ideal for turkey nesting, biologists say insect hatches, plant growth and seed production have improved greatly over recent years of drought - all of which are conditions that benefit wild turkeys.
Jack Waymire, southeast region senior biologist for the Wildlife Department, said heavy rains can cause nesting hens to stay wet, producing a stronger scent that attracts predators to nesting sites. However, Waymire said second nesting attempts by hens help supplement wild turkey populations.
To learn more about wildlife in Oklahoma, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Wildlife Department seeks artists for waterfowl stamp design
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is accepting entries for the Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp design competition. The deadline to submit art is 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7.
The mallard will be featured on the 2008-09 stamp, and the winning art will be printed on the 2008-09 Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp.
"There are going to be two big changes to this year's waterfowl stamp design competition," said Micah Holmes, information supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "First, artists will have the option of including a retriever in their artwork. The mallard should be the featured element of the painting, but I am hoping some artists find a way to work their favorite sporting dog into the background or foreground of the image. After all, the only thing waterfowlers love as much as ducks and geese is their dogs."
According to Holmes, the second change in this year's competition will be the manner in which the artwork is judged.
"In all the previous years of the competition, a small panel of judges has voted on the winning artwork," Holmes said. "This year, we're going to let the public give their opinion. Selected entries will be on display at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 28-30 and visitors can come by and vote for their favorite image."
Duck stamp sales help finance many projects that benefit ducks and geese. Since the duck stamp program began in 1980, thousands of acres of waterfowl habitat have been created through duck stamp revenues.
Artwork may be of acrylic, oil, watercolor, scratchboard, pencil, pen and ink, tempera or any other two-dimensional media. The illustration must be horizontal, six and a half inches high and nine inches wide. It must be matted with white mat board nine inches high by 12 inches wide with the opening cut precisely 6.5 x 9. Artwork may not be framed or under glass, but acetate covering should be used to protect the art. All artists must depict the mallard, and any habitat appearing in the design must be typical of Oklahoma. For complete entry guidelines, call (405) 521-3856.
Entries should be sent to the Duck Stamp Competition Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Fed Ex, UPS and other ground deliveries should be sent to 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
Entries will be judged on anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for printing. The winner and three honorable mentions will appear in a future issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.
A non-refundable entry fee of $20 (cash, money order or cashier's check) must accompany each entry. No entries will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7.
The winning artist will receive a purchase award of $1,200. The winning entry will become the sole and exclusive property of the Wildlife Department.
A selection of waterfowl stamp art from previous years is currently on display in the lobby of the Wildlife Department headquarters located at 1801 N. Lincoln, in Oklahoma City.
Prints of previous winning waterfowl artwork can be purchased at wildlifedepartment.com/oklahomastampprogram.htm.
For more information about the contest call (405) 521-3856.
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OUTDOOR CALENDAR
JULY
28: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic at Crystal Lake. To register, contact Bob Martin with OKC Parks and Recreation at (405) 755-4014.
28: Green Country Quail Forever is sponsoring the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation STEP Shoot in Tulsa. This event is open to both youth and adults. The event runs from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Woods and Water Club (east of Tulsa on Highway 412, signs will be posted). For more information, contact Keith Lindsay at (918) 251-0023 or Carl Brown at (918) 242-3742.
28: Huge Yard Sale sponsored by Oklahoma Striped Bass Association. The sale will run from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Zebco Headquarters (6101 E. Apache St., just west of Sheridan on Apache), Tulsa. Lots of fishing, hunting and outdoor gear.
31: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic at Arcadia Conservation Education Area. To register, contact Damon Springer at (405) 521-3855.
AUGUST
4: Hunter Education: Community Center (301 S Cedar), Owasso; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (918) 299-2334.
4: First Annual "Kids Gone Wild" Event will be held at Meadow Lake Ranch in Sand Springs. For directions call 494-6000 or take Hwy. 97 from Sand Springs to 41st. Go west on 41st St., then take a right on S. 137th W. Ave, then one mile to the ranch. You will see signs. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will include free instruction on camping, fly fishing, bass fishing, the cowboy experience, wild game calling, gun safety, archery, dog training, pet care and much more. The event is free to kids and their families. Free ice cold drinks will be supplied while supplies last. Conservation groups such as Whitetails Unlimited, Women in the Outdoors, The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation and Quail Unlimited will be present. For more information on this new and exciting event, please call (918) 246-9644 and/or (918) 245-7607. Come early and stay late!
4 & 5: Southern Plains Traditional Archery Championship Shoot at McAlester Army Ammunitions Depot in McAlester. The cost is $10 per round. Recurves and Longbows compete on Sat. Aug. 4. Selfbows on Sunday Aug. 5. For more information, contact Johnny Pappan at (405) 350-1551 or Pat Finnigan at (405) 262-7559.
6: The Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium) located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.
FISHING REPORT FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007
CENTRAL
Arcadia: Elevation above normal, water muddy. Blue catfish good on shad early. All other fishing fair to good. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Hefner: Water 86 and clear. Largemouth bass being caught on plastic worms and spinnerbaits along shoreline and from boats. Striped bass hybrids being caught trolling the shoreline with minnows, jigs and crankbaits. Channel catfish being caught along the shoreline on cut bait and stinkbait. Walleye being caught trolling with crankbaits and on jigs along the shoreline. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Overholser: Water 86 and murky. White bass being caught on jigs and spinners along the shoreline. Channel catfish being caught along the rocks on stinkbaits and cut baits. Crappie being caught around the rocks on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Wes Watkins: Elevation 1/2-1 ft. above normal, water 74-79 and murky. Some largemouth bass being caught. Some schooling of white bass. Report submitted by M.M. Fowler, St. Gregory's.
NORTHEAST
Bell Cow: Elevation above normal, water muddy. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms. Channel catfish good on live bait. Crappie fair on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Carl Blackwell: Elevation normal, water 85 and murky. Catfish fair on cut baits and punch baits. Striped bass hybrid fair on live bait. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.
Chandler: Elevation above normal, water muddy. Largemouth bass good on plastics. Channel catfish fair on cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Eucha: Elevation normal, water 83 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 10-12 ft. Largemouth bass fair on Carolina-rigged plastic baits off rocky points. Bluegill good on crickets and worms around grass beds. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.
Grand: Elevation above normal and murky. Channel catfish good on juglines at 10 ft. baited with cut and whole shad. Most ramps are still closed. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and worms along shoreline, creek channels and brush structure. Channel catfish good on stinkbait and cut bait along creek channels, mud flats and near spillway. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12 ft. along brush structures and fishing docks. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Hudson: Elevation 10 ft. above normal and murky. Channel and blue catfish good on cut shad and worms on trotlines and juglines. White bass fair to good off deep rocky points on sassy shad. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Kaw: Elevation 23 ft. above normal, water 83. All ramps open except for the ramp below the dam. Release is 23,000 cubic ft. per second. White bass good on small jigs at the Washunga and Sarge Creek Bridges. Striped bass excellent on four-inch sassy shad in chartreuse or pearl below dam. Striped bass hybrids excellent on green feather jigs below dam. Crappie good. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Keystone: Elevation 20 1/2 ft. above normal, water muddy. White bass excellent on tube jigs and minnows at 2-4 ft. below dam. Striped bass excellent on bucktails and sassy shad at 3-6 ft. below dam. Channel catfish fair on worms at 4-8 ft. below dam. Blue catfish fair on cut shad at 4-8 ft. below dam. Flathead catfish fair on goldfish at 5-10 ft. below dam. Crappie good on tube jigs and minnows at 4-8 ft. below dam. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.
Oologah: Elevation 20 ft. above normal and falling slowly, water low 70s and muddy. All parks and ramps are still closed on the lake, except Hawthorne (Campground Only) is open. White bass fair on jigs below dam. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Spavinaw: Elevation slightly below normal, water 87 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.
Tenkiller: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. above normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on rocky structure with plastic worms or bass jigs. Catfish fair on points or mouth of coves with stinkbaits at 18-21 ft. Sunfish fair around docks on worms at 10-15 ft. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.
Webbers Falls: Elevation 5 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits along creek channels and riprap. Channel catfish good on cut bait, stinkbait and sunfish along creek channels and mud flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-18 ft. along creek channels and at bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: Elevation 4 ft. above normal. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair trolling crankbaits or drifting slabs. Walleye fair drifting night crawlers. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Ft. Supply: Elevation above normal, water clear. White bass fair on jigs and spinnerbaits along dam. Channel catfish fair on stinkbaits. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. above normal, water 84 and stained. Crappie good around marked brush piles using minnows and jigs. White bass fair, chasing shad early and late, tiny torpedo and lead head white grubs best. Bass fair to good early and late using topwater and soft plastics at 12 ft. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: Elevation slightly above normal, water 76 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver and worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good on 8-10-inch soft plastics, Carolina or Texas-rigged off points after dark. Channel catfish being caught on cut bait or shad. Walleye fair on deep running crankbaits around the islands. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: Elevation 10 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits flipping the flooded willows. White bass fair on jigs below the dam. Blue catfish fair on shad below the dam. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Konawa: Elevation normal, water 93 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms and topwater lures at 4-8 ft. on weed beds. Channel catfish good on shad at 5-10 ft. in south cove. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork River: The powerhouse has been running full time, so fishing downstream from Old Park Dam has been out of the question. That leaves only the few miles of river and stream located inside the Park. Best flies have been Prince Nymphs, various soft-hackled patterns, Light Cahills (wet and dry), Elk hair Caddis, Grasshoppers, ants and several others. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.
McGee Creek: Elevation 15 ft. above normal, water 81 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures in flooded timber. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: Elevation above normal, water 88 and murky. Bass good on worms, soft crankbaits, and plastic jerk baits. White bass biting early mornings and later afternoons on surface. Channel catfish good on stinkbait, cut bait and worms. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: Elevation above normal, water clear. Bass fair on spinnerbaits in schools on upper end of the lake. Crappie fair on minnows. Catfish good on night crawlers on trotlines. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: Elevation below normal, water 81 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on the surface at 6 ft. using topwater baits early in the mornings and late evenings and spinnerbaits and plastic baits during the day. Crappie fair at 10-12 ft. using minnows fishing the edges of the old creek channels. White bass fair at 6-8 ft. trolling crankbaits in the Applegate Cove area. Blue catfish fair at 3-8 ft. using fresh cut shad and live bait on trotlines and juglines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis Lake: Elevation 5 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and artificial lures in creek channels. White bass good trolling around islands. Channel catfish good on cut shad on juglines and trotlines. Crappie fair on minnows around bridges and brush piles. Walleye good. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: Elevation 20 ft. above normal, water 81 and clarity varies from murky to muddy, with some clear water in the coves. There still is very little access to campgrounds and boat launching sites. Fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass and catfish is still good for those that can get to them from a boat or shoreline. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: Elevation 17 1/2 ft. above normal and muddy. Largemouth bass slow. Crappie fair on minnows around timber. Channel catfish fair on juglines and trotlines with cut bait. Flathead catfish fair on trotlines baited with sunfish. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Altus-Lugert: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and dropping. Irrigation canal is running. Striped bass hybrids and walleye are more active in the lake. Fish are still biting in the river. Large catfish, some striped bass hybrids and goldeye are being caught near the low water bridge. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.
Ellsworth: Elevation normal and murky. Catfish good behind the dam on cut bait. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Foss: Elevation 1/4 ft. above normal and two gates open. Water mid-80s and clear. White bass have been surfacing in late evenings and biting good. Striped bass hybrids good. Walleye fair. Catfish good. Bass fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Ft. Cobb: Elevation 5 1/4 ft. above normal, water 84 and murky. Striped bass hybrids fair. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut shad with juglines. Report submitted by Gary Roller, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Lawtonka: Elevation normal. White bass fair on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Waurika: Elevation above normal, water 73 and clear. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on white and pearl-colored jigs along spillway. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait, live bait and punch bait. Fishing is limited due to closed boat ramps and limited shoreline. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Wildlife Department seeks artists for waterfowl stamp design
Outdoor Calendar
Fishing Report
Wildlife Expo brings in the Centennial
One hundred years ago, Oklahoma's Statehood Day might have been celebrated with shotgun blasts, flying arrows and tomahawks, food cooked over a campfire, cowboys with guitars and other wild and exciting activities. This year will be no different because Oklahomans can do all of these activities at the 2007 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, which has been designated an official centennial event.
"The third annual Expo is slated for Sept. 28-30 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City," said Rhonda Hurst, Expo coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "What better way to celebrate the heritage of Oklahoma than through the great outdoors? Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities have always been a significant part of daily life in Oklahoma. It only seems fitting that the Expo will help bring in the next century of statehood."
The Expo will feature more than 200 hands-on activities, ranging from shotgun and archery shooting to wild game meat tasting, ATV rides, kayaking, fishing, camp cooking, mountain biking and more. Oklahoma native and country music superstar Blake Shelton will be at the Expo September 30 as well.
"The Expo is the perfect family event," said Shelton, who is an avid outdoorsman himself. "It's fun, it's free and I'll guarantee your kids will be tired at the end of the day."
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate the appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts, including both avid and beginner outdoorsmen.
The Wildlife Expo drew nearly 80,000 people from around the state over the last two years, but the 2007 Expo is expected to be the biggest and best yet.
"The Expo is sure to have something for every person that comes through the gates of the Lazy E, whether its dog training, hunting seminars, demonstrations, tomahawk throwing or just shopping at the huge Outdoor Marketplace where vendors will be selling outdoor merchandise and services," Hurst said.
The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from noon to 6 p.m., Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information about activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, or to see how you can win one of several prizes thanks to the generosity of Expo sponsors, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
-30-
After the storms: fish and wildlife impacted by recent heavy rains
After a very wet spring and early summer, Oklahoma sportsmen may wonder just how much recent heavy rains are impacting fish and wildlife, and officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say the answer includes both short- and long-term aspects.
Fisheries biologists with the Wildlife Department say recent heavy rains may currently limit fishing access in some parts of the state because of flooding, but great fishing should resume once water levels are closer to normal.
"Right now we're dealing with some high lake levels that may be keeping anglers off the water, but anglers will see the positive effects these recent rains will have on fishing long after lake levels return to normal," said Barry Bolton, fisheries chief for the Wildlife Department.
Bolton said heavy rains recharge nutrient levels in state waters. Additionally, submerged vegetation creates habitat and feeding areas for popular fish species like bass and catfish. Tailwaters are expected to provide outstanding fishing opportunities this summer as well.
Game animals and other wildlife undoubtedly are impacted by recent rains and flooding as well. Mike Sams, private lands biologist for the Wildlife Department, said the effects on wildlife should be considered with the big picture in mind, rather than apparent short-term stressful effects.
"While the heavy rainfall could have had some short-term impacts on wildlife that are not all positive, there's no question that, after several years of drought, the good outweighs the bad," Sams said. "From a population standpoint, there are primarily positive impacts. In fact, the rains have broken a drought cycle that could be much worse for wildlife than heavy rainfall."
Among those positive implications is a cooling affect from the rain and improved food sources that could extend reproductive seasons of some species such as bobwhite quail. Good forage production can also mean better nutrition for deer that need to be as healthy as possible when entering their breeding seasons later in the year.
While recent heavy rains fell at a time of year not ideal for turkey nesting, biologists say insect hatches, plant growth and seed production have improved greatly over recent years of drought - all of which are conditions that benefit wild turkeys.
Jack Waymire, southeast region senior biologist for the Wildlife Department, said heavy rains can cause nesting hens to stay wet, producing a stronger scent that attracts predators to nesting sites. However, Waymire said second nesting attempts by hens help supplement wild turkey populations.
To learn more about wildlife in Oklahoma, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
-30-
Wildlife Department seeks artists for waterfowl stamp design
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is accepting entries for the Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp design competition. The deadline to submit art is 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7.
The mallard will be featured on the 2008-09 stamp, and the winning art will be printed on the 2008-09 Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp.
"There are going to be two big changes to this year's waterfowl stamp design competition," said Micah Holmes, information supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "First, artists will have the option of including a retriever in their artwork. The mallard should be the featured element of the painting, but I am hoping some artists find a way to work their favorite sporting dog into the background or foreground of the image. After all, the only thing waterfowlers love as much as ducks and geese is their dogs."
According to Holmes, the second change in this year's competition will be the manner in which the artwork is judged.
"In all the previous years of the competition, a small panel of judges has voted on the winning artwork," Holmes said. "This year, we're going to let the public give their opinion. Selected entries will be on display at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 28-30 and visitors can come by and vote for their favorite image."
Duck stamp sales help finance many projects that benefit ducks and geese. Since the duck stamp program began in 1980, thousands of acres of waterfowl habitat have been created through duck stamp revenues.
Artwork may be of acrylic, oil, watercolor, scratchboard, pencil, pen and ink, tempera or any other two-dimensional media. The illustration must be horizontal, six and a half inches high and nine inches wide. It must be matted with white mat board nine inches high by 12 inches wide with the opening cut precisely 6.5 x 9. Artwork may not be framed or under glass, but acetate covering should be used to protect the art. All artists must depict the mallard, and any habitat appearing in the design must be typical of Oklahoma. For complete entry guidelines, call (405) 521-3856.
Entries should be sent to the Duck Stamp Competition Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Fed Ex, UPS and other ground deliveries should be sent to 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
Entries will be judged on anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for printing. The winner and three honorable mentions will appear in a future issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.
A non-refundable entry fee of $20 (cash, money order or cashier's check) must accompany each entry. No entries will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7.
The winning artist will receive a purchase award of $1,200. The winning entry will become the sole and exclusive property of the Wildlife Department.
A selection of waterfowl stamp art from previous years is currently on display in the lobby of the Wildlife Department headquarters located at 1801 N. Lincoln, in Oklahoma City.
Prints of previous winning waterfowl artwork can be purchased at wildlifedepartment.com/oklahomastampprogram.htm.
For more information about the contest call (405) 521-3856.
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OUTDOOR CALENDAR
JULY
28: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic at Crystal Lake. To register, contact Bob Martin with OKC Parks and Recreation at (405) 755-4014.
28: Green Country Quail Forever is sponsoring the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation STEP Shoot in Tulsa. This event is open to both youth and adults. The event runs from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Woods and Water Club (east of Tulsa on Highway 412, signs will be posted). For more information, contact Keith Lindsay at (918) 251-0023 or Carl Brown at (918) 242-3742.
28: Huge Yard Sale sponsored by Oklahoma Striped Bass Association. The sale will run from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Zebco Headquarters (6101 E. Apache St., just west of Sheridan on Apache), Tulsa. Lots of fishing, hunting and outdoor gear.
31: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic at Arcadia Conservation Education Area. To register, contact Damon Springer at (405) 521-3855.
AUGUST
4: Hunter Education: Community Center (301 S Cedar), Owasso; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (918) 299-2334.
4: First Annual "Kids Gone Wild" Event will be held at Meadow Lake Ranch in Sand Springs. For directions call 494-6000 or take Hwy. 97 from Sand Springs to 41st. Go west on 41st St., then take a right on S. 137th W. Ave, then one mile to the ranch. You will see signs. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will include free instruction on camping, fly fishing, bass fishing, the cowboy experience, wild game calling, gun safety, archery, dog training, pet care and much more. The event is free to kids and their families. Free ice cold drinks will be supplied while supplies last. Conservation groups such as Whitetails Unlimited, Women in the Outdoors, The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation and Quail Unlimited will be present. For more information on this new and exciting event, please call (918) 246-9644 and/or (918) 245-7607. Come early and stay late!
4 & 5: Southern Plains Traditional Archery Championship Shoot at McAlester Army Ammunitions Depot in McAlester. The cost is $10 per round. Recurves and Longbows compete on Sat. Aug. 4. Selfbows on Sunday Aug. 5. For more information, contact Johnny Pappan at (405) 350-1551 or Pat Finnigan at (405) 262-7559.
6: The Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium) located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.
FISHING REPORT FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007
CENTRAL
Arcadia: Elevation above normal, water muddy. Blue catfish good on shad early. All other fishing fair to good. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Hefner: Water 86 and clear. Largemouth bass being caught on plastic worms and spinnerbaits along shoreline and from boats. Striped bass hybrids being caught trolling the shoreline with minnows, jigs and crankbaits. Channel catfish being caught along the shoreline on cut bait and stinkbait. Walleye being caught trolling with crankbaits and on jigs along the shoreline. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Overholser: Water 86 and murky. White bass being caught on jigs and spinners along the shoreline. Channel catfish being caught along the rocks on stinkbaits and cut baits. Crappie being caught around the rocks on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Wes Watkins: Elevation 1/2-1 ft. above normal, water 74-79 and murky. Some largemouth bass being caught. Some schooling of white bass. Report submitted by M.M. Fowler, St. Gregory's.
NORTHEAST
Bell Cow: Elevation above normal, water muddy. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms. Channel catfish good on live bait. Crappie fair on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Carl Blackwell: Elevation normal, water 85 and murky. Catfish fair on cut baits and punch baits. Striped bass hybrid fair on live bait. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.
Chandler: Elevation above normal, water muddy. Largemouth bass good on plastics. Channel catfish fair on cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Eucha: Elevation normal, water 83 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 10-12 ft. Largemouth bass fair on Carolina-rigged plastic baits off rocky points. Bluegill good on crickets and worms around grass beds. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.
Grand: Elevation above normal and murky. Channel catfish good on juglines at 10 ft. baited with cut and whole shad. Most ramps are still closed. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and worms along shoreline, creek channels and brush structure. Channel catfish good on stinkbait and cut bait along creek channels, mud flats and near spillway. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12 ft. along brush structures and fishing docks. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Hudson: Elevation 10 ft. above normal and murky. Channel and blue catfish good on cut shad and worms on trotlines and juglines. White bass fair to good off deep rocky points on sassy shad. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Kaw: Elevation 23 ft. above normal, water 83. All ramps open except for the ramp below the dam. Release is 23,000 cubic ft. per second. White bass good on small jigs at the Washunga and Sarge Creek Bridges. Striped bass excellent on four-inch sassy shad in chartreuse or pearl below dam. Striped bass hybrids excellent on green feather jigs below dam. Crappie good. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Keystone: Elevation 20 1/2 ft. above normal, water muddy. White bass excellent on tube jigs and minnows at 2-4 ft. below dam. Striped bass excellent on bucktails and sassy shad at 3-6 ft. below dam. Channel catfish fair on worms at 4-8 ft. below dam. Blue catfish fair on cut shad at 4-8 ft. below dam. Flathead catfish fair on goldfish at 5-10 ft. below dam. Crappie good on tube jigs and minnows at 4-8 ft. below dam. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.
Oologah: Elevation 20 ft. above normal and falling slowly, water low 70s and muddy. All parks and ramps are still closed on the lake, except Hawthorne (Campground Only) is open. White bass fair on jigs below dam. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Spavinaw: Elevation slightly below normal, water 87 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.
Tenkiller: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. above normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on rocky structure with plastic worms or bass jigs. Catfish fair on points or mouth of coves with stinkbaits at 18-21 ft. Sunfish fair around docks on worms at 10-15 ft. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.
Webbers Falls: Elevation 5 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits along creek channels and riprap. Channel catfish good on cut bait, stinkbait and sunfish along creek channels and mud flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-18 ft. along creek channels and at bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: Elevation 4 ft. above normal. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair trolling crankbaits or drifting slabs. Walleye fair drifting night crawlers. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Ft. Supply: Elevation above normal, water clear. White bass fair on jigs and spinnerbaits along dam. Channel catfish fair on stinkbaits. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. above normal, water 84 and stained. Crappie good around marked brush piles using minnows and jigs. White bass fair, chasing shad early and late, tiny torpedo and lead head white grubs best. Bass fair to good early and late using topwater and soft plastics at 12 ft. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: Elevation slightly above normal, water 76 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver and worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good on 8-10-inch soft plastics, Carolina or Texas-rigged off points after dark. Channel catfish being caught on cut bait or shad. Walleye fair on deep running crankbaits around the islands. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: Elevation 10 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits flipping the flooded willows. White bass fair on jigs below the dam. Blue catfish fair on shad below the dam. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Konawa: Elevation normal, water 93 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms and topwater lures at 4-8 ft. on weed beds. Channel catfish good on shad at 5-10 ft. in south cove. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork River: The powerhouse has been running full time, so fishing downstream from Old Park Dam has been out of the question. That leaves only the few miles of river and stream located inside the Park. Best flies have been Prince Nymphs, various soft-hackled patterns, Light Cahills (wet and dry), Elk hair Caddis, Grasshoppers, ants and several others. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.
McGee Creek: Elevation 15 ft. above normal, water 81 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures in flooded timber. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: Elevation above normal, water 88 and murky. Bass good on worms, soft crankbaits, and plastic jerk baits. White bass biting early mornings and later afternoons on surface. Channel catfish good on stinkbait, cut bait and worms. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: Elevation above normal, water clear. Bass fair on spinnerbaits in schools on upper end of the lake. Crappie fair on minnows. Catfish good on night crawlers on trotlines. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: Elevation below normal, water 81 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on the surface at 6 ft. using topwater baits early in the mornings and late evenings and spinnerbaits and plastic baits during the day. Crappie fair at 10-12 ft. using minnows fishing the edges of the old creek channels. White bass fair at 6-8 ft. trolling crankbaits in the Applegate Cove area. Blue catfish fair at 3-8 ft. using fresh cut shad and live bait on trotlines and juglines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis Lake: Elevation 5 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and artificial lures in creek channels. White bass good trolling around islands. Channel catfish good on cut shad on juglines and trotlines. Crappie fair on minnows around bridges and brush piles. Walleye good. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: Elevation 20 ft. above normal, water 81 and clarity varies from murky to muddy, with some clear water in the coves. There still is very little access to campgrounds and boat launching sites. Fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass and catfish is still good for those that can get to them from a boat or shoreline. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: Elevation 17 1/2 ft. above normal and muddy. Largemouth bass slow. Crappie fair on minnows around timber. Channel catfish fair on juglines and trotlines with cut bait. Flathead catfish fair on trotlines baited with sunfish. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Altus-Lugert: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and dropping. Irrigation canal is running. Striped bass hybrids and walleye are more active in the lake. Fish are still biting in the river. Large catfish, some striped bass hybrids and goldeye are being caught near the low water bridge. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.
Ellsworth: Elevation normal and murky. Catfish good behind the dam on cut bait. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Foss: Elevation 1/4 ft. above normal and two gates open. Water mid-80s and clear. White bass have been surfacing in late evenings and biting good. Striped bass hybrids good. Walleye fair. Catfish good. Bass fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Ft. Cobb: Elevation 5 1/4 ft. above normal, water 84 and murky. Striped bass hybrids fair. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut shad with juglines. Report submitted by Gary Roller, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Lawtonka: Elevation normal. White bass fair on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Waurika: Elevation above normal, water 73 and clear. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on white and pearl-colored jigs along spillway. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait, live bait and punch bait. Fishing is limited due to closed boat ramps and limited shoreline. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.