08-25-2007, 04:10 AM
Expo to feature unique fisheries field trip
Ever wonder exactly what goes into maintaining Oklahoma's great fishing opportunities? Participants at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo can find out Sept. 28-30 by taking the Fisheries Management Field Trip at Guthrie City Lake.<br />
"Here is a way for everyday anglers to get an inside look at the daily activities of a Wildlife Department fisheries biologist," said Jeff Boxrucker, assistant chief of fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.<br />
The unique trip will include a barge ride where attendees can observe biologists electrofishing (shocking) to collect largemouth bass and trap netting to collect crappie and other game fish. The field trip also will include an opportunity to learn how biologists age fish and see how these are used to maintain quality fisheries around the state.<br />
"The work that Wildlife Department biologists conduct plays an important role in making Oklahoma such a great place to fish," Boxrucker said.<br />
Those interested in taking the field trip must pre-register between Sept. 4-27 to reserve a time. Pre-register by calling Carol Lee at (405) 521-3721 or by e-mailing clee@odwc.state.ok.us between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Space is limited on the trips, and sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Five trips will be taken during Expo Sept. 28-30, including 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 and 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.<br />
Registration will close on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. In the event of cancellations, interested individuals can check at the Information Booth during the EXPO to see if space is available and what sessions are open.<br />
Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, bug spray and appropriate clothing for outdoor conditions. Life jackets are required and will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own life jacket if possible. Cancellation of trips is possible due to weather and safety conditions immediately prior to the session.<br />
The Fisheries Field Trip is only one of hundreds of activities and events featured at this year's Expo, held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City.<br />
The Wildlife Department 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.<br />
Expo hours will be from noon to 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28 and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30.<br />
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.
Ever wonder exactly what goes into maintaining Oklahoma's great fishing opportunities? Participants at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo can find out Sept. 28-30 by taking the Fisheries Management Field Trip at Guthrie City Lake.<br />
"Here is a way for everyday anglers to get an inside look at the daily activities of a Wildlife Department fisheries biologist," said Jeff Boxrucker, assistant chief of fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.<br />
The unique trip will include a barge ride where attendees can observe biologists electrofishing (shocking) to collect largemouth bass and trap netting to collect crappie and other game fish. The field trip also will include an opportunity to learn how biologists age fish and see how these are used to maintain quality fisheries around the state.<br />
"The work that Wildlife Department biologists conduct plays an important role in making Oklahoma such a great place to fish," Boxrucker said.<br />
Those interested in taking the field trip must pre-register between Sept. 4-27 to reserve a time. Pre-register by calling Carol Lee at (405) 521-3721 or by e-mailing clee@odwc.state.ok.us between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Space is limited on the trips, and sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Five trips will be taken during Expo Sept. 28-30, including 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 and 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.<br />
Registration will close on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. In the event of cancellations, interested individuals can check at the Information Booth during the EXPO to see if space is available and what sessions are open.<br />
Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, bug spray and appropriate clothing for outdoor conditions. Life jackets are required and will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own life jacket if possible. Cancellation of trips is possible due to weather and safety conditions immediately prior to the session.<br />
The Fisheries Field Trip is only one of hundreds of activities and events featured at this year's Expo, held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City.<br />
The Wildlife Department 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.<br />
Expo hours will be from noon to 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28 and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30.<br />
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.