12-26-2007, 06:10 PM
Winter Bird Survey offers chance to help conservation
Sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts such as wildlife watchers are key contributors to conservation efforts statewide, and this winter birdwatchers will continue that trend by participating in the 2008 Winter Bird Survey.<br />
"Many Oklahomans enjoy feeding and watching birds during the winter months, and we're inviting them to take the Winter Bird Survey this year and provide biologists with useful information," said Lesley McNeff, wildlife diversity information specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.<br />
To participate, all bird watchers have to do is choose any two days between Jan. 10-13 to count birds at their backyard feeders. The information gathered from participants can then be used to track population trends of birds that use feeders during the winter in Oklahoma.<br />
"This is the Wildlife Department's 20th annual Winter Bird Survey," said Melynda Hickman, wildlife biologist for the Department. "People who feed birds in their yards across Oklahoma can take the survey and help biologists accomplish more in just a few days than we could ever accomplish on our own. There are a lot people who feed birds in the state, so the information they can gather at their feeders can be very useful."<br />
Hundreds of households have participated in the survey in years past, and the results can help the Department decide if bird ranges and populations are normal as well as help them foresee conservation needs.<br />
Taking the survey includes counting birds at backyard feeders at least four times a day for two days during the survey dates and completing a form provided by the Wildlife Department. For detailed instructions and to take the survey, log on to the Wildlife Department's Winter Bird Survey Web site at okwinterbirds.com as the survey period approaches. The Web site is an extensive bird-watching resource, providing information such as bird identification tips, diets, feeding behaviors and winter ranges as well as links to other birding Web sites.<br />
"Okwinterbirds.com also provides detailed recipes that bird watchers can follow for making healthy, beneficial bird attractants that are sure to draw birds to their feeders," McNeff said.<br />
Anyone who has a bird feeder can participate in the 2008 Winter Bird Survey, but certain efforts can be made to attract more birds to feeders. Black-oil sunflower seed is a good choice for bird feeders because of its high nutritional value that birds can use during the winter and because virtually all seed-eating Oklahoma songbirds will eat it. Suet cakes, animal fat that is sometimes mixed with grains or peanut butter, are good for drawing in species such as woodpeckers and birds that do not primarily eat seeds. Finally, a source of water and cover such as brush piles or dense shrubs located near the feeders help to draw more birds.
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Radio promotion contest winner nets deer hunt<br />
In a partnership promotion with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Clear Channel Radio recently announced the winner of the 2007 "Take A Friend Hunting & Fishing Promotion." Chris Truitt, a student at Oklahoma State University, was selected from over 200 entries for an opportunity to go hunting alongside KXXY radio personality Tom Travis.<br />
Truitt and Travis will be taking advantage of the Wildlife Department's new apprentice-designated hunting license, which makes it easier for more people to experience Oklahoma's outdoors. Under the new program, people 16 and older who have not completed the Wildlife Department's hunter education course can still purchase a hunting license, but it will have an "apprentice" designation. The apprentice-designated hunting license allows them to go hunting when accompanied by a licensed hunter 21 years or older who possesses a certificate of hunter education. A person 21 years of age or older who is exempt from hunting license requirements or exempt from the hunter education requirements also is permitted to accompany apprentice-designated license holders.<br />
When hunting big game, an accompanying hunter must remain within arm's length of the apprentice hunter or close enough to be able to immediately take control of the firearm or archery equipment of the apprentice. When hunting small game, the accompanying hunter must remain in sight of the apprentice hunter and be able to communicate with the apprentice hunter in a normal voice without the aid of any communication device.<br />
Youth under 16 years of age who hunt big game (deer, antelope or elk) are required to have hunter education. When hunting small game, hunters under 16 must carry their hunter education certification or be accompanied by an adult who meets the requirements needed to accompany an apprentice hunter. Those under 16 who have not completed a hunter education course can purchase a turkey license, but it will be designated as an apprentice license and the hunter must be accompanied according to apprentice guidelines.<br />
Hunters 36 years of age and older are exempt from hunter education requirements in Oklahoma. Others exempt include those honorably discharged from or currently on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or members of the National Guard.<br />
The winner of a two-day deer hunt with Travis, Truitt is currently studying construction management and is vice-president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.<br />
Officials with the Wildlife Department say the apprentice-designated hunting license is perfect for people like Truitt.<br />
"I started working at age 14," Truitt says. "Working took up most of my free time so I never got a chance to learn how to hunt. I've done everything in my power to learn how to hunt these last couple of years, with little success."<br />
Truitt's hunt with Tom Travis will take place during the 2008 deer gun season.<br />
"We're excited to be working with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and have enjoyed promoting the new Apprentice License Program," Travis said. "In my opinion, helping more people take advantage of Oklahoma's great outdoors is an effort that we couldn't help but support."<br />
This project is supported by the 2007 Hunting Heritage Partnership, a grant program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc.<br />
To learn more about the apprentice-designated hunting license and its requirements, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide," available anywhere that sells hunting and fishing licenses, or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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OUTDOOR CALENDAR
DECEMBER
21-23; 28-30: Special Antlerless Deer Gun Season: For all season regulations, including those pertaining to public lands, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
JANUARY
15: Last day of 2007-08 deer archery season. For all season regulations, including those pertaining to public lands, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
31: Last day of 2007-08 squirrel season. For all season regulations, including those pertaining to public lands, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
WATERFOWL REPORT FOR DECEMBER 19, 2007
NORTHWEST
Canton: Lake level is 0.33 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair to poor. High water levels throughout the spring limited native forage growth in shallow portions of the lake. Winter wheat is in good condition. Row crops in the area have been harvested and are in good to excellent condition. Duck numbers are moderate. Goose numbers are moderate to high. Hunting activity is low, with moderate success. Bird movement into the area has increased the last couple of weeks during the last snow and ice event. The boat ramp west of the Wildlife Management Area headquarters is usable as are all boat ramps on the south side of the lake.
Ft. Supply: Lake level is 0.06 ft below normal. Habitat conditions around the lake are fair. Local wheat crops in the area range from fair to poor in condition. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are good. Hunting activity is low, with no reports of success. Bird movement in the area has been good recently. Lake is 80 percent frozen, but will be thawing with warmer temperatures.
Washita National Wildlife Refuge: Lake level is 0.27 ft. below normal. Wheat is up in refuge farm fields. Duck numbers: wigeon 363; mallard 109; gadwall 227; ring-necked 174; bufflehead 63; shoveller 75; canvasback 40; redhead 36; pintail 26. Goose numbers: Canada 29,094; snow 346. Due to thick fog, goose numbers are severely undercounted.
SOUTHWEST
Ft. Cobb: Lake level is 1.25 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair due to high water level. Winter wheat is good in the area. Duck numbers are fair, with mostly mallards. Goose numbers are good. Hunting activity is high on the weekends. Hunters appear to be having good success.
Hackberry: Refuge reservoir is approximately 4 foot below conservation pool, with around 450 acres of wetland units flooded. Habitat conditions are fair. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are good. Hunter activity is moderate. Hunter success is low. Duck numbers are increasing. Goose numbers are steadily increasing. Hackberry Flat Waterfowl Refuge Portion is closed to all activity from Oct. 15 to Jan. 31.
Mtn. Park: Lake level is 0.60 ft. below normal. Flooded salt cedar around the lake is providing some cover. Winter wheat is good on the Wildlife Management Area. Flooded milo and wheat on the Wetland Development Units with 80 percent flooded. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are good, with large flocks of Canada, whitefront, and snows. Hunting activity is low, with good success. A large number of birds are using the Wetland Development Unit on the lake.
Waurika: Lake level is 0.35 ft. above normal. Lake habitat condition is poor to fair. Winter wheat in the area is in fair condition. Wetland Development Unit south of highway 53 is flooded, along with Walker Creek Wetland Development Unit. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low.
NORTHEAST
Copan: Lake level is 0.36 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair. Flooded native plants in the area are in fair condition, with corn fields on the Wildlife Management Area in good condition. Plenty of flooded vegetation present to hold birds. Duck numbers are fair, with a lot of mallards using the moist soil units. Goose numbers are low. Most birds have been on the main body of the lake due to freezing shallow waters. Hunting activity is light during the week and heavy on the weekends. Hunter success is good, with mostly mallards and teal.
Eufaula: Lake level is 1.15 ft. below normal. Current habitat condition is very poor due to high summer lake levels that prevented planting of Japanese millet. Very little farming in the area. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is low to moderate. Hunting success has been marginal. Bird movement in the area is low.
Ft. Gibson: Lake level is 4.59 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is good. Due to the extreme high water throughout summer and early fall, the vegetation is in poor shape. There are some agricultural crops in the area. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is moderate, with fair success. Bird movement in the area has increased.
Hulah: Lake level is 0.51 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair. Wheat and soybean fields on the Wildlife Management Area are in good condition. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is light on weekdays, and heavy on weekends. Hunting success has been fair. Bird movement has been on the main body of the lake to due to freezing weather.
Kaw: Lake level is 0.38 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is poor. No millet available in the area, but good native food available. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is slow, with fair success. Bird movement has increased with arrival of recent cold fronts. The upper portion of the lake is currently frozen, but should be clear in a few days.
Keystone: Lake level is 1.5 ft. above normal. Habitat conditions are poor, with almost no food available due to prolonged summer flooding on the lake. Both duck and goose numbers are low. Little migration has been seen in the past few days on the area. Hunters utilizing the area this year should be prepared for very deep mud. Caution should be taken, especially if hunting alone.
Oologah: Lake level is 2.15 ft. above normal. Current habitat conditions are poor to fair. No flooded millet or native vegetation on the lake. Ag fields have been re-planted due to flood conditions this summer and are currently in poor condition. Duck numbers are poor to fair, with some gadwalls, common goldeneyes, ring-necks and mallards present. Goose numbers are fair, with some Giant Canadians and snows seen in the area. Bird movement continues to increase with colder weather. There is significant ice storm damage to the Wildlife Management Area and to the Wetland Development Units. Most if not all roads are inaccessible within the Wildlife Management Area. Hunters should contact the Army Corp of Engineer's Office at Oologah to see if boat ramps are clear or open to access the lake. Upper Verdigris Wetland Development Unit has a few Gadwalls and both units are 90 percent capacity. Contact the area biologist for information.
Sooner: Lake level is near average. Current habitat conditions are poor. Winter wheat in the area is in poor to fair condition. Duck numbers in the area are low. Goose numbers are fair. Hunter activity is low, with low success. No waterfowl movement in the area has been observed recently.
Webbers Falls: Lake level is 3.48 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is good, with smartweed, barnyardgrass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is moderate, with fair success. Bird movement in the area has increased.
SOUTHEAST
Grassy Slough: Wetlands approximately 65 percent full. Habitat condition is good. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is low, with fair success. No bird movement noted in the area.
Hugo: Lake level is 0.09 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair. Very good acorn crop in the area for when water gets up in the river. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are very low, with a few Canada and snows. Hunting activity is very light on weekdays and light on weekends. Hunting success is good. Best hunting is in the shallows and creeks as they flow into the river.
Little River National Wildlife Refuge: Lake level is good, with good food conditions. Duck numbers: wood duck 650; gadwall 385; mallard 140; wigeon 10. No geese observed.
Red Slough: Wetland units are averaging 70 percent full. Habitat conditions are excellent with plenty of wild forage. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is moderate on weekends and light on weekdays. Hunter success is good. Some bird movement occurred over the weekend.
Texoma: Lake level is 2.15 ft. below normal. Due to high water levels that persisted throughout the growing seaso no millet and very little native food is available. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is low, with low success. Fair weather has scattered what birds were on the area.
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge: Lake level is above normal. Food condtions are good. Duck numbers: mallard 212; bufflehead 42; green-winged teal 21. Goose numbers: snow 6500; white-fronted 1625; Canada 15.
Wister: Lake level is 6 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions are fair. Smartweed, sedges and acorns are present on the area. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Some birds are moving through the area, but none are staying. Hunting activity is moderate, with low success. All development units are currently at 100 percent for second half.
FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 19, 2007
CENTRAL
Thunderbird: Elevation normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8-10 ft. around structure. Saugeye are reportedly hitting some after dark on minnows off points. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
NORTHEAST
Eucha: Elevation slightly above normal, water 48 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 16-18 ft. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.
Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass slow. Catfish fair on cut baits and stinkbaits on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around structures and fishing docks. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Sooner: White bass and hybrid striped bass good on topwater lures and sassy shad in the discharge channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jig in deep water around brush piles. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 45 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.
Tenkiller: Elevation normal, water 54 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on crankbaits in coves. Smallmouth bass fair at 2-3 ft. on bass jigs. Crappie fair on minnows or small jigs in docks at 20-25 ft. on main lake. Catfish fair on flip flops with cut shad or live sunfish at 40 ft. in main lake. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.
Webbers Falls: Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and spinnerbaits along riprap. Catfish fair on cut baits and stinkbaits drift-fishing on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at bridges and structures. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: Elevation normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs near deep brush. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 50 and stained. Bass slow to fair on drop shot rig only. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: Elevation normal, water 40 and clear. Largemouth bass slow to fair on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power baits, super dupers, roostertails and mealworms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on jig and pig and deep-running crankbaits around points and islands. Catfish good on juglines and trotlines baited with sunfish. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Hugo: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and rising, water 58. Crappie fair on minnows along the river channel at 15-25 ft. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.
Konawa: Elevation normal, water 45 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 8-10 ft. in discharge canals. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
McGee Creek: Elevation normal, water 56 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures off rocky points. Crappie fair on minnows at 16-25 ft. over cedar brush. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: Elevation below normal and murky. Bass fair on Carolina-rigged lizards at 10-15 ft. Crappie somewhat fair on jigs on minnows. Channel catfish good on juglines baited with cut shad. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Sardis Lake: Elevation 1 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass slow in coves. White bass and walleye slow. Blue catfish good to fair deep on cut bait near channels. Crappie excellent on minnows around brush piles and bridges. Flathead catfish slow. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal, water 56 and clear. Striped bass fair on live bait at 15-20 ft. in river channels. Channel and blue catfish fair on live bait at 10-15 ft. at Platter Flats. Crappie fair on minnows at 5-10 ft. in Kansas, Widow Moore and Upper Rock Creeks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
SOUTHWEST
Altus-Lugert: Elevation 7 ft. below normal. White bass very good. Trout are being stocked in the river, great success with corn as bait. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.
Foss: Elevation 1/4 ft. below normal and gates closed. Water lower 50s and clear. Crappie good on small jigs around the enclosed fish house. Striped bass hybrids good with slabs in early mornings. Walleye fair. Catfish fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
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.
Sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts such as wildlife watchers are key contributors to conservation efforts statewide, and this winter birdwatchers will continue that trend by participating in the 2008 Winter Bird Survey.<br />
"Many Oklahomans enjoy feeding and watching birds during the winter months, and we're inviting them to take the Winter Bird Survey this year and provide biologists with useful information," said Lesley McNeff, wildlife diversity information specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.<br />
To participate, all bird watchers have to do is choose any two days between Jan. 10-13 to count birds at their backyard feeders. The information gathered from participants can then be used to track population trends of birds that use feeders during the winter in Oklahoma.<br />
"This is the Wildlife Department's 20th annual Winter Bird Survey," said Melynda Hickman, wildlife biologist for the Department. "People who feed birds in their yards across Oklahoma can take the survey and help biologists accomplish more in just a few days than we could ever accomplish on our own. There are a lot people who feed birds in the state, so the information they can gather at their feeders can be very useful."<br />
Hundreds of households have participated in the survey in years past, and the results can help the Department decide if bird ranges and populations are normal as well as help them foresee conservation needs.<br />
Taking the survey includes counting birds at backyard feeders at least four times a day for two days during the survey dates and completing a form provided by the Wildlife Department. For detailed instructions and to take the survey, log on to the Wildlife Department's Winter Bird Survey Web site at okwinterbirds.com as the survey period approaches. The Web site is an extensive bird-watching resource, providing information such as bird identification tips, diets, feeding behaviors and winter ranges as well as links to other birding Web sites.<br />
"Okwinterbirds.com also provides detailed recipes that bird watchers can follow for making healthy, beneficial bird attractants that are sure to draw birds to their feeders," McNeff said.<br />
Anyone who has a bird feeder can participate in the 2008 Winter Bird Survey, but certain efforts can be made to attract more birds to feeders. Black-oil sunflower seed is a good choice for bird feeders because of its high nutritional value that birds can use during the winter and because virtually all seed-eating Oklahoma songbirds will eat it. Suet cakes, animal fat that is sometimes mixed with grains or peanut butter, are good for drawing in species such as woodpeckers and birds that do not primarily eat seeds. Finally, a source of water and cover such as brush piles or dense shrubs located near the feeders help to draw more birds.
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Radio promotion contest winner nets deer hunt<br />
In a partnership promotion with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Clear Channel Radio recently announced the winner of the 2007 "Take A Friend Hunting & Fishing Promotion." Chris Truitt, a student at Oklahoma State University, was selected from over 200 entries for an opportunity to go hunting alongside KXXY radio personality Tom Travis.<br />
Truitt and Travis will be taking advantage of the Wildlife Department's new apprentice-designated hunting license, which makes it easier for more people to experience Oklahoma's outdoors. Under the new program, people 16 and older who have not completed the Wildlife Department's hunter education course can still purchase a hunting license, but it will have an "apprentice" designation. The apprentice-designated hunting license allows them to go hunting when accompanied by a licensed hunter 21 years or older who possesses a certificate of hunter education. A person 21 years of age or older who is exempt from hunting license requirements or exempt from the hunter education requirements also is permitted to accompany apprentice-designated license holders.<br />
When hunting big game, an accompanying hunter must remain within arm's length of the apprentice hunter or close enough to be able to immediately take control of the firearm or archery equipment of the apprentice. When hunting small game, the accompanying hunter must remain in sight of the apprentice hunter and be able to communicate with the apprentice hunter in a normal voice without the aid of any communication device.<br />
Youth under 16 years of age who hunt big game (deer, antelope or elk) are required to have hunter education. When hunting small game, hunters under 16 must carry their hunter education certification or be accompanied by an adult who meets the requirements needed to accompany an apprentice hunter. Those under 16 who have not completed a hunter education course can purchase a turkey license, but it will be designated as an apprentice license and the hunter must be accompanied according to apprentice guidelines.<br />
Hunters 36 years of age and older are exempt from hunter education requirements in Oklahoma. Others exempt include those honorably discharged from or currently on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or members of the National Guard.<br />
The winner of a two-day deer hunt with Travis, Truitt is currently studying construction management and is vice-president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.<br />
Officials with the Wildlife Department say the apprentice-designated hunting license is perfect for people like Truitt.<br />
"I started working at age 14," Truitt says. "Working took up most of my free time so I never got a chance to learn how to hunt. I've done everything in my power to learn how to hunt these last couple of years, with little success."<br />
Truitt's hunt with Tom Travis will take place during the 2008 deer gun season.<br />
"We're excited to be working with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and have enjoyed promoting the new Apprentice License Program," Travis said. "In my opinion, helping more people take advantage of Oklahoma's great outdoors is an effort that we couldn't help but support."<br />
This project is supported by the 2007 Hunting Heritage Partnership, a grant program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc.<br />
To learn more about the apprentice-designated hunting license and its requirements, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide," available anywhere that sells hunting and fishing licenses, or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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OUTDOOR CALENDAR
DECEMBER
21-23; 28-30: Special Antlerless Deer Gun Season: For all season regulations, including those pertaining to public lands, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
JANUARY
15: Last day of 2007-08 deer archery season. For all season regulations, including those pertaining to public lands, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
31: Last day of 2007-08 squirrel season. For all season regulations, including those pertaining to public lands, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
WATERFOWL REPORT FOR DECEMBER 19, 2007
NORTHWEST
Canton: Lake level is 0.33 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair to poor. High water levels throughout the spring limited native forage growth in shallow portions of the lake. Winter wheat is in good condition. Row crops in the area have been harvested and are in good to excellent condition. Duck numbers are moderate. Goose numbers are moderate to high. Hunting activity is low, with moderate success. Bird movement into the area has increased the last couple of weeks during the last snow and ice event. The boat ramp west of the Wildlife Management Area headquarters is usable as are all boat ramps on the south side of the lake.
Ft. Supply: Lake level is 0.06 ft below normal. Habitat conditions around the lake are fair. Local wheat crops in the area range from fair to poor in condition. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are good. Hunting activity is low, with no reports of success. Bird movement in the area has been good recently. Lake is 80 percent frozen, but will be thawing with warmer temperatures.
Washita National Wildlife Refuge: Lake level is 0.27 ft. below normal. Wheat is up in refuge farm fields. Duck numbers: wigeon 363; mallard 109; gadwall 227; ring-necked 174; bufflehead 63; shoveller 75; canvasback 40; redhead 36; pintail 26. Goose numbers: Canada 29,094; snow 346. Due to thick fog, goose numbers are severely undercounted.
SOUTHWEST
Ft. Cobb: Lake level is 1.25 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair due to high water level. Winter wheat is good in the area. Duck numbers are fair, with mostly mallards. Goose numbers are good. Hunting activity is high on the weekends. Hunters appear to be having good success.
Hackberry: Refuge reservoir is approximately 4 foot below conservation pool, with around 450 acres of wetland units flooded. Habitat conditions are fair. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are good. Hunter activity is moderate. Hunter success is low. Duck numbers are increasing. Goose numbers are steadily increasing. Hackberry Flat Waterfowl Refuge Portion is closed to all activity from Oct. 15 to Jan. 31.
Mtn. Park: Lake level is 0.60 ft. below normal. Flooded salt cedar around the lake is providing some cover. Winter wheat is good on the Wildlife Management Area. Flooded milo and wheat on the Wetland Development Units with 80 percent flooded. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are good, with large flocks of Canada, whitefront, and snows. Hunting activity is low, with good success. A large number of birds are using the Wetland Development Unit on the lake.
Waurika: Lake level is 0.35 ft. above normal. Lake habitat condition is poor to fair. Winter wheat in the area is in fair condition. Wetland Development Unit south of highway 53 is flooded, along with Walker Creek Wetland Development Unit. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low.
NORTHEAST
Copan: Lake level is 0.36 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair. Flooded native plants in the area are in fair condition, with corn fields on the Wildlife Management Area in good condition. Plenty of flooded vegetation present to hold birds. Duck numbers are fair, with a lot of mallards using the moist soil units. Goose numbers are low. Most birds have been on the main body of the lake due to freezing shallow waters. Hunting activity is light during the week and heavy on the weekends. Hunter success is good, with mostly mallards and teal.
Eufaula: Lake level is 1.15 ft. below normal. Current habitat condition is very poor due to high summer lake levels that prevented planting of Japanese millet. Very little farming in the area. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is low to moderate. Hunting success has been marginal. Bird movement in the area is low.
Ft. Gibson: Lake level is 4.59 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is good. Due to the extreme high water throughout summer and early fall, the vegetation is in poor shape. There are some agricultural crops in the area. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is moderate, with fair success. Bird movement in the area has increased.
Hulah: Lake level is 0.51 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair. Wheat and soybean fields on the Wildlife Management Area are in good condition. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is light on weekdays, and heavy on weekends. Hunting success has been fair. Bird movement has been on the main body of the lake to due to freezing weather.
Kaw: Lake level is 0.38 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is poor. No millet available in the area, but good native food available. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is slow, with fair success. Bird movement has increased with arrival of recent cold fronts. The upper portion of the lake is currently frozen, but should be clear in a few days.
Keystone: Lake level is 1.5 ft. above normal. Habitat conditions are poor, with almost no food available due to prolonged summer flooding on the lake. Both duck and goose numbers are low. Little migration has been seen in the past few days on the area. Hunters utilizing the area this year should be prepared for very deep mud. Caution should be taken, especially if hunting alone.
Oologah: Lake level is 2.15 ft. above normal. Current habitat conditions are poor to fair. No flooded millet or native vegetation on the lake. Ag fields have been re-planted due to flood conditions this summer and are currently in poor condition. Duck numbers are poor to fair, with some gadwalls, common goldeneyes, ring-necks and mallards present. Goose numbers are fair, with some Giant Canadians and snows seen in the area. Bird movement continues to increase with colder weather. There is significant ice storm damage to the Wildlife Management Area and to the Wetland Development Units. Most if not all roads are inaccessible within the Wildlife Management Area. Hunters should contact the Army Corp of Engineer's Office at Oologah to see if boat ramps are clear or open to access the lake. Upper Verdigris Wetland Development Unit has a few Gadwalls and both units are 90 percent capacity. Contact the area biologist for information.
Sooner: Lake level is near average. Current habitat conditions are poor. Winter wheat in the area is in poor to fair condition. Duck numbers in the area are low. Goose numbers are fair. Hunter activity is low, with low success. No waterfowl movement in the area has been observed recently.
Webbers Falls: Lake level is 3.48 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is good, with smartweed, barnyardgrass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is moderate, with fair success. Bird movement in the area has increased.
SOUTHEAST
Grassy Slough: Wetlands approximately 65 percent full. Habitat condition is good. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is low, with fair success. No bird movement noted in the area.
Hugo: Lake level is 0.09 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair. Very good acorn crop in the area for when water gets up in the river. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are very low, with a few Canada and snows. Hunting activity is very light on weekdays and light on weekends. Hunting success is good. Best hunting is in the shallows and creeks as they flow into the river.
Little River National Wildlife Refuge: Lake level is good, with good food conditions. Duck numbers: wood duck 650; gadwall 385; mallard 140; wigeon 10. No geese observed.
Red Slough: Wetland units are averaging 70 percent full. Habitat conditions are excellent with plenty of wild forage. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is moderate on weekends and light on weekdays. Hunter success is good. Some bird movement occurred over the weekend.
Texoma: Lake level is 2.15 ft. below normal. Due to high water levels that persisted throughout the growing seaso no millet and very little native food is available. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is low, with low success. Fair weather has scattered what birds were on the area.
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge: Lake level is above normal. Food condtions are good. Duck numbers: mallard 212; bufflehead 42; green-winged teal 21. Goose numbers: snow 6500; white-fronted 1625; Canada 15.
Wister: Lake level is 6 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions are fair. Smartweed, sedges and acorns are present on the area. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Some birds are moving through the area, but none are staying. Hunting activity is moderate, with low success. All development units are currently at 100 percent for second half.
FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 19, 2007
CENTRAL
Thunderbird: Elevation normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8-10 ft. around structure. Saugeye are reportedly hitting some after dark on minnows off points. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
NORTHEAST
Eucha: Elevation slightly above normal, water 48 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 16-18 ft. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.
Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass slow. Catfish fair on cut baits and stinkbaits on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around structures and fishing docks. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Sooner: White bass and hybrid striped bass good on topwater lures and sassy shad in the discharge channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jig in deep water around brush piles. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 45 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.
Tenkiller: Elevation normal, water 54 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on crankbaits in coves. Smallmouth bass fair at 2-3 ft. on bass jigs. Crappie fair on minnows or small jigs in docks at 20-25 ft. on main lake. Catfish fair on flip flops with cut shad or live sunfish at 40 ft. in main lake. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.
Webbers Falls: Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and spinnerbaits along riprap. Catfish fair on cut baits and stinkbaits drift-fishing on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at bridges and structures. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: Elevation normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs near deep brush. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 50 and stained. Bass slow to fair on drop shot rig only. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: Elevation normal, water 40 and clear. Largemouth bass slow to fair on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power baits, super dupers, roostertails and mealworms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on jig and pig and deep-running crankbaits around points and islands. Catfish good on juglines and trotlines baited with sunfish. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Hugo: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and rising, water 58. Crappie fair on minnows along the river channel at 15-25 ft. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.
Konawa: Elevation normal, water 45 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 8-10 ft. in discharge canals. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
McGee Creek: Elevation normal, water 56 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures off rocky points. Crappie fair on minnows at 16-25 ft. over cedar brush. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: Elevation below normal and murky. Bass fair on Carolina-rigged lizards at 10-15 ft. Crappie somewhat fair on jigs on minnows. Channel catfish good on juglines baited with cut shad. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Sardis Lake: Elevation 1 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass slow in coves. White bass and walleye slow. Blue catfish good to fair deep on cut bait near channels. Crappie excellent on minnows around brush piles and bridges. Flathead catfish slow. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal, water 56 and clear. Striped bass fair on live bait at 15-20 ft. in river channels. Channel and blue catfish fair on live bait at 10-15 ft. at Platter Flats. Crappie fair on minnows at 5-10 ft. in Kansas, Widow Moore and Upper Rock Creeks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
SOUTHWEST
Altus-Lugert: Elevation 7 ft. below normal. White bass very good. Trout are being stocked in the river, great success with corn as bait. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.
Foss: Elevation 1/4 ft. below normal and gates closed. Water lower 50s and clear. Crappie good on small jigs around the enclosed fish house. Striped bass hybrids good with slabs in early mornings. Walleye fair. Catfish fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
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.