Whatzup Outdoors (250)
Written by
ODWC News Release
Team Finds 5 Hen Turkeys From 2023, Gets Data
WILD TURKEY POPULATION DYNAMICS AND BROOD SURVIVAL PROJECT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2023
Provided by the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Oklahoma State University
Wild turkey genetics, nesting success, and brood survival are among the research topics in a 4.5-year, $2 million study launched in 2022 by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and partnering with National Wild Turkey Federation, Turkeys For Tomorrow, and private landowners to address wild turkey population dynamics. Following is a summary of recent study activities.
Research teams took delivery of 40 new GPS transmitters at the end of December and calibrated the accelerometers on all of them. Analyses of camera trap images from last season continued.
SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA POPULATION STUDY AREA: The team searched for and downloaded data from hens that remain from last season. Five birds were located (one of them in Texas), but the battery levels for two of those five transmitters were too depleted to allow data download. Six birds captured and equipped with transmitters in 2023 were not located.
Researchers found a new roosting location in Beckham County and secured permission from the landowner to trap at that location. In Harmon County, they received permission to trap at one of the sites from last year and are waiting to hear from the landowner at the other.
The use of camera traps to estimate predator densities will be expanded in the southwest this season to 80 cameras deployed over a greater area. Camera deployment will also begin in January as opposed to April and continue through the nesting season.
Preparations for winter captures continued. Interviews continued for technician positions, and the final technician for the season was hired.
Researchers began exploring turkey movement and accelerometer data, and conducted some preliminary analyses.
SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA POPULATION STUDY AREA: Preparations for winter captures continued. Researchers secured all necessary permits for sending the e-DNA swab samples taken from predated adults and nests to Wildlife Genetics International in Canada for predator identification, and shipped the samples.
Interviews continued for technician positions, and the final technician for the season was hired.
GENETICS STUDY: Researchers finished the initial data cleanup and merged data for each chromosome. Preliminary analysis of the data has started. Further analysis will assess genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic differentiation. Examination of genetic structure will be performed. Each will be cross-validated to assess which analysis provides the best result.
(Financial support for this publication was provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation through the Wildlife Restoration Program, F21AF02702 [W-216-R-1] and Oklahoma State University.)
Written by
News Release
Save the Date: Rack Madness 2024!
Rack Madness will be held on Wednesday, March 6th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wildlife Department Headquarters 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.
This family friendly event welcomes anyone to bring their antlers, horns or skulls for professional scoring by ODWC personnel. There will be prizes, seminars, and other activities during the event. Oklahoma has seen a number of impressive entries to the Cy Curtis Program. These trophy harvests are documented in the Cy Curtis Awards Online Database, which allows users to custom-search thousands of record animals harvested right here in Oklahoma.
Registration and Requirements
Participants should pre-register online at GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com. Scoring will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a two-item scoring limit per participant. Antlers must both be attached to the skull plate, whether mounted or unmounted. In addition to white-tailed and mule deer antlers, scoring will be available for elk antlers, antelope horns and bear skulls. Harvest must have occurred in Oklahoma.
Lifetime License Giveaways and Other Prizes
Register to get your deer, elk, antelope, bear or elk scored and you could win an Oklahoma Lifetime Combination Hunting and Fishing License donated by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation.
And to help recognize "hunters in the know take a doe", the Oklahoma State Game Warden Association is also giving away an Oklahoma Lifetime Combination Hunting and Fishing License to one lucky person who harvested a doe during the 2023-2024 deer season.
The winners of the lifetimes must be eligible to hold a lifetime license and will have the option to transfer the prize to someone else who is eligible. The lifetime drawings will take place at 6:45 p.m. and participants do not have to be present to win. Anyone who checks-in at the event after 6:30 p.m. will not be eligible to participate in the drawing.
The National Deer Association will give a free membership to the first 100 people in the door.
There will also be hourly drawings for prizes during the event including items from the Go Outdoors Oklahoma shop and an Oklahoma resident annual hunting licenses with one deer tag of choice, donated by Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers LLC.
Cy Curtis Awards Program
Hunters whose officially scored items meet the minimum score and drying period requirements will be eligible for the ODWC’s Cy Curtis Awards Program, which recognizes trophy Oklahoma mule deer, elk, antelope and black bear as well as the hunters who harvest them. The program began in 1972. For more information on the Cy Curtis Awards Program check out the Wildlife Department's Cy Curtis Awards webpage.
Written by
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Fishing Report: January 17, 2023
Upload your own photos. Click HERE to go to The Dock.
NORTHEAST
Fort Gibson: January 14. Elevation is normal and falling, water temperature 42°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad around channels, main lake, and points. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, and main lake. Paddlefish fair snagging below the dam, channels, main lake. Comments: Extreme cold weather will slow fishing down a bit this week. But if you find some coves that freeze early this week and thaw out later in the week, get some kind of bait in the water for catfish. Blue and channel catfish bite is usually phenomenal after the ice melts off. Crappie should be holding tight to the structure, fish a moon jig slow, or fish a live minnow as close to the structure as possible. Paddlefish are still being caught below the dam during generation. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: January 9. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 49°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad around channels and main lake. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Largemouth bass on plastic baits and small lures around points and shorelines. Report submitted by C. Newkirk, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: January 15. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 38°F and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, lipless baits, and plastic baits around brush structure, docks, and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and worms around docks, main lake, and points. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: January 15. Elevation is 4 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 32°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) All fishing slow. Significant icing on the lake. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: January 14. Elevation is .5 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 44°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Bluegill, green, and redear sunfish fair on jigs, minnows, and worms around docks. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and small lures around docks. Report submitted by Bailey Johnson, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: January 12. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and clear. Rainbow trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits, PowerBait, and spoons below the dam. Comments: Best areas are below the dam and at the Watts area. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Perry CCC: January 15. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 40°F and stained. Rainbow trout good on dough bait, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, small lures, and worms around coves, dam, and flats. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: January 14. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 41°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, docks, and main lake. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, and plastic baits around brush structure, channels, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, live shad, minnows, and shad around main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: January 15. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 38°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits, and plastic baits around brush structure, main lake, points, and rocks. Striped and white bass good on flukes, hair jigs, jigs, and sassy shad below the dam, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and creek channels. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
SOUTHEAST
Blue River: January 16. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 33°F and clear. (USGS Lake Level) Rainbow trout good on in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, small lures, spoons, and worms around brush structure, creek channels, and rocks. Comments: About 90% of the river is frozen over right now. The only water that is not frozen over is the water right above and below falls. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: January 15. Elevation is 3 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 40°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, and spoons around brush structure, main lake, points, river channel, and standing timber. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, main lake, and points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: January 14. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 38°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits, plastic baits, and worms around main lake, points, and rocks. Striped bass, striped bass hybrids, and white bass good on crankbaits, jigs, sassy shad, and shad below the dam and tailwater. Crappie good on crankbaits, hair jigs, minnows, and spoons around channels, docks, riprap, and rocks. Report submitted by Jake Rowland, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: January 12. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 51°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish below the dam, brush structure, channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines, and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: January 14. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 38°F and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and plastic baits around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and live shad around coves, discharge, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait around discharge, inlet, riprap, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: January 12. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 42°F and clear. Rainbow trout good on plastic baits, PowerBait, and tube jigs below the dam, creek channels, and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: January 12. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 44°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass excellent on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, and plastic baits around brush structure, main lake, points, and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live shad, shrimp, and stinkbait around channels and main lake. Crappie excellent on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: January 12. Elevation is 5 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 43°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits around points. Crappie fair on jigs around channels and standing timber. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait around main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: January 12. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 44°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) White bass good on hair jigs and jigs below the dam. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on hot dogs, minnows, shad and worms below the dam, main lake, river channel, and tailwater. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, creek channels, and river channel. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: January 12. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around channels, points, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish, and worms below the dam, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie slow on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: January 14. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on live shad and plastic baits around channels, flats, main lake, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, live shad, and punch bait around channels, coves, docks, points, and river channel. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, coves, docks, points, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week has been good. Striper are biting very well on live bite. The cold front should help with dead sticking methods. Catfish are biting on juglines with live shad and cut bait. Crappie are biting on jigs near brush piles. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
SOUTHWEST
Waurika: January 14. Elevation is 4 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 36°F and murky. Largemouth bass, crappie, and saugeye slow on crankbaits, hair jigs, lipless baits, minnows, plastic baits, and small lures around brush structure, docks, main lake, points, rocks, shorelines, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, minnows, plastic baits, and small lures around docks, main lake, and rocks. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, minnows, shrimp, stinkbait, and worms around creek channels, docks, main lake, and rocks, shorelines. Report submitted by Tucker Clem, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Written by
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Fishing Report: January 10, 2023
NORTHEAST
Fort Gibson: January 7. Elevation is 1.5 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Blue catfish excellent on cut bait and shad around channels, main lake, and points. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, and main lake. Paddlefish good snagging below the dam, channels, and main lake. Comments: The blue catfish bite is still hot. Fish windblown points, or deep channels with cut shad or sunfish. The crappie bite is a little slower with fish wanting finesse presentations. They are catching paddlefish, stripers, and hybrids below the dam during generation. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: January 2. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on jigs, plastic baits, PowerBait, and small lures around main lake, points, and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad around channels, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by C. Newkirk, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: January 8. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and clear. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, docks, points, and shallows. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, slabs, and small lures around brush structure and docks. Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, minnows, and worms around docks, main lake, and points. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: January 7. Elevation is 2.5 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 39°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass, striped bass hybrids, and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, hair jigs, jigs, and sassy shad below the dam, main lake, points, and rocks. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait, shad, and worms around flats, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Paddlefish good snagging around main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: January 9. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 44°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on hair jigs, jigs, and plastic baits around brush structure, rocks, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait and shad around creek channels, main lake, and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks, and standing timber. Report submitted by Bradley Magby, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: January 6. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 50°F and clear. Rainbow trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits and PowerBait below the dam. Comments: Best areas are below the dam and at the Watts area. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Perry CCC: January 6. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 47°F and stained. Rainbow trout good on dough bait, in-line spinnerbaits, PowerBait, and small lures around coves, dam, and flats. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: January 9. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Largemouth bass slow on jigs and plastic baits around brush structure. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad around creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Gary Wilcox, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Webbers Falls: January 8. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Striped and white bass good on jigs, plastic baits, and sassy shad below the dam, river channel, and tailwater. Crappie fair on jigs, midges, slabs, and small lures around brush structure, creek channels, and points. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
SOUTHEAST
Blue River: January 9. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 49°F and stained. (USGS Lake Level) Rainbow trout good on hair jigs, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, spoons, and worms below the dam, channels, creek channels, river channel, sandbar, and tailwater. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crawfish, in-line spinnerbaits, live bait, minnows, slabs, spinnerbaits, and spoons below the dam, brush structure, creek channels, river channel, rocks, and spillway. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, hot dogs, live bait, live shad, minnows, punch bait, and worms around channels, creek channels, and river channel. Report submitted by Kyle Troxell, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Eufaula: January 5. Elevation is 2.5 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 45°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs, and plastic baits around channels, main lake, points, riprap, and rocks. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, live shad, and shad around channels, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie good on crankbaits, hair jigs, minnows, and spoons around brush structure, channels, docks, riprap, and rocks. Report submitted by Jake Rowland, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Konawa: January 7. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 38°F and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and plastic baits around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids, striped bass, and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and live shad around coves, discharge, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait around discharge, inlet, riprap, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: January 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 45°F and clear. Rainbow trout good on PowerBait, tube jigs, and worms around creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: January 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 50°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, and jerk baits around brush structure, docks, flats, main lake, and points. Crappie fair on minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, main lake, and points. Channel and flathead catfish excellent on cut bait, shad, and shrimp around channels, creek channels, flats, and main lake. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Robert S. Kerr: January 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 37°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure and creek channels. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, minnows, shad, and worms below the dam, river channel, river mouth, and tailwater. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around coves, creek channels, and points. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Texoma: January 7. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 51°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on live shad around channels, main lake, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, and stinkbait around channels, coves, docks, and river channel. Crappie fair on caddis flies, hair jigs, and jigs around coves, docks, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week was good. Striper are biting very well on live shad just about all around the lake. There is also some biting using dead sticking. Catfish are good on juglines with cut and live bait. Crappie are biting on jigs with PowerBait around brush piles near docks. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Hugo: January 7. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 51°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish below the dam, brush structure, channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines, and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Pine Creek: January 5. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 46°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spoons around coves and creek channels. Crappie good on minnows around standing timber. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait around main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Sardis: January 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 51°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, and shorelines. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, shad, sunfish, and worms around channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Wister: January 5. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 45°F and murky. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, main lake, and river channel. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad around main lake. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Le Flore County.
SOUTHWEST
Waurika: January 7. Elevation is 4 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 47°F and murky. Largemouth bass and crappie slow on crankbaits, hair jigs, lipless baits, minnows, plastic baits, PowerBait, and small lures around brush structure, docks, main lake, points, rocks, and shorelines. Striped bass hybrids, white bass, and saugeye good on crankbaits, lipless baits, minnows, plastic baits, and small lures around docks, main lake, points, and rocks. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, minnows, shrimp, small lures, stinkbait, and worms around creek channels, docks, main lake, rocks, and shorelines. Report submitted by Tucker Clem, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Written by
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Small Game Hunting: A Mainstream Hunting Opportunity You May Be Missing Out On
"In the small game woods, the most basic yet most important hunting skills are honed; skills like hunter safety, attention to detail, strategy, stealth, proper firearms handling and marksmanship. These are the building blocks of an effective, enjoyable hunting career that will pay dividends over time. And we're inviting hunters to (re)discover the benefits that small game hunting can bring to the outdoor experience." - Excerpt from the Wildlife Department's "Small Game: A Guide for Hunters" blog on the Outdoor Oklahoma Journal
It’s January, and some may have already turned their attention from hunting as they start a new year. But make no mistake! Hunting for small game like squirrels and rabbits should not be an afterthought.
We’ve compiled a small game guide on our blog, the “Outdoor Oklahoma Journal” to help you learn a little more about squirrel and rabbit hunting.
With good small game opportunities remaining open through late February for squirrels and mid-March for rabbit, now’s the time to get new or young hunters in the woods and fields to build and grow their hunting skills. It all starts with a valid hunting license and knowing the state’s small game hunting regulations.
Discount for Oklahoma Hunters
The Wildlife Department has teamed up with onX Hunt to deliver you 30% off the onX Hunt App. The app offers digital mapping for all 50 states including detailed public and private boundaries, landowner names, hunting districts, curated layers, customizable map tools, and more. Oklahoma Hunters receive 30% off an annual onX Hunt Membership by using the link below. Plus, a portion of every purchase will be donated to support wildlife conservation in Oklahoma.
Written by
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Fishing Report: January 3, 2024
NORTHEAST
Fort Gibson: Dec 31. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal (stable). Water temperature 48°F and clear. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad around channels, main lake, and points. Paddlefish excellent on snagging around main lake and below the dam. Crappie good on hair jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, and main lake. Comments: Catfish is good in deep channels and wind-blown points on shad and cut sunfish. Paddlefish is great below the dam in deep holes during generation. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: Jan 2. Elevation is normal (stable). Water temperature 48°F and stained. Largemouth bass fair on jigs, plastic baits, PowerBait, and small lures around main lake, points, and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad around channels, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by Chris Newkirk, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: Dec 30. Elevation is normal (stable). Water temperature 48°F and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jerk baits, lipless baits, and plastic baits around brush structure, points, and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and slabs around brush structure and docks. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver and worms around channels, main lake, and points. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: Dec 31. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal (falling). Water temperature 39°F and murky. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, punch bait, shad, and worms around flats, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Striped-hybrid and white bass fair on in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, jigs, sassy shad, shad, and spoons around points and riprap. Paddlefish good on snagging around main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: Jan 2. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal (falling). Water temperature 45°F and murky. Largemouth bass slow on jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, coves, rocks, and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and plastic baits around brush structure, docks, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish slow on chicken liver and cut bait around creek channels, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by Bradley Magby, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: Dec 30. Elevation is 11 ft. above normal (stable). Water temperature 52°F and clear. Rainbow trout slow on in-line spinnerbaits and PowerBait below the dam. Comments: Water levels are higher due to recent rains. Currently releasing 2300 cfs around the clock. Best area will be in basin below the dam near the trout release area. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Perry CCC: Dec 31. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal (stable). Water temperature 46°F and stained. Rainbow trout good on dough bait, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, and worms around coves, dam, and flats. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: Dec 30. Elevation is 1.5 ft. above normal (stable). Water temperature 48°F and stained. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, and plastic baits around channels, docks, main lake, and points. Crappie good on hair jigs, spoons, tube jigs, and worms around channels, docks, main lake, and rocks. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live bait, live shad, stinkbait, and sunfish around channels, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: Dec 30. Elevation is normal (stable). Water temperature 48°F and stained. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, slabs, and small lures around brush structure, creek channels, and rocks. Blue and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad, and worms around main lake, river channel, river mouth, and below the dam. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, and plastic baits around brush structure, main lake, and points. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
SOUTHEAST
Blue River: Dec 31. Elevation is normal (stable). Water temperature 48°F and stained. Rainbow trout excellent on in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, small lures, spoons, and worms around brush structure, creek channels, and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, fisheries biologist in Johnston County.
Broken Bow: Dec 30. Elevation is 6 ft. below normal (stable). Water temperature 48°F and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, jigs, plastic baits, and spoons around brush structure, main lake, points, river channel, and standing timber. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, main lake, points, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: Dec 29. Elevation is 2.5 ft. below normal (stable). Water temperature 47°F and stained. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs, and plastic baits around channels, docks, main lake, points, and riprap. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live bait, live shad, stinkbait, and sunfish around channels, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie good on crankbaits, hair jigs, and spoons around channels, docks, riprap, and rocks. Report submitted by Jake Rowland, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: Dec 29. Elevation is 3 ft. above normal (falling). Water temperature 54°F and murky. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish around brush structure, channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines, standing timber, and below the dam. White crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel, standing timber, and below the dam. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: Dec 31. Elevation is normal (stable). Water temperature 48°F and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rig, crankbaits, and plastic baits around main lake, points, and river mouth. Striped-hybrid and white bass slow on Alabama rigs and crankbaits around coves, discharge, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait around inlet, riprap, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: Dec 30. Elevation is normal (stable). Water temperature 44°F and clear. Rainbow trout good on PowerBait and tube jigs around creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: Dec 29. Elevation is normal (stable). Water temperature 51°F and murky. White bass excellent on bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, small lures, spinnerbaits, and other around coves, creek channels, main lake, points, and other. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, and other around brush structure, docks, main lake, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and other. Channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, shad, shrimp, and stinkbait around channels, coves, creek channels, and main lake. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: Dec 29. Elevation is 8 ft. above normal (rising). Water temperature 47°F and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around points and river channel. Black crappie good on jigs around standing timber. Channel catfish excellent on chicken liver and cut bait around creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: Dec 29. Elevation is normal (stable). Water temperature 38°F and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around main lake, points, and river channel. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, minnows, shad, and worms around main lake, river channel, river mouth, spillway, and below the dam. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around channels, creek channels, and river mouth. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: Dec 29. Elevation is above normal (falling). Water temperature 53°F and stained. Largemouth bass slow on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish, and worms around brush structure, channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie slow on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: Dec 31. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal (stable). Water temperature 52°F and clear. Striped bass good on flukes, live bait, live shad, and sassy shad around channels, flats, main lake, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live shad, and punch bait around channels, coves, docks, points, and river mouth. Crappie fair on caddis flies, hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, coves, docks, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week has been good. Striper are good deadsticking and live shad on the north side of the lake and near the Willis Bridge near the main channel. Catfish are good near channels and flat areas on live shad and cut bait. Crappie are biting on jigs near brush piles near and around docks. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister:Dec 30. Elevation is 4 ft. below normal (falling). Water temperature 54°F and murky. Striped-hybrid and white bass, and Saugeye fair on crankbaits, lipless baits, minnows, plastic baits, and small lures around docks, main lake, points, and rocks. Largemouth bass and white crappie fair on crankbaits, hair jigs, jigs, lipless baits, minnows, plastic baits, powerbait, and small lures around brush structure, docks, main lake, points, and rocks. Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, minnows, punch bait, and worms around creek channels, docks, main lake, rocks, and shorelines. Report submitted by Tucker Clem, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
SOUTHWEST
Waurika: Dec 30. Elevation is 4 ft. below normal (falling). Water temperature 54°F and murky. Striped-hybrid and white bass, and Saugeye fair on crankbaits, lipless baits, minnows, plastic baits, and small lures around docks, main lake, points, and rocks. Largemouth bass and white crappie fair on crankbaits, hair jigs, jigs, lipless baits, minnows, plastic baits, powerbait, and small lures around brush structure, docks, main lake, points, and rocks. Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, minnows, punch bait, and worms around creek channels, docks, main lake, rocks, and shorelines. Report submitted by Tucker Clem, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Written by
Oklahoma Forestry Services
Fire Situation Report – December 27, 2023
Statewide: Rainfall leading into Christmas provided solidly wetting amounts across most of Oklahoma – a handful of reporting locations in the Panhandle and extreme northwestern counties did not quite make the wetting amount. The Drought Monitor registered improvement last week and with another shot of moisture in the books, this week’s update may show another bit of improvement as well. Supporting this improvement is increasing composite fuel moisture observations. Energy Release Component values across the state are in good shape pointing to minimal resistance to control on emerging wildfires. Fire weather elements are not aligning in the near term forecast inputs leaving very limited concern for large or significant wildfire activity through the New Year’s holiday.
Today: Breezy north-northwest winds today will increase into midday strongest in the northwest and northern Oklahoma where 12-20 mph sustained and gusts nearing 30 mph are expected. Offsetting the wind concern is a slight chance of flurries or rain/snow mix over western and northern Oklahoma. Temperatures today will top out in the upper-30°’s at a few northern locations with 40°’s across most of the state. Afternoon relative humidity values are expected to remain above 40% at all but a few isolated locations limiting fuel receptiveness. Initial attack efforts are expected to be successful with rates of spread less than 100 ft/min in dormant, grass-dominated fuels.
Thursday/Friday: Fire behavior will remain muted offering very good opportunity for successful initial attack. Good overnight moisture recovery, seasonable temperatures, elevated afternoon relative humidity values will limit fine-fuel receptiveness. Northwest winds continue although a bit calmer than the intensity on Wednesday. Rates of spread will generally be less than 90 ft/min in grass dominated fuels.
Near-Term: Outside of a slight chance of precipitation early next week, dry conditions are expected to prevail. No critical fire weather or significant wildfire potential is expected through the New Year’s holiday.
Burn Bans: (None currently in effect)
Refer to: bit.ly/OKBans for the most current burn ban information and links to specific burn ban proclamations.
Written by
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Harvest Two More Deer During Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun Season
The holiday antlerless deer gun season is underway and will remain open through Dec. 31.
Timed just right for families and friends to hunt together, the 14-day holiday season delivers serious benefits. First, it's a great opportunity to put extra venison in the freezer, since participating hunters can harvest two bonus antlerless white-tailed deer (even if they've already harvested the maximum combined season limit of six deer for all other deer seasons). Additionally, it's a chance to help the Wildlife Department accomplish important deer management goals, such as working to even out the state's buck-to-doe ratio.
Check out our recent blog on the Outdoor Oklahoma Journal for all you need to know about the holiday antlerless deer gun season. But most importantly, get out to your favorite spot and enjoy some great winter hunting.
Need to get your holiday antlerless deer gun season licenses? Just log into your profile and select "Purchase Licenses."
Next Year's Hunting Season Dates
How and when Oklahoma's hunting season dates are set can get complicated. But for the most part, hunting seasons are either the same date or the same weekend every year. Check out our blog on the Outdoor Oklahoma Journal for some of the common hunting seasons with dates that are generally set from year to year.
Written by
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Fishing Report: December 20, 2023
NORTHEAST
Fort Gibson: December 15. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 58°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) White bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and plastic baits around channels and main lake. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, and main lake. Blue catfish good on shad around channels and main lake. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: December 15. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 49°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, jigs, plastic baits, and small lures around brush structure, docks, and points. Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad around channels, main lake, and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs and live bait around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Chris Newkirk, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: December 19. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 54°F and clear. Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jerk baits, and plastic baits around brush structure, docks, main lake, points, and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, slabs, and small lures around brush structure and docks. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and worms around docks, main lake, and points. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: December 15. Elevation is 3 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 45°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jigs, minnows, sassy shad, and spoons around main lake, points, and riprap. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, goldfish, shad, sunfish, and worms around channels, flats, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Paddlefish good snagging around main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: December 19. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 50°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue and channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad around creek channels, main lake, and river channel. Largemouth bass slow on jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, coves, and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks, and standing timber. Report submitted by Bradley Magby, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: December 15. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 54°F and clear. Rainbow trout fair on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, and PowerBait below the dam. Comments: Best times are during the morning and evening hours and best areas are below the dam and at the Watts area. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Perry CCC: December 18. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 48°F and stained. Rainbow trout fair on dough bait, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, PowerBait, and worms around coves and flats. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: December 18. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 54°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, channels, and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows, tube jigs, and worms around brush structure, docks, and main lake. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: December 18. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 54°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around channels, points, and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, plastic baits, and slabs around brush structure, creek channels, and rocks. White bass fair on crankbaits, jerk baits, sassy shad, and small lures below the dam, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
SOUTHEAST
Blue River: December 19. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 49°F and clear. (USGS Lake Level) Rainbow trout excellent on in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, spoons, and worms around brush structure, channels, and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, biologist at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: December 15. Elevation is 4 ft. below normal and rising, water temperature 51°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits, and spoons around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, points, river mouth, and standing timber. Crappie fair on grubs, hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, main lake, points, river mouth, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: December 15. Elevation is 3.5 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 48°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass, striped bass hybrids, and white bass good on crankbaits, flukes, sassy shad, and topwater lures below the dam, discharge, and tailwater. Crappie good on crankbaits, hair jigs, and spoons around brush structure, channels, docks, and main lake. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish around channels, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Jake Rowland, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: December 15. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 61°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish below the dam, brush structure, channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines, and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: December 15. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and plastic baits around main lake, points, and river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs and crankbaits around discharge, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait around coves, inlet, and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: December 15. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 46°F and clear. Rainbow trout fair on PowerBait and tube jigs around spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: December 15. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 55°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) slow on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, and plastic baits around brush structure, channels, docks, main lake, shallows, shorelines, and standing timber. Crappie slow on jigs, minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, coves, docks, main lake, and points. Channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, hot dogs, shad, and shrimp around channels, creek channels, main lake, and riprap. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: December 15. Elevation is 4 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 49°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and plastic baits around coves. Crappie fair on jigs around standing timber. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: December 15. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 50°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, minnows, shad, and sunfish below the dam, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows below the dam, main lake, points, river channel, and river mouth. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around points and rocks. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: December 15. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 55°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, and shorelines. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish slow on cut bait, shad, stinkbait, and worms around brush structure, channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie slow on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: December 17. Elevation is 3 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 52°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on flukes and live shad around channels, main lake, points, and river channel. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, live shad, and stinkbait around channels, creek channels, points, and river mouth. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, coves, docks, rocks, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week has been good. The striper are being caught using dead sticking methods. Colder temps are only going to improve the dead sticking. Catfish are good near ledges and river channels with live bait or cut. Crappie are good near brush piles with jigs or minnows. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: December 15. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 49°F and stained. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, creek channels, and river channel. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad around main lake and river channel. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by Clayton Kannady, game warden stationed in Le Flore County.
SOUTHWEST
Waurika: December 15. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 68°F and murky. Largemouth bass, crappie, and saugeye slow on crankbaits, hair jigs, lipless baits, live bait, minnows, PowerBait, small lures, and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, main lake, points, rocks, shorelines, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, jerk baits, and minnows around docks, main lake, points, and rocks. Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, minnows, shrimp, and stinkbait around creek channels, docks, main lake, and shorelines. Report submitted by Tucker Clem, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
This season, take advantage of liberal bag limits and more open days for antlerless harvest because hunters in the know take a doe! Learn more about the benefits of antlerless harvest.
Written by
News Release
First Day Hikes at Oklahoma State Parks
Start 2024 off on the right foot with a rewarding hike through one of Oklahoma's scenic state parks. Get a head start on those fitness resolutions, embark on a guided nature-watching adventure, or simply enjoy the crisp January air with friends and family.
These hikes are part of the America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative that takes place in all 50 states and encourages individuals and families to stay active with a hike outdoors. Whatever your motivation, an Oklahoma hike makes for a New Year’s Day you won’t regret.
Embark on a simple walk close to natural wonders at Boiling Springs State Park, encounter wildlife and waterside views on the trails near Lake Murray and everything in between on one of these invigorating excursions. With over 20 participating parks across the state, there’s sure to be a hike happening near you. Dress warm, wear sturdy shoes and get ready to develop a healthy habit while discovering Oklahoma’s abundant nature.
Southeast State Parks include Arrowhead, Beavers Bend, Lake Wister, McGee Creek, Robbers Cave, and Talimena.
For a complete listing of participating Oklahoma State Parks, visit the TravelOK website.