Whatzup Outdoors (183)
Written by David Deaton
Oklahoma Fishing Report from Feb 4th
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: February 4. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 47 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, suspending jerk baits and crankbaits. Crappie and white bass slow at 60 ft. on creek ledges in the mid-lake area. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: February 5. Elevation below normal, water 38 and clear. Trout good on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, yellow garlic scented PowerBait, woolly buggers, Frenchies, zebra midges and spoons along sandbars and below riffles and obstructions in current. Channel catfish fair on punch bait and shrimp around rocks. Stocked approximately 1,800 rainbow trout on January 31. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: February 4. Elevation below normal, water clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, points, river channel and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live bait, shad and sunfish good on channels, in the main lake and around points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, points, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: February 4. Elevation below normal, water murky. Crappie good on jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, creek channels and docks. Blue catfish fair on live bait, shad, stinkbait and worms in the main lake, rocks and shorelines. Spotted bass fair on in-line spinnerbaits, small lures and spinnerbaits in coves, along shallows and weed beds. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: February 4. Elevation normal, water 48 and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on lipless baits and plastic baits along creek channels and river channel. Blue and channel catfish excellent on cut bait, live shad and minnows in the main lake and shallows. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs below the dam and around brush structure. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: February 6. Elevation normal, water 42 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits and plastic baits in the main lake, around points and river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, the main lake, around points and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait and shrimp in coves, creek channels and discharge. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: February 4. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout fair on caddis flies and small lures along channels, rocks and shallows. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: February 4. Elevation below normal, water 48. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on flukes, jigs and plastic baits along creek channels, in the main lake and around points. Crappie and white bass slow on minnows along the river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County
Pine Creek: February 4. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs around points. Crappie good on jigs around brush structure and points. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait along channels and in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: February 5. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits and lipless baits along channels, points and riprap. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels, creek channels, inlet, standing timber and mouth of Big San Bois Creek. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, live shad and stinkbait along flats, the main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: February 4. Elevation normal, water 49 and muddy. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and sassy shad along docks, points, rocks and standing timber. White bass fair on crankbaits, hair jigs, jigs and tube jigs along channels, creek channels, main lake and around points. Crappie, bluegill, green and red sunfish fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, in coves, creek channels, points, riprap and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: February 5. Elevation below normal, water semi-clear. Striped bass and white bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes and live shad along creek channels, in the main lake and river mouth. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and live bait along channels, in the main lake, points, river channel and river mouth. Crappie slow on grubs, hair jigs, jigs and live bait around docks and standing timber. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: February 4. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass fair on bill baits and plastic baits around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad along channels, in the main lake and around standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Register Now for the Carl Albert State College Vike Hike Half Marathon and 5K scheduled for March 10, 2018
Press release
The Carl Albert State College Vike Hike Half Marathon and 5K are set for Saturday, March 10, 2018 in Poteau, Oklahoma. The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m., and the 5K begins at 9 a.m. on the campus of CASC.
According to Hali Repass, one of the event organizers, both courses are USATF certified, both events will be chip timed, and both are PACE events for current PACE members (contact Choctaw Nation PACE program for eligibility requirements).
The Half Marathon will travel along the Poteau Scenic Bypass and then follow the traditional VIke Hike 5K course. The northbound lanes of the bypass through Poteau will be shut down from approximately 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., thus allowing enough time for all participants to safely complete the portion of the course on the bypass.
Race administrators are encouraging runners to register as soon as possible. Vike Hike race shirts will be given to all who register by February 21, 2018. Color changing sunglasses will also be provided to all who register by February 21, 2018.
Repass stated that finisher medals will be awarded, and VIKE BRICK awards will be given to those who complete the Half Marathon and then go on to complete the 5K directly thereafter. “We are expecting a great crowd, and we are busy making sure we have plans in place for runners from the immediate area as well as those traveling from a distance to participate in our event.”
A large number of community sponsors are helping with this year’s run. Choctaw Nation spin class instructor and expert Dana Parker will lead the race on bicycle. Mazzio’s is supplying pizza at the finish line. Aid stations will be set up along the course and volunteers from First Free Will Baptist Church, Cross Community Church, and many CASC faculty/staff/students will be assisting at the stations. Days Inn & Suites is the host hotel offering a special rate to all out of town runners and guests. Additional sponsors include:
• AES
• Allstate Insurance Agent Lyle Whitworth
• Angela Claiborn, CPA
• Arvest Bank
• Central National Bank
• Discover Pediatric Therapy
• Don Wise Construction
• First National Bank
• Genesis Collision Repair
• Jensen's Express Lube
• Jesse's Small Engines, LLC
• Latham Land Services
• Lularoe Jacquie Leach
• McKimmey Family
• Michael Allen Riley Architecture
• Myer's Drive In
• Old Frisco Trail Half Marathon
• Patterson's Construction, LLC
• Shady Point Body Shop
• Shockley's Auto Sales
• State Farm Agent John Hamilton
• Strong Okie Mama's
• The Community State Bank
• True Grit Running Company
All proceeds from the event benefit the CASC Alumni Association for the betterment of the College, and for future student scholarships.
To register, go to www.runsignup.com or contact Hali Replass at 918-647-1222 or
CASC Mission Statement: To provide an affordable, accessible, and exceptional education that fosters student success.
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA FISHING REPORT FOR JAN 27
Press release
Arbuckle: January 27. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 41. Largemouth and small mouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, jerk baits and crankbaits at 15 ft. Crappie and white bass being caught on spoons at 45-60 ft. in mid-lake. Dock fishing is slow. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: January 27. Elevation below normal, water 47 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, red crankbaits and jigs around brush structure, points, river mouth and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live shad and sunfish in the main lake, around points and river mouth. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: January 28. Elevation below normal, water murky. Blue catfish good on dough bait, live shad and stinkbait along creek channels and sandbars. Crappie good on jigs in coves, along rocks and shallows. Smallmouth bass excellent on crickets, plastic baits and small lures. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: January 28. Elevation above normal, water 49 and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on lipless baits and spoons along creek channels. Blue and channel catfish excellent on cut bait, live shad and minnows in the main lake and shallows. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: January 29. Elevation normal, water 50 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs and plastic baits in the main lake, around points and river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, live shad and spoons in coves, the discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait and dough bait in coves, creek channels and discharge. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: January 28. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout excellent on caddis flies and salmon eggs along creek channels, rocks, below the swim beach bridge and downstream of Evening Hole Bridge. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Lower Mountain Fork: January 25. Stocked approximately 1,100 rainbow trout on January 25. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
McGee Creek: January 28. Elevation below normal, water 49 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, flukes and plastic baits along creek channels, in the main lake and around points. Crappie and white bass fair on minnows in the main lake and around standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: January 28. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and spoons in the main lake and around points. Crappie good on jigs along creek channels and points. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and stinkbait in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Sardis: January 25. Elevation normal, water 48. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on crankbaits, jigs and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, rocks and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait and shad along channels and in the main lake. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Robber’s Cave: January 25. Stocked 275 rainbow trout on January 24. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
Robert S. Kerr: January 28. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie excellent on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, creek channels, inlet, river mouth, standing timber and mouth of Big San Bois Creek. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, live shad and stinkbait along channels, in the main lake, around points, river channel and river mouth. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits and lipless baits along channels, in the main lake, around points and riprap. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Texoma: January 28. Elevation normal, water semi-stained. Largemouth and smallmouth bass slow on bill baits, crankbaits, hair jigs and jerk baits around docks, points and rocks. Blue catfish good on live shad and shad below the dam, along channels, main lake, points, river channel and river mouth. Crappie fair on grubs, hair jigs, jigs, live bait and tube jigs around brush structure, docks and riprap. Report submitted by Bryan County.
Wister: January 28. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits and plastic baits along channels and standing timber. Blue catfish good on cut bait, shad and worms along channels, in the main lake and around standing timber. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Local students place in 74th annual Southeast District Livestock Show
Press release
WILBURTON, OK (Jan. 30, 2018) – Hundreds of students from across the state recently competed in the 74th annual Southeast District Livestock Show at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton.
The show is jointly presented by the Wilburton Lions Club and the Eastern Agriculture Division, and was sponsored by Roy’s Cardinal Food Store, First National Bank, Kiamichi Electric, APEX Feeds and Community State Bank.
There were a total of 681 entries, including 403 swine, 93 sheep, 114 goats (74 does, 40 wethers) and 71 cattle (50 heifers, 21 steers).
The winners include:
Swine (403 entries)
Breed Champion Berkshire Hog – Jaycee Cox, Spiro
Reserve Breed Champion Berkshire Hog – Marissa Hill, Red Oak
Breed Champion Chester White Hog – Trenton Peel, Wetumka
Reserve Breed Champion Chester White Hog – Devin Emmert, Bennington
Breed Champion Duroc Hog – Dusty Fazekas, Red Oak
Reserve Breed Champion Duroc Hog – Grace Palmer, Idabel
Breed Champion Hampshire Hog – Sarah Palmer, Idabel
Reserve Breed Champion Hampshire Hog – Brevon Harper, Spiro
Breed Champion Hereford Hog – Thomas Parker, Red Oak
Reserve Breed Champion Hereford Hog – Makayla Campagna, Red Oak
Breed Champion Poland China Hog – Kasen Krebbs, Heavener
Reserve Breed Champion Poland China Hog – Dusty Fazekas, Red Oak
Breed Champion Spot Hog – Grace Montgomery, Red Oak
Reserve Breed Champion Spot Hog – Rachel Palmer, Idabel
Breed Champion Yorkshire Hog – London Dyer, Heavener
Reserve Breed Champion Yorkshire Hog – Sarah Palmer, Idabel
Champion Crossbred Hog – Lainey Dyer, Heavener
Reserve Champion Crossbred Hog – London Dyer, Heavener
Grand Champion Hog – Lainey Dyer, Heavener
Reserve Grand Champion Hog – Dusty Fazekas, Red Oak
Bronze Champion Hog – London Dyer, Heavener
Sheep (93 entries)
Breed Champion AOB Lamb – Brookelyn Cannon, Wilburton
Reserve Breed Champion AOB Lamb – Destiny Slater, Moss
Breed Champion Dorset Lamb – Tilly Delozier, Byng
Reserve Breed Champion Dorset Lamb – Caleb Brunson, Wilburton
Breed Champion Dorset Advantage Lamb – Rynda Wilson, Quinton
Reserve Breed Champion Dorset Advantage Lamb – Madison Lyles, McAlester
Breed Champion Hampshire Lamb – Jase Sparks, Hartshorne
Reserve Breed Champion Hampshire Lamb – Paisley Beshear, Poteau
Breed Champion Natural Lamb – Rynda Wilson, Quinton
Reserve Breed Champion Natural Lamb – Caleb Brunson, Wilburton
Breed Champion Shropshire Lamb – Kashen Beshear, Poteau
Reserve Breed Champion Shropshire Lamb – Walker Snapp, Poteau
Breed Champion Suffolk Lamb – Drew Hardaway, Battiest
Reserve Breed Champion Suffolk Lamb – Halle Rowland, Silo
Crossbred Champion Lamb – Javen Sparks, Hartshorne
Reserve Crossbred Champion Lamb – Julie Cullum, Silo
Grand Champion Lamb – Jase Sparks, Hartshorne
Reserve Grand Champion Lamb – Javen Sparks, Hartshorne
Bronze Grand Champion Lamb – Paisley Beshear, Poteau
Goats (114 entries- 40 wethers, 74 does)
Champion Division I Wether – Lucas Rezner, Silo
Reserve Champion Division I Wether – Emma Irwin, Hartshorne
Bronze Champion Division I Wether – Riley Pryor, Moss
Champion Division II Wether – Emma Irwin, Hartshorne
Reserve Champion Division II Wether – Kami Richmond, Moss
Bronze Champion Division II Wether – Riley Pryor, Moss
Grand Champion Wether – Emma Irwin, Hartshorne
Reserve Grand Champion Wether – Lucas Rezner, Silo
Bronze Grand Champion Wether – Emma Irwin, Hartshorne
Champion Division I Doe – Heather Lively, Moss
Reserve Champion Division I Doe – Julie Cullum, Silo
Bronze Champion Division I Doe – Kenzie Davis, Howe
Champion Division II Doe – Hailey Pryor, Moss
Reserve Champion Division II Doe – Jase Sparks, Hartshorne
Bronze Champion Division II Doe - Ashlyn Thompson, Moss
Grand Champion Doe – Hailey Pryor, Moss
Reserve Grand Champion Doe – Jase Sparks, Hartshorne
Bronze Grand Champion Doe – Heather Lively, Moss
Cattle (74 entries- 50 heifers, 21 steers)
Breed Champion Angus Heifer – Jackson Ray, Wetumka
Reserve Breed Champion Angus Heifer – Kaylan Plemmons, Battiest
Breed Champion Simmental Heifer – Chet Donoley, Wilburton
Reserve Breed Champion Simmental Heifer – Jagger Smith, Broken Bow
Breed Champion Commercial Heifer – Trent Kitchell, Hartshorne
Reserve Breed Champion Commercial Heifer – Tori Morgan, Poteau
Bronze Champion Commercial Heifer – Garrett Hugle, Wilburton
Breed Champion AOB Heifer – Trent Kitchell, Hartshorne
Reserve Breed Champion AOB Heifer – Tori Morgan, Poteau
Grand Champion Heifer – Jackson Ray, Wetumka (Angus)
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer – Trent Kitchell, Hartshorne (AOB)
Bronze Grand Champion Heifer – Trent Kitchell, Hartshorne (Commercial)
Grand Champion Steer – Stephen Turner, Calera
Reserve Grand Champion Steer – Trent Kitchell, Hartshorne
Bronze Grand Champion Steer – Jaycee Kitchell, Hartshorne
Written by David Deaton
OSU researchers sniff out novel approach to studying animal habitat
By Sean Hubbard, Communications Specialist, Agricultural Communications Services, Oklahoma State University
STILLWATER, Okla. – His name is Copper and he is a hound dog. An unforgettable scene from the early 80’s animated movie, The Fox and the Hound, shows Copper actively sniffing his surroundings in search of Todd, the movie’s co-star.
“Whatcha smellin’?” Todd asked. “I’m on the trail of something,” replied Copper.
“Trail of what?” Todd asked. “I don’t know, yet,” Copper said, pressing his nose right up against the fox, Todd. “Why, it’s you!”
The cartoon movie understood there was a connection between scent and predation and Oklahoma State University researchers have dug deeper into that poorly studied link. As a graduate student in OSU’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Dillon Fogarty, advised by Scott Loss, NREM assistant professor, studied olfactory concealment, the way environmental features impact how a prey animal’s scent disperses and is detected by predators.
“Our research provides new information that changes the way people think about wildlife habitat. It is well known that scent plays a big role in predator and prey interactions, but how habitat influences scent dispersal and detection is not clear,” said Fogarty, who is now a doctoral student at the University of Nebraska. “Traditionally, people studied the visual concealment that wildlife habitat provides because people are visually oriented. We took the novel approach of putting ourselves in the animals’ shoes and investigating how vegetation and wind conditions provide olfactory concealment, which could be just as important as visual cover because many animals are heavily dependent on smell.”
Fogarty and Loss led the research in collaboration with NREM professors Dwayne Elmore Sam Fuhlendorf.
On Win and Kay Ingersoll’s ranch in Inola, Oklahoma, the research team took airflow readings at over 200 points in three vegetation communities – forests, shrublands and grasslands. They measured wind turbulence, velocity and updraft, along with visual habitat elements like vegetation height and density.
“Our objective was to predict where areas with olfactory concealment would be located,” Fogarty said. “We found that wind turbulence is an important aspect of olfactory concealment for predators and prey in grasslands. And interestingly, the best predictor of turbulence in grasslands was vegetation density, indicating that as vegetation density increases so does wind turbulence and that areas with high turbulence tend to also have high levels of visual concealment.”
Another novel finding from the study, which is published in the Ecological Society of America journal, Ecology, included an artificial nest experiment where the researchers covered farm-raised quail eggs with scent and placed them in grasslands on the Ingersoll’s ranch. The researchers returned the following day to see if a predator had removed the eggs.
“Surprisingly, we found turbulence intensity, not visual concealment, was the best predictor of egg persistence in grasslands. Nests in areas with high turbulence were less likely to be found by predators. This result provides the strongest evidence yet that habitat characteristics that enhance olfactory concealment actually impact survival rates of prey.
Fogarty says to understand how turbulence intensity provides olfactory concealment, think of a stream of red dye dropped into a river. If there is smooth streamflow the dye stays on a consistent and predictable path, but in turbulent rapids the dye disperses unpredictably, making it difficult to track upstream.
Based on the team’s research, Fogarty explains that “areas with high wind turbulence in grasslands function just like rapids, making it difficult for predators to track airborne prey scents back to their source.”
“The idea that areas with high visual concealment also provide good scent concealment is a major finding from our study,” Loss said “Researchers previously studying habitat may have wrongly assumed that the only benefit of tall and dense vegetation is visual cover. Our study shows that the same dense vegetation also provides olfactory cover by increasing wind turbulence. Additionally, our nest experiment shows that air turbulence is actually likely to be impacting predator detection and prey survival.”
Fogarty and Loss say that considering these separate aspects of concealment provides a better understanding of how prey hide their scent and how predators detect prey. Their findings reshape our understanding of wildlife habitat and even have implications for how we manage habitat for prey and predator wildlife species of conservation interest.
Fograty’s full paper, “Variation and Drivers of Airflow Patterns Associated with Olfactory Concealment and Habitat Selection,” is available online.
Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; phone 405-744-5371; email: has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154.
Written by David Deaton
74th Annual Southeastern Oklahoma Junior Livestock Show set for Jan. 18-20 in Wilburton
Press release
WILBURTON, OK (Jan. 5, 2018) – The 74th Annual Southeastern Oklahoma Junior Livestock Show is set for January 18-20 at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. The show is jointly sponsored by the Wilburton Lions Club and the Eastern Agriculture Division.
The swine show will take place Thursday, Jan. 18, followed by the sheep and goat show on Friday, Jan. 19. The event will conclude on Saturday, Jan. 20 with the heifer and steer show.
In addition to the usual payout for class winners and breed champions, the grand champions for each show will be guaranteed a minimum of $240 plus $2 per head entered. The reserve grand champions will be guaranteed a minimum of $160 plus $1 per head entered. Organizers have also introduced a bronze champion this year that will be guaranteed a minimum of $80.
Also, exhibitors of the grand champions will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship and exhibitors of the reserve grand champions will be awarded a $500 scholarship to attend Eastern as agriculture majors.
All exhibitors must be primary or secondary students (K-12) of a school in the following counties: Atoka, Bryan, Choctaw, Coal, Haskell, Hughes, Johnston, Latimer, LeFlore, Marshall, McCurtain, Seminole, Pittsburg, Pontotoc or Pushmataha.
There is a $25 per head entry fee for all animals. All entries must be postmarked by Jan. 11. Late entries will be charged an additional $5. Visit eosc.edu/sedistrictshow for more information and to download a registration form.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast area fishing reports for 1st week of January
A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Arbuckle: Jan. 1. Lake elevation is below average with water temperature at 48 degrees and water clear to stained. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on Alabama rig, jerk bait, jigs and spoons in creek channels, the main lake, off points, and underwater drop-offs in 40 plus ft. of water. White crappie and black crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and spoons in creek channels, the main lake, and 39-56 ft. drop offs. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: Jan. 2. Elevation normal with water temperature at 33 degrees and clear. Rainbow trout good on caddisflies, inline spinnerbait, midges, Powerbait, and spoons off points and below waterfalls. About 2,560 rainbow trout were stocked on Dec. 27. Much of the river is iced over; open water is mostly downstream of falls and in faster moving chutes. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, South Central Region fisheries biologist.
Broken Bow: Dec. 31. Lake elevation is below average with water temperature at 48 degrees. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on buzzbaits, crankbaits, jigs, and Rogues on brush structure, points, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, stinkbait and sunfish in channels, off points, in river channels, and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: Dec. 31. Lake elevation dropping and water murky. Striped bass good on cut bait, shad, and topwater at and below the dam. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, hot dogs, live bait, live shad, and shad at the inlet, main lake, river channel, and the river mouth. Black crappie fair on jigs and minnows on brush structure, at docks, and on standing timber. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: Dec. 31. Lake elevation is below average with water temperature at 53 degrees and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on crankbaits and plastics in creek channels and off points. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad in the main lake. Black crappie and white crappie good on jigs and minnows on brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: Jan. 1. Lake elevation normal with water temperature at 48 degrees and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, jerk bait, and plastics in the main lake, off points, and the river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, live shad, and spoons in coves, the main lake, and in the river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, and shad in coves, creek channels, the main lake, and along riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: Dec. 31. Elevation below average with clear water. Rainbow trout fair on Powerbait and salmon eggs in channels and off rocks. April Drake of the Southeast Region Office reports that about 1,440 rainbow trout were stocked on Dec. 28. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: Dec. 31. Lake elevation below average with water temperature at 58 degrees. Largemouth bass and spotted bass slow on plastics in creek channels and standing timber. White crappie slow on minnows in the main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Bryan and Choctaw counties.
Pine Creek: Dec. 31. Lake elevation below average with water temperature at 45 degrees and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastics in channels and off points. Black crappie slow on jigs in creek channels. Channel catfish good on chicken liver in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robber’s Cave: Dec. 28. Lake elevation is normal. Rainbow trout fair on Powerbait in the river channel. Stocked about 360 rainbow trout on Dec. 28. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the Southeast Region Office.
Robert S. Kerr: Dec. 31. Lake elevation is normal with clear water. White crappie good on jigs and minnows on brush structure, in creek channels, at 4-14 ft. of water. Blue catfish and channel catfish excellent on shad in the river channel and off sand bars. Largemouth bass slow on spinnerbaits in creek channels and on standing timber. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: Dec. 28. Lake elevation normal with water temperature at 50 degrees. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastics, and spinnerbaits on brush structure, off points, along riprap, shorelines, and on standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish slow on cut bait, shad, and sunfish in the main lake. White crappie slow on hair jigs, minnows, and tube jigs on brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Latimer and Pushmataha counties.
Texoma: Jan. 1. Lake elevation is normal with cloudy water. Striped bass good on flukes, shad, and slabs below the dam, in the main lake, off points, along riprap, and off rocks. Blue catfish good on cut bait, live shad, and shad below the dam, in the main lake, off points, along riprap, and in the river mouth. White crappie good on jigs and minnows on brush structure, at docks, in the main lake, and on standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Wister: Dec. 31. Lake elevation normal with clear water. Largemouth bass slow on bill baits, jigs, and plastics on brush structure, in channels, and on standing timber. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and stinkbait in the main lake and on standing timber. White crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs on brush structure, in channels, and on standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Le Flore County.
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA LAKES REPORT FOR 4th WEEK OF DEC
Press release
Broken Bow: December 23. Lake elevation below average with water temperature at 54 degrees. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, and jigs on brush structure, off points, and at the river mouth. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, and sunfish in channels, creek channels, off points, and at the river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: December 24. Lake elevation below average with murky water. Blue catfish excellent on cut bait, live bait, and live shad in the main lake, off points, and along shorelines. Striped bass excellent on jigs, plastics, small lures, and top water at and below the dam. White crappie and black crappie fair on jigs and minnows on brush structure, in coves, and at docks. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: December 24. Lake elevation below average with water temperature at 56 degrees and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastics off points and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, live shad, and shad in the main lake and the river channel. Black crappie and white crappie good on jigs and minnows on brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: December 26. Lake elevation is normal with water temperature at 50 degrees and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, jerk bait, and plastics in the main lake, off points, and in the river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, and shrimp in coves, creek channels, and along riprap. Striped (hybrid) bass and white bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, live shad, and spoons in coves, in the main lake, and the river channel. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden.
Lower Mountain Fork: December 24. Lake elevation is below average with clear to slightly murky water. Rainbow trout good on Powerbait, salmon eggs, and Berkeley trout worms in creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: December 24. Lake elevation is below average (two feet low) with water temperature at 61 degrees. White crappie and white bass fair on minnows in the main lake, river channel, and standing timber. Largemouth bass and spotted bass slow on flukes, jigs, and plastics in creek channels and off points. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Bryan and Choctaw Counties.
Pine Creek: December 24. Lake elevation is below average with clear water. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, and plastics in creek channels and off points. Black crappie slow on jigs in channels. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: December 24. Lake elevation is normal with clear water. Largemouth bass slow on rogues and spinnerbaits in the main lake, off points, and along riprap. White crappie good on minnows on brush structure, standing timber, and 12-14 ft of water. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on shad and juglines in the river channel and off sand bars. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: December 23. Lake elevation is below average with water temperature at 54 degrees. Largemouth bass and spotted bass slow on crankbaits, plastics, and spinnerbaits off points, rocks and along shorelines. Blue catfish slow on cut bait and shad off flats and in the main lake. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Latimer and Pushmataha Counties.
Texoma: December 24. Lake elevation is above average with murky water. Striped bass good on live shad and slabs off points and along riprap. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad below the dam, in the main lake, off points, along riprap, and in the river channel. White crappie and black crappie good on jigs and minnows on brush structure, at docks, and standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Wister: December 24. Lake elevation is above average with cloudy water. Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, jigs, and plastics on brush structure, in channels, and standing timber. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and hot dogs on brush structure, in channels, in the main lake, and on standing timber. White crappie fair on jigs and minnows on brush structure, in channels, and on standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Happy Holidays in Store for Thousands of Deer Hunters
Press release
What would make a wonderful Christmas gift for most any deer hunter?
How about the chance to harvest another deer before the end of the year. That’s exactly what the Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun season offers!
This year’s holiday season will be open for 10 days starting Dec. 22 and running through Dec. 31, 2017, in open areas. And even if a hunter has harvested the maximum aggregate limit of six deer for this year’s seasons, the hunter may still take a doe during Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun season because it is considered a bonus deer.
Most of the state will be open to antlerless deer hunting those days, except for the majority of the Panhandle and a large part of southeastern Oklahoma. Season dates and other regulations may vary on public lands in the open zones. For a map of Oklahoma’s antlerless deer hunting zones along with special area rules for public lands, see the current Oklahoma Hunting & Fishing Regulations Guide.
Last year, more than 33,000 hunters participated in the Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun season, and 2,710 harvested deer were reported to the Wildlife Department’s online E-Check system.
Harvest of does yields several important deer management benefits, said Dallas Barber, big game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
These benefits include:
• Preventing localized overpopulation.
• Improving buck-to-doe ratios for a more healthy herd.
• Reducing competition for forage to promote greater antler growth in bucks.
• Reducing the potential for deer/vehicle collisions.
• Lessening the extent of potential crop depredation.
Residents and nonresidents may participate in the holiday season with the appropriate licenses. Unfilled Deer Gun Season resident licenses are not valid. All hunters are reminded that the requirements to wear hunter orange clothing are in effect during the Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun season in all open zones.
For complete regulations, refer to the Oklahoma Hunting & Fishing Regulations Guide available at www.wildlifedepartment.com, in the "OK Fishing and Hunting Guide" mobile app for Apple and Android, or in print free from license dealers statewide.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Lakes Fishing report for Dec 2 through 8
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: December 2. Elevation below normal, water 58 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, square bill crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs, plastic baits and chrome spoons at the back end of all three arms of the lake. Crappie good on minnows, jigs and spoons at 39-56 ft. along drop-offs, brush structure, creek channels and docks. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: December 5. Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. Trout excellent on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait and spoons around points, rocks, sandbars and below riffles and obstructions in current in deeper water. Stocked approximately 2,400 rainbow trout on December 5. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: December 2. Elevation below normal, water 54. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits and jigs around points. Channel, blue and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait and worms along channels, creek channels and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: December 3. Elevation dropping, water murky. White bass excellent below the dam and along the dam. Flathead and blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and live bait around docks and in the main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around docks. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: December 3. Elevation below normal, water 64 and murky. Largemouth, spotted and white bass fair on buzz baits, plastic baits, sassy shad and spoons around points and shorelines. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait and live shad below the dam, along flats and river channel. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: December 4. Elevation normal, water 58 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs and plastic baits in the main lake, around points and river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, live shad and spoons along channels, in coves, inlet and main lake. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait and shad along channels, in coves, inlet, main lake and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: December 3. Elevation below normal, water clear. Trout good on PowerBait, tube jigs and worms along flats and river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Lower Mountain Fork: December 5. Stocked approximately 2,100 rainbow trout on November 30. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
McGee Creek: December 3. Elevation below normal, water 65 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, flukes and jerk baits around brush structure, creek channels and standing timber. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs along creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Flathead catfish fair on goldfish and sunfish along the river channel. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: December 3. Elevation below normal, water 54 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around points and rocks. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure and creek channels. Channel catfish good on cut bait in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robber’s Cave: December 5. Stocked approximately 500 rainbow trout on November 30. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
Robert S. Kerr: December 3. Elevation normal, water clear. Crappie good on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and creek channels. Blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and shad along channels, flats, the main lake, river channel and spillway. White bass good on jigs, spinnerbaits and tube jigs below the dam. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Sardis: December 1. Elevation below normal, water 61. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on spinnerbaits along shorelines. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along flats and in the main lake. Crappie fair on grubs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: December 5. Elevation normal, water murky. Striped and white bass good on flukes, hair jigs, live shad, plastic baits and topwater lures along flats, in the main lake and riprap. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad in the main lake, around points and riprap. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure, docks, the main lake and standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: December 3. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on bill baits and plastic baits around brush structure and channels. Blue catfish good on cut bait in the main lake, river channel and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs, live bait and minnows around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.