Whatzup Outdoors (167)
Written by David Deaton
Texas Rock Band Joins Bigfoot Music Festival
By Teresa Black Bradway
A Texas rock band joins the Bigfoot music festival announced by Artie Carnes, director of the Kiamichi Mountain Christian Mission.
The Bigfoot Festival and Conference is set Oct. 6 and 7 on the Mission ground (Christ’s 40 Acres), at Highway 144 and Indian Highway, Honobia.
The Clayton High School Band plays at 11 am Friday Oct. 6.
The Shane Bell Band is new to the festival. An eclectic group of musicians and songwriters from Arlington, Texas, they play original and cover songs.
Their style is a cross between: ZZ Top, Foo Fighters, Adele, and the Killdares. Shane Bell’s vocals and guitar blend with vocals and a beautifully mellow viola played by Shanna Shelton, lead and slide guitar by Larry Stephens, bass and vocals by Paul Fuller, and Kolaso Gilmore on drums.
Each year fans enjoy free family-friendly Branson-style sound – bluegrass, country, gospel and comedy – on the indoor stage at the Mission campground.
The band MX3, headed by Artie Carnes, will perform. It is well-known as it was formerly the Little River Band from Honobia, which headlined previous Big Foot festivals.
“The Texans” are returning, with a show that is more than a gospel concert -- it is inspiration, laughter and fun.
This band is a full-time family trio spreading the good news of Christ through music. “The Texans” lived and performed in Branson, Mo. shows, a dinner theatre in Eureka Springs, Ak. and give hundreds of shows a year when traveling.
The song, “Bigfoot! Legend of the Mountains” will be heard. It can be downloaded at Cdbaby.com. Proceeds go to the Bigfoot Scholarship Fund.
A conference Oct. 6 and 7 features Bigfoot researchers who will discuss Bigfoot reports and evidence. Information on the festival is at www.honobiabigfoot.com
A special children’s area will be offered. There will be a 5K Run and walk sponsored by Choctaw Nation, camping, helicopter rides, face painting, an art contest, the Battiest Archer Booth, and campfire storytelling.
A church service is held on Sunday and all are invited.
The Honobia Bigfoot Organization, a non-profit group, partners with the Chahta Foundation to give scholarships to area high school graduates.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for September 13, 2017
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
McGee Creek: September 10. Elevation normal, water 83 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on plastic baits around brush structure, points, rocks and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish fair on sunfish along riprap and standing timber. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: September 10. Elevation dropping, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on topwater lures in the main lake. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around brush structure and channels. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: September 10. Elevation normal, water murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live shad, shad and stinkbait along channels, flats and points. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around points and riprap. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and rocks. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: September 10. Elevation normal, water 81 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, jigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, shad and sunfish in the main lake and along shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: September 11. Elevation normal, water clearing. Striped bass good on flukes, hair jigs and live shad below the dam, in the main lake, around points and riprap. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and shad below the dam, in the main lake, around points, riprap and river mouth. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, the main lake and standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: September 10. Elevation above normal, water 80 and stained. Largemouth bass fair on buzz baits, jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, the main lake and river channel. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait in the main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and in the main lake. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Oklahomans Guide Visitors on Kiamichi Mountain Searches for Bigfoot
By Teresa Black Bradway
Serious Bigfoot seekers can look for Sasquatch even when the annual Bigfoot festival is over, and an Oklahoma business will help them.
The Honobia Bigfoot Festival and Conference is set Oct. 6 and 7 at Kiamichi Mountains Christian Mission (Christ 40 acres) at Highway 144 and Indian Highway, Honobia, OK.
But some need more than this annual Bigfoot fix. They will head deep into Oklahoma woods to explore what fans call, “One of the greatest mysteries in history.”
“Every year, people from all over the US come to get their once-in-a- lifetime experience here within the Kiamichi Mountains,” said Troy Hudson of Kiamichi Mountain Adventures. “They come to southeast Oklahoma hoping to catch a glimpse of the most elusive folklore legend of all time.”
Hudson takes visitors into a 100 acre wilderness area in the Kiamichi Mountains to seek the legendary creature. Some report remarkable sightings which may be evidence of Bigfoot. His tours have included people from across the US, Canada, Sweden and England.
“The majority of our events happen after dark,” Hudson said. “We do have day hikes and some educational field demonstrations on how and what to look for.”
In March, six women from east Texas and Louisiana enjoyed an unscheduled Bigfoot tour and sightings.
“They were on their own Sasquatch expedition,” Hudson said. They rented a cabin near Smithville east of Honobia to celebrate a birthday and were told that someone at Honobia gave tours. The women located Hudson, who told them to return that night.
“Through the evening, several ladies observed extremely large man-like shadows on top of the ridge walking back and forth,” Hudson said. “Several others observed similar shadows near the base camp rocking back and forth between the trees.”
. “One young lady got the rare opportunity to watch a small child-like figure along with a larger figure move about just 50 yards from her for little over 10 minutes,” Hudson said. “She described that she at one moment could see a light-colored area of its face on the small figure. She said that it was so fast that all she could see was bridge of a nose and both eyes. She was so amazed she couldn't stop talking about it.”
Everyone in the group saw “eye shine,” near their base camp, he said.
Not everyone catches sight of something, Hutson said, but many do.
“More than half of the people who attended have their own experiences that leave them wanting more,” Hudson said.
“A lot of people come to learn,” about Bigfoot, Hudson said, “to try and get a glimpse which a lot do. Some see one or two, and many leave with a lot more than they expected.”
Hudson offers field expeditions in the fall, early winter and spring, usually for two days and two nights. Two or three experienced members of the Bigfoot conference staff may serve as guides. For more information contact . Fees vary with the length of the trip.
Hudson, of Coalgate, Ok., has led Bigfoot expeditions in the Kiamichi Mountains for over ten years. Hudson.heads safety and security for the Kiamichi Mountains Christian Mission and the Bigfoot festival, which attracts an estimated four thousand people. He is on the board of directors for the Honobia Bigfoot Organization.
His Adventures business is separate from the Honobia Bigfoot Organization, a nonprofit which raises funds for scholarships for local students.
The festival runs Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6 and 7. A two-day conference opens at 10 am Friday, October 6th . Farlan Huff, M.K Davis of Mississippi, Dr. Jeff Meldrum, Idaho State University and Dr. Samuel Webb Sentell, of Louisiana will speak. Tickets to the conference are sold daily.
After dark, visitors gather around a campfire to tell of their encounters with Bigfoot. Many camp nearby.
There is a 5K Run sponsored by the Choctaw Nation, a free music festival, helicopter rides, a children’s area, an art contest, the Battiest Archer Booth, face painting and a street entertainer who juggles and makes balloon animals.
A church service is held on Sunday and all are invited to attend.
More information is at www.honobiabigfoot.com
Troy Hudson speaks about sightings of Bigfoot reported in Oklahoma.
Troy Hudson, right, guides visitors from the Oklahoma City area on a Bigfoot expedition in the Kiamichi Mountains near Honobia.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast area lakes report - September 6th
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Blue River: September 5. Elevation normal, water 72 and clear. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits and topwater lures around brush structure and rocks. Channel catfish excellent on chicken liver and stinkbait around brush structure, flats, rocks and near current in large pools. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: September 3. Elevation normal, water 83. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and punch bait along channels, in coves and around points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: September 3. Elevation normal, water turbid. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and live shad below the dam, in the main lake and along rocks. Largemouth bass good on jerk baits, small lures and red-eyed rattletraps around brush structure, in coves and along shorelines. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: September 3. Elevation normal, water 80. Clue and flathead catfish fair on shad below the dam. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs along the river channel and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass being caught along plastic baits and topwater lures around brush structure and points. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: September 4. Elevation normal, water 86 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on crankbaits, shad and spoons in coves, the inlet and main lake. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and dough bait in coves, the main lake and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: September 3. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout fair on small lures, tube jigs and worms along creek channels, rocks and shallows. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: September 3. Elevation normal, water 83 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on plastic baits in the main lake, around standing timber and submerged humps. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: September 3. Elevation above normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and topwater lures in coves and points. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around brush structure and the main lake. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait in the main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: September 3. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits around brush structure and creek channels. Crappie good on minnows around bridges in Big Sans Bois Creek. Channel catfish fair on shad below the dam and along flats. Report submitted by J. D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: September 1. Elevation above normal, water 83. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on bill baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, rocks, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie slow on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: September 3. Elevation above normal, water clearing. Striped bass good on flukes, hair jigs and shad below the dam, in coves, along riprap and spillway. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and shad below the dam, in the main lake, around points, riprap and river mouth. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, the main lake and standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: September 3. Elevation above normal, water 85 and stained. Largemouth bass fair on buzz baits, jigs and spinnerbaits around brush structure and the main lake. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and punch bait along flats and the main lake. Crappie slow on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, main lake and river channel. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area fishing report for August 23
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: August 19. Elevation below normal, water 81 and stained. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on flukes, jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, the main lake and along riprap. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around brush structure and docks. White bass slow on lipless baits and roadrunners in white/chartreuse in the main lake. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: August 20. Elevation below normal, water 88. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Channel, blue and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait and worms along channels, in coves, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: August 20. Elevation rising, water murky. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad below the dam, along channels and the main lake. Striped bass excellent on live shad and topwater lures below the dam. Crappie and white bass good on minnows, grubs, jigs and tube jigs below the dam, around brush structure, docks and under bridges. Report submitted by David Robertson, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: August 20. Elevation above normal, water 81. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, live shad and shad below the dam. Crappie and white bass fair on minnows and jigs along creek channels, the river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: August 21. Elevation normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and topwater lures. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, live shad and spoons along the inlet, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait and shad in coves, inlet, main lake and along riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: August 20. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout fair on plastic baits, PowerBait and worms along channels and rocks. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish good on cut bait and punch bait along creek channels and the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: August 20. Elevation 3/4 ft. above normal, water 77 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on plastic baits in the main lake and along submerged humps. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Channel and flathead catfish fair on sunfish along riprap and rocks. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: August 22. Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits, sassy shad and topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, points, rocks and weed beds. Spotted bass slow on crankbaits, hair jigs and sassy shad along channels, creek channels, the main lake and around points. Channel catfish fair on crawfish, punch bait, shad, shrimp and worms along channels, in coves and docks. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: August 20. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on topwater lures around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish good on cut bait and punch bait along creek channels and in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: August 20. Elevation normal, water stained. Crappie slow on minnows at 14-16 ft. around standing timber. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and spinnerbaits around points and weed beds. Channel catfish excellent on cut bait and live bait below the dam and along flats. Report submitted by J. D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: August 17. Elevation above normal, water 79 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, shorelines and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, shad and sunfish in the main lake and along shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: August 21. Elevation above normal, water murky. Striped and white bass good on flukes and shad along the dam, in the main lake, around points, riprap and spillway. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and live shad below the dam, around points, the river channel and river mouth. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: August 20. Elevation above normal, water 86 and stained. Largemouth bass slow on jigs around brush structure and in the main lake. Blue catfish fair on cut bait in the main lake. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around brush structure, in the main lake and river channel. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Quail, Dove Focus for Field Day Sept. 8
Press Release
Landowners can improve game bird populations on their land when they employ management techniques that have proven successful for that purpose.
To help landowners make a positive difference, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will host a Quail and Dove Management Field Day next month, and signup is under way now.
The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 8 at the headquarters of Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Area in south-central Oklahoma. Lunch will be provided to participants who register by Aug. 31.
Partners for the field day are the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and Quail Forever.
Dove management seminar topics will include field manipulation and food resources. Quail management topics will include information about grazing, burning, habitat and brush management with an equipment demonstration.
Admission is free. To register, send e-mail to
Directions: From Marietta, go west 14.5 miles on State Highway 32, then north 1.4 miles on Stockton Road to the Cross Timbers headquarters on the east side of the road. Signs will be posted.
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 9
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: August 5. Elevation normal, water 87 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass biting fair on crankbaits, jigs, flukes and spinnerbaits around brush structure, shorelines, main lake and rocks. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structures, docks, creek channels and docks. Bluegill, green and redear sunfish good on worms and fly rod with black ant in coves and main lake. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: August 8. Elevation normal, water 76 and clear. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, sassy shad and topwater lures in brush structure, off rocks, along shorelines and top water best at dawn and dusk in slack water. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait and stinkbait. In brush structure, off rocks, sandbars and deeper pools below obstructions in current. Green, bluegill and redear sunfish excellent on crickets, grubs and small lures in shallows and along shorelines. Submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: August 6. Elevation below normal, water 83. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, points, main lake and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, tube jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: August 6. Elevation normal, water murky. White bass, striped bass and striped bass hybrids fair on live shad below the dam. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait and live bait in main lake, below the dam and along the river channel. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structures. Report submitted by Terry Springwater, game warden stationed in Garvin County.
Hugo: August 6. Elevation normal, water 84. Blue catfish fair on shad below the dam. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows in creek channels, river channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: August 7. Elevation normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits, jigs, plastics and topwater lures in main lake, around points, the river channels and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, live shad and spoons in coves, inlet, main lake and river mouth. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait and shad in coves, inlet and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: August 6. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on plastics, small lures, tube jigs and worms in the creek channels, rocks and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in Mccurtain County.
McGee Creek: August 6. Elevation above normal, water 75 and clear. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and close to creek channels. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on plastic baits around submerged humps and min lake. Channel and flathead catfish fair on sunfish along riprap and around rocks. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: August 7. Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass slow on flukes, jerk bait, plastics, sassy shad and topwater lures in brush structures points, riprap, rocks and weed beds. Channel catfish fair on punch bait, shad and shrimp in ceer channels, docks, flats, river channels and rocks. Bluegill, redear and green sunfish biting on jigs, minnows, tube jigs and worms in docks, rocks, shallows and weed beds. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: August 6. Elevation rising, water clear. Largemouth bass good on buzz baits and topwater lures around coves. Crappie excellent on jigs in standing timber. Channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait and worms in creek channels, coves, river channel and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: August 6. Elevation normal, water 87 and stained. Largemouth bass good on jigs, plastics and spinnerbaits around points, riprap and main lake. Channel catfish fair on shad along flats and rocks. Crappie slow on minnows in standing timber. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: August 5. Elevation normal, water 88. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic baits, rogues, buzzbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, riprap, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Channel, blue and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish in the main lake, channels and shoreline. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, hair jigs and tube jigs around bush structure and tailwaters. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: August 7. Elevation rising, water murky. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on flukes, hair jigs and live shad in coves, points, spillway and below the dam. Blue and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, shad, cut bait and sunfish in riprap, points, main lake, channels and below the dam. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastics and spinnerbaits in main lake, points and rocks. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in Mcintosh County.
Wister: August 6. Elevation above normal, water 85 and stained. Largemouth biting fair on jigs, plastics and topwater around brush structures, main lake, points and the river channel. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait and grasshoppers in the main lake and flats. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs around brush structures, main lake, creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Leflore County.
Written by David Deaton
Applications Due by Aug. 15 for Youth Private Land Antlerless Deer Hunts
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Beginning deer hunters have a unique opportunity to participate in one of two bonus antlerless deer hunts that will take place on private lands in Love County (Oct. 20, 2017, orientation on Oct. 19, 2017) and Ellis County (Oct. 27-28, 2017).
This year, 35 youths will be selected to receive one of the bonus private lands antlerless deer gun permits. To be eligible, youths must have completed the hunter education requirements prior to applying and must be 12-17 years old at the time of their scheduled hunt.
"These hunts are on private property and should provide young hunters a great opportunity to see some deer as well as a chance to potentially harvest a doe," said Bill Dinkines, Assistant Chief of Wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
"The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission has endorsed the youth hunt program, and we are thankful for the landowners' willingness to allow these kids the opportunity to hunt on their property."
To apply for a hunt, applicants must fill out an application no later than 4:30 p.m. Aug. 15, 2017, at www.wildlifedepartment.com with the following information:
• Hunter's first and last name.
• Date of birth.
• Mailing address.
• Telephone number.
• Hunter education certification number.
• Lifetime license number, if applicable.
• Accompanying adult* first and last name.
• List of hunts by order of preference.**
*Each youth participating in this hunt must have an adult (licensed or unlicensed) who is at least 21 years of age accompanying them on the hunt.
**List the hunt(s) you wish to apply for by order of preference (Please do not list any hunt that you are not interested in or that you know in advance you cannot attend.)
Antlerless deer taken by selected applicants during these hunts will be considered a "bonus deer" and will not count toward the hunter's statewide season limit.
Applicants whose names are successfully drawn will receive a notification letter in the mail that includes specific information about their hunt and the deadline for buying the required license(s) as listed here:
Resident Options, Ages 12-15:
• Lifetime Hunting or Lifetime Combination License OR ...
• $10 Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer License.***
Resident Options, Ages 16-17:
• Lifetime Hunting or Lifetime Combination License OR ...
• Resident Youth Annual Hunting License + $10 Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer License*** OR ...
• Resident Youth Fiscal Year Hunting License + $10 Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer License*** OR ...
• Resident Youth Fiscal Year Combination License + $10 Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer License.***
Non-Resident Options, Ages 12-17:
• $201 Controlled Hunts Nonresident Private Land Youth Deer License.***
***NOTE: The $10 Resident or the $201 Nonresident Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer Hunt Licenses will be issued in lieu of the open season license and must be purchased through the Wildlife Department's Headquarters Office, 2145 N.E. 36th St. in Oklahoma City. No Apprentice Licenses will be allowed due to the hunter education requirement.
If you have any questions before applying, please call Kyle Johnson at (405) 590-2584.
The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the management, protection, and enhancement of wildlife resources and habitat for the scientific, educational, recreational, aesthetic, and economic benefits to present and future generations of citizens and visitors to Oklahoma.
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA LAKES FISHING REPORT FOR JULY 26
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: July 22. Elevation normal, water 88 and stained. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rig, jigs, plastics, and 7-inch power worms in blue fleck around brush structure, creek channels, in the main lake and off riprap. White bass slow on jigs, lipless baits, sassy shad and spoons in the main lake and off points. Crappie and green sunfish slow on jigs and minnows in brush structure, at docks and in the main lake. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: July 23. Elevation below normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rig, plastic baits and spoons in brush structure and off points. Crappie good on jigs and minnows in brush structure and standing timber. Channel, blue and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait and worms in creek channels and river channels. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: July 23. Elevation normal, water murky. Striped bass hybrids, striped bass and white bass good on live shad and sassy shad below the dam. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on crawfish, cut bait and shad in the main lake and river channel. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Terry Springwater, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: July 23. Elevation 2 ft. above normal, water 83. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam. Crappie slow on minnows along creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: July 24. Elevation normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, plastics and topwater lures in main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, live shad and spoons along inlets, main lake, points and river channel. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden in Seminole County.
LowerMountainFork: July 23. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout excellent on PowerBait, small lures and tube jigs along the spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGeeCreek: July 23. Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 85 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on plastic baits around brush structure, rocks and standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure. Channel and flathead catfish fair on sunfish along riprap. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: July 24. Elevation normal, water 81 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass slow on crankbaits, flukes, plastics, sassy shad and topwater lures around brush structures, docks, points, rocks, standing timber and weed beds. Bluegill, redear, green sunfish and crappie fair on jigs, minnows and worms in docks, shallows, standing timber and weed beds. White bass bitting crankbaits, hair jigs, jigs, and sassy shad in creek channels, main lake and points. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden Stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: July 23. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on flukes, jerk baits, topwater lures and worms in the main lake. Crappie good on jigs around brush structure and channels. Channel catfish good on cut bait and worms along creek channels and in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: July 23. Elevation normal, water clear. Crappie excellent on minnows in river channel and at bridges. Largemouth bass good on jigs, topwater lures and frogs off flats, standing timber and weed beds. Channel catfish fair on live shad and punch bait off rocks and sand bars. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: July 20. Elevation normal, water 85. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, buzz baits, plastics, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, off points, rocks, along shorelines, standing timber and in weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad and sunfish in channels, the main lake, off riprap, rocks and along shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs on brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: July 24. Elevation normal, water murky. Striped bass good on hair jigs, live shad and topwater lures in coves, around points and riprap. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and live shad below the dam, around points, riprap and river mouth. Crappie fair in jigs and minnows, around brush and coves. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: July 23. Elevation above normal, water 95 and stained. Largemouth bass fair on jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and worms in brush structure, creek channels, the main lake, off points and river channel. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and grasshoppers off flats and in the main lake. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows on brush structure, in the main lake and river channel. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Landowners Can Earn Payments for Outdoor Recreation Access
According to a press release from the Oklahoma Wildlife Department, Oklahoma landowners looking for some extra income are encouraged to sign up for the new Oklahoma Land Access Program from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The new program will use more than $2 million in federal grant money to increase public hunting and fishing opportunities in exchange for incentive payments to private landowners.
"We're signing up landowners now," said wildlife biologist Jeff Tibbits, OLAP coordinator for the Wildlife Department. "We've really made it flexible, and we pay competitive rates."
While OLAP is new to Oklahoma, similar public access programs are operating successfully in more than 30 states. "There are millions of acres across the country that are enrolled in these programs," Tibbits said.
The program is ideal for landowners throughout the state and especially for absentee landowners and landowners enrolled in conservation programs. "If land is set aside anyway for CRP, they might as well get another check for it," he said.
OLAP enrollees will realize several benefits:
• They can choose from various types and durations of public access.
• Increased law enforcement patrol by state Game Wardens.
• Property signs and maps provided by OLAP, and physical marking of the OLAP area boundaries.
• Ability to temporarily deny access when it adversely affects farming or ranching activities.
But perhaps the best benefit of becoming an OLAP enrollee is the satisfaction of knowing that you are providing sportsmen and sportswomen with places to enjoy the outdoors while helping to preserve our nation's hunting and fishing heritage.
'There are plenty of kids out there who probably would never get to experience the joys of hunting and fishing simply because their parents don't have places nearby to take them," Tibbits said.
Enrollees choose among several public access options in the categories of walk-in hunting, walk-in fishing, stream access and wildlife viewing. Compensation is variable per acre based on the options selected and the property location. Additional payments have been pledged by Oklahoma Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever if farmers choose to leave standing crops or delay harvest.
OLAP is scheduled to launch with the opening of dove hunting season Sept. 1, 2017. People using OLAP areas are responsible for knowing and understanding the rules of the program and of each property. They also must follow the OLAP Code of Conduct. Digital maps will be available, along with a section on the Department's website at wildlifedepartment.com/olap and published rules in the current Oklahoma Hunting & Fishing Regulations Guide.
OLAP is made possible by a Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program grant provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
For more details and to sign up, contact Tibbits, (405) 535-7382, ; or OLAP technician Kasie Joyner, (405) 535-5681, .
The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the management, protection, and enhancement of wildlife resources and habitat for the scientific, educational, recreational, aesthetic, and economic benefits to present and future generations of citizens and visitors to Oklahoma.
