Whatzup Outdoors (201)
Written by David Deaton
Wildlife experts raise awareness of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer, elk
Leilana McKindra, Communications Specialist, Agricultural Communications Services
STILLWATER, Okla. (Oct. 18, 2018) – As another deer hunting season ramps up in Oklahoma, wildlife experts are raising awareness about an always fatal neurological disease that affects deer and elk.
Chronic Wasting Disease attacks the brain of cervids, or animals in the deer family, including white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk. There is no treatment for or vaccine against the disease.
CWD has been detected in 23 states, including Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. It also has been detected in two Canadian provinces. While CWD is not currently known to be present in Oklahoma, the disease has been detected in captive deer in Oklahoma in the past.
“Chronic Wasting Disease is not new, but there is continued lack of awareness with the public. There is also some misinformation out there that this disease isn’t a concern to deer or deer hunters. Neither of which is true,” said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist and Bollenback Chair in Wildlife Management. “While it has not yet impacted free-ranging deer in Oklahoma, it has affected surrounding states and poses a significant risk to our deer populations.”
Visible symptoms of CWD include, but are not limited to, stumbling, lack of coordination and drooping ears, but the disease has a long incubation period of a year or more. Those factors leave hunters with no certain way to tell if an animal is infected.
While CWD has not been shown to cause disease in humans, disease experts advise caution as the possibility of transmission to humans has not been ruled out. CWD is part of the prion family of diseases, which also includes bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, as well as variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, the human form of mad cow disease.
“One of the problems with the disease is the long incubation period. Related diseases in humans may go undetected for many years,” said Elmore, who stressed that hunters who harvest cervids from a known CWD area such as parts of Colorado and Wyoming need to have the animal tested.
Most states with CWD present offer testing, and many times it is done at no charge to the hunter. Additional information is available on the various states’ wildlife agency websites.
Testing is not currently recommended in Oklahoma since the state has not detected CWD in wild deer. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has been monitoring for the disease since 1999 and will advise the public of any status changes.
“If an animal tests positive for CWD, do not consume the meat,” Elmore said. “Also, limiting contact with spinal fluid and not consuming lymph, brain or spinal tissue is highly recommended.”
Wildlife biologists recommend specific deer carcass handling practices to help reduce the potential spread of the disease.
When possible, deer carcasses should be buried on the property where they were harvested. Remains also may be disposed of via regular household garbage collection that is transported to an approved, lined landfill. Or, if it is not possible to bury the carcass where it was harvested, leave the remains in place.
Carcasses should not be disposed of in ponds, lakes or waterways; by burning; or hauled to another property where it was not originally harvested.
“This is a concern for Oklahomans hunting out of the state in known CWD areas,” Elmore said. “For Oklahoma hunters hunting in the state, they should be aware and pay attention to the ODWC for news regarding the current situation. But, at present, there is no immediate cause for concern for deer harvested within the state.”
For more information about CWD, contact the nearest county Extension office or the ODWC.
Written by David Deaton
Mountaineer 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run scheduled as part of Eastern’s 2018 Homecoming
Press release
WILBURTON, OK (Oct. 17, 2018) – Get your running shoes laced up and get ready for Eastern Oklahoma State College’s third annual Mountaineer 5K on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 8 a.m. in downtown Wilburton. This year’s event will also feature a 1-Mile Fun Run.
The races are part of Eastern’s 2018 Homecoming festivities and are being hosted by the Eastern Alumni Association. All age groups are encouraged to participate by running or walking.
Pre-registration is open now through Oct. 29 and guarantees a race T-shirt. Pre-registration costs $30 for adults or $25 for Eastern students and students K-12.
Late and on-site registration will cost $35 with T-shirts available on a first come, first served basis. All race proceeds will benefit the Eastern Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Participants will meet on the west side of the former Corner Café located at the intersection of Main St. and Central Ave.
The course was measured by Ken Hardwick and has been certified by USA Track and Field (USATF). It follows the shortest possible route over the roadway starting south from the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Central Ave., east along Ash Ave., north on SE 6th St., east on Rock Island Ave., curves southeast, west, then straight south along Pleasant Hill Rd. to the gate before the bridge, and back to the starting point.
This year’s runs are registered with the Choctaw Nation’s Promoting Active Communities Everywhere (PACE) program. The initiative promotes the importance of regular physical activity through running or walking and is free and open to the public. Applicants need only to reside in the Choctaw Nation service area to be eligible. Members are sponsored for a designated number of PACE-approved walks/runs throughout the year. PACE registrations are also due by Oct. 29.
Elite Race Company will provide accurate run-times by using the IPICO chip timing system. The system uses small tracking chips which are placed in a disposable bib ring. Medallions will be awarded to the top three finishers in multiple age categories and the first overall male and female participant will receive a plaque.
Visit eosc.edu/homecoming to download a registration form and for more details about Eastern’s 2018 Homecoming week.
For more information on the Choctaw Nation’s PACE program, including an application form and race registration form, visit cnhsa.com and search for PACE.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for October 10, 2018
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: October 7. Elevation 2 ft. above normal and rising, water 71 and clear except upper creeks. Largemouth bass good on chigger craws, tube jigs, grubs and crankbaits. Smallmouth bass good on grubs and spinnerbaits off points. Spotted bass good on grubs and worms. Crappie fair on chartreuse jigs and minnows around brush piles. White bass being caught on minnows and grubs up on flats chasing shad. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: October 8. Elevation above normal, water 68 and murky. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, stinkbait and worms along shorelines. All other fishing slow due to heightened flow. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: October 5. Elevation below normal, water 82. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, flukes and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: October 5. Elevation normal, water turbid. White bass excellent on cut bait, jigs and small lures below the dam, along the dam and discharge. Crappie fair on minnows around docks, main lake and bridges. Spotted bass good on small lures and worms along riprap, shallows and standing timber. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: October 5. Elevation above normal, water 76 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait and shad below the dam, main lake and river channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Outflow from flood gates continues at Hugo Dam. Report submitted Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Konawa: October 4. Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth bass good 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 Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, inlet and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: October 4. Stocked approximately 3,800 rainbow trout on October 3. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
Lower Mountain Fork: October 6. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout fair caddis flies, PowerBait, tube jigs and worms along channels and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: October 6. Elevation above normal, water 77. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes and plastic baits along channels, creek channels, points and rocks. Crappie, spotted bass and white bass fair on minnows along creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: October 6. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures in the main lake. Crappie excellent on jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and worms along creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: October 5. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, flukes, lipless baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, in coves, creek channels, points and riprap. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait and sunfish along channels, creek channels, flats, inlet and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: October 3. Elevation above normal, water 77. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along channels, flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: October 5. Elevation above normal, water 79 and muddy. Striped bass good on live shad at 20-40 ft. in the main lake; larger fish have slowed a bit. Well maintained live bait is key right now. Blue and channel catfish fair on live bait, live shad and worms below the dam and in the main lake. Blue cats and channel cats are feeding at the mouths of feeder creeks on cut shad and worms. Crappie slow on hair jigs and live bait around brush structure and in the main lake. Crappie are slow with muddy water. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: October 5. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points and shorelines. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs, punch bait and stinkbait along channels, main lake and points. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure, channels, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Wildlife Department Now Offering NRA Online Hunter Education Course to Teach Safe, Legal Hunting
Press release
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with the National Rifle Association to offer an online hunter education course to Oklahomans. The course replaces the Wildlife Department's previously offered online course.
"This free course from the NRA will allow us to maintain high quality hunter education training at no cost to the Wildlife Department or our hunters,” said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Wildlife Department.
The free hunter education course is available online on the Wildlife Department's website at www.wildlifedepartment.com/education
The same webpage also provides a schedule of classroom-taught hunter education courses led by certified instructors at locations across the state.
Hunter education topics include firearms safety, wildlife conservation and identification, safe archery and more. The classes help people become safe, legal and ethical hunters. The course is required for most hunters ages 10-30 who wish to hunt without a mentor present.
"We've always tried to make classes convenient for our hunters," Meek said. “The online class is great because it allows students to take the course at their own pace, even over the course of several days.”
The online course also offers young students the benefit of involving parents in learning about safe hunting. "I love the idea of the kids sitting down with their parents to work through the hunter safety curriculum," Meek said.
"Parents or mentors are a critical part of the process of becoming a hunter."
On the other hand, Meek said the in-class courses held throughout the state are a great opportunity to learn about hunting from a certified instructor in a structured setting.
Any Oklahoma resident 10 or older may complete the online course and print a hunter education certification card upon completion of the online final exam.
Youths 9 and younger may take the course for knowledge but are not eligible for certification; instead, these youths may buy an apprentice-designated hunting license.
Apprentice-designated licenses also may be used by anyone 30 or younger.
Hunter education certification is not required for anyone 31 or older in Oklahoma.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for October 3, 2018
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Southeast
Arbuckle: September 29. Elevation 4 ft. above normal, water 74. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures, grubs and crankbaits. Smallmouth bass good on grubs and crankbaits off points. White bass are up creeks. Crappie slow off docks. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: September 28. Elevation below normal, water 84. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes and plastic baits around brush structure, creek channels, points and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, 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: September 28. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie excellent on minnows in coves, along dam and main lake. Striped bass and blue catfish good on cut bait, live bait, live shad and shad below the dam and along the dam. Spotted bass fair on grasshoppers, small lures and worms in the main lake, along riprap, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: September 28. Elevation above normal, water 79 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait and shad below the dam, main lake and river channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Outflow from Hugo dam and back up of Red River into Kiamichi River have increased water levels and lowered water temperature for fishing below the dam. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: September 27. Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, inlet and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: September 28. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout fair on caddis flies, PowerBait, small lures and tube jigs along creek channels and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: September 28. Elevation above normal, water 80. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, flukes, jerk baits and spinnerbaits along creek channels, points and rocks. Channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, dough bait and stinkbait along creek channels and river mouth. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: September 28. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on buzz baits, rogues and topwater lures along channels and points. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait and stinkbait in coves, along creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: September 28. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, in coves, creek channels, points and riprap. Blue, channel and flathead catfish goo don chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait and sunfish along channels, creek channels, flats, inlet, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: September 27. Elevation above normal, water 76. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, flathead and channel catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: September 30. Elevation above normal, water muddy. Crappie fair on jigs, live bait and minnows around brush structure and docks. Channel catfish good on punch bait along channels, creek channels and river mouth. Striped bass good on live bait and live shad along creek channels, flats and main lake. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: September 28. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points and shorelines. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs, punch bait, shad and stinkbait along channels, flats and main lake. 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
Southeast Area Lake Report for Sept 2
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: September 2. Elevation normal, water 83 and slightly stained. Largemouth bass fair on worms, crankbaits and topwater lures near the dam early morning. Smallmouth bass fair on topwater lures and crankbaits off points. Crappie good off docks and brush piles. White bass good on flats up creeks half way. Channel catfish fair to good on cut bait and stinkbait. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: August 31. Elevation below normal, water 86. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, creek channels, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: August 29. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs in coves, main lake and under bridges. Blue and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, shad, stinkbait and worms below the dam, along the dam and main lake. Striped bass good on live bait and live shad below the dam and along the dam. Report submit ed by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: August 31. Elevation normal, water 85 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish slow on cut bait, dough bait, live bait and shad below the dam, along channels, main lake and river channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: August 30. Elevation normal, water 95 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points, river mouth and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake, riprap and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, inlet and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: September 5. Stocked approximately 4,100 rainbow trout on September 4. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
Lower Mountain Fork: August 31. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout fair on small lures and tube jigs along creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: August 31. Elevation normal, water 82 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits in coves, around points and shallows. Crappie, spotted bass and white bass fair on minnows along river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: August 31. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on jerk baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: August 31. Elevation normal, water murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, live shad, punch bait and stinkbait along channels, creek channels, inlet and river mouth. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, jerk baits and worms in coves, along creek channels and points. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: August 30. Elevation normal, water 79. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, sassy shad, spinnerbaits, topwater lures and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along flats, channels, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: August 31. Elevation below normal, water 86 and clear. Striped bass good on Alabama rigs, live shad and topwater lures below the dam, in the main lake and along tailwater. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, docks and riprap. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, live bait and live shad below the dam and along channels. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: August 31. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels and points. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad and stinkbait along channels and main lake. 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
August 25 Southeast Area Lake Report
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: August 25. Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on buzz baits and chug baits early morning and on crankbaits and shakey head worms later in the day. White bass being caught on grubs and rattletraps on flats on surface during evening hours. Crappie good on brush piles and docks. Channel catfish good on brush pile, docks and baited holes. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: August 24. Elevation below normal, water 87. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes and plastic baits along creek channels, points, river mouth and standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Channel, blue and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait, stinkbait, sunfish and worms along channels, in coves, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: August 24. Elevation normal, water murky. Striped bass fair on cut bait, shad, small lures and topwater lures below the dam and along the dam. Blue catfish good on cut bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait and worms below the dam, along the dam, discharge, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, in coves, shallows and under bridges. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: August 24. Elevation normal, water 85 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, live bait and shad below the dam, in the main lake and along river channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: August 23. Elevation normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth bass good on 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 Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, along creek channels, inlet and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: August 24. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout fair on PowerBait, small lures and tube jigs along channels, dam and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: August 24. Elevation normal, water 84. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, flukes and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels and points. Channel and flathead catfish slow on chicken liver, goldfish and sunfish along creek channels and river channels. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: August 24. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on jerk baits, rogues and topwater lures along shallows and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish good 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: August 24. Elevation normal, water murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, shad and stinkbait along channels, creek channels, inlet, river channel and river mouth. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, main lake and rocks. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, flukes, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs along channels, creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: August 23. Elevation above normal, water 80. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, riprap, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along flats, in the main lake, rocks and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: August 24. Elevation normal, water 88 and semi-clear. Striped bass good on cut bait, live shad, shad and topwater lures in the main lake and river channel. Striper are biting in the main lake on live shad and surface lures. They are surfacing between the railroad bridge and Roosevelt bridge at sunset. Channel and blue catfish good on hot dogs and stinkbait below the dam and around docks. Blue catfish fair on cut bait along channels and main lake. Catfish are biting on jug lines at 40 feet. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: August 24. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels and points. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait, shad and stinkbait along channels and main lake. Crappie good on minnows, jigs and small lures around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
We’re All Mad (and Muddy) Here
Press release
Run, walk, crawl or fall down the mud hole to the sixth annual Brave the Mud Run. It is set for Saturday, August 18, 8:00 am, at the Leflore County Fairgrounds.
Brave the Mud Run is the only local mud run that benefits the Women’s Crisis Services and the only fundraiser they host each year. The monies raised stay in the community and used at the shelter to purchase things like Christmas and birthday gifts for women and children, new beds and bedding, appliances and everyday necessities. “WCS provides nearly half a million dollars in yearly contract services to assist local victims,” stated Deanna Chancellor, Executive Director of the Women’s Crisis Services. “The community continues to amaze us year after year by either sponsoring or participating in the event,” Chancellor stated.
As always, the mud run will start and end at the Leflore County fairgrounds. Mudders will encounter some favorite obstacles like the Barn Burner and some new ones as well. Every participant earns a custom finisher’s medal. This event is also professionally chip-timed. Awards will be given for overall finishers, age divisions for individuals and teams and the best Alice in Wonderland-themed costumes or group t-shirt.
The race is set up in waves again this year as it was well received from participants last year, Waves will start at 8:00 am for very competitive racers, 8:15 am is for the somewhat competitive, 8:30 am for sort-of competitive, and 8:45 am start time is for the fun lovin’ racers. Race fees are $45 per person individually or $40 per team member for teams of three or more. Registration forms can be found on the Brave the Mud Run Facebook page, The Coffee Cup, or participants can register online at www.runsignup.com/Race/OK/Poteau/BravetheMudRun
Early packet pick-up will be at the Days Inn from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 17. If you can’t pick-up early, packet pick-up will begin at 7:00 am on Saturday.
Contact Glenda Wise, 918.839.4785 or for more information. Organizers also encourage you to watch their Facebook page, Brave the Mud Run, for information regarding the events.
Get ready to follow us down the mud hole and get signed up today!
Written by David Deaton
August 4th Southeast Area Lake Report
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Southeast Area lake Report
Arbuckle: August 4. Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 81-83. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures early morning and on crankbaits and soft plastic baits. Smallmouth bass good on topwater lures early morning, on spinnerbaits in the wind and on soft plastic baits. Crappie slow on yellow/white slabs slayer baits at 18 ft. off docks and out on the lake. White bass good on grubs up creeks and on roadrunners along flats. Channel catfish good on punch bait, dead minnows and stinkbait. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: August 6. Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, rocks and sandbars; bass topwater action is best at dawn and dusk. Channel catfish excellent on chicken liver, punch bait, stinkbait and worms around brush structure and deeper pools on the edge of currents. Bluegill, green and redear sunfish good on in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits and small lures along sandbar and shallows. Approximately 2,000 channel catfish were stocked on July 31. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: August 3. Elevation below normal, water 88. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs and plastic baits around brush structure, creek channels, points and standing timber. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: August 2. Elevation normal, water murky but slowly clearing. Blue catfish excellent on cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad and worms below the dam, along the dam and river mouth. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around bridges. Largemouth and spotted bass good on grasshoppers, small lures and spinnerbaits in coves, main lake and weed beds. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: August 3. Elevation below normal, water 87 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish slow on cut bait, dough bait, live bait and shad below the dam, along channels, main lake and river channel. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: August 2. Elevation normal, water 96 and clear. Largemouth bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, along creek channels, inlet and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: August 3. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout fair on caddis flies, PowerBait and small lures along creek channels and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: August 4. Elevation normal, water 86. Crappie, white bass and spotted bass good on minnows around brush structure, river channel and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, goldfish and sunfish along creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: August 3. Elevation below normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures along shallows. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and punch bait in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: August 3. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on flukes, lipless baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits in coves and creek channels. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, live shad, stinkbait and sunfish along flats, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: August 2. Elevation below normal, water 90. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits, hair jigs, jerk baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, creek channels, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: August 6. Elevation below normal, water 88 and clear. Striped bass good on live shad and topwater lures along discharge, main lake and points. Crappie fair on hair jigs and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Blue catfish good on cut bait and live shad below the dam, along channels and main lake. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: August 3. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels and points. Blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, shad and stinkbait along channels and main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.