This summary of wildlife news includes a call to help conduct the Department’s Winter Bird Feeder Survey, public comment for regulation changes, an outdoor calendar, and a fishing and waterfowl report.
Winter Bird Feeder Survey starts Jan. 5
Attracting birds and maintaining backyard feeders for wintering birds is popular in both urban and rural areas of Oklahoma. People in both places can help the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation by participating in the survey while also getting close-up views of a number of unique birds.
Any Oklahoman with a backyard bird feeder can participate by choosing any two days between Jan. 5-8 to count birds at their feeders and record their observations. And according to Rachel Bradley, wildlife diversity specialist for the Wildlife Department, attracting birds to backyard feeders is not difficult.
“Just provide food, water and some cover,” Bradley said.
With participants observing birds across the state for four days straight, biologists can obtain important information that can help the Department better understand bird ranges and populations.
“Citizens scientists’ participation in the survey helps biologists gather information from a greater area in a shorter amount of time,” Bradley said.
Currently biologists have documented more than 20 year’s worth of upward and downward trends of birds visiting winter feeders thanks to the support of avid birders across the state.
The survey includes counting birds at backyard feeders at least four times a day for two days during the survey dates and completing a form provided by the Wildlife Department. For detailed instructions and to take the survey, log on to the Wildlife Department’s Winter Bird Feeder Survey website at okwinterbirds.com. The website is an extensive bird-watching resource that provides species identification tips, bird diets, feeding behaviors and winter ranges as well as links to other birding websites. The site also details how to draw birds to backyard feeders using homemade bird attractants that are both healthy and beneficial to wintering birds.
While anyone who has a bird feeder can participate in the 2012 Winter Bird Feeder Survey, certain efforts can be made to attract more birds to feeders. Black-oil sunflower seed is a good choice for bird feeders because of its high protein content for birds during the winter and because virtually all seed-eating Oklahoma songbirds will eat it. Other seed options are white proso millet, nyjer (“thistle”) or safflower. Suet cakes — animal fat that is sometimes mixed with grains or peanut butter, are good for drawing in species such as woodpeckers and birds that do not primarily eat seeds. Finally, a source of water and cover such as brush piles or dense shrubs located near the feeders helps draw more birds.
Among the top birds seen last year at backyard feeders during the survey were the American goldfinch, dark-eyed junco, red-winged blackbird, northern cardinal, mourning dove, house finch, Carolina chickadee and blue jay, but participants also documented sightings of wild turkeys, warblers, kinglets and others.
To learn more about the survey or to participate, log on to okwinterbirds.com.
Online public comment period for regulation changes
Sportsmen have the opportunity to voice their thoughts online now through Jan. 13, 2012, regarding hunting and fishing related rule change proposals currently under consideration.Proposed rule changes are often considered to increase opportunity for sportsmen and improve wildlife conservation measures.
“This is an opportunity to discuss items that could lead to changes in our hunting and fishing regulations,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “We feel strongly that our constituents should have every chance to provide their comments, which is why we are providing an online comment form for those wanting to be heard on these specific subjects. We encourage you to provide your comments through wildlifedepartment.com anytime before 4:30 p.m., Jan. 13, 2012.”
Additionally, those interested can submit written comments by mail to the Wildlife Department’s main office in Oklahoma City (P.O. Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152).
To view a complete listing of proposed rule changes or to complete an online comment form, click here.
Among others, some of the proposed rule changes this year include the following:
* To make it unlawful to bait wildlife on wildlife management areas.
* To change the bear archery season to Oct. 1 through the third Sunday in October and eliminate the quota for bear archery season.
* To set the statewide daily limit of striped bass at five, except as designated.
* To eliminate daily harvest limits on furbearers so that only season limits apply.
* To establish permanent rules for newly purchased wildlife management areas while altering certain rules on already established public lands.
The Wildlife Department also will be hosting public hearings on proposed rule changes at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters auditorium in Oklahoma City (1801 N. Lincoln Blvd) and at the Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau (1509 South McKenna).
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
DECEMBER
25: Last day of Holiday Antlerless Season (only in open zones). Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. For full details and regulations, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
26: Fourth annual trout pond for Tulsa opens for fishing. Made possible by the Oklahoma Chapter of Trout Unlimited, The Tulsa Fly Fishers, NatureWorks and the Tulsa County Parks Department. Oklahoma fishing license is required and all state trout fishing laws apply. Adults are welcome but are asked to "take a kid" fishing. Donations to help continue this program are encouraged. Send your tax deductible donation to Oklahoma Trout Unlimited, PO Box 54108 Tulsa, OK 74155. The Trout Pond For Tulsa is located in The Gardens Park area of LaFortune Park at the corner of 51st St. and Hudson St. To park your car, enter The Gardens Park on the north side off of 51st street between Yale and Hudson. For more information, click here.
26 & 27: State Offices Closed.
JANUARY
5-8: Oklahoma Tackle and Hunting Show at the Oklahoma City Fair Grounds, Oklahoma City.
5-8: Oklahoma Winter Bird Feeder Survey. Help the Wildlife Department track wintering birds at backyard feeders. For more information, click here.
9: Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting. Meetings are held monthly at 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Building (auditorium), 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City.
13: Eleventh annual OKC trout fishing clinic at Putnam City High School Gym (5300 NW Warr Acres) for anyone interested in fishing for and catching rainbow trout. Program is free. To register call the H.B Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 755-4014.
16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – State Offices Closed.
17: Bob Walshaw will present a hands-on bluebird program including how to deal with house sparrows at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow at 7 p.m. This event will be held in the upstairs seminar room, is free and open to the public, and door prizes will be awarded. For more information (918) 355-7600.
24: Predator Calling Seminar at 7 p.m. in the upstairs seminar room at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow.. Scott Ruff will cover bobcat calling, and Travis Alzate will cover coyote calling. Both men are expert predator hunters, videographers and seminar presenters with many years of multi-state experience. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call (918) 355-7600.
31: Prescribed Burn Workshop. Topics will range from legal considerations and techniques for managing fire to environmental considerations and developing prescribed burning plans. Weather permitting an afternoon demonstration burn will be conducted with an explanation of necessary equipment. Workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration fee is $20 and includes lunch. To register call the Noble Foundation at (580) 224-6411 or click here.
FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 21, 2011
CENTRAL
Arcadia: December 15. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits at 25 ft. at the dam. Channel catfish fair on shad at 5-10 ft. in the north-central cove morning and mid-day. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at south docks. Report submitted Linnie Mason, gate attendant.
NORTHEAST
Eucha: December 20. Elevation 3 1/4 ft. below normal, water 48 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush and structure. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.
Ft. Gibson: December 16. Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. White Bass slow on white jigs at 15-20 ft. Catfish fair on cut shad and big minnows drifting the main lake. Report submitted by Rick Stafford in Wagoner.
Greenleaf: December 19. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and bill baits along shorelines, creek channels and riprap. Catfish fair on fresh cut bait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around fishing docks. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: December 18. Catfish fair on fresh shad and stinkbait in deep water in the north end of the lake. Crappie fair on minnows over deep brush. Report by David Rempe, game warden stationed in Grant and Kay counties.
Keystone: December 20. Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 46. Catfish good on cut bait. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. around docks and structure. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Oologah: December 18. Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water upper 50s and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. around brush piles. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Spavinaw: December 20. Elevation slightly below normal, water 47 and dingy. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.
Tenkiller: December 19. Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water 53 and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 10-20 ft. in docks. Catfish fair on flip-flops with cut bait. Sunfish good on night crawlers at 10-20 ft. in docks. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.
Webbers Falls: December 19. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along riprap, creek channels and brush structure. Catfish good on fresh cut bait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and purple jigs around brush structure and bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NOTHWEST
Canton: December 18. Elevation 12 ft. below normal. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs near brush along dam. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: December 17. Elevation 4 1/4 ft. below normal, water 47 and clear to stained in upper creek arms. White bass being caught on chrome CC spoons at 21-28 ft. in creeks and along creek channels. Crappie being caught on 1/16 ounce chartreuse jigs on deeper brush piles. Bass being caught on jigs, crankbaits and finesse worms at 15-25 ft. early morning best. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: December 20. Elevation normal, water 48 and murky. Trout excellent on natural scented and garlic scented Power Bait, shrimp, meal worms and gold bladed spinnerbaits. Fly-fishing good on dark colored woolly buggers. Channel catfish excellent on blood bait and stinkbait in deeper pools around structure. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: December 19. Elevation above normal and rising, water murky. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass good on soft plastic baits and crankbaits in the upper creeks. Catfish fair on juglines and trotlines baited with cut bait. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: December 18. Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water clear. Blue catfish fair on fresh shad in the shallow flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles, under docks and around standing timber. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: December 18. Elevation 1 1/2 ft. above normal and dropping one inch per hour. Lake fishing is slow due to fluctuating water levels and cold temperatures. Blue catfish fair to good on cut bait and worms in the tail waters. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.
Konawa: December 17. Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 5-10 ft. around points and road beds. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on minnows and jigs at 15 ft. in the discharge canal. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
McGee Creek: December 18. Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 52 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 8-20 ft. Crappie fair at 10-20 ft. around cedar brush just off of main creek channels. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: December 18. Elevation above normal, water murky. Bass fair on soft plastics. Catfish good on juglines baited with chicken liver. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Sardis: December 19. Elevation normal. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits, swim baits and crankbaits. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 12-16 ft. Walleye fair trolling at 12-14 ft. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: December 18. Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 52 and clear to the south and murky to the north. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on plastic combination baits and crankbaits at 5-15 ft. in the creek channels. Striped and white bass fair to good at 10-20 ft. in the river channels on live bait, sassy shad and slabs. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on live bait, worms, and stink bait at 10-20 ft. from the Hwy 70 Bridge to the north. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. around the fish attractors with brush. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: December 18. Elevation 8 ft. above normal, water murky. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs below the dam. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Catfish fair to good on juglines baited with cut shad and liver. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Foss: December 14. Elevation 7 ft. below normal with gates closed, water 50s and clear. Crappie fair to good on minnows near structures. Striped bass hybrids slow on slabs. Walleye slow on live bait. Catfish fair on doughbait and stinkbait in channels. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
WATERFOWL REPORT FOR DECEMBER 21, 2011
For zone maps and complete waterfowl hunting regulations log on to wildlifedepartment.com. The next waterfowl report is scheduled for January 3.
NORTHWEST
Canton – Zone 1: Water level is 11.5 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are good, but none are flooded. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are fair, with mostly Canadas present. Hunter activity is high, especially on weekends. Hunter success is good for ducks and low for geese. The large number of mallard and pintail have moved out of the area. NW portion of lake is dry as a result of water release. Water levels are well below boat ramps.
FT. Supply-Zone 1: Water level is 2.66 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor. Local winter wheat is in mostly poor condition. Duck numbers are moderate and goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is high on weekends and moderate during the week. Hunter success is low on both ducks and geese. Duck movement has increased some the last two days with the incoming cold front, goose numbers increases last week but are currently low. The WMA portion of the lake is currently surrounded by approximately 75 yards or more of open shoreline, there are no boat ramps that are opened for use.
SOUTHWEST
Ft. Cobb – Zone 2: Water level is 3.69 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor due to water levels. Peanuts around the area are currently being harvested and winter wheat is planted around the lake. Duck and goose numbers are both good. Hunter activity is low and success is fair. Ducks have arrived since last survey.
Hackberry – Zone 2: Water level is approximately 5 feet below normal. Habitat conditions in the area are poor, with some winter wheat. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are excellent. Hunter activity is good and success is excellent. A portion of Red Head and Teal units flooded with ducks and geese using them. The Big Unit is being flooded and should have good habitat soon.
Mtn. Park – Zone 2: Water level is 6.58 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor. Winter wheat is good on WMA. WDU has 3 of 11 units flooded at this time with moist soil plants available. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are good. Hunter activity is low and success is good. Ducks in the area seen using the shoreline, while geese in the area have been observed using the wheat fields south of the lake on private land.
Waurika – Zone 2: Water level is 5.4 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are poor on the lake, but fair on the wetland units. Winter wheat is in good condition on private lands. Virtually no crops for ducks on surrounding private property. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are moderate. Hunter activity and success in unknown. Bird numbers have been increasing on the lake over the past week.
NORTHEAST
Copan – Zone 2: Water level is 0.5 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are excellent. Native plants in excellent condition around the area, and wheat has been planted but not up yet. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are fair. Hunter activity is extremely heavy and success is fair. Bird movement continues to increase with each cold front.
Eufaula – Zone 2: Water level is 1.27 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are good at current lake elevation, but a rise in water level is needed to improve conditions. Farming activity in the area is light. Duck numbers are fair, with a mix of species present. Goose numbers are low, with local resident birds present. Hunter activity is moderate and success is spotty. Bird movement in the area has picked up with current cold front.
Ft. Gibson-Zone 2: Water level is 1.09 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are good, smartweed, barnyard grass and some agricultural crops in the area. Duck and goose numbers are moderate. Hunter activity is moderate and success is fair to good.
Hulah – Zone 2: Water level is 2 foot below normal. Habitat conditions are good, with harvested soybeans and wheat present. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity and success is low. A few ducks were observed moving into the area with the recent cold front.
Kaw – Zone 2: Water level is 0.30 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are good, with a variety of vegetation present. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are fair. Hunter activity is low and success is excellent. Good numbers of waterfowl present. More waterfowl should arrive with approaching cold front.
Keystone – Zone 2: Water level is 1.0 foot above normal. Habitat conditions are good. Abundant natural food resources are present, the most in over 12 years. Most sloughs, potholes and mudflats at normal lake level have a high amount of food. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is moderate and success is fair to good. Bird movement in the area has been moderate with each passing cold front. Most sloughs and potholes have water, and the lake level is just high enough to be flooding food plants on mudflats. Southern three units of Cottonwood Creek WDU are also now flooded.
Oologah – Zone 2: Water level is 2.41 feet below normal. Habitat conditions are fair to good at current lake level. No flooded millet at current lake elevation. Duck numbers are fair to good, with mostly gadwall, American widgeon and mallards. Goose numbers are fair, with migrant birds moving into the area. Hunter activity and success is poor to fair. Good waterfowl migration expected over the next couple weeks with each frontal passage.
Sooner – Zone 2: Water level is 1.5 feet below normal. Lake habitat area poor, winter wheat around lake vicinity is in fair to good condition. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low, with resident birds present. Hunter activity is high on weekends and moderate on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hunter success is fair. No major bird movement.
Webbers Falls- Zone 2: Water level is 3.03 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are good, with a variety of vegetation present. Cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Duck numbers are moderate. Goose numbers are low to moderate. Hunter activity is moderate and hunter success is fair to moderate.
SOUTHEAST
Hugo – Zone 2: Water level is 3.0 feet above normal. Habitat conditions are fair, with a variety of vegetation present and high water flooding timber. Duck numbers are fair, with mallard, wood duck, gadwall and coot present. Goose numbers are low, with 500 snows present. Bird movement seems to be slowing down with not as many waterfowl moving into area.
Red Slough – Zone 2: Most moist soil units with some sheet water. Unit 47a is 98 percent full, Unit 47b is 90 percent full, units 37 & 38 are 85 percent full, Unit 21 is 100 percent full and Teal Lake is 80 percent full. Habitat conditions are fair to good. Duck numbers are poor, mostly gadwall. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is heavy on weekends and moderate during the week. Hunter success is fair. Some birds left with the last two fronts.
Texoma – Zone 2: Lake level is 612.5. Food conditions in the area are good. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity and success is low. Recent fronts with the addition of rainfall have improved conditions. Ducks have some habitat available at this elevation. Boat access continues to be a problem.
Wister – Zone 2: Water level 7.5 feet above normal and falling. Habitat conditions are good, with various food sources available. Duck and goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is high and success is low. A lot of birds have recently moved out of the area.