Waterfowl Guide 2008-2009
wildlifedepartment.com
WATERFOWL INFORMATION
Welcome!
2008
September
Welcome to the 2008-2009 edition of the Oklahoma Waterfowl Guide. This booklet will highlight all the important rules, regulations, and laws related to waterfowl hunting.
Got a Question? E-mail the Department at info@wildlifedepartment.com
2008 - 2009 SUNRISE / SUNSET TABLE (OKC)
Source: sunrisesunset.com October November December
2009
January February March
Day Rise 1 7:02 2 7:03 3 7:04 4 7:04 5 7:05 6 7:06 7 7:07 8 7:07 9 7:08 10 7:09 11 7:10 12 7:10 13 7:11 14 7:12 15 7:13 16 7:13 17 7:14 18 7:15 19 7:16 20 7:16 21 7:17 22 7:18 23 7:19 24 7:19 25 7:20 26 7:21 27 7:22 28 7:22 29 7:23 30 7:24 31
Set 7:58 7:56 7:55 7:54 7:52 7:51 7:49 7:48 7:46 7:45 7:44 7:42 7:41 7:39 7:38 7:36 7:35 7:33 7:32 7:30 7:29 7:27 7:26 7:25 7:23 7:22 7:20 7:19 7:17 7:16
Rise 7:25 7:26 7:26 7:27 7:28 7:29 7:30 7:30 7:31 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:35 7:36 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:40 7:41 7:42 7:42 7:43 7:44 7:45 7:46 7:47 7:48 7:49 7:50 7:51
Set 7:14 7:13 7:12 7:10 7:09 7:07 7:06 7:05 7:03 7:02 7:00 6:59 6:58 6:56 6:55 6:54 6:53 6:51 6:50 6:49 6:48 6:46 6:45 6:44 6:43 6:42 6:41 6:40 6:38 6:37 6:36
Rise 7:52 6:53 6:54 6:55 6:56 6:56 6:57 6:58 6:59 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:10 7:11 7:12 7:13 7:14 7:15 7:16 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:20
Set 6:35 5:34 5:33 5:32 5:32 5:31 5:30 5:29 5:28 5:27 5:26 5:26 5:25 5:24 5:24 5:23 5:22 5:22 5:21 5:21 5:20 5:20 5:19 5:19 5:19 5:18 5:18 5:18 5:17 5:17
Rise 7:21 7:22 7:22 7:23 7:24 7:25 7:26 7:27 7:27 7:28 7:29 7:30 7:30 7:31 7:32 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:34 7:35 7:35 7:36 7:36 7:37 7:37 7:38 7:38 7:38 7:39 7:39 7:39
Set 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:17 5:18 5:18 5:18 5:19 5:19 5:19 5:20 5:20 5:21 5:21 5:22 5:22 5:23 5:23 5:24 5:25 5:25 5:26 5:27
Rise 7:39 7:39 7:40 7:40 7:40 7:40 7:40 7:40 7:40 7:40 7:40 7:39 7:39 7:39 7:39 7:38 7:38 7:38 7:37 7:37 7:37 7:36 7:36 7:35 7:35 7:34 7:33 7:33 7:32 7:31 7:31
Set 5:27 5:28 5:29 5:30 5:31 5:32 5:32 5:33 5:34 5:35 5:36 5:37 5:38 5:39 5:40 5:41 5:42 5:43 5:44 5:45 5:46 5:47 5:48 5:49 5:50 5:51 5:52 5:53 5:54 5:55 5:56
Rise 7:30 7:29 7:28 7:27 7:27 7:26 7:25 7:24 7:23 7:22 7:21 7:20 7:19 7:18 7:17 7:16 7:15 7:13 7:12 7:11 7:10 7:09 7:08 7:06 7:05 7:04 7:03 7:01
Set 5:57 5:58 5:59 6:00 6:01 6:02 6:03 6:04 6:05 6:06 6:07 6:08 6:09 6:10 6:11 6:12 6:13 6:14 6:15 6:16 6:17 6:18 6:19 6:20 6:21 6:22 6:23 6:24
Rise 7:00 6:59 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:53 6:52 7:51 7:49 7:48 7:47 7:45 7:44 7:42 7:41 7:40 7:38 7:37 7:35 7:34 7:33 7:31 7:30 7:28 7:27 7:25 7:24 7:23 7:21 7:20 7:18
Set 6:25 6:25 6:26 6:27 6:28 6:29 6:30 7:31 7:32 7:33 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:36 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:39 7:40 7:41 7:42 7:43 7:44 7:44 7:45 7:46 7:47 7:48 7:48 7:49 7:50
Times in this table are for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and points exactly north and south thereof. For points lying along a north-south line east of Oklahoma City, subtract one minute for every 13 1/2 miles distance. For points lying along a north-south line west of Oklahoma City, add one minute for each 13 1/2 miles distance. Better still, consult your local U.S. weather station.
2
2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9
O K L A H O M A
WAT E R F O W L
G U I D E
WATERFOWL MAP
(405) 521-2739
10 1
OSAGE
Wetland Development Units*/ Waterfowl Hunting Areas
CIMARRON TEXAS BEAVER HARPER ALFALFA GRANT KAY
WASHINGTON
WOODS
NOWATA
WOODWARD PAWNEE 1. Copan WMA & WDU* 14 MAJOR 11 ELLIS 15 2. Deep Fork WMA – Swift Bottoms TULSA PAYNE WDU* CHEROKEE WAGONER CREEK DEWEY LOGAN KINGFISHER BLAINE 3. Eufaula WMA – Deep Fork WDU* 0ADAIR 17 4. Eufaula WMA – Mill Creek WDU* MUSKOGEE OKMULGEE ROGER LINCOLN 2 3 5CUSTER MILLS SEQUOYAH 5. Lake Foss1 OKLAHOMA CANADIAN OKFUSKEE 40 40 McINTOSH 6. Ft. Cobb WMA – Walnut Slough CLEVELAND BECKHAM WASHITA 4 HASKELL WDU* 12 6CADDO 7. Grassy Slough WMA – Grassy Slough HUGHES 25 GRADY GREER WDU* **** KIOWA PITTSBURG McCLAIN LATIMER LE FLORE 8. Hackberry Flat WMA – Hackberry Flat 16 PONTOTOC GARVIN COMANCHE WDU* **** JACKSON 35 COAL 9. Hugo WMA – Hugo/Kiamichi River & STEPHENS MURRAY PUSHMATAHA TILLMAN Sawyer WDU’s* 21 23 ATOKA 8 JOHNSTON COTTON CARTER 22 10. Hulah WMA – Whipporwill WDU* McCURTAIN 9 JEFFERSON CHOCTAW MARSHALL 11. Keystone WMA – Boston Pool, 24 BRYAN LOVE 13 Buckeye Creek & Cottonwood Creek 7 19 WDU’s* 12. Lake Thunderbird** (Maps of most WDUs are available at wildlifedepartment.com on the Digital Atlas) 13. Love Valley WMA – Stevens Springs WDU* 14. McClellan-Kerr WMA – Billy Creek WDU* 15. McClellan-Kerr WMA – Chouteau WDU* Federal Duck stamps, which are required of all waterfowl hunters 16. Mountain Park WMA – Mountain 16 years of age and over, can now be purchased online. (They may Park WDU* also be purchased at U.S. Post offices and some Oklahoma license 17. Okmulgee WMA – Okmulgee East & dealers.) Okmulgee West WDU’s* 18. Oologah WMA – Overcup Bottoms & • Hunters wishing to purchase a stamp in advance may visit Upper Verdigris WDU’s* duckstamp.com and order a stamp which will be mailed to them. 19. Red Slough WMA – Red Slough Shipping costs apply. WDU* **** 20. Sooner Lake*** • Hunters needing an immediate stamp may purchase a stamp from 21. Texoma/Washita Arm WMA – Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as part of a pilot program Washita Arm WDU* (Oklahoma was not chosen to be one of the pilot states.) Visit www. 22. Tishomingo WMU* agfc.com and purchase a federal duck stamp, then print out a receipt. 23. Waurika WMA – Walker Creek WDU* This receipt will act as a stamp and must be signed and carried by the 24. White Grass Flats WMA – White hunter until the actual stamp arrives by mail. A $2 convenience fee will Grass Flats WDU* **** 25. Wister WMA – Coal Creek & Fourche apply. Questions? Call (800) 364-4263 (toll-free). Maline WDU’s*
POTTAWATOMIE
GARFIELD
NOBLE
20
ROGERS
MAYES
*Hunting on Wetland Development Units is limited to half-day hunting: one-half hour before official sunrise to 1 p.m. daily. No permanent blinds are permitted on these areas. All shotgun hunting on state Wetland Development Units and state Waterfowl Refuges is restricted to federally approved nontoxic shot only and the possession of lead shot is prohibited. ** Open one-half hour before official sunrise to 1 p.m. daily. Hunting in designated areas only. *** Hunting in designated areas Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. **** Closed to all air-driven watercraft. 1 Hunting in designated areas only. Maps of the designated hunt areas and area waterfowl hunting regulations available at the Foss Lake State Park Office. The total days of outdoor activity from 2006 that people spent fishing, hunting, and wildlife-viewing in Oklahoma added together equals 63,592 years.
HARMON
Federal Stamps now available online!
SEMINOLE
DELAWARE
35
18
CRAIG
OTTAWA
3
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
LICENSE, STAMP AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
(405) 521-3852
1) Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit: All migratory bird hunters, including lifetime license holders who hunt migratory birds (dove, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, woodcock, rails, gallinules and snipe), must carry an Oklahoma Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit issued by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation or a designated license dealer while hunting migratory birds. Permits are available from any Oklahoma hunting license dealer for $3. Permits are available FREE at wildlifedepartment.com. HIP permits are similar to the Oklahoma waterfowl hunting license in that they are valid from July 1 through the following June 30. Sportsmen exempt from the HIP Permit include: a) all hunters under 16 years of age, b) all hunters 64 years of age or older (or those who turn 64 during the calendar year in which they intend to hunt migratory birds), and c) resident landowners hunting only on their own land. 2) Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal duck stamp): Federal law requires that every waterfowl hunter 16 years of age and over must carry on their person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamp, signed in ink across the face. These are available for $15 at U.S. Post Offices, some Oklahoma license dealers, and at duckstamp.com. (See page 3 for information on how to purchase an online stamp which is effective immediately.) “Waterfowl” refers to ducks and geese only. No federal duck stamp is required for coot or sandhill crane hunting. 3) Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting License (waterfowl stamp): Every resident 16 years of age and over and every nonresident (regardless of age) must have in their possession an Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting license while hunting waterfowl, unless exempt. Licenses are available from any Oklahoma hunting license dealer. Licenses are also available at wildlifedepartment.com (a $3 convenience fee will be applied to your total). “Waterfowl” refers to ducks and geese only. No state waterfowl license is required for coot or sandhill crane hunting. The waterfowl license is valid from July 1 through the following June 30. Sportsmen exempt from the Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting License include: a) resident landowners hunting on their own land, b) ODWC resident lifetime hunting or combination license holders, c) residents age 65 or older, and d) residents under 16 years of age. 4) Federal Sandhill Crane Permit: All sandhill crane hunters, including lifetime license holders, must purchase the Federal Sandhill Crane permit for $3. Permits are valid from July 1 through the following June 30 and are available from any Oklahoma hunting license dealer. Permits are also available at wildlifedepartment.com (a $3 convenience fee will be applied to your total). 5) Hunting License: Residents 16 years of age and older (unless exempt) and nonresidents 14 years of age and older (unless exempt) must possess either an annual hunting, 5-day nonresident hunting or combination license. Refer to the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” for specific license exemptions. 6) Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permit: This $5 permit is required of anyone hunting, including nonresidents, unless exempt. Those persons exempt from the legacy permit include all Oklahoma lifetime license holders, senior citizens lifetime license holders, residents who have a 5-year disability hunting license, residents under 18 or 64 years of age or older, nonresidents under the age of 14, and those who are otherwise exempt from an annual hunting license.
4
2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9
O K L A H O M A
WAT E R F O W L
G U I D E
LICENSE COSTS
(405) 521-3852
MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING RELATED LICENSES AND FEES
(Annual licenses, permits and stamps available at wildlifedepartment.com) LICENSE CODE RES.
$20
NONRES.
$137 $42.50 $70
Hunting RH / NAH Nonresident 5-Day Hunting N5H (effective Nov. 1, 2008, the price increases to $70) Resident Combination Hunting / Fishing CHF Resident Youth Hunting (16 and 17 year olds only) YH Res. Youth Comb. Hunting / Fishing (16 and 17 year olds only) YC Resident 5-Year Hunting * RH5 Resident 5-Year Combination Hunting / Fishing * RC5 Lifetime Hunting Lifetime Combination Hunting / Fishing Lifetime Hunting 60 and Over Lifetime Combination Hunting / Fishing 60 and Over Lifetime Disabled Veteran Combination Hunting / Fishing (under 60 percent disability) Lifetime Disabled Veteran Combination Hunting / Fishing (60 percent or more disability) Oklahoma Waterfowl License (state waterfowl stamp) ** WFM or DS Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit ** HIP (free at wildlifedepartment.com) Federal Sandhill Crane Permit ** SHC Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (federal duck stamp, available at U.S. Post Offices and duckstamp.com) ** Senior Citizen Hunting Senior Citizen Combination Hunting / Fishing Lifetime Oklahoma Waterfowl License (state waterfowl stamp) Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permit FHL
$37 $5 $9 $88 $148 $625 $775 $225 $240 $200 $25 $10 $3 $3 $15 $6 $10 $50 $5 $10 $3 $3 $15
$5
* Available Jan. 1, 2009 ** Valid from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009. (For a more complete list of hunting and fishing licenses, consult the current Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Guides or wildlifedepartment.com.)
ATTENTION MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTERS
If you are going to hunt:
DOVE, DUCKS, GEESE, SANDHILL CRANES, COOTS, WOODCOCK, RAILS, GALLINULES AND SNIPE
you must obtain and carry an Oklahoma Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program permit in addition to applicable licenses while you hunt.
Lifetime license holders must obtain this permit and have it in their possession while hunting migratory birds. The HIP permit is valid from July 1 through June 30.
SPORTSMEN EXEMPT FROM THIS REQUIREMENT INCLUDE: • all hunters under 16 years of age • all hunters 64 years of age or older (or those who turn 64 during the calendar year they intend to hunt migratory birds) • resident landowners hunting only on their own land
PERMITS ARE AVAILABLE FROM ANY OKLAHOMA HUNTING LICENSE DEALER FOR $3. PERMITS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FREE AT WILDLIFEDEPARTMENT.COM.
The average hunter spent 24 days afield in 2006.
5
APPRENTICE LICENSE
(405) 522-4572
OKLAHOMA HAS NEW HUNTER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Oklahoma’s hunter education requirements have changed. Many licenses and permits can now be sold with an apprentice designation which allows individuals without hunter education certification to hunt under certain conditions.
EDUCATION EXEMPTIONS FROM HUNTER EDUCATION:
1. 36 years of age or older. 2. Honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. 3. Currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. 4. Member of the National Guard.
S YEARS OF AGE AND YOUNGER 9 OF AGE
• Hunter education certified: You can hunt big game and/or small game alone (except hunters participating in youth deer & youth turkey seasons or youth waterfowl weekends). For small game, you must carry hunter education certification on your person when hunting alone. • Not hunter education certified: You cannot buy any big game (deer, antelope or elk) license or hunt any big game; you must have hunter education. You may hunt small game, including turkey, but you must hunt with an “accompanying hunter” who is within sight of and able to communicate with you in a normal voice, without the aid of any communication device.
10 YEARS OF AGE THROUGH 35 YEARS OF AGE
• Hunter education certified: You can buy any hunting license (if required), and hunt big game and/or small game alone (except hunters 17 years of age or younger participating in youth deer & youth turkey seasons or youth waterfowl weekends). If you are 15 years of age or younger and no hunting license is required, you must carry hunter education certification on your person while hunting small game. • Not hunter education certified: You can buy any hunting license (if required), but the license will have an apprentice designation (at no extra cost) and have accompanying hunter requirements (see text below.) When hunting: ◊ Big game (deer, elk, and antelope) – “accompanying hunter” shall be within arm’s length of the apprentice hunter or close enough to take immediate control of the firearm or archery equipment of the apprentice. ◊ Small game (including turkey) – “accompanying hunter” shall be in sight of and be able to communicate with the apprentice hunter in a normal voice without the aid of any communication device. When a license is not required (residents under 16 years of age, nonresidents under 14 years of age), the hunter must still be accompanied.
WHAT IS AN “ACCOMPANYING HUNTER” FOR APPRENTICE-DESIGNATED LICENSES?
An individual 21 years of age or older who is: • licensed and hunter education certified, or • exempt from hunter education and/or hunting license requirements.
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2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9
O K L A H O M A
WAT E R F O W L
G U I D E
HUNTING SEASON DATES
Squirrel Dove Rabbit Deer Archery Turkey Fall Archery Youth Deer Gun Deer Muzzleloader Turkey Fall Gun Quail Deer Gun Pheasant Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun Youth Spring Turkey
(2009)
May 15 - Jan. 31 Sept. 1 - Oct. 30 (Statewide) & Dec. 27 - Jan. 5 (Only in southwest zone) Oct. 1 - March 15 Oct. 1 - Jan. 15 Oct. 1 - Jan. 15 Oct. 17 - 19 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 (Antlerless days vary by zone) Nov. 1 - Nov. 21 (Only in open counties) Nov. 8 - Feb. 15 Nov. 22 - Dec. 7 (Antlerless days vary by zone) Dec. 1 - Jan. 31 (Only in open areas) Dec. 19 - 21 & Dec. 26 - 28 (Only in open zones) April 4 - 5 April 6 - May 6
Spring Turkey
(2009)
Did you know that the outdoor opportunities enjoyed by hunters, anglers and
boaters today are in a large part enhanced by hunting and fishing licenses issued in years past? It’s true and it’s possible through the Federal Assistance in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs. Here’s how the program works. Hunting and fishing equipment (including a percentage of boat and small engine gasoline sales) carries a federal tax that is collected from the manufacturer. These taxes are then distributed to the state fish and wildlife agencies by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs. These programs are unique in that they function as “user pays, user benefits” programs. The number of hunting and fishing licenses issued in Oklahoma annually helps determine the final amount of the programs’ funding. Because of the Sport Fish and Wildlife programs, Oklahoma’s funds today represent millions of additional conservation dollars invested in our state by licensed hunters, anglers, and boaters. Wildlife conservation is ultimately the sportsman’s responsibility. Do your part and buy a hunting and fishing license today, or buy one for a friend or loved one. Generations to come will benefit from your purchase. For more information visit wildlifedepartment.com/restore.htm.
Migratory bird hunters in Oklahoma spent over 34 million dollars in retail sales in 2006.
7
WATERFOWL REGULATIONS
(405) 424-0096
WATERFOWL DATES, AREAS, DAILY AND POSSESSION LIMITS AND SHOOTING HOURS
DUCKS, MERGANSERS AND COOTS
PANHANDLE COUNTIES (High Plains Mallard Management Unit) • October 11, 2008 - January 7, 2009 • Pintail/Canvasback Season: October 11 - November 18, 2008 • Youth Waterfowl Days: October 4-5, 2008 (see page 14 for more information) ZONE 1 • October 25 - November 30, 2008; and December 13 - January 18, 2009 • Pintail/Canvasback Season: October 25 - November 30, 2008; and Dec. 13 - 14, 2008 • Youth Waterfowl Days: October 11 - 12, 2008 (see page 14 for more information) ZONE 2 • November 1 - 30, 2008; and December 13, 2008 - January 25, 2009 • Pintail/Canvasback Season: December 18, 2008 - January 25, 2009 • Youth Waterfowl Days: October 25 - 26, 2008 (see page 14 for more information)
Duck Hunting Zones
PANHANDLE COUNTIES
(High Plains Mallard Management Unit)
412
132
Boundary that divides Zone 1 from Zone 2: OK 33 from the Texas border to OK 47, OK 47 to U.S. 183, U.S. 183 south to I-40, I-40 east to U.S. 177, U.S. 177 north to OK 33, OK 33 east to OK 18, OK 18 north to OK 51, OK 51 west to I-35, I-35 north to U.S. 412, U.S. 412 west to OK 132, OK 132 north to the Kansas border.
DUCK ZONE 1
47
35
51 33
18
33
183
40
177
DUCK ZONE 2
DAILY LIMITS: Ducks: Six (6). The daily limit may include no more than: five mallards (only two may be hens), two scaup, two wood ducks, two redheads, one pintail and one canvasback. Pintails and canvasbacks may be taken only during the established pintail/canvasback season (see season dates above). Mergansers: Five (5). The daily limit may include no more than two (2) hooded mergansers. Coots: Fifteen (15). POSSESSION LIMITS: The possession limit after the first day of hunting is two (2) times the daily limit for ducks, mergansers and coots. SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
8
2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9
O K L A H O M A
WAT E R F O W L
G U I D E
WATERFOWL REGULATIONS
GEESE & SANDHILL CRANE
(405) 424-0096
CANADA GEESE November 1 - 30, 2008; and December 13, 2008 - February 15, 2009 Daily Limit: Three (3). WHITE-FRONTED GEESE November 1 - 30, 2008; and December 13, 2008 - February 6, 2009 Daily Limit: One (1). LIGHT GEESE (SNOW, BLUE & ROSS’) November 1 - 30, 2008; and December 13, 2008 - February 15, 2009 Daily Limit: Twenty (20). SANDHILL CRANE October 25, 2008 - January 25, 2009. Hunting allowed west of I-35 only. Daily Limit: Three (3). Federal Sandhill Crane Permit Required All sandhill crane hunters, including lifetime license holders, must purchase a Federal Sandhill Crane Permit. Permits are $3 and are available from any Oklahoma hunting license dealer. Permits are also available at wildlifedepartment.com (a $3 convenience fee will be applied to your total). POSSESSION LIMITS: The possession limit for geese and cranes after the first day of hunting is two (2) times the daily limit, except there is no possession limit for light geese. SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. CONSERVATION ORDER LIGHT GOOSE SEASON (COLGS)
February 16 - March 31, 2009 Daily Limit: There are no daily or possession limits. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset Special Provisions: • electronic calls allowed • unplugged shotguns allowed • shooting hours extended to one-half hour after sunset • no daily or possession limits This season is designed to increase harvest and allow hunters to help reduce the population of midcontinent light geese (snow, blue & Ross’). All other waterfowl regulations apply, including use of federally-approved nontoxic shot. All participants are required to have in their possession while hunting all necessary licenses, waterfowl stamps and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit. In order to estimate the harvest of light geese during COLGS, we need hunters to register for the hunt on the Internet by going to: wildlifedepartment.com or by sending their name, address and telephone number to: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Attn: COLGS P.O. Box 53465 Oklahoma City, OK 73152
Migratory bird hunters made up 25 percent of the total number of hunters in 2006.
9
WATERFOWL / FEDERAL REGULATIONS
LEGAL MEANS OF TAKING MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS
(405) 424-0096
Shotgun (conventional or muzzleloading), bow and arrow or legal raptors. Shotguns must not be larger than 10 gauge. No rifles, pistols or shotgun slugs. Shotguns must be incapable of holding more than three (3) shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
NONTOXIC SHOT REGULATIONS
All waterfowl (ducks and geese) and coot hunting is restricted to use of federally approved nontoxic shot in all areas of the state. Unless otherwise provided, all shotgun hunting on state wetland development units and state waterfowl refuges is restricted to federally approved nontoxic shot only. Possession of lead shot while hunting waterfowl or coots and for all shotgun hunting on state wetland development units and state waterfowl refuges is prohibited. For more information on federally approved nontoxic shot types, see http://migratorybirds.fws.gov/issues/nontoxic_shot/ nontoxic.htm (do not add “www.” to this address).
In addition to state regulations, these federal rules apply to the taking, possession, transportation and storage of migratory game birds. Restrictions: No person shall take migratory game birds: • With a trap, snare, net, crossbow, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fishhook, poison, drug, explosive, or stupefying substance. • With a shotgun capable of holding more than three (3) shells, except as provided during the COLGS season (see page 9) and the Special Resident Canada Goose season (see page 31 of the 2008-2009 Hunting Guide). • From a sink box (a low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the water’s surface). • From or with the aid or use of a car or other motor driven land conveyance, or any aircraft. • From or by means of any motor or sail boat unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sail furled, and its progress therefrom has ceased. • By the use or aid of live decoys. • Using records or tapes of migratory bird calls, or sounds, or electronically amplified imitations of bird calls, except as provided during the COLGS season (see page 9) and the Special Resident Canada Goose season (see page 31 of the 2008-2009 Hunting Guide). • By driving, rallying, or chasing birds with any motorized conveyance or any sail boat to put them in range of hunters. • By the aid of baiting or on or over a baited area where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited. A baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days after complete removal of any bait. Baiting includes placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over areas where hunters are attempting to take them. Agricultural areas must be prepared in accordance with official recommendations to be legally hunted. It is a separate offense to place or direct placement of bait on or adjacent to an area that causes, induces, or allows another to hunt by the aid of bait on or over a baited area. Hunters are responsible for ensuring that an area has not been baited and should verify its legality prior to hunting. The maximum federal penalties are: for hunting over bait: $15,000/6 months jail, and placing bait: $100,000/1 year jail. For additional information, consult www.fws.gov/le. Closed Season: No person shall take migratory game birds during the closed season. Shooting Hours: No person shall take migratory game birds except during the hours open to shooting as prescribed. Daily Bag Limit: No person shall take in any one (1) day more than one daily bag limit. Field Possession Limit: No person shall possess more than one (1) daily bag limit, tagged or not tagged while in the field or while returning from the field to one’s car, hunting camp, home, etc. Wanton Waste: All migratory game birds shall be retrieved if possible, and retained in the custody of the hunter in the field. Tagging: No person shall give, put or leave any migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of another person unless the birds are tagged by the hunter with the following information. 1. The hunter’s signature. 2. The hunter’s address. 3. The total number of birds involved, by species. 4. The dates such birds were killed. Tagging is required if birds are being transported by another person for the hunter, or if birds have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment, or taxidermy services. Possession of Live Birds: Crippled birds must be immediately killed. Dressing: No person shall completely dress any migratory game bird (except doves and bandtailed pigeons) and then transport the birds from the field. The head or one (1) fully feathered wing must remain attached to all such birds while being transported from the field to one’s home or to a commercial facility. Shipment: No persons shall ship migratory game birds unless package is marked on outside with: 1. The name and address of the person sending the birds. 2. The name and address of the person to whom the birds are being sent. 3. The number of birds, by species, contained in the package. Importation: For information regarding the importation of migratory birds killed in another country, hunters should consult federal regulations 50 CFR 20.61 through 20.66. One (1) fully-feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the port of entry and one’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility. No person shall import migratory game birds killed in any foreign country except Canada, unless such birds are dressed (except as required in 20.63), drawn, and the head and feet are removed. No person shall import migratory game birds belonging to another person.
Caution: More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges open to public hunting. For more information on federal regulations, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 2700 Coltrane Place, Suite #4, Edmond, OK 73034, (405) 715-0617.
10
2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9
O K L A H O M A
WAT E R F O W L
G U I D E
WATERFOWL REGULATIONS
(405) 424-0096
WATERFOWL HUNTING ON DEPARTMENT FISHING LAKES
Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the following Department fishing lakes from September 1 through March 31 during all open waterfowl seasons: American Horse, Burtschi, Evans-Chambers, Hall, Jap Beaver, Nanih Waiya, Ozzie Cobb, Schooler and Vanderwork. Only temporary blinds may be used on these lakes. The following Department fishing lakes are closed to hunting: Elmer, Etling, Raymond Gary, Watonga, and Wayne Wallace.
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS
Wildlife Management Areas (WMA’s), including Lakes Dahlgren (within Lexington WMA) and Vincent (within Ellis County WMA), are open to waterfowl hunting during applicable open seasons except when they are closed for controlled hunts and unless otherwise closed for other hunting seasons. Please consult the Public Lands section in the current Oklahoma Hunting Guide for specific closed dates.
WATERFOWL HUNTING BLINDS ON RESERVOIRS
• Waterfowl hunting blinds constructed on public lands are of two (2) types: permanent blinds constructed for seasonal use, and temporary blinds constructed for only one (1) hunting trip and removed at the end of said trip. • Hunters wishing to construct permanent blinds on Corps of Engineers reservoirs must first obtain a permit for constructing a blind. Permits are not required for temporary blinds. • Temporary blinds only are allowed on Altus-Lugert, Arbuckle, Birch, Broken Bow, Chouteau (L&D 17), Copan, Fort Cobb, Heyburn, Hugo, Hulah, Kaw, Keystone, Newt Graham (L&D 18), Mountain Park, Oologah, Optima, Pine Creek, Robert S. Kerr (L&D 15), Skiatook, Tenkiller, Texoma and Wister reservoirs. • Permanent or temporary blinds can be constructed on Canton, Eufaula, Fort Gibson, Fort Supply, W.D. Mayo (L&D 14), Waurika and Webbers Falls (L&D 16) reservoirs. • Permanent blind permits are issued annually in September by public drawing for Eufaula, Fort Gibson, W.D. Mayo (L&D 14), Waurika and Webbers Falls (L&D 16) reservoirs. Information on specific dates, location and time of drawings can be obtained by contacting the Area Biologist or online at wildlifedepartment.com. Phone numbers are listed in the current Oklahoma Hunting Guide. • Permanent blind permits are issued on a first come, first served basis for Canton and Fort Supply reservoirs. • To obtain a permanent blind permit after the first day of issuance, contact the Area Biologist of the area of interest. • Applicants for drawing on permanent blind permits must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid hunting license, HIP permit, a signed Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamp (federal duck stamp) and a valid Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting license (state duck stamp), unless exempt. • All individuals wanting a permanent blind permit must attend the permit drawings. • Permit holders must have the permit number conspicuously displayed in the blind throughout the waterfowl season. • Blinds must be constructed within 25 yards of designated locations. No blinds, whether temporary or permanent, shall be constructed within 250 yards of another blind. • Blinds must be constructed two (2) weeks prior to the opening day of waterfowl season, otherwise the blind may be reissued on a first come, first served basis. All blinds must be removed within 14 days after the close of waterfowl season. Blinds remaining after this date shall become the property of the Department. • Permit holders will have priority use on their blind each day until 7:30 a.m. After this time, unoccupied blinds will be available to others. Blinds must not be locked. • Noncompliance with regulations will result in a citation or forfeiture of right to obtain a blind permit the next year.
This program operates free from discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinion or affiliation, race, creed, color, gender, age, ancestry, marital status or disability. A person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against or would like further information should write: Director, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152, or Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
Resident hunters topped 15 million dollars for ammunition purchases in 2006.
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Working for wetlands and waterfowl
by Micah Holmes, Information Supervisor
he Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages thousands of acres of waterfowl habitat projects on public lands across the state. Although they may seem as natural as teal at first light, these projects actually require thousands of hours of work in the office and in the field by biologists and technicians from the Wildlife Department and other agencies, as well as non-profit conservation organizations, civic leaders, and public citizens. Most of these areas were developed and funded through sales of Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting licenses (state duck stamps). Since 1981, these funds have continued to provide for improvement, renovation, and enhancement of these areas. In addition, Wildlife Department personnel also provide considerable resources toward area maintenance and management activities. Private conservation organizations, such as Ducks Unlimited, NatureWorks, and other private organizations/individuals, have
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contributed funds to develop and enhance existing areas. Following we highlight just two wetland projects going on around the state. • Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area located in southwest Oklahoma near Frederick, has been widely recognized nationwide as one of the most successful wetland restoration efforts ever attempted. Once a drained and plowed shadow of a former ecosystem, Hackberry Flat is now a shining example of what a wetland can be – and of what individual citizens, government agencies and private businesses can accomplish when they work together toward a common goal. With the help of its many partners, the Wildlife Department built nearly 40 miles of levees and ditches to form a honeycomb of wetland units that allow managers to flood any part of the area according to the needs of migrating birds. A 17-mile aqueduct connecting Hackberry Flat to Tom Steed Reservoir
O K L A H O M A
was a critical component in the process. The pipeline assures a dependable water supply even during dry years. More than nine miles of water distribution canals and 92 different water control structures give managers a wide variety of management options. It is no longer a secret that the area can offer fantastic waterfowl hunting. Hundreds of thousands of mallards, teal, Canada geese, sandhill cranes and other migratory birds descend on Hackberry every fall. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, which owns and manages 7,120-acre Hackberry Flat has built upon the success of this restoration by constructing a 4,600-square foot center on the area. This unique, multi-functional facility will serve as an outreach center, meeting place and wetland laboratory. Included in the interpretive displays is information on the area’s history, species of special interest and maps to help newcomers navigate the area. The center also provides meeting spaces for students and a workspace for onsite research. • The Cottonwood Creek Wetland Development Unit is located on the Keystone Wildlife Management Area. Totaling 275 acres, this unique wetland is nestled at the confluence of the Cimarron River and Cottonwood Creek and was originally completed in 1991. Wildlife Department employees have begun an ambitious restoration project with the help of many different partners, including Ducks Unlimited and NatureWorks in recognition of Robert Hawkins.
G U I D E
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WAT E R F O W L
Working for wetlands and waterfowl
Private funds for public good
There are many conservation organizations devoted to ensuring our strong legacy of hunting in Oklahoma. Contact these groups to find out how you can get involved today. The project reflects the Wildlife Department’s philosophy of maintaining and improving existing wetlands. Biologists from both the Wildlife Department and Ducks Unlimited agree that this approach gives sportsmen the most bang for their buck. Like many wetland development units, Cottonwood Creek is managed as a moist soil unit and is seasonally flooded or drained to encourage annual native plants. These plants provide important food resources such as seeds, tubers and browse. In addition, these soil, plant and water conditions serve to provide critical habitat to attract other equally important waterfowl foods such as aquatic invertebrates. Depending on the year and weather conditions, hunters might find some units or portions may be dry or disced to maintain and improve habitat conditions. After all, wetlands are not always wet. The first phase of the Cottonwood Creek restoration is the replacement of the water control structures in many of the units. The timing of water can make a huge difference in the quantity and quality of the food sources available for ducks. When the water control structures are broke, leaking or inaccessible it could very likely mean less food for the ducks and less ducks for the hunters. The new water control structures will allow managers to more precisely move water into and out of the units. The second phase of the restoration will be the construction of a permanent pumping station with a 21-inch pipe near the Cimarron River. This should allow managers to flood some of the units just in time for future hunting seasons. The restoration work continues. As you read this it is likely that Wildlife Department biologists along with partners like Ducks Unlimited are working to improve a wetland near you. Already initial design work has begun on Waurika, Mill Creek, Upper Verdigris, Canton and Packsaddle wetlands.
• • •
Ducks Unlimited (405) 330-3459 NatureWorks (918) 296-4278 Hackberry Flat Foundation (580) 335-2168
Log on to wildlifedepartment.com to see the Outdoor Calendar with a listing of banquets, auctions and other events to raise money for Oklahoma wildlife.
In 2006 resident hunters spent nearly $3.8 million for decoys.
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YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES (405) 424-0122
Introducing a young hunter to the wonders of waterfowl hunting is the most important thing every hunter can do to ensure the future of the sport. There are truly no excuses not to take a new hunter with you this fall. • Youth Waterfowl Weekends Panhandle: October 4-5, 2008 Zone 1: October 11 - 12, 2008 Zone 2: October 25 - 26, 2008 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows two (2) additional days outside of the regular waterfowl season to provide a special waterfowl hunting opportunity for kids. Youth hunters must be 15 years of age or younger. An adult must accompany the youth hunter into the field. If the youth is hunter education certified, accompanying hunter must be 18 years of age or older. If the youth is not hunter education certified, accompanying hunter must be 21 years of age or older and hunter education certified or exempt. This adult cannot hunt waterfowl but may participate in other open seasons. The daily limit may include ducks (including a pintail, a canvasback and mergansers), coots and geese. Limits are the same as the regular seasons. All species and sex specific duck daily limit restrictions remain in effect. • Youth Waterfowl Hunts conducted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation – These guided hunts are designed to provide youth who do not have an adult mentor who waterfowl hunts an opportunity to experience the traditions of waterfowling. DATES: To be decided. LOCATION: Altus-Lugert Lake, Canton Lake, Ft. Gibson Waterfowl Refuge, Ft. Cobb Lake Refuge, Hackberry Flat Waterfowl Refuge, Okmulgee Public Hunting Area, McClellan/Kerr WMA- Vann’s Lake, McClellan/Kerr WMA-Webbers Falls Waterfowl Refuge, Wagoner Co., and Wister Lake Refuge AGE: Applicants must be 12 to 15 years of age, have proof of successfully completing a certified hunter education course, and have an adult guardian who can accompany them on the hunt. DEADLINE: Nov. 15, 2008. HOW TO APPLY: Provide the following information on a 3x5 postcard: name, address, telephone number, youth’s hunter education number, and the name of the desired hunt location and two alternate hunt locations where they would like to hunt. The scheduled date of the hunt will be coordinated with successful applicants after the drawing. Applicants may apply only once. Applications must be received by November 15, 2008, and should be mailed to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Youth Waterfowl Hunts, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. For more information contact Jeff Neal, migratory game bird technician at (405) 424-0122.
KENNY SEALS
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O K L A H O M A
WAT E R F O W L
G U I D E
HUNTER’S CHOICE BAG LIMIT TRIAL
(405) 424-0096
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Approves Third Year of Hunter’s Choice Bag Limit Trial
The Central Flyway is in the last year of a three-year trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a new daily limit for ducks designed to maintain maximum hunting opportunities in the future. These regulations are being called the Hunter’s Choice Bag Limit. For the duration of the trial, half of the 10 states in the Central Flyway, including Oklahoma, will maintain similar seasons as previous years, while the other five states will use the Hunter’s Choice Bag Limit (see graphic). Oklahoma was not selected as one of the states to try the Hunter’s Choice Regulations. The Problem: A long-term decline in pintail populations and a small population of canvasbacks have led biologists to develop ways to limit the harvest of these ducks while allowing harvest of more abundant species. In recent years, there have been “seasons within seasons” where the take of pintails and canvasbacks was only allowed for 39 days of the overall 74-day duck season. The Hunter’s Choice Bag Limit has the potential to limit harvest on pintails and canvasbacks, like “seasons within seasons”, and may be more acceptable to hunters than having partially closed seasons on several ducks. Hunter’s Choice uses an aggregate or combined bag limit category to restrict the harvest of duck species needing special harvest management consideration, while maintaining full hunting opportunity on abundant species or stocks of ducks such as drake mallards. The Hunter’s Choice aggregate bag limit category includes the hen mallard, pintail, canvasback, and in Texas, a mottled duck, where only one of the duck species in the aggregate category can be taken in the daily limit. For those species in the aggregate bag category, the harvest of one will buffer the harvest of the others, thus reducing the harvest of all. At the end of the trial the two different types of regulations will be evaluated for their effectiveness in limiting pintail and canvasback harvest and hunters will be surveyed to see which set of regulations they prefer.
Central Flyway
Hunter’s Choice States
Non-Hunter’s Choice States
Duck Regulation Differences
Non-Hunter’s Choice States
No Change for 2008 (Same as Recent Past) • Six bird daily limit with select duck species allowed in combination. • Seasons within seasons where pintail and canvasback harvest are not allowed during periods of the overall duck season.
Hunter’s Choice States
Hunter’s Choice Regulations in Effect • Five bird daily limit with select duck species allowed in combination. • Pintail and canvasback harvest is allowed during the entire duck season (one pintail or canvasback or one hen mallard allowed per day).
Because this topic is somewhat complex, the Wildlife Department has created a link on its Web site. Log onto wildlifedepartment.com/waterfowl/hunterchoice2.htm for more in-depth information.
The average age of hunters in Oklahoma was 43 in 2006, with 93 percent being male.
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WATERFOWL IDENTIFICATION
CRANE IDENTIFICATION
Whooping cranes are an endangered species that migratory bird hunters may encounter. The Department believes that hunting can continue when whooping cranes are present as long as hunters are aware and diligent in their responsibility to absolutely identify their quarry.
WHOOPING CRANES ARE ENDANGERED AND ARE FEDERALLY PROTECTED.
whooping cranes sandhill crane
While standing next to one another, whooping cranes and sandhill cranes can be relatively easy to tell apart, as shown above. However, hunters should be especially careful during low light or backlit conditions as whooping cranes and sandhill cranes will both appear dark and can look similar. If you cannot positively identify the bird, DON’T SHOOT!
whooping cranes in flight snowy white body sandhill cranes in flight
solid gray body
black wing tips no black wing tips
Whooping Crane
Snowy white and stands more than four feet tall, with a 7 1/2 foot wingspan. Black wingtips are visible in flight. Adults have a red crown and are usually found in small groups of six or fewer and may be seen flying or feeding with sandhill cranes.
Sandhill Crane
Solid gray, although it may look almost white in certain light. Stands four feet tall or less, with a six foot wingspan. Adults have a red crown.
For more information on identifying cranes, log on to: www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/SandhillCrane/SandhillCraneHunters.htm
WATERFOWL IDENTIFICATION RESOURCES
Let us help you improve your waterfowl identification skills. Use the reference guide on our Web site to learn to identify every waterfowl species in the Central Flyway (look under “Hunting,” then “Waterfowl” for the links to both the waterfowl reports and identification section). Waterfowl I.D. booklets also are available free upon request at the Department’s Oklahoma City or Jenks offices or for $2 by mail. Call (405) 521-3855 for information.
wildlifedepartment.com
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WATERFOWL IDENTIFICATION
PUDDLE DUCKS: ducks that typically feed in shallow water. American Wigeon: Medium-sized duck, 1 1/2 - 2 pounds, 18-20 inches long.
Male
Female
Blue-winged Teal: Small duck, less than 1 pound, 12-16 inches long.
Male
Female
Gadwall: Medium-sized duck, 1 1/2 - 2 pounds, 18-20 inches long.
Male
Female
Green-winged Teal: Smallest of puddle ducks, about 3/4 pound, up to 14 inches long.
Male
Female
In 2006 the migratory bird hunters spent an average of $76 per person per day, compared with $95 per person per day for big game hunters.
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WATERFOWL IDENTIFICATION
PUDDLE DUCKS: ducks that typically feed in shallow water. Mallard: Large duck, 2 1/2 - 3 pounds, 24-28 inches long.
Male
Female
Pintail: Large duck, 2 - 2 1/2 pounds, 22-27 inches long.
Male
Female
Shoveler: Medium-sized duck, 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 pounds, 18-20 inches long.
Male
Female
Wood Duck: Medium-sized duck, up to 1 1/2 pounds, 15-18 inches long.
Male
Female
2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9 O K L A H O M A WAT E R F O W L G U I D E
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WATERFOWL IDENTIFICATION
DIVING DUCKS: ducks that typically feed in deep water. Canvasback: Large duck, up to 3 pounds, 18-21 inches long.
Male
Female
Lesser Scaup: Medium-sized duck, 1 3/4 - 2 pounds, 15-18 inches long.
Male
Female
Redhead: Medium-sized duck, 2 - 2 1/2 pounds, 20-22 inches long.
Male
Female
Ring-necked Duck: Medium-sized duck, 1 1/2 - 2 pounds, 16-18 inches long.
Male
Female
The number of people who hunt in Oklahoma could fill the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University football stadiums twice.
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Shotgun Patterning: What is it and why it’s important
here are a lot of differing opinions about what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to nontoxic shot loads and their effectiveness for waterfowl hunting. Hunters don’t want to have to get a degree in physics to understand why this or that works, they just want to know what does work!
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by Craig Endicott, Northeast Region Wildlife Supervisor
4. Measure off your maximum shooting distance from muzzle to target with a measuring tape. 5. Attach a blank pattern sheet (a staple gun is handy) to the pattern board and fire one shot at the sheet. Remove the pattern sheet and repeat the process. You don’t need to shoot these patterns from a bench, just shoot at the center of the sheet to get them on the paper. 6. Shoot a minimum of three patterns for an average and five is better. 7. After shooting, draw a The average pattern from a five shot string of a 40 yard pattern test The average pattern from five-shot string of 40 yard pattern test ea e e fro fro fiv ho in five shot i 40-yard a e e 30-inch diameter circle using shot with 1 1/8-ounce #4 steel loads from a 12-gauge Remington 870 with a 28-inch barrel and factory modified choke. This combo a 15-inch string and pencil or a yard stick with holes 15 proved it would be effective on all ducks out to the tested 40 yards. of information useful to hunters trying inches apart to scribe a circle to sort through the myriad of nontoxic that encompasses the densest portion shot loads available today. It is a noof the pattern. nonsense approach at establishing the 8. Count the pellet strikes inside or most effective shot sizes, minimum load on the 30-inch circle and average the weights and minimum pattern counts pattern count. You can calculate a patnecessary for clean kills on various tern percentage if you like, but you don’t waterfowl and upland game birds. need to. What’s the average pattern count How do I know if my pattern is your combo put in the 30-inch circle effective? at your maximum shooting distance? In order for a pattern to be effective it Refer to Roster’s CONSEP 2006 must possess sufficient pattern denNontoxic Shot Lethality Table and see sity to reliably hit the vital areas (brain, if your combo’s pattern numbers meet spinal cord, heart or lungs) of the target or exceeded the minimum pattern count bird and contain pellets capable of listed for your type of hunting. If they delivering adequate energy to penetrate do, and you are using one of the apthose vitals areas. propriate shot sizes listed for the bird size and you keep your shots within the Of course, you’ll want to compare range of the activity, then you are good your combo’s pattern numbers against to go. You can feel confident that any reliable information to assess its effectiveness. To date, the largest set of em- duck of that size and at that distance or closer will be in the bag if you do your pirically tested lethality data on waterpart and put the pattern on the front end fowl and upland game birds is analyzed of the duck! and presented in Tom Roster’s Cooperative North American Shotgunning Education Program (CONSEP) 2006 Nontoxic Shot Lethality Table (CopyRead more about right 2006 by Tom Roster). The table shotgun patterning is Mr. Roster’s analysis of extensive online at terminal ballistics data derived from over wildlifedepartment. com! 23,000 one-shot kills on waterfowl and upland birds and it provides a wealth
O K L A H O M A WAT E R F O W L G U I D E
Well, there’s no getting around it, if you really want to know what your gun/ load/choke combo is capable of, then you’ll need to pattern test it to find out. It isn’t a complicated process, but it does take some time and effort.
Why should I pattern test my shotgun?
Patterning your shotgun provides valuable information on the performance of your gun/load/choke combo that will allow you to make informed choices on your load, choke and pellet selections to match your particular hunting/shooting situation. Ultimately, patterning and tailoring your combo will improve your effectiveness as a hunter by reducing the number of shots you’ll need to get your birds and reduce crippling in the process. Hunting time and opportunities at game are too precious to just go with an in-the-field trial-and-error method. Pattern testing, if done properly, will allow you to take the guesswork out of selecting an effective combo that fits your hunting/shooting situation.
How do I pattern test my shotgun?
1. Find a location that has an adequate and safe back-fall area. Don’t forget, you’ll want to bring both ear and eye protection. 2. Set up a pattern board so you can attach the pattern sheets. One quick and easy set up is two posts, set in the ground about four feet apart, and a 4-foot x 4-foot backboard of cardboard, thin plywood or black particle board attached with wire or wire ties. 3. Get some 40-inch x 40-inch (minimum) sheets of paper or cardboard. Try to locate 48-inch wide rolls of white paper at industrial supply or paper warehouses. It also saves time at the range if you precut this paper into pattern sheets.
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ADDITIONAL GAME BIRD SEASONS
OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRD SEASONS RAIL (SORA & VIRGINIA) COMMON SNIPE
Dates & Open Areas
Oct. 1, 2008 - Jan. 15, 2009; statewide.
Dates & Open Areas
Sept. 1 - Nov. 9, 2008; statewide.
Daily Limit
Eight (8) daily, 16 in possession after the first day.
Daily Limit
25 daily, 25 in possession after first day.
GALLINULE (PURPLE
GALLINULE & COMMON MOORHEN) Dates & Open Areas
Sept. 1 - Nov. 9, 2008; statewide.
WOODCOCK
Dates & Open Areas
Nov. 1 - Dec. 15, 2008; statewide.
SEPTEMBER TEAL
Dates & Open Areas
Sept. 13 - 28, 2008; statewide.
Daily Limit
Three (3) daily, six (6) in possession after first day.
Daily Limit
15 daily, 30 in possession after first day.
Daily Limit
Four (4) daily, eight (8) in possession after the first day.
DOVE
(MOURNING, WHITE-WINGED & EURASIAN COLLARED)
2008-2009 Southwest Dove Zone
U.S. 62 from the Texas border (west of Hollis) east to east to U.S. 81 , Interstate 44 , to OK State Highway 81 south to the Texas border at the Red River. U.S.
SOUTHWEST ZONE
Southwest zone
Dates: Sept. 1 - Oct. 30 and Dec. 27 - Jan. 5 (70-day season) Daily Limit and Possession Limit: 12 daily, 24 in possession after first day combined. The limit may consist of any combination of mourning, white-winged and Eurasian collared doves.
Statewide (excluding southwest zone)
Dates: Sept. 1 - Oct. 30 (60-day season) Daily Limit and Possession Limit: 15 daily, 30 in possession after first day combined. The limit may consist of any combination of mourning, white-winged and Eurasian collared doves.
SIGN UP FOR THE WATERFOWL REPORT!
Get all the latest hunting, fishing and land management news by signing up for the Department’s weekly news release via e-mail. During the waterfowl seasons, you can get updates on where the birds are moving around the state. Go to: wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm to sign up today!
IF YOU HARVEST A MIGRATORY BIRD BEARING A FEDERAL BAND, PLEASE REPORT IT ONLINE AT REPORTBAND.GOV OR BY CALLING 1-800-327-BAND (24 HOURS A DAY).
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O K L A H O M A
WAT E R F O W L
G U I D E
HUNTING RECORD
Great memories are the best things we can take away from a day of waterfowl hunting. However, as the days roll by it can get harder and harder to remember a great day afield so take a few minutes after every hunt, take a few pictures and fill out this journal. You’ll be glad you did. This journal could also come in very handy if you are ever asked to participate in a survey at the end of the season by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Your harvest information is very valuable to biologists as they evaluate past seasons and make recommendations for future seasons and daily limits.
Date of Hunt County
I shot nothing
Number I killed and retrieved Ducks Geese Crane
Number I knocked Comments down but lost Ducks Geese Crane
Please retain this record so that you can accurately report your harvest if mailed a waterfowl or sandhill crane harvest survey.
Waterfowl Stamps support the sport!
Waterfowl stamp sales provide funding for enhancing and maintaining thousands of acres of wildlife habitat. To purchase a waterfowl stamp, or to purchase a numbered art print (2006 or earlier), call (405) 521-3852.
2006 Stamp Art
2007 Stamp Art
Hunting, fishing, and wildlife-viewing supports over 28,000 jobs, making it one of the largest employers in the state.
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GAME WARDENS
Law Enforcement Office Headquarters .....(405) 521-3719 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) ADAIR – District 2 Cody Youngblood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 431-2539 Jared Cramer, Stilwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 431-2546 ALFALFA – District 8 Ben Bickerstaff, Cherokee. . . . . . . . . . . (580) 541-0820 ATOKA – District 3 Larry Luman, Atoka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 513-0081 **Joe Young, Atoka. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 513-4823 BEAVER – District 8 Mike Baker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 651-9135 BECKHAM – District 7 Harry Steele, Elk City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 799-3950 BLAINE – District 6 Mark Walker, Watonga . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 623-0206 BRYAN – District 4 Danny Clubb, Durant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 320-2957 Jay Harvey, Bennington . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 513-0814 Bob Wingo, Durant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 320-2956 CADDO – District 6 James Edwards Jr, Carnegie . . . . . . . . (405) 850-1960 Gary Roller, Clinton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 590-5696 CANADIAN – District 6 Ron Comer, Calumet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 850-2127 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 343-5489 CARTER – District 5 Jeremy Brothers, Lone Grove. . . . . . . . (580) 220-7264 CHEROKEE – District 2 Anthony Clark, Tahlequah. . . . . . . . . . . (918) 431-2562 Brady May, Tahlequah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 431-2552 CHOCTAW – District 3 Jay Harvey, Bennington. . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 513-0814 Wendell Smalling, Hugo . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 317-5000 CIMARRON – District 8 Rusty Menefee, Boise City . . . . . . . . . . (580) 651-9133 CLEVELAND – District 5 Chad Strang, Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 323-7863 **Tony Woodruff, Lexington . . . . . . . . (405) 850-9757 COAL – District 4 Todd Smith, Coalgate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 927-5071 COMANCHE – District 6 Mike Carroll, Lawton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 695-7535 COTTON – District 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 512-4706 CRAIG – District 1 Marni Loftis, Vinita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 244-2035 CREEK – District 4 Robert Fleenor, Sapulpa. . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-6801 Dwight Luther, Bristow . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-6363 CUSTER – District 7 **James L. Edwards, Thomas . . . . . . (580) 695-3642 DELAWARE – District 1 Bill Hobbs, Jay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 857-8597 Jim Littlefield, Afton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 533-2678 DEWEY – District 7 Clint Carpenter, Putnam . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 623-3255 ELLIS – District 7 Bryan Wilkerson, Shattuck. . . . . . . . . . . (580) 334-0480 GARFIELD – District 8 David Foltz, Garber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 541-0819 GARVIN – District 5 David Steele, Wynnewood . . . . . . . . . . (405) 238-1785 GRADY – District 6 **Gene Pester, Tuttle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 779-1479 GRANT – District 8 Marshall Reigh, Medford . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 541-6087 **Nick Woodard, Deer Creek . . . . . . . (580) 541-0930 GREER – District 7 Dane Polk, Mangum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 450-7706 HARMON – District 7 Brandon Lehrman, Hollis . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 450-7701 HARPER – District 8 Mark Reichenberger, Laverne . . . . . . . (580) 727-5048 HASKELL – District 2 Rick Olzawski, Stigler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 429-3122 Leland Sockey, Stigler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 429-3123 HUGHES – District 4 ** Tom Cartwright, Holdenville . . . . . . (405) 380-6729 JACKSON – District 7 Greg Sexton, Altus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 450-7702 JEFFERSON – District 6 Phillip Cottrill, Ryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 313-0451 JOHNSTON – District 4 Bud Cramer, Jr, Tishomingo . . . . . . . . . (580) 320-2950 Curtis Latham, Tishomingo . . . . . . . . . . (580) 320-2948 KAY – District 8 **Tracy Daniel, Ponca City . . . . . . . . . . (580) 761-6565 Marshall Reigh, Medford . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 541-6087 KINGFISHER – District 6 Blake Pearson, Okarche . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 368-0887 KIOWA – District 7 David Smith, Hobart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 450-7703 LATIMER – District 3 James Williams, Wister . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 471-9447 Allen Couch, Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 271-0808 Shane Fields, McAlester . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 470-5097 LE FLORE – District 3 James Williams,Wister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 471-9447 Randy Fennell, Howe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 431-2559 Thomas Gillham, Poteau. . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 429-3910 LINCOLN – District 5 Gary Emmons, Chandler. . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 240-1870 LOGAN – District 5 Wade Farrar, Cashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 850-9607 LOVE – District 5 Bob Mullinax, Marietta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 276-7193 McCLAIN – District 5 Casey Young, Purcell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 278-1755 McCURTAIN – District 3 Mark Hannah, Eagletown . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 513-4651 Kenny Lawson, Idabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 513-4963 Dru Polk, Smithville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 513-6866 McINTOSH – District 2 David Robertson, Henryetta . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-5971 Ed Rodebush, Eufaula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 617-0126 **Mike Stafford, Eufaula . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 617-0326 MAJOR – District 8 Frank Huebert, Fairview. . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 227-0393 MARSHALL – District 4 **Jimmie Henthorn, Kingston . . . . . . . (580) 320-2959 Linda Powell, Madill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 320-2951 MAYES – District 1 Steve Loveland, Pryor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 857-4802 Monte Reid, Locust Grove. . . . . . . . . . . (918) 373-0767 MURRAY – District 5 Jerrod Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 618-0044 MUSKOGEE – District 2 **Gary Wilcox, Ft. Gibson. . . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-4691 Lark Wilson, Porum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-4873 Marvin Stanley, Wagoner . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-5085
(405) 521-3719
NOBLE – District 8 Doug Gottschalk, Perry . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 370-0700 NOWATA – District 1 Jim Gillham, Delaware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 440-0029 OKFUSKEE – District 4 Dwight Luther, Bristow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-6363 Nathan Erdman, Boley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 320-2949 OKLAHOMA – District 5 Tim Campbell, Spencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 203-3178 Mark Murray, Edmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 203-3176 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 343-5489 OKMULGEE – District 2 Patrick Matlock, Henryetta. . . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-6013 David Robertson, Henryetta . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-5971 OSAGE – District 1 Spencer Grace, Pawhuska . . . . . . . . . . (918) 440-9880 Larry Green, Ponca City. . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 761-4097 Paul Welch, Skiatook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 381-4099 Joe Alexander, Bartlesville. . . . . . . . . . . (918) 331-5798 OTTAWA – District 1 Gayle Langston, Miami . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 533-2679 PAWNEE – District 1 **Jamie Cole, Cleveland. . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 645-6116 PAYNE – District 5 **Jon Cunningham, Stillwater. . . . . . . (405) 747-0505 PITTSBURG – District 3 Shane Fields, McAlester . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 470-5097 **Todd Tobey, McAlester . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 429-3908 PONTOTOC – District 4 Dale Stites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 399-9289 POTTAWATOMIE – District 5 Mike France, Shawnee . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 850-8546 PUSHMATAHA – District 3 Eric Barnes, Antlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 513-5014 Allen Couch, Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 271-0808 ROGER MILLS – District 7 **Loren Damron, Cheyenne . . . . . . . . (580) 497-6897 ROGERS – District 1 **Brek Henry, Claremore . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 857-8563 Steve Loveland, Pryor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 857-4802 SEMINOLE – District 4 Daryl Howser, Seminole . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 380-8995 SEQUOYAH – District 2 Karlin Bailey, Sallisaw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 431-2550 Jerry Henry, Sallisaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 431-2544 STEPHENS – District 6 **Bill Hale, Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 512-4704 TEXAS – District 8 Max Crocker, Hooker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 651-9134 TILLMAN – District 7 Robin Pugh Frederick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 305-1484 TULSA – District 1 Carlos Gomez, Jenks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 857-5557 Travis Garrett, Owasso . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 640-0316 WAGONER – District 2 Ben Haff, Wagoner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-5796 Marvin Stanley, Wagoner . . . . . . . . . . . (918) 625-5085 WASHINGTON – District 1 Joe Alexander, Bartlesville. . . . . . . . . . . (918) 331-5798 WASHITA – District 7 Jeff Headrick, Burns Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 515-4484 WOODS – District 8 Terry Swallow, Alva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 430-5158 WOODWARD – District 8 Paul Cornett, Sharon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (580) 334-0353 ** Designates Lieutenant
District Captains
District 1 Jeff Brown, Nowata . . . . . .(918) 331-5078 District 2 Joe Adair, Tahlequah. . . . . . (918) 431-2543 District 3 Mike Virgin, Broken Bow. . . (580) 513-2305 District 4 Trent Hodgins, Holdenville (580) 320-2955 District 5 James Champeau, Crescent (405) 850-8701 District 6 Rick Cagle, Kingfisher . . . . . (405) 368-0888 District 7 Thor Carlson, Oakwood . . . (580) 623-0191 District 8 David Kirk, Woodward. . . . . (580) 334-0154
If you can’t reach your local game warden and have an emergency or see someone committing a violation, call a game warden in an adjoining county, or your local sheriff’s office. Operation Game Thief: (800) 522-8039
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