2019 BIG BUCKS - HUNTING GUIDE
2 • Friday, November 1, 2019
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2019 BIG BUCKS - HUNTING GUIDE
Friday, November 1, 2019 • 3
Muzzleloader Deer Among Several Hunt Seasons that started on Saturday, October 26, 2019 Provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Several hunting seasons opened on Saturday, Oct. 26, including muzzleloader deer season. Also opening were private lands elk muzzleloader, muzzleloader bear, sandhill crane and Zone 1 duck seasons. Hunting seasons open include deer archery, private lands archery elk, archery bear, squirrel, rabbit, dove and crow. Hunting with a muzzleloader — sometimes referred to as "primitive firearms" — pays homage to a traditional form of gun hunting from the early pioneering days of Oklahoma's history. Last year, more than 77,000 hunters participated in muzzleloader deer season, according to the annual Big Game Report published in the September/October issue of Outdoor Oklahoma. Muzzleloader hunters re-
ported 14,306 deer harvested during the nine-day season in 2018, about 13 percent of all deer taken during all 2018-19 seasons. This year's muzzleloader deer season will close Nov. 3. Muzzleloader elk season remains open until Nov. 3 only in elk hunting zones where the seasonal harvest quotas have not yet been reached. Elk hunters must go online to the Elk Quota Page at wildlifedepartment.com to check the quota status of the zone they intend to hunt before they go afield. Muzzleloader bear season will run through Nov. 3, or until the 20-bear season quota is reached. All bear hunters must buy a license before the season starts, and they must call (888) 901-3256 before going afield to check the status of the bear harvest quota.
Hunter orange clothing regulations are in effect when any big game firearms season is open, except for those hunting waterfowl, crow or sandhill crane. For complete information and license requirements, consult the current Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide found online at wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma free mobile app for Apple or Android devices, or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
R A CHER S ’ E B Y TA
We Don’t Blow Smoke ... Scouting for deer sign, these muzzleloader hunters have discovered a rub in the area they intend to hunt. Muzzleloader deer season began October 26th in Oklahoma. (wildlifedepartment.com)
We Shoot It! It
1911 N. Kickapoo • Shawnee (405) 275-6633
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2019 BIG BUCKS - HUNTING GUIDE
Shawnee News-Star
NEW ONLINE LICENSE SYSTEM Everyone planning to go hunting this year is reminded to make sure that proper licenses or permits for each season have been obtained. This year, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is using a new online license system and mobile app with improved customer service features. This system is called Go Outdoors Oklahoma.
All hunters and anglers who have bought licenses in the past should already have a profile in Go Outdoors Oklahoma. Regardless, everyone — especially lifetime license holders — should take a few minutes and go online to GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com or click “Licensing” at wildlifedepartment. com and make sure their account
Many Oklahomans have limited or inconsistent access to adequate
food. Hunters can help. This program allows hunters who legally harvest a deer during any of the state's deer seasons to donate the meat to feed hungry Oklahomans. It's a cooperative program between hunters, local processors, food pantries and the Wildlife Department.
Provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
is properly set up. Any new users should log on and create a new account.
mobile app, sportsmen can now carry all of their licenses and permits digitally on their mobile device.
Checking your profile now is important for future interactions with the Wildlife Department, including obtaining licenses and permits, using E-check, applying for controlled hunts and more. And with the new
Of course, license and permits are still for sale at Wildlife Department headquarters in Oklahoma City and from license vendors across Oklahoma.
HUNTERS AGAINST HUNGER As deer hunting opportunities expand throughout fall, the Wildlife Department and cooperating partners are gearing up for another season of the Hunters Against Hunter campaign.
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Participation by deer processors and hunters is the key to success. After E-checking their harvest, the hunter simply drops off the deer at any HAH processor. The hunter is asked to contribute a tax-deductible $10 to assist with processing expenses. The ground venison will then be distributed to hungry
Oklahomans through a network of qualified, charitable organizations. Any processor or organization wanting more information may call the Wildlife Department at (405) 521-4660.
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2019 BIG BUCKS - HUNTING GUIDE
Friday, November 1, 2019 • 5
Deer Hunting The Most Popular Hunting Season in Oklahoma Provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
There is something here for every deer hunter. Whether you want to see lots of deer or you have your sights set on a wall hanger, we have it all! This diverse assembly of deer hunters is blessed with equally diverse habitat in which to pursue their sport. And if you do not have access to private land, no worries as dozens of Wildlife Management Areas are scattered across the state offering some fantastic whitetail hunting! From the largest outdoor and sporting goods stores in the major metropolitan cities to the smallest of cafes in rural outposts all over the state, deer hunting is big business for Oklahoma with an estimated total economic impact of over $600 million a year.
Fueling that deer hunting popularity is a management plan that serves our diverse hunters’ interests by providing region-leading season lengths and bag limits along with a strong education component outlining the benefits of balanced sex ratios and selective buck harvest. That balanced voluntary based approach has gained national attention as it has improved the buck age structure over the past decade. Our success has prompted the Quality Deer Management Association to list Oklahoma as one of the top five states showing declines in yearling buck harvests and led Kip Adams, the QDMA Education and Outreach Director to say “I think Oklahoma has done a tremendous job protecting yearling bucks and improving the age structure of their deer herd.”
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2019 BIG BUCKS - HUNTING GUIDE
6 • Friday, November 1, 2019
Shawnee News-Star
Stay safe this hunting season
Hunting is a thrilling hobby for millions of people across the globe. In fact, non-hunters may be wideeyed to learn just how popular the sport is. A recent report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that 11.5 million Americans participated in hunting in 2016. Many hunters spend a lifetime hunting without ever suffering an accident or injury. However, hunting can be a dangerous sport, which only highlights the need for hunters to emphasize safety at all times.
Firearms It's essential that hunters exercise caution with their firearms at all times. Firearms should always be considered loaded, even when they're not. This approach should apply while hunting and while at home. Maintaining such a mindset can help hunters avoid dangerous, potentially deadly mishaps should they mistakenly believe a firearm is not loaded when it is. When hunting, only point the firearm when you plan to shoot, mak-
ing sure to keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot. Only shoot when a target is clearly identifiable and you're certain about what is beyond the target. Weather and gear The right attire can protect hunters from Mother Nature and their fellow sportsmen. Weather can be unpredictable during hunting season. Hunters should always check the forecast before leaving home, making sure to dress for the weather. Even if the forecast calls for
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agreeable weather, hunters could be at the mercy of Mother Nature should the weather unexpectedly change. As a result, it behooves hunters to prepare for cold, wet weather, which could put them at risk of hypothermia if they are not dressed properly. A water-repelling outer layer can protect hunters in wet conditions, and it's also ideal to dress in layers. To lower your risk of injuries suffered at the hands of other hunters, avoid colors and patterns that blend into natural surroundings. Such colors can include earth tones, blacks and browns. Animal patterns may confuse fellow hunters into thinking you're an animal, so avoid these as well. Staying in touch Hunters, especially those who plan to go it alone, should always let others know of their plans before going on a hunting excursion. Sharing plans can help rescue teams find you should you suffer an injury on your trip and prove incapable of returning to your campsite or vehicle without assistance. Let others know when you plan to return and indicate your plans to call or text them when you arrive back at your vehicle. This way they can promptly alert the appropriate authorities should you not contact them on time. Millions of people across the globe enjoy the sport of hunting. Hunting trips are even more enjoyable when hunters prioritize safety. TF19B509
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How to prepare youngsters for their first hunting trip A young person's first hunting trip can be an incredible experience, sparking a lifelong love and appreciation for nature and wildlife. Parents who grew up hunting likely remember their first hunting trip and want to recreate that experience for their own children. As memorable as a first hunting trip can be, parents of current youngsters might not recall all the pre-trip preparation their own folks did to make that first hunting experience so memorable. Such preparation can ensure today's youngsters enjoy the same magical experience their parents did when going hunting for the first time. • Make sure kids are ready. Kids' maturity levels merit consideration before taking them hunting for the first time. Children may experience a range of emotions on their first hunting trips. Such emotions can include excitement, nervousness, sadness, and/or guilt. Parents should assess their children's maturity levels prior to announcing a trip to make sure they're ready for that emotional roller coaster. Kids mature at their own pace, so assess each child individually, resisting the temptation to assume one child is ready at a given age because an older sibling was ready at the same age. The American Forest Foundation recommends parents first take their youngsters along as hunting apprentices, which allows them to participate in the rituals of the hunt while their parents can gauge how mature they are to handle the hunt itself.
• Make sure kids can handle their guns. Wide Open Spaces, a website devoted to providing upto-date information for hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, notes the importance of kids knowing how to use their guns before they go hunting for the first time. Kids should know how to load and unload, check the chamber and turn the safety on and off. Kids should be confident with their guns, feeling comfortable enough to pull their firearms to their shoulders, get the gun's sights on the animal and pull the trigger.
• Temper youngsters' expectations. Hunting is a rewarding hobby, but also one that requires a lot of work. Weather also can be unpleasant during hunting season, and that can quickly spoil youngsters' impressions of hunting. Temper kids' expectations in advance of a hunting trip so they know it won't necessarily be all fun. In addition, let children know many hunting trips end without a kill. • Focus on the fun factor. The AFF notes that surveys indicate that young hunters are more excited to have fun and enjoy
quality outdoor time than they are by the prospect of bagging and taking home a trophy animal. Parents should focus on the fun and the beauty of nature when taking youngsters hunting to ensure kids have as good a time as possible. Some pre-trip preparation on the part of moms and dads can make youngsters' first hunting trips successful. TF19B512
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2019 BIG BUCKS - HUNTING GUIDE
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Friday, November 1, 2019 • 9
Trout Stocking to Begin Nov. 1 at Six Seasonal Fisheries Statewide Provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Exciting angling isn't just found during warmer weather. It's also available for anyone who takes advantage of the state’s trout fisheries during the colder months of the year. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation operates two year-round trout fisheries in the Lower Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow dam and in the Lower Illinois River below Tenkiller Ferry Dam. Trout are normally stocked in those areas every week or two. Beginning Nov. 1, the Wildlife Department will begin stocking trout in six other designated trout fishing areas. Those areas are Perry CCC/Lake Perry Park, Robbers Cave, Blue River, Lake Watonga, Medicine Creek and Lake Carl Etling. For more details, go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/
trout-information. Trout fishing is also available from Dec. 1 to Feb. 29, 2020, at two Close to Home Fishing locations in major urban areas: Oklahoma City's Dolese Youth Park Pond and Jenks' Veterans Pond.
www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/ trout-information.
your catch, and outdoor ethics. Register by calling (405) 297-1426.
People looking to learn more about trout fishing have several options in the months ahead:
• Patton Fly Fishing's 32nd annual Illinois River Fly Fishing School will be Feb. 21-22, 2020, at Tenkiller State Park and the Illinois River. Instructors are Mark Patton, Tom Adams, Blake Patton and Tre Dupuy. Course fee is $175. Meals are available for $40. For more information or to enroll, call (405) 613-6520.
Trout anglers must carry a resident or nonresident fishing license while fishing. In addition, trout anglers at Dolese Youth Park Pond must have an Oklahoma City fishing permit, and municipal permits may be required at other seasonal sites.
• The Wildlife Department will be hold a free fly fishing class from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 23 at Arcadia Conservation Education Area. Participants must be 14 or older. All equipment will be provided. No fishing license is required during the clinic. Space is limited. Register online at Go Outdoors Oklahoma.
Trout, both rainbows and browns, are introduced species to Oklahoma. They thrive in colder waters and make excellent table fare. Using ultralight fishing gear with 4- to 6-pound test line and small hooks can lead to some thrilling action. For other tips, go to
• A free trout fishing clinic by the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department is set Feb. 7, 2020, at Putnam City High School. Topics will include lure and bait selection, casting, fly fishing, cooking and cleaning
4850 Shawnee Mission Drive Shawnee
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Trout fishing regulations, including daily and size limits, restricted areas and site maps, can be found in the current Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide found online at wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma free mobile app for Apple or Android devices, or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
10 • Friday, November 1, 2019
2019 BIG BUCKS - HUNTING GUIDE
Shawnee News-Star
GENERAL HUNTING SEASONS
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Provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Hunting season dates that are shown on this page are either upcoming or currently open. Seasons that have ended for the year will not be shown.
Deer
Bear
Squirrel
Deer Archery: October 1, 2019 to January 15, 2020
Bear Muzzleoader: October 26, 2019 to November 3, 2019
May 15, 2019 to January 31, 2020
Deer Primitive Arms (Muzzleloading): October 26, 2019 to November 3, 2019
Turkey
Deer Gun: November 23, 2019 to December 8, 2019
Turkey Fall Archery: October 1, 2019 to January 15, 2020
Holiday Antlerless: December 20, 2019 to December 29, 2019
Turkey Fall Gun: November 2, 2019 to November 22, 2019
Elk
Youth Spring Turkey: April 4, 2020 to April 5, 2020
Rabbit October 1, 2019 to March 15, 2020
Furbearers Bobcat, Badger, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Opossum, River Otter & Weasel December 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020
Elk Archery: October 1, 2019 to January 15, 2020
Youth Spring Turkey (SE): April 18, 2020 to April 19, 2020
Crow
Elk Primitive Arms (Muzzleloading): October 26, 2019 to November 3, 2019
Spring Turkey: April 6, 2020 to May 6, 2020
October 10, 2019 to November 16, 2019 December 9, 2019 to March 4, 2020
Elk Gun: November 23, 2019 to December 8, 2019
Spring Turkey (SE): April 20, 2020 to May 6, 2020
Special Southwest Zone Elk Seasons
Quail
Archery: December 7, 2019 to December 11, 2019
November 9, 2019 to February 15, 2020
Gun: December 12, 2019 to December 15, 2019
Pheasant
Antlerless: November 23, 2019 to December 8, 2019 January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2020
December 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020
Antelope Landowner Drawn Doe November 30, 2019 to January 15, 2020 County and Tags: Cimarron County: 50 Texas County: 20
2019 BIG BUCKS - HUNTING GUIDE
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Friday, November 1, 2019 • 11
Signs game could be unsafe to eat Provided by Metro Creative
One of the more enjoyable aspects of hunting is enjoying the bounty at the dinner table after a successful hunting trip. However, not all game is safe to eat. Field & Stream, a retailer that caters to hunters, fishermen, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, notes that the following are some ways hunters can determine if freshly killed game is safe to eat. • Look for signs of previous injuries. Previously wounded animals may be infested with maggots or have abscesses, which are swollen areas of tissue that contain pus. Animals that appear to have been injured prior to being killed should not be eaten, as consuming them can leave hunters vulnerable to illness.
• Examine the animal's eyes and skin. Sunken eyes or emaciated, scabby skin also could indicate the animal was suffering from illness or injury prior to being killed. • Look for tick infestations. Game infested with ticks should not be consumed. • Look for fluid discharges. Game that has discharges of dark blood or creamy or green substances should not be consumed. • See if the animal passes the smell test. Game suffering from gangrene or had decaying flesh typically emit a strong, foul odor and such animals should not be consumed.
• Investigate the interior of the animal. Just because a game animal exhibits no outward signs of illness or injury does not necessarily make it safe to eat. Hunters are advised to wear surgical or dishwashing gloves and run their hands over the body of the animal. Signs of disease or illness include hair that comes off easily, a soft or gelatinous underside of the skin when peeled off, and/or a film of blood or fluid that is not the result of the hunter's gunshot wound. • Examine muscle tissue. Muscle tissue should not smell bad or contain parasites or blood spots. In addition, examine the muscle tissue for blood clots, black blood or a greenish discharge, each of which are indicators of disease.
Did you know? Big game hunting is the most popular form of hunting, according to the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Sponsored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the survey found there were 9.2 million hunters who pursued big game such as deer and elk in 2016. That makes big game hunting big business as well, as the survey found that big game-related expenditures for trips
and equipment totaled $14.9 billion in 2016. As big as big game hunting is, 3.5 million hunters took time to hunt small game, which includes squirrels and rabbits. The third most popular type of hunting in the United States in 2016 was migratory bird hunting, which attracted 2.4 million hunters and generated $2.3 billion in bird-related trip and equipment revenue. TF19B513
• Examine the rib cage and muscle tissue. Humans can contract tuberculosis after eating game that was infected with the disease. Indicators of tuberculosis include tan or yellow lumps on the inside surface of the rib cage or in the tissue of the lungs. Infected game can make hunters seriously ill if consumed. All infected animals should be reported to the appropriate local authorities. TF19B511
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12 • Friday, November 1, 2019
Shawnee News-Star
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