Deer Rutting Activity Seen Ahead of Oklahoma Gun Season

Saturday is the day many tens of thousands of Oklahoma hunters have been anticipating all year. Deer gun season will open a half-hour before official sunrise Nov. 21. Based on field reports from each region of the state, hunters should have plenty of opportunities in the deer woods during the season.
    Reports from this past weekend indicate that rutting activity was increasing in most areas. Deer were being observed moving more during daylight hours. And bucks have been seen chasing and tending does.
    Erik Bartholomew, big-game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said the weather forecast seems to be cooperating for deer gun hunters this year.
    "Cooler weather is expected to arrive this weekend and hang on through the first week of deer gun season. The deer ought to be feeding later in the mornings and moving earlier in the evenings, providing more time for hunters to see deer movement and have a chance to fill their deer license."
    Deer gun season will be open Nov. 21 to Dec. 6 statewide.
    So far, the 2015 deer harvest is running behind last year's numbers, based on preliminary data from the Wildlife Department's online E-Check System. Bartholomew cited a fall that was warmer than usual, along with ample natural food and water resources and good habitat conditions, as factors contributing to a lower overall deer harvest this year.
    Archery hunters have checked in about 16,130 deer, a pace slightly behind last year's harvest of just over 17,000 at this time. Deer archery season remains open through Jan. 15, 2016.
    Youth deer gun hunters checked about 3,595 deer for the Oct. 16-18 season. That number is 16 percent lower than last year's youth deer gun harvest of 4,277. Muzzleloader deer hunters checked 13,306 deer this year, which is 11 percent lower than last year's 14,927.
    Now, for the hunters planning their opening-day outing in the deer woods, here are the up-to-date regional rut reports from Wildlife Department field personnel.

SOUTHEAST REGION
By Dakota Christian, wildlife biologist, and Joe Hemphill, regional supervisor

CURRENT BUCK RUTTING ACTIVITY: Rutting activity is picking up and should be in full swing by gun season.  Some bucks are chasing already, but most are on the move at all hours in search of does. Bucks are starting to scrape more heavily and more rubs are starting to show up in areas more frequently. Bucks are being seen throughout the day. The rut hasn't peaked but could be in full swing with the slightest cold front.
HABITAT CONDITIONS: Habitat is great with more food on the ground than in recent years. Lots of acorns, persimmons and beautyberries. Does are hitting acorns pretty hard. Creeks and river bottoms have an abundance of acorns and are great areas to begin scouting.
WHAT HUNTERS, LANDOWNERS ARE SAYING: Lots of acorns and rut seems to have started.  Some hunters have reported seeing and harvesting mature bucks chasing does and others are seeing lots of does but no rutting activity. Lots of small bucks are chasing pretty good and some big bucks are being seen tending does. I saw a huge 9-point on the last Saturday of muzzleloader season with a doe, and he was right behind her every step she took.
OPEN WMAs IN THE AREA: The two largest, Ouachita WMA and Three Rivers WMA, offer lots of area and a good deer population. Also open are Honobia Creek, Broken Bow, Gary Sherrer, Atoka, Stringtown, Wister, Hugo, Pine Creek, Gaines Creek and Yourman. Three Rivers and Honobia Creek WMAs would be perfect places for someone wanting to gun hunt. Their large size makes it easy to get away from hunters and the WMAs have a great deer population not to mention a great buck to doe ratio (1:2). Hunters can experience the hunt of a lifetime in the rugged timberlands and have a great chance of seeing a deer of a lifetime.
BEST TIPS FOR DEER HUNTERS: Stay in your stand. Focus on hardwood areas with thick cover nearby. White oaks should be the first place to look because they are still dropping acorns heavily. Post oaks and red oaks are also loaded with acorns and could be great areas to scout. Hunters in mature pine plantations should focus on hunting halfway up the sides of ridges. When bucks are searching for does, they will travel halfway down the sides, paralleling the ridges to try to bust up bedded does.
BIGGEST MISTAKES TO AVOID: Getting out of the stand too quickly and walking around. Focus on wind direction and play the wind to your favor. Don't just hunt for a couple of hours; big bucks like to move midday during the rut. Be as quiet as possible while approaching your hunting spot.
OPENING MORNING EXPECTATIONS: Recent rains have cleared some foliage, so visibility in the woods will be better. If we get cooler weather, hunters should expect a great opening morning. Hunters should expect to see good rutting activity during opening weekend of gun season.

*** *** ***
CENTRAL REGION
By Jeff Pennington, regional supervisor

CURRENT BUCK RUTTING ACTIVITY:Rutting activity is currently high.
HABITAT CONDITIONS: The region had a very wet early summer, which created an abundance of natural foods. Where oaks are present, acorns are abundant. The windstorm last week placed a tremendous amount of acorns and persimmons on the ground where these species are present. The southern one-third of the region was very wet in early summer but exceptionally dry in mid- to late summer. Cover in the southern counties is not as thick as in the northern two-thirds of the region. The late-summer drought did not reduce mast production much in the south-central. While it was dry early, recent rainfall has promoted growth of wheat, an important food resource in parts of the region.
WHAT HUNTERS, LANDOWNERS ARE SAYING: Hunters are reporting buck activity increased a great deal the last days of October. Buck rutting activity has continued to increase through mid-November. Some hunters are seeing a few does that aren't being chased by bucks. Does and fawns do not need to move much for food due to abundant acorns.
OPEN WMAs IN THE AREA: Kaw WMA always produces the highest deer harvest in the region. Other WMAs that offer good opportunity in the north-central are Keystone, Skiatook, Heyburn, and the public hunting area portion of Okmulgee. In the south-central, WMAs around Lake Texoma that provide opportunity include Washita Arm, Hickory Creek, Fobb Bottom and Love Valley. Tishomingo WMU also provides a place to pursue deer.
BEST TIPS FOR DEER HUNTERS: With the abundant food resources in most areas, deer will not be drawn to food plots and feeders like they were during the drought years. Deer will also be harder to spot due to the thick herbaceous cover. Last week's windstorm removed most of the leaves from the deciduous trees, which should assist hunters with visibility. Hunters may have better luck catching bucks moving through funnels instead of using food resources. Hunters may want to try oak timber instead of food plots and feeders.
BIGGEST MISTAKES TO AVOID:
1. Underestimating deer sense of smell. Try to stay as scent-free as possible, and always consider wind direction when hunting.
2. Getting up from stand location too soon. Stay in the stand as long as possible. Many good bucks are taken at midday.
3. Moving too much. Pick a stand selection for the hunt period and stick to it. Moving around will often result in spooked deer in your area.
OPENING MORNING EXPECTATIONS: The deer rut will still be active but just past peak in most portions of the region. If weather cooperates, hunters should do well.

*** *** ***
NORTHEAST REGION
By Mike Plunkett, senior biologist

CURRENT BUCK RUTTING ACTIVITY: Mature bucks are showing some pre-rut activity, with smaller bucks being seen a little more often chasing or searching for does.
HABITAT CONDITIONS: Conditions are great in the northeast due to abundant rainfall through summer. The acorn crop is very abundant nearly region-wide. Persimmons are also plentiful.
WHAT HUNTERS, LANDOWNERS ARE SAYING: They are seeing smaller bucks chasing or searching for does.
OPEN WMAs IN THE AREA: Fort Gibson, Copan, Hulah Public Hunting Areas open first nine days but closed to antlerless harvest. Cherokee PHA is closed to antlerless harvest, McClellan-Kerr PHA is open. Hunters should check each area regulation before going hunting on these areas. Any PHA should be considered, especially through the week when pressure is lighter.
BEST TIPS FOR DEER HUNTERS: Do your scouting and homework before going afield. The Oklahoma Wildlife Management Area Atlas would be a great start in looking over each area. Find good ridges and draws that are near food sources and bedding areas.
BIGGEST MISTAKES TO AVOID: Not knowing the lay of the land, not studying where food and bedding sources are, and not knowing the weather forecast, especially wind speed and direction.
OPENING MORNING EXPECTATIONS: The weather looks to be great for opening day and weekend. Hunters should plan on staying in the field all day. With the rut activity picking up, bucks could be out cruising any time of the day.

*** *** ***
NORTHWEST REGION
By Eddie Wilson, senior biologist

CURRENT BUCK RUTTING ACTIVITY: Buck rutting activity has been increasing over the past week, it will likely peak during the next few days.
HABITAT CONDITIONS: Habitat conditions are good. Rainfall throughout summer months has led to plenty of forage and cover for deer. Wheat is in good condition, and since most of the region has yet to experience a hard freeze, native food sources are still available.
WHAT HUNTERS, LANDOWNERS ARE SAYING: Hunters reported seeing mature bucks chasing does this past weekend in Woodward and Harper counties. Deer numbers are still low throughout the region. According to hunters and landowners alike, a good estimate would be around 50 percent of the population we had in 2010, with numbers being even lower the farther west.
OPEN WMAs IN THE AREA: Consult the "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide for regulations specific to the wildlife management area you want to hunt prior to entering the area. Most WMAs in the northwest are only open during the first nine days of deer gun season. All WMAs are closed to doe hunting except the areas hosting controlled hunts. Note that Canton and Beaver River WMAs are controlled hunts only on opening weekend. Beaver River WMA is closed to all deer gun hunting after controlled hunts the opening weekend. Cooper and Fort Supply are only open the first nine days of deer gun season to bucks only. Cimarron Hills, Cimarron Bluff and Drummond Flats are all closed to deer gun hunting.
BEST TIPS FOR DEER HUNTERS:
1. Scout the area as much as possible. Try to learn travel routes to and from bedding areas, food sources and water.
2. Be prepared to stay in the field as long as possible to increase your odds of seeing a buck.
3. Find a good food source to hunt. If you can locate the does, a buck may be close behind.
BIGGEST MISTAKES TO AVOID:    
1. Know the regulations: Hunters get cited every year for not reading the regulations before they go hunting, especially on WMAs.
2. Be prepared: Sight-in your rifle, have the right clothes for the weather, have all the tools needed to properly field dress and remove your deer from the field. Deer carts are often a must-have piece of equipment on WMAs.
3. Be patient and try not to move around a lot. Get to your spot early and stay put.
OPENING MORNING EXPECTATIONS: Rut will likely peak prior to opening weekend in the northwest, however bucks should still be on the move. Good luck and hunt safe!

*** *** ***
SOUTHWEST REGION
By Ron Smith, senior biologist

CURRENT BUCK RUTTING ACTIVITY: The weekend of Nov. 14-15 brought on a sharp increase in rut activity. Prior to that, activity seemed a bit behind previous years. Bucks have separated and began to focus on the chase. Does were not yet receptive but that should engage in the week leading up to rifle season opener.
HABITAT CONDITIONS: Late spring and early summer rains allowed tremendous recovery of overall habitat conditions compared to previous drought-impacted years. Heavier cover has made a very noticeable difference in visibility near stands used in previous years. Food sources specific to each part of the region are in much better shape. This has made early hunting a bit tough since deer didn't have to move much to meet their needs. As the weather turns colder, food sources will be more focused and allow patterns to show.
WHAT HUNTERS, LANDOWNERS ARE SAYING: General light deer movement has picked up. Archery hunters in the region found many more active rubs and scrapes. Many have reported seeing an increase in mature bucks beginning the chase. All in the area have noted the sudden flurry of deer movement while driving.
OPEN WMAs IN THE AREA: Those with gun seasons are Altus-Lugert -- open first nine days only, shotgun with slug, closed to antlerless hunting; Black Kettle -- open first nine days only; Ellis County -- open first nine days only, closed to antlerless hunting; Fort Cobb -- open first nine days only, shotgun only; Packsaddle -- open first nine days only, closed to antlerless hunting.
BEST TIPS FOR DEER HUNTERS: Be prepared to spend time in the field. Deer hunting can be a tremendous experience beyond climbing in a stand near a feeder. Time and careful observation can lead to patterns emerging that give the hunter a greater understanding of deer behavior. Use this behavior to be in full hunt mode before you get near a stand. Plan your approach, timing and wind conditions to your advantage.
BIGGEST MISTAKES TO AVOID: Leaving the field too early can be costly. Rut activity and weather conditions can produce movement throughout the day. Failing to account for wind will likely take you out of the game.
OPENING MORNING EXPECTATIONS:  Opening day should be productive in the region. Increasing rut activity will likely keep deer on the move. Numbers are rebounding after taking a hit from the drought, so opportunity should be there.

*** *** ***

DEER GUN SEASON NOTES

Hunters Required to Register Harvested Deer With Online E-Check
    All hunters who take a deer this season must register the harvest online using the Wildlife Department's E-Check system at wildlifedepartment.com. It's quick and convenient, and it's the law.
    Online checking of harvested deer and elk became mandatory in 2013, after being offered as an optional checking method beginning in 2009. Hunters and anglers who take a deer, elk, turkey or paddlefish must ensure their harvest is registered with E-Check within 24 hours of leaving the hunting or fishing area, and in all cases prior to processing the carcass.
    "The important thing for all deer hunters is to have a plan ahead of time for checking your deer," said Nels Rodefeld, chief of information and education for the Wildlife Department. "All deer must be checked using E-Check within 24 hours of leaving the hunt area and in all cases before processing the animal."
    Hunters and anglers, or anyone acting on their behalf, can use a computer, smartphone or mobile device to go online and register a harvest with E-Check.
    "You might be able to call your spouse or your friend who has Internet access, and they will be able to enter your information for you into the E-Check system," Rodefeld said. "Or, in some cases, local hunting license vendors or retailers are able to assist hunters by providing E-Check access in their shops."
    Upon E-Checking their harvest, hunters get a confirmation number immediately, which is required to field-tag the harvested animal. To view a video about how to use the E-Check system, go to youtube.com/OutdoorOklahoma and search for "online checking."

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Several Archery Seasons open in OK on October 1

Deer Archery -- Oct. 1, 2015, to Jan. 15, 2016, statewide.
   The most popular of the archery hunting seasons is for deer. A record 96,901 archery hunters went afield last year, bagging a record 25,741 deer.
   "The ample spring and early summer rainfall helped boost habitat and resources for the state's deer population," Bartholomew said. "We are hearing reports of quite a few does with twins and triplets. And if a doe has triplets, that means the habitat is in good shape."
   Persimmons and other soft mast have been in good supply in most of the state this year. And the acorn crop is looking good, as well. "Find a tree that is dropping acorns and set up your stand," Bartholomew said.
   Scouting ahead of your hunt can help pattern deer movement. And since food resources are plentiful this year, the deer might have changed their routines from years past.
   Thick habitat conditions can hamper visibility for hunters. Most forested areas have thick undergrowth, and many prairies are covered in native grasses reaching 5 feet tall. Bartholomew said it is more important than ever for hunters to positively identify their target before deciding to take a shot.
   And another indicator of a good deer season ahead: Summer spotlight surveys have shown that deer numbers have increased from last year.
   Again this year, the Wildlife Department is reminding hunters that when they take a whitetail, they are making a deer herd management decision. This educational effort uses the slogan "Hunters in the Know ... Let Young Bucks Grow!" The focus of the campaign is to encourage hunters to consider harvesting an older buck as a way to positively influence the age structure of the state's deer herd.
  The bag limit is six deer, which may include no more than two antlered deer. For license requirements and information on field tagging and checking, consult the "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide or go online to wildlifedepartment.com.

Elk Archery -- Oct. 1, 2015, to Jan. 15, 2016, statewide on private lands only (except in Special Southwest Zone).
   This year brings Oklahoma's second elk archery season on private lands statewide.
   "Many parts of the state have seen an increase in elk numbers, and hunters now have the opportunity to pursue them through all seasons until the zone quota is met," Bartholomew said.
   The beginning of the elk archery season coincides with the end of the elk rut, he said.
   For the statewide elk season, Oklahoma is divided into seven zones. Each zone has its own bag limit (one or two elk) and harvest quota. A Special Southwest Zone will be open for archery hunting on private lands on Oct. 3-7 and Dec. 12-16 only.
   Bartholomew said some areas of the state are known to have good elk populations. In the Northeast Zone, he advises hunters to target Mayes, Delaware, Cherokee, Adair and Sequoyah counties. In the Southeast Zone, pockets of elk can be found in Pushmataha, Coal, Johnston and Pontotoc counties. And hunters in the western Panhandle should find some success.
  By far, the largest concentrations of elk occur in the Special Southwest Zone, he said. And while the season dates are more restrictive in this zone, there is no zone harvest quota.
   Hunters may harvest two elk combined for all elk seasons. All hunters must check online at wildlifedepartment.com before their hunt to find out if the season is closed for the zone they intend to hunt. Once the quota is met in each zone, the elk season will close in that zone.
   To find out about license requirements, field tagging and checking, landowner permission, zone bag limits and zone harvest quotas for private land elk hunts, consult the "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide or go online to wildlifedepartment.com.

Bear Archery -- Oct. 1-18 in Latimer, Le Flore, McCurtain and Pushmataha counties only.
   In 2014, hunters harvested 52 black bears in Oklahoma. Of those, 45 were taken by archery hunters. Hunters in Le Flore County bagged 32 bears, making that county the most productive of the four open to bear hunting.
Jeff Ford, southeast region wildlife biologist for the Wildlife Department, said he's expecting bear hunters will find similar success this year as they did last year. "The bear population is doing really good, and the bears are in great health," Ford said.
   Mast production has been good this year after heavy spring rains. "Hunters should target the hardwood ridges again, and look for areas with lots of acorns," he said.
   For archery bear hunters, there is no season harvest quota. So, these hunters can be more selective in making a harvest decision since they may hunt the entire 18 days. Hunters may take only one bear for all seasons combined.
   All hunters are required to have a hunting license or proof of exemption, and a bear license (no exemptions). Bear archery hunting licenses must be purchased by Sept. 30, before the season opens. No bear archery licenses will be sold after that date.
   Ford urged successful bear hunters to call the phone numbers provided in the "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide to be directed to the nearest location where they can check in their bear. For more information about prohibited activities, field tagging and checking, consult the "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide or go online to wildlifedepartment.com.

Pronghorn Antelope Archery -- Oct 1-14 in Cimarron County and Texas County west of State Highway 136.
   Pronghorn hunters have reason to be optimistic, based on habitat conditions and survey results this year in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Steve Conrady, Northwest Region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department, said pronghorn populations have rebounded some in 2015 after several years of drought.
   "The drought effects have decreased, and pronghorn numbers are starting to rebound," he said. "We've also been seeing a fair number of fawns," he said, which points to better herd and habitat conditions.
   Archery hunters should find more concealment cover this year compared to the past several years, thanks to ample rainfall in the region. "Compared to the last few years, I think the hunters will see a fairly good season."
   Most pronghorns harvested in Oklahoma are taken through the Wildlife Department's Controlled Hunts and through landowner permits. Of the 71 antelope harvested in 2014, only 19 were taken by over-the-counter license buyers.
   To find out about license requirements, season limit, field tagging and checking, and landowner permission, consult the "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide or go online to wildlifedepartment.com.

Turkey Archery -- Oct. 1, 2015, to Jan. 15, 2016, statewide.
   All counties are open for the fall turkey archery season. Hunters may harvest one turkey of either sex during all fall seasons combined. Any turkey harvested statewide must be checked in using the E-Check system at wildlifedepartment.com.
   It's common for deer hunters to head to the field along with the proper fall turkey license in case they get an opportunity to harvest a turkey while deer hunting.

Oklahoma Deer Hunters - Applications Due Aug. 14 for Youth Bonus Antlerless Deer Hunts

Beginner deer hunters have a unique opportunity to participate in one of four bonus antlerless deer hunts that will take place on private land in Osage County (Oct. 2-4, 2015), Ellis County (Oct. 23-24, 2015), Love County (Oct. 16, 2015, orientation on Oct. 15, 2015), and Carter County (Nov. 20-21, 2015).

    This year, 49 youths will be selected to receive one of the bonus private lands antlerless deer gun permits. To be eligible, youths must have completed their hunter education requirements prior to applying and must be 12-17 years old at the time of their scheduled hunt.

"These hunts are on private property and should provide young hunters a great opportunity to see some deer as well as a chance to harvest a doe," said Bill Dinkines, assistant chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission has endorsed the youth hunt program, and we are thankful for the landowners' willingness to allow these kids the opportunity to hunt on their property."

    To apply for a hunt, applicants must submit an application online at  https://wildlifedepartment.wufoo.com/forms/m12yasc31rn5mhy/.com or submit (mail or walk-in only) a 3-by-5-inch index card with the following information:
Hunter's first and last name
Date of birth
Mailing address
Telephone number
Hunter education certification number
Lifetime license number, if applicable
Accompanying adult* first and last name
List of hunts by order of preference**

    *Each child participating in this hunt must have an adult (licensed or unlicensed) who is at least 21 years of age accompany them on the hunt.

    **List the hunt(s) you wish to apply for by order of preference (Please do not list any hunt that you are not interested in or know in advance you cannot attend.)

    Envelope should be addressed to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Attn.: Wildlife Division "Private Lands Youth Deer Hunts," P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Walk-in applications will be accepted at 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City. All applications must be received by Friday, Aug. 14, 2015.

    Antlerless deer taken by selected applicants during these hunts will be considered a bonus deer and will not count toward the hunter's statewide season limit.

    Applicants who are successfully drawn will receive a notification letter in the mail that includes specific information about their hunt and the deadline for purchasing required license(s) as listed below:

Resident Options (Ages 12-15):
    Lifetime Hunting or Lifetime Combination License
            OR
    $10 Controlled Hunts Private Lands Youth Deer License***

Resident Options (Ages 16-17):
    Lifetime Hunting or Lifetime Combination License
            OR
    Resident Youth Annual Hunting + $10 Controlled Hunts Private Lands Youth Deer License***
            OR
    Resident Youth Fiscal Year Hunting + $10 Controlled Hunts Private Lands Youth Deer License***

Nonresident Options (Ages 12-17):
    Controlled Hunts Nonresident Private Lands Youth Deer License***

    ***NOTE: The $10 resident or the $201 nonresident Controlled Hunts Private Lands Youth Deer Hunt Licenses will be issued in lieu of the open season license and must be purchased through the Wildlife Department's Central Office, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City. No Apprentice Licenses will be allowed due to the Hunter Education requirement.

    For more information, call Doug Schoeling at (405) 590-2584.

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Deer Hunters Evading E-Check Law Risk Stiff Penalty

Using the online E-Check system is easy. 

Go to wildlifedepartment.com, and click on 

       the E-Check link that is indicated by the red arrow in this screenshot.

Hunters who take a deer this season in Oklahoma are required by law to check in their harvest using the online E-Check system at wildlifedepartment.com. Those who choose to break the law are risking hefty fines and the loss of their hunting or fishing privileges not only in Oklahoma, but also in most every other state in the nation.

   "The Wildlife Department's law enforcement division is putting special emphasis on enforcing the requirement for hunters to check in their harvest," said Bill Hale, assistant chief of law enforcement. "This is a top priority for the Department.

   "If you get caught not checking your harvest, the fine just for illegally possessing wildlife and the restitution could be in the thousands of dollars," Hale said. "And you would also be in violation of the E-Check requirements, which would add more in fines.

"Also, you could easily have your hunting licenses suspended if you are convicted of failing to use E-Check," Hale said. Oklahoma is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which means that anyone convicted here of a game law violation could lose hunting and fishing privileges in all 44 Compact member states.

   State wildlife law requires anyone who takes a deer, elk, turkey or paddlefish to check in their harvest within 24 hours of leaving the hunting or fishing area, and in all cases prior to processing the carcass. Hunters and anglers, or anyone acting on their behalf, must go online to wildlifedepartment.com and check in their harvest using the E-Check system. Anyone with a computer, smartphone or mobile device with access to the Internet may use the E-Check system. To view a video on how to use the E-Check system, go to youtube.com/OutdoorOklahoma and search for "online checking."

   The Wildlife Department converted to the E-Check system in 2013 because of the many benefits it has for the Department and for the state's hunters and anglers. Those benefits include:

• Harvest information that hunters report via E-Check is important in helping Wildlife Department biologists make the best management decisions to safeguard the state's natural resources for current and future generations.
• E-Check provides 24-hour convenience to sportsmen, saving them money by not having to find an open check station.
• The Department saves money because it no longer must send biologists or technicians to physical check stations to collect data.
• The online database allows for "real time" analysis of harvest numbers.
• Instant searchable information aids efficiency in law enforcement activities.
• Hunters get a confirmation number immediately, which is then used in field-tagging the animal.

   But not only is E-Check beneficial to the sportsman and the Department, it's also the law, said Robert Fleenor, chief of law enforcement for the Wildlife Department.

   "Evading E-Check might appear to be easy, but it's actually harder than ever to get away with it. The E-Check system provides immediate information, and it's searchable by our game wardens.

   "Just don't take that risk of getting caught, having your license suspended, and having to pay what could be several thousand dollars in fines," Fleenor said.

   "Anyone who does not check in their harvest is actually harming the resources that belong to you and me. This person could be jeopardizing the future for all hunters and outdoorsmen," Fleenor said. "If you know of someone who is not abiding by the law, please report it to us."

   Report game law violations by calling Operation Game Thief toll-free at (800) 522-8039. Callers can remain anonymous and might be eligible for a cash reward if the violator is convicted. Reports can also be made to the Wildlife Department's law enforcement division at (405) 521-3719 or your local game warden. 

Oct. 1 marks big opening day for Oklahoma archery hunters

 October 1 marks the opening day of archery hunting opportunities in Oklahoma. 

     Most popular and widely available is the deer archery season, which runs throughJan. 15 and offers the Oct. 1. 

opportunity to harvest up to six deer. Adventurous archers also have the opportunity to hunt for turkeys, antelope and black bears beginning

     "Oklahoma really is a land of opportunity for archery hunters," said Erik Bartholomew, big game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Not only do we have several archery seasons opening Oct. 1, but they each provide ample time and opportunity for diligent hunters to go afield and harvest an animal." 

     Last year, more than 89,000 hunters took to the outdoors during deer archery season, according to the Game Harvest Survey conducted by the Wildlife Department. 

     "That's the third highest ever," Bartholomew said. 

     Bartholomew has advice for archery hunters headed to the field this year. 

     "Hunters may not find deer in their normal feeding patterns during the early archery season this year because of the increased rainfall we've had in parts of the state," Barthomew said. "There's so many more natural food sources available to deer this year than in recent years when drought had deer concentrating around limited food and water sources. Hunters are going to have to get out there and scout a little more."

     Bartholomew also said the increased rainfall has resulted in heavier vegetation, which could also mean visibility could be lower for hunters. 

     "You may not be able to see deer as well this year as you could in recent years when drought has pretty much dried up much of the vegetation," he said. 

     Even with the challenges, the rain is welcomed by hunters and biologists, and wildlife is benefiting tremendously. 

     "Deer will be going into the winter in good shape this year," Bartholomew said. 

     With plenty of food and vegetation, deer stand a better chance of eating well and preparing for colder months ahead than they do when food is limited. 

     "I expect we'll have a great deer archery season this year as usual," Bartholomew said. 

     Deer archery hunters harvested over 23,000 deer during the 2012-13 hunting season, helping reach a total of 107,848 deer harvested last year across all methods. 

     While deer archery season is open statewide, antelope hunters must hunt in Cimarron Co. and that portion of Texas Co. west of state highway 136. Black bear season is open only in Latimer, LeFlore, McCurtain and Pushmataha counties.

     Archery hunters harvested 16 antelope and 66 black bears last season. Antelope populations are down this year from last year. Still, a greater availability of food and water sources should benefit antelope going into the winter while challenging hunters to look beyond limited watering holes and feeding locations that have proven successful in the past. 

     "The prepared archery hunter will have scouted, talked to several landowners, secured the required written landowner permission they need to hunt, and will be ready for action Oct. 1," Bartholomew said.

     Antelope archery season runs Oct. 1-14.

     Bear hunters in southeast Oklahoma should be prepared to hunt this year in areas with plenty of natural food sources as well. 

     According to Jeff Ford, southeast region wildlife biologist for the Wildlife Department, the region has a great mast crop this year, which could lead to good opportunities on public lands as well as private lands. 

     Ford suggests hunters should not rule out hunting on wildlife management areas simply because baiting is prohibited on those lands. About 25 percent of the total bear harvest last year was reported harvested from public lands. 

     The upcoming fifth annual black bear archery season will continue to offer ample hunting time and opportunity to sportsmen. Archery season will run Oct. 1-20 with no set quota (a muzzleloader season with a 20-bear quota will start Oct. 26 and run throughNov. 3). 

     Ford says the structure of the bear season secures better opportunities for hunters compared to the first few years when quotas caused bear season to end in a matter of days or less. 

     "You'll have at least two full weekends and 20 days to hunt," Ford said. "You won't feel the need to rush out and getting your hunting done the first day." 

     More time to hunt also allows hunters to be more selective about which bears they harvest, since they won't feel the pressure to harvest a bear before a season quota is reached. 

     Fall turkey archery season runs Oct. 1 through Jan. 15, 2014, and hunters may harvest one turkey of either sex, statewide. It's common for deer hunters to head to the field with the proper fall turkey license in case they get an opportunity to harvest a turkey while deer hunting. 

     Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide season dates. Complete details and regulations for each season - including hunter education and apprentice-designated license requirements - can be found in the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide," available free online or in print anywhere hunting licenses are sold. 

     To learn more about archery hunting in Oklahoma, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. 

Landowners and deer benefit from Deer Management Assistance Program

Oklahoma landowners can sign up for assistance in managing the whitetail deer population on their properties by participating in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) from the Oklahoma Department of

Wildlife Conservation.

DMAP is a joint effort between Wildlife Department biologists and the landowners, or cooperators, who collect detailed information about the deer population and those harvested on their property. The program gives landowners, hunt clubs or lease operators the ability to implement a more intensive form of deer management than might be possible under statewide regulations through additional antlerless deer harvests. DMAP cooperators may be issued permits that allow the harvest of additional antlerless deer during regular archery, primitive firearms and gun seasons. The program also allows antlerless harvest with a gun the entire month of December.

A landowner wishing to become a DMAP cooperator must enroll at least 1,000 acres in the program. Owners of smaller properties may ask their neighbors to join them in their application to meet the 1,000-acre minimum.

"Key to the program is that it allows some flexibility in harvesting antlerless deer to adjust for local deer populations on participating properties," said Erik Bartholomew, big game biologist for the Wildlife Department. "Once an application is submitted, a biologist will arrange to visit the property to evaluate habitat, determine the landowner's management goals and review past year's harvest data. The biologist will recommend approval of the DMAP application if the program can benefit the landowner's management goals."

Cooperators who join DMAP must conduct a spotlight survey in late summer, and agree to tag and maintain accurate records of all deer harvested on DMAP properties. Data collected upon harvesting a deer, including sex, weight, antler beam measurement and a lower jawbone, is vital to understanding the herd's characteristics. After the deer season, the Department will issue a report to the landowner to help evaluate future management needs.

"2012-13 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" available now online

Hunters can log onto wildlifedepartment.com today to view a draft copy of the "2012-13 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

            The new full-color guide contains statewide hunting regulations and season information for 2012 and 2013. It also features a wide range of hunting-related articles and other helpful information, such as sunrise/sunset tables and detailed information on the state's wildlife management areas.

            "Printed copies will be available for free in August anywhere hunting licenses are sold, but hunters anxious to read up on the latest hunting regulation changes and dates for their favorite seasons can do so today online," said Ben Davis, information specialist and hunting guide coordinator for the Wildlife Department. "It's an important publication because it contains so much of the information our state's hunters need to know in order to follow the game laws in Oklahoma. Some of the regulation changes covered in the new "Hunting Guide" include the expansion of black bear season, new youth deer season opportunities, new baiting restrictions on public lands and rule changes pertaining to the use of ATVs on Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area.

            The migratory bird regulations portion is a draft and will not be finalized by the USFWS and the Oklahoma Wildlife Commission until Aug. 6.

            To view all the changes and the full draft copy in detail, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. A link to the guide is provided on the homepage.