OKLAHOMA September, 1962 15 Cents

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In Order To Qualify For YOUR

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE'S

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FISHING CITATION SPECIES

LARGEMOUTH BASS Available without charge, to any and all subscribers to Oklahoma Wildlife 5 pounds or larger Magazine, and their immediate families, who catch any of the fresh-water game fish of the prescribed species and size requirements. Citation, show­ WHITE BASS 2 pounds or larger ing recorded date of the catch, will be mailed to the applicant upon receipt of the following application form that has been properly filled out and CHANNEL CATFISH signed. 10 pounds or larger SMALL MOUTH BASS ENTRY DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 30 2 pounds or larger WHITE CRAPPIE OR BLACK CRAPPIE 2 pounds or larger APPLICATION FOR OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE FISHING CITATION SPOTTED (KENTUCKY) BASS The Editor, OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE Date 2 pounds or larger

Department of Wildlife Conservation, 118 Capitol, Oklahoma City BLUE CATFISH Please send me the Oklahoma Wildlife Fishing Citation with the inscribed data 15 pounds or larger listed below: PANFISH (Bluegill, Redear or Green Sunfish) Name (please print) 1 pound or larger Address City State Species Weight, Length Fish must be caught on conventional fish­ ing tackle, with artificial or live bait, in the Type of Tackle- presence of at least one witness. Bait or Lure Used The catch must be weighed and recorded Where Caught in_ County at a fishing camp or tackle store within the Date Caught Catch Witnessed By state by the owner, manager, or an author­ Registered, Weighed By_ At_ ized agent of the respective establishment.

(Signature of Applicant)

CUT OUT AND SAVE THIS APPLICATION BLANK

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 Published Monthly Except August By The Published Monthly Except August Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation By Room 118, State Capitol Oklahoma City, Oklahoma DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE For Hunters, Fishermen, Trappers, Naturalists and Wildlife Conservationists. One dollar fifty cents per year CONSERVATION Single copy 15 cents Circulation, this issue 12,000 Second class postage paid at Oklahoma City, Okla. STATE OF George Crouse Editor OKLAHOMA Mrs. Lula Proctor Circulation Manager

Wildlife Management In Oklahoma 4-5 New Commissioner Blames Dad 5 Clear Water In Pryor Creek 6-7 Random Shots 8 COVER PHOTO South American Invader 9 Control Balance 10-11 Fall Hunting Calendar 12-13 This month's cover of Okla­ Seesees In Kiowa County 14-15 homa Wildlife -was painted by Rugged Fishing George Wint, biologist, artist and Assignment 16-17 game farm superintendent, and Wildlife In The News 19 relates to Mr. Wint's story of an Mail Bag 21 exotic game bird, the Seesee par­ Editing For Wildlife 23 tridge, now being studied in trail releases in southwestern Okla­ Vol. XVIII No. 8 homa. The related article, -written by Wint, appears on pages 14 and 15 of this issue of Oklahoma George Wint Wildlife. The well-known biologist, who has appeared at COMMISSIONERS many meetings of sportsmen's clubs over Oklahoma Ed Futrell, Porum; Chairman with his equally popular Bob White quail, Peewee, Wayne Wallace, Antlers; Vice-Chairman Jack Parish, Tishomingo; Secretary has painted other magazine covers and has quite a George Schultz, Medford; Member collection of interesting and beautiful bird studies George L. Knapp, Jr., Tulsa; Member L. A. W. Vincent, Arnett; Member he has prepared in -water color in the past. Harold Cooksey, Norman; Member Or. Richard A. Ellis, Duncan; Member

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Roy A. Stafford, Director Back Cover Mutt Standefer, Assistant Director Cloyse Bond, Information & Education Claude Goin, Enforcement Buell Atkins, Game Management There's fun for youngsters -when their fathers & Federal Aid Sam Jackson Fisheries know how to rig their lines for sunfishing, as this Orville Curtis, Supvsr. Big Game George Wint, Supt. Game Farm dad -was doing along the rocky shore of Sportsman Planning and Lake, East of Seminole. Farrell Copelin, Liaison Specialist There are seasons of the year when cat fishing or angling for bass may present more problems than Permission to reprint is granted provided proper credit is given. Oklahoma pictures even experienced fishermen can cope -with. A small and contributions are welcome and will be hook, light tackle and -worms can provide fun for published when possible. Address communi­ cations to Oklahoma Department of Wild­ any angler, young or old, and some of the red ear, life Conservation, Oklahoma City, Okla. bream and green sunfish fit well in a skillet.

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 Twenty-fifth Anniversary of Pittman-Robertson Restoration Measure Spotlights Attention To— Wildlife Management In Oklahc By BUELL ATKINS, Head Federal Aid and Game Division

CINCE September marks the 25th anniversary of and ammunition. In this manner those who benefit ^ the wildlife restoration program, more properly directly from the program bear its cost. referred to as the Pittman-Robertson act, it is timely Obviously, however, benefits accrue to all the for a discussion of the act as it applies to Oklahoma. people for the ultimate objective is to restore and safe­ The program of federal aid in wildlife restoration guard wildlife populations, which are the source of represents the culmination of concerted efforts of wild­ aesthetic enjoyment for nature lovers and others, who life conservation organizations throughout the United neither hunt nor fish. States to accelerate the restoration of natural condi­ That this program has national significance is tions as a means of increasing the supply of wildlife attested by the statistics on the sale of hunting licenses. of recreational values. The national survey on hunting and fishing in 1960 The program encompasses wild mammal and bird discloses that, roughly, 20 million perjons hunted, restoration under the provisions of the federal aid and which is an increase of some 12 million since World wildlife restoration act, activities under the program War II. having been inaugurated July 1, 1938, with approval GROWING PROBLEM of the first funds to implement the authorizing legisla­ Despite some increase in revenue from license tion, known as the Pittman-Robertson act, approved by sale on which our state depends for support of its wild­ congress Sept. 2, 1937. By passing this act congress life program the disproportionate increase in hunting, recognized the increasingly difficult task confronting due to larger amounts of leisure time and improved state conservation agencies. transportation facilities, has placed a heavier burden HABITAT VITAL on the state. The federal aid" program was designed to Wildlife, a renewable resource, depends for its assist in efforts to cope with the problem by providing continuing existence on habitat afforded by our lands. financial assistance for restoration measures essential As human populations grow there is a continual re­ to maintain hunting as an American form of recreation. duction in the amount of suitable environment and Success of the program throughout the nation has an ever-increasing number of hunters competing for demonstrated the effectiveness of state activities in the the wild products of the fields, forests, streams and development of natural environment and in the de­ lakes. Along with man's effect on environment there termination of effective means of managing wildlife to are natural factors, such as floods and droughts, that provide a harvestable surplus. have played important roles in reduction of many kinds The Pittman-Robertson act authorizes the ap­ of wild game animals. propriation of funds collected on excise taxes on cer­ This act recognizes the principal that wildlife tain kinds of sporting equipment. These funds are restoration problems are linked inescapably with the apportioned to the respective states and matched in a land. Suitable environment must be protected and, ratio of 75 percent federal and 25 percent state monies, where possible, restored to provide adequate places in to carry on the investigation of problems in wildlife, which wild things can live and multiply. Manage­ the restoration and management of wildlife, to pur­ ment measures must be devised to swell production chase, develop and administer lands, to restore natural and, with those measures, there must be the annual habitats and to maintain completed projects. The harvest of these v/ild animals in a sustained yield basis. Pittman-Robertson act is administered by the secretary This act places the conservation agencies in a of Interior through the Bureau of Sports Fisheries and position to operate well rounded programs in which Wildlife. Monies are collected from manufacturers in there will be benefits to our wild animal resources, and the form of an 11 percent excise tax on sporting arms is of sufficient magnitude to cope with the destructive and ammunition and arc apportioned to states by the influences which have been developed over the past secretary of interior each fiscal year. An amount, not half century. to exceed eight percent of the total, is deducted for Behind the wildlife restoration act is the premise the administration of the act and the migratory bird that those enjoying the use of wildlife products in­ conservation act. Amounts, not to exceed $10,000 volved should contribute through the federal govern­ cash for Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands, ment to a nation-wide restoration program. In this are also deducted. After these deductions, the secretary case funds are made available from revenue collected of interior apportions the remainder of the revenue through a manufacturers' excise tax on sporting arms among the states in this manner:

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 ma

APPORTIONMENT RATIO One-half in ratio which the state's area bears to the total area of all states; one-half in ratio which the number of paid hunting license holders of each state bears to the number of paid hunting license holders of all states. It is provided further that such apportionment shall be adjusted so that no state shall receive less than one-half of one percent, nor more than five percent of the total amount apportioned to all states. Now that we have learned how the apportion­ ments are made, how does the Department of Wild­ life Conservation in Oklahoma avail itself of op­ :^****^f ; portunities afforded by these funds. First, the Oklahoma legislature assented to pro­ Buell Atkins visions of the act in October, 1939, shortly after it came into being. All projects originate in our depart­ Burtschi, Lake Schultz, Lake Hall, Lake Watonga, ment of wildlife conservation and are written in con­ Lake Ozzie Cobb, Lake Nanih Wayah, Sportsman tract form and submitted to the Bureau of Sports Lake, Cimarron County (Ettling) Lake, and Lake Fisheries and Wildlife for approval. After approval is Vincent. This cost was on a basis of benefit to water­ given the state performs the project in accordance with fowl to be derived from the lake projects. project documents. When the Bureau of Sports Under the upland game project one phase that Fisheries and Wildlife, after proper inspection, is is given attention is the exotic bird program, which is satisfied the contract has been executed according to a cooperative effort between the department of wild­ plan, the state is then reimbursed in an amount of 75 life conservation in Oklahoma and the Bureau of Sport percent of the total cost. Fisheries and Wildlife in an attempt to establish ad­ Our state department has made use of these funds ditional species by transplants from foreign countries. to finance the greatest portion of its game restoration Our department has made trial releases of black and work. This program has made possible the develop­ grav Francolin, white winged and black necked ment and maintenance of our deer restoration program pheasant, SeeSee partridge, red jungle fowl, and red as well as the establishment and maintenance of game legged partridge. management areas over the state. ENDLESS JOBS PROJECTS LISTED As funds permit, our state department is still ac­ Current federal aid projects within our state quiring suitable lands by purchase and also by license include the following: from federal agencies to aid in its restoration program. Wildlife management coordination, which em­ A volume could be written about the hours of ploys the administrative force for the program in Okla­ labor that have gone into building fences, roads, fire homa; maintenance of the Spavinaw Hills, Cherokee, trails, planting feed and cover and other activities Atoka, Pushmataha, Cookson Hills and Choctaw Game carried on to make these lands suitable for public use. Management Area deer refuges, as well as contributing There has also been a great deal of study, planning in the past to the McCurtain county preserve; develop­ and surveying to perfect the program and see that it is ment and management of the Okmulgee, Hickory carried out for best possible results. Creek, Lexington, Canton, Supply, Cherokee, Fort All-in-all, it appears in Oklahoma the federal aid Gibson, Ellis county, Hulah, Wister and Camp Gruber and wildlife restoration act is being carried out ac­ game management areas. cording to the original intent of not only conserving Other projects financed through the program are wildlife, but restoring it to such a level that it can be our migratory bird study, the various surveys on up­ harvested each year on a sustained basis. Without the land game, analysis of hunting seasons, farm game program, our state would have been hard pressed to habitat improvement. In the past, the program has con­ finance the various projects that are apparently con­ tributed to construction and maintenance cost of Lake tributing to public enjoyment of our outdoors.

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 Clear Water

Flowing Along

Pryor Creek

Team-Work Leads To Solution Of Pollution Problem Ending Serious Situation As Plant Chiefs Work With State Officials

Rejuvenated Pryor Creek.

OPERATION of the 240-acre, $400,000 Pryor In- FINANCE PLAN ^-^ dustrial Conservation Company's waste disposal Through a service charge the conservation com­ system, put into service the latter part of June this pany is prepared to retire the $400,000 indebtedness year, climaxed years of team-work for the solution of incurred in construction of the lines from the industrial one of Oklahoma's most complex stream pollution plants into the lagoons, then bypassing Pryor creek and problems, involving Pryor creek, Grand river and Fort emptying into Grand river. Gibson reservoir. Mr. Dew explained Dr. Elmer Brumsting, chief Mutual concern on the part of industries that processing engineer in the Deere plant, was responsible were involved, state and national health officials, the for designing the disposal system. He also spoke of Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Department, U. S. cooperation received from George A. Knapp, jr., Tulsa, Corps of Army Engineers, the Water Resources board member of the Wildlife commission, for his assistance and other groups, as well as individuals, strengthened in helping bring about a solution to the problem. efforts to find the most practical means of clearing up Claude Goin, chief of the wildlife enforcement a serious pollution problem without hampering the op­ division, headed investigations and assisted with plan­ eration of three industrial plants using Oklahoma fuels ning the solution to the pollution problem. Mr. Knapp and other products and providing employment for and Claude Goin, chief of the wildlife department's something like 500 persons. The John Deer company's enforcement division, were guests appearing on a pro­ nitrogen fertilizer plant, now ready to carry out plans gram held in Wagoner August 24, when the Lake Fort for expansion, the Bestwall Gypsum and National Gibson sportsmen's association were honored. Ben F. Gvpsum plants, reprocessors of waste paper for use in Kcllcy, Tulsa, president of the association commented manufacture of wall board, are the three industries, in announcing plans for the meeting: which formed the Pryor Industrial Conservation com­ RECOGNITION GIVEN pany, headed by Jess Dew, vice-president with John "Mr. Jess E. Dew, president of the conservation Deere. Other officials of the company are Jim Burk- companv, Mr. J. H. Burkhart, manager of Bestwall hart, vice-president, and Art Costain, secretary-treasurer. company, and Mr. A. II. Costain, manager of National

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 Gypsum deserve special credit. We also want to recog­ In combination the lagoons afford 241 surface nize Mr. Hunter, chief of operations for the corps of acres and 1,867 acre feet at maximum capacity. engineers for the fine cooperation he has given us in FLOW CONTROLLED placing markers on the lake. We have also had fine After further purification in the outfall lagoon, cooperation from Claude Goin of the wildlife depart­ flow is directed into Grand river, where automatic con­ ment, as well as Mr. George L. Knapp, a member of trol of diffusion into river waters will be made through our wildlife commission." a sparger pipe across the river bed. Drainage is pro­ Concerted effort to find a solution to the disposal portioned to the river flow. problem followed a series of investigations and con­ The lagoons are located on Fort Gibson reservoir ferences between the Wildlife Department and other property controlled by the U. S. Corps of engineers. agencies with officials of the companies. Officials of the company admit there is some While the new system began receiving detrimental possibility that combination of chemicals and materials waste, which had previously emptied into Pryor creek, from the three plants could possibly aid in reducing on June 19, this year, Dew said it would be the end harmful effects of wastes as they are received in the of summer before enough water has accumulated in lagoons. They say, however, the system has been de­ the two lagoons to permit overflow into Grand river. signed to provide controlled flow when the river is The flow from the plants into the lagoons is at a not low, adding that much of the harmful results came rate of 2,000 gallons per minute. when wastes built up in Pryor creek during dry period TWO LAGOONS PROVIDED and suddenly emptied downstream during periods of The system provides a 12-inch pipeline from the heavy rainfall. Deere plant, extending under Pryor creek to Bestwall. From Bestwall to National Gypsum the pipe extends to 21 inches in diameter and a 24-inch line extends tab to the lagoons. The first of two lagoons contains 176 ^UB surface acres and has earthen dike construction on three sides .Waste material and water is held in this lagoon for 45 days under normal conditions, but it is sufficient in size to permit a six month holding period, if necessary. Emergency holdings may be made in case of drought or low river levels. A second lagoon of 65 acres has been constructed about 1,200 feet from the main holding area. This is an outfall lagoon and has a normal holding period of six days with a maximum period of 35 days in an emergency.

Dr. Elmer Brumsting checks flow into lagoon

tM**i

Best-wall plant served by system

John Deer fertilizer plan.

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 hook in a finger, necessitating a call on "Doc" Swan at the Grady county me­ RANDOM morial hospital, where wc learned the last victim was a lady who sat on a fish hook and was in a more embarassing plight . . . SHOTS Then we found out how friend John Winkler, Oklahoma City, had trouble with a cast in Colorado and had to have his hook dug out of the scalp . . . Edwin 7006,%** Swallcy, teacher in the Fort Gibson schools and operator of a tourist court at Wagoner, admitting he has managed to get his deer during the past two seasons . . . Louis Burtschi, Chickasha, who retired from the Wildlife commission in July, relating he caught eight and ten pound walleye trolling with doll flies in deep water on a CONSERVATIONISTS game and handling the dogs to assist two Minnesota lake . . . Editor George Moore, The hunters who read "The Hunters friends in their squirrel hunt. The court Barnsdall, who manages to land good- Horn" are "real conservationists." That is sustained Green in his deduction. sized bass in his own fishing pond when he isn't busy in his garden in the evening the conviction of George Everett, managing INITIATION or tending to other chores . . . Wading editor of the publication at Sand Springs. John Baggs, Tuskahoma, slyly admits he in cool, clear waters along the shaded "They do not use guns, but use that found little satisfaction in the first arrest banks of the Illinois river in quest of small­ thoroughly American breed of dogs, called he made after becoming a game ranger. mouth bass and thinking about how un­ the American Foxhound," he explains. His victim was a lady school teacher, who "They hunt foxes and wolves, chiefly for the was fishing with her husband and couldn't comfortable an office chair can be when music that they hear and the excitement produce a 1962 fishing license. reflections of outdoor scenes flit through of the chase. They do not seek to kill off one's mind . . . Listening to tree frogs either wolves or foxes, except for an oc­ STRANGE BEHAVIOR in chorus during an evening's visit with casional renegade that gains a taste for Members of the Oklahoma Wildlife Mr. and Mrs. Homer Johnson in the back chickens and builds a bad reputation. Our Conservation commission were astounded, yard at the Choctaw Game Management readers, who number about a thousand in flabbergasted and pleased when George Area headquarters south of Heavener. Oklahoma, are staunch believers in the Borelli acted as spokesman for a Kingfisher balance of nature as being our best means delegation that called on the commission. of predator control." When introduced, Mr. Borelli explained the delegation wanted nothing and had PRIZE CRAPPIE no bone to pick, adding it was simply on W. J. Meyer, 1016 South College, hand to express its thanks for the new lake Tulsa, has every reason to manifest pride the Wildlife Department is building for in the crappie he has mounted. The three- sportsmen near Kingfisher under a federal pound, five-ounce crappie was caught by aid project. "We simply wanted to tell Meyer in a farm pond last April 19. you we like our Wildlife Department and LIGHT STEPPER the job you gentlemen are doing," Borelli added. Elmer Vieth and Ed Harrison Quite often gasses can be seen bubbling added their endorsement to his words. from river beds, coming from compressed, Wildlife commissioners agreed it was the decaying vegetation in the summer. Often first time thev had experienced that sort the upheaval will leave fair sized craters of a call at one of their meetings and that in submerged sand bars. Al Houser, di­ they received a good deal of satisfaction rector of the Wildlife Department's from the experience, even .if it seemed Fisheries Research laboratory, had nothing strange. of that sort in mind while wading along a tributary being checked in the Eufaula ODD DIET dam pre-impoundment survey. He had For a white tailed deer fish seem like been picking up samples of fishes and other a peculiar diet. Gene Woods, manager of Two Oklahoma City lads, aquatic life when he experienced "a sinking the Wildlife Department's refuge and feeling" accompanied by a rumble and wilderness area in .northern McCurtain Keith Buckwald (left) and sudden upheaval that sent sand and water county, and his uncle, George Green, Claude Davis, prove there spraying over his back and atop his head. Oklahoma City banker, know of one deer are largemouth bass in He frankly related later that he "walked that actually dined on fish. Green had Atoka lake. They used out of there on top of the water without caught a nice string and had left the lures for their catch. wasting a moment's time." When asked if fish on the stringer in a water container his experience in actually walking on water under an outdoor water hydrant at the would tend to prove Biblical references to refuge duelling. The deer, a half-starved that accomplishment, Houser replied, "I animal that Wildlife Department person­ Too many times human don't know too much about that, but I nel had taken from the hands of an carelessness or indifference have can tell you what this Indian did, for sure." individual who had found it and was keep­ doomed wildlife on the highways ing it as a pet, was making a meal of the JUST HUNTERS' AIDE which should have lived for an­ fish when Woods and Green were alerted Arms bearers, brush beaters and other other day. If the human being can by the rattle of the metal stringer and safari personnel have as much to do with claim any mentality or reasoning went outside the house to investigate. hunting as anyone else and are therefore power above all the other forms Woods said he had never before known subject to hunting license requirements. At of life on this planet, then there of a deer making fish a part of its diet. least Ranger Johnny Green took that is no possible excuse for such action.—Pennsylvania Game News. position when one hunter maintained he RECOLLECTING was merely carrying an axe, some of the Chagrin experienced over getting a fish V

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 -CevaJ/es- - /RecordingNutria - —rrnrin 1962 i South American INVADER

Nutria Poses Serious Problem For Farmers And Ranchers In State,s Neighboring Areas

ARTHUR F. HALLORAN, Wildlife Biologist and NORTON R. MINER, District Agent U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

r\UTDOORSMEN are beginning to wonder if that that nutria raising is no financial bonanza, many ^-* South American invader, the nutria, will take over breeders have liberated their stock rather than destroy Oklahoma to the detriment of ranchers, farmers and it. Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and the sportsmen of the State. tornadoes have made other escapes possible. This large rodent has already become established Nutrias are also found in Washington, Oregon, in Texas and Louisiana. These two states estimated Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, and Florida. last year that nutria have caused $20,000,000 damage. Their ultimate effect on valuable native fur-bearers like The nutria or coypu has also been found in Missouri beaver and muskrat is not fully known, but the compe­ where it is illegal to release exotic or foreign animals tition they provide bodes ill for the natives. without Game Commission permission. This is also We have made a survey of known Oklahoma true in Oklahoma (House Bill No. 768, Sec. 9, 1961) observations by consulting field personnel of the Bureau where "No exotic fish or wildlife may be released into of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, United States Fish the wilds of Oklahoma without first obtaining written and Wildlife Service. In addition, notes from Oklahoma consent of the Director". It is easiest to describe this Wildlife and other publications have been used. Our critter by saying that it looks like a giant rat. It has a 1962 survey reveals that nutrias are found in at least long scaly tail, vicious and efficient orange-red cutting ten Oklahoma counties (see map). These occurrences teeth, and long white whiskers. In size it approaches a include captive and wild populations. Dealers in Okla­ medium-sized beaver. homa and other states sell these animals for introduc­ One reason these southern swamp dwellers were tion to new areas. introduced into the southeastern United States was that Wild populations of this species are not protected they would cat unwanted pond vegetation. They did by law. With landowner permission they may be shot this with a vengeance, and then moved out to culti­ on sight. Be sure, however, to have an Oklahoma hunt­ vated fields and started munching. In England, ing license! These scaly-tails arc sly and hard to hit. according to Life magazine, (Anon., Signs of the Where found, they can provide excellent, elusive targets Future, Munching Menace, 5(9) :38, 9-1-61) these for Sooner small arms "plinkers". These submarining greedy webfoots have multiplied to vast numbers and swamp rats might also furnish good sport to the chewed on everything from tree trunks to beet roots. growing army of spear-toting skin-divers. Biologists are striving to develop effective control methods. Coypus could be poisoned, except that they Although coypus eat vegetation, they will not take have no special food preference that could be used as "moss" (algae) that clogs so many ponds and causes bait. In many areas they have become too numerous so much grief for bass and crappie experts. At Eagle for steel traps to be effective. Lake in south Texas nutrias have seriously damaged These overpopulations have occurred because waterfowl values. The owners of this property have these exotic mammals are exceedingly adaptable to spent hundreds of dollars trying to wipe out the in­ climate and food, and are very prolific. Three litters vaders, but sizable numbers arc still present. appear each year, and each litter averages five more Certainly, we in Oklahoma can be knee-deep in voracious vegetarians. The young are born furred, are nutrias if we want them. In the meantime, it would able to get about in a few hours, and are weaned in seem prudent to be sure before we welcome them to seven to eight weeks. our lakes, ponds, streams, and fields. Just remember— Another reason for importing these animals was there is no effective control. The nutria could become for their fur value. The fur market has dropped so low another pest of the land like the English sparrow, the that the processing of pelts prohibits profits. Finding Starling, and the plague-carrying house rat.

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 By PHILLIP SUMMERS, Superintendent Holdenville State Fish Hatchery

natural reproduction. The river and stream populations Tiny flat head in holding trough, were endemic and merely supply small lakes or reservoirs (photo enlarged five times normal) with adult fish as a result of impoundment. Occasionally a very small lake will be inhabited by the species, that before impoundment was completely divorced from a river or stream influence. Almost without exception the introduction was accomplished by interested sportmen. However, small lake environ­ T^ OR many years sportsmen and biologists alike have ments tend not to be the most desirable habitats for -*- been interested in utilizing a native species of fish this fish, as evidenced by the relatively low reproduc­ as a control balance in overpopulated conditions prev­ tive successes. Since this aspect is indicated at the alent among fish populations in many farm ponds and present time it further substantiates the proposed small lakes. In addition, a fish is needed that is capable usefulness of the species as a natural control for of establishing itself in excessively turbid waters where abundant populations of undesirable fish. Naturally, other game fish are not actively growing as a result of efficient predator species need to be limited somewhat those turbid conditions. Many of Oklahoma's munic­ in its reproductive capacity before successful results are ipal and private lakes are classified in tins' category. attained. The increased demand for an efficient predator CULTURAL PROBLEMS species, with a potential for controlling or at least Successful spawning of the flathead catfish has seriously reducing, excessive forage-fish populations, been realized through the use of human gonadatropin have initiated fisheries workers to consider the "flathead extracts in recent years. Much of the work concerning catfish" for this position. The prospect of this species the effects of hormone injections on fish was ac­ occupying this predator vacancy may someday become complished through the University of Oklahoma. a reality. A general congruent opinion exists among The practice of injecting a sex hormone to induce fishery investigators throughout the southern one-half the spawning act in fish is an accepted and useful tool of the United States that this species definitely has for the fish culturist. It has been shown by several in­ possibilities worthy of investigation. vestigators that hormone derivatives injected in correct FLATHEAD RESEARCH proportions, directly into the body cavity, causes the Private, state, and federal agencies throughout the female to deposit her eggs within a matter of hours. nation have experimentally investigated spawning, The method of induced spawning affords several ad­ hatching, and rearing flathead catfish under captive vantages to the fish culturist; first the eggs are deposited conditions with moderate successes. But as everyone is and fertilized over a shorter period of time, as is the aware, constant difficulties are encountered when man hatching. This results in a group of fry with only a attempts to seek or sometimes alternate the reproduc­ tive cycle of any animal, so easily precipitated under Home-made hatching trough. nature's guidance. The problems confronting the ecological inquiry of the flathead catfish are not insur­ mountable and will be lessened considerably with formulated research programs. The research endeavor in Oklahoma to date has been minimal but current investigations tend to indi­ cate the possibility that Oklahoman's may realize limited stocking of the flathead catfish in future years. NATURAL POPULATIONS A majority of Oklahoma's reservoirs and rivers re­ tain established populations of flathead catfish that maintain their numbers in sufficient quantity through

10 ION MAY PROVIDE

Phil Summers

(fatfool balance istics of food selectivity but natural foods are seldom available in sufficient quantity and size. As a result the young fish must be trained at the onset of their few hours separating the difference in age. These fish feeding behavior to accept prepared foods. These tid­ may then be stocked into a culture pond with increased bits are not always the tastiest but are of a quality chances for survival since a very small size difference which conform to the dietary fish standards. To gain exists, directly reducing the likelihood of a predatory the fishes acceptance for these foods, hand feeding relationship occurring within the fish stakeout. With methods are employed which require infinite time and the predation reduced somewhat greater surviving patience. numbers are realized and monies in the form of fish Findings at this time indicate the flathead catfish have been saved. arc less susceptible to the variety of diseases generally The use of hormones is not yet effective in all associated with channel catfish propagation. However, groups of fish but has been found fairly successful the species is a newcomer to hatchery environments within the catfish family. Needless to say, without the and natural immunity to infectious diseases may well aid of gonadal extracts, the flathead catfish may have diminish with domestication. retained its reproductive capabilities in complete STOCKING TRIALS NEEDED secrecy. At present the usefulness of flathead catfish in Secondly, the use of a sex stimulant allows the small lake habitats is uncertain. To ascertain this in­ fish culturist to spawn those fish too obstinate to re­ formation controlled experimental stockings are needed produce in captivity. Natural spawning relationships in and the results carefully evaluated. Fish used in these captive flatheads are the exception rather than the experiments will necessarily be of a size comparable ordinary. Investigations have indicated increased to those proposed for future distribution to Oklahoma chances for spawning to occur without injections in waters. The desirable size range will be directly related those fish domesticated for a few years. Natural spawn­ to the economic feasibility of propagation in the ing relationships among these individuals are infrequent hatchery. The size to be utilized at this time is and unpredictable. Often females from the same body problematical but should range between four and six of water having similar weight, size and assumed rate inches; this again being entirely dependent on cost, of growth may be reproductively immature. rate of growth and survival successes through the five REARING PROBLEMS month culture period. Other investigators indicate low The spawning and hatching of flathead are im­ survival rates for this species in pond culture experi­ portant but rearing this fish to fingcrling size is of ments. greater significance. It is assumed that the young begin The Department of Wildlife Conservation is consuming microscopic animal life as quickly as the actively interested in continuing the flathead investiga­ yolk sac is absorbed, which is usually two to three days tion in anticipation of offering in the next five years after hatching. This diet is gradually followed by limited stockings of this species to Oklahoma's lake larger forms such as insect larvae and later to small owners. It should be emphasized however, that stocks fish, the fish size increasing proportionately with the arc not obtainable from the department at this time. growth of the individual. There are notable character- An attempt has been made to present to the reader a small segment of the research and develop­ Oklahoma flatheads attain great size mental stages associated with the propagation of a and demand proportionate diets. species not adapted to hatchery culture. Certainly, some • additional obstacles will be encountered as the investi­ gations continue but active determination and endeavor on the part of sportsmen as well as fishery workers will produce material gains in the next few years. Interested sportsmen should realize that the pos­ * sibility of introducing this species in adequate numbers to those lakes too turbid to support good populations of game fish may represent an unprecedented rehabilita­ tion measure, long sought for. ,y-' ^**s»« &?. 11 2 FALL HUNTIM Busy Months Ahead In Upland Game And Deer Areas Over Oklahoma CHICKEN SEASON The greater prairie chicken season follows last year's regulations. The season applies only to north­ eastern Oklahoma counties, bounded on the west and south by the Arkansas river from the Kansas line to Tulsa and from thence east to the Arkansas line the southern boundary being Highway 33. Hunting dates are Oct. 26 and 27. Hunters will be required to buy a $1 prairie chicken permit and will be permitted to take two birds daily, using shotguns only. Shooting will be permitted from 6:10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The turkey season in western Oklahoma will ex­ tend from Nov. 1 through Nov. 4, and is somewhat earlier than a year ago. A $3 turkey permit will be V > ', km- tl required and hunters may use shotguns only loaded I i -i •'•»•• i with shot no smaller than No. 4. Slugs are prohibited. Only toms with at least three inch beards are to be Only bucks -with at least six inch spikes or with antlers showing three taken. points may be taken during deer sea­ The hunting area takes in Cimarron, Texas, Beaver, son. Harper, Woods, Alfalfa, Ellis, Woodward, Major, Roger Mills, Dewey, Custer, Blaine and Kingfisher counties and that portion of Garfield and Grant fkKLAHOMA'S busy fall hunting season schedule counties west of Highway 81 and Beckham, Greer and ^-* was completed when the State Wildlife Conserva­ Harmon counties and that portion of Kiowa county tion Commission met to consider dates for the lying west of Highway 44, except for special areas. migratory waterfowl seasons Aug. 20. Roost shooting is prohibited. Shooting hours are from The commission, in its regular meeting Aug. 6, 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. approved resolutions setting dates and regulations for PHEASANT SEASON SPLIT the deer, Rio Grande turkey, Ring Necked pheasant The split season is being used for pheasant hunting and Greater Prairie chicken seasons. The state dove in the Panhandle and northwestern counties again this season, under federal regulations, had previously been year. The dates are Nov. 9, 10 and 11 and Nov. 16, 17 set for September- 1 through Oct. 30, and the quail and 18. Shooting hours are from 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. season, Nov. 20-Jan. 15, is fixed by law. Dove season Hunters will be permitted to use shotguns only and dates correspond to last year's season but the bag the bag limit is three cocks daily and possession limit limit was reduced to 12 daily. Shooting hours are from after the third day nine birds. A new part of the a half hour before sunrise to sunset. regulation requires that heads and feet remain on the Other federal regulations applying to migratory pheasants that are killed in order to facilitate sex bird hunting are: identification for check in the hunting area. Rails and gallinules—Sept. 11-Oct. 30, sunrise to It will be noted that the commission, acting on sunset. Bag limit 25 sora rail and other rails and recommendations made by Buell Atkins, head of the gallinules 15 per day. game and federal aid division, set actual hours of hunt­ Wilson snipe—Nov. 20-Dec. 19. Sunrise to sunset. ing instead of using the "sunrise to sunset" schedule Bag limit eight daily and possession limit of eight snipe. designated in former years. Mr. Atkins explained un­ Woodcock—Nov. 20-Dec. 29. Sunrise to sunset. certainty over the time for shooting in the morning Four daily limit and possession limit of eight after has resulted from the old method of setting shooting first day. hours.

12 Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 counties and Mayes, Muskogee and Wagoner counties east of the Arkansas and Grand rivers. The gun season will be from Nov. 21 through 25. Only buck deer may be taken and in a Comanche and Kiowa county area hunters are given the option of taking The seasons on migra­ an elk of either sex on their deer permits after they have tory waterfowl, selected by gained access to hunting areas with the permission of the wildlife commission landowners in the area, where Cy Curtis, big game after receiving outside dates supervisor explained the fugitive herd from the wildlife from the U. S. Bureau of EASONS refuge has created a costly problem. It is estimated by Sports Fisheries and Wild­ Curtis there are 50 or 60 elk in the area. life follow: Deer hunters may use rifles or shotguns in Atoka, Ducks and Coot—Nov. 8 through Dec. 2, beginning Latimer, LeFlore, McCurtain, Pushmataha, Adair, at noon first day and from sunrise to sunset each day Cherokee, Sequoyah, Muskogee, and Hughes counties, thereafter. Bag limit two ducks daily and not more than that part of Delaware south of SH 20 and that part four in possession thereafter. Coot six daily and six of Pittsburg east of U. S. 69, that part of Haskell south in possession. Other restrictions on ducks include bag of SH 31 and that part of Pontotoc south and east of of one mallard and possession limit of two, two wood SH 12 and 48 and that part of Coal north of SH 3 ducks and two in possession; one hooded merganser and all of Sections 13, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27 and 28, and one in possession. In addition the duck bag limit TWP 16 N, Range 19E in Wagoner county. hunters are permitted to take two scaup daily and Rifles only may be used in Ellis and Cimarron have four in possession, as well as a bag and possession counties. limit on American or red breasted merganser are five LANDOWNERS OPTION and ten. A new regulation permits a landowner's option in Goose season—Oct. 13 through Dec. 26, sunrise designating use of weapons, rifles or shotguns, in to sunset. Bag limit and possession limit are five. Bag Comanche and Kiowa counties. limit restricted to two Canada geese or sub-species or Shotguns only may be used over the balance of two Canada geese or sub-species and one white front the state. or one white front. Closed areas, in addition to the refuges and state No open season is provided for red head or canvas parks, will be Cotton, Payne and Pawnee counties. The back ducks. Okmulgee game management area is to be closed to Oklahoma will have a five-day deer season on an all hunting during period from Oct. 27 through almost state-wide basis for the first time and two Nov. 25. All hunting, other than deer hunting, will be counties have been added to areas for archery deer prohibited on the Cherokee and Gruber game manage­ hunters. Caddo county has also been opened for deer ment area from Oct. 27 through Nov. 25. hunting for the first time, while Cotton, Payne and Mr. Atkins and Mr. Curtis made their recom­ Pawnee counties will be closed, since they have new mendations to the commission based on findings in a stocking areas. series of hearings held over the state the latter part NEW ARCHERY AREAS of July. Archery hunters, represented by Bill Uhles, The archery season will extend 16 days from Oct. Sulphur, had requested the addition of Carter and 27 through Nov. 11. Hunting will be from daylight to Pontotoc counties to the bow hunting areas, but the dark. Open areas are Adair, Comanche, Pittsburg, extension was confined to Murray and Pittsburg Murray, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Delaware and Okmulgee counties.

Lively conversation pieces have been turkeys beards since regulations require toms are -not legal game unless they have beards at least three inches long. This Rio Grand torn would more than qualify -with a beard that could be seen beyond gun range.

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 Seesees Seek Kiowa Home

Partridge Presents Difficult Problems In Obtaining Stock At Game Farm

By GEORGE WINT, Superintendent Game Bird Hatchery

T N Eastern Turkey, India, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, -*• there is found abundantly an interesting and beneficial game bird, the seesee partridge. This bird is actually a miniature chukar partridge but is not as highly colored as the chukar. They weigh about nine ounces, as compared to the average of six for a bob- white quail. Their flight is very swift and straight, having a peculiar whistle caused by the rapid wing beat and the tough primary feathers. Where this bird is found in abundance, the rain­ fall is from 4 to 20 inches a year. They can survive very hot summers and tolerate winters such as those in Oklahoma. Their favorite habitat is rocky or sandy Red-legged partridge from Spain is an­ waste areas interspersed with grass, weeds and brushy other exotic being tried in southwestern cover. The seesee is fond of waste grain, weed seed and Oklahoma. This pen of birds make up some insects. They have not been found detrimental to of the foundation stock at the game farm. agriculture. This bird has a coveying instinct and is usually found in groups of five to fifteen birds, which probably makes up a family group. The method of selecting game birds for introduc­ It is said that the meat is of excellent texture and tion is the most scientific ever undertaken. Many surpasses all other game birds in India. They are a introductions in the United States were made over the very sporting bird but are not hunted too heavily in years without regard to the requirements of the sjjecies their native area. under trial. All but three resulted in failure because SOUTHWEST AREA CHOSEN the birds were placed in habitat unlike that from which Under the Foreign Game Bird Introduction Pro­ they originated. The three successful introductions gram carried on by the Bureau of Sport Fishery and were the ring-neck pheasant, the Hungarian partridge Wildlife, Oklahoma received 24 seesee in 1959. This and the chukar partridge. bird had never been raised in captivity, therefore> REPRODUCTION PROBLEM nothing was known concerning the method of produc­ All of the original shipment of seesee were retained tion or technique of raising them. They were sent to on the Game Farm at El Reno as brood stock in an Oklahoma after they had been studied in India by Dr. effort to propagate enough for release. These birds Gardner Bump, who is in charge of the Foreign Came were found to be extremely nervous and exhibited their Bird Program for the' Bureau. Studies included all displeasure of confinement by continually pacing the phases of their natural habitat requirement which in­ enclosure. It appeared that the nervous condition pre­ cludes climate, soil, vegetation, rainfall and altitude. It vented good egg production because only two hens was determined that southwestern Oklahoma coincided produced eggs and from 43 eggs, 25 chicks were very favorably with the area where seesee live in Asia, hatched and raised. The Game Farm personnel tried therefore, the first shipment was approved for trial in every method to encourage egg production, even to the this state. use of hormone injections, but all failed.

14 Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 During the following laying season, the original birds and the young produced were placed under "Blames" Father artificial light in an effort to bring on production, but this method was proven unsatisfactory. Several eggs were laid but these all proved to be infertile. Under natural conditions, two hens later produced a total of 100 eggs. Sixty eight were fertile and hatched. Of the 68, 67 were raised to maturity, which was considered very successful. On March 5, 1962, 24 birds were re­ leased in Kiowa County on one of the granite out­ crops in that area. The birds have been seen regularly and it is hoped that they are paired off and may rerjroduce during the summer. The remaining birds were retained for brood stock at the Game Farm and several hens are now producing eggs and seven young have been hatched. BETTER PRODUCTION EXPECTED Dr. Richard A. Ellis. It may be a number of years before the outcome of seesee introduction can be determined, since many V\ R. Richard A. Ellis, appointed to the State Wild­ obstacles must be overcome before success can be life Conservation Commission by Governor obtained. It is felt that a greater production can be Howard Edmondson, places the "blame" for his intense expected as successful generations are produced in interest in wildlife conservation on his father, "Stew" captivity under Game Farm conditions. The Depart­ Ellis, a Duncan oil man. ment desire is that enough birds can be produced each In his first meeting, after being named successor year to allow releases and maintenance of the brood to Commissioner Louis Burtschi, Chickasha, the stock. Duncan physician told fellow members of the State's Any exotic introduction, no matter how well official wildlife group, "I am glad to be here represent­ planned, faces uncertain results, but it is hoped that ing a second generation desire for an opportunity of this research project will climax with another excellent service in the field of wildlife conservation". game bird for the Oklahoma sportsman. Dr. Ellis added "ever since I can remember, my father has been interested in the cause of wildlife Punjab, gray francolin, hatched at conservation and as a natural result I have grown up the game farm, is friendly -with Kip to share that interest with him although I did not Wint, son of the superintendent. Both anticipate serving in any official capacity. gray and black francolin have been F "I hate taking another man's place and know you released in Oklahoma areas. gentlemen have thought highly of Mr. Burtschi. He and my father have been long .time friends". The new commissioner is a native of Burkburnett, Texas, where he was born in 1919. He received his education in Duncan Public Schools and Westminster College before graduating from the University of Oklahoma Medical School in 1945. He served two years in the armed forces and has been engaged in general practice of medicine in his home town. He and Mrs. Ellis have three children, Stewart 15, Suzie 12 and Tommie 11. He has devoted a good deal of time to youth recreation work in Duncan. While he is enthusiastic in all forms of outdoor recreation and at one time was a casting record holder, his primary interest is perhaps in the field of water­ fowl conservation, partially accounting for the fact that he is a breeder of Labrador retrievers and a recognized retriever field trial judge. He has been intensely interested in efforts to improve waterfowl habitat on small lakes in Oklahoma and has experi­ mented with waterfowl production to improve hunting. He has carried on experimental work in the production of mallard ducks on a 100-acre lake owned by a friend in Stephens County, where he has released mallards and produced 39 flyers from 18 hens and 3 drakes, eight of which returned the following season.

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 15 Fishing Can Be Rugged Ch

Essential Assignment Being Carried Out By Crew Checking Streams For Eufaula Dam Management Plan

Boats work along shoreline for specimens.

T T is a rugged life fishery survey crews lead in their channel cat, crappie, long nose and short nose gar, •* summer assignments. drum, a flathead and other species. The writer had no dispute over that point when There was real interest when Jackson and Houser introduced to the ways of pre-impoundment survey noted several small blue catfish in the samples. They hands by Sam Jackson, head of the Wildlife Conserva­ explained later that the occasion marked the first tion department's fisheries division, in a mid-summer official record of that species being found that far north jaunt to Gaines Creek, east of Canadia, and a tribu­ in Oklahoma since the blue cat has been regarded an tary that will be a part of the huge Eufaula dam. inhabitant of the Red River and its tributaries in south­ We shoved off from Oklahoma City at 4 a.m. ern Oklahoma. in order to join Al Houser, department fisheries laboratory supervisor, at the appointed spot and he led us over rough, rocky roads eastward into the hills until wc arrived at the river bottom site where the survey Bill McGrew holds a fair-sized crap­ crew, led by Dr. L. Lindsay, jr., assistant professor of pie, its tail clipped for identification. zoology at Tulsa University, was preparing to sample Ranger Clement mans the boat tiller. species in a deep hole along the high, rock bluffs on Gaines creek. SHOCKER USED FIRST If we had found the going rough over the rocky ruts of the roads, it was even more taxing for the crew as a row of boats and equipment from trailers were moved clown the steep rugged banks to the water and the men began laying out nets at each end of the long pool that Dr. Lindsay and Houser had chosen for the clay's operation. The generator and other equipment for the shocking device were lugged down the river bank and before long the shocker was throwing out its paralyzing current and the operation was underway. Workers in other boats flanked either sucker, buffalo, golden eye,

16 are

Laying out nets to block river chan nel is first step. Sam Jackson, Dr. Lindsay and Al Hous­ jK-i"S : &•&»£&&&*'.•'•••'•• ;.-' "**'','*•' ,"M er (I to r) were busy netting and checking •6bt£ -.. .,• •*>• - samples.

fi/ue catfish -was prize.

The first phase of the operation was over when the others raced about churning up the water in order the shocking device was abandoned and one of the to assure thorough mixing and a few minutes later boats began putting out a rotenone at the rate of one the crew was back again busy with the dip nets hefting part per million or one gallon to each 3-acre field of sizeable fish in tubs that each boat carried. It was a water. That formula called for some preliminary survey little amusing to watch the youngsters in the survey work in order to keep the application in the proper crew dive overboard into the rotenoncd pool. It seemed proportion. As one of the boats sped up and down the the plunge was the young men's answer to their stream and workers emptied out the cans of rotenone, chiggcr and tick problems. CATCH CAREFULLY RECORDED As soon as the cargo of fish had been gathered, boats headed ashore and then followed the procedure of recording each specimen along with taking scale samples and other evidence of age and growth rate for the record. All fish were measured and weighed. Working in the crew with Dr. Lindsay are Terry Landrcth from Enid, Joe Seacap, Tulsa; Bill Brown, Tulsa; Bill Magrew, Norman; Walt Sarrow, Lawton; and Frank Wade, the giant of the force, a graduate Dipping fish from betiveen of Oklahoma State University now doing work on his shocking device poles. master's degree with the laboratory at Norman. Neal Carter, fisheries laboratory biologist, and game rangers Preparing for launching. Bill Clement and Dorman Burns, were lending a hand on this particular occasion. It was considered likely that the pre-impoundment survey at Eufaula will take two summer's work, since a good many streams will empty into the big reservoir. Findings from these carefully planned surveys are used by the Wildlife Department's fisheries division in setting up programs for further fisheries management. The completed study will reveal species that have done best in the streams, as well as furnishing a great deal of other information to guide in setting up policies by the time the lake has been completed in 1965.

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 17 Use Light Gear For Catfish Fun Young Retains Seminole Post

Seminole Sportsman's Lake, constructed Okemah, then Commissioner of the 4th by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation District assisted the club tremendously in SE light gear and the right bait for Department's Federal Aid Division in the development of the lake area. U catfishing that will put the large­ 1957-58, was the site for the annual The open-air meeting, on the south mouth bass in the shade. meeting of the Seminole Sportsmen Club. bank of the 355 acre lake, was attended M. J. McDonald is willing to back up This lake has been Nationally proclaimed by about 100 sportsmen and their families that statement along with his' contention as the first such impoundment constructed which indicated the continued interest on that this year has provided the best fishing under Public Law 566 in cooperation with the part of the sportsmen of the area. Mr. in eastern Oklahoma in a good many years. the Soil Conservation Conservancy District, Frank Streetman, "Mayor of Sasakwa", McDonald is somewhat of an authority with a State agency and local people. The was the master of ceremonies with his since he devotes all the spare time he can lake is one of forty additional small lakes usual wit, equal on any occasion, introduced to fishing and manages to talk about it which are part of the Wewoka Creek several local sportsmen and business men now and then in his rounds as east central Conservancy District water and soil con­ of the county. Mr. Fred Adwan, Mayor Oklahoma supervisor for the Infonnation- servation project along the Wewoka creeks. of Seminole introduced the Wildlife De­ Fducation division of the Wildlife Con­ The purpose of the called meeting was partment personnel present, Director Roy servation Department. He and Mrs. Mc­ the annual election and installation of of­ A. Stafford, Oklahoma City Office, local Donald make their home in Muskogee ficers of the club and a time to reminisce Ranger Clarence Lollis, Wewoka, and and one of their favorite spots is Lake and plan future projects on the 1,877 acre Cloyse H. Bond, Oklahoma City, Chief Tenkiller and the Illinois river at the upper lake area. Ray Young was elected president Information-education Division. Director end of the lake area. and as pointed out by Milt Phillips, editor Stafford, explained to the attending sports­ "Fishing on Tenkiller, particularly in my of the Seminole Producer and past pres­ men the yearly budget of the department favorite spots, has been out of this world ident of the club, "Mr. Young is beginning and the many work projects being per­ this year," McDonald maintains. "I have an unprecedented third consecutive term formed by the Fiscal, Law Enforcement, caught more accidentally this year than I as president, has served in most offices of Game and Federal Aid, Fisheries and In­ ever did on purpose in any other year." the club and has contributed a tremendous formation-Education Divisions for the He is an advocate of fresh liver for cat­ amount of time, personal means and 625,000 sportsmen of the state. fish bait when he can't find a good supply efforts to building the club and helping of shad gizzard, his favorite. Fresh liver bring its projects to successful conclusion". It was pointed out that the Oklahoma is important, he explains, adding it is Other officers and board members are Jack Planning and Resources Board in the near tougher, staying on the hook better, and Huddleston, Vice-president, Byron Stack- future will begin work on the lake area has more flavor than frozen liver. house, Secretary and Treasurer, Loren F. developing modern facilities for visitors to "You will find out how much more Steinman, E. P. Smith and Ray Reavis the area. exciting catfishing is, if you will use fine appointed for three year terms on the The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation gear," McDonald continued. "I would sug­ board with Earl Austin, Bill Yoss, Roy Department will continue its role of gest staying with an eight or ten-pound Bcckwith, Ray Stonaker as holdovers. Many supervising the 1,877 acres of land and test line. I like a very small hook and of these sportsmen directors helped to 355-acrc lake in cooperation with the a long shank, threading the liver up the pioneer the original Sportsmen Club along Seminole Sportsmen Club, the Wewoka shank. with other outstanding men of Seminole Creek Conservancy District, the Soil County. Past Oklahoma Wildlife Conserva­ "Use your weight on the bottom of Conservation Service and the Planning and tion Commissioner lames W. McMahan, the line and the baited hook about ten Resources Board.—Cloyse Bond. inches from the weight. That way the bait will move. "Throw out the line and take up the slack. If you miss the first time, take up the slack again. "When you're catfishing just remember the channel are bottom feeders. For best results with a rod and reel fish squarely on the bottom. "Of course vou will get your best cat­ fishing during spawning season up into mid- June, but if you pick the right spots and the right time of the day or night, according to the weather, as well as following the other necessary rules, you can catch catfish most months of the year in Oklahoma. When you've had exepcriencc tackling them with light gear, you will admit that I know what I am talking about when I say they can out-fight a five-pound bass any old time."

Ever "poll" worms? Mrs. John Tucker, Broken Bow, is chairman of the McCurtain sportsmen's -worm polling committee and an authority. She and her husband seldom dig worms in operating their bait business. Here she shows how rubbing a notched stick sets the worms -wild, causing them to surface.

18 Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 OFFICERS CHOSEN visitors and would eat out of the hands of OSU's Wildlife society recently elected persons offering her food. She would James Karrcnbrock, Kingfisher, president have fawned within 24 hours if she had for the coming year. The new vice pres­ not been shot.—Idabel Gazette. ident is Dick James, Oklahoma City. Other officers are Ricca Martin, secretary-treasurer POLLUTION CHARGED and Dwayne Moon, Midwest City, pledge Charges of pollution of an area near master. Bobby Whitesides, Cartersville, Sportsman Lake were filed in County was named the outstanding member. court. The defendant is specifically charged Selection was based on grades and contri­ with allowing oil and salt water to bution to the club.—OSU O'Collegian. escape from two open pits. The polluted — o — liquids are alleged to have flowed into Tiger creek, which is part of Sportsman's TRAFFFIC VICTIM Lake watershed. The action was filed by Dcnison cowboy Robert Snow lost all County Attorney Bill Pipkin. the wav around last night: he didn't get —Wewoka Daily Times. to the rodeo, killed a deer, heavily dam­ — o — aged his car and narrowly missed over­ DAMP? GOBBLER GAINS turning a trailer with two of his top Someone once said if eastern Oklahoma Greer County's wild turkey population horses inside. The deer, a big buck, dashed had a few more lakes, it would be under has grown from six to 2,000 the past into the path of Snow's car on US 70 water. Well, not quite, but one is im­ seven years, Clem Patillo, veteran Mangum near the Sports Center west of Texoma pressed by a lake map of the area where game ranger and district supervisor, told lodge. The car hit and killed the animal. bodies of water wind from the Grand Rotarians Wednesday. Patillo said he —Durant Democrat Lake near the Missouri border to Lake placed two wild hens and four toms in — o — Texoma, which separate Texas from Okla­ the northwest part of the county in 1955 CONSISTENT homa at the bottom of the state. and since that time the number of turkeys Nolan Watson, the Coalgate banker, is —Altus Times Democrat. has grown to an estimated 2,000. still up to his old fishing tricks at Lake —Mangum Star. Atoka. Last week Watson had to take a PROOF trip to Texas and he fished only four days Ask Homer Hayes of McAlester and he VISITORS at Atoka. He usually fishes six days every would probably say fishing is great. The "Gone Fishin' " was the sign on our week. Funny thing, but Friday is the day city angler caught a 24-pound catfish door last week as we spent that week in he doesn't fish.—Vernon Snell, Oklahoma Wednesday on a minnow in Lake Tala­ vour fair state fishing. We camped out City Times. wanda No. 2. Other reports on today's for one week where Baron Fork empties Outdoor page will back Hayes up that into the Illinois River. It was so nice. We fishing has been good the past week. TOPS had two tents for sleeping, had a camp —McAlester News Capital. stove and a campfire where we baked What's more fun than catching fish? potatoes, fish, corn on cob, made pots and Might be catching big fish on light tackle. — o — pots of coffee over the coals. We didn't Several city anglers have been catching the FABULOUS catch too many fish, but had all we could big ones despite the July heat, and doing Ray (Blackie) Henshall, Collinsville use. It just happened to be a week when it the real sporty way on rod-and-reel. sportsman, held a 65-pound flathead cat with the help of an unidentified admirer the fish weren't hungry.—Mrs. Jack Colli- Mrs. H. M. Ilcrndon of 1307 West son, Rogcrsville, Mo., in Muskogee Phoenix. Stonewall gets the prize for catching the for a photo. Henshall got the big fish on biggest reported. She bagged a whopper a trotline in the Verdigris River. — o — for a rod-and-reel fisherman (oops) fisher- —Tulsa World. VICTIMS woman. Mrs. Herndon pulled • out about — o — Hooked for life are two young anglers a 25-pound catfish out of McAlester Lake SICKENING! who have discovered that fishing is spelled 1 Talawanda No. 2. A pet deer was shot and killed Sunday FUN: Stan Washburn caught a 4 /i- —McAlester News—Capitol. night within 300 yards of Beavers Bend poimd blue catfish in a Cleveland county — o — park office, Superintendent Herbert God- pond last week. He also caught a 3- FASCINATING dard said this morning. Angry park em­ pounder. His brother, Amie, could only manage to fool two 1-pounders. They are Although she's been conducting her ployees have already posted a $50 reward visiting their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Oklahoma bird short course at Oklahoma for information leading to the conviction State university for years, Mrs. Marguerite of the guilty partv, and Goddard said John Washburn, route 2, Lexington. They Baumgartner's sessions never seem to some of the area merchants are talking are the sons of Al/c Marland Dorr Wash­ lose their fascination. On the subject of about increasing that amount. The deer, a burn of Etain, France, and Mrs. Richard common birds of Oklahoma, she drew a doe, was a pet of all park personnel and Adamson of Tulsa.—Purcell Register. full class of 30 persons for the course which began Friday afternoon and ended Sunday. And as usual, some of the class members were repeaters who wanted to delve a bit deeper into bird lore. —Al Sylvester, Stillwater News Press. Small Mouth Bass of — o — good size abound in HANDY BAIT Mountain Fork River A 10 pound catfish was caught last where R. W. Harkey, Thursday by M. G. Anderson while fishing (left) faculty member at below the dam in Lake Altus in Quart/. Southeastern College Mountain State Park. Anderson said he Durant, and Glen caught the "beauty" using as bait a piece of old carp he found on the bank which Thomas, Colbert, took had been discarded by some fisherman. this string with a large­ —Blair Fnterprising. mouth bass on plugs.

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 Summer fishing derby season for youngsters produced these pho­ tos. Upper right is the third annual kids rough fish grab, a highlight of the Okmulgee Pow­ wow celebration. The Optimist Photo by Cloyse Bond club, with help from the wild­ life 'department, sponsored the affair for 300 youngsters. Con­ gressman Ed Edmondson was the principal speaker for the celebration. (Upper left) at kids lake in Oklahoma City the Optimists club held its annual party and Steve Lewis, Steve DON'T Go Bear Ridgeway and Chip Morgan proved their proficiency, while (below) little people needed Hunting helping hands in the capitol event. With A Switch

Claremore lake yielded this For wholesome diversion read bass string for Bob Chamb­ ers (left) Claremore, and Oklahoma his brother, Jack, Tulsa. Ranger Ray Tanner pro­ vided the picture. e

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Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 LIKED GRAY ARTICLE I would like to be retained on the distri­ IN APPRECIATION Oklahoma City bution list for the "Outdoor Oklahoma Lexington Dear Mr. Crouse, News Release". Dear Mr. Stafford: Just had a chance to take a look at Robert E. Griener We here at Central State Hospital Oklahoma Wildlife for this month. Al­ Lt. Col., USA Ret. Lexington Annex would like to express our ways look forward to reading about the appreciation to your department for your game and fish news in our great state of kind cooperation in sending wildlife films Oklahoma. to aid in our remotivation program. The I have enjoyed reading many things PAWNEE WHOPPER patients as well as the staff enjoy the films each month, but this month I couldn't let Maramec and literature furnished by your depart­ your story of "Ranger With Wings" go Dear George: ment. Bert Wilson, who works in Pawnee by without telling you in this letter how The hospital especially appreciates the very much I liked it. Being a pilot my­ National Bank, and lives three or four help of ranger Preston C. Hurt for his self plus a fisherman and hunter such as miles southeast of Pawnee, has caught a efforts in obtaining pamphlets and reading I am (not too good) I can see how this 9 lb. 13 oz. bass in a farm pond. Since material on Wildlife in Oklahoma, this man and the great job he is doing for this may be the largest bass caught in Okla­ all of us is worthy of the story of his homa this year, I consider it important material creates a great deal of interest in many duties. news, so I am tipping you off in case you our people and is of great assistance in our program. Looking forward to meeting Mr. Gray wish to see Bert about a news story. He We would also like to thank Esther one of these days in my job which also did not catch the fish on one of the lures takes me to many parts of the state. I make, so I am not just looking for Davis for her interest in sending us the films. The patients throughly enjoy them. Oklahoma Wildlife is a very fine service publicity. However, he is a friend of mine to all of us that enjoy it so much. We and does catch a lot of fish on my lures. Tom J. Coins sportsmen here at Channel 5 read it every He is also a heck of a nice guy—but Administrative Assistant chance we get. Keep up the good work so modest. A bass the size he caught is a we can keep the good reading. once in a lifetime catch and I would like Thomas M. Hartman, Jr. to see him receive the recognition he CAMP HELP Farm Service Reporter, KOCO-TV deserves. He has taken the bass to Tulsa Perrv to have mounted. Dear Sir: FISHING AWARDS I caught three "keeper" bass this morn­ The Perry Council of Camp Fire Girls would like to express our appreciation for Tyler, Texas ing, which is pretty good for July. Am the visits of Rangers Emmett Jarvis and Dear George: catching some channel cat trolling. The John St. Clair to our camp this summer, On the inside cover of your July-August may flys have started hatching—that will lire girls certainly enjoyed their efforts issue is a blank for your fishermen to re­ improve the fishing from dusk to about in teaching about conservation, fishing, ceive a Fishing citation by meeting certain an hour later each evening. Top water Oklahoma wildlife, snakes, and the Peter requirements of the department. lures at dawn and dusk are best bet for Cottontail movie. I think this is a spendid idea, it brings the next couple of months. the fisherman just a little closer to the de­ Bill Baker Mrs. Cecil Milliron partment, fosters sportsmanship, and gives Council President the sportsman an opportunity to look Miss Sherry Cress Camp Director toward the state organization as a part of HOUSER ARTICLE ENDORSED his outdoor recreation. — o — Dallas, Texas I am enjoying your magazine very Dear Mr. Crouse: FISHING BOOSTED much, and would like to compliment you We have read the article by Al Houser Bartlesville on the selection of your articles that are Dear Mr. Stafford: not only timely, but extremely interesting. entitled, "Chemicals for Pond Weed Con­ Information on department personnel, trol," in the June issue of "Oklahoma Through the efforts, courtesy and in­ dogs, snakes, geese, panfish, pond man­ Wildlife," and we would like to express genuity of your department our Council agement, law enforcement, and comments our thanks and appreciation for the at­ Boy Scout camp, Camp Cherokee at from your readers makes a full and in­ tention given to our product, KUROSAL Grove, was priviligcd to have five consecu­ formative magazine. Best of luck to you, (potassium Silvex) in this article. tive weeks of very good programs in the area of fishing, fishing laws, fishing equip­ and thanks for your interest in us by We feel that this material has tremend­ ment and conservation this summer. sending the publication. ous potential for complete elimination of Mr. Emmett Jarvis, your information Bill Long, I.E. Officer the water vegetation problem that has and education officer in the northeast sec­ Texas Game & Fish Comm. plagued the water recreation industry for many years. For the first time this year, tion of Oklahoma, did what I feel was an we are actively promoting the sale of this outstanding job in preparing and con­ GRIENER RETIRES product. ducting these programs. There is no way Lawton of knowing, of course, exactly how many, Dear Sirs: I have been a member of the Isaak fishermen were developed through this ac­ I retired in May and I am no longer Walton League of America for serveral tivity but I do know, however, that the the Wildlife Advisor at Fort Sill, how­ years and I faithfully read each issue of fishing portion of our program was tre­ ever, I am very much interested in wild­ their official magazine "Outdoor America". mendously enhanced because of this. life conservation and propagation and in­ Joseph A. Nudge, Bill EUcr tend to remain active in this field. Agric. Chem. Sales Camp Director

Oklahoma Wildlife, Sept., 1962 21 Rites Held For Bernard Randall Friends, including fellow wildlife conservation workers, paid homage to Bernard Randall, manager of the popular Camp Gruber game management area, in last rites held at Muskogee the latter part of July. Mr. Randall had been in poor health for almost a year after becoming suddenly ill last November. He was well known among sportsmen, particularly the thousands of deer hunters who had visited the Camp Gruber area during past deer seasons. Mr. Randall began working as a trapper for the wildlife conservation department in 1952 and since 1957 Bernard Randall (center) with two had been manager of the Gruber area, where he was friends, Charley Reeves (I) and responsible for the development of camp sites, supple­ George Ward, Disney, in camp dur­ mental food plots and other improvements that had ing the 1961 archery season. been made in the development of the area. He was a native of Monett, Mo., attended high school in Muskogee and served in the armed forces during World War II. He is survived by his wife and a daughter. Men who had worked closely with him in service Angling Series with the wildlife department served as pall bearers at services held at the Church of Assumption in Muskogee. On Tour Over They were Cy Curtis, big game supervisor, Foreman Carlisle, big game range specialist, Joe Fletcher, Cook- Northeast Area son Hills refuge manager, J. K. Bradshaw, Cherokee T^OUR LAKES and the Illinois river will provide area manager, and Rangers Forrest Clark and W. L. -*- the setting for the 1962 World Series of Sports Pickens. Fishing Oct. 15-19, under the supervision of the pro­ ducer Hy Peskin, Phoenix, Ariz., who staged the event on Grand Lake last year. The competing anglers will be guests of the Grand Lake association and the Grove chamber of commerce A RECIPE FOR A BOY on the Grand Lake of the Cherokees during their first day of fishing. On the second day they will make the Take one small boy, slightly tender. Stir from Illinois river float with the Tahlequah chamber of com­ bed at early dawn. Soak in tub or shower merce making arrangements. The third day the anglers twice daily. move to Lake Tenkiller and will be guests of the Ten­ Sweeten from time to time -with lollypops. killer Booster club. On Oct. 19 they will try their skill Dress in straw hat and blue jeans. Do not on Fort Gibson lake as guests of the lake booster club. add shoes. Host groups are to provide noon box lunches, Next, add one black puppy, sprinkled -with fleas banquets and other meals, as well as provide boats and and mix -well. lodging for about 75 contestants recognized as foremost Take one cane pole and add one can fat -worms anglers from various states, as well as challengers of which have been blended with one hook, one the press, radio and television field. These entries are sinker and one cork. to be confirmed by Peskin. Stir and mix -well together, then fold in a Any man or woman, other than the confirmed liberal portion of sunshine and mild breeze. entries, may take part on payment of a $100 entry fee, Bake in hot sun all afternoon. but must supply their own boats and assume all cost Place on a leafy bed of grass and garnish well of meals and lodging. Any such entries placing in the with chiggers. first three positions of the contest will have the entry This recipe is enough to serve one father, one fee returned, as well as being reimbursed for other costs. mother and one big sister. Artificial lures are to be used, except in case where fishing in enclosed docks might be required because of By Loula Dickerson Arnold, weather conditions. The wildlife department will Tulsa, Okla. furnish rangers as judges, and scoring will be on a point basis for various specie caught. Joe Krieger, Tulsa, won last year's series.

22 Oklahoma Wildlife, Sept., 1962 BETTER DAYS AHEAD Rabbit hunting is never closed in Oklahoma and the HE FADING, vibrant drone of the cicada, muffled bunnies are more plentiful than they have been in T roar of the overworked office air conditioner, folks several years. Squirrel hunting is provided from May fussin' and fuming about the heat, signs of fall shopping 15 to Jan. 1. New areas have been added this fall to activity, talk of plans for fall fair season, weary sun­ the deer hunting territory, now nearly state-wide. tanned vacationers returning to the old grind and that HELP NEEDED business of trying to fall into step again after being a Rails, gallinules, snipe and woodcock are on the bit out of pace. list and duck and goose hunting share in the interest It has been that time of the year when with three federal and three state waterfowl refuges there is a dearth of tall tales from anglers and contributing to the sportsman's interest. To be sure we begin to wonder if it isn't time to start the outlook for duck hunting has not been good for checking over the shooting irons and rest ot several years, but it is a situation that can be remedied. the hunting equipment since the dates for Financial support through the purchase of duck September and October dove season have stamps, obeying conservation regulations and getting already been announced and the wildlife com­ behind efforts to speed up reclamation and protection mission is busy going over plans with depart­ of vital wetlands are responsibilities every sportman ment personnel on other hunting seasons. can and should share in. Some of the dullness ot dog days fades away Actually the financial help the individual and there are visions of exciting times ahead. sportsman contributes to programs ot this With dove season blasting off Sept. 1, there are nature are trivial. It is the mass support ot all more than four months of lively activity ahead for sportsmen that counts and the program outdoor sportsmen. From the high plains out around weakens only when some tew take a selfish Boise City to the pine-tipped peaks of McCurtain and attitude, saying "why should I even bother LeFlore counties, and from the valleys and prairies of to buy a duck stamp this year?" Actually there the southwest to the ranchlands of Ottawa county are thousands ot Oklahomans who buy hunt­ there will be an assortment of hunting opportunities, ing licenses or combination licenses, the perhaps more diversified than one will find in any monetary return from which would be little, other state. if anything. They do get a lot of satisfaction in knowing they are contributing their small WHERE SETTER? bit to the future of Oklahoma outdoors and Other states have their big game seasons and, no realizing they have shared in preserving and denying, some of them are spectacular. Other states improving wildlife and fishery resources. point with pride to their pheasant seasons, their grouse hunting or quail shooting. And that brings up the OUTDOOR VALUES question, "just where would you go to find more room Actually most sportsmen, as far as game bags go, to hunt and have such a wide variety of game?" could do far better by going to the market. Most of Even when the mourning dove begin southward them know their big investment is in outdoor enjoy­ flights a trifle early because of fall storms, Oklahoma ment, the thrill and excitement of the hunt, the hunters get in a fair amount of shooting as flights spine-tingling experience of watching a good bird-dog from northern states move on through our state. It is work and an occasional chance to put marksmanship doubtful that there is an equal to Oklahoma's Bob ability on the line. The woods and fields have much White population and it extends from a fair to more to offer those of us, who enjoy getting outdoors, excellent degree in most of the 77 counties with than a bit of game. changes in population trends, which are to be ex­ The work that has gone on in the development pected. There is a limited amount of blue quail hunt­ and improvement of opportunities for hunting, despite ing in the panhandle and hope that species may build growing pressures that have grown to much greater up in southwestern counties. The ring-necked hunting proportions in more populous areas, is everyone's re­ in the panhandle and northwest has been a growing sponsibility. In that connection it takes more than attraction. About all we could find wrong with Rio dollars. It takes moral support of those charged with Grande turkey hunting in western Oklahoma last year carrying on programs in wildlife conservation. It takes was the lack of hunters in areas where we watched big cooperation between landowner and hunter. A selfish, flocks move through the tall grass and sagebrush. Then inconsiderate hunter can destroy much more than there's greater prairie chicken in the northeast area. dozens of grateful considerate sportsmen can build.

Oklahoma Wildlife, September, 1962 23 Return Postage Guaranteed

Okla. Dept. of Wildlife Conservation Wtmd&riHaion ffi/edee

Oklahoma City 5, Okla. I GIVE MY PLEDGE AS AN AMERICAN TO SAVE AND FAITHFULLY TO DEFEND FROM WASTE THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF MY COUNTRY - TTS SOIL AND MINERALS, ITS FORESTS. WATERS. , • AND WILDLIFE