Deadline nears for Oklahomans to Comment on Proposed Regulation Changes
OutdoorHub 01.05.12
Sportsmen have the opportunity to voice their thoughts online now through Jan. 13, 2012, regarding hunting and fishing related rule change proposals currently under consideration.
Proposed rule changes are often considered to increase opportunity for sportsmen and improve wildlife conservation measures.
“This is an opportunity to discuss items that could lead to changes in our hunting and fishing regulations,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “We feel strongly that our constituents should have every chance to provide their comments, which is why we are providing an online comment form for those wanting to be heard on these specific subjects. We encourage you to provide your comments through wildlifedepartment.com anytime before 4:30 p.m., Jan. 13, 2012.”
Additionally, those interested can submit written comments by mail to the Wildlife Department’s main office in Oklahoma City (P.O. Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152).
To view a complete listing of proposed rule changes or to complete an online comment form, log on to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/aboutodwc/public_meeting.htm.
Among others, some of the proposed rule changes this year include the following:
- To make it unlawful to bait wildlife on wildlife management areas.
- To change the bear archery season to Oct. 1 through the third Sunday in October and eliminate the quota for bear archery season.
- To set the statewide daily limit of striped bass at five, except as designated.
- To eliminate daily harvest limits on furbearers so that only season limits apply.
- To establish permanent rules for newly purchased wildlife management areas while altering certain rules on already established public lands.
- To adjust ATV usage rules on Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area to match those in place at Three Rivers WMA.
The Wildlife Department also will be hosting public hearings and one town hall meeting on the proposed rule changes. The two public hearings will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters auditorium in Oklahoma City (1801 N. Lincoln Blvd) and at the Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau (1509 South McKenna). The town hall meeting will be held in Antlers at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Antlers Wildlife Heritage Center (610 Southwest “D” Street).
