The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) highlighted the aid it continues to receive from the NRA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers during an Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting on Dec. 2. During the gathering the Commission accepted a $25,000 donation from the NRA for construction of the shooting range planned for Copan Wildlife Management Area.
NRA was also recognized for its partnership in providing an online hunter education course that allows ODWC to receive millions of dollars in federal hunter education grants. Lance Meek, ODWC hunter education coordinator, said the partnership has resulted in more than 29,000 people taking the online hunter education course in about two and a half years. “We never have any problems, it’s just so smooth,” Meek said. “It’s been a great partnership.”
The Commission also accepted a $1,000 donation from nonprofit Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers for the archery range planned for the Arcadia Conservation Education Area. The donation unlocks $9,000 in federal grant funds to be used during the archery range project.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Biologist Jason Person was recognized by the commission for his assistance in the advancement of shooting range projects.
ODWC Director Wade Free reported that Oklahoma’s youth deer gun harvest increased to about 5,000 this year, compared to 3,500 in 2023. The bear harvest was 77, roughly what was forecast for the year. However, the deer muzzleloader harvest was about 9,800, down significantly from 2023’s total of 15,000.
“If you muzzleloader hunted this year, you know why,” Free said. “Thirty-five mile an hour winds, and it was hot as August, so that always hurts participation.”
ODWC Chief of Wildlife Bill Dinkines said the total deer harvest for the current season was about 93,000, down around 12 percent from 105,000 this time last year. Holiday antlerless season began Dec. 18 and runs through New Year’s Evet. Deer archery season continues through Jan. 15, 2025.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation that establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate.
