[oucorry]

Bear, antelope and elk seasons headline proposals


The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will hold public hearings across the state Jan. 12, 13 and 15, 2009 to collect input from the public on proposed hunting and fishing regulation changes.
Sportsmen are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions on proposals, which range from changes in size limits on blue catfish to opening an archery season on pronghorn antelope in portions of the Panhandle.
Several of the proposals involve adjustments to hunting seasons and regulations both statewide and on designated wildlife management areas.
One set of proposals would establish a black bear season in Latimer, LeFlore, McCurtain and Pushmataha counties. Under the proposal, bear season would open with deer archery season and run through deer muzzleloader season. Hunters would be required to report bear harvests, and the total season harvest would be limited to 20 bears. The use of dogs would be prohibited. Baiting would be prohibited on public land. A bear hunting license would need to be approved by the Legislature before the season is implemented.
“This proposal is based on more than 15 years of biological data and information from responding to nuisance bear calls,” said Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Wildlife Department. “Data points to a growing population of bears in Oklahoma, which is a great testament to the wildlife diversity and outstanding habitat in southeast Oklahoma. With an estimated population of as many as 500 bears in southeast Oklahoma, we’re excited about the opportunities that this renewable wildlife resource will provide for Oklahoma sportsmen.”
Another new opportunity for sportsmen is outlined in a proposal to open a 14-day September archery season for pronghorn antelope in Cimarron Co. and that portion of Texas Co. west of Hwy 136. Licenses would be sold over-the-counter.
“Just like with bears in southeast Oklahoma, the Panhandle’s antelope population is growing,” Peoples said. “The decision to pursue this proposal is based on years of biological data, aerial surveys and requests from landowners that tells us we have a pronghorn population that can sustain an archery season, which also creates new opportunities for our sportsmen.”
Regarding upland game, one proposal would allow flexibility to adjust pheasant bag limits each year based on the population, which would allow for improved pheasant management capabilities and increased hunting opportunity in years of high pheasant numbers.
“Research and data taken from annual spring and summer population surveys tell us that some years are better than others for pheasant, and by having some flexibility in our harvest limits each year, we can tailor our seasons based on the bird population,” Peoples said. “That means continued, consistent success for our hunters, too.”

[D Winkler]

I wouldn't mind going for a little antelope hunting next year if I can get some access.