The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) with its 350 employees want to say THANK YOU to those who support Oklahoma's strong outdoor heritage. As the state agency responsible for managing Oklahoma's fish and wildlife resources and habitat, we believe the state's fish and wildlife belong to all Oklahomans and should be managed so their populations will be sustained forever. Our work would not be made possible without you. ODWC does not receive general state tax appropriations, and so license sales and federal Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program grant revenues are the main funding sources for wildlife conservation. Every license dollar spent by sportsmen in Oklahoma is used to fund ODWC's user pay/public benefit conservation efforts.
Here's a look at some highlights you made possible by purchasing your hunting or fishing license.
Fostering Outdoor Oklahoma Families
Launched this fall, this unique partnership between ODWC, the Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation gives Oklahoma children in foster care and their host families the chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn all about fishing. After hosting a few events in Oklahoma City and Perry, plus a special event at Blake Shelton’s ranch near Tishomingo, the intent is to expand FOOF to a statewide program beginning in the spring of 2021. Families from the local community are invited to come to a special clinic led by ODWC staff. The children receive a new rod-reel-tackle combo to use at the event and to take home for future fishing adventures. They are given a short educational program on how to fish, and then they enjoy time actually fishing with their families and volunteers.
Oklahoma Fishing Trail
A collaborative initiative between Oklahoma’s Tourism and Recreation Department and the ODWC, the OFT has seen outstanding success in its second year. The goal is two-fold: make Oklahoma a Top 10 state for tourism and the No. 1 state for fishing in the nation. In the first six months after the trail’s launch, there was a 23 percent increase in nonresident annual fishing licenses over the same time period the previous year. There has been an outstanding 46 percent increase in Oklahoma resident annual fishing license sales year to date in 2020. For its one-year anniversary, ODWC and OTRD offered anglers a chance to win a guided fishing trip with Lt. Gov. Pinnell and J.D. Strong, director of ODWC. More than 10,000 entries were submitted. For its quantifiable success, the OFT was recently awarded a Special Recognition Award from the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
Expanded Hunting & Fishing Access
A pair of projects opened up more than 85,000 acres to Oklahoma hunters and anglers. Using a grant from USDA, staff developed and implemented a new Oklahoma Land Access Program to lease private lands for public hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing access. There are currently over 80,000 acres enrolled in the program with enrollment growing. Also, the agency recently purchased and opened for public access a 5,212-acre tract known as the Sandhills Wildlife Management Area. This area, near Waynoka, contains excellent wildlife habitat consisting of rolling sandhills and Cimarron River bottomland.
New Game Warden Academy
The ODWC developed a unique in-house academy for all new Oklahoma Game Wardens. During this rigorous four-week training regimen, Game Wardens were taught by top instructors and given hands-on experience on the various situations they will face on the job.
$6 Million in New/Upgraded Infrastructure
A pair of critical infrastructure projects were completed that have a direct impact on Oklahoma anglers and shooting sports enthusiasts. The ODWC provided 75 percent of the funding and staff assistance for a new $2.4 million shooting range complex at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. In addition to providing a world-class training facility for OPSU’s competitive shooting team, the range will be used for educating the public about safe firearms use, responsible hunting practices and more. The complex is also open for use by student groups such as FFA and 4-H, and the community at large. ODWC also completed a multi-year $3.53 million renovation project at the Durant State Fish Hatchery, which included repairing and restoring storage reservoirs and canals. These much-needed repairs will allow the hatchery to operate more efficiently and safely.