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Lawrence Blazer has the gift of restoring tractors. Photo by JuliAnn Graham/Tri-County


Above: Creek County Game Warden Karlin Bailey patrols Keystone Lake near Tulsa. Below: Game warden and East Central Oklahoma Electric Co-op board member Dwight Luther checks the status of a fisherman’s fishing license. Photos by Gail Banzet-Ellis


purchase, wildlife officials say it is the re- sponsibility of sportsmen to know the rules and follow the law. Rodefeld says they should first refer to the wildlife depart- ment’s annual regulation booklet available at all local retailers where hunting and fish- ing equipment is sold. Downloadable PDF documents and other helpful links are available at www.wildlifedepartment.com. “These books are full of information for any type of hunter or angler in Oklahoma,” Rodefeld says. “If you’re interested in fish- ing farm ponds, there’s a section that spe- cifically details who is exempt from a fishing license and who is not.” For those who have always wondered if fishing in their own farm pond without a license is legal, they can rest easy; regula- tions state that resident owners or tenants and their families “who fish in private ponds on land owned or leased by such owner or tenant,” are exempt from a license.


When exemptions do not apply and anglers without permits are identified, the penalties can be costly. Luther and Bailey issued a few tickets that sunny Saturday on Lake Keystone. From out-of- date licenses to improper labeling of fishing jugs, even the smallest violations can result in a penalty of more than $200. “It’s a judgment call with every contact,” Bailey says. “We’re not out here to put a huge dent in


18 WWW.OK-LIVING.COOP


“Our department doesn’t receive any gen- eral tax appropriations, and it’s funded exclu- sively through a combination of hunting and fishing license sales and federal grants,” he says. “We don’t receive all of the fine money because part of it is used to pay for court costs.”


Wildlife department officials say all penal- ties and fines can be prevented if sportsmen simply take a few minutes to read the rules. Knowing the particular dates of a certain hunting season, its location and what kind of license it requires, ensures compliancy and allows hunters and anglers to sit back and enjoy an exciting and safe outdoor experience.


wallets, but we want to keep everyone compliant and safe.”


On land, violations are even more expensive. For example, shooting a deer in a confined area draws a penalty of $2,500 along with $7,500 in restitu- tion. The most severe of penalties, such as poach- ing, can require fines of more than $25,000 and the confiscation of all equipment or real property used in the commission of the crime.


Rodefeld says a portion of the revenue from


these fines is designated for the ODWC to support the agency and match federal money that is avail- able only for fish and wildlife agencies.


“We’ve enforced laws for 20 years, but sometimes we have to check ourselves too,” Bailey says. “Online or in our annual booklet, our department provides plenty of opportunities for sportsmen to learn the rules.” With fall just around the corner, Oklahoma game wardens and sportsmen across the state are gearing up for a whole new season of heart-pound- ing hunting adventures. From prize Tom turkeys to trophy bucks, the wildlife of Oklahoma’s prairie and backwoods awaits. The 2014 edition of Oklahoma’s official hunting and fishing regulations booklet is available now in local retailers.


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