Commission approves arrow rifles for archery season

During a regular meeting April 3, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a position statement pertaining to proposed legislation moving through the state Senate and House of Representatives. The legislation proposes to allow the use of air-powered arrow rifles as a legal method of take during any archery-only season, including Oklahoma’s deer archery season.

In the statement, the Wildlife Commission doesn’t support allowing the use of arrow rifles during archery deer season, and recommends to the Legislature and Governor that SB 352 and HB 2355 be stricken or vetoed if necessary. Air-powered arrow rifles are currently legal for hunting during any season that allows the use of rifles.

In other business, Commissioners:

•Received Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Director J.D. Strong’s regular updates on various ODWC divisions since the previous meeting, including a reminder of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation’s first sporting clays fundraiser set for May 12 at The Cedar Gate.

•Learned about the Wildlife Department’s human dimensions research activities from Human Dimensions Specialist Betsey York.

•Learned about a pilot project to conduct a family focused deer hunt this year, along with ODWC’s efforts to recruit and retain female hunting license holders from Communication and Education Supervisor Kelly Adams.

•Accepted a donation of $2,000 from the Central Oklahoma 89er Chapter of Quail Forever to be used for prescribed fire equipment on Hickory Creek Wildlife Management Area, and a $1,300 donation to the Department’s Stars and Stripes License Project to help veterans and certain family members get fishing/ hunting licenses.

•Commissioners recognized Wildlife Division Regional Supervisor Scott Parry for 25 years of service.

•Commissioners recognized ODWC retiree Jeff Boxrucker, who was presented a special recognition award for his years as coordinator of the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership.

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate.

The next scheduled Commission meeting is set for May 1, 2023, at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.

To view a video recording of the April 3 meeting, go to the Outdoor Oklahoma YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/ JBz1x9S443w?t=54.