March 2024

Photo by: Jena Donnell

CONTENTS

• Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow
• Lake Elmer Thomas
• Open House at Lexington WMA
• Crappie 101 Workshop
• Hunter-ed Class in Welch
• Tulsa Boat, Sport and Travel Show
• Shout Outs
• Game Bag
• ODWC New Employees
• Wildlife Marketplace
• HR Corner
• Directors Report & Commission Summary
• Birthdays
• Reelin’ in the Years

Around

the

Department

Photo by Brook Powell

Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow (CLfT)

Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow (CLfT) is an intensive 5-day hunting awareness and conservation education workshop designed for current and future professional leaders within natural resource agencies, organizations, and select university students. Every year ODWC sends a handful of employees to the training in hopes of giving them the opportunity to grow as they learn how to engage the hunting, fishing and trapping community and explore the roles of hunting in Wildlife Conservation.

This year the employees were: Catherine Appling-Pooler (A), Sean Robertson (A), Amy Newcomb (FA), Alexander Cooper (W), Jake McCandless (A), Kara Gardner (CE), and Heather Del Moral (CE). Each employee came back with a unique perspective on their role in the agency as a newfound leader in conservation.

“I shot my first shotgun, and out of 20 clays I only missed 4! I also harvested my first pheasant. The training helped me see how important conservation is.” -Sean Robertson

“Throughout the workshop we covered diverse aspects of conservation, from hunting practices and policies to understanding hunter motivations and demographics. The sessions covered essential topics like hunter responsibility, ethics, hands-on firearm training and hunter education. One of the highlights was joining a pheasant hunt at Prospect Hall Hunting and Shooting Club. I’m grateful for the chance to meet with fellow natural resource professionals from other state and federal agencies and would highly encourage others at ODWC to attend a CLfT workshop!”- Catherine Appling-Pooler

"A week at the National Conservation Training Center for the Conservation Leader for Tomorrow workshop was a week jam-packed with knowledge transfer, field experiences, and comradery. With little to no personal hunting background, this workshop perfectly suited the expansion of my hunting understanding and its relevancy to wildlife conservation. It was a week I’ll remember forever!" - Amy Newcomb

“I am grateful for the opportunity to attend CLfT at the National Conservation Training Center. My classmates and teachers were all amazing people, making the whole adventure well worth it. I better understand the importance of hunting as a tool for conservation. I get why it can become a way of life for so many. This opportunity has opened the door to a world that can be appear intimidating from the outside. Thank you ODWC for sending me on this once in a lifetime opportunity. If you haven't gone yet GO.”

- Kara Gardner

"CLfT was an amazing program and I highly recommend anyone in our field to go. You get amazing instructors and work with people who care about the conservation of our country's wildlife resources." -Jake McCandless

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend the CLfT workshop. The week was intense and filled with valuable information. It deepened my understanding of the science behind hunting and the North American model of wildlife conservation, highlighting its significance. Building new friendships with fellow wildlife conservation professionals was a rewarding aspect of the experience.” -Heather Del Moral

Laker Elmer Thomas

Fort Sill and ODWC recently worked together to create fish habitat in lake Elmer Thomas. They sank around 250 cedars, which will make habitat for many fish.

Open House at Lexington WMA

By Kelly Adams (CE)

As part of C&E’s communication priority to address public land access, staff from C&E, Wildlife and Law Enforcement have worked together to two host special events coined “WMA Open House.” The purpose of these events is to improve learning/knowledge among hunters about public hunting opportunities, promote engagement with hunters to reduce churn, and strengthen the hunting community by addressing their needs.

So far events have been held at Packsaddle WMA and Lexington WMA. Those who attended say the event was better than expected. Participants learned wing-shooting techniques at both areas’ newly built or recently renovated shooting ranges. They also learned how to hunt Oklahoma's public land and learned about the WMA.

If you’re interested in hosting an Open House on other WMAs, please contact Kelly Adams, who can provide more information and assist with planning and promotion.

Cameron Gammill (W) giving a pre-hunt talk.

Crappie 101 Workshop

By Heather Gaylord (CE)

The first annual Crappie 101 workshop, which was hosted on Saturday Feb. 17, was a huge success with close to 60 in attendance. It was put on by the Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers (OHA) organization with the help of ODWC employees, with sessions given by Chris Whisenhunt and Keith Thomas. Participants learned everything from crappie species, high percentage crappie catching patterns, live vs. artificial lures, tackle selection, where to fish, crappie habitat identification, lake-to-plate options, and more. After receiving a considerable amount of positive feedback, we are looking forward to similar workshops in the future.

Crappie Workshop attendees

Keith Thomas (F) presenting about passing on the tradition of fishing!

Chris Whisenhunt (F) going over strategies on finding fish.

Hunter Ed Class in Welch

By Lt. Joe Alexander (LE)

Game Wardens in District 1 offered a Hunter Ed Class in the small town of Welch in February! The class was packed with parents and students. This is not the time we usually think about hunter education classes, but needless to say it was a huge success. Austin Jackson (Craig Co.) coordinated the class; he utilized a local church facility and partnered with some local businesses to bring it all together. The students were treated to a full BBQ dinner and some great door prizes. Two lucky students won gift certificates from a local taxidermist. The class was all smiles when they received the results from the test with the entire class passing with flying colors. It must have been from the excellent instruction given by J.D. Stauffer, Travis Garrett, Jason Adair, Jeremy Bersche, Riley Willman, and Austin Jackson. At the end of the day, 51 students joined the ranks of hunter education certified!

Tulsa Boat Sport & Travel Show

By Lt. Joe Alexander (LE)

Game Wardens kicked off the month of February by working a large booth at the 2024 Tulsa Boat Sport and Travel Show. This show hosts over 100,000 attendees and gave Wardens a chance to emphasize the importance of water safety for the summer ahead. The booth was sponsored by Fluid Boats, who are a manufacturer of Law Enforcement ribbed boats like the ones used on Lake Texoma and Grand Lake. It took many hands to make this booth happen over the seven-day event. Those who worked the show: Jason Adair, Chris Newkirk, Austin Jackson, Dale Stites, Garrett Harley, Riley Willman, Rylee Rolling, Bradley Magby, Cody Morris, Bailey Johnson, J.D. Stauffer, Hank Jenks, Billy Bob Walker, Kody Moore, Brandon Fulton, Stephen Paul, Jay Harvey (OSGWA), Carlos Gomez (OSGWA), and Rick Grundman (OWCF). Special thanks to the Oklahoma Game Warden Association and the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation for all the help!

Lots of folks stop by the booth to visit.

The cutest boat driver!

Water Enforcement Class

By Lt. Joe Alexander (LE)

On Feb. 9 game wardens participated in a Water Enforcement Tactics Class at North Eastern State University in Tahlequah. This challenging class helps officers understand the high risk and extreme danger of enforcing laws on the water. They also learn how to get their duty belts off quickly, work together as a team, navigate obstacles under the water, save others, and even how to remove their pants, fill them with air, tie the ends, and use them for flotation just to name a few. Although this may not be a favorite class for many officers, it does teach wardens to respect and know their limitations when working on or near the water.

Chad Strang (L)has all eyes on him as he talks about water safety.

Look at this group working as a team!

Brek Henry Retirement

By Patrick Matlock

Game Warden Brek Henry has announced his retirement date effective 03/31/2024. Brek has served the Sportsmen of Oklahoma for 30 years as both a game warden and a game warden supervisor.

Retirement Dinner info:

BBQ Dinner is $15 a plate and will be served at 5:00 p.m.

RSVP by March 23rd at (918) 625-6013.

Sequoyah County Fairgrounds

464101, E 1070 Rd Sallisaw, Ok 74955

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wJM1rGQJsbPkZSEu6

Donations for retirement gifts can be sent to my wife's cash app (https://cash.app/$JGMatlock) or brought in person on the day of dinner.

If unable to attend and you want to donate, checks can be mailed to:

Patrick Matlock P.O. Box 1119 Henryetta, Ok 74437

SHOUT OUTS!

Photo by: Benjamin Benson

Good afternoon,

I just wanted to write in and say that I’ve really enjoyed utilizing the outdoor WMA gun ranges. I’ve been to a few across the state on many occasions and have never had a negative experience.

I’m sure you all don’t hear it enough, but thanks for all that you do!

Ethan

Shout Out from the Editors: This is a universal shout-out to all who have submitted photos or articles to the WOG featuring events, activities and other ODWC happenings. We are grateful for each time you've thought of the WOG and sent a submission. The work each of you do day in and day out is exciting to your co-workers! The WOG helps all of us engage with the full scope of ODWC activities. Additionally, keeping us informed about major events in your personal lives - as well as sharing your adventures with us through photos and write-ups - allows your co-workers to celebrate with you and know you better. We invite you keep the WOG in mind, and again, big props to all who have already taken advantage of the opportunity to share info in your WOG!

A sweet thank you note from Mike Plunkett to Wildlife Division

Game Bag

This little doll below is Cody Youngblood’s (LE) daughter Landry, 3 years old. She had fun recently fishing in their neighborhood pond.

The cutest!

Landry has all the Valentines vibes, even the pink pole!

Off she goes to the pond!

HR CORNER

Deadlines

• MARCH TIMESHEET DEADLINES: All employees (full-time and part-time) must have all March hours entered and submitted by noon on Monday, April 1, 2024. All supervisors must have all timesheets reviewed and approved by end of day on Monday, April 1, 2024.
  
• 1st QUARTER VEHICLE USAGE: Your 1st Quarter Vehicle Usage entry must be on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
  
• EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Applications due April 1. Information about the program and the application form can be found on the TOAD under Admin > HR > Employee Benefits. Contact Vicky Scaggs in HR for questions.
  

TimeKeeping Tips

• ENTER TIME SUMMARY: When entering your time, check the Summary located on the right side of your timesheet to make sure you are reporting at least 40 hours Total for the week. The only exception may be the last week in the month if it isn’t a full week.
  

Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses

• The Oklahoma Occupational Health & Safety Standards Act (OOHSSA) requires all public sector employers with one or more employees to prepare and maintain records of all work-related injuries and illnesses.
  
• The Log of Work-related Injuries and Illnesses is used to classify work-related injuries and illnesses and to note the extent and severity of each case.
  
• The Summary of Work-Related Injuries & Illnesses show the totals for the year in each category. At the end of the year, the Summary is posted on the Bulletin Board outside of the mailroom at Headquarters.
  
• For 2023, the agency had 18 total reports of which 2 resulted in workdays missed and 4 resulted in restricted duties.
  

February Personnel Actions

New Hires

• Taima Rolle – Administration, Procurement Officer, 2/20/24

Promotions

• Joshua Luft – WL OLAP Technician to Biologist, 2/1/24

Resignations/Terminations

• Bradley Magby – Warden, Creek County, 2/16/24
• Amanda Storck – CFO, 2/29/24

Birthdays

• CANTELLAY, CHRIS 03/01
  
• DESHAZER, DALTON 03/03
  
• NEALIS, ASHLEY 03/03
  
• DENSOW, SHERYLANN 03/04
  
• BRENNAN, ERIC 03/06
  
• GRIFFIN, AUSTIN 03/06
  
• BEVERLY, BROOKE 03/08
  
• DINKINES, BILL 03/08
  
• LOOKABAUGH, SHARON 03/08
  
• PALLETT, MATTHEW 03/09
  
• SOLIS, SMOKEY 03/12
  
• GENNINGS, BARRY 03/13
  
• ROBERTSON, SEAN 03/13
  
• EDWARDS JR, JAMES 03/15
  
• INGRAM, MADISON 03/16
  
• MORGAN, BRENT 03/16
  
• VANDORN, KAMDYN 03/16
  
• NORRIS, DALTON 03/18
  
• HOLLIE, MICHAEL 03/19
  
• MARTINEZ, ORLANDO 03/19
  
• ALEXANDER, JOE PAUL 03/19
• TILLEY, DARTANION 03/21
  
• WEST, JONATHAN 03/22
  
• ANSON, KEVIN 03/25
  
• GILLHAM, ROYCE 03/25
  
• GOOD, DILLON 03/26
  
• PENWRIGHT, MATTHEW 03/27
  
• NEWKIRK, CHRISTOPHER 03/28
  
• HANNAH, MARK 03/30
  
• WILMOTH, MIKKI 03/31
  

REELIN’ IN THE YEARS

• ACKMAN, SEAN 1
  
• BARFIELD, JAY 17
  
• BENGE, JENNIFER 17
  
• BULEY, DALTON 1
  
• CHRISMAN, MICHAEL 16
  
• CLEM, TUCKER 1
  
• COOPER, ALEXANDER 3
  
• DAVIS, JERROD 16
  
• FARRAR, WADE 21
  
• FARRIS, MATTHEW 6
  
• FRANCE, MICHAEL 28
  
• GARDNER, KARA 1
  
• GARRETT, TRAVIS 16
  
• HANSON, ZACHARY 1
  
• HOLMES, MICAH 22
  
• HULL, NATHANAEL 2
  
• HURST, RHONDA 32
  
• JENKS, CLINTON (HANK) 1
  
• JETER, SHELBY 9
  
• JOHNSON, BAILEY 6
  
• JOHNSON, CLAYTON 1
  
• JOHNSON, LAUREN 4
  
• JONES, DYLAN 1
  
• KING, DONALD 11
  
• MEEK, LANCE 22
  
• MESIS III, VINCENT 15
  
• MURRAY, MARK 16
  
• NEWKIRK, CHRIS 1
  
• PARRY, SCOTT 26
  
• PAULK, ZACHARY 6
  
• PHILLIPS, CHANCE 9
  
• POTTER, ANDREW 6
  
• RAASCH, TANNER 1
  
• REMPE, JOHN 27
  
• RIDGE, JOHN 35
  
• ROLLING, RYLEE 1
  
• SCHOOLEY, JASON 14
  
• TAYLOR, TRAE 1
  
• YOUNG, CASEY 21