What do you all think about the proposed changes?
Dec. 13, 2016
Comment Period Open for Rule Change Proposals
Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation proposes changes in Title 800, the administrative rules that govern hunting, fishing and Wildlife Department operations. The public comment period is now open for this year's proposed rule changes.
Many proposed changes for 2017 are simple housekeeping matters, while some are more substantial. Highlights of this year's rule changes include:
Anyone wishing to make comments on any of the proposed rule changes may do so in one of three ways:
Dec. 13, 2016
Comment Period Open for Rule Change Proposals
Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation proposes changes in Title 800, the administrative rules that govern hunting, fishing and Wildlife Department operations. The public comment period is now open for this year's proposed rule changes.
Many proposed changes for 2017 are simple housekeeping matters, while some are more substantial. Highlights of this year's rule changes include:
- Close snagging from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in the areas east of I-35 and north of I-40 except the Miami City Park from the south boat ramp to the 125 Highway bridge which shall remain open.
- Allow deer hunters the use of a leashed tracking dog to help locate downed deer after obtaining game warden permission and having no means of take on person while tracking.
- Open deer archery season same as statewide season dates on Love Valley and Hickory Creek WMAs.
- Add Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP) regulations for walk-in fishing area and stream access. OLAP is a new program aimed at leasing lands for public access. New rules specific to OLAP are necessary to administer the program and enforce regulations.
Anyone wishing to make comments on any of the proposed rule changes may do so in one of three ways:
- Fill out the online public comment form at wildlifedepartment.com. Online public comment period will close at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 12, 2017.
- Write your comments in a letter and mail to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Re: Public Comment, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Letters must be received by 4:30 p.m. Jan. 12, 2017.
- Voice comments in person during a public hearing on the 2017 proposed rule changes at either the Wildlife Department interim headquarters, 2145 NE 36 St. in Oklahoma City, beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 5, 2017, or Northeast Technology Center Auditorium, 19901 US-69, Afton, OK 74331 on Jan. 10, 2017 at 7 p.m.