Commission Approves Harvest of Smaller Black Bass, Trims Quail Season for Nonresident Hunters

Liberalizing the harvest of smaller black bass, and shortening quail hunting season on public lands in western Oklahoma for nonresident hunters, are among new regulations approved Monday during the regular monthly meeting of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

After considering feedback on the proposed rule changes, collected during the official public comment period, Commissioners approved all the suggested regulation changes put forth by the Department’s Fisheries and Wildlife Division this year, with one notable modification. 

A proposal to close quail hunting two weeks earlier on public lands in western Oklahoma generated the most discussion. A presentation by Tell Judkins, Upland Game Biologist for ODWC, outlined the reasons for the proposed changes. Commissioners approved an amended proposal to close quail season Jan. 31 on public lands in western Oklahoma to nonresident hunters. This rule doesn't affect resident quail hunters. 

Another rule approved by the Commission will modify the statewide harvest limits for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The new daily limit will be six bass of any length, with only one being greater than 16 inches long. This rule is accompanied by a black bass fishing tournament exemption that allows fish over 16 inches to be kept alive until weigh-in, after which the fish must be released. 

Some of the other rules approved Monday include formally adopting changes made earlier this year for turkey hunting; modifying the bag limit in the Lower Mountain Fork River trout area to only one brown trout of 30 inches or longer; including the marbled crayfish as a harmful species unlawful to import into the state; open several western Oklahoma public lands to trapping for the month of February; reducing parcel size to 320 acres to qualify for private land youth bonus antlerless deer hunts; close Selman Bat Cave property to public access; and clarifying restrictions on number of days camping is allowed on Wildlife Management Areas. 

All new regulations must now pass through the state legislative process and be considered by the governor. If approved, the new regulations will become effective later this year.