The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission learned about an innovative archery education program at their January meeting.

Oklahoma is one of the first states to initiate the ambitious Archery in the Schools program. Offering a two-week long, Olympic-style archery curriculum, the program is designed to introduce junior high and high school students to archery.

“In the eight pilot schools around the state we have found that the program is a positive for everyone involved,” said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Of course the kids love it. Educators have told us that the program allows them to fulfill several state and national curriculum guidelines. And it is good for sportsmen because it shares the sport of archery with many people who otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to it.”

According to Meek, training courses will be taking place this spring and more schools will come on board next fall.

In other business, the Commission recognized the Grand National Quail Foundation for its generous contributions to conservation and education programs.

Established in Enid in the mid 1980’s the Foundation has raised funds to support a variety of projects, such as habitat improvements on public hunting areas, annual youth wildlife camps and a variety of research projects. The Foundation’s most notable research project includes the longest and most comprehensive quail study in the nation. The influential, ten-year study was conducted at the Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area in northwest Oklahoma.

“We are humble and honored by this recognition,” said Mike Ruby, Grand National Quail Foundation president. “It has been a wonderful partnership over the years and we pledge our continued support.”

In other business, Commissioners received an update on the 2005 Wildlife Expo. The inaugural event is designed to introduce Oklahomans to outdoor activities and will be held August 27 and 28 at the Lazy E Arena near Guthrie.

The Commission voted to accept an offer of $4,100 from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for 1.89 acres for expansion of the Highway 70 bridge at Lake Raymond Gary in Choctaw County.

Also at their January meeting, Commissioners recognized the following employees for their service to the Department:

Lewis Jennings, wildlife technician at Black Kettle and Ellis County wildlife management areas, for 20 years; and

Wayne Smith, wildlife technician at Ouachita Wildlife Management Area, for 20 years.

In accordance with rulemaking procedures, Commissioners voted to approve Title 800:1-13-11 which addresses the design and issuance of the Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permit. Commissioners also voted to amortize the unfunded liability of the Retirement Plan over 15 years and to increase the budget $1,009,000 to provide this year’s additional funding.

The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife 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 Senate.

The next scheduled Commission meeting is Feb. 7 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City at 9:00 a.m.

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