New Year’s Resolutions on the Wild Side

It’s that time again. Time to make a few well meaning, but not whole hearted resolutions to make yourself “better” this year.

Well instead of resolving to lose weight, or stop smoking (both of which are fine in their own right) how about making a resolution to get outside or help wildlife, things that are much more fun, and might actually be achievable.

I’ve asked a few folks from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to offer some suggestions to turn this year’s resolutions a little more “wild.”

Clayton Porter – SW Fisheries Biologist — Now that I have kids I make every effort to get them into the outdoors and my passion, so far they have had great times and memories. I have come up with this idea I want to try and get the kids and myselfon what I would consider to be a unpopular sport chase animals that may in the future be no season or reduction of animals.

I keep saying the SW Oklahoma Grand Slam and I get laughed at but I am wanting to hunt woodcock, snipe, and crow. These species are not sought after like in the past and it would give me (and the kids) a chance to learn something new. Along with this venture I am also planning on capitalizing on small game (rabbits, squirrels, etc.) this year to satisfy that feeling of when I was a kid.

Ron Smith – SW Region Wildlife Supervisor — I resolve to clear more eastern red cedar from prime turkey roost sites. Red cedar costs an estimated $200 million in economic loss each year in Oklahoma, not to mention the impact on wildlife. Invasion of cedars has a devastating effect on upland game birds such as wild turkey and bobwhite quail.

Todd Craighead – Host of Outdoor Oklahoma — I resolve to take five people who have never deer hunted on their first hunt. Craighead travels all over Oklahoma videoing hunting, fishing and other outdoor endeavors. There is nothing more important for conservation than introducing new people to the sport!

Ryan Ryswyk – SW Region Fisheries Supervisor — I want to get my kids more involved in the outdoors. I’m an avid sportsman’s so of course I will be taking them hunting and fishing, but I also want to expose them to the outdoors in more simple ways. For example, nature walks, identifying local plants, identifying animal tracks or scat, bird watching, short hikes, back yard campfires, and star gazing. I hope to teach them that the outdoors has something to offer every day, not just during a deer hunting season or crappie spawn.

Colin Berg – Education Supervisor — visit the Wichita Mountains during the four different seasons with my family or friends. Find a scenic spot to take photos to capture the differences. Around the house, select a flower bed or corner of my yard to establish wild flowers for pollinators and photograph the different birds, butterflies and insects that use it. Use apps to ID and learn about each species. Finally to introduce a neighbor, family member or friend to dove hunting, squirrel or rabbit hunting. Plan at least four trips/activities with them to practice, hunt and eat some of what is harvested.

All of these are great ideas!

You don’t have to start big. Put up a bird feeder. Visit a state or National Park. Dust off the old 12-gauge and shoot some clays. Just get outdoors and enjoy some of the great adventures that Oklahoma has to offer!

Happy New Year!

Mike