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Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation seeks public comment on proposed rule changes

One proposed rule would push the end of Oklahoma's squirrel season from Jan. 31 to Feb 28.
Andrea Piacquadio
/
Pexels
One proposed rule would push the end of Oklahoma's squirrel season from Jan. 31 to Feb 28.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has released its annual suggestions for changes to rules for hunting and wildlife management, and Oklahomans can provide feedback over the next month.

This year’sproposed changes to hunting rules would:

  • Extend squirrel season by an extra month
  • Authorize air-powered arrow rifles and for deer hunting
  • Require duck hunters to remove their blinds at the end of each day
  • Prohibit the transport of deer and elk carcasses out ofdesignated areas where those animals are at risk of carrying chronic wasting disease

One new wildlife management rule change would allow beekeepers to file a complaint if an animal plunders their hives in the same way a farmer would if an animal destroyed their crops. Another would clarify how to respond when a bear damages a person’s property.

Oklahomans can provide their input now through Jan. 6 via the Department’sonline comment form, in a letter or at the Department’s public hearing on Jan. 5. You can read more about all the proposed changes on theDepartment of Wildlife Conservation’s website.

This report was produced by the Oklahoma Public Media Exchange, a collaboration of public media organizations. Help support collaborative journalism by donating at the link at the top of this webpage.

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