Partnership support for wildlife management areas, shooting ranges and hunter education efforts were notable topics of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting Monday, with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recognizing officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Rifle Association and Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers.

During the meeting, the Commission accepted a $25,000 donation from the NRA for construction of the shooting range planned for Copan Wildlife Management Area.

The organization was also recognized for its partnership in providing an online hunter education course that allows ODWC to receive millions of dollars in federal hunter education grants.

Lance Meek, ODWC hunter education coordinator, said the partnership has resulted in more than 29,000 people taking the online hunter education course in about two and a half years.

“We never have any problems, it’s just so smooth,” Meek said. “It’s been a great partnership.”

The Commission also accepted a $1,000 donation from nonprofit Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers for the archery range planned for the Arcadia Conservation Education Area. The donation unlocks $9,000 in federal grant funds to be used during the archery range project.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Biologist Jason Person was recognized by the commission for his assistance in the advancement of shooting range projects.

In his report, ODWC Director Wade Free said the youth deer gun harvest increased to about 5,000 this year, compared to 3,500 in 2023. The bear harvest was 77, which Free said is on par with expectations. However, the deer muzzleloader harvest was about 9,800, compared to about 15,000 in 2023.

“If you muzzleloader hunted this year, you know why. Thirty-five mile an hour winds and it was hot as August so that always hurts participation,” Free said.

ODWC Chief of Wildlife Bill Dinkines said the total deer harvest for the current season was about 93,000, down around 12% from 105,000 this time last year.

Deer gun season continues through Dec. 8, holiday antlerless season will beDec. 18-31 and deer archery season will continue through Jan. 15.

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

The next regular Wildlife Commission meeting is set for Jan. 6, 2025, at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.