Check stations are not optional

Monday, November 24, 2014

Without all the proper information, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to make a correct and useful decision. This is true for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation when setting harvest limits and seasons for proper wildlife management.

One of the most useful tools available to help estimate harvest for various wildlife species are check stations. In Oklahoma, online systems, available at www.wildlifedepartment.com, are required for all hunters who harvest a deer this season.

“This gives estimates on harvest by county, wildlife management area, sex, age, date and weapon type,” said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist. “Biologists can use this information to set season guidelines and to evaluate trends in harvest over time.”

The online system is not just for deer in Oklahoma, as state wildlife law requires anyone who takes a deer, elk, turkey or paddlefish to check in their harvest within 24 hours of leaving the hunting or fishing area, and in all cases prior to processing the carcass. Any device with Internet access can use the E-Check system.

Failure to report any harvest comes with some pretty steep penalties, as well.

"The Wildlife Department's law enforcement division is putting special emphasis on enforcing the requirement for hunters to check in their harvest,” said Bill Hale, ODWC assistant chief of law enforcement. “If you get caught not checking your harvest, the fine just for illegally possessing wildlife and the restitution could be in the thousands of dollars, and you would also be in violation of the E-Check requirements, which would add more in fines.”

In addition, there is a possibility of hunting and fishing privileges, not just in this state, but also in most every other state in the nation, being suspended for failure to obey the law.

“It’s very important hunters comply with regulations regarding checking animals,” Elmore said. “This information assists ODWC with better managing the resources and providing hunting opportunities.”

The E-Check stations are convenient for hunters who no longer have to search for open check stations and the ODWC does not have to send biologists and technicians to physical check stations to collect data.

“Anyone who does not check in their harvest is actually harming the resources that belong to you and me. This person could be jeopardizing the future for all hunters and outdoorsmen,” said Robert Fleenor, chief of law enforcement for the OWDC. “If you know of someone who is not abiding by the law, please report it to us.”

Report game law violations by calling Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-800-522-8039. Callers can remain anonymous and might be eligible for a cash reward if the violator is convicted. Reports also can be made to the OWDC’s law enforcement division at 405-521-3719 or to your local game warden.