Oct. 13–Briefs
Shutdown: The Tulsa District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has posted a list of boat ramps, by lake, that remain open during the government shutdown. Some gated ramps and day-use areas are closed, but many remain available. To find the listing, see www.swt.usace.army.mil.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation said some permit hunts on federal lands have been canceled, but those holding permits are being notified individually.
Trout stocking in the Lower Illinois River has been cut to every other week.
Benefit tournament: A crappie tournament honoring the late Ned Rutledge and Bobby Garland will benefit the National Stroke Association. Set for Saturday on Missouri’s Truman Lake, it’s a team format open to one or two anglers per boat with a $75 team entry, which includes $10 toward the big-fish competition.
Tulsa-based Gene Larew Lures, maker of Bobby Garland crappie baits and purchaser of the Garland crappie brand from Rutledge, has guaranteed supplemental first- and second-place cash payouts of $500 and $250, respectively. A registered team drawn randomly also will win $250.
Rutledge, an avid crappie angler and friend and neighbor to Bobby Garland, acquired the brand from him in 2002. Complications from strokes led to his death on Feb. 22. Garland, who died seven years earlier, also suffered from complications related to a stroke.
Tournament registration forms can be found at bobbygarlandcrappie.com Anglers also can register on the day of the tournament from 5:30-7 a.m. at Tightwad Bait and Tackle in Clinton, Mo. For information, contact Betty Rutledge at [email protected].
OWC receives donations: The Oklahoma Wildlife Commission has accepted several donations.
Country music star Blake Shelton gave $20,000 to support outdoor education programs, including the Oklahoma National Archery in the Schools Program. The Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International gave $3,000 to support hosting of the 67th Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
The commission voted to accept a donation of 40 acres near the Grassy Slough Wildlife Management Area in McCurtain County from sisters Elizabeth Garrett of Oklahoma City and Mary Cook of Denver. It will be named for their father, Harry Rimmer, and become part of the WMA complex.