Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 800 - Department of Wildlife Conservation

Oklahoma Administrative Code, Title 800, pertains to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. This comprehensive title outlines the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of fish and wildlife resources in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) is the state agency responsible for this vital mission, which is primarily funded by hunter and angler license fees, not general state tax appropriations.

The regulations within Title 800 are designed to:

Protect and conserve Oklahoma's fish and wildlife populations and their habitats.

Regulate hunting, fishing, and trapping activities to ensure sustainable use of wildlife resources.

Provide for public enjoyment of wildlife through various recreational opportunities.

Manage state-owned and managed lands for wildlife conservation and public access.

Enforce wildlife laws and promote ethical conduct among outdoor enthusiasts.

Here's a breakdown of the key chapters you'll find within Title 800:

Chapter 1 - Operations and Procedures: Covers the general administrative operations of the Department, including its organization, public information, and internal procedures.

Chapter 10 - Sport Fishing Rules: This is a major chapter detailing regulations for recreational fishing, including:

Harvest and Possession Limits: Specifies bag limits, size limits, and possession limits for various fish species (e.g., bass, catfish, trout, paddlefish, alligator gar).

Methods of Taking: Outlines legal fishing methods (e.g., rod and reel, trotlines, juglines, noodling, snagging).

License Requirements: Details who needs a fishing license and various exemptions.

Special Area Regulations: Specific rules for particular lakes, rivers, or managed fishing areas.

Commercial Turtle Harvest: (Sometimes a separate chapter or subchapter).

Chapter 15 - Commercial Harvest Rules; Aquatic Species: Addresses regulations for commercial fishing and harvest of certain aquatic species, separate from sport fishing.

Chapter 20 - Restriction on Aquatic Species Introduction: Focuses on preventing the introduction and spread of restricted exotic fish, noxious aquatic plants, and aquatic nuisance species that could harm Oklahoma's ecosystems.

Chapter 25 - Wildlife Rules: A very extensive chapter covering regulations for hunting, trapping, and other wildlife-related activities:

Hunting/Trapping on Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Lands & Corps of Engineers Lands: Specific rules for public lands.

Migratory Bird Hunting Season: Regulations for ducks, geese, doves, and other migratory game birds, often aligning with federal guidelines.

General Hunting Seasons: Rules for big game (deer, elk, bear, antelope, mountain lion) and small game (quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, furbearers).

Controlled Hunts: Procedures and rules for special controlled hunting opportunities.

Raptor Propagation, Sale, and Purchase: Regulations for falconry and related activities.

Commercial Hunt Areas: Rules governing private commercial hunting operations.

Oklahoma Endangered Species: Protections and management plans for threatened and endangered species in the state.

Imports/Export Permits: Rules for bringing wildlife into or out of Oklahoma.

Nuisance Wildlife Control Program: Regulations for Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs) who address conflicts between humans and wildlife.

Wildlife Rehabilitation License and Rules: Requirements for individuals or organizations that rehabilitate injured or orphaned wildlife.

Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP): Rules for public access to private lands for hunting and fishing.

Penalties: Outlines penalties for violations of wildlife laws.

Chapter 30 - Department of Wildlife Lands Management: Specifies rules for the use and management of lands owned or managed by the ODWC, including hunting, fishing, trapping, and other recreational activities. This often includes access rules, camping regulations, and authorized activities on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

Responsibilities of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation:

The ODWC's overarching responsibilities include:

Resource Management: Conducting surveys, research, and management programs to ensure healthy populations of fish and wildlife. This includes habitat improvement, stocking fish, and managing wildlife diseases.

Law Enforcement: Employing game wardens to enforce state and federal wildlife laws and regulations, investigate violations, and ensure public safety in outdoor recreational areas.

Public Access and Recreation: Providing and maintaining public hunting and fishing areas, boat ramps, and other facilities for outdoor recreation.

Education and Outreach: Offering hunter education, angler education, and other programs to promote safe, ethical, and responsible outdoor recreation and conservation.

Licensing: Administering the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, which are the primary source of funding for the department.

Conservation Initiatives: Participating in programs for endangered species recovery, invasive species control, and habitat restoration.

How to Access Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 800:

You can find the full text of Title 800 through several reliable sources:

 

 

Legal Research Databases: Websites like Justia (regulations.justia.com) and Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII) (www.law.cornell.edu) often host the Oklahoma Administrative Code.

Always ensure you are consulting the most current version of the code, as regulations are frequently updated by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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