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Top photos sought for "Outdoor Oklahoma's" Readers' Photography Showcase
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a statewide 16-day deer gun season and a number of other deer hunting regulation changes, at its March 3 meeting.
In a 5-2 vote, the Commission approved a deer gun season beginning on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and running for 16 consecutive days. Additionally, the Commission approved keeping a 9-day deer gun season on many of the Department's wildlife management areas.
"We have worked for years to maximize deer hunting opportunities on our wildlife management areas," said Alan Peoples, wildlife chief for the Department. "After discussions with biologists and area managers, we feel like it would be best to open about a third of the areas to the 16-day season and keep the remaining two thirds at nine days."
Fourteen wildlife management areas will have 16-day deer gun seasons. Those areas are: Cherokee, Camp Gruber, Dewey County (archery only), Fobb Bottom, Eufaula, Hickory Creek, Keystone, Love Valley, Kerr, Oologah, Skiatook, Sparrow Hawk, Texoma/Washita Arm and Tenkiller wildlife management areas and Lake Thunderbird State Park (archery only).
For complete season dates, zones and other details about the upcoming hunting seasons, consult the "2003 Oklahoma Hunting Guide," which will be available this summer.
The Commission also approved a slate of other wildlife regulations designed to increase hunter opportunity and better manage Oklahoma wildlife resources.
The new rules include:
A special three-day antlerless deer gun season for those under 18 years of age was established. The season will be held during the third weekend in October.
The Commission passed a rule that changes the deer archery season to run consecutively from October 1 to January 15. This will allows archery hunters to hunt on an archery license during the deer gun season.
Another significant rule change makes muzzleloading pistols, .40 caliber or larger, legal for deer hunting during the muzzleloader season.
Honobia and Three Rivers wildlife management areas (WMAs) in southeast Oklahoma are two of the most popular WMAs in the state. The Commission approved a rule that creates a three-day special use permit ($5) for residents to use these areas for nonhunting/nonfishing related activities.
In other business, commissioners heard a trio of presentations on the Department's efforts to promote hunting and fishing to the next generation of Oklahomans.
Bill Dinkines, assistant wildlife chief for the Department, presented the Commission with a report on the private lands youth antlerless deer hunts
"The private land youth hunts were a success all the way around," said Dinkines. "They offered a great chance for young people to get exposed to the sport of hunting and they helped landowners in managing the deer herd on their property."
Held in October and December, 100 youngsters participated in the hunts, which took place in 10 different counties. With a success rate of 70 percent, the majority of the participants left with fresh venison and approximately 35 percent had the opportunity to harvest their first deer.
Landowners wanting to participate in private lands youth deer hunts in 2003 have until July 1 to sign up. For more information about the program, call (405) 521-2739.
Commissioners heard a report from David Deckard, law enforcement training coordinator for the Department, on the 2002 STEP Outside Youth Waterfowl Hunt. Twenty-five kids, many from metropolitan areas, participated in the two-day clinic held at Oologah Lake. On the first day, the youth were instructed in the basics of decoys, duck calling, retrievers and firearm safety. The following day, participants had the opportunity to go on a guided waterfowl hunt, where several had the chance to harvest their first duck.
Paul Cornett, Oklahoma game warden stationed in Woodward County, reported that, for the fifth year in a row, the Department's Wildlife Youth Camp was an outstanding success. Thirty-seven kids took part in the weeklong camp, which introduced the participants to wildlife management and the day-to-day duties of wildlife professionals in a fun, activity-filled environment.
In other business, Assistant Director Richard Hatcher briefed the Commission on several legislative bills affecting the Department. Most notable were a pair of funding bills. House Bill 1419 would increase the purchase price of lifetime hunting and fishing licenses and House Bill 1663 would increase the price of annual hunting and fishing licenses. Hunting or fishing license sales are critical in providing funds for wildlife conservation in the state, as the Department receives no general state tax revenues. Funds from the sale of annual licenses go to conserving the state's diverse fish and wildlife resources for future generations, while funds from the sale of lifetime licenses go into a protected fund where only interest can be spent.
To stay updated on active legislation affecting sportsmen and wildlife, log on to the Department's Web site at: www.wildlifedepartment.com
In other business, Keith Green, Oklahoma game warden stationed in Craig County, was recognized as the National Wild Turkey Federation Oklahoma Game Warden of the Year.
"We appreciate all the hard work Keith has done over the years for the sportsmen and the wild turkeys in and around Craig County," said Gary Purdy, with the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
In housekeeping business, the Commission voted to withdraw the rule passed recently regarding the Blue River Conservation Passport so that a new rule with specific language on the cost of the passport could be established. The Commission voted to accept a new rule containing the missing language, which states the Blue River Conservation Passport shall be set at $1.00 above the cost of an annual resident fishing license. The Blue River Conservation Passport ($13.50 for both residents and non-residents), will take effect beginning July 1, 2003, and will be required of all persons who enter or use the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Holders of Oklahoma hunting or fishing licenses will be exempt from the purchase of the passport.
The Commission received one sealed bid of $105 per acre to lease the mineral interest on 85.24 acres in Blaine County owned by the Department. Commissioners voted to accept that bid which totaled $8,950.20.
The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, and sets policy for the Wildlife Department. Commission members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
The next scheduled Commission meeting is April 7 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City at 9:00 a.m.
According to a recently released financial report, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's revenue for the fiscal year to date is down $478,979. The 7.4 percent decrease is attributed to the decline in hunting license and deer tag sales across the state.
The primary funding source of the Wildlife Department is the sale of annual hunting and fishing licenses, and the Department does not receive any general state tax appropriations.
The last hunting and fishing license fee increase was in 1994, and was projected to provide sufficient revenue to meet the costs of providing services for three to four years. The increase in 1994 was only $2 per license, which was one-half of the amount requested. Inflation and the increased cost of providing services has forced the Department to cut its budget more than six percent in the last five years. In addition, the agency has maintained between 25 and 35 unfilled positions as a means of reducing expenditures.
Two House Bills currently are being considered that would raise revenue.
House Bill 1663 by Representatives Dale Smith and Joe Hutchison and Senator Frank Shurden would increase most annual hunting and fishing license costs. To ensure youth participation in outdoor recreation, HB 1663, calls for many youth license costs to be about half of the proposed adult license prices. For example, a youth combination hunting and fishing license would be $18.50, while adults would pay $37 for the same license.
Youths 16 and older are currently required to purchase a regular annual hunting license, but the bill provides that those 14 to 18 would be eligible to purchase youth licenses. Current law provides a full-price license for hunters and fishermen 16 years of age and older.
House Bill 1419 by Rep. Joe Hutchison and Sen. Frank Shurden would increase the fees for lifetime licenses. This would not generate any direct revenue (lifetime license fees cannot be spent, they must be invested and only the interest on those investments is eligible to be spent) but would contribute to future interest income from the lifetime license trust fund.
The agency's revenue situation has reached a critical juncture, and without additional income more cuts will be made – cuts that will affect the service the Department provides. These include:
• Reducing the game warden force by 10 wardens across the state.
• Reductions in game warden patrols and assistance calls, along with reductions in important fish and wildlife management activities.
• Road conditions will deteriorate; there will be fewer food plots and less overall management of the public hunting areas.
• Reductions in the number and quality of fish that will be stocked in state waters.
• Fewer conservation education materials for school students.
• Rising fuel costs will mean fewer miles driven to provide services by Department personnel, unless additional revenue comes in.
To track active legislation affecting the wildlife and sportsmen of Oklahoma, log on to the Department's Web site at, www.wildlifedepartment.com/legislation.htm
To find contact information for your local Representative and Senator, go to the Oklahoma Legislature's Web site at www.state.ok.us/osfdocs/leghp.html.
"Sand bass should be beginning their run up creeks and rivers in the very near future," said Barry Bolton, assistant fisheries chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
According to Bolton, blooming red bud trees and water temperatures in the low 50's are good signs that is time to grab a pole and friend and go fishing for white bass. Oklahoma's state fish, the white bass is an aggressive feeder, particularly during the spring spawn. White bass make excellent table fare and can be found in every large reservoir throughout the state.
"White bass can be caught on a wide variety of lures and baits," Bolton said. "Jigs, spinners and minnows are all excellent choices during the spring."
The spring spawning run of sand bass will begin first in the warmer southern half of the state. Southern Oklahoma anglers should find some good action at Gaines Creek above Lake Eufaula and upper Mountain Fork above Broken Bow Lake. Savvy anglers have long known that Hickory Creek above Lake Texoma can produce good stringers of sand bass if the time is right.
White bass fishermen in the northern half of the state can also find plenty of fast-paced action. Fishermen may find the Canadian River above Canton Lake, feeder creeks on Lake Ft. Gibson and the Horseshoe Bend area of Lake Tenkiller to be white bass hotspots.
Anglers can keep up on where the hottest fishing is taking place through the Department's fishing report available at www.wildlifedepartment.com
For a complete list of regulations anglers should pick up a copy of the "2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide before heading out on any fishing adventure or log on to the Departments web site at www. wildlifedepartment.com.
Top photos sought for "Outdoor Oklahoma's" Readers' Photography Showcase
Time is running short to give "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine your best shot. Photographers, either professional or amateur, have until March 28 to submit their best photos to "Outdoor Oklahoma's" annual Readers' Photography Showcase.
"Photographs can be of anything found in Oklahoma's outdoors from scenics to nature to people hunting, fishing and enjoying other outdoor activities," said Nels Rodefeld, "Outdoor Oklahoma" editor. "The readers' photography issue (July/August) is very popular among photographers, as evidenced by the fact that we usually receive hundreds of outstanding slides."
According to Rodefeld, this is the first year that color prints and digital images will be accepted. Rodefeld added that original 35mm slides still offer the best color reproduction quality, but that "Outdoor Oklahoma did not want to exclude high-quality images captured on digital cameras or in print photos.
The photographer's name, address and phone number need to be printed on each slide using a fine point pen or rubber stamp. Slides should not be encased in glass.
Each participant may submit up to five images and all entries will be returned undamaged. Photographers can mail their submission to Paul Moore, Photo Editor, "Outdoor Oklahoma," Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Individuals who wish to obtain their own copy of the July/August Readers Photo issue can subscribe to Outdoor Oklahoma, on the Universal License form wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold; or via credit card by calling 1-800-777-0019. Subscriptions are $10 for one-year, $18 for two years, or $25 for three years.
Crappie spawn coming soon
For many Oklahoma sportsmen, spring is the best time of the year.
After all, spring means warmer weather and a great time to get outdoors and take advantage of Oklahoma's excellent fishing opportunities. Crappie fishing is one of the most popular fishing opportunities available and the action will soon be heating up across the Sooner State.
"It won't be too much longer and the crappie will begin moving into shallow water. The next few weeks are going to be some of the best times to go crappie fishing," said Paul Mauck, south central fisheries supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
According to Mauck, crappie can be found moving into shallow water to spawn once the water temperature reaches the upper 50s. Crappie spawning generally takes place in water only 18 to 36 inches deep.
"The best place to catch crappie prior to and during the spawn is around structure in shallow water. The upper areas of the reservoirs that have some brush or other cover are usually the most productive spots," Mauck said. "Gradually sloping rip rap along dams is another good place to fish, and anglers might try a little deeper water to find fish that are preparing to move into shallow water soon."
He added that a wide variety of lures can be used, including small spinners, jigs and minnows.
"A jig and a free-floating cork is a pretty good method of finding crappie. You can bounce that jig along and won't get hung as much," Mauck said.
There is an abundance of places to catch a stringer full of crappie. Here are a few spots to try on your next fishing trip.
Kaw Lake, near Ponca City, is known for fast crappie action all year long.
"Anglers are catching good numbers of crappie along the rip rap near the Kaw City and Washunga bridges," said Tracy Daniel, Oklahoma game warden stationed in Kay County.
Standing timber near Beaver Creek is also a good place to catch a crappie worth bragging about.
Texoma Lake in south-central Oklahoma offers anglers the first shot at spawning crappie – the fish spawn earlier in the warmer waters of southern Oklahoma. Brush-filled coves along the north shore are excellent places to find crappie.
McGee Creek Lake, near Atoka, is worth the drive for the scenic beauty alone. The pine-covered mountains are a bonus to the good numbers of crappie that call the lake home. Anglers can find shallow water with plenty of structure in the north end of the lake.
Lake Eufaula, near Checotah, earned its nickname – the Gentle Giant. The lake has many sprawling coves along more than 600 miles of shoreline. Shallow coves with full exposure to the sun are good places to wet a line.
For a complete list of regulations, anglers should pick up a copy of the "2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide" before heading out on any fishing adventure or log on to the Departments Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
Youth wildlife camp offers fun in the great outdoors
When school lets out for the summer, many Oklahoma youth will have one thing in mind - summer camp. Youth interested in wildlife, fisheries or law enforcement can have fun and learn a thing or two by attending the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's fifth annual Wildlife Youth Camp. The camp is conducted each year by wildlife professionals including game wardens and biologists.
"The camp is really a lot of fun for the kids and they get the opportunity to learn what wildlife professionals do on a day to day to basis," said Paul Cornett, Oklahoma game warden stationed in Woodward County. "And one of the great benefits is that it is free."
The weeklong camp, scheduled June 1-6 at Camp McFadden near Ponca City, is open to Oklahoma youths ages 14 to 16. Applicants must turn 14 prior to June 1, 2003. Participants will attend courses in firearms handling, wildlife law enforcement, wildlife and fisheries biology, water safety, self-defense, rifle and shotgun training, waterfowl hunting, and archery.
The camp is free of charge but will be limited to 35 participants. Applicants should be interested in fish and wildlife management or law enforcement and must submit a 75-word essay explaining why they want to attend the camp, why they believe they should be selected and what they expect to learn while attending. They must also submit a letter of recommendation from a person of their choice other than a family member.
The application deadline is April 15. To obtain applications, contact the Wildlife Department's Law Enforcement Division at P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152, or by calling (405) 521-3719. Applications may also be available from local wardens or from the Wildlife Department's Web site www.wildlifedepartment.com
Simply print off the application, fill it out and mail it in with the essay and letter of recommendation.
Paddlefish will be on the move soon
A few more heavy rains and a few more degrees on the thermometer – that is all it will take to send paddlefish on their annual spawning migration.
Paddlefish, one of Oklahoma's most unique fish, begin staging at the upper end of reservoirs in early spring in anticipation of the spawning run. As water temperatures rise and rains bring water levels up, paddlefish begin moving upstream to spawn.
Growing to over six feet long and weighing over 100 pounds, paddlefish gather algae and zooplankton from the water by swimming slowly with their mouths open.
Due to changes in their habitat, paddlefish, or spoonbills as they are often called, occupy only a small percentage of their former range in the U.S. Oklahoma, however, has maintained a healthy population of paddlefish in northeast Oklahoma. The Neosho River system and Grand Lake in particular support a thriving paddlefish fishery.
When paddlefish go on the move each spring, fishermen are not far behind them. Many anglers flock to the river's edge to partake in this unique and challenging sport. A 50-pound paddlefish in a swift current is more than enough to get the adrenaline pumping in any angler. The fun doesn't end when the fight is over. Paddlefish, when properly cleaned and cooked, are an excellent addition to any dinner table.
Several regulations were recently changed to ensure that paddlefish will be abundant for many years to come.
The daily bag limit on paddlefish taken during the spawning season was reduced from three fish to one per day year-round. Catch and release fishing will be allowed year-round until an angler reaches his daily limit of one and then the angler must stop snagging. The new rules define a hook used in snagging as one single hook or one treble hook and require all hooks to be barbless. Anglers will be required to tag (with name, address and license number) all paddlefish and paddlefish parts until reaching their residence. The new rules also allow non-residents to take four daily limits home (not in a boat) and changes legal snagging hours below the dam at Ft. Gibson from "sunset to sunrise" to 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
For a complete list of the regulation changes consult the "2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide" or log onto the Department's web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com
Angler's Guide now available
Spring is here and it is a perfect time to get out and enjoy Oklahoma's fantastic fishing opportunities.
Before heading out anglers will want to grab a copy of the "2003 Oklahoma Angler's Guide." The informative guide can be found in the March/April 2003 issue of "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine, the official publication of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
"The Angler's Guide is a great way to get ready for the spring and summer fishing seasons," said Nels Rodefeld, "Outdoor Oklahoma" editor. "It provides electrofishing results, tournament data, stocking rates and premier destinations for many popular species. Overall, it is packed with information that every angler can use."
The magazine also features a unique look back into the past. "The History of Fishing in Oklahoma," provides insight on the rich fishing heritage shared by Oklahomans. The Watchable Wildlife profile features a majestic bird familiar to many anglers, the great blue heron.
Individual copies of the March/April 2003 issue of Outdoor Oklahoma are available for $3 if picked up at any of the Wildlife Department's offices, or $4 by mail (mail to Outdoor Oklahoma, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152). One-year subscriptions, which are only $10, are available by calling 1-800-777-0019, or you can print off an order form off the Internet by logging on to the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
87-pound blue catfish breaks state record
Some would argue that catching a record fish is all skill and others would say it is all luck, but maybe it has a whole lot more to do with just getting out and going fishing.
"I never dreamed I would catch a record fish," said Rusty Keeton, the newest addition to Oklahoma's fishing record book. "I just wanted to enjoy a nice day outdoors and do a little fishing on Texoma."
Keeton, of Ardmore, got more than he bargained for when he hooked an 87-pound, 4-ounce blue catfish near Briar Creek on the southcentral Oklahoma reservoir. His trip, on Sunday, March 16, quickly went from a relaxing morning on the water to an adrenaline-charging, muscle-aching day that he won't soon forget.
"He hit it just like any other catfish, but when I hooked him he came right to the surface. I couldn't believe it. I had never seen a fish like that before," Keeton said.
The big blue hit on shad gizzards, but wasn't going to come to the boat easily. Unfortunately, Keeton was a bit under matched for the fight.
"I have some better rod and reels, but I hooked it on a little cheap rod and reel combo. I had 25-pound test, which seems pretty strong until you hook a fish like that," he said.
He fought the fish for 30 minutes, but he said it felt more like three or four hours.
"My arms still hurt. It was like trying to reel in a huge tree stump off the bottom of the lake," Keeton said.
Now the hard part, he had brought the brute to the side of the boat, but without a net, he was in a quandary as to how to get it into the boat. He made several attempts and it finally came down to crunch time.
"I finally said to myself, 'This is it, this fish is either coming out the lake or I am going in' I just grabbed what I could and somehow rolled him into the boat," he said.
His first instinct was to let the fish go. Keeton only keeps a few fish each year to eat and releases all the largest fish.
"I was going to put him back in the water, but I thought I better find out what the state record is," Keeton said.
He called his wife who looked up the length of the previous blue catfish record.
"When it measured longer than the state record, I knew I had better get it weighed," Keeton said.
He contacted Randel Currie, southcentral region fisheries technician for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The fish was weighed on certified scales at the Department's regional office in Caddo. The huge fish weighed 87 pounds, 4 ounces and was 53 inches long. The girth was 35 1/4 inches.
One of the best parts of the story is that the magnificent fish is alive and well at the Department's Durant Fish Hatchery.
"I am so grateful to Randel Currie for saving that fish," Keeton said. "It wasn't in the best shape, but Randel knew just what to do to keep it alive. I am so glad it has made it."
Department fisheries personnel are planning to transport the record blue to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks where it will be available for the public to view.
The previous blue catfish record of 85 pounds, 4 ounces was set by Dale Dennis who pulled the big blue catfish from Lake Ellsworth in December of 1999.
For a complete list of record fish and the procedures regarding certifying state record fish, consult the "2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide". If you think you may have hooked a record fish it is important that you weigh the fish on an Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture certified scale and the weight is verified by a Wildlife Department employee.
Photo Cutline: Rusty Keeton of Ardmore landed a new state record 87-pound, 4-ounce blue catfish March 16 from Lake Texoma.
Spotted gar record broken
The clear waters of Lake Arbuckle in southern Oklahoma yielded a new state record spotted gar Saturday, March 15.
Brandon Taber, of Meeker, took the 9-pound, 8-ounce fish while bowfishing in the Guy Sandy Arm of the Murray County reservoir. The fish, which measured 38 1/4 inches long and had a 13 3/4 inch girth, is the new standard in the unrestricted (non rod and line) tackle division.
The record was weighed on certified scales at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's southcentral region office in Caddo and was witnessed by Randel Currie, south central region fisheries technician for the Department.
For a complete list of record fish and the procedures regarding state record fish consult the "2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide". If you think you may have hooked a record fish it is important that you weigh the fish on an Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture certified scale and the weight is verified by a Wildlife Department employee.
Wes Watkins Lake producing big bass
Early spring is the prime time to catch big bass, just ask David Smith of Tecumseh.
"Right now is the time to go," Smith said. "As the water is warming up, the bass are moving into the shallows. I've caught some of them in as little as two feet of water."
Smith said he has been fishing Wes Watkins Lake, located off Interstate 40 between Shawnee and Oklahoma City. On a recent trip he caught just two bass, although, you won't hear him complain.
"One weighed five and half pounds and the other one weighed ten and half pounds," Smith said. "If I could do that every time, I'd be more than happy."
With the warming water temperatures and lengthening days, the months of March and April can be a great time of year to catch some nice fish.
"It's always great to get out on the water on a nice day," Smith said. "It's even better when you can catch a few fish."
Built in August of 1999, Wes Watkins Lake is still a relatively young reservoir. The large areas of flooded timber found on the lake provide excellent structure for bass and other fish. According Department officials, Florida largemouth bass have been stocked the past three years to bolster the trophy bass potential in the lake.
The 1,142-acre lake is operated by the Pottawatomie Development Authority, which has imposed special fishing regulations on the lake. All largemouth bass fishing is catch and release only. For more information about the lake call the Wes Watkins Lake office at (405) 964-4507.
For complete regulations or more information about fishing in Oklahoma, consult the "2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide" or log on to the Department's Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
QU youth camp slated June 1-6
Youngsters interested in expanding their outdoors skills can participate in the eighth annual Oklahoma COVEY Kids Camp June 1-6 at Camp Redlands in Stillwater.
The week-long camp, hosted by the Oklahoma Council of Quail Unlimited, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and local Quail Unlimited chapters, is open to all Oklahoma youngsters ages 13 to 16. According to Bob Hayes, camp coordinator, the camp teaches kids to better appreciate Oklahoma's natural resources and exposes them to wide variety of outdoor endeavors.
"This is the ninth year for the COVEY Kids camp and we feel the camp is getting better and better each year," Hayes said.
Attendees will receive professional instruction in archery, sporting clays, muzzleloading, taxidermy, dog training, radio telemetry, hunting safety, wildlife career opportunities, habitat evaluation, first aid and much more. Camp participants will also complete requirements for their Hunter Education card.
"We start the camp off with a ropes course that serves as a fun ice-breaker to help the kids meet each other and develop teamwork," Hayes said. "The rest of the camp involves different outdoor skills and instruction taught by expert volunteers who come from all over the state."
A maximum of 35 students will be selected for this year's camp. To apply, applicants must write a short essay explaining why they wish to attend, why they should be selected and what they expect to learn. It should also explain their involvement in extracurricular activities.
The camp costs $250 per person, although scholarship funds are available from local Quail Unlimited chapters. The application deadline is May 15, 2003.
For more information, contact Bob Hayes at (918) 542-1403.
The redbud trees are bursting with color and hillsides all across the state are showing hints of green. For turkey hunters, this is the best time of the year.
One of the greatest adventures in the outdoors is pursuing the wild turkey. If you have ever heard the distinct gobble of a tom turkey resonate through the early morning light, you probably are already hooked on chasing the wily birds. Oklahomans can find great turkey hunting opportunities in every area of the state.
"We had a record harvest last year, and I expect we will have another great spring this year," said Jack Waymire, southeast region senior biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
According to Waymire, there have been several reports of winter flocks numbering 60 birds or more and even a few flocks of over 100 birds.
"These are some of the biggest winter flocks we have seen in southeast Oklahoma since the late 1970s and early 1980s," Waymire said. "It is really great to see the wild turkeys back in such strong numbers.
"The other encouraging news is that the sex and age class distribution is in good shape, meaning that are balanced numbers of hens and toms representing all ages of birds," Waymire said. "If hunters have had the opportunity to harvest a turkey before, it would be a good idea to concentrate on mature toms. There are quite a few trophy birds out there if hunters are willing to be patient."
Southeast Oklahoma certainly isn't the only place to hunt turkeys. The population of the Rio Grande subspecies of wild turkeys, found in the rest of the state, continues to grow.
"I expect we will have another great turkey season. We have had four good production years in a row and the Rio Grande turkey population is in really good shape," said Rod Smith, southwest region wildlife supervisor for the Department. "About the only thing droughts are good for is turkey production. In dry springs hens hatch more poults and have a better chance of survival and the growing population reflects that."
Like all game species, turkey populations can handle only certain amounts of pressure. The Land Run of 1889 turned the trickle of incoming settlers into our state into a flood. With them came increasing levels of subsistence hunting, timbering for construction of homesteads, land use changes and market logging. All of these factors contributed to the wild turkey being so rare that by 1925, most people thought that they were extinct. In the late 1940s the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation embarked on a stocking program to reestablish the wild turkey to its former range. Once birds were well established in an area, biologists then would initiate a trap and transplant program to help spread the birds over an even larger area. This program was an absolute success, in fact, to day there are huntable populations in all 77 counties.
To hunt turkeys in Oklahoma, hunters must possess a resident or non-resident Oklahoma hunting license or combination license, as well as a turkey permit. Lifetime license holders are exempt from having to purchase the turkey permit.
Hunters do not check turkeys taken west of I-35, but all turkeys harvested east of I-35 must be checked at the nearest hunter check station. For more information on regulations and bag limits, consult the "2003 Oklahoma Hunting Guide," which are available at hunting and fishing license vendors across the state or on-line at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
Controlled hunts books available
It is that time of year again – time for hunters to submit their applications for the 2003 Controlled Hunts. Hunters can now apply over the internet 24 hours a day by logging onto www.wildlifedepartment.com. Not only can hunters save a stamp by applying online, they can also confirm that their application has been received as soon as they apply.
This year's Controlled Hunts booklets are also available at hunting and fishing license dealers located throughout the state.
Applicants have until May 2, 2003 to turn in their applications. Administered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Controlled Hunts Program offers a wide variety of highly desirable hunts through a random drawing. Some hunts are held to provide high-quality hunting experiences on high-profile areas where it is necessary to regulate hunting pressure. Others are held to achieve management goals for certain species, and others are held to provide hunting experiences in areas where access is otherwise limited.
A $5 fee is required of all applicants including lifetime hunting or lifetime combination license holders and that fee is good for all 2003 Controlled hunts application for one individual. Since the fee is per person and not per application, hunters should decide to apply for all their hunt categories either by mail or online, but not both. Hunters who choose to mail in their applications must complete the processing fee payment form on page 20 of the controlled hunts booklet. Payment can be made by the following methods: cashier's check, money order or credit card.
For complete application instructions, including tips on enhancing your chances of being selected, consult the Oklahoma Controlled Hunts 2003 booklet or log on to www.wildlifedepartment.com
"March madness" is often used to describe the frenzy of college basketball, but a different sort of March Madness is happening to anglers fishing Lake Texoma. For the second time in less than one week a new state fish record has been broken on the southern Oklahoma reservoir; this time for smallmouth bass.
On March 22, Aaron Fridrich caught a new state record smallmouth bass weighing a whopping seven pounds, 12 ounces. Fridrich's record catch follows on the heels of a new state record blue catfish weighing 87-pounds, 4-ounces caught six days earlier at Texoma by Rusty Keeton of Ardmore.
Fridrich, of Prague, was fishing in preparation for an upcoming bass tournament when he tied on a crankbait in the portion of the lake south of Kingston.
"I only got one bite the whole day, but the fish hit hard and made it all worth it.," said Fridrich. "When it came up to the boat I couldn't believe how big it was."
Fridrich's fish was 23 3/8 inches long and was 18 1/4 inches in girth.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever catch a state record smallmouth," Fridrich said.
"Smallmouth bass are native only to the Ozark and Ouchita rivers and streams in eastern Oklahoma," said Kim Erickson, fisheries chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "This newest record is a testament to the success of our smallmouth bass stocking program which uses lake-strain smallmouth bass to establish reproducing populations in lakes having no native smallmouth bass."
Erickson added that anglers also have good opportunities to hook a smallmouth bass at Skiatook, Eufaula, Murray and Lawtonka lakes.
The previous smallmouth bass record of seven pounds, eight ounces was set by Carl Gayle who pulled the big smallie from Lake Texoma in February of 1996.
For a complete list of record fish and the procedures regarding certifying state record fish, consult the "2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide". If you think you may have hooked a record fish it is important that you weigh the fish on an Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture certified scale and the weight is verified by a Wildlife Department employee.
Photo Cutline: Aaron Fridrich of Prague landed a new state record seven-pound, 12-ounce smallmouth bass March 22 from Lake Texoma.
Smallmouth buffalo record broken
The records continue to fall. Lake Konawa, near Ada, yielded a new state record smallmouth buffalo Sunday, March 23.
Richard Snow, of Shawnee, took the 43-pound, one-ounce fish while bowfishing in the Seminole County reservoir. The fish, which measured 39 1/4 inches long and had a 31 inch girth, is the new standard in the unrestricted (non rod and line) tackle division.
The record was weighed on certified scales at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's southcentral region office in Caddo and was witnessed by Randel Currie, south central region fisheries technician for the Department.
For a complete list of record fish and the procedures regarding state record fish consult the "2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide." If you think you may have hooked a record fish it is important that you weigh the fish on an Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture certified scale and the weight is verified by a Wildlife Department employee.
Photo Cutline: Richard Snow (right), of Shawnee landed a new state record 43-pound, one-ounce smallmouth buffalo while bowfishing at Lake Konawa along with his fishing partner Brandon Taber (left).


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It started with a dinner that I attended this past Monday night at Gilead Cafe, Jamie's cozy restaurant and staging arena for his catering business. The restaurant is an intimate space, and the room was jammed, filled with 30+ women there for a private cooking demo and dinner. On the menu: authentic paella, preceded by some yummy apps and followed by salad and luscious dessert.
I was particularly interested in the paella, because, IMHO, Richard makes a kickass paella. And I thought I could glean some tips to share back home. The trappings were certainly impressive. A HUGE paella pan. Proper Bomba rice. An array of ingredients, mise en place, at the ready. And a master chef to pull it all together.
Maybe it was the prevalent memory of Rich's delicious paella that was playing in my mind. Maybe it was the fact that the rice was a wee bit under-salted. Maybe it was the way the paella was plated, more restaurant style than rustic country. All that combined to leave me with the distinct impression that, although the technique was beyond reproach, the end result paled in comparison. Yup, it's true.
Richard makes the world's best paella. And without further ado, over to Richard to tell you all about it.
********I think Elizabeth will agree with me that nothing brings us joy like hosting wonderful friends in our home while sharing copious amounts of food, stories and laughter.
I enjoy cooking although my culinary skills are limited. But, for some reason, I seem to have mastered a few dishes which never fail to impress. Having grown up in Montreal with the BBQ in use regardless of weather and season, I too barbecue year-round. On a particularly mild fall evening earlier this year, this dish was la piecè de résistance.
Paella on the barbecue.
As a BBQ purist, I rely on my charcoal Weber to give me the authentic barbecue taste I look for. Of course this recipe can easily be replicated on a gas BBQ. Whether using gas or charcoal you must ensure that the heat source covers the entire bottom of the BBQ in order to give an evenly distributed temperature.
Other than cooking the paella on an open flame, the other key component of this recipe is the broth in which all the ingredients cook. A velvety homemade broth using as its base the discarded shells of shrimps. These can be from shrimps you'll cook in the actual paella or, as we have started doing, shells that we keep and freeze from shrimp cooked for other dishes. After sweating the shells in a pot and investing time and a handful of aromatic ingredients, you have a perfect base for a perfect paella.
I'm sure there are numerous versions of this famous Spanish dish, some more authentic than others, but I like the version where, like a treasure hunt, everyone can find something to satisfy; chicken, chorizo, shrimp and mussels.
Richard's Paella on the Barbecue
generously serves 8
For the shrimp broth
(adapted from Food and Wine magazine)
2 tbsp olive oil
Shells reserved from 2 lbs medium shrimp
1 lg onion, thinly sliced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
¼ c tomato paste
¼ c dry sherry
2 quarts of water
6 lg garlic cloves, chopped
4 thyme sprigs
2 fresh bay leaves
1 large chipotle chile in adobo
Large pinch of saffron
For the paella
(Richard's own!)
½ c olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
4 c medium-grain rice (if you can't find authentic Bomba rice, arborio can be substituted)
8-10 bone-in chicken thighs, with skin
½ lb. cured spicy chorizo, sliced
2 lbs mussels, cleaned and debearded
Any combination of 1-2 c green beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, etc.
1-2 lbs medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, with tails on (save the shells for broth)
Make the broth:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil. Add the shells and cook over medium heat until they are lightly browned. Add the onion and carrot and cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion begins to brown. Stir in the tomato paste, cook briefly, then add the sherry and bring to a boil for one minute more.
2. Add the water and bring to a boil. Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes.
3. Strain the broth into a saucepan, pressing on solids to extract liquids. You should have at least 6 cups. Season with salt, and if proceeding with recipe, cover and keep warm over low heat. If making ahead, refrigerate for up to one day or freeze for up to one month.
Make the paella:
1. Light the barbecue. When coals are covered with light ash (or when heated to medium if using gas), place a 16-inch paella pan on the grate. Pour in olive oil and when it's hot, saute the onion and garlic for a minute or two, being careful not to brown. Add the rice, stirring for two minutes or so to coat the grains with the oil.
2. Add the reserved shrimp broth and let simmer for a few minutes so that the rice begins to absorb the liquid. Add the chicken thighs, tucking under the rice, cover the barbecue and let cook for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the chorizo and vegetables, cover again and let simmer for two minutes. By this time, the rice will have absorbed much of the liquid as it cooks. Dot the rice with the mussels, pushing them into the rice mixture with your tongs. Cover and cook a further two minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Finally, add the shrimp, again pushing the shrimp into the rice, cover a cook until the shrimp are just pink.
4. Serve tableside from the paella pan, or spoon into a large serving platter, scraping up some of the crusty bits from the bottom of the pan.
Ed. note: It was a wee bit hard to pin Richard down to exact times and amounts. Like any good cook, he watches his food, improvising as he goes. That's particularly true of his cooking on the barbecue. Do the same - your paella will be the better for it.

subset: commoncrawl


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RICHMOND, Va. — A Chesterfield County psychic who wants to work out of the same office complex as licensed psychologists and other professionals is taking her case to a federal appeals court.
A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond will hear oral arguments in Patricia Moore-King's case Tuesday.
Moore-King, who operates as "Psychic Sophie," claims county zoning and licensing regulations for fortune tellers violate her constitutional rights to free exercise of religion, speech and equal protection. The zoning law relegates Moore-King's business to areas populated by trailer parks, towing lots, lumber yards and utility service buildings.
U.S. District Judge John Gibney ruled against Moore-King, calling the regulations minimal and her practices deceptive.


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Hueytown High School's First State
When most people think of Hueytown High School's participation in
Alabama athletic history, they might think about the many quality baseball
teams over the years. Or maybe they think about individuals like
Butch Wilson, or that football squad in 1958 that went undefeated and
amazingly shut out most of their opponents. What doesn't usually
come immediately to mind is that the first state championship was produced
by the school's wrestling team. This happened on February 16, 1974
under the direction of Coach George A. "Tony" Morton who did
double duty that year both as a wrestling coach and as a 10th grade
Biology teacher.
Going into the Championship finals, the Golden Gophers owned a 3 1/2 point lead over Robert E. Lee of Montgomery. A win by one of Hueytown's three wrestlers would have given the Gophers the title as Lee only had one man in the finals. But Hueytown got two Title Round Wins - from 155-pounder Ricky Burnette and 185-pounder Billy King who had the most pins in the Tournament.
Hueytown won what people were calling their tournament but it took a great amount of determination and a lot of skill on the part of their wrestlers."
Playing for the Golden Gophers Championship Team that year were Barry Sykes, winner in the Consolation Semi-Finals; Ken Lucas, Kevin Burnette, Gene McDowell, Chris Coleman, winner in the Consolation Finals; Donald Hand, Manuel Walker, Fred Jones, Ricky Burnette, winner in Finals; Tab Blair, Charlie Green, Billy King, winner in Finals; David Bracknell, Woody Bryant, Joey Hosmer, T. Lawrence, T. R. Long, Keith Ellis and Mark Trice.
Some of these players would continue their wrestling careers in
college. Billy King would go on to be a four-time Southeastern
Conference Champion at the University of Alabama. Others would
receive scholarships to different schools: Ricky Burnette to
Livingston College and Mark Trice to the University of Wyoming.
Others like Tab Blair are to this day still actively involved in
supporting the athletic programs at Hueytown High School. Still
others answered an even higher calling like Keith Ellis who is now a
Minister of the Gospel.


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Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission
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Biggest Orbiter at Mars
2 / 16
Biggest Orbiter at Mars
3 / 16
Equipped With Many Tools
4 / 16
Answering the "Where is the water?" Question
5 / 16
Orbiter Tools--Shallow Radar
6 / 16
Obiter Tools: Spectrometer
7 / 16
Orbiter Tools: Weather Camera
8 / 16
Orbiter Tools: Climate Sounder
9 / 16
Orbiter Tools: Context Camera
10 / 16
Orbiter Tools: High-Resolution Camera
11 / 16
The "People's Camera"
12 / 16
Gathering Information Over Time
13 / 16
Mapping Polar Ice Caps
14 / 16
Orbiter Finds Evidence for Salty Water
15 / 16
More Water Evidence
16 / 16
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter blasted off from Cape Canaveral in 2005, on a search for evidence that water persisted on the surface of Mars for a long period of time. While other Mars missions have shown that water flowed across the surface in Mars' history, it remains a mystery whether water was ever around long enough to provide a habitat for life.
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is studying the history of water on Mars
These studies are identifying deposits of minerals that may have formed in water over long periods of time, looking for evidence of shorelines of ancient seas and lakes, and analyzing deposits placed in layers over time by flowing water. The mission is examining whether underground martian ice discovered by the Mars Odyssey orbiter is the top layer of a deep ice deposit or a shallow layer in equilibrium with the atmosphere and its seasonal cycle of water vapor.
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is looking at small-scale features
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is a powerful communications and navigation link
The orbiter also carries an experimental navigation camera. Similar cameras on orbiters of the future will serve as high-precision interplanetary "eyes" to guide incoming landers to precise landings on Mars, opening up exciting but otherwise dangerous areas of the planet to exploration.
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mission met all its science goals in a two-year primary science phase. Two extensions, the latest beginning in 2010, have added to the bounty of science returns.
For details on all mission stages, see the Mission Timeline.


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How to Attract the Clients You Want
Rich, Happy & Hot founder Marie Forleo talks about ways that successful small businesses attract the types of clients who are willing to pay their prices. In this interview with Diana Ransom, she explains that leading companies become known as the best at what they do. Here are three ways they do it:
- They make sure their website is first-class. Make sure yours is clean and professional-looking.
- They clearly show customers how they can save money or time. Translate how your offerings can benefit them.
- They offer testimonials from existing clients. Use social media to promote recommendations.
Keep in mind that clients looking for the lowest prices often don't make the best customers, Forleo says. They are more likely than others to hop to a competitor if they find out they can pay less for a similar product or service elsewhere.
Tips for Hiring Your First Employee
Smart Ways to Market a Service Business


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Arkansas Geocachers Association
Main Forums
Geocaching Adventures
> .
View Full Version :
mountainborn, we always enjoy reading your stories. You just have a way with words. Its like we were there. Kind of like reading a Geocaching Adventure Book. I think that State Trooper must live close by. His car is parked there most of the time. Glad you had an entertaining day.
Most times the DNF stories are way more interesting than the others, huh? Thanks for posting this one!
Funny story! I had one myself recently involving camo making me stand out!
I attended a weekend-long event in Lancaster PA Dec 10th during a snowstorm. I had driven 1100+ miles, most of that following snowplows, attended the event and spent 14 hours in a 15-car wagon-train finding 60+ caches, been awake and dressed in the same warm comfy hunting camo for about 30 without sleep when, at 2 a.m. after the cache run, my partner decides we "must" go to the Washington DC National Zoo to see a new-born Panda Bear cub.
Off we go.
Get there at 6 a.m., park opens at 7, there's already a line.
A foot of snow and folks are standing in line to see a bear at dawn.
Turns out that there was a special deal on - tickets had been sold out for months to come, but this particular morning the first 60 in line would get a ticket - to come back at a specified time during the day and spend 10 MINUTES looking through a glass wall - if the bear was awake and moving around his playroom, you got to see him - if not, tough!
Seems there were a few things my erstwhile geocaching partner, now sleeping soundly in the Jeep while I stand freezing in line - forgot to mention!
Now, I talk to everyone. I am a fairly outgoing fellow, so I talked to the line standers and, when a dude in a suit walks by, talk to him.
Turns out he's the Director of the National Zoo, and he's here early to conduct a private tour. We talk about this 'n that, and he invites me to join the tour.
Sure, I say, but I have to go get my partner out of the Jeep. No problem, he says, and sends three Parks Police off to fetch her!
Now, I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what was said, but the policeman who brought her back reports that upon being awaken her first question was "What's he done now!?" LOL - she's a District Attorney and I am one of geocaching's biggest cop magnets, so I suppose it was a natural question!
Anyhoo, he leads us to a room where we meet our other tour-mates: The Secretary of the Navy, a Supreme Court justice and his kids, 2 Senators and their family, two members of the Olympic Committee and two members of the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army!
Well now, I am not usually a bit self-concious but here I am in bib coveralls and a boot, flannel long johns and camo shirt and coat. Disreputable isn't the word! More like ragged!
I couldn't help but notice when he introduced himself that SecNav's overcoat cost more than my Jeep! I spent 10 years in the Navy, so meeting him looking like I did was especially, uh, fun!
Anyhoo - the Director sent two employees in to wake up this dang bear and bring him out, and allowed us to stay and play, visit and chat for an hour!
Quite a memorable experience - not for the bear, but because we looked like Junie Mae and Uncle Billy Don Dupree straight out of the hills!
Great trip though!
OMG Now thats Funny!!!!!!! I just visualised that whole store as it was going on, and that sounds like a geocaching adventure. LMAO!!!!!!!
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text:
Obama may have won the female vote in last night's election, but there will also now be a record number of women serving in the Senate next January when one in five members of the upper chamber will be female. In Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin took Herb Kohl's seat and became the first openly gay senator. Elizabeth Warren was victorious over incumbent Scott Brown, and became the first woman to serve in the Senate for Massachusetts. In Hawaii, Mazie Hirono will replace Daniel Akaka. Meanwhile, in Nebraska Republican Deb Fisher will succeed Democrat Ben Nelson. Democrat Heidi Heitkamp has the chance to win in North Dakota, but per the Jamestown Sun, her Republican opponent is not conceding. As Laura Litvan wrote in Bloomberg Businessweek a historic number of women, 17, currently occupy Senate seats. Even though Republicans Olympia Snowe and Kay Bailey Hutchison are retiring, the number of women who will serve next term will rise to at least 19.
One in five U.S. Senators will be women next term
By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although GovExec.com does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.


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SOCORRO, N.M., March 13, 2002 -- Mark A. Stanley, a former atmospheric physics researcher at New Mexico Tech, is one of five co-authors of a cover article on "blue jets," featured in the current issue of the prestigious British science journal Nature.
Stanley earned his Ph.D. in atmospheric physics from New Mexico Tech and, until recently, was a post-doctoral research associate at Tech's Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research.
Stanley and his research colleagues from Penn State and Stanford are the authors of "Electrical discharge from a thundercloud top to the lower ionosphere," a research paper that resulted from recorded observations the research team made last year of a blue jet -- a lightning-related optical flash that sometimes occurs above thunderclouds -- from a vantage point at the LIDAR Laboratory of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.
Blue jets, and the more-common, related phenomena known as "sprites," have been reported for over a century, but up until about 12 years ago, their existence had never been verified with hard scientific evidence.
The aptly named forms of electrical discharge typically last only in the range of thousandths of a second, at times stretching more than 60 miles above the Earth in their short lifespans.
Sprites typically initiate near the base of the ionosphere and develop very rapidly downward, assuming variant forms such as "columns," "carrots," and "angels"; while blue jets, which are characterized by a blue conical shape, ascend from cloud tops at
relatively slower speeds.
In the Nature paper, the particular blue jet observed by the researchers was shown to have propagated to an altitude of about 43 miles, nearly 18 miles more than "usual," and exhibited some features that up to that point had been normally associated only with sprites.
"As we observed this phenomenon above a relatively small thunderstorm cell," the authors wrote, "we speculate that it may be common and therefore represent an unaccounted for component of the global electrical circuit."
"The Nature magazine article is one of several exciting results from a short, one-month Arecibo research campaign conducted between mid-August and mid-September 2001, while I was a post-doc at New Mexico Tech," Stanley related.
"We are all excited about having an article appear in Nature," he added, "not to mention that an image of the cloud-to- ionosphere discharge, which we captured on video, also appears on the cover."
Stanley currently is a post-doctoral researcher in the Space and Atmospheric Sciences Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he continues to study lightning, using both ground- and space-based observation platforms.


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In fact, these farmers represent the majority of the farming population — and account for a significant portion of agricultural production. They are also particularly vulnerable to climate change given their small land holdings, high dependence on nature for services such as fresh water and pollination, limited capacity to adapt to changes and high dependence on rain-fed crops. But research shows that climate change will likely reduce crop yields, change pest and disease outbreaks and have significant negative impacts on farmer livelihoods.
To help smallholder farmers in Central America, Conservation International has partnered with the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE). Together, through the CASCADE project, we are identifying and testing ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies — such as restoring and protecting forests to ensure future water supply and prevent landslides — that use nature as a tool to help smallholder farming communities adapt to climate change. We are supporting the implementation of these strategies in Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala.


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Puerto Rico has authority over its internal affairs. United States controls: interstate trade, foreign relations and commerce, customs administration, control of air, land and sea, immigration and emigration, nationality and citizenship, currency, maritime laws, military service, military bases, army, navy and air force, declaration of war, constitutionality of laws, jurisdictions and legal procedures, treaties, radio and television--communications, agriculture, mining and minerals, highways, postal system; Social Security, and other areas generally controlled by the federal government in the United States. Puerto Rican institutions control internal affairs unless U.S. law is involved, as in matters of public health and pollution.
The major differences between Puerto Rico and the 50 states are exemption from some aspects of the Internal Revenue Code, its lack of voting representation in either house of the U.S. Congress (Senate and House of Representatives), the ineligibility of Puerto Ricans residing on the island to vote in presidential elections, and its lack of assignation of some revenues reserved for the states.
The Executive Power is exercised by the Governor, who leads a cabinet conformed by the heads of the commonwealth's executive departments, who in turn must be ratified by the Legislature. The Governor is elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits), which begins on the second day of January after the year of his election and ends on the date his successor takes office.
In the case of the death, resignation, or removal, of the Governor, the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico succeeds the Governor. In case the Secretary of State is unwilling or unable to assume it, the Attorney General (or, as the position is known, the Justice Department Secretary) would assume the governorship, followed by the Secretary of Treasury.
The Legislative Power resides in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. The Senate consists of 27 members, 2 per electoral district (8), and 11 elected according to the different districts proportion of population. Two extra seats are granted in each house to the opposition if necessary to limit any party's control to two thirds.
The House of Representatives consists of 51 members, one per electoral district and 11 elected proportionally. Legislators are popularly elected to four-year terms. The bicameral legislature determines how to spend the island's tax revenue. Unless specifically stated, Puerto Rico is also subject to all laws and most regulations of the U.S. government, which sometimes cause jurisdictional problems. Most U.S. agencies are represented on the island.
The Judicial System is directed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is formed by 7 judges (a chief justice and six associate justices) named by the Governor. The structure of the Judicial System includes a Court of Appeals, Superior Court, a District Court (civil & criminal), and Municipal Court. There are 12 judicial districts.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico also has a district court comparable to those of the states of US. Each district court has at least one district judge and can have more than a score of district judges, as well as a clerk, a United States Attorney, a United States Marshall, one or more United States Magistrates, bankruptcy judges, probation officers, court reporters, and their staffs.
The federal government, located in San Juan, is represented by 2 district judges and the procurator, who is named by the President of the United States. The Federal Court has final authority of the ELA.
Puerto Rico is divided into 78 "municipios" (municipalities). Each is governed by a popularly elected mayor and municipal assembly. The mayor appoints a secretary-auditor and a treasurer.
Puerto Rico has one resident commissioner (with voice, but no vote) in the Congress of United States. There are no electoral votes for Puerto Rico in the U.S. presidential elections. .
Interesting Fact
On June 4, 1951, Puerto Rican voters approved in a referendum a U.S. law that granted them the right to draft their own constitution. The constituent assembly began its deliberations in the following September. In March 1952 the electorate approved the new constitution, and on July 25 Governor Muñoz proclaimed the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Political Division: 8 senatorial districts, 40 representative districts, 78 municipalities.
The major political parties are: Popular Democratic Party (PPD) 787-725-1992, which supports an enhanced commonwealth status. The New Progressive Party (PNP) 787-721-1992, which supports full U.S. statehood for the island. And the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) 787-782-1455 which supports the independence from the US.
Partido Popular Democratico (PPD) followers are known as "los populares", identified by color red. Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) followers are known as "los penepes", identified by color blue. Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño (PIP) follorwers are known as "los pipiolos", identified by color green.
Other political groups are: Armed Forces for National Liberation (FALN); Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution; Boricua Popular Army (also known as the Macheteros); and, Armed Forces of Popular Resistance.
Official Name:
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico).
Original Name:
In 1493, during his second voyage, Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Rico. He named the island "San Juan Bautista", in honor of John the Baptist. In 1508 the Spanish government appointed Juan Ponce de León the first governor of the island, under this command the original settlement was relocated to a nearby coastal islet and named Puerto Rico (Rich Port). Sometime during the 1520s, confusion over the names led to a switch, the island took the name of Puerto Rico and the town became San Juan.
Digraph: PR/QR
Type: Commonwealth associated with the US. The island's inhabitants possess all the rights and obligations of United States citizens such as paying Social Security, receiving federal welfare and serving in the armed forces, except for the right to vote in presidential elections and the obligation to pay federal taxes.
The term "United States" when used in a geographical sense on official documents, acts and/or laws; includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
The U.S. has twelve unincorporated territories, also known as possessions, and two commonwealths. The major possessions are American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All of these have a non-voting representative in the U.S. Congress. The major commonwealths are Puerto Rico and the Northern Marianas. Commonwealths have their own constitutions and greater autonomy than possessions, and Guam is currently in the process of moving from the status of unincorporated territory to commonwealth. The residents of all of these places are full U.S. citizens, with the exception of those on American Samoa who are U.S. nationals, but not citizens.
U.S. Commonwealths, Territories and include: American Samao (AS), Baker Island*, Howland Island*, Guam (GU), Jarvis Island*, Johnston Atoll*, Kingman Reef*, Midway Islands, Navassa Island*, Palmyra Atoll*, Puerto Rico (PR), U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas) (VI), and Wake Island*.
* Uninhabited
Puerto Rico's political relationship with the U.S. has been a continuing source of debate in Puerto Rico, the United States Congress, and the United Nations. The issue revolves around whether Puerto Rico should remain a U.S. territory, become a U.S. state, or become an independent country. The debate has spawn several referendums, presidential executive orders and bills in the U.S. Congress. Ultimately the U.S. Congress is the only one who can make decisions regarding the political status of Puerto Rico, as stated under the Territorial Clause.
Although Puerto Rico is considered a territory of the United States, the island has its own Olympic team and competes in the Miss Universe pageant as an independent nation.
Five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large white five-pointed star in the center; design based on the Cuban flag.
In addition, each of the municipalites of Puerto Rico have city flags that represent what each city stands for.
Chief of State: President of the United States.
Head of Government: Governor, elected by the voters to a four-year term.
Government Officials:
|Donald J. Trump
|Vice President
|Michael R. Pence
|Ricardo "Ricky" Rossello Nevares
|Resident Commissioner
|Jenniffer Gonzalez
|President of the Senate
|Thomas Rivera Schatz
|Speaker of the House of Representatives
|Carlos Johnny Méndez
Government Form: Republican; executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Ruling Party: New Progressive Party (NPP)
Percentage of votes cast in last election:
House of Representatives Seats: (51 members)
Popular Democratic Party: 28 Seats
New Progressive Party: 23 Seats (2012)
Senate: (27 members)
Popular Democratic Party: 18 Seats
New Progressive Party: 8 Seats
Puerto Rican Independence Party: 1 Seat (2012)
Next Elections: November 6, 2018
November 3, 2020
Constitution: ratified 3 March 1952; approved by U.S. Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952.
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but island residents do not vote in U.S. presidential elections.
Voter Participation:
78% (2012)
Puerto Rico is considered one of the highest records of voter participation in election processes in the world.
Voters: 1,878,969
Turnout: 78% (2012)
Interesting Fact
During election year, automobile caravans are among the activities planned for political mobilization and propaganda. People gather in town squares to show their support for candidates and parade through the cities to encourage others to vote.
Electoral Commission: Comisión Estatal de Elecciones, 787-724-4979.
Fiscal Year: 1 July - 30 June
Legal System:
Puerto Rican civil and commercial codes are fashioned after Spanish models; penal, procedural, and public (including constitutional) law are fashioned after U.S. models.
Member of:
CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), FAO (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL (sub-bureau), IOC, WCL, WFTU, WHO (associate), WTO (associate).
U.S. Diplomatic Representation: none (commonwealth associated with the US).
International disputes: None.
Defense Forces:
The defense of Puerto Rico has been the responsibility of the United States since 1898, as part of the Treaty of Paris.
Military branches:
no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary National Guard, Police Force
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
- male: 30,517
- female: 29,010 (2010 est.)
Military Facilities/Bases: There is currently only one active military installation in Puerto Rico (and the Caribbean). Fort Buchanan is a U.S. Army Base located in Guaynabo, about 12 miles south of downtown San Juan, in northern Puerto Rico. The base was established in 1923 in honor of Coronel James A. Buchanan who was the commander of the 1st Puerto Rico U.S. Army unit, commonly known as the Porto Rico Regiment. After defending the Panama Canal Zone in WW I, the regimen was officially designated the 65th Infantry Regument.
Throughout the 20th century Puerto Rico had as many as 25 military installations. Most installations have been deactivated and partially turned over to the local government. The largest installations were: Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba (closed on March 21, 2004), the Borinquen Coast Guard Air Station in Aguadilla, the Puerto Rico Air National Guard at Muñiz Air Force base in San Juan, the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility (AFWTF) in Vieques the U.S. Air Force Ramey Air Force Base, and the National Guard training facility at Camp Santiago in Salinas.
Other Resources
- Partido Nuevo Progresista - PNP
- Preguntas Frecuentes Sobre la Independencia.
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New JFF Member Introduction for JOKE_R_us
Discussion in 'Introductions' started by JOKE_R_us, Apr 19, 2019.


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Product Description
The Replay 2 Doors shower doors stand out for the simplicity of the in view sliding door system and for the handiness ensured by this system. 6mm thick toughened safety glass, high quality glass and gaskets, and young and practical lines to connect design, functionality and longevity. Removable doors to facilitate the item cleaning.
- Shower door of 1700MM composed of 2 fixed panes and 2 sliding doors
- Sliding door system with chrome cover and 16 nylon running wheels with ball bearings
- Item height: 1850 MM
- "Click&Clean" system for a quick hookup and release of the doors, so as to facilitate the cleaning of the frames and of the doors
- Door opening: 700 MM
- 6mm toughened safety Clear glass
- Anodized aluminium frames with chrome finish
- Magnetic door seal
- Gaskets with anti-leaking sealing flap on the fixed panes and on the sliding doors
- Chrome steel handles in modern look
- Adjustable up to 40 mm for a correct installation, even if walls are not absolutely level (1700MM can be adjusted from 1670MM up to 1710MM )
- Shower tray not included CE certified product according to the new European Regulation No. 305/2011


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Imagine that you're brand new to Booking.com. As you're setting up your property, what should you take into account for your cancellation policy?
Do you offer free cancellation? Set your policies according to the season? Make exceptions outside of your policy?
Share your cancellation policy with the community in the comments below.


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Introduction To COBIT
Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies, commonly referred to as COBIT, is a best practice framework produced by ISACA for IT governance and management. If the past few years have proved anything, it is that there is an urgent need for the development and management of internal controls and essential levels of security in information technology. Many entities have the application of IT as crucial to their business operations and market strategies. Such organizations require a basis for understanding the risks and drawbacks of IT at various levels within their corporation to achieve an optimum level of direction and adequate control. Well-managed enterprises use best practices to ensure that the company is achieving its operational and strategic goals. Those goals require an entity to take on an acceptable level of risk. The entity establishes controls over strategy and operations to limit its risks and help in achieving the desired goals and strategies.
The framework explains a set of generic processes for the management of IT, with each process carefully explained together with process inputs and outputs, process objectives, key process activities, elementary maturity model, and performance measures. It also provides a set of recommended best practices for governance and control process of information systems and technology with the aim of aligning business with information technology. Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT) is perhaps the most holistic, internationally recognized framework purposely designed for achieving organizational information technology goals and objectives.
History of COBIT
International professional association ISACA first released COBIT in 1996 as a set of control objectives to aid the financial audit community work better around IT-related structures. Seeing value and possible progress beyond the auditing field, the Association released a more comprehensive version in 1998 and further expanded it by adding management guidelines in the third version released in the year 2000. Development of the AS 8015: Australian Standard for Corporate Governance of Information and Communication Technology and the ISO/IEC 38500 in January 2005 and January 2007 respectively upped the degree of awareness of the need for reliable information and communication technology (ICT) governance components. As expected, ISACA added related components/frameworks with versions 4 and 4.1 in 2005 and 2007 respectively stating that it would be ''addressing the IT-related processes and responsibilities when it comes to value creation (Val IT) and risk management (Risk IT).'' Presently, the COBIT 5 systematically combines and merges COBIT 4.1, Risk IT, and Val IT into a single framework which acts as an enterprise framework aligned and interchangeable with other frameworks and standards.
COBIT overview
The framework clearly explains:
- Over 34 IT processes in 4 broad groups. These 34 processes depend on and impact IT resources.
- Top-notch control objectives for each of the 34 processes.
- About 318 in depth control objectives, and associated audit guidelines.
COBIT framework specifics
COBIT business orientation and form of operation comprises of linking business goals to IT goals, providing info metrics and maturity models for ascertaining the level of accomplishments and noting the interrelated responsibilities of business and IT process owners. To completely understand the scope of the mode of operation of the COBIT framework, two main parameters are provided: CONTROL and IT Control Objective. Control is adapted from the COSO report (Internal Control-Integrated Framework) while the IT Control Objective is adapted from the Systems Auditability and Control Report, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Research Foundation, 1991 and 1994.
- Control is the form of procedures, practices, policies and organizational structures designed to provide an acceptable level of assurance that business objectives and strategies will be attained and undesired incidents will be detected and corrected in a quick, concise manner.
- IT Control Objective is a statement of the level of acceptable results to be attained by implementing control procedures concerning a particular IT operation.
There are two distinctive classes of control models available today: those of the business control model class (e.g., COSO and CoCo) and the more focused control models for IT (e.g., DTI). COBIT aims to close the gap that exists between the two. Apart from being more encompassing for management, COBIT also operates at a higher level than pure technology standards for information systems management. IT governance is defined as a structure put in place to control and direct an enterprise in achieving its goals by adding value while assessing and balancing the risk versus return over IT and its processes. The basic underlying concept of COBIT framework is that control in IT is attaining by focusing on information that is required to support the business objectives or requirements, and by treating the information as a result of the combined application of IT-related resources that need to be managed by IT processes.
COBIT components include:
- Framework: It organizes and categorizes IT governance objectives and good practices by IT domains and processes before associating them with their respective business requirements.
- Process descriptions: A reference process model and common language for everyone in an organization. The processes map to responsibility areas of plan, build, run, and monitor.
- Control Objectives: Provides a complete set of high-level requirements to be considered by management for effective control of each IT process.
- Management guidelines: Helps assign responsibility, agree on objectives, measure performance, and illustrate interrelationship with other processes.
- Maturity models: Assesses maturity and capability per process and helps to address gaps.
Users of COBIT and its benefits
COBIT is a framework created to be of use to three distinct types of people: Management, Auditors, Users.
- Management: This framework helps management of enterprises to balance their risk versus reward situations and control investments in an ever-changing IT world.
- Auditors: To provide a framework to aid auditors to arrive at an acceptable opinion on the rate of assurance on the subject matter being audited and to offer advice to management on internal controls.
- Users: To obtain assurance on the security and controls of IT services provided by internal or external parties.
Furthermore, business process owners use COBIT in living up to rendering effective service when it comes to controlling the information aspects of their processes and by those responsible for IT in the enterprise.
COBIT offers worldwide acceptable models to help maximize the value and trust in IT, and this extended guidelines will provide security, risk, reward, business and IT consulting professionals with a more extended framework to help in delivering and maintaining enterprise objectives and strategies. Some of the numerous benefits of COBIT are listed below:
- Helps to accomplish operational excellence through efficient and effective application of technology and trustworthiness.
- Optimizing the cost of IT services and technology.
- It helps to manage and maintain IT-related risk, keeping them at an acceptable level.
- Making desirable business benefits through the effective and innovative use of IT and business strategic goals achievement.
- Maintains high-quality information to help support business decisions.
- Offers full support for IT firms that comply with business-oriented policies, regulations, relevant laws, and contractual agreements.
COBIT and alternative frameworks
All governance frameworks have the same directive/objective which is to implement the best operating techniques that lead to minimal financial losses from compliance failures and little publicity that can harm an organization. These different techniques/practices make it very easy for an organization to undergo regulatory audits and achieve the best results. Control frameworks and security standards are often exchangeable terminologies depending on whom you ask. For the purpose of the discussion in this section, frameworks and security standards will be considered interchangeable as they are all directed at the same end product which is protecting an organization's information assets. Taking COBIT's definitions as a basis for our parameters, COBIT classifies a framework as a Control Framework, which is described as a tool for business process owners that expedites and accelerates the discharge of their responsibilities through the provision of a supporting control model.
What is it?
A set of best practice publications for IT service management
A business framework for the goverance and management of enterprise IT
An international standard for IT service management system requirements
How long is it?
Five core publications totalling about 1800 pages, plus complementary publications
Core publication of 94 pages, plus 230 pages for enabling processes, and further publications
Part 1 (service management system requirements) has 36 pages, there are other parts covering other aspects
How is it seen in the market?
ITIL has a focus on internal processes. Recent versions have incorporated a service lifecycle and more focus on value and customers
COBIT comes from a history of audit and compliance. The latest versin has moved towards IT service governance and management
ISO/IEC 20000 is an international standard, and the main focus is on achieving certification to demonstrate compliance to the standard
Who is it generally used by?
Any organization providing internal or external IT services. It is most commonly used in operational IT departments
Internatl IT organizations of large enterprises. COBIT is often used by strategic teams and people responsible for audit and compliance
IT organizations who want to demonstrate that they meet an externally defined standard
What is it mainly used for?
Helping to define operational IT service management processes
Defining audit and compliance requirements for IT
Demonstrating that the IT organization meets a recognized standard
On the other hand, COBIT describes a standard as a business practice or technology product that is generally accepted and endorsed by the enterprise or IT management team. There are various security standards and control frameworks that could easily substitute COBIT even if they are not as effective.
The following are security standards and control frameworks interchangeable with COBIT that can address information security requirements:
- Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA): The main purpose is to offer a comprehensive framework that will ensure the usefulness and efficiency of security controls over information resources that support federal operations and assets. The law also allowed for the funding of NIST to develop and improve the least necessary controls essential for the provision of adequate security. The government issues an annual report card based upon their assessment of compliance with the framework.
- Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual (FISCAM): Issued by the General Accounting Office, this guides Information Systems auditors to assess the IT controls used in support of financial statement audits. This is not an audit standard but is incorporated here because auditors are typically testing the control environment in government audits using this specification. There has been increased emphasis on the use of NIST 800-53 controls and the NIST 800-53A Assessments. However FISCAM is still utilized by government auditors and, therefore, it is advisable to understand the contents.
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): The final rule for implementing security standards was published on February 20, 2003. This rule required a series of administrative, technical, and physical security procedures for entities to use in order to assure the confidentiality of Protected Health Information (PHI). The standard was purposely non-technology specific and intended to provide scalability to small providers and large providers alike.
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL): ITIL is a set of books issued by the British government's Stationary Office between 1989 and 1992 to improve and develop IT service management. The ITIL framework comprises a set of best practices and policies for IT core operational processes such as change, release and configuration management, incident and problem management, capacity and availability management, and IT financial management. The primary contribution of ITIL is to show how the controls can be implemented for the service management IT processes.
- ISO/IEC 2700: This is the international standard that has been put in place for information security management. If you are running IT services, then you must make sure you understand the requirements for information security, and take these into account in designing your management system.
- Agile:This is a development methodology that splits projects into short phases, each of which performs excellently well and delivers valuable outcomes. Agile can provide an excellent framework for an ITSM improvement project, helping you to deliver measurable value in small increments rapidly.
- Kanban: This is a methodology for managing work in progress, to optimize and make the use of resources more efficient. Kanban can provide an excellent way to handle the workload of technical people in an IT department, ensuring that you get maximum value from your limited resources.
- PRINCE2 and PMI: Project management methodologies. Every IT department manages lots of projects, and you need formal project management methodologies to ensure you get value for your money.
COBIT structure
The COBIT framework, on its highest level, creates a three-dimensional structure consisting of:
- Business requirements (information criteria): integrity, effectiveness, availability, efficiency, compliance, confidentiality, and reliability
- IT resources: infrastructure, applications, information, people and
- IT processes (structured into domains, processes, and people)
The affiliations between these components are exemplified by a so-called COBIT
All the processes are listed under four domains (each abbreviated by two capital letters):
- PO: Plan and Organize.
- AI: Acquire and Implement.
- DS: Deliver and Support.
- ME: Monitor and Evaluate.
COBIT intersection with other frameworks and processes
Several documents in the COBIT library describe in great details, the mapping of COBIT concepts and structure to other frameworks and standards. Some examples of these documents include mapping COBIT to ITIL, CMMI, TOGAF and others.
COBIT places more focus on "what" to do than on "how" to do it. Consequently, it delegates "how-to-do" related issues to other tools, frameworks, and methodologies.
COBIT connects with ITIL primarily in DS and AI domains; however, processes from other domains are also important to an extent. Also, other concepts like information criteria, information resources, and IT governance focus are mapped to some extent.
COBIT /CMMI mapping involves some concepts about process improvement for development activities, the implementation, acquisition, and maintenance of systems and software products.COBIT also widely utilizes original CMMI concept e.g. maturity models.
CMMI maps all processes of the All domain and some processes of remaining domains. Also, other concepts like information criteria and information resources are mapped to some extent.
BMC's Complete Guide to ITIL
- Table of Contents
- Introduction to ITIL ›
- ITIL Foundation Study Guide ›
- ITIL Service Strategy ›
- ITIL Demand Management ›
- ITIL Service Design ›
- ITIL Capacity Management ›
- ITIL Information Security Management ›
- ITIL Service Transition ›
- ITIL Change Management ›
- ITIL Release and Deployment Management›
- ITIL Asset and Configuration Management›
- ITIL Knowledge Management ›
- ITIL Service Operation ›
- ITIL Incident Management ›
- ITIL Service Request Fulfillment›
- ITIL Event Management›
- ITIL Access Management ›
- ITIL Problem Management ›
- ITIL CSI Service Improvement ›
- Introduction to COBIT ›
- IT Governance: An Introduction ›
- ITSM Roles and Responsibilities ›
BMC's Complete Guide To ITIL
- ITIL Processes & Best Practices Introduction
- ITIL Foundation Study Guide
- ITIL Service Strategy
- ITIL Demand Management
- ITIL Service Design
- ITIL Capacity Management
- ITIL Information Security Management
- ITIL Service Transition
- ITIL Change Management
- ITIL Release and Deployment Management
- ITIL Asset and Configuration Management
- ITIL Knowledge Management
- ITIL Service Operation
- ITIL Incident Management
- ITIL Service Request Fulfillment
- ITIL Event Management
- ITIL Access Management
- ITIL Problem Management
- ITIL Continual Service Improvement
- Introduction to COBIT
- IT Governance: An Introduction
- ITIL/ITSM Roles and Responsibilities
ITIL Certification and Training
BMC Education Services offers ITIL certification paths for key roles in your organization. Explore ITIL Training ›
Join the conversation
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IT Infrastructure Library® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited
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