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A popular Oklahoma waterfowl hunting area that normally is filled with water will likely remain dry this season because of problems with the water supply system.
The Deep Fork Wetland Development Unit at Eufaula Wildlife Management Area has been a popular destination for many years for waterfowlers seeking opportunities to hunt in flooded timber. Managers usually begin pumping water into some of the waterfowl unit's
four sections in late October, said J.D. Ridge,
Northeastern Region senior biologist with the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
.
"Presently we are unable to pump water due to a clogged intake pipe that draws from the Deep Fork River," Ridge said. "With duck season approaching, we want to inform hunters  ahead of time that the Deep Fork WDU units might remain dry this season."
Ridge said the large water intake pipe became clogged with silt that resulted from extreme river flooding in spring, summer and winter 2015. Managers did not use the water pumping system last year, but the WDU's sections flooded naturally due to excessive rainfall.
"Pumping is unlikely anytime soon," he said. "The Wildlife Department has no other feasible way to move the volume of water required into the WDU."
Managers are seeking practical and affordable ways to repair the water supply system. The task will require specialized equipment and expertise from service providers outside the Department, Ridge said.
Waterfowl hunting will open Nov. 5 in Zone 2 (eastern and southern Oklahoma). Deep Fork WDU will be open to hunters as usual, but the area probably won't attract many ducks.
Hunters may consider using other nearby WDUs, including Swift Bottoms WDU at Deep Fork WMA; Okmulgee East and West WDUs at Okmulgee WMA; and Billy Creek and Chouteau WDUs at McClellan-Kerr WMA. For details, see the WDU page at wildlifedepartment.com.
"There's always the possibility that the river could flood again during this year's duck season, like it did last year. If that happens -- and that's a big 'if' -- we will hold the water so duck hunting at Deep Fork might still be possible this coming season."
The Deep Fork WDU is among about 20 wetland development units across Oklahoma that are specifically managed to provide waterfowl hunting along with important habitat and refuge areas for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Waterfowl hunting at most WDUs closes at 1 p.m. daily, and only nontoxic shot may be used.
For more information on waterfowl hunting, WDUs and regulations, see the 2016 "Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide" available online, in print at license vendors, or in the free "Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Mobile App" for iPhone and Android users.
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Water will likely be scarce during the approaching waterfowl hunting season at the Deep Fork Wetland Development Unit in Eufaula Wildlife Management Area, seen here. A clogged water intake pipe is preventing area managers from flooding the units as usual.
(PHOTO BY MICAH HOLMES/ODWC)
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