OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation addressed numerous topics during its April 3 meeting.

One thing the Department addressed was their statement regarding the use of arrow rifles during archery season.

According to the Dept. of Wildlife, there is legislation currently moving through the state Senate and House of Representatives that would allow the use of air-powered arrow rifles during any archery-only season, including the state’s deer archery season.

Senate Bill 352 would allow the use of an air-powered arrow rifles for physically disabled people. House Bill 2355 would allow arrow-shooting airguns, or ‘air bows’, as a legal hunting method during any archery season.

In the Department’s statement, it states the Wildlife Commission does not support the legislation and recommends the bills be vetoed or stricken is necessary. Currently, air-powered arrow rifles are legal during any season that allows the use of rifles.

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Putting legislation aside, the Department also mentioned other news at the meeting including awards and donations.

Gathered for the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership special recognition award are, from left, ODWC Chief of Fisheries Ken Cunningham, ODWC Director J.D. Strong, award winner Jeff Boxrucker, Doug Nygren, and Gene Gilliland. Image courtesy OK Dept. of Wildlife.
Image courtesy OK Dept. of Wildlife.
Gathered for a $2,000 donation from Central Oklahoma 89er Chapter of Quail Forever are, from left, ODWC Upland Game Biologist Tell Judkins, ODWC Chief of Wildlife Bill Dinkines, QF Regional Representative Laura McIver, Chapter Founding Chairman James Dietsch, Chapter President Troy Ellefson, and Chapter Treasurer Kevin Bennet. Image courtesy OK Dept. of Wildlife.
Image courtesy OK Dept. of Wildlife.

Commissioners also addressed the recognition award given to the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership as well as a $2,000 donation from Central Oklahoma 89er Chapter of Quail Forever.