Wildlife rule change proposals

Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation proposes changes in Title 800, the rules that govern hunting, fishing and Wildlife Department operations. The public comment period is now open for this year's proposed rule changes.

Many proposed changes for 2016 are simple housekeeping matters, while some are more substantial. Highlights of this year's rule changes follow.

Proposed changes:

• Adopt rules for shooting ranges on wildlife management areas, to address safety concerns.

• On specified wildlife management areas, close shooting hours at 7 p.m. daily for spring turkey hunters to reduce disturbance near turkey roosting sites.

• Add "Oklahoma River" to the other Oklahoma City waters, making Wildlife Department rules match City of Oklahoma City rules.

• Allow largemouth bass harvest at American Horse Lake. The statewide daily limit and size restriction would apply.

To read all of the proposed rule changes, go online to wildlifedepartment.com/ aboutodwc/public_meeting.htm.

Anyone wishing to make comments on any of the proposed rule changes may do so in one of three ways:

• Fill out the online public comment form at wildlifedepartment.com. Online public comment period will close at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 2016.

• Write your comments in a letter and mail to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Re: Public Comment, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Letters must be received by 4:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 2016.

• Voice comments in person during a public hearing on the 2016 proposed rule changes beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 5, 2016, at Wildlife Department interim headquarters, 2145 NE 36 St. in Oklahoma City.