The Tenkiller Lake Project Office welcomed parents and youth hunters during its annual controlled youth deer hunt November 2-4.
The hunt kicked off Friday with a pre-hunt safety meeting and lunch. Park Ranger Cory Bowlin presented information on hunting safety and rules for the hunt.
The participants then chose their hunting location based on a lottery-style drawing. The hunt lasted throughout the weekend and lunch was provided each day. The event was very successful with youth hunters harvesting 1 buck and 6 doe from the Tenkiller Basin Wildlife Management Area.
The children were exposed to situations that required them to develop and practice their patience, marksmanship, and general hunting skills. Several of the participants were able to interact closely with the park rangers at the project office camp after each evening hunt. At camp, they enjoyed telling their adventures from the field, making oversized S’mores, and some even participated in the art of outdoor cooking. Some of the participants left with deer that they harvested, and some did not, but all left with memories of having fun in the outdoors.
“The most successful part of the hunt was the life-long memories that the children were able to create in the outdoors,” Bowlin said.
Hunters interested in participating in next year's hunt may visit the controlled hunts section of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website, or call the Tenkiller Lake Project Office at 918-487-5252.