By Chris Hannaford

Enid Lake Park Ranger

Volunteers needed

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Enid Lake Volunteers for Waste Management would like to invite everyone to Enid Lake’s Fifth Annual “Clean-Up Day” on March 1 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

During the event volunteers will be picking up trash and debris found along Enid Lake’s shoreline and roadways. After a morning of work everyone is invited to meet back at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Maintenance Shop for food, door prizes, fun and fellowship.

For those interested in helping sustain Enid Lake’s aesthetic beauty and natural resources please contact the Enid Lake Field Office by calling 662-563-4571.

Turkey Season

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Enid Lake would like to remind all turkey hunters to practice safety first this spring while hunting these fascinating birds. We would also like to remind hunters that Enid Lake offers great opportunities for turkey hunting.

Turkey Hunting can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it also can be very dangerous. The wild turkey has a keen sense of sight and can easily detect movement and colors that are out of place in the woods, unlike other game species.

Making the use of complete camouflage or drab colored clothing is a must. Camouflage not only reduces the turkey’s chance of seeing the hunter, but also has the same effect on other hunters.  

Each year, hunters throughout the U.S. are mistaken for a turkey and are accidentally shot. Several factors responsible for these accidents are hunters sneaking up on other hunters (stalking) who are calling, and hunters who are wearing turkey colors red, white, blue, and even black.

A few safety tips that turkey hunters should keep in mind while hunting are:

•Don’t stalk;

•Call the turkey to you;

•Don’t wear the colors, red, white, blue or black; and

•Don’t hide where your view is obstructed.

•The most important tip of all is to be completely sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot.

This will reduce the number of hunting accidents and the number of hens that are mistakenly killed during the spring season. Remember to “hunt defensively” and follow these suggested tips.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Enid Lake would also like to remind all turkey hunters that applications are now being accepted for the 2008 Springdale Wildlife Management Area Special Turkey Hunt. Applications must be returned to the Enid Lake Field Office no later than 9 a.m., March 3. Applications may be obtained from the Enid Lake Field Office or from public service announcements published in area newspapers.

Hunters should be sure to familiarize all state hunting laws before the season starts, and make sure your experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

For more information on Enid Lakes “Clean Up Day”, the Springdale Wildlife Management Area Special Turkey Hunt, or turkey hunting information, contact the Enid Lake Field Office at 662-563-4571.