FORT SILL, Okla. March 24, 2016 -- Hunting, hiking and outdoor recreation are allowed in various parts of Fort Sill, but individuals can't just wander anywhere. Doing so can put them in the line of fire during an exercise and not knowing the regulations can result in a ticket.
Mandatory outdoor safety classes and permits are needed before anyone ventures more than 100 feet off the paved roads outside of the cantonment area, which is basically the "city" part of Fort Sill. The Fort Sill Range Safety Card is issued on completion of the class and is needed to obtain a permit.
The 90-minute class, taught by Glen Wampler of the Natural Resources and Enforcement Branch, is scheduled twice each month in the classroom near the Sportsmen Services Center. Each participant receives a detailed map showing the ranges, areas that are off-limits, and the location of many of the lakes and streams sought by anglers.
A video does most of the instruction, and Wampler will stay afterward to give detailed help or advice to anyone who wants it. After one such class given March 12, he pointed out some prime turkey hunting spots for one sportsman.
Even though the class is strong on hunting and fishing activities, the information is valuable to everyone. Specifics are covered in the Fort Sill Regulation 200-1 given to attendees, but Wampler emphasized it's too much to memorize. "Keep it with you," he said.
He pointed to a Conservation Law Enforcement Officer (game warden) in the back of the class and stated that he does give out tickets. Violations can result in temporary or permanent revocation of permits. He also pointed to a wall of deer skulls and said those were all from poached deer. "Those are the ones we recovered," he said, indicating there are probably more poachers who are never caught.
All around the room were taxidermy critters in very lifelike poses, such as a bobcat catching a bobwhite quail. Most of the animals exhibited are found in the area.
Anyone wishing to hunt must take the state Hunter Education Course, given online by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, either online at www.wildlifedepartment.com or at various locations in person.
Hunters and anglers must also have state licenses. Weapons must be registered before they are allowed on post. Pick up registration forms at the Sportsmen Services Center, then take the filled-out form to Building 2025 across from the Directorate of Public Works to complete the registration.
He also cautioned that people not just go by information found in his column "The Wild Side" published in the Fort Sill Tribune, since mistakes can be made or information changed at the last minute.
"It's what the regulations say that counts," he emphasized. They stipulate which activities are allowed and who is allowed to engage in them.
The Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area has a different set of regulations. See http://sill.armymwr.com for information on LETRA.
During prime hunting season, some areas may have quotas for number of people allowed in an area, but no matter where one goes off the paved road, a permit is needed, specifying the zone and time one is allowed to be there. Permits are good for the day they are issued, or if you come in after noon you can get a separate pass for the following day. Obtain the permit in person at the Sportsmen Services Center, Bldg. 1458, open 24 hours a day.
Off-limits areas can vary day to day depending on Soldier training, so it is important to check the map overlays at the center the day before.
The next classes are April 9, 9 a.m. and April 25, 6 p.m. For information call 580-442-3453/3553.
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