Here are the conditions at Oklahoma lakes as reported Wednesday, Oct. 21, by the state Department of Wildlife Conservation and lake rangers.

Photos of a couple young hunters and their first deers.

Here are the conditions at Oklahoma lakes as reported Wednesday, Oct. 14, by the state Department of Wildlife Conservation and lake rangers.

Sportsman Lake, located seven miles east of Seminole on Sportsman Lake Road, will have two benefit fishing tournaments Saturday, Oct. 18.
The Big Bass Tournament includes $1,050 in prize money with $150 going for the largest bass overall. $100 will also be awarded for the largest bass caught each hour and $100 will be presented as the result of a worst fisherman drawing.

Back in the mid-1930s when Shawnee Lake was built, a strip of land around the lake was set aside as a lake preserve and later designated a state game management area.
Currently, this is referred to as a game refuge and city code prohibits the killing of animals except for migratory waterfowl.

Anglers and water recreation enthusiasts at Seminole County’s Lake Konawa are under the ever-watchful eye of the reservoir’s constant chaperone — OG&E’s Seminole Power Plant.
According to OG&E, the plant — which resides on the lake’s west side — is the second largest of the company’s seven power plants in Oklahoma. Producing a total of 1.5 million kilowatts of power, the plant uses water from Lake Konawa to run its massive steam turbines.

Oklahoma’s lakes and rivers are home to some brutishly large catfish, with specimens often topping 50 pounds.

Imagine, a fish larger than most first graders.

These giants can be found in several bodies of water, including a small lake that’s just a hop, skip and a jump from Shawnee.

If you don’t know the definition of “lunker,” just ask a fisherman.
Most often used in connection with bass, the term is a badge of honor for a fish of exceptional size. Say “lunker” to an angler, and images are invoked of 10-pounders lunging at topwater plugs or inhaling slow-rolling spinnerbaits.
You want to go catch one, don’t you? Well, you won’t have to go far.

When you’re searching for a peaceful, quiet place to wet a hook, ride your horse or pitch a tent, look no further than central Seminole County.
East of the city of Seminole is a lake named for its biggest fan — the sportsman. Found in abundance at Sportsman Lake are the subtleties of nature and fish willing to bite.

Andrew Brewer, 8 of Maud, shows off a turkey he killed April 25 while hunting with his grandpa, Noland Long. The gobbler, with a 4.5 inch beard, weighed 15 pounds. Andrew is the son of Jimmy and Stephanie Brewer of Maud.

Shawnee Seventh grader Alasia Standing Elk gets some assistance from State Game Warden Daryl Howser of Seminole County in shooting a 20-gauge shotgun at clay targets during the annual Outdoor Camp at Shawnee Twin Lakes Friday. The camp drew more than 250 Shawnee Middle School students and was held at newly established Kiwanis Park, made possible by the $14,000 contribution from the local Kiwanis Club. The annual camp is coordinated by State Game Warden Mike France of Pottawatomie County, Dr. Joe Taron, and Linda Hazelwood, Middle School teacher.

Here are the conditions at Oklahoma lakes as reported Wednesday, April 8, by the state Department of Wildlife Conservation and lake rangers.

The Shawnee Twin Lakes Association is hosting a 2009 Keep Oklahoma Beautiful project on the lake Saturday May 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The project involves creating a vegetated buffer strip along the shoreline of the Glen Collins Memorial Park to correct and prevent erosion caused by wind and heavy rain.

Pottawatomie County commissioners enacted another seven-day burn ban Tuesday.
The ban will be in effect until March 24.
Pottawatomie County has been under a continuous burn ban since Feb. 10.
Seminole and Lincoln Counties also are under a current burn ban.

Here are the conditions at Oklahoma lakes as reported Wednesday, Feb. 25, by the state Department of Wildlife Conservation and lake rangers.

The annual Shawnee Home and Garden Show was in full swing Saturday at the Expo Center as local companies displayed their wares and services for a public itching to get outside and start gardening.