Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Key agenda items for the meeting include the call to order, roll call, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, introduction of guests, and presentation of awards, including recognition for 25 years of service by Kristen Gillman. Significant presentations involve the FY 2025 Annual Financial Audit and a report on trends in Oklahoma hunting and fishing license sales. The Commission will consider and vote on the financial reports from December 31, 2025, including miscellaneous donations. The agenda includes consideration of minutes from the January 12, 2026, regular meeting. The Director's Report will cover calendar items, agency updates, and the Oklahoma Legislative Update. The agenda also lists two possible Executive Sessions: one for the discussion and potential purchase of real properties in Cleveland, Jefferson, and Love Counties, and another for confidential communications with outside counsel regarding ongoing litigation cases. New Business is reserved for unforeseen matters.

The agenda for the regular meeting includes several presentations and discussions. Key discussion points involve a presentation by Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever on habitat programs, consideration of a significant donation from the National Wild Turkey Federation for wildlife management areas and youth shooting programs, and overviews of the Wildlife Division's Drummond Flats WMA wetland restoration progress and the Fisheries Division's walleye and saugeye spawning program. The Commission will also address the Director's Report, review calendar items, legislative updates, and an FY26 budget revision. Furthermore, there is a potential for an executive session to discuss confidential legal matters concerning litigation and an Attorney General Opinion.

The emergency commission meeting included discussions about pending litigation and potential financial loss for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. A representative from the attorney general's office was present to provide legal counsel, but questions arose regarding potential conflicts of interest and the validity of the legal advice being provided. Commissioners expressed concerns about the agenda's compliance with statutory provisions and the commission's ability to enter into an executive session. There were also concerns about threats and personal liability towards OD OWD staff and game wardens.

The meeting included a presentation recognizing Kelvin for 30 years of service. There was a presentation of performance metrics for the wildlife department, including an overview of renovated sites and the Cy Curtis program. Updates to Wildlife department.com were shared, including improvements, website analytics, and the Cy Curtis program redesign. A donation presentation was made by Compa Foundation for wetland development habitat work.

The meeting included recognition of employees for their years of service and dedication. Awards were presented to Patrick Matlock and Jerry Shaw for their 30 years of service. Mike Chrisman received the Spirit of ODWC Award for his key role in license conversion and his dedication to his job. The Wildlife Division recognized its biologists and technicians of the year.