Oklahoma hunting trip or Art?

For Immediate Release:
February 1, 2007
A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856
Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

Plan now to attend the Oklahoma Station of the Safari Club International's annual banquet
NatureWorks to hold annual art show in new location
Outdoor Calendar
Fishing Report


Plan now to attend the Oklahoma Station of the Safari Club International's annual banquet
Outdoor enthusiasts can contribute to important projects supported by the Oklahoma Station of the Safari Club International by attending their annual banquet Saturday, March 3 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
"The event plays an important role in generating revenue so that the chapter can in turn lend support to programs for wildlife and outdoor education, said Sam Munhollon, member of the Oklahoma Station chapter's past president council.
The Oklahoma Station of the Safari Club International offers support and funding to a number of sportsmen's causes, especially local efforts that benefit the sportsmen and wildlife of Oklahoma. The chapter is a sponsor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Oklahoma Wildlife Expo and a donor to the Hunter's Against Hunger program, which oversees the distribution of hunter-harvested venison to needy families.
The organization also helped fund the purchase of an airboat used by the Wildlife Department on waterfowl surveys and other wetland management tasks, and they provided the Department with a 24-foot trailer for use in the Department's Shotgun Training Education Program (STEP). STEP introduces both youth and adults to shotgun shooting techniques and the proper handling of firearms. Additionally, the chapter purchased eight elk for introduction into an existing herd in southeast Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Station of the Safari Club International sponsors the Department's annual youth essay contest. The contest gives youth the opportunity to share their feelings about Oklahoma's outdoors and gives them the opportunity to win great prizes, including a guided pronghorn antelope hunt in New Mexico.
One of the highlights of the annual event is the live auction, where bidders have a chance to buy guided hunts in Oklahoma, across the United States and around the world. There also will be a selection of items on the auction block including art, firearms, camping equipment, vacations, jewelry and much more.
The banquet begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, but registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the event must be purchased by Feb. 27. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is located at 1700 N.E. 63rd St. Oklahoma City 73111.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (405) 721-7229, or call toll free 1-800-405-3580. For more information on the Oklahoma Station chapter of the Safari Club International, log on to oklahomastationsci.org.

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NatureWorks to hold annual art show in new location
Wildlife enthusiasts who look forward to the annual NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show and Sale in Tulsa each year should note that the 2007 show will be held at a new venue.
Slated for March 3-4 at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center, the art show will feature everything from wildlife paintings and photography to sculptures and carvings.
"Those of us associated with NatureWorks are especially proud of the fact that it is an all-volunteer organization," said Ken Greenwood, senior executive director of NatureWorks.
Greenwood said the annual art show is one of the best shows in the nation.
"It attracts some of the finest artists nationally and internationally," Greenwood said.
Art enthusiasts can view entries from last year's art show by logging on to natureworks.org.
The annual Wildlife Art Show and Sale, sponsored by NatureWorks, has generated matching grants to assist a variety of state wildlife conservation projects.
NatureWorks, Inc., located in Tulsa, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting in wildlife conservation efforts and wildlife education opportunities.
Programs such as the Hunters Against Hunger program, the Harold Stuart Waterfowl Refuge Unit within the Deep Fork Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and the Grassy Slough WMA have benefited from NatureWorks' generous support.
Hours for the NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show and Sale will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 3 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 4. The Tulsa Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center is located at 6808 South 107th East Avenue (71st and US-169). For more information about NatureWorks or the art show, call (918) 296-4278 or log on to natureworks.org.