Top Ten Tournament: 9-18-21

 Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club ended the 2021 bass tournament schedule with their Annual Top Ten Bass Tournament on Saturday, September 18.  The tournament was held on Pine Creek Lake.  This tournament allows the top ten anglers in the club to compete against each other in the final tournament of the year.  The top ten anglers are, from number one to number ten, Judd Thomas, Billy Latham, Ellis Silvey, Kane Miller, Chuck Beck, Randy Janoe, Andy Cripe, Billy Hensley, Kindle Holiman, and Forrest Cave.  The club allows up to five wildcard contestants.  These positions are for members that have not missed more than two regular season tournaments.  Wildcard positions were filled by Julian Bailey, Donald Wall, Kaleb Hensley, Josh Johnson, and Eric Baskin..

Billy Hensley won the tournament with a stringer weight of 16.62 pounds.  Chuck Beck finished in second place with a stringer weight of 15.23 pounds.  Third place went to Randy Janoe.  His stringer weighed 13.37 pounds.  Josh Johnson took fourth place with a stringer weight of 13.29 pounds.  The fifth and final place was won by Kindle Holiman with a stringer weight of 13.27 pounds.  The big bass of the tournament was caught by Billy Hensley.  It weighed 4.47 pounds.  Each received a check for a share of the entry fees and the top ten prize pot.

Now that the bass tournament season has ended, members will turn their attention to the fall deer hunting seasons.  Members wishing to enter the club’s deer season contest must do so before a season begins.  Entry fees are $10.00 per season and can be paid at Silvey’s Tax.

 

Hugo Lake 9-11-21

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their last regular season bass tournament of 2021 on Saturday, September 11.  The tournament was held on Hugo Lake.  Twenty-four members participated in the event.

Anglers enjoyed mild, almost cool temperatures, at the start of the tournament but quickly warmed as the sun began to rise.  The lake level was slightly above normal.  Catching a keeper bass proved to be a challenge for most of the anglers.  Only two contestants, Billy Latham and Chuck Beck, were able to catch a limit of six bass.  Six anglers were unable to boat a single keeper.

Billy Latham won the tournament with a stringer weight of 15.26 pounds.  Chuck Beck placed second with a stringer weight of 11.10 pounds.  Kindel Holiman finished in third place with a stringer weight of 9.22 pounds. The big bass of the tournament weighed 3.50 pounds and was caught by Billy Latham.

The club will hold its Annual Top Ten Bass Tournament on Saturday, September 18.  This tournament will pit the top ten anglers against each other with up to five wildcard positions also being allowed to compete.  Those qualifying for this year’s top ten tournament (from number 1 to 10) are Judd Thomas, Billy Latham, Ellis Silvey, Kane Miller, Chuck Beck, Randy Janoe, Andy Cripe, Billy Hensley, Kindle Holiman and Forrest Cave. Those who meet qualifications for a wildcard position are Julian Bailey, Donald Wall, Kaleb Hensley, Josh Johnson, Eric Baskin, Jim Armstrong, and Mike Williams. Wildcard positions will be offered by going down the final year end standings until five positions have been filled. Those qualifying for the tournament must attend the club’s meeting on Thursday, September 16, to pay their entry fee and vote on the lake to be fished.  If they cannot attend, they should send their entry fee with someone to the meeting.

Entry fees for the fall deer season contest will also be accepted at the Thursday night meeting.  The club holds a contest for each of Oklahoma’s three deer seasons: archery, primitive and regular gun seasons.  Winners are determined by the size of the deer’s antlers using the Boone & Crockett scoring system.  Entry fees ($10.00 per season) must be paid before a season begins.  Entry fees can also be paid at Silvey’s Tax.  The club will not meet again until the second Thursday in December.

 

 

Sardis Lake 8-21-21

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament on Saturday, August 21, at Sardis Lake.  Twenty-three members participated in the tournament.  Mild temps and cloudy skies with scattered rain showers greeted the anglers at the start of the tournament.  The clouds eventually gave way to mostly clear skies and temps rose to the mid-nineties.  Not only did it turn out to be a hot, humid day, but the fish were not willing to cooperate either.  Only two anglers were able to catch a limit of six bass.  One angler had four bass; two anglers had three bass with everyone else having two or less.  Half of the anglers were unable to boat a single keeper. 

Kane Miller caught a limit of bass that weighed 12.46 pounds to win the tournament.  Judd Thomas, also with a limit, had a stringer weight of 12.10 pounds to place second.  Ellis Silvey finished in third place with a stringer weight of 7.74 pounds.  Billy Hensley caught a bass that weighed 5.72 pounds to win the big bass of the tournament.

The club’s next bass tournament, which is also the last regular season tournament, will be held on September 11, on Hugo Lake.  Fishing times will be voted on at the club’s monthly meeting on Thursday, September 9.  Launch site for the tournament will be the Frazier Creek boat ramp, providing the lake level is high enough for boats to launch from the ramp.  It the lake level is to low, other arrangements will be made.  This tournament will be followed one week later, on September 18, with the Annual Top Ten Bass Tournament.  In this tournament, the club’s top ten anglers, along with up to five wild card positions, will compete against each other to conclude the 2021 bass tournament schedule.

Pine Creek Lake Bass Tourney

Aug. 7, 2021

On Saturday, August 7, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament on Pine Creek Lake. The lake level was about one foot below normal with water temperatures reaching the upper eighties to low nineties. Anglers started the day with mild temperatures and calm winds but that soon changed as the wind picked up and the temperature climbed to the low nineties.

Eighteen anglers entered in the contest managed to catch their limit of six bass over fourteen inches in length. Most anglers were able to catch at least one or more keeper bass. Randy Janoe won the tournament with a stringer weight of 18.06 pounds. Kane Miller finished in second place with a stringer weight of 17.88 pounds. Judd Thomas came in third. His stringer weighed 15.70 pounds. Eric Baskin caught a bass that weighed 4.73 pounds to win the big bass of the tournament.

The club’s next bass tournament will be held at Sardis Lake on Saturday, August 21. Fishing times will be voted on at the club’s next meeting on Thursday, August 12. Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and begin at 7:30 p.m.

Noon to Noon Bass Tourney

July 24-25, 2021

Twenty-two anglers competed against each other in the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club’s Annual Noon to Noon Bass Tournament held on McGee Creek Lake. The twenty-four hour marathon began at noon on Saturday, July 24, and ended twenty-four hours later at noon on Sunday, July 25. A weigh-in was held at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday night. After weigh-in, members could return to the lake and continue fishing or go home and then return at their leisure to complete the tournament. The stringer weights from both days were added together to determine the contestants final weight for the tournament.

The weather was pretty warm, with temps in the mid-nineties and a steady breeze on both days. Catching quality bass proved to be difficult for most of the contestants although three anglers were able to catch a bass over the 16-22 inch slot limit. Eight anglers caught their six fish limit on Saturday. Only six were able to do so on Sunday. Three anglers, Judd Thomas, Ellis Silvey and Billy Latham were able to catch a limit on both days. Chuck Beck caught a bass weighing 7.26 pounds to win the big bass jackpot for Saturday. Jesse Ayers caught a huge bass that weighed 9.81 pounds on Sunday to win the jackpot. The only other bass over the slot limit was caught by Judd Thomas. It weighed 6.14 pounds.

Judd Thomas won the tournament with a stringer weight of 16.55 pounds. Jesse Ayers finished in second place with a stringer weight of 16.46 pounds. Chuck Beck took third place with a stringer weight of 15.87 pounds.

The club’s next bass tournament will be held on Saturday, August 7, at Pine Creek Lake. Launch site for the tournament will be the Lost Rapids boat ramp. Fishing times will be from “safe light” until 3:30 p.m. The club’s next meeting will be on Thursday, August 12. Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and begin at 7:30 pm.

Hugo Lake: 7-10-21

 

The Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament on Saturday, July 10, at Hugo Lake.  Nineteen members participated in the event.  The lake level was just about normal level, although the water was very shallow at the Frazier Creek Boat ramp.  Anglers had to use their trolling motors to cross the silted-in sand to reach the creek channel.  The weather was warm and humid, but was fairly nice for this time of the year.   A slight breeze did offer some relief from the heat.  Catching a bass was not too difficult but catching a keeper bass, over fourteen inches in length, did prove to be more of a challenge. Six anglers were able to catch a limit of six bass.  Only four anglers were unable to catch a single keeper bass.

Billy Latham managed to catch a limit of bass that weighed 14.26 pounds to win first place in the tournament.  In a rare occurrence, there was a tie for second place.  Both Judd Thomas and Jim Armstrong had six fish limits that weighed 13.56 pounds. Second and third place prize money was added together and divided equally between the two anglers.  Billy Latham also caught the biggest bass of the tournament.  It weighed 3.46 pounds.

The club’s next event will be the annual Noon to Noon bass tournament.  It will be held at McGee Creek Lake on July 24-25.  The tournament will begin at noon on Saturday and end at noon on Sunday.  A weigh-in will be held at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.  After the weigh-in, anglers may return to fishing, or go home and return at their convenience to finish the tournament.  Anglers that have a limit of bass at the Saturday weigh-in cannot return to fishing until 12:00 midnight.  The final weigh-in will be held at noon on Sunday.  Stringer weights from both days will be added together to determine winners.  Members may pre-fish the lake until 12:00 noon on Friday, July 23.  After that, the lake will be off limits until the start of the tournament.

McGee Creek Bass Tournament 6-12-21

 

After a one hour “storm delay”, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club were able to start their bass tournament on McGee Creek Lake.  The tournament was held on Saturday, June 12.  It was originally scheduled for Pine Creek Lake but had to be changed due to the fact that Pine Creek Lake was thirty-seven foot above normal. Twenty-eight members competed in the event. Most anglers were able to catch several fish with twenty anglers catching their limit of six bass.

Kaleb Hensley won the tournament with a stringer weight of 11.16 pounds.  Kaleb also caught the biggest bass of the tournament. His big bass weighed 6.37 pounds and was the only bass over the 16-22 inch slot limit for the lake.  Forrest Cave came in second with a stringer weight of 7.87 pounds.  Judd Thomas finished in third place with a stringer weight of 7.48 pounds.

The club’s next event will be a bass tournament on Sardis Lake.  It will be held on June 26.  Launch site for the tournament will be the Sardis Cove boat ramp.  Fishing times will be from “safe light” until 3:00 p.m.

Husband-Wife Bass Tournament: 6-5-21

 On Saturday, June 5, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their annual Husband-Wife Bass Tournament at McGee Creek Lake.  Couples did not have to be husband and wife but did have to be a male & female team to compete.  The day started off with light rain but soon stopped and gave way to cloudy skies and a light breeze.

The team of Forrest and Wendy Cave won the tournament with a stringer weight of 13.08 pounds.  Forrest also caught the biggest bass of the tournament.  It weighed 1.93 pounds.  Kaleb Hensley and Karlie White finished in second place with a stringer weight of 7.66 pounds.  Finishing in third place was Chance Martin and Jaely Parsons.  They  had a stringer weight of 5.78 pounds.

In the ladies big bass division, Wendy Cave took top honors with a bass weighing 1.01 pounds.   The second place big bass caught by the ladies weighed .92 pounds and was caught by Jaely Parsons.  Finishing in third place, with a bass weighing .80 pounds, was Karlie White.  Amanda Cripe placed fourth with a bass that weighed .70 pounds.  Each lady will receive a plaque at the club’s next meeting.

The club’s next event will be a bass tournament on McGee Creek Lake.  This tournament was scheduled for Pine Creek Lake but due to the flooded condition of the lake, it has been changed to McGee Creek Lake. It will be held on Saturday, June 12, at the Buster Hight boat ramp.  Fishing times will be from “safe light” until 3:00 p.m.  This is a club tournament and is open only to club members.  Open enrollment into the club is closed for the remainder of the year.  Anyone wishing to become a member may attend a monthly meeting and request membership.  Membership will be accepted if passed by a sixty percent majority vote of members present.  The club’s next meeting will be on Thursday, June 10, at the Wildlife Heritage Center & Museum.  Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.

Hugo Lake Bass Tournament 5-22-21

The Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament on Saturday, May 22, at Hugo Lake. The lake level was about six feet above normal and still rising due to the recent rainfall.  The weather was nice, with moderate temperatures, cloudy skies and light wind.  Fishing was not so nice though.  Catching a bass, much less a keeper bass over fourteen inches in length, proved to be difficult.  Of the twenty-five anglers entered in the tournament, only eight were able to boat a keeper bass.  Not a single angler was able to catch a limit of six bass. 

Andy Cripe won the tournament with a stringer weight of 9.28 pounds.  Andy also caught the biggest bass of the tournament.  It weighed 3.64 pounds.  Clay Armstrong finished in second place with a stringer weight of 9.23 pounds.  The third place stringer was caught by Julian Bailey.  His stringer weighed 5.20 pounds. 

The club’s next event will be the Annual Husband-Wife Bass Tournament on June 5, at McGee Creek Lake.  Launch site will be the Potapo boat ramp. Fishing times will be from 7:00 until 2:00.  Teams do not have to be a husband and wife couple but do need to be a male and female team.  One member must be a current club member.  This takes place on Oklahoma’s free fishing weekend so a fishing license is not necessary.  First, second and third place prizes will be awarded.  Also, plaques will be awarded to the ladies, first through fifth place, for their biggest bass.  Members that do not have a partner may fish, but can only compete for the big bass prize.

Youth Fishing Tournament 5-15-21

 

On Saturday, May 15, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their annual free youth fishing tournament.  The tournament was held at McGee Creek Lake.  Twenty-eight young anglers competed in the event.  The young anglers enjoyed nice weather, after a cool start, and most were able to catch a few fish, with perch being the most common catch of the day.

Kane Miller was the first place winner.  Kane had a stringer weight of 10.82 pounds.  Kane also caught a bass that weighed 7.28 pounds to win the plaque for the biggest fish.  Gary Dunham finished in second place with a stringer weight of 6.36 pounds.  Reese Crowsey caught the third place stringer.  It weighed 5.34 pounds. These young anglers each received a plaque and a prize.  All of the other contestants also received a prize, regardless of whether they caught a fish or not.  The young anglers were allowed to fish with live bait or artificial lures. They could also fish from a boat or from the shore.  After the tournament was over, all that attended, along with their parents, were treated to a hotdog cookout with all the trimmings and soft drinks. Approximately fifty adults and children were served.

The club’s next event will be a bass tournament on Hugo Lake.  It will be held on Saturday, May 22.  Fishing will begin at “safe light” or as soon as everyone is unloaded, and will end 9 hours later, most likely 3:00-3:30 p.m.  The tournament will launch from the Frazier Creek boat ramp and you must be a member to compete.

McGee Creek 5-8-21

 

McGee Creek, 5-8-21

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club started their bass tournament on McGee Creek Lake with a strong breeze that turned into a strong wind as the day wore on.  The tournament was held on Saturday, May 9.  Despite the windy conditions, a few anglers were able to put together some nice stringer weights with even a few bass over the 16-22” slot length limit.

Thirteen of the twenty-eight contestants were able to catch their limit of six bass. Two anglers were able to catch a bass over the 16-22 inch slot limit.  Forrest Cave won first place with a stringer weight of 13.13 pounds.  Finishing in second place was Andy Cripe.  Andy had a stringer weight of 12.99 pounds.   He also caught a bass weighing 7.23 pounds to win the big bass of the tournament as well.  Judd Thomas was third with a stringer weight of 7.80 pounds.

The club’s next event will be the annual free youth fishing tournament.  It will be held on Saturday, May 15, at McGee Creek Lake.  Launch site will be the Buster Hight boat ramp.  Fishing times will be from 8:00 a.m until 12:00 noon. Any youth that is 16 years old or younger may participate.  After fish have been weighed, the young anglers and their parents will be treated to a hot dog cookout with soft drinks and all the trimmings. As always, prizes will be awarded until the supply of prizes is exhausted.

The club will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 13.  Members who entered the spring turkey contest and were successful are reminded that turkey beards will be measured to determine winners.  This will be the only time beards will be measured.  If a member can’t make the meeting, they should make arrangements for someone to bring it for them.  Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and begin at 7:30 p.m.

50th Big Bass Rodeo

 

On April 24-25, the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club hosted the 50^th Annual Big Bass Rodeo on Pine Creek Lake.  Seventy-one boats with one hundred thirty-eight anglers competed in the big bass tournament.  Every contestant received a free cap with the Big Bass Rodeo logo on it, courtesy of Pruett’s Food and AmeriState Bank.  The weather conditions were pretty nice with high temps in the seventies and stiff breezes.  The lake, however, was approximately eleven feet above normal and rising after strong storms on Friday night before the tournament.   Catching a quality bass was difficult with only two bass over four pounds being caught.

Rodney Roden won the tournament with a bass that weighed 4.44 pounds.  For his first place finish, Kynan received over $1300.00, which was 25% of the entry fees plus an additional $500.00 from Sterling Hill Financial in Denison, TX. This was a donation to be added to the first place prize.   Finishing in second place, with a bass weighing 4.37 pounds, was Jamie Flynn.  In addition to his share of the entry fee money, Jamie received 200.00 from Southeast Sanitation, Seth Wood, owner.  Third place was won by Michael Shields with a bass weighing 3.96 pounds.  Michael received an additional $100.00 from Hank’s Store in Rattan.  Curtis Daniels caught a 3.61 pound bass to take fourth place.  Eric Hutsell finished fifth with a bass weighing 3.55 pounds.  Each received a trophy, courtesy of FirstBank, and a check for their share of the entry fees.

Also this year, prizes were awarded to anglers that were age twelve and under.  Tadpole’s Marine in Hugo awarded $300.00 to Racin Hilton for his bass that weighed 3.18 pounds.  Family Affairs Outdoors with Micheal and Shannon Wheeler, awarded Reed Hess with 200.00 for his second place finish.  His bass weighed 2.54 pounds.   Family Affairs Outdoors also provided $100.00 for 3^rd place which was won by Kooper Holiman with a bass weighing 2.24 pounds. Kiamichi Kreations provided plaques for the top three youth anglers and custom printed Big Bass Rodeo t-shirts for 4^th and 5^th place. Sara Headly placed 4^th with a 2.00 pound bass and Michael Murphy, jr. finished in 5^th with his bass that weighed 1.68 pounds.

Since this was the 50^th anniversary of the Big Bass Rodeo, the club awarded the angler that finished in 50^th place an award of $50.00. The angler finishing in 50^th place was Andy Cripe.  Tadpole’s Marine awarded the angler that was closest to 4.00 pounds, without going over, a cash prize of $100.00.  Michael Shields won this prize with a bass that weighed 3.96 pounds.  After prizes had been awarded, a drawing was held for an ABU SX bait casting reel donated by Janoe’s Garage.  Earl Jones was the winner of the reel.

A plaque was awarded to David Smith for being the only member that has attended all fifty Big Bass Rodeo Tournaments.  The first tournament was held in 1972 and David has not missed a single one.  Happy 50^th Big Bass Rodeo Anniversary to David.

Anglers that placed sixth or lower were awarded prizes or gift certificates provided by area merchants.  Businesses had donated prizes, gift cards or cash for prizes.  Our local merchants were so generous that every angler that weighed in a bass over 16” in length and stayed for the awards presentation was able to receive a prize.  Those prizes included items such as rods, reels, lures, marine batteries and other items related to outdoor activities. The Pushmataha County Sportsman Club would like to say “Thank you” to all these merchants.  Their support is what has kept this tournament going for fifty years.

Club members will hold a bass tournament on May 8, at McGee Creek Lake.  Launch site will be Buster Hight landing.  Fishing times will be from “safe light” to 3:30 p.m.

Hugo Tournment 4-10-21

 The Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament on Saturday, April 10, at Hugo Lake. The lake level was about six inches above normal with water temps in the low sixties.  The day started off clear and cool after the passing of a cool front earlier in the night.  Catching bass after the passing of a cold front can be challenging and this proved true for many of the tournament anglers.  Only four anglers were able to catch a limit of six bass.  Ten anglers were unable to catch a single keeper bass over the fourteen inch minimum length limit.

Billy Latham won the tournament with a five fish stringer that weighed 15.02 pounds. Billy also caught the big bass of the tournament. It weighed 5.17 pounds.  Judd Thomas finished in second place with a stringer weight of 14.84 pounds.  The third place stringer was caught by Ellis Silvey.  His stringer weighed 14.24 pounds.  .

The club’s next tournament will be the Annual Big Bass Rodeo.  It will be held on Pine Creek Lake on April 24-25.  This is the 50^th consecutive year that the club has held the big bass tournament.  Final preparations for the Big Bass Rodeo have been made and area merchants have been very generous with their donations.  There will be lots of cash, trophies and prizes to be won.  For more information check out the club’s Facebook page or the club’s web page at www.pushcountysportsmanclub.blogspot.com.

Turkey season for the southeast counties of Oklahoma will open on Monday, April 19.  The club holds a spring turkey hunting contest.  Members wishing to enter the contest must be done before season begins.  The entry fee for the contest is $10.00 and can be paid at Silvey’s Tax.

Big Bass Rodeo 50th Anniversary Tees

 Don't forget to order your 50th Anniversary Big Bass Rodeo t-shirt. Sizes adult small thru adult XXXL. $15.00 for small thru XL. $17.00 for XXL & XXXL. Shirts must be ordered by noon on Friday, April 16. To place an order, just message the club or message me, Billy Latham. I do accept Paypal. If you do not use Paypal, we can make other arrangements. There will NOT be extra shirts printed for sale at the BBR. Shirts will have a full color print on a light silver gray A4 Performance Cooling Crew tee.

Sardis Bass Tourney 3-27-21

 

Sardis Lake Bass Tournament

March 27, 2021

On Saturday, March 27, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club competed in a bass tournament on Sardis Lake. Anglers enjoyed nice weather except for a brisk breeze. The lake level was slightly above normal with the water temperatures in the upper fifties to low sixties.  The weather may have cooperated but the bass did not.  They seemed to have a severe case of lock jaw. Nineteen anglers were unable to catch a single keeper over the fourteen inch minimum length limit and no one was able to boat a limit of six keepers.

Chance Martin won first place with five fish that weighed 12.55 pounds.  Ellis Silvey came in second with a stringer weighing 8.93 pounds.  Billy Henlsey finished in third place with a stringer weight of 7.54 pounds.  The biggest bass of the tournament was caught by Ellis Silvey.  It weighed 5.35 pounds.

The club’s next event will be a bass tournament on Hugo Lake.  It will be held on Saturday, April 10.  Launch site for the tournament will be Frazier Point boat landing.  Fishing times will be voted on at the club’s monthly meeting in April.

The club’s next monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m.  Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum.  One of the main items to be discussed during the next meeting will be the club’s 50th Annual Big Bass Rodeo.  This year’s Big Bass Rodeo will be held on April 24-25 on Pine Creek Lake. Keep up with club activities on the web at www.pushcountysportsmanclub.blogspot.com and also on Facebook.

McGee Creek: 3-13-21

 

McGee Creek Bass Tournament

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their first bass tournament of the year on Saturday, March 13.  The tournament was held on McGee Creek Lake.  Thirty-seven members competed in the event.  Strong winds made fishing difficult but a few anglers were able to put together some nice stringer weights. 

Ten of the thirty-seven anglers were able to catch a limit of six bass.  Six anglers were unable to boat a single keeper.  Johnny Ivey won the tournament with a six fish limit that weighed 9.07 pounds.  Colby Chandler finished in second place with a stringer of only two bass. His stringer weighed 7.65 pounds.  Forrest Cave finished in third place with a stringer containing only one bass.  His one bass weighed 7.33 pounds which was good enough to win the big bass of the tournament as well.

The club’s next bass tournament will be on Saturday, March 27, at Sardis Lake.  Launch site for the tournament will be Sardis Cove ramp.  Fishing times will be from 7:00 until 4:00. 

TOP TEN STANDINGS: 3-13-21

2021 Awards Banquet

 On Saturday, March 6, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their 50^th Annual Awards Banquet.  For the first time ever, the banquet was held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum.  Members and their families were treated to a meal of smoked brisket, smoked polish sausage, soft drinks and side dishes prepared by the members & spouses.  Members were recognized for their achievements during the 2020 hunting and fishing contests.

The first awards to be presented were for the 2020 spring turkey season contest.  The length of the turkey’s beard determined winners. Winning first place was Clay Armstrong.  Finishing in second place was Judd Thomas.  Both received a plaque and a check for their share of the entry fees.

Anglers that placed in the club’s Top Ten Bass Tournament that was held in September were next to be recognized.  The top ten anglers, along with five anglers that qualified for wildcard positions, competed in the tournament.  Billy Latham placed fifth, Kenny Briggs fourth, Kane Miller third, Ellis Silvey second and Judd Thomas finished in first place.  Judd received a plaque for his win.

The Top Ten Anglers of the Year were recognized next.  Each angler usually receives an embroidered patch but this year, a perpetual plaque was awarded. Each year an angler makes the Top Ten, he will receive a year plate to be added to his plaque.  The Top Ten Anglers for 2020 were (from number 10 to number 1) Billy Hensley, Andy Cripe, Kenny Briggs, Kaleb Hensley, Donald Wall, Kane Miller, Randy Janoe, Billy Latham, Judd Thomas, and Bass Angler of the Year, Ellis Silvey.  Ellis received his perpetual plaque, a plaque for the Angler of the Year, and a check for $100.00.  Ellis was also presented with a custom “Bass Angler of the Year” shirt printed by club president, Billy Latham.

The Big Bass of the Year award was presented to Ellis Silvey.  Ellis caught a bass weighing 8.09 pounds at McGee Creek Lake during the April bass tournament.   Judd Thomas won the award for the Heaviest Stringer of the Year.  He had a stringer weight of 20.59 pounds that was caught during the Top Ten Tournament in September.  Both were presented with a plaque.

The “100 Pound Club” award goes to members that are able to catch at least one hundred pounds of bass during the club bass tournaments in a season.  Only two members were able to catch over one hundred pounds.  They were Ellis Silvey with 125.97 pounds and Judd Thomas with 123.23 pounds.  Each received a plaque.

In the club’s deer archery season contest, Colby Chandler won first place honors with Billy Latham winning the award for second place.  Winners are determined by measuring the buck’s antlers using the Boone and Crockett scoring system.  Both received a plaque and a check for their share of the entry fee money.

Kane Miller took first place honors in the deer primitive firearms contest.  Ellis Silvey finished in second place.  Both received a plaque and a share of the entry fee money.

For the rifle season contest, Colby Chandler won first place.  Judd Thomas finished in second place.  Each received a plaque and a share of the entry fee money. 

The Grand Slam Award is given to members who are able to harvest a deer in all three seasons; archery, primitive and rifle seasons.  This year only one member was able to achieve this goal.  That member was Judd Thomas.

Each year the club recognizes a sponsor that consistently supports the club and the Big Bass Rodeo.  This year, two sponsors were recognized and presented a plaque.  The “Sponsor of the Year” award was presented to Byron’s Tire in Antlers, OK and Janoe’s Garage & Used Cars in Antlers, OK.

The club’s most prestigious award is the Sportsman of the Year Award.  The winner of this award is determined by a point system based on club participation and success in the field.  The 2020 Sportsman of the Year was Judd Thomas. Judd received a plaque and a check for $100.00.

The ladies door prize, a $100.00 prepaid MasterCard, was won by Martha Hensley.  The men’s door prize, an ABU Revo SX baitcast reel, was won by Colby Chandler.  As always, every child that attended was awarded a door prize consisting of games, sports balls, fishing equipment and more.

The club’s first bass tournament of 2021 will be at McGee Creek Lake on Saturday, March 13.  Launch site for the tournament will be Buster Hight boat landing.  Fishing times for the tournament will be voted on at the club’s monthly meeting on March 11.  Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and begin at 7:30 p.m.

50th Annual Awards Banquet

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club will hold their 50^th Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 6.  For the first time ever, the banquet will be held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum and will begin at 6:00 p.m.  At the banquet, awards and prize money will be presented to members that were earned during the 2020 hunting seasons and bass tournaments. 

The meal will feature smoked meats provided by the club.  Side dishes and desserts will be provided by members and their spouses.  There will be door prizes for the men and ladies, and as always, every child that attends will receive a prize.  If you are attending and bringing children, it would be helpful if you would message the club and let us know the age and sex of each child that will be attending so appropriate prizes can be purchased. The ladies door prize will be a $100.00 prepaid Mastercard and the men will be able to buy chances, at $1.00 each, on an ABU Revo SX  baitcast reel valued at $139.99.

Members are looking forward to their first bass tournament of 2021 which will be held on March 13, at McGee Creek Lake.  The fishing hours for the tournament will be voted on at the club’s monthly meeting that will be held on Thursday, March 11.  Launch site for the tournament will be at Buster Hight Landing.  Those wishing to join the club may do so before the start of the tournament.  Open enrollment for club membership will continue until the Big Bass Rodeo which is held in April.  Membership fees are $20.00 per year. For more information about the club visit our web page at www.pushcountysportsmanclub.blogspot.com.

January Meeting 2021

 

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 14. On the agenda was the election of officers.  All current officers were re-elected.  They are Billy Latham, president; Judd Thomas, vice president; Ellis Silvey, treasurer; Billy Henlsey, secretary.  Board of Director members were also elected.  They are Randy Janoe, Colby Chandler, Forrest Cave, Mike Burrage, Kaleb Hensley, and Andy Cripe.

In other news, the 2021 Bass Tournament Schedule was approved.  All permits for tournament dates have been approved.  The complete schedule can be found on our Facebook page or on the club website at www.pushcountysportsmanclub.blogspot.com.  For those interested, the 50^th Annual Big Bass Rodeo will be held at Pine Creek on April 24-25.  The first bass tournament of the season will be held at McGee Creek Lake on March 13.

The Annual Awards Banquet has been set for Saturday, March 6. In previous years, the banquet has been held at the high school cafeteria but this year it will be held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum.  Members will receive awards that were earned during the 2020 season.

Members that had entered the 2020 deer season contest brought their antlers to the meeting to be measured to determine contest winners.  In archery season, Colby Chandler took first place honors with Billy Latham finishing in second place.  Kane Miller won first place in the primitive firearms contest with an impressive buck scoring 160+ Boone & Crockett points. Ellis Silvey came in second in the primitive firearms contest.  For the rifle season contest, Colby Chandler finished in first place with Judd Thomas taking second place honors.  This was one of the better years for our members as several nice racks were brought to the meeting.

The club’s next meeting will be on Thursday, February 11.  Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Museum and begin at 7:30 p.m.

January 2021 Meeting

 Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 14. Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and begin at 7:30 p.m.

On the agenda will be the election of officers and board members for the upcoming year. Also, plans will be made for the annual awards banquet that will be held on Saturday, March 6. Plans for this year's Big Bass Rodeo will be discussed. This will mark the 50th Anniversary of the big bass tournament. The last item on the agenda will be determining winners of the 2020 deer season contest. Those who entered the contest and had a successful hunt must bring their antlers to the meeting or make arrangements for someone else to bring them. This will be the only meeting where antlers will be measured to determine winners.