Bass Tournament Schedule now available

The 2018 bass tournament schedule was approved and voted on at the December meeting, as well as the dates for the Annual Awards Banquet and the Big Bass Rodeo.  Information on these items can be found on the club's web page under "Links we love" which is located on the right side of the page.  In other news, all current officers and board members were nominated to serve for the 2018 season.  No one was nominated in any category to run against current members. 
Deer antlers will be measured at the January meeting to determine winners of our deer contest.  If you were entered and had a successful hunt, don't forget to bring your antlers then.

December Meeting

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 14.  Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum and begin at 7:30 p.m.  Anyone wishing to join the club is invited to attend.

The main item on the agenda will be the discussion and vote on the 2018 Bass Tournament schedule.  Dates are voted on at this meeting so permits can be obtained from the lake authorities.  Also, the date for the Annual Awards Banquet will be voted on at this time as well as discussion on who will speak at the banquet.  Members wishing to have input on the bass tournament schedule or other items should attend.

Also on the agenda will be the nomination of the 2018 officers and board members.  Nominations are made at this meeting and voting will take place at the January meeting.

Top Ten Tournament 2017

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their Annual Top Ten Bass Tournament on Saturday, September 16.  The tournament was held on Sardis 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 10, Judd Thomas, Billy Latham, Ellis Silvey, Colby Chandler, Chuck Beck, Randy Janoe, Mike Burrage, Forrest Cave, Eugene Hensley and Colton Fleming.  Three anglers qualified for wild card positions. They are Billy Hensley, Joe Janoe, and Kaleb Hensley.

Mike Burrage won the tournament with a stringer weight of 15.96 pounds.  Mike was the only angler that was able to catch a six fish limit of bass.  Billy Latham placed second with a stringer weight of 13.61 pounds.  Billy also had a bass that weighed 4.98 pounds to win the big bass of the tournament.  Third place went to Randy Janoe with a stringer weight of 12.70 pounds.  Ellis Silvey placed fourth with 7.18 pounds.  Fifth place was won by Colby Chandler with a stringer weight of 6.73 pounds.

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

Hugo Lake 9-9-17

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their last regular season bass tournament of 2017 on Saturday, September 9.  The tournament was held on Hugo Lake.  Nineteen members participated in the event.

Anglers enjoyed mild temperatures and light breezes throughout the day.  The lake level was near normal with a water temperature in the upper seventies to the low eighties.  Most anglers reported that bass bit fairly well during the early morning hours but slowed down considerably a few hours after sunrise.  Only three anglers were able to catch a six fish limit and they were the ones that placed in the tournament.

Terry Thurman won the tournament with a stringer weight of 14.60 pounds.  Colton Fleming placed second with a stringer weight of 13.80 pounds.  Colton also had the big bass of the tournament.  It weighed 4.60 pounds.  Judd Thomas finished in third place with a stringer weight of 11.30 pounds.

The club will hold its Annual Top Ten Bass Tournament on Saturday, September 16.  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 are Judd Thomas, Billy Latham, Ellis Silvey, Colby Chandler, Chuck Beck, Randy Janoe, Mike Burrage, Forrest Cave, Eugene Hensley, and Colton Fleming.  Those qualifying for a wildcard position are Billy Hensley, Joe Janoe, and Kaleb Hensley. Those qualifying for the tournament must attend the club’s meeting on Thursday, September 14, 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 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.

Top Ten Final Standings:

Sardis Lake Tournament 8-19-17

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament on Saturday, August 19, 2017.  The tournament was held on Sardis Lake.  Eighteen members participated in the tournament.   Anglers enjoyed mild temperatures, in the low 70’s, at the start of the tournament but that quickly changed as the sun began to rise.  The temperature at the end of the tournament had reached 97 degrees.  The heat and bright sunshine seemed to put a damper on catching keeper bass.  Once again, not a single angler was able to catch a six fish limit.  However, there were some nice bass caught.  Four bass weighing over five pounds were caught.

Forrest Cave was the first place winner.  Forrest had a stringer weight of 13.48 pounds.  Kendal Holiman finished in second place with a stringer weight of 10.80 pounds.  Billy Latham came in third with a stringer weight of 6.83 pounds.  The big bass of the tournament was caught by Dennis Willeford.  It weighed 6.44 pounds.

The club’s next bass tournament, which is also the last regular season tournament, will be held on September 9, on Hugo Lake.  This tournament will be followed one week later, on September 16, 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 2017 bass tournament schedule.

TOP TEN STANDINGS: 8-19-17

Noon to Noon Tournament, Aug. 5-6, 2017

Twenty-five members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club competed against each other in the club’s Annual Noon to Noon Bass Tournament held on McGee Creek Lake.  The twenty-four hour marathon began at noon on Saturday, August 5, and ended twenty-four hours later at noon on Sunday, August 6.  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.

Anglers had to contend with strong, gusty winds on Saturday afternoon.   Strong thunderstorms and heavy rain on Sunday morning kept most of the anglers on the shore until nearly 8:00 a.m.  Catching a quality bass proved difficult for most.  Only small bass seemed to cooperate.  Eleven anglers caught their six fish limit on Saturday but only two were able to do so on Sunday.

Earl Jones won the tournament with a stringer weight of 11.33 pounds.  Earl was also the only angler to catch a bass over the 16-22” slot limit.  Earl caught a bass that weighed 5.92 pounds to win the big bass award for Saturday.  Judd Thomas came in a close second with a stringer weight of 11.31 pounds.  Billy Hensley finished in third with a stringer weight of 9.14 pounds.  Ellis Silvey caught the biggest bass on Sunday. His big bass weighed 1.48 pounds.  After bass were weighed on Sunday, a drawing was held for a $25.00 gift card donated by Brannan’s Bass Shop in Powderly, TX.  Johnny Ivey was the lucky winner.

The club’s next bass tournament will be held on Saturday, August 19, at Sardis Lake.  Launch site for the tournament will be the Sardis Cove boat ramp.  Fishing times will be voted on at the club’s regular meeting on Thursday, August 10.  The club meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum. 

TOP TEN STANDINGS: 8-6-2017

PIne Creek Bass Tournament 7-22-17

On Saturday, July 22, 2017, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament on Pine Creek Lake.  The lake level was ten feet above normal with water temperatures reaching 95 degrees.  Anglers had to endure air temps in the upper 90’s with a heat index of 106 degrees. 

The weather was hot but the bite was not.  Only six anglers were able to catch a keeper bass.  This is the second tournament in a row where not a single angler was able to catch a six fish limit of bass.

Johnny Ivey won the tournament with a five fish stringer that weighed 12.56 pounds.  Johnny also caught the biggest bass of the tournament.  It weighed 3.46 pounds.  Ellis Silvey finished in second place with a stringer weight of 8.32 pounds.  Billy Latham came in third with a stringer weight of 6.41 pounds.

The club’s next bass tournament will be their annual Noon to Noon bass tournament.  It will be held on August 5-6 at McGee Creek Lake, Buster Hights Landing.  As the name suggest, the tournament will begin at 12:00 noon on Saturday and will end at 12:00 noon on Sunday.   There will be a weigh-in at 9:00 pm on Saturday, after which, angers may return to the lake and continue fishing or go home and return at their leisure to finish the tournament.  Anglers that have a limit of bass cannot resume fishing until 12:01 am.  The final weigh-in will be at noon on Sunday.  Stringer weights from both days will be added together to determine winners.

TOP TEN STANDINGS: 7-22-17

Hugo Bass Tournament: 7-8-17

The Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament on Saturday, July 8, at Hugo Lake.  The lake level was eight feet above normal and falling.  For most of the anglers, catching a keeper bass over fourteen inches in length proved to be difficult.  For the first time this year, not a single angler was able to catch a six fish limit of bass.  There were a few though that was able to catch some nice bass.

Eugene Hensley was able to catch five bass that weighed 11.38 pounds to win the tournament.  Ellis Silvey finished in second place with a stringer weight of 10.83 pounds.  The third place stringer was caught by Judd Thomas.  It weighed 9.77 pounds.  Ellis Silvey also caught a bass weighing 3.76 pounds to win the big bass of the tournament.

The club’s next bass tournament will be held on July 22, at Pine Creek Lake.  Launch site for the tournament will be the Rock Creek boat ramp in Little River South Park.  Fishing times for the tournament will be voted on at the club’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday, July 13. 
TOP TEN STANDINGS: 7-8-17

Sardis Lake Tournament: 6-24-17

Cloudy skies and a stiff breeze greeted members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club as daylight broke over Sardis Lake on June 24.  Members were competing in a bass tournament and were fishing after a cold front had passed through.  This typically slows down the bass bite but a few members were able to put together some nice stringers.  Five anglers were able to catch their limit of six bass over 14 inches in length.

Forrest Cave won the tournament with a six fish limit that weighed 17.89 pounds.  Mike Burrage finished in second place with a six fish limit that weighed 17.08 pounds.  Judd Thomas came in third place with his limit that weighed 14.20 pounds.  Kaleb Hensley caught a bass that weighed 4.63 pounds to win the big bass of the tournament.

The club’s next event will be a bass tournament on Hugo Lake.  It will be held on Saturday, July 8 and will launch from the Frazier Point boat ramp.  Fishing times will be from “safe light” until 3:00 p.m.

TOP TEN STANDINGS: 6-24-17

46th Annual Big Bass Rodeo

The Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their 46^th Annual Big Bass Rodeo on June 10-11.  The big bass tournament was held on Pine Creek Lake.  Eighty-three anglers participated in the tournament.  This number was down considerably from previous years, most likely due to the fact that the tournament is usually held in April but had to be postponed this year due the high water level at Pine Creek Lake.

Our own club member, Mike Burrage, won the tournament with a bass that weighed 5.94 pounds.   Steve Byrd finished in second place with a bass that weighed 5.71 pounds.  Bobby Trusty came in third.  His bass weighed 5.29 pounds.  Another club member, Chuck Beck, finished in fourth place with a bass weighing 5.25 pounds.  Bub Cunningham finished out the top five places with his bass that weighed 5.18 pounds.  The top five finishers each received a trophy and a cash prize.

Sixth place and lower all received prizes that had been donated by area merchants.  Every angler that caught a bass over sixteen inches long, the minimum for the tournament, received a prize.  A total of forty-five prizes were awarded.  This tournament could not be the success it is without the support of our local merchants.

The club’s next event will be a bass tournament on Sardis Lake.  It will be held on June 24.  Launch site for the tournament will be the Sardis Cove boat ramp.

Also, once again the club has been asked to cook fish for the annual homecoming fish fry.  Proceeds go to our local 4-H group.  Any member that can help, please show up at FirstBank Park around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, June 17.

TOP TEN STANDINGS: 6-11-17

Husband-Wife Bass Tournament & Big Bass Rodeo

On Saturday, June 3, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their annual Husband-Wife Bass Tournament.  Couples did not have to be husband and wife but did have to be a male & female team to compete.  Light to moderate rain fell for most of the day.  On the bright side, the rain did help keep the temperatures mild during the day.

The team of Kaleb Hensley and Jamie Critchlow won the tournament with a stringer weight of 10.96 pounds.  Kaleb also caught a bass the weighed 6.28 pounds to win the biggest bass of the tournament.  Billy Latham and Chelsi Thomas finished in second place with a stringer weight of 9.06 pounds.  Finishing in third place were Joe and Heather Janoe with a stringer weight of 7.94 pounds.

In the ladies big bass division, Martha Hensley took top honors with a bass weighing 1.16 pounds.  A tie occurred for second place.  Both Heather Janoe and Jamie Critchlow caught a bass weighing 1.11 pounds.  Chelsi Thomas finished in third place with a bass weighing 1.09 pounds.  Fourth place went to Sherry Deems with a bass that weighed .80 pounds and Kathy Smith finished fifth with her bass of .60 pounds.  Each lady will receive a plaque.

The club’s next event will be the Annual Big Bass Rodeo.  This is the 46^th year that the club has held this event.  It is the oldest, continuous running big bass tournament in the state and quite possibly the nation.  The tournament will be held on June 10-11, at Pine Creek Lake.  Headquarters for the tournament will be the pavilion on Rock Creek Point in Little River South Park.  The entry fee for the tournament is only $25.00.  You must be a club member to participate.  A yearly membership is $15.00 or a temporary membership is available for $5.00.  Cash, prizes and trophies will be awarded.  Contestants may enter Friday evening or before the tournament begins on Saturday morning.  Fishing times will be from 7:00 t0 5:00 on Saturday and from 7:00 to 3:00 on Sunday.

Sardis Bass Tournament 5-20-17

Strong storms moving through the area during the early morning hours of Saturday, May 20, did not keep seventeen members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club from competing in a bass tournament on Sardis Lake.  Luckily, most of the rain and storms had moved east of the area by the start of the tournament.  Anglers were left with cool temps, cloudy skies and light winds.  Not bad conditions for being on the lake.

Only three anglers were able to catch their limit of six bass.  Seven anglers were unable to catch a single keeper bass.  The winning stringer was caught by Judd Thomas.  Judd had a limit of bass that weighed 18.05 pounds.  Billy Latham, also with a limit of bass, finished in second place.  Billy’s stinger weighed 16.93 pounds.  Colby Chandler placed third with a limit of bass weighing 14.41 pounds.  The big bass of the tournament was caught by Ellis Silvey.  It weighed 5.02 pounds.

The club’s next event will be the Annual Husband & Wife bass tournament and Fish Fry.  It will be held on June 3, at McGee Creek Lake.  Fishing times will be from 7:00 until 2:00 with a fish fry following the tournament.  Launch site for the tournament will be the Potapo boat ramp.  A team does not have to be husband and wife but must consist of a male and a female contestant.  The tournament takes place on Oklahoma’s free fishing weekend, therefore, contestants do not have to purchase a fishing license to compete.

TOP TEN STANDINGS: 5-20-17

Youth Fishing Tournament

On Saturday, May 13, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club were host to a free youth fishing tournament.  The tournament was held at McGee Creek Lake.  The tournament was a huge success with 39 young anglers competing in the event.  This was a record number of attendees for the tournament.

Kaleb Mason was the first place winner.  Kaleb had a stringer weight of 4.98 pounds, all perch.  Brady Janoe finished in second place and Justin Wheeler took third place honors.  Collin Sartin caught a bass weighing .87 pounds to win the prize for the biggest fish weighed in.  These four 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 were treated to a hamburger and hotdog cookout with all the trimmings.

The club’s next event will be a bass tournament on Sardis Lake.  It will be held on Saturday, May 20.  Fishing times will be from “safe light” until 3:00 p.m.  The tournament will launch from the Sardis Cove boat ramp.

PHOTOS courtesy of Chelsi Thomas

Hugo Tournament and Youth Tournament

On Saturday, May 13, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club will host a free youth fishing tournament.  The tournament will be held at McGee Creek Lake.  The tournament is open to any youth age 16 and under.  Contestants can sign up at the Buster Hights Boat landing.  Fishing times will be from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm.  Prizes will be awarded to every contestant, regardless of whether they catch any fish or not.  A cook-out featuring hamburgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings will follow the tournament.   There is no charge for this as well. All the kids and their parents are invited to attend.

The rules for the contest are simple.  Kids can fish from a boat, the shore or the fishing pier in Buster Hights Park.  Live bait or artificial lures may be used with a rod and reel or a cane pole.  Any legal species of fish may be weighed in.  Length limits and possession limits must be strictly followed.

In other club news, members held a bass tournament on Hugo Lake on Saturday, May 6.  It was a great day for fishing.  However, for most of the twenty-two anglers that were competing, it was a poor day for catching.  Only four anglers were able to catch their limit of six bass.  Most everyone else had only two keepers or less.

Chuck Beck won the tournament with a stringer weight of 15.68 pounds.  Following closely in second place with a stringer weight of 15.28 pounds was Judd Thomas.  Johnny Ivey finished in third place with a stringer weight of 14.03 pounds.  The big bass of the tournament was caught by Joe Janoe.  His bass weighed 4.33 pounds, narrowly beating our Colby Chandler’s 4.32 pound bass.

The club will hold its next monthly meeting on Thursday, May 11.  Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum and begin at 7:30 pm.

TOP TEN STANDINGS:  5-6-17

McGee Creek Bass Tournament 4-22-17

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament at McGee Creek Lake on Saturday, April 22.  The Annual Big Bass Rodeo was originally scheduled for this week-end but was postponed due to the high water level at Pine Creek Lake and the closure of camp areas.  The Big Bass Rodeo will now be held on June 10-11.

The fishing conditions for McGee Creek were less than favorable.  The lake water level was ten feet below normal.  Also, anglers had to contend with cool temperatures and a strong north wind.  Despite these conditions, some nice bass were caught.  Of the eighteen anglers that were competing, ten caught their six fish limit.  Four anglers were able to catch a bass over the 16-22 inch slot limit.  Ellis Silvey caught a 6.35 pound bass, Billy Latham a 6.51 pound bass, Chester Nored a 6.84 pound bass and Randy Janoe caught a 6.89 pound bass.  Randy won the big bass of the tournament with his fish.

Ellis Silvey took top honors with a stringer weight of 15.05 pounds to win first place.  Randy Janoe finished in second place with a stringer weight of 10.81 pounds.  Chester Nored took third place with a stringer weight of 10.31 pounds.

The club’s next bass tournament will be held on May 6, at Hugo Lake.  Launch site for the tournament will be Frazier Point boat landing.  Fishing times will be from “safe light” until 3:30 p.m.

TOP TEN STANDINGS 4-22-17

BIG BASS RODEO POSTPONED (UPDATED)

 After much discussion at the club's April meeting, members voted to postpone the Big Bass Rodeo until June 10-11. Everything else will remain the same. The postponement is due to the extremely high water levels and only 1 boat ramp available, and that is if we don't get more rain. The testing of the new discharge tunnels has been postponed until next week. If no problems arise, they are to open the gates after inspection. Hopefully, this will be the last year we will have to put up with the dam construction (pun intended). I hope to see everyone on June 10 for the Big Bass Rodeo.


Since the club will not be holding the Big Bass Rodeo on April 22, they have decided to hold a regular bass tournament on McGee Creek Lake that Saturday.  The tournament will launch from the Potapo boat ramp.  Fishing will begin at “safe light” and will end at 3:30 p.m.

Hugo Lake Bass Tournament 4-8-17

The Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held a bass tournament on Saturday, April 8, at Hugo Lake.  Thirty-seven members participated in the contest.  The lake level was slightly above normal with water temps in the upper sixties and low seventies.  For most of the anglers, catching a keeper bass over fourteen inches in length proved to be difficult.  Fifteen anglers were unable to boat a single keeper.  There were a few though that was able to catch a nice stringer of bass.

Charley Slaton was able to catch a six fish limit that weighed 21.86 pounds to take first place honors.  Judd Thomas finished in second place with a stringer weight of 18.18 pounds.  The third place stringer was caught by Aaron Karr.  It weighed 18.05 pounds.  Aaron also caught a bass weighing 4.93 pounds to win the big bass of the tournament.

The club’s next tournament will be their Annual Big Bass Rodeo.  It will be held on Pine Creek Lake on April 22-23.  There is a chance the tournament may have to be postponed due to high water.  The lake is currently 22 feet above normal.  The flood gates have been closed since July of 2016 for repair work on the discharge tunnels.  The flood gates are scheduled to be open by April 15 to start lowering the level of the lake, if construction is complete.  This will be discussed at the club’s monthly meeting on Thursday, April 13.  Final preparations for the tournament will also be discussed. 

Turkey season for the southeast counties of Oklahoma will open on Monday, April 17.  The club holds a spring turkey hunting contest.  Those wishing to enter the contest may do so at the club’s monthly meeting.  The entry fee for the contest is $10.00 and must be paid before season begins.

TOP TEN STANDINGS 4-8-17

Sardis Lake 3-25-17

On Saturday, May 25, twenty-seven members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club competed in a bass tournament on Sardis Lake. Anglers were faced with cool temps, a brisk breeze and occasional drizzle for the first half of the day. These conditions eventually gave way to partly cloudy skies and milder temps.  It was feast or famine for the anglers.  Eleven anglers were unable to catch a single keeper over 14 inches long while seven anglers were able to boat a limit of six keepers.

Jon Tucker won first place with a six fish limit that weighed 17.71 pounds.  Terry Thurman came in second with a six fish limit weighing 15.26 pounds.  Randy Janoe finished in third place, also with a six fish limit that weighed 14.97 pounds.  The biggest bass of the tournament was caught by Billy Latham.  It weighed 5.32 pounds.

The club’s next event will be a bass tournament on Hugo Lake.  It will be held on Saturday, April 8.  Launch site for the tournament will be Frazier Point boat landing.  Fishing times will be from 7:00 until 4:00.

The club’s next monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, April 13, 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 46th Annual Big Bass Rodeo.  This year’s Big Bass Rodeo will be held on April 22-23 on Pine Creek Lake.  More information is available on the club’s website at www.pushcountysportsmanclub.blogspot.com under “Links We Love”.

TOP TEN STANDINGS

McGee Creek Bass Tournament 3-11-17

On Saturday, March 11, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their first bass tournament of the 2017 season.  The tournament was held on McGee Creek Lake.  Twenty-four anglers braved the cold and wind to compete in the event.

Judd Thomas had the heaviest stringer weight with 14.46 pounds to take first place.  Judd also had the biggest bass of the tournament with a bass weighing 7.86 pounds.  Second place honors went to Joe Janoe.  Joe’s stringer weighed 11.34 pounds.  Joe also had a bass over the 16 to 22 inch slot limit.  His bass weighed 7.79 pounds.  Finishing in third place was Don Deems.  His stringer weighed 10.86 pounds and he also had a bass over the slot limit that weighed 7.05 pounds.

The club’s next bass tournament will be on March 25, at Sardis Lake.  It will launch from the Sardis Cove boat ramp.  Fishing times will be from 7:00 until 4:00. You can keep up with club activities on Facebook and on the web at www.pushcountysportsmanclub.blogspot.com.

TOP TEN STANDINGS 3-11-17

March Meeting

Members voted on the club's fishing times for their first 3 bass tournaments of 2017 at their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 9. The club starts their bass tournament season on McGee Creek Lake on March 11. Launch site will be the Buster Hight boat landing. Fishing times will be from 7:30 to 4:30.
The next tournament will be on Sardis Lake on Saturday, March 25. Launch will be at Sardis Cove ramp and fishing times will be from 7:00 to 4:00.
The next tournament is on Hugo Lake on April 8. Launch site will be at Frazier Point ramp and fishing times will be from 7:00 to 4:00.

46th Annual Awards Banquet

On Saturday, March 4, members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their Annual Awards Banquet.  The banquet was held at the Antlers High School cafeteria and featured a meal of smoked chicken, ribs and pork chops with homemade yeast rolls, soft drinks and side dishes prepared by club members and their spouses.  After the meal was finished, wildlife biologist Jack Waymire presented a program on wildlife management, covering past, present, and possible future management practices, especially the importance of controlled burning to improve wildlife habitat.

After Jack had finished his presentation, members were presented their awards.  For spring turkey season, the club awards a prize based on the length of the turkey’s beard that was harvested by a member.  Billy Hensley won the award for the turkey with the longest beard.  Second place honors went to Eugene Hensley.  Both received a plaque and a check for their share of the entry fee.

Next to be recognized were the Top Ten Anglers of the Year.  Each received an embroidered patch.  They were, from number ten to number one, Mike Burrage, Colton Fleming, Colby Chandler, Joe Janoe, Chuck Beck, Johnny Ivey, Randy Janoe, Billy Latham, Ellis Silvey, and Bass Angler of the Year, Judd Thomas.  Judd also received a plaque and a check.

The Heaviest Stringer of the Year Award went to Colton Fleming.  Colton had the largest stringer weighed in by a club member in a bass tournament.  His stringer weighed 26.28 pounds and was caught on Hugo Lake.  Colton Fleming also won the award for Big Bass of the Year. His bass was caught at McGee Creek Lake and weighed 9.75 pounds.  Colton received a plaque for each event.  The club recognizes anglers that catch over 100 pounds of bass in our yearly tournaments by presenting the “100 Pound Club” award.  Seven anglers qualified for this award. No more than three anglers had ever qualified before this past year.  100 Pound Club award winners were Judd Thomas, Ellis Silvey, Billy Latham, Randy Janoe, Johnny Ivey, Chuck Beck, and Joe Janoe.  Member Colby Chandler was presented the “Oh, So Close” award for needing only 0.12 of a pound to reach the 100 Pound Club.

The club holds a contest for each of Oklahoma’s three deer seasons; archery, primitive firearms and regular gun season.  Winners are determined by measuring the deer’s antlers using the Boone & Crockett scoring system.  In the deer archery season contest, Billy Latham took first place honors with Billy Hensley finishing in second place.  For deer primitive firearms season, Colby Chandler won first place and Billy Latham came in second.  Billy Hensley won first place in the deer rifle season contest.  Eugene Hensley finished in second place for the deer rifle season contest.  Each received a plaque and a check for their share of the entry fee money.

The Grand Slam Award is given to members that harvest a deer in all three seasons; archery, primitive, and gun season.  Three members were presented this award.  They were Billy Hensley, Colby Chandler and Eugene Hensley.

Each year the club recognizes a business or person that consistently supports the club through their donations to club events.  The 2016 Sponsor of the Year Award was presented to Rainbow Home Health.

The club’s most prestigious award is the Sportsman of the Year Award.  This award is based on success in hunting, fishing, and other club activities.  Points are awarded in each of these activities.  The member with the most points at the end of the year is the Sportsman of the Year.  The 2016 Sportsman of the Year Award was presented to Billy Hensley.

The final award was presented to club president Billy Latham for a year of dedicated service to the club.  After awards, door prizes were awarded.  Every child that attended received a prize.  The ladies door prize, a $100.00 Pre-Paid MasterCard, was won by Phyllis Latham.  The men’s door prize, an ABU Revo SX Baitcast reel was won by Billy Hensley.

The club’s first bass tournament of the 2017 season will be held on Saturday, March 11, at McGee Creek Lake.  The tournament will launch from Buster Hights Landing.  Fishing times will be decided at the club’s regular meeting on Thursday, March 9.  Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum and begin at 7:30 p.m.

2017 Awards Banquet

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club will hold their 46^th Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 4.  The banquet will be held in the Antlers High School Cafeteria and will begin at 6:00 p.m.  At the banquet, awards will be presented to members that were earned during 2016. 

The meal will feature smoked meats, rolls and soft drinks provided by the club.  Side dishes and desserts will be provided by members and their spouses.  The speaker for this year’s event will be Mr. Jack Waymire.  Jack is a wildlife biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and is also the area manager of the Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area near Clayton.  Jack will bring everyone up to date on any new wildlife regulations and provide information on the status of our wildlife populations.  There will be door prizes for the men, ladies, and children.  Men may buy chances on an ABU Revo SX baitcasting reel.  Chances will be $1.00 each and there is no limit on the number of chances that may be purchased.  The ladies may register, at no charge, for a $100.00 pre-paid Master Card.  Children’s door prizes will consist of fishing equipment, sporting equipment, games and more.  Every child that attends will receive a prize.  Drawings will be held at the end of the banquet.

Members are looking forward to their first bass tournament of 2017 which will be held on March 11, at McGee Creek Lake.  The fishing hours for the tournament will be decided at the club’s monthly meeting on Thursday, March 9.  Launch site for the tournament will be at Buster Hights Landing.  Check for updates on the web at www.pushcountysportsmanclub.blogspot.com.

February Meeting Summary

Club members met on Thursday, February 9.  The main item on the agenda was to finalize plans for the Annual Awards Banquet which is scheduled for Saturday, March 4.  It will be held at the Antlers High School Cafeteria and will begin at 6:00 p.m.  Judd Thomas will be smoking the meat dishes for the banquet with members providing side dishes.  The club will also provide soft drinks and bread.
The speaker for the banquet will be Mr. Jack Waymire.  Jack is a biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and is the manager of the Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area near Clayton.
There will be door prizes for the men, women and every child that attends.  The men's door prize will be a ABU Revo SX baitcast reel.  Men can buy chances for the reel at $1.00 each.  There is no limit on the number of chances that can be purchased.  The ladies door prize will be a $100.00 pre-paid Visa card.  Every adult female may sign up for the drawing at no charge.  Kids prizes will include fishing equipment, games, sporting equipment, dolls and much more. 
The main purpose of the banquet is to recognize the success of members during the previous year.  Awards will be presented for fishing, turkey hunting and deer hunting.  The banquet kicks off the club's new year and our first bass tournament will be on Saturday, March 11, at McGee Creek Lake.  Club memberships expire at the end of February.  The banquet will be a good time to renew your membership.  Membership fees are only $15.00 per year.  Hope to see you there.

February Meeting

Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club will meet on Thursday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum.
The main item on the agenda will be the Annual Awards Banquet.  The banquet will be held on Saturday, March 4, at the Antlers High School Cafeteria and will begin at 6:00 p.m..  The club will provide meat dishes, soft drinks and bread with members providing side dishes and desserts. The speaker and awards to be presented will be finalized during the meeting.  The Sportsman of the Year award will be determined.  This award is based on a point system of participation and success in the field.  Those members who think they may qualify can use the "Sportsman of the Year Tally Sheet" located under "Links We Love" on our club website to determine how may points they have earned during the previous year.
Anyone interested in joining the club are invited to attend.  The club's first bass tournament will be on March 11 at McGee Creek Lake.   Fishing times will be voted on at the March meeting.

2017 January Meeting

Club members met on Thursday, January 12, at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum.  Members voted to retain all officers for the 2017 calendar year.  Billy Latham will remain as president, Judd Thomas as vice-president, Billy Hensley as secretary and Ellis Silvey will remain as treasurer.  Board of directors were also voted in for this year.  They are Eugene Hensley, Kaleb Hensley, Randy Janoe, Joe Janoe, Forrest Cave, and Colby Chandler.
Winners for the 2016 deer season contest were also decided during the meeting.  In archery season, Billy Latham won first place with Billy Hensley finishing in second place.  For the primitive firearms season, Colby Chandler placed first with Billy Latham coming in second.  In regular gun season, Billy Hensley won first place with  Eugene Hensley finishing in second place.
This year's Annual Awards Banquet has been set for Saturday, March 4th.  It will be held at the Antlers High School Cafeteria and begin at 6:00 p.m.  More information on the banquet will appear as the date draws closer.  The club's next meeting will be on Thursday, February 9.

January 2017 Meeting

Members will meet on Thursday, January 12.  Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Wildlife Heritage Center and Museum.  At this month's meeting, officer and board member elections will be held.  Also on the agenda will be the measuring of deer antlers to determine winners of our deer season contest.  Successful hunters that were entered in the contest must bring their antlers to the meeting or arrange for someone else to bring them.  The annual awards banquet, tentatively set for Saturday, March 4, will also be discussed during the meeting.  Anyone wishing to join the club is invited to attend.