OSGWA Supports Wagoner Traditional Archers and the
“Jerry Cole Memorial Shoot”
Every July since 2004, a Wagoner Traditional Archers organization hosts an annual Jerry Cole Memorial 3-D Tournament. The event honors and memorializes the life of a former Oklahoma Game Warden and avid archer, the late Jerry Cole (December 31, 1999). Since inception of the event, the OSGWA has donated $1,500.00 every year for promotion of the event, awards to competitors, lunch to all and support of the facilities and equipment. This event not only promotes all aspects of the sport of archery but puts great emphasis on introducing youth to the sport. One of the ways this is encouraged is by giving each youth participant a bronze medallion recognizing their participation.
Many new officers across the state have hired on since Jerry’s passing and did not know the “Roving Ranger”. Cole worked in six counties across the state during his 23 years of dedicated service to the sportsmen and women of Oklahoma and touched many lives in that time. Having passed now over a decade ago, this article and a few pictures hopefully help honor Jerry’s memory for those who knew him while introducing others to a great warden who mentored many. Because of efforts like this memorial archery shoot provided by fellow bowhunters, officers, and the OSGWA, Jerry’s example and memory will not be forgotten.
 |
 |
| Prior to the official name change in the early 90’s, Game Rangers Dennis Maxwell (L) of Waggoner Co. and Jerry Cole discuss the disposition of some seized evidence from an illegal-snagging bust the two teamed up on. | State Game Ranger Jerry Cole (r) of Cherokee Co. mentored many a young outdoorsman… and game “RANGER” as well (our title up to 1994). Prior to Jerry’s untimely passing from Stomach Cancer in 1999 he shared many great memories with young officers like Jerry Henry (Sequoyah Co.) seen here posing with a nice catfish. Note the “new style” Cole is wearing in this 1994 photo. |
| Jerry Cole’s life was a living example of that slogan – “take your kid huntin’… and you won’t have to hunt for your kid!” The OSGWA recognizes we have numerous “Jerry Cole’s” among our ranks possessing this type of commitment to wildlife law enforcement and the future of loving and knowing the outdoors. This example of love and talent has touched, and continues to touch thousands and to date, has been commemorated by untold numbers of sportsmen and women and game wardens, pitching in to host a great event that benefits all. To date, these honorable goals have also been supported by over $10,500 being given by the OSGWA. Evidently, the late Jerry Cole continues to inspire others, lighting the way for all who wish to leave that same kind of indelible mark - for decades to come. |  |
Named in honor of Cole, a local management area holds a favorite area of the late warden signifies his service to sportsmen and represents just how well he was thought of in Cherokee Co. |
For more information on the Jerry Cole memorial tournament or Wagoner Traditional Archery, log on to the club’s web-site at www.wagonerarchery.org.
 |
|
Robert Wood (Vice-President of WTA) receives a $1,500.00 donation from OSGWA President Tony Clark. Also on hand for the presentation were Dewey Co. SGW and District 7 Director Clint Carpenter (left) and Sequoyah Co. SGW Jerry Henry (right). |
|
State Game Warden Jerry L. Cole August 23, 1948 – December 31, 1999 (23 Years of dedicated service) |
|
 |
 |
Winter 1990 – (l-r) Brady May (Cherokee Co.), Dist. 2 Commissioner Carl Pierceall, Dist 2 Chief Dwight Witt and Jerry Cole (Cherokee Co.) Note Game Ranger patches. |
Spring 1993 – Cole enthusiastically working a local fishing clinic educating kids on the thrill of getting outdoors! |