back to press releases

Painting of Whitetail Deer in Choctaw Country Dedicated

Barbara McCune, Alan Losinger, Ross Myers, Steve Katigan, Carrie Katigan, Senator Charles Ford, Rob McCune, Sarah Losinger (L to R). Barbara McCune, Alan Losinger, Ross Myers, Steve Katigan, Carrie Katigan, Senator Charles Ford, Rob McCune, Sarah Losinger (L to R).

Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund Inc. The painting, entitled Whitetail Deer in Choctaw Country, was created nationally renowned artist Ross Myers of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was unveiled during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber Tuesday afternoon.

In the early 1900s there were as few as 500 whitetail deer in Oklahoma. Oklahoma wildlife officials helped change that trend beginning in 1944 when they began a deer relocation program. Today there are about 475,000 deer and is Oklahomas most abundant big game animal, explained Senator Ford, President of the Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.

The painting is a gift of the family of Senator John R. McCune. Senator McCune served in the State Legislature from 1969 until 1988. Senator McCune died August 12, 1993. His children are Sarah, John, Molly, Laurie and Carrie.

His family wanted to give this painting as a way to honor Senator McCunes long and dedicated service to this state. Besides serving in the legislature, Senator McCune was a businessman and decorated veteran. This gift is a wonderful way to remind everyone at the Capitol of his distinguished service on behalf of his fellow citizens, noted Senator Ford.

This and other art commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. can be found on the Internet at: http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/senate/welcome.html.

Contact info
Senate Communications Division - (405) 521-5605