El Dorado State Park To Host Great Outdoors Day And Governors Campout June 18

EL DORADO STATE PARK – Across the U.S., state governors have declared June to be “Great Outdoors Month” to remind us of the fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities we can enjoy. In conjunction with Great Outdoors Month, June 18, 2016 has been designated Great Outdoors Day in Kansas by Governor Brownback and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). The day will be celebrated at El Dorado State Park and will culminate with the Governor’s Campout. Great Outdoors Day activities and displays can be enjoyed free of charge from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at El Dorado State Park’s Walnut River Amphitheater Area.

Those attending the Great Outdoors Day will be able to shoot bows and airguns, catch bugs and crawdads, learn to paddle a kayak or canoe, learn about nature, and see the latest camping and outdoor gear. Other activities include a KDWPT K-9 demonstration, aquatic education programs, flint knapping demonstrations, horse rides, a fishing clinic, and KDWPT’s mobile aquarium.

The Governor’s Campout will begin Saturday evening. Anyone interested in camping must pre-register by calling Kati Westerhaus at 620-672-0740 or emailing Kati.westerhaus@ksoutdoors.com. Slots for campers are limited. The campout will begin with registration at 4:30 p.m. After a welcoming ceremony, campers can enjoy a national park exhibit, supper and programs including live animal education demonstrations, Dutch oven cooking, cowboy campfire stories and songs and telescope star gazing. Campers will enjoy breakfast and a closing ceremony with certificates and door prizes on Sundaymorning.

Sponsoring participants include Coleman Factory Outlet, Kansas Golf and Turf, Sutherlands, Bicycle X-change, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Boys and Girl Scouts, Shady Creek Sales, John K. Fisher, Cabela’s Butler County Extension Office and 4-H, the National Wild Turkey Federations, Butler County Rescue and EMS and Wildscape.

YOUTH AND DISABLED DEER SEASON A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST-TIME HUNTERS

Youth and disabled hunters don’t have to be involved in a special hunt to participate in this season, but for first-time hunters, a special hunt may be the way to go

PRATT­– There’s a first time for everything, and for youth and disabled deer hunters, Sept. 7 marks the first day of a very special nine-day season. From Sept. 7-15, youth 16 and younger and disabled hunters will have the opportunity to hit the field, taking first pick of Kansas deer. This not only provides a greater potential for harvesting deer, but it also allows youth and disabled hunters to enjoy hunting in milder temperatures, without the hunting pressure and competition of a regular season.

For youth who may be hunting for the first time, special hunts can be a great way to start. Sept. 7-8. At this particular event, eight lucky youth will participate in a two-day, guided hunt completely free of charge. The event will also include activities that teach proper gun handling and hunter safety in the field, as well as give participants hands-on experience during a wingshooting contest.

Through a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) program called Pass It On, department staff at various state parks and wildlife areas around the state sponsor special youth deer hunts. For example, staff at El Dorado State Park staff will host a special youth deer hunt on

“This event helps get youth interested in the outdoors and creates a memorable experience at the same time,” said El Dorado State Park ranger Kyle Hoover, “and it has been a huge success.”

Young hunters interested in participating in a special hunt should contact their local KDWPT regional, park or wildlife area office to find out about local opportunities. Most special hunts limit the number of participants, so pre-registration is required. KDWPT-sponsored special hunts connect youth and an accompanying adult with a local guide and provide a prime hunting spot. Often with the help of local members of a conservation organization, these hunts teach youth about our hunting heritage and provide them with a high-quality hunting experience.

But youth and disabled hunters don’t have to be involved in a special hunt in order to participate in this unique season. Youth age 16 or younger, who possess a valid deer permit, may hunt during this special deer season as long as they are under the immediate supervision of an adult 18 or older. This season is also open to any person who possesses a valid deer permit and has a permit to hunt from a vehicle pursuant to KAR 115-18-4 or a disability assistance permit issued pursuant to KAR 115-18-15.

All resident and nonresident permits are valid during this special season, and equipment restrictions designated on permits apply. Hunter orange is required. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

For more information on the 2013 deer season, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting/Hunting Regulations.” To find a special hunt near you, check the “Events” section of ksoutdoors.com.

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KANSAS STATE PARKS OFFER MULTITUDE OF EVENTS THIS JUNE

 It’s summertime and Kansas state parks are gearing up with events for everybody under the sun. From fishing tournaments to music festivals, and Kids Days galore, Kansans are sure to find something fun and

exciting to do this June at a Kansas state park.

Listed below are a variety of events being held this June at Kansas state parks. For more information on a specific event, please contact the respective state park. State park contact information can be found at www.ksoutdoors.com by clicking “State Parks / Locations.”

JUNE 8

National “Get Outdoors” Day

OK Kids Day – Lake Scott State Park (South of Beach House)

Kids Ironman (Kids triathlon) – Clinton State Park

Kansas Draft Horse & Mule Association Driving Clinic – Boulder Bluff Arena, El Dorado State Park. (Open to public).

Field Coursing Dog Run –?Clinton State Park

JUNE 9

Ironman Triathlon – Clinton State Park

Fishstix Bowfishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park (Arrow Rock Boat Ramp)

JUNE 10

Fishstix Bowfishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park (Arrow Rock Boat Ramp)

JUNE 15

Youth Fishing Derby – Cedar Bluff State Park

Youth Scavenger Hunt – Cedar Bluff State Park

Kansas Bass Nation Fishing Tournament –?Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Kids Outdoor Adventure and Free Park Entrance Day – Cedar Bluff State Park. (Camping and utility permits still apply).

Vango Fundraiser – Clinton State Park

OK Kids Day/Free Park Entrance – Wilson State Park

JUNE 16

Kansas Bass Nation Fishing Tournament –?Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Kansas Walleye Association Fishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park

Wild Within You 5K and 15K Hell Creek on Heels Trail Run?– Wilson State Park (Switchgrass Trail)

June 23

Triathlon Race?– El Dorado State Park (Walnut River Area)

June 27

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

June 28

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

June 29

Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament?– Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

Water Safety Event/Jet ski Simulator – Kanopolis State Park

June 30

Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament?– Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

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KDWPT OFFERS FREE FISHING DAYS JUNE 2-3

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Everyone may fish without a license; scout hotspots online
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will offer 2012 Free Fishing Days on June 2-3, helping launch the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) National Fishing Week, June 2-10. On the weekend of June 2-3, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older and residents age 16 through 64 must have a fishing license to fish in Kansas, but on Free Fishing Days, everyone gets to fish for free, making this the ideal time to introduce curious would-be anglers of any age to an outdoor pastime that will provide pleasure throughout their lives.
In conjunction with National Fishing Week, RBFF has launched the “Nature’s Waterpark Showdown,” which uses the TakeMeFishing.org Facebook page to highlight parks around the country. In Kansas, El Dorado State Park has been nominated, one of 23 parks in the nation to receive the honor. The promotion will run for eight weeks and will culminate in a list of the top eight parks in the country based on fan votes. Once fans have voted, they can also register to win weekly prizes and one Grand Prize. The Grand Prize winner will receive a trip for four to one of the top-eight parks of their choice.
Kansas has hundreds of lakes and streams, including numerous conveniently-located community lakes. Finding the ideal fishing location is simple: go to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, click "Fishing" at the top of the page, then “Where to Fish in Kansas” in the left-hand column.
Public fishing waters also are listed in the Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available on the KDWPT website or in printed form at KDWPT offices and license vendors around the state. The summary also provides a fish identification guide, length and creel limits, and a variety of additional information for anglers. The 2012 Kansas Fishing Atlas includes maps with locations of all state-managed and F.I.S.H. waters.
For information on fishing prospects, lake ratings for all sportfish may be found on the KDWPT’s online Fishing Forecast. In addition, the most recent biologists' fishing reports may be found on the Fishing Reports page.
Late May and early June are some of the best times to take advantage of Kansas angling opportunities. If you haven't already bought a license or are curious about fishing, take advantage of this opportunity on June 2-3.

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KANSAS STATE PARKS PREPARE FOR BUSY SEASON

Wilson-Tuscarora State Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

April marks beginning of park season
PRATT — Great outdoor adventures are waiting at Kansas state parks. The early warm-up this spring has whetted the appetites of campers, boaters, and anglers, and your state parks are ready.

In addition to camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking, a variety of special events are planned throughout the state to enhance the state park experience. Some events are in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days; some celebrate a special historical event or geological attribute of an individual park; and others are just for entertainment. Each park sets its own dates for these events.

Events are diverse and may include anything from a marathon race to boating courses and equestrian events. Many are educational, and all make visiting Kansas state parks more enjoyable. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the State Parks page of the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column. A short conversation with local park staff will provide information on campsite availability, park conditions, current visitation rates, and answers to other questions. KDWPT is currently in the process of installing a new reservation system, so no new reservations will be taken until April 17.

Although few events are currently scheduled for April, each month gets busier as the air and water warm. April events include the following:

April 6-8 — 2nd Annual Luke Nihart Memorial Turkey Hunt (youth/disabled) at Tuttle Creek and Milford state parks;
April 7 — Kansas Ultra Runners' Society Rockin' K Trail Runs at Kanopolis State Park;
April 14-15 — Heart of America German Shorthair Pointer Club AKC Field Trial & Hunt Test at Hillsdale State Park;
April 20-21 — Spoon Creek Chapter Fellowship of Christian Cowboys Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
April 21 — second annual benefit ride to send combat troops packages at El Dorado State Park (phone American Legion, 316-323-3982);
April 21 — Hays Bass Anglers Association Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
April 21 — 9th Annual Corps of Engineers Clinton Reservoir Clean Up at Clinton State Park;
April 21 — Kansas Buddy Bass Tournament at Eisenhower State Park; and
April 28 — OK Kids Day and Free Entrance at Cheney State Park.

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PLENTY OF SUMMER LEFT AT KANSAS STATE PARKS

Image via Wikipedia
August 25
After Labor Day, parks offer milder weather, uncrowded parks
PRATT — School will be starting soon, and although many people view this as the end of summer, Kansas state parks are still going strong. Many have events planned for one of the busiest times the year — Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best times of year for a park visit. If the weather is hot or just mildly warm, it’s a good time to be outdoors. Once Labor Day weekend is over, crowds thin, and September becomes one of the most relaxing times to visit a state park.
Trail rides, chili cook-offs, and fishing tournaments are among the many events slated for September, making the prospect of a pre-autumn mini-vacation even more inviting. Each park sets its own dates for these events, and all offer a chance to enjoy the special attributes of Kansas state parks, many of which feature rental cabins, as well as fascinating historical or geological features that enhance the park experience.
For more information on these events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWPT website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.
The following is a list of September state park events:

• Sept. 4 — Wright Flight of Kansas/Missouri trail ride at Eisenhower State Park;
• Sept. 9-11 — American Competitive Trail Horse Association & Midwest Mustang and Burro Saddle Club trail ride at Eisenhower State Park;
• Sept. 9-11 — Saddle Ridge Trail Riders Annual Fall Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 10-11 — Heartland Coursing Association field trail at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 11 — outdoor chili cooking contest at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 11 — 3-D archery competition at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 18 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 23-25 — American Competitive Trail Horse Association trail ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 24 — National Trail Cleanup Day at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 24-25 — “Fishing Has No Boundaries” tournament at El Dorado State Park; and
• Sept. 24 — 9th Annual Fall River Rendezvous at Fall River State Park.

LUKE NIHART MEMORIAL RUN APRIL 16 IN WAMEGO

Event to honor Tuttle Creek State Park ranger
WAMEGO — On June 26, 2010, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) ranger Luke Nihart died of injuries he received while patrolling Tuttle Creek State Park in the early morning hours of the park’s annual Country Stampede Music Festival. The 32-year-old Nihart, an 11-year KDWP veteran, lost control of his ATV while entering a parking lot. It was a great loss for Nihart’s family and for KDWP. In 2005, Nihart had received a commendation for valor shown in a water rescue on Tuttle Creek in which he and another ranger exposed themselves to dangerous conditions to rescue boaters caught in a severe thunderstorm on the lake.

To honor Nihart, the Wamego MOMs Running For Others will conduct a Luke Nihart Memorial Run on Saturday, April 16. The event is being held in association with Wamego’s 24th Annual Tulip Festival. The race will include a 5k run-walk and a 10k run beginning at 8 a.m. at the Wamego Recreation Complex, on the southwest corner of Highway 24 and Balderson Boulevard in Wamego. Online reservations are available at www.active.com. Race packets and registrations will be available on Friday, April 15, from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. at the Wamego Chamber Of Commerce, 529 Lincoln Avenue in Wamego. Same-day registration will be available on Saturday, April 16, from 7 a.m.-7:30 a.m. Strollers are welcome in the 5K race.

For the kids, there will be a “bounce house” and gymnastics obstacle course available for $5 per child, unlimited play time. These are open activities, not competition, and all money will go to the Nihart Children’s Education Fund.

“Running has often been described by those mourning losses as an avenue to find peace throughout the grieving process,” explains Jessica Kueker, event organizer and founder of the MOMS group. “As someone who runs, I can see how this could be true. I have seen how other runs have benefitted great causes, and there appears to be a huge running community in our area, so it made sense to have a run be our fundraiser for the Nihart family.”

Nihart graduated from Wamego High School in 1995, then attended Cloud County Community College for two years prior to graduating from Kansas State University in 2000 with a B.S. in agriculture. He also graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in December of 2000. After graduation, he worked for a short time as a park ranger at El Dorado State Park before accepting the position at Tuttle Creek. An avid outdoorsman, Nihart was especially interested in getting youth involved in the shooting sports and other outdoor activities.

For more information, email momsclubofwamego@gmail.com.

APRIL STATE PARK EVENTS ANTICIPATE BUSY SUMMER

Spring weather heralds more park activity
PRATT — Spring weather is slowly warming up the Sunflower State, and state park staff plan to enhance the Kansas state park experience with a variety of special events throughout the state in 2011. Some events are in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days, some celebrate a special historical event or geological attribute of an individual park, and others are just for entertainment. Each park sets its own dates for these events.

Events are diverse and may include anything from a marathon race to boating courses and equestrian events. Many are educational, and all make visiting Kansas state parks more enjoyable. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the State Parks page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

Cabin rental reservations may also be made online.

Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling.Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column. A short conversation with local park staff will provide information on campsite availability, park conditions, current visitation rates, and answers to other questions. Campsite reservations may also be made by phone.

To date, only two events are scheduled for April, the April 2 Lake Adventures Race at Tuttle Creek State Park and Operation Pedal Express bicycle benefit ride at El Dorado State Park. Additional events may be listed during a given month, so be sure to check your favorite park weekly for more events.

Camping Places

NATIONAL SYMBOL BRIGHTENS SUNFLOWER STATE WINTER

Eagle Days organized to educate participants about state’s largest raptor
PRATT — Perhaps nothing piques the interests of both novice and seasoned Kansas bird watchers more than the sight of the nation’s symbol, the bald eagle. While some bald eagles nest in Kansas, numbers often surge during January and February, providing excellent opportunities to observe these magnificent raptors. To improve bald eagle viewing opportunities, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) — in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local Audubon chapters — has scheduled a number of "Eagle Days" across the state.
The Tuttle Creek 2011 Eagle Day will be held Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. until approximately noon. The program is free and open to the public. Participants will meet at in the large assembly room at the Manhattan Fire station, 2000 Denison (the corner of Denison and Kimball) in Manhattan. At that time, Dan Mulhern, biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will offer a short presentation on the nesting habits of bald eagles in Kansas. Pat Silovsky, director of KDWP’s Milford Nature Center, will then display several live raptors in her discussion of eagles and other birds of prey.
Following the two presentations at the fire station, members of the Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society will take participants on a bus tour through the area downstream of Tuttle Creek Dam, with the goal of watching bald eagles in the wild.
All participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Everyone is encouraged to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras. Sponsors of the bus service include the Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society and the Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, phone Steve Prockish at 785-539-8511, ext. 3167.
Similar Eagle Days events are scheduled at the following locations:

• F.L. Schlagle Library on Wyandotte Lake on Jan. 15, phone 913-299-2384;
• Milford Reservoir on Jan. 15-16, phone 785-238-5323;
• Lawrence Free State High School, 6th and Wakarusa in Lawrence, on Jan. 23, phone 785-843-7665; and
• Chaplin Nature Center, 27814 27th Drive in Arkansas City, on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, phone 316-442-4233.

KDWP staff are reporting eagles at El Dorado State Park, but no events are scheduled. Eagles frequent several large reservoirs in eastern Kansas, and other Eagle Days may be scheduled in the near future. For more information, contact the nearest office of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

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