Kansas Bowhunters Association To Host Glen Elder Bowfishing Contest

GLEN ELDER – The Kansas Bowhunters Association (KBA) will hold a carp bowfishing contest at Glen Elder Lake on July 9-10. The group will headquarter at the Boller Point Campground (take Lake Drive south out of Cawker City across causeway and then west to campground). Signs will direct archers to the area.
KBA members invite anyone who has an interest to attend. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner who wants to learn more about bowfishing, the event is perfect for all levels of experience. Members will have bowfishing rigs available for those who don’t have their own.
Bring your own food and drink and plan to camp. The KBA will serve fish and onion rings on Saturday evening. Participants will compete to see who can bring in the most pounds of carp. The event will officially start on Saturday at 12 p.m. and end Sunday at 12 p.m. Only carp shot within that time frame will count. Archers may fish in the lake, river above and tailwater below.

For anyone bowfishing, a Kansas fishing license is required (unless exempt by law). Arrows must have barbed heads and be attached by a line to the bow.
Contact Kent Davis at 620-873-5264 or kdavis@cmselectric.com for more information.

Lifetime Fishing License Sweepstakes

PRATT – The Active Network is teaming up with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks (KDWPT) and Tourism to offer Kansas anglers a chance to win a lifetime fishing license. Anyone purchasing their fishing license online at www.ksoutdoors.com is automatically entered into the sweepstakes. If you already have your license, you can still enter the sweepstakes by filling out the online entry form and clicking on “Enter Sweepstakes.” But hurry, the Lifetime Fishing License Sweepstakes closes June 30, 2016.

You must be a Kansas resident and 18 years old or older to enter. Go to www.ksoutdoors.com and click on the “LIFETIME FISHING SWEEPSTAKES” button to learn more and enter.

Active Network is a leading global marketplace for activities and events, and contracts with KDWPT to manage and market license and permit sales.

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Biologists Take Tissue Samples To Evaluate Bass Stocking Program

EMPORIA – Fisheries biologists at the Meade Fish Hatchery have been fooling Mother Nature to get largemouth bass to spawn earlier than normal. By controlling water temperature and photo-period (day length), along with other biological factors, hatchery staff are able to create an environment where largemouth bass spawn up to two months earlier than they would in the wild. The fry produced have a huge advantage over naturally-spawned bass because they are large enough to feed on small fish through the spring and summer. By fall, these larger bass are more likely to survive their first winter in a Kansas lake.

So far, early-spawn bass have been stocked into select Kansas reservoirs where bass are popular with anglers but natural reproduction and normal stocking practices aren’t maintaining good bass populations. To evaluate the success of the early-spawn program, fisheries staff have conducted creel surveys to determine if catch rates have improved. In addition, DNA testing of adult bass caught in these lakes will tell biologists what percentage of the bass population is made up of early-spawn fish.

A unique quality of the early-spawn program is that genetic records kept on the brood fish allow each bass produced to be traced back to the hatchery. KDWPT biologists are working with bass tournament organizers to obtain samples from bass brought to tournament weigh-ins at select lakes. Recently, staff worked with the East Kansas Bassmasters club during a tournament on Hillsdale Reservoir where early-spawn bass have been stocked since 2012. Fingernail-sized clippings from the upper caudal fin were collected from fish at the weigh-in before the bass were released. The tissue samples will be tested to determine if they came from fish produced at the Meade Fish Hatchery.  

In the past five years, more than 10 million largemouth bass have been produced and stocked through the early-spawn procedure. The evaluation efforts will help biologists determine the program’s effectiveness in bolstering bass populations, as well as what changes should be made to improve stocking success.

Master Angler Awards Go To Lucky Anglers

PRATT ­– So, you caught a big fish; was it luck or was it skill? There’s no doubt a little luck never hurts, but good anglers make their own luck by refining their skills, paying attention to environmental conditions and being persistent. And for that, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) wants to recognize them when they catch trophy-class fish.

KDWPT’s Master Angler Award program provides anglers with a certificate when they catch a fish that is at or above the minimum length set for that species. All an angler needs is a tape measure and a camera. Measure the fish, snap a color photo and fill out the application, available in the 2016 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary or at www.ksoutdoors.com; click on “Fishing” then click on “Special Fishing Programs.”

Minimum lengths are listed for 33 different species of fish in the regulations summary and online. For example, to receive a Master Angler Award for a largemouth bass, the fish must measure at least 23 inches. The color photo allows species identification.

Even if you are luckier than you are good, and you catch that monster bass, send us an application and we’ll mail you a custom certificate suitable for framing. May is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish, so what are you waiting for?

More Fish Attractors to Hit Kansas Lakes

PRATT – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Fisheries Section staff recently launched a new program designed to increase the amount of fish-attracting structure in Kansas public waters. As part of the program, staff will sink approximately 300 “PVC cubes,” to attract fish. The 3-foot by 4-foot by 4-foot cubes are cost-effective and proven in other states, and not only do they last more than three times (10-plus years) longer than natural brush piles, they have been shown to hold as many fish as the natural counterpart without effecting water quality.

David Breth, who recently took over coordination of the fish habitat program, said that the goal of adding 300 cubes this year has just about been met.

“It’s an ongoing project,” he said. “As we get the materials and kits ready, we are adding cubes and new lake locations to receive them. All cubes are being placed at specific, pre-determined locations.”

Known as “Georgia Cubes,” the artificial structures were designed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Stacking more than 50 feet of corrugated pipe on the PVC frame, the design maximizes surface area for fish attraction. The structures quickly accumulate periphyton, a complex mix of algae, fungi, and bacteria, making them more attractive to insects and fish. 

Anglers are already reporting catching fish, notably largemouth bass, around the cubes placed this spring. Fisheries field staff will collect sonar and video images on how fish populations and species are using the cubes in relation to natural structures.

For anglers wanting to try their luck, a file is available with GPS locations of attractors (natural and artificial) at the KDWPT website,www.ksoutdoors.com. Click on “Fishing” then click on “Google KMZ file of KS Fish Attractors” under the “Fishing Opportunities” menu. Anglers can also find the file by entering “fish attractor GPS” in the search box on the home page. As the new cubes are placed and marked, the file will be updated with locations. Cubes have been added to, Milford, Wilson, Melvern, Perry, El Dorado, Tuttle Creek and Horsethief reservoirs, Butler, Clark, Pottawatomie No. 1, Pottawatomie No. 2 and Meade state fishing lakes, Yates Center South Owl Lake, and Eureka City Lake.

Breth said that without the help of Kansas B.A.S.S. chapters, the placement process would be much slower.

“Local B.A.S.S. clubs have been instrumental in this project, assembling the cubes from kits onsite, then placing them using their own boats and GPS units,” he said. “They’ve been a great help.”

BULLFROG SEASON BRINGS NEW MEANING TO SACK LUNCH

Bullfrog hunting can be a great way to spend a summer night, as well as fill up on good eats

PRATT– Kansas bullfrog season is almost here and for some, this is a special summer treat. From July 1-October 31, hunters of these four-legged amphibians

can enjoy both an evening’s entertainment as well as a meal that is anything but ho-hum. All that's needed is a flashlight, a sack, a pond, and some stealth.

Considered by some as a delicacy, frog legs have a taste and texture that resembles a cross between shrimp and fish. A popular way to cook them is to dip the legs in egg and then into a mixture of flour and corn meal, seasoning salt, and pepper. The legs are then fried to a golden brown and served up hot.

While bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, dip net, gig, bow and arrow, or crossbow (firearms not allowed), many froggers prefer to take them by hand. The best method is to walk quietly through the water at night and shine a bright light along the bank until a pair of glowing eyes appear. Temporarily blinded by the light, frogs can be grabbed or netted.

The daily creel limit is eight, with a possession limit of 24. A valid fishing license is required for any person to take, catch, or kill bullfrogs, except persons exempt by law from having such license.

For more information on bullfrog season, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing / Fishing Regulations / Bullfrogs.”

FORT RILEY TO HOST FREE YOUTH FISHING EVENT

Families are invited to attend an annual fishing day at Fort Riley free of charge

Kids of all ages are welcome to attend Fort Riley’s third annual Kid’s Fishing Day April 20 at Moon Lake from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The annual event regularly draws a strong crowd.

“Last year, we had about 200 kids there,” said Directorate of Public Works supervisory fish and wildlife

biologist, Shawn Stratton. “It’s a great time, even if the kids have no experience.”

Participants will be supplied with fishing bait, tackle, lunch and refreshments, as well as rods and reels for those without equipment. Youth anglers will also receive a free tackle box with lures.

Event sponsors include the Fort Riley Directorate of Public Works, the Fort Riley Directorate of Emergency Services, the Fort Riley Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the Fort Riley Outdoorsmen Group, the 1-70 Bass Anglers Club, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and TakeMeFishing.org.

There is no cost to attend and families can register any time during the event.

Participants age 16 and older must possess a valid Kansas fishing license.

For more information, contact the Fort Riley Conservation Office at (785) 239-6211, or the Fort Riley Outdoor Recreation Center at (785) 239-2363.

STATE, FEDERAL AGENCIES ACQUIRE CHEROKEE COUNTY LAND

Image via Wikipedia

Property to be restored to benefit wildlife and the public
CHEROKEE COUNTY — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Kansas Field Office and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) (collectively known as “Trustees”) have acquired 711 acres in Cherokee County. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will hold title to the property and be responsible for its operation and maintenance. This marks the first restoration acquisition in Kansas since the implementation of the Cherokee County Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment.

Cherokee County is part of the Tri-State Mining District in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, which was mined extensively for lead, cadmium, and zinc for more than a century. As a consequence of these mining and mine-related activities, large amounts of metals were released into the Cherokee County environment. Lead, cadmium, and zinc are potentially toxic to a wide variety of organisms, including birds, mammals, fish, mussels, and plants. The Trustees have been documenting these effects since the mid-1990s. The Restoration Plan outlines specific goals to compensate for mining-related damage to the environment.

The property was previously enrolled in the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The WRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands on their property. As part of the WRP agreement, NRCS will fund restoration of native grasslands and construct wetlands.

The 711-acre property has 1 mile of perennial stream with an intact riparian corridor. The Trustees will work together with KDWPT and NRCS to draft and implement a management plan for the property. The management plan will focus on benefits to wildlife such as shorebirds, waterfowl, and other migratory birds. It is anticipated that the property will provide a recreational benefit to the public for activities such as hunting, fishing, and bird watching.

For more information, phone the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kansas Field Office in Manhattan, 785-539-3474. The completed management plan will be posted online atwww.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/NRDA/CherCO_KS/CherokeeCounty.htm.

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KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL FISHING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE 25

Winners eligible for regional championships, college scholarships

RUSSELL — The Bass Federation (TBF), in partnership with Forrest L. Wood (FLW) Outdoors, announced it will host the inaugural Student Angler Federation Kansas High School Fishing State Championship June 25 at Wilson Reservoir, near Russell. The state championship is a two-person team event for students in grades 9-12. The winning two-person team from each state championship will advance to an FLW Outdoors/TBF High School Fishing Regional Championship held in conjunction with a National Guard FLW College Fishing Regional Championship hosted on a college campus this fall.

“We are excited to host the high school championship tournament,” said Janae Talbott, director of the Russell County Economic Development and Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We love to see youth carrying on the fishing heritage, learning respect for the environment and the recreational opportunities Kansas has to offer anglers.”

Registration for high school anglers and their coaches, who will provide the boat they compete in, is available online at HighSchoolFishing.org, by phoning580-765-9031, or by emailing info@highschoolfishing.org for more details.

Mandatory check-in begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 24, in the TBF tournament trailer at Wilson State Park’s Hells Creek Ramp, with a mandatory rules briefing at 6 p.m. Teams are encourage preregister online or by phone in advance to avoid late-registration fees.

Students and parents can go to HighSchoolFishing.org for details on the Student Angler Federation (SAF) and to sign up. Cost is $25 and includes a one-year SAF membership and full TBF and FLW Outdoors benefits, including access to the all-new FLW Outdoors Magazine e-Edition and insurance coverage for students and their club. The fee covers all SAF sanctioned events all year.

Ranger boats will be provided for the high school anglers to fish from at each regional championship, and the winners from each regional will advance to the FLW Outdoors/TBF High School Fishing National Championship held on a college campus in conjunction with the National Guard FLW College Fishing National Championship in the spring of 2012. All SAF members and state championship participants qualify for the largest event in high school fishing, the 2011 High School Fishing World Finals, July 20-23 in Russellville, Ark., to compete for thousands in college scholarships and prizes.

Each team that qualifies for a regional and/or national championship will receive a travel allowance to help offset expenses. The High School Fishing National Championship winners will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to use at the university of their choice.

An SAF sanctioned event also includes an “angler testing” component. Anglers can take a free online test at HighSchoolFishing.org about boater safety, conservation, and angler ethics, which makes them eligible for contingency awards at their state championship.

For more information, write the Russell County Economic Development and Convention and Visitors Bureau, 331 E. Wichita, Russell, KS 67665; phone 785-483-4000; email Janae Talbott, director, at rced@russellks.org; or visit their website, www.russellcoks.org.

STATE FISHING LAKES OFFER GREAT MEMORIAL DAY OUTINGS

Survey indicates highly-satisfied Memorial Day weekend visitors
PRATT — Looking for a peaceful, uncrowded Memorial Day weekend outdoor experience? Try a Kansas state fishing lake.

Last year, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) fisheries biologists and public lands managers conducted surveys at state fishing lakes during the Memorial Day weekend to determine if anglers felt crowded. A total of 337 interviews were completed at 24 state fishing lakes across Kansas.

The result? Most anglers reported low levels of crowding, high satisfaction, and sufficient access for shore and boat anglers. Three observations made it clear that state fishing lakes offered an uncrowded, user-friendly experience, even on the busiest weekends:

• minimal to no wait time to launch a boat;
• on average, only one-third of parking areas full; and
• anglers less crowded than they anticipated.

Anglers were highly satisfied with their experience, indicating that state fishing lakes are great alternatives for those seeking less crowded experiences during a traditionally busy fishing and camping holiday weekend.

In addition to fishing, picnicking and camping were popular activities at state fishing lakes. Some, such as Kingman, McPherson, Mined Land, and Ottawa offer modern, affordable cabins for those who prefer not to camp. Many state fishing lakes also have ADA-compliant facilities, such as accessible docks and piers.

You don’t need a boat to enjoy the state fishing lake angling experience because numerous piers, jetties, and accessible shoreline are available for easy access. In fact, last year’s survey indicated that nearly half of the interviewed anglers fished from shore, and they responded positively when asked if there was enough access to the lake without having a boat.

As the name suggests, most state fishing lakes are managed for anglers, so no pleasure boating, skiing, or swimming is allowed. (Because Crawford, Meade, and Scott are also state parks, they allow swimming, and Crawford and Scott allow some recreational boating and offer recreational facilities such as sand volleyball courts, bathhouses, and horseshoe pits. Chase State Fishing Lake also has a swimming beach.) Water-use restrictions may limit their appeal to some outdoor users, but for others, the limitation may be a peaceful plus.

“The bottom line is that anglers who chose to fish on Memorial Day weekend at state fishing lakes last year were very happy with their experience,” said Doug Nygren, KDWP Fisheries Section supervisor. “And most did not feel crowded, even on the busiest weekend of the year. These lakes are great alternatives to large federal reservoirs on Memorial Day. If you just want to enjoy nature, camp, and fish, you may be able to find a great family-friendly spot all to yourself at a state fishing lake this Memorial Day weekend.”

OUTDOOR WRITERS OF KANSAS RAISE FUNDS FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS

May 2 auction raises scholarship money for Outdoor Adventure Camp

PARSONS — Looking for some bargains on fishing, hunting, and camping equipment? Plan on attending the Outdoor Writers of Kansas (OWK) fundraising auction May 2 at the City Municipal Building, 112 South 17th Street in Parsons. The event will start at 7:30 p.m.

Among items up for bid will be two free nights of lodging at Timberhill Lodge (a $300 value), a Bushnell range finder, rods and reels, lots of soft-plastic fishing lures, soft-sided tackle boxes, camping equipment, books, and more.

OWK is an organization with members who promote the Kansas outdoors through writing, photography, broadcast, and art. Members get together for fall and spring conferences, and to raise money for programs designed to get youth outdoors. Proceeds from the spring auction help send underprivileged kids to the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s weeklong Outdoor Adventure Camp in June.

FISHING ATLAS INDISPENSIBLE ANGLING AID

Image via Wikipedia

Atlas including maps of all public-access fishing areas now online; printed copies shipping March 9
PRATT ­­— Warmer March weather is welcome news for Kansas anglers, and more good news may be found in the 2011 Kansas Fishing Atlas, now available for viewing and download from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' (KDWP) website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. The maps in this atlas pinpoint a variety of public fishing areas, including all federal reservoirs, state fishing lakes, river access, and community lakes. Fishing Impoundment and Stream Habitats (F.I.S.H.) waters are included, as well. F.I.S.H. waters are privately-owned ponds or streams KDWP has leased and opened to public fishing. F.I.S.H. sites are numbered in red on each map.

To find fishing areas, consult the map legend, then locate corresponding color codes on each map. With this atlas, anglers can locate just about any type of fishing desired.

To locate the 2011 Kansas Fishing Atlas, click the above link or go to the KDWP website and click "Fishing/Where to Fish in Kansas/Fishing Atlas." Printed copies began shipping March 9 and will be available at most KDWP offices and license vendors late this week or the beginning of next.

Combined with KDWP Fishing Reports and Fishing Forecast, also found on the agency’s website under “Fishing,” the 2011 Kansas Fishing Atlas completes every angler’s tackle box.