HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO UTILIZE iSPORTSMAN ELECTRONIC CHECK-IN SYSTEM

Fourteen wildlife areas currently utilize the system, more to come

PRATT – Since Sept. 1, hunters using select Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

(KDWPT) wildlife areas have been able to obtain free daily hunt permits electronically through the iSportsman system. To date, more than 4,500 individuals have registered for accounts and have “checked in” for 8,000 daily hunting permits. Although several thousand hunters have used the new system, a large percentage of hunters continue to use the traditional paper permit system. The iSportsman electronic permit system, which is more efficient and economical than the paper system, is in use at the following wildlife areas: Jamestown, Lovewell, Clinton, Elwood, Kansas River, Milford, Cheyenne Bottoms, Texas Lake, Isabel, McPherson Wetlands, Slate Creek Wetlands, Neosho, Melvern and Lyon. A similar system has already been in use at Fort Riley.

This is a reminder for hunters planning to hunt any of the aforementioned areas to register for an account at any time by logging on to https://kdwpt.isportsman.net. Upon completing the registration, hunters will obtain a general access permit. He or she can then log on or call in before they plan to hunt to “check in.” After a hunt is complete, the hunter can then log on or call in to report harvests and “check out” of the system. The system can be utilized from any computer, smart phone, cell phone or landline.

For more information on iSportsman, call (620) 672-5911 or visit https://kdwpt.isportsman.net.

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• Landowner Permission Required to Hunt Any Private Land in Kansas (ammoland.com)

PUBLIC INVITED TO NEOSHO WILDLIFE AREA INFORMATION NIGHT

Topics covered include renovations, water conditions and more

PRATT – Sportsmen and women, and anyone who visits the Neosho Wildlife Area, are invited to attend a public information meeting Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at Function Junction, north of the Highway 59/ Highway 47 junction, on the east side of the road and will feature local Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) staff, and Ducks Unlimited (DU) representatives, who will discuss the status of the area.

Topics for the evening include:

• Neosho Wildlife Area renovation project and funding
• South Unit pump project
• Pool 5 water control structure
• Population status and fall flight forecast
• Kansas wetland conditions
• 2013-14 waterfowl harvest and hunter numbers
• iSportsman daily hunt permits

Attendees will have the opportunity to express their opinions and ask wildlife area staff questions.

For more information, contact the Neosho Wildlife Area office at (620) 449-2539. 

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PITTSBURG TO HOST JUNE 19 KDWPT COMMISSION MEETING

Public unable to attend can watch the meeting streamed live through ksoutdoors.com 

PRATT – The public is invited to attend an upcoming Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting, June 19 at the Lamplighter Inn & Suites, 4020 Parkview Dr., Pittsburg. The afternoon session will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and reconvene at 6:30 p.m. for the evening session.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period. Topics covered in the general discussion include: Secretary’s remarks regarding agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2014 legislature, tourism division activities, 2015 turkey regulations, and information on the mined land restoration project.

Workshop topics for the afternoon session include items that were covered under general discussion during the April meeting. Workshop topics, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, include park regulations, fishing regulations, late migratory bird seasons, the five-year review of the Kansas Threatened and Endangered Species List, and the use of dogs to track wounded or dead deer.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the same location to discuss any remaining workshop items and begin the public hearing. Public hearing items open for discussion during the evening session include early migratory bird seasons; public land regulations; Ft. Riley deer season dates; big game and wild turkey provisions; and prairie chicken hunting.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on non-agenda items. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., June 20, to complete any unfinished business.

A commercial-free version of live video and audio streaming of commission meetings will be broadcast through ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2014 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K157 Hwy, Great Bend.

KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION TO MEET IN TOPEKA MARCH 20

Commission to hear free park entrance and fishing days, big game season recommendations

PRATT – The Kansas Historical Society History Center, 6425 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, will be March 20, 2014. The afternoon session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., with the evening session reconvening at 6:30 p.m.

the site of the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission public meeting and hearing

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period. Topics covered in the general discussion include: Secretary’s remarks regarding agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2014 legislature, a briefing on tourism’s 2014 marketing plans, webless migratory birds, early migratory bird seasons, Fort Riley deer, the use of dogs to track wounded deer, coyote hunting during firearm deer season, hunting the same day a deer or turkey permit is purchased, and an update on the potential federal listing of lesser prairie chickens. 

During the afternoon session, commissioners will workshop items that were covered under general discussion at the January meeting. Workshop topics, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, include regulations pertaining to upland birds, regulations regarding public lands, the five-year review of Kansas threatened and endangered species lists, and regulations pertaining to antelope season, bag limit, and permits. 

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the same location for the public hearing. The public hearing will be focused on free park entrance and free fishing days; elk season, bag limit and permit; and deer season, including bag limit, and permits.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 21, to complete any unfinished business.

A commercial-free version of live video and audio streaming of commission meetings will be broadcast through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website, ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for April 17, 2014 at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th St. N., Wichita.

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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.

KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION TO MEET IN TOPEKA

PRATT – The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, Mar. 21, at the Kansas Historical Society History Center, 6425 SW 6 Ave., in Topeka. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

Public hearing to include big game legal equipment,
Secretary’s Orders for deer permits

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics: Secretary’s remarks about agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2013 legislative session. Other general discussion topics include, recognition for a retiring K-9 officer, a year-end review of tourism activities, a report on roadside maintenance for wildlife, a webless migratory bird report, early migratory bird seasons, furharvester regulations, Fort Riley deer and other considerations, and an update on the federal proposal to list the lesser prairie chicken.

The afternoon session will also include a workshop in preparation for potential regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on regulations. Topics include upland bird regulations, public lands regulations, camping and utility fees, antelope and elk regulations, and agritourism.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for the public hearing. Commissioners will consider regulations pertaining to fees; big game legal taking equipment; deer season dates; Secretary’s Orders for limited deer permit quotas; legal equipment and taking methods for turkey; and turkey season, bag limit and permits.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 22, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website,ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for April 25, 2013 at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita.

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• Oklahoma: Airborne surveys confirm state's waterfowl woes (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Public Input Sought on Draft Lesser Prairie Chicken Management Plan (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)

WILDLIFE AND PARKS POSTS HUNTER EDUCATION CLASS SCHEDULE ONLINE

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Class required of all hunters born on or after July 1, 1957; youngsters may hunt under adult supervision without course until age 16
PRATT — Late summer is the time when hunters' thoughts turn to fall seasons, which begin with dove season Sept. 1. For first-time hunters, preparation usually means taking a hunter education course.
In most cases, anyone born on or after July 1, 1957, must successfully complete an approved course in hunter education before hunting in Kansas. Those hunting on their own land are exempt. Anyone 16 or older may purchase a one-time deferral of hunter education, called an "apprentice hunting license.” This license is valid only through the calendar year in which it is purchased, and the holder must hunt under direct supervision of a licensed adult 18 or older. Hunter education must be completed before the individual can purchase a hunting license in subsequent years. Anyone younger than 16 may hunt without hunter education certification if they are under direct supervision of an adult 18 or older. Hunters 12 years of age and older may hunt without adult supervision provided they possess a valid hunter education certificate and the appropriate licenses and/or permits. No one younger than age 11 can be certified.
Kansas hunter education volunteer instructors have scheduled a number of hunter education courses in all regions of the state, and more will be scheduled in the future. Most courses require pre-registration. Usually, multiple-day courses are traditional classroom courses, and single-day courses are internet-assisted courses. The internet-assisted class requires students to complete several hours of internet course work before attending a field day. Students must preregister for a field day before completing the internet course.
A calendar of scheduled courses, including contact information for pre-registration, is regularly updated on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website, ksoutdoors.com. For updated course listings, click "Hunting/Hunter Education/Class Schedule." The following is a list of currently-scheduled courses. Check the website regularly to find a class that fits your schedule and to confirm dates, which are subject to change.
Region 1, northwest Kansas
Internet-Assisted Course Field Days

• July 25 — Phillipsburg
• Aug. 11 —Stockton
• Aug. 17-18 — Colby
• Aug. 18 — Osborne
• Aug. 25 — Hill City

Traditional Courses

• July 23-28 — Salina
• Aug. 13-18 — Salina
• Oct. 8-13 — Salina
• Nov. 12-17 — Salina

Region 2, northeast Kansas
Internet-Assisted Course Field Days

• Aug. 6 — Fort Riley
• Aug. 11 — Shawnee
• Sept. 8 — Shawnee
• Oct. 27 — Clay Center
• Nov. 13 — Randolph

Traditional Courses

• July 27-28 — Junction City
• Aug. 2-4 — Olathe
• Aug. 11-12 — Abilene
• Aug. 13-16 — Hiawatha
• Aug. 15-19 — Topeka
• Aug. 16-18 — Basehor
• Aug. 21-25 — Gardner
• Aug. 21-28 — Manhattan
• Aug. 24-25 — Atchison
• Sept. 4-8 — Gardner
• Sept. 6-8 — Olathe
• Sept. 20-22 — Basehor
• Sept. 25-Oct. 2 — Manhattan
• Oct. 13-14 — Abilene
• Oct. 18-20 — Basehor
• Oct. 23-30 — Manhattan
• Nov. 23-24 — Atchison

Region 3, southwest Kansas
Internet-Assisted Course Field Days

• Aug. 18 — Syracuse
• Aug. 25 — Great Bend

Traditional Courses

• Aug. 3-4 — Holcomb
• Oct. 19-20 — Holcomb

Region 4, southcentral Kansas
Internet-Assisted Course Field Days

• July 24-25 — Wichita
• Aug. 14-15 — Wichita
• Aug. 18 — Arlington
• Aug. 28-29 — Wichita
• Sept. 8 — Inman
• Oct. 13 — Arlington
• Oct. 13 — El Dorado

Traditional Courses

• Aug. 3-4 —Hutchinson
• Aug. 10-11 — El Dorado
• Aug. 17-19 — Eureka
• Sept. 14-15 — El Dorado

Region 5, southeast Kansas
Internet-Assisted Course Field Days

• Aug. 2-7 — Parsons;
• Aug. 7 — Columbus;
• Aug. 10-14 — Fort Scott;
• Aug. 28-29 — Iola;
• Sept. 7-11 — Fort Scott;
• Oct. 4-16 — Parsons; and
• Oct. 12-16 — Fort Scott.

Traditional Courses

• Aug. 7-11 — Fort Scott
• Aug. 13-25 — Parsons
• Aug. 24-25 — Iola
• Sept. 11-15 — Fort Scott
• Oct. 9-13 — Fort Scott
• Oct. 14-21 —Garnett
• Oct. 15-27 — Parsons

The majority of classes are held from August through October, the period of peak demand. A number of classes are also offered in early spring prior to the turkey season. Few classes are offered from November through February.

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• North Dakota: ncreased Bag Considered for Early Canada Goose Season (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin Hunters called to protect state's hunting heritage (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• NWTF and Oklahoma Wildlife Department to continue conservation partnership (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

KDWPT COMMISSION APPROVES BIG GAME AND TURKEY REGULATIONS

Seasons set for antelope, elk
WICHITA — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission met at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita on Thursday, April 26. During the Public Hearing portion of the meeting, the commission approved recommended changes to the management units for fall turkey hunting season. The recommendation adds two units for a total of six, and will allow biologists to adapt hunting regulations and bag limits to better manage the state’s turkey populations.
In other action, the commission approved recommendations for the season dates and permit allocations for the 2012 antelope seasons. Archery season for antelope is Sept. 22-30, and Oct. 15-31. Archery permits are sold over-the-counter to residents and nonresidents, and all antelope management units are open to archery hunting.
The muzzleloader-only antelope season is set for Oct. 1-8, and is open to residents only. Twenty-six muzzleloader-only permits are authorized for Unit 2; 12 permits are authorized for Unit 17; and eight permits are authorized for Unit 18.
The 2012 firearm antelope season is set for Oct. 5-8 and is open to residents only. One hundred firearm antelope permits are authorized for Unit 2; 40 are authorized for Unit 17; and 10 are authorized for Unit 18.
The application period for resident antelope muzzleloader and firearm permits is May 8-June 8. All applications must be submitted online through the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com.
In final public hearing action, commissioners approved recommendations for the 2012-2013 elk hunting season. Archery season: Unit 3 (statewide except Fort Riley and Morton County) — Sept. 17-Dec. 31; Unit 2a (Fort Riley) — Sept. 1-30. Firearm Season: Unit 3 — Nov. 28-Dec. 9, and Jan. 1, 2013-March 15, 2013; Unit 2a, either-sex holders — Oct. 1-Dec. 31; antlerless-only permit holders – Oct. 1-31, Nov. 1-30 and Dec. 1-31 (one-third of the permits valid in each season segment). Muzzleloader season: Unit 2 and Unit 3 – Sept. 1-30.
Ten either-sex elk permits and 15 antlerless-only elk permits are authorized for Unit 2. Only residents are eligible for elk permits, and applications for limited-quota permits must be submitted online by July 13, 2012. An unlimited number of antlerless-only and either-sex hunt-own-land permits are authorized for Units 2 and 3. An unlimited number of the antlerless-only and either-sex elk permits are authorized for Unit 3.
The KDWPT Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for June 21 in Kansas City.

Related articles

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• Minnesota deer harvest declines 7 percent in 2011

KANSAS BIRDING FESTIVAL AT WAKEFIELD APRIL 27-29

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Birdwatching, wetland and prairie chicken lek tours, seminars to be featured; April 13 registration deadline

WAKEFIELD — On April 25-27, the Kansas Birding Festival will be held near Wakefield. The three-day event will feature seminars on birds and birdwatching, guided field trips, food, and much more. This area is rich in birding opportunities during the latter part of April. Native birds inhabit the area year round, and this is the prime season for migrating birds. Combine this with Milford Reservoir and Wetlands and the native prairie, and you have one of the best locations in America for watching birds.

On Friday, April 27, the event will begin at the Wakefield Methodist Church Community Center with registration and guided field trips to the Milford Wetlands, the Republican River Bottoms, and the Kansas Landscape Arboretum.

The event on Saturday will begin with breakfast from 4 a.m. to 5:45 a.m., followed by guided field trips, including a prairie chicken lek at Fort Riley, the Konza Prairie, the Landscape Arboretum, the Milford Wetlands, and the Republican River Bottoms.

After an 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. lunch break, events will include optional free time to bird watch and seminars, including “Greater Prairie Chickens in Kansas,” by Dr. Brett Sandercock; “Shorebird Identification,” by Suzanne Fellows; and “Grassland Birds,” by Eugene Young. At 7 p.m., a banquet will be held with a keynote address by wildlife photographer Judd Patterson.

On Sunday, April 29, breakfast will again be served from 4 a.m.-5:45 a.m. This will be followed by the field trip options.

Fees and pre-registration are required. For more information, phone Chuck Otte at 785-238-4161 or 785-238-8800 or Vanessa Avara at 785-238-3108, email cotte@ksu.edu, or go online to www.kansasbirdingfestival.org.

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WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 22 IN TOPEKA

Image via Wikipedia

Big game and turkey regulations to highlight public hearing; audio/visual streaming available
TOPEKA — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, March 22, at the Kansas Historical Society History Center, 6425 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

• Secretary’s remarks;
• Fort Riley presentation;
• 2012 legislative update;
• agency and state fiscal status;
• tourism briefing;
• webless migratory birds;
• early migratory bird seasons;
• commercial mussel harvest;
• prairie chicken seasons;
• Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS) update; and
• otter season update.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

• falconry regulations;
• public land regulations;
• KAR 115-25-7 — antelope, open season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-8 — elk, open season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-5 — turkey, fall season, bag limit and permits; and
• KAR 115-25-9a — deer, open season, bag limit, permits, and additional considerations.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location to hear general public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a public hearing on regulations and Secretary’s Orders. Evening public hearing topics include the following:

• KAR 115-4-2 — big game and wild turkey, general provisions;
• KAR 115-4-4 — big game, legal equipment and taking methods;
• KAR 115-4-4a — wild turkey, legal equipment and taking methods;
• KAR 115-25-9 — deer, open season, bag limit, and permits; and
• Secretary’s Orders for deer.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on March 22 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 23, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 26, at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th Street North in Wichita.

Related articles

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• Turkey hunting clinic open to youths ages 9 through 15 (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

TROUT SEASON OPEN, SOME STOCKINGS DELAYED

Weather stalls cold-water species stocking
PRATT — From Oct. 15 through April 15, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) stocks rainbow trout in select waters across the state. During this time, some waters stocked with trout require a $12.50 trout permit for all anglers 16 or older, whether they are fishing for trout or not (Type 1 Waters). Other waters require a trout permit only for anglers fishing for or possessing trout (Type 2 Waters).

Type 1 trout waters are Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin, Dodge City Lake Charles, Ft. Scott Gun Park Lake, Garnett Crystal Lake, Glen Elder State Park (SP) Pond, Kanopolis Seep Stream, KDOT East Lake in Wichita, Lake Henry in Clinton SP, Mined Land WA Unit No. 30, Pratt Centennial Pond, Sandsage Bison Range and WA Sandpits, Vic’s Lake and Slough Creek in Sedgwick County Park, Topeka Auburndale Park, Walnut River Area in El Dorado SP, Willow Lake at Tuttle Creek SP, and Webster Stilling Basin.

Type 2 trout waters are Atchison City Lake No. 1, Belleville City Lake (Rocky Pond), Cimarron Grasslands Pits, Ft. Riley Cameron Springs, Ft. Riley Moon Lake, Great Bend Veterans Memorial Park Lake, Holton-Elkhorn Lake, Hutchinson Dillon Nature Center Pond, Lake Shawnee, Salina Lakewood Lake, Scott State Fishing Lake, Scott State Park Pond, Sherman County Smoky Gardens Lake, and Solomon River between Webster Reservoir and Rooks County No. 2 Road, and Syracuse-Sam’s Pond.

Trout fishing at Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit No. 30 requires a trout permit year-round. Trout permits are valid for the calendar year, so permits purchased last January or later are valid through Dec. 31. All residents 16-64 years old and all nonresidents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license.

The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted (two trout for anglers 15 and younger who do not have a trout permit). The possession limit is three times the daily creel.

While most designated trout waters in the state will be stocked with trout in time for opening day, the following waters will be delayed (see following text for details):

• Cedar Bluff Reservoir Stilling Basin;
• Cimarron Grasslands Fishing Pits;
• Lake Charles in Dodge City;
• Glen Elder Park Pond — second week in November;
• Great Bend Veteran’s Park;
• Kanopolis Reservoir Seep Stream;
• Pratt Centennial Pond;
• Rocky Pond in Belleville — second week in November;
• Scott State Fishing Lake; and
• Sedgwick County Park Slough Creek — low water.

Other areas may have to delay stocking, as well. Before a trout fishing expedition, anglers are encouraged to check for updated information on stocking of trout waters by visiting the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Type "trout stocking schedule" in the search box.

As of Oct. 10, the Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin had yet to experience fall turnover, which occurs as surface water cools. When this happens, dissolved oxygen levels in the water can drop, and it takes time for the system to recover and provide conditions safe for trout. Rather than risk a fish kill for newly stocked trout, biologists have decided to delay the stocking. Conditions will be monitored, and if the basin is ready, trout will be stocked in late October.

Trout stocking at Cimarron Grasslands Fishing Pits, Dodge City-Lake Charles, Great Bend Veteran’s Park, Pratt Centennial Pond, and Scott State Fishing Lake will be delayed, but the recent cool weather should allow stocking early during the week of October 17.

The Kanopolis Reservoir Seep Stream is currently laden with duckweed and filamentous algae, creating water-quality problems. The seep stream is closed to all fishing, with plans to stock trout in early November, provided conditions have improved.

Smoky Gardens and the Sand Sage Bison Range Pond are currently dry. Both will need precipitation before trout can be stocked.

The Solomon River above Webster Reservoir is not stocked in the fall, nor is it stocked each year. Stocking is dependent upon flows. In years when flows are adequate, stocking generally occurs in January, February, and March.

The Glen Elder Park Pond is not stocked in October. The first stocking of the season is scheduled for mid-November each year in order to allow time for the water to cool.

Trout permits are available at the KDWPT website, at KDWPT offices, and license vendors.

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KDWPT COMMISSION BIG GAME PERMIT APPLICATIONS DUE JAN. 1

October 6, 2011
Permits available to nonprofit organizations as fundraisers for conservation projects
PRATT — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission is authorized to issue as many as seven Commission Big Game permits per calendar year. Of these, one may be an elk permit, one may be an antelope permit, and the remaining may be Either-Species/Either-Sex Deer permits.

These permits are only available to nonprofit organizations that actively promote wildlife conservation and the hunting and fishing heritage. Only one Commission Big Game permit may be issued to a qualified organization, but this limitation does not preclude more than one chapter of the same organization from being issued permits. Organizations’ chapters are not eligible to receive a Commission Big Game permit more than once in a three-year period. Organizations that oppose hunting and fishing are not eligible for these permits.

Organizations must provide a copy of their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, articles of incorporation, and their mission statement with application. Further documentation may be required to confirm qualifying status.

Organizations receiving Commission Big Game permits must market the permit to the public in order to receive the maximum financial benefit available to both the organization and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). Organizations awarded permits by random draw must pay KDWPT the price established by rules and regulations for the highest value for the type of permit awarded. For most organizations, at least 85 percent must be remitted to the department for use on jointly-approved projects. The remainder may be spent at the organization’s discretion.

The application deadline for Commission Big Game Permits is Jan. 1, 2012. To apply, write Sheila Kemmis, Commission Secretary, KDWPT, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124.

On Jan. 5, 2012, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a random drawing from the pool of applicants during its scheduled public meeting at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.

Permits and prices are as follow:

• deer — Either-Species/Either-Sex permit, available to resident or nonresident, valid statewide during any season with legal equipment at a cost of $322.50;
• elk — Either-Species/Either-Sex Elk permit, available to resident or nonresident and valid anywhere within elk management units during any season with legal equipment, including Fort Riley during seasons and restrictions established by Fort Riley, at a cost of $252.50; and
• antelope — Either-Species/Either-Sex Antelope permit, available to resident or nonresident and valid anywhere in antelope management units during any season with legal equipment at a cost of $202.50.

Successful organizations will be issued a voucher signifying the type of permit awarded. The buyer must present the voucher to KDWPT’s Licensing Section, and a permit will be issued in the buyer’s name. After a Commission Big Game permit is issued in the name of the final recipient, it may not be transferred to any other individual for any reason. Any Commission Big Game permit is subject to the restrictions of the season, sex, equipment type, or hunt units issued on the permit.

For more information, phone 620-672-5911, ext. 102.

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ANTELOPE, ELK SEASON DATES SET

Image via Wikipedia Dates set at April 21 meeting of Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission in Wichita
PRATT — At the Public Hearing portion of the April 21 meeting of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission, regulations for antelope and elk seasons were approved.
Pronghorn antelope season dates for 2011 include the follow: Archery – Sept. 24-Oct. 2 and Oct. 15-31; Muzzleloader – Oct. 3-10; and Firearm – Oct. 7-10. The application deadline for the resident-only firearm and muzzleloader permits is June 10. Resident and nonresident pronghorn antelope archery permits are unlimited and available over the counter through Oct. 30.
Elk season dates for 2011, both on Fort Riley (Unit 2A) and off the fort were also set: Archery statewide (except units 1 and 2A) — Sept. 19-Dec. 31; Fort Riley (Unit 2A) – Sept. 1-Oct. 2. Muzzleloader statewide (except Unit 2A and a portion of Morton County, Unit 1) – Sept. 1-Oct. 2; Fort Riley – Sept. 1-Oct. 2. Firearm statewide (except Unit 2A and Unit 1) – Nov. 30-Dec. 11 and Jan. 1-March 15, 2012; Fort Riley (Unit 2A) Antlerless Only permits first segment, Oct. 1-31, second segment, Nov. 1-30, third segment, Dec. 1-31. Fort Riley firearm season for holders of Either-Species/Either-Sex permits — Oct. 1-Dec. 31.
As in past seasons, a limited quota of any elk and antlerless only elk permits that are valid on Fort Riley (Unit 2A) and in units 2 and 3 will be available to residents and Fort Riley military personnel only. The application deadline for limited-quota elk permits is July 8, 2011. Unlimited hunt-own-land elk permits are valid in units 2 and 3 and will be available through March 14, 2012. Over-the-counter elk permits valid only in Unit 3 will be available through March 14, 2012. Applications will be available online June 8. No paper applications are available, but those without internet access may apply by phone, 620-672-5911, and ask for Licensing.

WILDLIFE AND PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 10 IN TOPEKA

Image via Wikipedia

Big game and turkey regulations to highlight public hearing; audio/visual streaming available
TOPEKA — The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, March 10, at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Region 2 Office, 300 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on on-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

• Secretary’s remarks;
• 2001 legislative update;
• agency and state fiscal status;
• Kansans for Children in Nature plan;
• early migratory bird seasons;
• furbearer regulations; and
• trails grant update.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

• KAR 115-25-7, antelope — open season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-8, elk — open season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-9a, deer — open season, bag limit, permits, and additional considerations (Fort Riley);
• potential regulation changes to address aquatic nuisance species; and
• KAR 115-7-9 — weigh-in black bass fishing tournaments.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location to hear general public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a public hearing on regulations and Secretary’s Orders. Evening public hearing topics include the following:

• KAR 115-2-2 — motor vehicle permit fees;
• KAR 115-2-3 — camping and utilities fees;
• KAR 115-4-6b — elk management units;
• KAR 115-4-11 — big game and wild turkey permit applications;
• KAR 115-25-9, deer — open season, bag limit, and permits;
• Secretary’s Orders for deer;
• KAR 115-16-5 — wildlife control permit operation requirements;
• KAR 115-25-5, turkey — fall season, bag limit, and permits; and
• KAR 115-25-6, turkey — spring season, bag limit, permits, and game tags.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on March 10 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 11, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 21, at the Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium, 6232 East 29th Street North in Wichita.

Fishing Tips

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