Kansas Game Wardens Recognized For Exemplary Service

PRATT – The Law Enforcement Division of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism recognized officers and other individuals for work and services performed above and beyond the call of duty. The annual awards are presented in several categories, including Meritorious Work, Lifesaving, Natural Resource Education, Boating Safety Enforcement, Investigations, Cooperative Projects and Officer of the Year.

The Merit Award was presented to Capt. Dan Melson for his work in developing and maintaining the Game Wardens’ Facebook page and an application allowing the Law Enforcement Division to more efficiently record violations.

Game warden Jonathan Rather was awarded the Natural Resource Education Advancement Award for his work in implementing hunter education programs in the area school systems.

 The Boating Officer of the Year Award was presented to game warden Jeff Clouser for his extensive work in the area of boating safety enforcement, including dealing with stranded boaters, investigating boating accidents and enforcing boating under the influence laws.

Game warden Hal Kaina received the Lifesaving Award for his efforts in two incidents where individuals were facing life-threatening circumstances. In one incident, officer Kaina rescued a hunter who had broken through the ice. In another incident, officer Kaina aided in the rescue of four individuals, including children, after their boat had sunk in the middle of the reservoir. Game warden Cody Morris was awarded the Lifesaving Award for his assistance in rescuing a family adrift on a boat with a motor that would not start.

Lt. Rick Campbell and game wardens Jesse Gehrt and Travis Schulte received Lifesaving Awards for rescues they performed on the Kansas River. In one situation Lt. Campbell and officer Gehrt rescued a man whose canoe had overturned in the river. Later in the summer, a family who were floating the Kansas River became stranded on a sandbar after getting caught in a severe thunderstorm. Officers Gehrt and Schulte, along with a local emergency medical technician, got the family, which included a 4-month-old baby, to safety.

The Richard Harrold Memorial Award for Investigations was presented to game warden Josh DeHoux for his efforts investigating big game violations in his assigned area.

The Director’s Award was presented to a large group of game wardens, department staff and a private citizen for their work in hosting the conference of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Those recognized include: Major Dan Hesket, Capt. B.J. Thurman, Lt. Eric Deneault, Lt. Dave Adams, Lt. Jeff Sutton, Lt. Mike Peterson, Lt. Scott Hanzlicek, Lt. Bob Funke, game wardens Michael McGinnis, Cody Morris, Jesse Gehrt, Tracy Cikanek, Dennis Zehr, Jim Bussone, Matt Hanvey, Jon Entwhistle, Vince Wonderlich, Scott Leamon, Jeremy Stenstrom, Ross Uhrmacher, Glenn Cannizzaro, Mike Hopper, Greg Salisbury, Landen Cleveland, Ryan Smidt, Lance Hockett, Chris Stout, Daniel Howard, Aaron Scheve, Clint Lee, Jacob Greene, Lynn Koch and Jonathan Rather; Erika Brooks and Shelby Stevens of the Education Section; Jason Deal and David Jenkins of the Public Lands Division; Tony Reitz of the Parks Division; and volunteer, Jenna Scheve.

Game warden Jesse Gehrt received the Officer of the Year Award, a joint recognition by the Law Enforcement Division and the Shikar Safari Club International. Gehrt has performed his duties above and beyond what is normally expected, and is extensively involved in all aspects of being a game warden. Apart from his daily duties, ties to his local community, and many other contributions around the state, Gehrt is also a member of the division’s Honor Guard.

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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.

Leave Wildlife Wild

It’s human nature to “save” a young animal that appears abandoned or lost. However, when a person with good intentions picks up a baby bird, squirrel, or deer, the young animal is usually as good as dead. The best option is always to leave them alone and let nature take its course, even though it’s not always pretty. Often, the young animal is still being cared for by its parents and will have a better chance of surviving if simply left alone.

Unless you’re a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, it is not legal to possess live wild animals. And it can be dangerous because they may carry rabies or distemper. Wild animals commonly have fleas and ticks, which can transmit blood-borne diseases, and they carry bacteria, roundworms, tapeworms, mites and other protozoans that     could infect humans and their pets.

Unfortunately, fawn deer are commonly “saved” by people who find them alone and assume they’ve been abandoned. Most of the time, the doe is nearby, but the mother instinctively stays away from her newborn except at feeding time to avoid drawing the attention of predators. Fawns are scentless and survive by holding absolutely still, even when humans approach.

Storms may blow young birds out of their nests. If the young have feathers and can perch, place them back in a tree or shrub, away from cats or other pets. The parents will still care for them. And don’t worry, they’ll care for them even if you touch them. Birds have a very poor sense of smell and human touch won’t drive the parents away. If you find a nest with featherless nestlings, place it in a plastic bowl and back in the tree. This will be their best chance of survival.

Enjoy watching wildlife this spring, especially if you see youngsters. But make a pact to leave them alone. Let nature take its course and know they have the best chance of survival by staying wild.

KDWPT Christmas Holiday Hours

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

PRATT – The Christmas holiday is almost upon us, and that means it’s time to gather with family and friends. While the staff at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) hope you will enjoy part of your holiday outdoors, we hope you’ll appreciate the fact that staff will spend time with their families, as well. Outdoor enthusiasts can still enjoy a hike on a state park trail, a hunt on a wildlife area or a campout at a state park; however, depending on the days you visit, KDWPT offices may be closed. All department offices will be closed Dec. 24-25, 2015 and Jan. 1, 2016; however, some state park offices will be open on Jan. 1 to conduct First Day Hike Programs.

Most licenses or permits can be purchased online at www.ksoutdoors.com or through the more than 600 license vendors across the state. Park daily vehicle and camping permits can be obtained at entrance kiosks, and cabin reservations may be made online at reserveamerica.com

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and we’ll see you in the New Year!

Enroll Land in Walk-in Hunting Access Program Through July 15

Landowners interested in sharing the joys of hunting with others, and receiving additional income, are encouraged to enroll in the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program. Enrollment for the fall season is currently open and will close July 15. Land enrolled inWIHA still remains in private ownership and payment rates are often negotiable based on the number of acres, quality of habitat, and length of the lease access period. Landowners interested in enrolling can learn more by visiting ksoutdoors.com, or by calling (620) 672-5911.

Land used for the WIHA program is typically Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, but land with similar qualities and hunting opportunities, such as native rangeland, weedy wheat stubble, milo stubble, riparian areas, and wetland areas are also considered for enrollment.

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Young Wildlife Rarely Need “Saving”

 You’re mowing your lawn when you notice something moving in the grass. You stop the mower and peer over to find it’s a nest of young rabbits, and the mother is nowhere in sight. Fear sets in that they may not make it through the night and you begin to devise a plan to “rescue” them. It’s a mistake that many well-intentioned people make, and unfortunately, it usually results in the premature death of the wildlife being “saved.”

The notion that a young animal found in the wild will die if not given care is wrong. In most cases, the mother is typically feeding nearby, keeping a distant eye on her offspring. Not only are most young found in the wild not abandoned, picking them up is against the law. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have regulations against such activity that can result in a fine up to $1,000 or more. In addition to legal repercussions, wild animals can pose a number of health risks, including diseases such as distemper, rabies, Lyme disease, roundworms, tapeworms, mites, and tularemia.

Additionally, if a “rescued” animal were to bite someone, it must be put to death and tested for diseases. Even if they don't bite, the young usually fail to survive in captivity because most people are not equipped to handle wild animals, especially as they mature. On the off chance the animal does survive in captivity, it typically loses instincts that allow it to survive in the wild.

It is important to remember that although young wildlife may be cute, they belong in the wild. Wild animals cannot legally be inoculated by veterinarians, and few people really know how to care for them.

If you should see a young animal in the wild this spring or summer, observe at a distance and consider yourself lucky. But remember, just because they appear alone, that doesn’t mean they are abandoned.

If you really want to help, leave young in the wild where they were born and belong. 

If you find an injured animal, a list of licensed rehabilitators can be found at ksoutdoors.com, by clicking "Services/Rehabilitation.”

KDWPT HOLDS LAST COMMISSION MEETING OF 2014

Commissioners vote to do away with floatline fishing permits

PRATT – Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commissioners engaged in lively discussion and voted on several regulations relating to fishing and more at the Oct. 16 public hearing in Salina. For those that were unable to attend, a video of the meeting can be seen at ksoutdoors.com by clicking “KDWPT Info / Commission / Past Meetings.”

The afternoon session began with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period where staff and commissioners discussed the possibility of reducing deer permits, and eliminating the Pre-rut Firearm Whitetail Antlerless-only season originally mandated by Kansas legislature. Other topics covered during this time were a series of regulations pertaining to antelope and elk, as well as permanent big game regulations, where KDWPT staff recommended there be no changes at this time.

Workshop topics discussed during the afternoon session, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, included regulations pertaining to general fishing provisions, boating identification numbers and decals, and vehicle permits.

The commission then recessed at 5 p.m., and reconvened at 6:30 p.m. to begin the public hearing. During this time, commissioners voted unanimously to eliminate the need for a permit to floatline fish and to increase the mesh size allowed in seines and cast nets used for taking baitfish to one-half-inch; Herington - Father Padilla Pond was added to the list of Type 2 trout lakes; a 35-inch minimum length limit for blue catfish was added to reservoirs Glen Elder and Lovewell; and a five-day creel limit was added to Coffey County Lake. Commissioners also unanimously voted to categorize Clinton, Glen Elder, Lake Shawnee and Lake Waubaunsee as an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) water due to zebra mussels, as well as categorize a stream located from the Lincoln Street Dam in Wichita to the Oklahoma line as an ANS-designated water due to white perch. 

In other items voted upon during the public hearing, commissioners approved utility fees for new camp sites at Sand Hills State Park.

The last item presented to commissioners was the potential downlisting of the redbelly snake from a Threatened Species to a Species In Need of Conservation (SINC). After much public comment, discussion and debate, commissioners voted 6-1 to accept the department’s recommendation to move the snake to the SINC list.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for January 8, 2015 at Bonner Springs Parks and Recreation, Sunflower Room, 200 E. 3rd St., Bonner Springs.

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MOUNTAIN LION CONFIRMED IN LABETTE COUNTY

Mountain lion photographed on trail cam in southeast Kansas

PRATT – A deer hunter from Labette County got a surprise recently when he checked his trail camera he had set up for deer. He found a single image of a mountain lion walking away, down the trail, the characteristic long tail prominently displayed. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) staff visited the site last week and verified the photo’s authenticity. This is the tenth mountain lion verified by KDWPT since 2007, but the first in almost two years.

The first confirmed mountain lion in 2007 was killed by an individual in Barber County. Since then, most of the sightings have been confirmed with photographs taken by remote, motion-triggered cameras commonly used by deer hunters to keep track of deer movement near their stands.

In each instance, KDWPT staff traveled to the sites where photos were taken to validate the photographs. Staff investigates sightings whenever evidence, such as tracks, a cached kill or a photograph exists. Biologists assume most sightings are of transient young males, coming from established populations in nearby states. 

“It’s not uncommon for young males to travel great distances looking for home ranges,” said Matt Peek, KDWPT furbearer biologist. “So far, these animals appear to be passing through, rather than staying and establishing home ranges in Kansas.”

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KDWPT AND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS TEAM UP FOR WILDLIFE AND HUNTERS

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

BLUE RAPIDS–The Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area has grown by almost 500 acres as the result of a collaborative effort by The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Pheasants Forever (PF), Quail Forever (QF), and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). The conservation organizations and KDWPT partnered to acquire a 484-acre tract of land adjacent to the Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area in Riley County. The tract, which is open to public hunting, permanently protects habitat vital to many species of wildlife, including turkey, pheasants, quail and prairie chickens. The acquisition also improves access to 550 acres of the existing Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area.

“It’s great to see conservation organizations work together with state wildlife agencies to increase public access opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Robin Jennison, KDWPT secretary. “In Kansas, where less than three percent of the land is in public ownership, projects like these and our continued relationships for conservation are extremely important.”

In addition to providing partial funding for the land acquisition, the conservation organizations worked with KDWPT to help the acquisition pass through the Legislature.

NWTF, PF/QF and Ducks Unlimited (DU) signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year, creating a historic partnership to ensure wild bird habitat conservation and North America’s hunting heritage remains strong for generations to come.

“This particular acquisition is a shining example of what the conservation community can accomplish when we all work together for a unified cause,” said Jared McJunkin, NWTF Great Plains District conservation field supervisor. “While this is the first successful land acquisition for the NWTF in Kansas, we believe additional projects will follow.”

The NWTF and PF/QF are national nonprofit wildlife conservation organizations working to conserve wildlife habitat and our outdoor traditions. The NWTF (www.nwtf.org) has 36 chapters across Kansas, and the organization’s “Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.” initiative was launched with goals of raising $1.2 billion to conserve more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment nationwide.

Since 1982, Pf and QF (www.pheasantsforever.org) have impacted more than 10 million acres of wildlife habitat in the U.S., of which more than 175,000 acres have been permanently protected and opened to public hunting. There are 36 PF and 13 QF chapters in Kansas, where the organization has spent more than $4.7 million enhancing wildlife habitat on more than 437,000 acres. Events conducted through various partnerships and the organization’s grassroots network of chapters, have provided nearly 13,000 youth with positive outdoors experiences.

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HUNTERS WELCOMED AT KANSAS STATE PARKS

State park and wildlife area cabins can serve as great base camps for hunters

PRATT – Staff at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) state parks and wildlife areas extend an open invitation to all hunters looking for a fun, affordable base camp this season. Often located within just a few miles, some even within walking distance, of some of the state’s most popular public hunting areas, KDWPT cabins are a great way to enjoy the outdoors long after shooting hours are over.

Offered in either “deluxe” or “sleeper” styles, KDWPT cabins provide comfort and convenience at an affordable price. Depending upon the season and amenities offered, nightly fees vary from $35 to $110 and can sleep anywhere from four to ten adults. Deluxe cabins offer heating and air conditioning, a bathroom, shower, and often a furnished kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and coffee pot. Sleeper cabins are a little more rustic with fewer amenities, but are still equipped with heating and air conditioning, as well as electricity. Beds are included, however guests are required to bring their own linens at all cabins.

Reservations can be made online at reserveamerica.com as far out as 364 days in advance and as soon as three days in advance. If booking on a Friday, cabins must be reserved for both Friday and Saturday, and cabins booked on a Saturday must be reserved for both Saturday and Sunday. Hunters wishing to make a reservation one to two days in advance my contact the nearest state park office for availability, or call (620) 672-5911 for assistance.

For more information on state park cabin locations and amenities, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “State Parks / Reservations.”

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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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QUAIL INITIATIVE HABITAT TOUR AND DINNER

Reserve your spot by Oct. 15

PRATT – Landowners and anyone interested in improving quail habitat on their property are invited to attend a quail habitat tour and free dinner Tuesday, October 21 at Melvern Wildlife Area, Reading. Starting at 4:30 p.m., a tour of completed and active habitat projects on Melvern Wildlife Area will be conducted, followed by a catered meal at the Reading City Building around 6 p.m., compliments of the Neosho Valley Quail Forever and Emporia Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation chapters. Those interested in attending are asked to meet at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) office, 2272 Road 250, on the east side of Reading. 

Following dinner, KDWPT staff will update participants on the progress of the Quail Initiative Project and present information on bobwhite biology and habitat management. Local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel will also be on hand to discuss relevant cost-share programs available, as well as representatives from other local conservation organizations. The evening will wrap up with a time for questions, discussion, and the opportunity to sign up for habitat planning assistance.

The Kansas Quail Initiative is an effort spearheaded by KDWPT to implement additional funding in two areas of eastern Kansas to improve habitat for quail and monitor the changes over the next five years. The goal is to improve quail populations by 50 percent in these focus areas. The area of focus for this meeting includes the Melvern Wildlife Area and more than 190,000 acres in portions of Lyon, Wabaunsee, Osage and Coffey counties.

“We plan to offer 100 percent cost-sharing for landowners in these areas to implement ‘quail friendly practices’ on their land,” said Jim Pitman, KDWPT small game coordinator. “KDWPT has designated $100,000 each year to this effort and those dollars can be used to supplement the normal 75 percent cost-share rate from federal habitat programs. The bottom line is that landowners in this focal area will work with biologists to plan habitat improvements for quail and cost-share payments will cover all the costs,” Pitman added.

Some of the practices eligible for cost-share funding include native grass and forb planting, removal of invading trees from grasslands, prescribed burning, hedgerow renovation and prescribed grazing. During its first two years, the initiative has directly impacted nearly 1,300 private land acres and 4,400 public land acres.

To register for the tour and dinner, call (620) 342-0658 by October 15.

For more information on the Kansas Quail Initiative, contact KDWPT district biologist, Pat Riese, at (620) 583-5049.

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Antelope Hunting Information

Applications accepted online through June 13

PRATT — Applications for resident-only antelope firearm and muzzleloader permits are being accepted now through June 13.  Only online applications are accepted and are available ksoutdoors.com. Click "License/Permits" in the upper right-hand corner of the page to begin the process. For more information, call 620-672-0728.

through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website,

Open to Kansas residents only, more than 1,000 applications are expected for the 140 firearm and 40 muzzleloader permits available this year. Hunters who are unsuccessful in the drawing receive a preference point. It may require six or more preference points for a general resident to draw a firearm permit, or three or four preference points to draw a muzzleloader permit, depending on the number of applicants. Half the permits allocated in each unit are set aside for landowner/tenant applicants. Those who do not want to apply for a permit and want to purchase a preference point only may select "preference point only" online for $7.69. Only one preference point may be obtained per year.

Archery antelope permits are unlimited, and both resident and nonresident hunters can purchase permits over the counter. The open archery unit comprises the same area as the three firearm units combined. Archery antelope permits will be available over the counter from Aug. 1 through Oct. 30.

2014 antelope season dates:

• firearm season — Oct. 3-6;
• muzzleloader season — Sept. 29-Oct. 6; and
• archery season — Sept. 20-28 and Oct. 11-31.

Shooting hours for all seasons are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

For more information on antelope hunting, unit maps, and regulations go to www.ksoutdoors.com, click on “Hunting,” “Big Game Information,” and “Antelope.”

The first modern-day antelope (properly called "pronghorn") hunting season in Kansas was held in 1974. Nearly 500 hunters applied for 80 permits, and 70 animals were harvested. Today, hunting is restricted to three management units that include parts or all of Sherman, Thomas, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Trego, Greeley, Wichita, Scott, Lane, Ness, Hamilton, Kearny, Finney, Gray, Hodgeman, Ford, Stanton, Grant, Haskell, Morton, Stevens, Seward, Meade and Clark counties.

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MOREL MUSHROOM HUNTING TIPS

Hunters should do their research prior to consuming any mushrooms as some forms found in Kansas can be toxic

PRATT ­– Of all the edible Kansas flora that debut in early spring, none may be so prized as the

morel mushroom. Finding these tree stump-dwelling fungi can make for quite an adventure, so as hunters come from far and wide, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds hunters of a few tips for a legal, safe and fun mushroom hunt:

-Stick to state parks and wildlife areas. Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) areas are not open for mushroom hunting. These lands are private property and accessing them for anything other than hunting game during the identified access period is trespass unless hunters have the appropriate landowner permission.

-Be prepared to walk. The use of motorized vehicles on public lands is restricted to maintained roads only, so if your mushroom honey-hole is off the beaten-path, strap on those hiking boots.

-Be aware of your surroundings. Public lands are open for many types of hunting and fishing activities. This time of year, mushroom hunters can expect to encounter turkey hunters and anglers looking to lure in white bass and crappie. There’s plenty of space for everyone, so when in doubt, move to another spot.

-Enjoy your harvest. Mushrooms found on KDWPT public lands may only be harvested for personal consumption and selling mushrooms harvested from KDWPT-managed lands is against state law (see K.A.R. 15-8-20). You’ve worked hard for your harvest, so enjoy the fruits of your labor and heat up a frying pan.

-Use a mesh or breathable bag as a container. Allowing the mushrooms to air out after being picked will prevent unwanted sweating and keep them in tip-top shape until they can hit the dinner table.

-Cook your mushrooms thoroughly before eating them. Some morels can make people sick if consumed raw. This wild mushroom is often served fried, or baked and stuffed. 

Typically found under hardwoods and along rivers, the yellow morel, also known as the common morel or sponge mushroom, is the most sought-after wild mushroom in the state. Other types of morels also found in Kansas may include the thick-footed, black, half-free, bell, and edible morel. Hunters should do their research prior to consuming any mushrooms as some forms found in Kansas can be toxic.

A Guide to Kansas Mushrooms book is available for purchase online through the KDWPT Outdoor Store at ksoutdoors.com/outdoor-store. Purchases can also be made over the phone by calling (620) 672-5911.

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KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION EXAMINES EARLY MIGRATORY BIRD SEASONS

The 2014 antelope season was approved by the commission at the April 17 meeting

WICHITA – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Commissioners heard several topics covering the gamut during the April 17 meeting and public hearing held at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita, including discussion of upcoming migratory bird seasons.

During the workshop session, KDWPT migratory game bird program manager, Tom Bidrowski, presented staff recommendations for the upcoming early migratory bird seasons. This item will be presented as a public hearing item for approval at the June 19 meeting in Pittsburg. The June 19 meeting in Pittsburg will take place at the Lamplighter Inn & Suites, 4020 Parkview Dr., at 1 p.m.

Commissioners also discussed the late migratory bird seasons, which will be workshopped at the June 19 meeting and voted on at the August meeting. The August 21 meeting will be conducted in Great Bend at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.

During the public hearing portion of the April 17 meeting, commissioners approved recommendations for the 2014-2015 antelope seasons as follows:

Firearm & Muzzleloader permit application deadline: June 13, 2014

Archery permit deadline: Oct. 30, 2014

2014 Antelope Season Dates:

• Archery:  Sept. 20 - Sept. 28 and Oct. 11 - Oct. 31, 2014
• Muzzleloader-only:  Sept 29 - Oct. 2, 2014 (Muzzleloader-only permit holders may also hunt during the firearm season.)
• Firearm:  Oct. 3 - Oct. 6, 2014

Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. 

For more information on the 2014-2015 antelope season, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting / Big Game Information / Antelope.”

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KANSAS NONRESIDENT DEER APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN

Nonresidents must apply online for limited deer permits

PRATT – Nonresidents who want to hunt deer in Kansas this fall must apply online for the limited number of nonresident deer permits by April 25, 2014. Season information, www.ksoutdoors.com.

application instructions, permit quotas, as well as last year’s drawing statistics can all be viewed on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) website,

Just more than 22,000 nonresident white-tailed deer combo permits were authorized for 2014, the same as last year. In addition, 266 mule deer stamps are allocated in Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 16, 17 and 18. Nonresidents who wish to hunt mule deer must apply for a mule deer stamp. If they draw a muzzleloader or archery whitetail permit in one of these units, they will then be entered into the drawing for a mule deer stamp. Those who draw a mule deer stamp will receive a combo permit valid for one white-tailed or mule deer, buck or doe, and one white-tailed antlerless deer.

Only online applications will be accepted, and applicants will be taken through the process step-by-step on KDWPT’s website. General nonresident white-tailed deer combo permits are $346.96, including application and convenience fees. The Mule Deer Stamp is $102.50. Nonresident youth white-tailed deer combo permits (hunters 15 and younger) are $116.34. All nonresident permits are combo permits and include one either-sex whitetail tag and one antlerless whitetail only tag.

For more information go to www.ksoutdoors.com or phone 620-672-0728.

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• Resident Firearm Either-species/either-sex Deer Permit Application Deadline July 12 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
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LESSER PRAIRIE-CHICKEN ADDED TO FEDERAL LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Secretary Robin Jennison reacted with

disappointment over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision Thursday to list the lesser prairie-chicken as threatened. Dan Ash, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), announced the decision last Thursday, citing habitat fragmentation, population declines, drought, and threats from development.

“This wasn’t the decision we hoped to hear,” Jennison said. “A lot of work went into a plan to show that state wildlife agencies could manage and conserve lesser prairie chickens without designating the species as threatened.”

For the past 18 months, KDWPT participated in the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Interstate Working Group, established by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA). Wildlife biologists from agencies in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas, as well as other partners, worked tirelessly to develop a Range-wide Lesser Prairie Chicken Plan (RWP) to conserve the species. Keith Sexson, KDWPT assistant secretary, was actively involved in the process and is pleased with the way state agencies worked together.

“The feeling among state wildlife agencies was that such a plan would benefit lesser prairie chickens through voluntary support from industry and private landowners, and perhaps dissuade the USFWS from listing the species,” said Sexson, KDWPT assistant secretary. “I’m proud of the effort and passion shown by our staff to help create this plan, and it demonstrates the ability for state fish and wildlife agencies to work together with industry and private landowners to deliver an approach that will result in positive conservation for the lesser prairie-chicken.”

While the USFWS endorsed the final version of the conservation plan, it didn’t prevent the final listing of the species.

“I believe the development and initial success of the range-wide plan shows that our staff have the expertise necessary to manage lesser prairie chickens and their habitats. I think we missed an opportunity to break out of the status quo in managing species in need of conservation,” Jennison said. “Had the final decision been ‘not warranted,’ the range-wide plan would have represented a groundbreaking new approach for the way these decisions are made. We have a plan that would have conserved prairie chickens and benefitted all stakeholders without the burdensome red tape and often times heavy-handed approach of the federal government.”

The final RWP is the result of an unprecedented effort and collaboration among state agencies, landowners and industry. The RWP is a comprehensive lesser prairie chicken conservation/management plan that provides a vehicle to bring industry, government and private landowners together to conserve the lesser prairie-chicken and its habitat. To date, more than $20 million has been committed by oil, gas, wind and electric transmission industries that will impact nearly 4 million acres, enhancing and developing critical lesser prairie-chicken habitat.

Information about the RWP is available on the WAFWA website, www.wafwa.org.

SPRING INTO SUMMER AT KANSAS STATE PARKS

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Free entry to all Kansas state parks, along with special events for the family

TOPEKA­ – Harsh winter weather has people longing for warmer days ahead, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has the perfect remedy for cabin fever. KDWPT invites outdoor enthusiasts to “Spring Into Summer” on Saturday, March 29 with a free entrance day and open houses at all Kansas state parks. Most parks will host special activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visit State Parks Open Houses to learn about the special events at participating parks.  

Plus, visitors can enter a statewide drawing to win a free one-night stay at a state park cabin of their choice. No purchase is necessary. The free one-night stay must be used in 2014, is subject to availability, and may be used for a single night or to extend a paid cabin reservation for another night. Limit one entry per person. The drawing will be held April 10, 2014. Local drawings will be held at each site for items such as T-shirts. Visitors do not need to be present to win.    

During Spring Into Summer, park goers can take advantage of low off-season camping permit prices. March 31 is the last day annual camping permits are priced at off-season discounts. On April 1, the prices increase to their regular prime-season levels. Visitors can purchase annual camping permits and make cabin or campsite reservations during the open houses, as well. For pricing information and to purchase permits online, go to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. For online permit purchases, click License/Permits. For campsite and cabin reservations, click Reservations.

Kansas motor vehicle owners can now buy an annual park vehicle permit as part of their vehicle registration process. The permit – called a Kansas State Parks Passport – costs $15.00, plus a 50 cents service fee to the county treasurer. This lower-price, non-transferable permit is available only during the vehicle registration process at a motor vehicle registration office, through the online vehicle registration site (www.kswebtags.org), or when registering by mail. The Kansas State Parks Passport will expire when the vehicle registration expires a year later.

The state parks and their scheduled events are listed below. All park offices will be open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The schedule is subject to change without notice. 

Cedar Bluff

• Cabin and facility tours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Free hot dog feed: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Drawings for one youth T-shirt, one adult T-shirt, one hoodie and one hat

Cheney

• Drawings for some T-shirts
• Cabin tours and tour the Ninnescah Sailing Association facilities
• Visit with members of the Cheney Lake Association 

Clinton  

• Drawing for a free T-shirt
• Cabin Open House:  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wakarusa Valley Cabin
• Animal Show-n-Tell: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m., Park Office 
• Search ‘n Find Activity: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Prizes for all who participate
• Craft Area: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 pm   
• Drawings for free T-shirts

Crawford

• Free Welcome Back breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., Marina, hosted by Friends of Crawford State Park, Donations welcomed to fund the July fireworks display
• Dedication for the Don Lamb Fishing Access Area: 10:00 a.m.
• Disc golf tournament: 11:00 a.m., Disc golf area
• Tours of the 160-acre Skinner Property: 1:00 p.m., Features history of the area prior to statehood and the “Bleeding Kansas” era
• Tour a cabin: all day

Cross Timbers (Toronto Reservoir)

• Timber Walker cabin tours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Features recent improvements
• Personal watercraft simulator: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Timber Walker Cabin
• Courtesy boat inspections: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Toronto Point East boat ramp

Eisenhower

• Cabin open for viewing, hot dogs and refreshments, games
• 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Osage City Warmth Fund
• Drawings for prizes

 El Dorado

• Nature photography hike: 10:00 a.m., Walnut River Area trailhead in Eagle Pass campground.
• Archery Range: Open all day
• Archery lessons: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Equipment provided
• Cabin tour: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Walnut River area
• Free boat inspections: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm., Park Office

Elk City

• Fishing Derby: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Kids Fishing Pond
• Pasture Golf Tournament: Tee off 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.. $10 per team, First place prize awarded
• Horseshoe Tournament: 3:00 p.m.  (2 Person Teams) $10 per team, First place prize awarded
• Golf and horseshoe tournament proceeds benefit park projects
• Free cookout: 5:00 p.m., Door prize drawings

Fall River

• Willow Bend Cabin tours:10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Features recent improvements

Glen Elder (Waconda Lake)

• Cabin open: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Hillsdale

• Shooting range open: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Drawings for free T-shirts

Kanopolis

• Cabin open house: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Lovewell

• Cabin tours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Levi Strong 10K and 2-mile Run/Walk Benefit/Fundraiser: 10:00 a.m., Willow Group Shelter Registration forms available on Facebook "TEAM LEVI STRONG: OUTRUN CANCER 10k and 2 Mile Run/Walk"
• Lovewell and Glen Elder Fishing Forecasts: 1:30 p.m., Willow Group Shelter

Meade

• Office tours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Trout Derby: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Drawings for a hoodie, two youth T- shirts, and two adult T-shirts

Milford

• Crabapple Cottage open house: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.                
• Adventure race: Times vary
• Drawings for a hoodie, two water bottles with floating key chain, two T-shirts

Perry

• Guided horse trail rides: 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Wild Horse Campground (or ride on your own)
• Potluck covered dish dinner:1:00 p.m., Wild Horse Campground
• Project report and live auction: 1:30 p.m., Wild Horse Campground
• Drawings for a hoodie and two T-shirts

Pomona:

• Cabin and shelterhouse tours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.:
• 3rd Annual Easter egg hunt: 1:00 p.m.
• Open House at Lighthouse Bay Marina
• Miss Teen Kansas and vendors at Southwind Shelter
• Scavenger hunt, RV Show, Food vendors

Prairie Dog (Keith Sebelius Reservoir)

• Adobe and school house tours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Cabin tours: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Drawings for one youth T-shirt, one adult T-shirt, one hoodie and one hat

 Prairie Spirit Trail

• Old Depot Museum in Ottawa: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Walk, bike or bring your pet. Free Lunch

Scott (Lake Scott)

• Cabin tours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Display of John Deere Gators and utility tractors: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Display of Traeger Grills by Percival Packing: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Refreshments
• Drawings for coffee mug, plastic water bottle, baseball cap, hoodie and a T-shirt

Tuttle Creek

• Archery Range: 10:00 - 2:00 p.m., Open for archery, slingshot, hatchet throwing, crossbow
• Nature Bird Hike: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Meet at park office
• Kiowa Cabin open house: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., refreshments served   
• Hunter Education Field Day: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Fancy Creek Range (Students must also attend classroom sessions at Green Valley Community Center March 25 and April 1 and pre-register at the park office)
• Drawings for two T-shirts, a hoodie, coffee mug

Webster

• Plainville Boat Shop will display boats and equipment: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Cabin tours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Refreshments
• Drawings for two youth T-shirts, two adult T-shirts and a hoodie

Wilson

• Cabin open: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Cabin tours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Refreshments 

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