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.”

Related articles

• Mountain Lion confirmed in Kansas (littleapplepost.com)
• Mountain lion photographed in southeast Kansas (ksn.com)
• Deer cam captures mountain lion on Kansas trail (ljworld.com)

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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FISHING REGULATIONS FOCUS OF NEXT COMMISSION MEETING

Public hearing portion of meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

PRATT – It may be prime hunting season in fall, but staff at the Kansas Department of Oct. 16 Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting in Salina. The meeting will be held at Martenelli’s Restaurant, 158 S. Sante Fe, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and reconvene at 6:30 p.m. for the evening session.

Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) are already working hard to plan for the 2015 fishing season. Several regulatory changes pertaining to traditional rod-and-reel fishing, as well as non-traditional forms such as floatlining, will be heard and voted on at the

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; an update on the 2015 legislature; an update on Tourism Division activities; a series of regulations pertaining to antelope and elk; permanent big game regulations; and a series of deer regulations.

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

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 to be discussed and voted on during the evening session include eliminating the need for a permit to floatline fish; increasing the mesh size allowed in seines and cast nest used for taking baitfish; certain creel, size, and possession limits; other special fishing provisions; camping and utility fees at Sandhills State Park; threatened and endangered species; and general provisions related to nongame species.

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., Oct. 17, to complete any unfinished business.

Commercial-free live video and audio streaming of the meeting 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 January 8, 2015 at Bonner Springs Parks and Recreation, Sunflower Room, 200 E. 3rd St., Bonner Springs.

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APRIL 25 DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR NONRESIDENT DEER PERMIT

Nonresidents must apply online for limited deer permits

PRATT – Nonresidents deer hunters looking to fill a Kansas tag this fall have until midnight Friday, April 25, 2014 to apply online for a permit. Only online applications will be accepted through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s website, ksoutdoors.com, where applicants will be taken through a process step-by-step.

A nonresident white-tailed deer combo permit is $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-only whitetail tag.

Application instructions, season information, permit quotas, as well as last year’s drawing statistics, can all be viewed on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s website, www.ksoutdoors.com.

Related articles

• Kansas Nonresident Deer Application Period Open (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• 2012 Kansas Nonresident Deer Application Deadline April 27 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Kansas: Leftover Nonresident Deer Permits Still Available (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Leftover Nonresident Deer Permits Still Available (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• 2014 Licenses and Permits Go on Sale Dec. 16 (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• New Regulations Create Greater Flexibility for Hunters (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• April 2014 Conservation Action (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

KDWPT’S JOE KRAMER RECOGNIZED FOR WETLAND CONSERVATION

Kramer is named 2014 Professional Conservation Champion by Playa Lakes Joint Venture

PRATT ­– The Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) recognized Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Joe Kramer, Director of Fisheries and Wildlife Division, as one of two recipients of the 2014 North American Migratory Bird Joint Venture Conservation Champion Award. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory was the other 2014 recipient.

Each year, this award is given to partners and partnerships that have demonstrated a long-term commitment and dedication to the important work of the Joint Ventures and Kramer is no exception.

"For his 34 years of contributions to the people and places so vital to the wildlife and wetlands we want to sustain, we are honored to present the Conservation Champion Award for an Individual to Joe Kramer," said PLJV Coordinator Mike Carter. "Joe has been with us from the beginning, as a founding member of the management board, and is still just as involved today."

Raised in Great Bend, Kramer developed a passion for waterfowl at Cheyenne Bottoms. After completing his degree in wildlife biologiy at Kansas State Univeristy, hee began his professional career as a wildlife area technician with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. In just 11 years, Joe rose to Chief of Wildlife and Fisheries Division, where he remains an important leader 27 years later.

For more information on Kramer’s contributions, visit www.pljv.org/news/playa-post/march-2014.

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 

Related articles

• New Kansas Outdoor, Travel Guides Available (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• January 1 Commission Big Game Permit Application Deadline (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Applications Being Accepted for Commission Big Game Permits (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wildlife Checkpoint Planned in Central Ks (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

KDWPT HITS RECORD ENROLLMENT FOR SPRING TURKEY HUNTING ACCESS

Nearly 214,000 Walk-In Hunting Access acres are available this spring

PRATT – Hunting for spring turkeys can have it’s own set of challenges, but this year, finding

a place to hunt shouldn’t be one of them. Thanks to the Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program offered through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), hunters in search of this hardy bird will have access to nearly 214,000 privately-owned acres, in addition to the state- and federally-owned wildlife areas. And accessing maps to these locations has never been easier before. Hunters can locate 2014 Spring WIHA lands by:

-Grabbing a printed copy of the2014 Spring Turkey Hunting Atlasavailable wherever licenses are sold

-Downloading an online copy of the2014 Spring Turkey Hunting Atlasfrom ksoutdoors.com

-Uploading the locations directly to a Garmin GPS Unit

-Uploading the locations to the Google Earth digital globe, or handheld device through Google Earth Mobile

Prior to accessing any Kansas WIHA properties, hunters are reminded to review the WIHA Area Rules & Information section of the2014 Spring Turkey Hunting Atlas.

Although there are no additional fees or sign-up required to access Kansas WIHA properties, hunters are still encouraged to be courteous if someone else is already using the property. All enrolled tracts are marked with WIHA signs to designate boundaries. If a tract shows on the map but doesn’t have signs, don’t access it. WIHA land is enrolled voluntarily by Kansas landowners, who may remove their property from the program at any time, for any reason. If a tract is removed, the signs will be taken down. It is up to hunters to be responsible, respectful, ethical, and safe to ensure the future availability of these properties.

For more information on the WIHA program, visit ksoutdoor.com/wiha.

The 2014 spring turkey season will begin with the archery and youth/disabled season April 1-8, followed by the regular firearm seasonApril 9-May 31.

2014 Spring turkey permits­ for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 are available online or at any license vendor through May 30.

Hunters who drew a Unit 4 (southwest Kansas) spring turkey permit earlier this year may also use their Unit 4 permit in adjacent Units 1, 2 and 5.

Related articles

• 2014 Spring Turkey Special Hunts Application On-line (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• New Lease Rates Available for Walk-in Hunting Access Land (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wildlife Checkpoint Planned in Central Ks (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• January 1 Commission Big Game Permit Application Deadline (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)

BRENT THEEDE AWARDED 2013 WETLAND MANAGER OF THE YEAR BY KANSAS DUCKS UNLIMITED

McPherson Valley Wetlands manager recognized for moist soil management practices

PRATT – Managing McPherson Valley Wetlands and Marion Wildlife Area is how Brent

Theede earns his living, but for this Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) employee, his job is more than a paycheck- it’s a passion. At the 2014 State Ducks Unlimited Convention in Overland Park in February, Theede’s passion was formally recognized and awarded during Saturday’s award ceremony as Theede was presented with the 2013 Wetland Manager of the Year Award. There to help celebrate was Theede’s supervisor, KDWPT public lands regional supervisor, Stuart Schrag. It was Schrag that nominated Theede for the award, and according to him, Theede was nothing short of deserving.

“Brent exemplifies the professionalism and dedication needed for proper moist soil management,” says Schrag. “Since starting at the Wetlands, Brent has diligently devoted his efforts in improving the area for waterfowl of all species and the sportsmen who pursue them.”

“There is a ‘feast or famine’ uniqueness to wetland management,” says Schrag. “The months, and sometimes years, of tediously maintaining dikes, repairing water control structures, clearing trees, spraying noxious and invasive plants, removing troublesome beavers, and running and checking pumps all hours of the night can finally pay off in one rain event, and 2013 was a ‘feast’ year.” Schrag went on to explain that heavy late-summer rains flooded the wetlands leaving pristine conditions heading into the early teal season. The fruits of Theede’s labor were evident within just the first two and a half weeks of the regular duck season, and by season end, McPherson Valley Wetlands had experienced a season of record-breaking harvest numbers.

“Around 3,370 hunters harvested 6,010 ducks for the 2013-2014 season, shattering the current record by 2,800 ducks,” says Schrag. “While the rain played a major factor, if not for Brent’s dedication and professional standards in moist soil management, everything would have not come together to set the environment for overall success and a record-breaking year.”

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SENATOR PAT ROBERTS VISITS MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA

Kansas congressman enjoys tour of popular wetland area

PLEASANTON – Senator Pat Roberts toured the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and

Tourism’s (KDWPT) Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area Saturday, Feb. 22.  The Senator spent about an hour and a half on the wetland area in Linn County, just north of Pleasanton.

Senator Roberts, his wife Franki, and a staff member met with Karl Karrow, area manager, to tour the wildlife area and learn more about the role it plays in the region. The Senator and his group visited several wetland units, including a new project on the wildlife area. 

“It was a great day in the field – nice weather, good company, lively conversation, and an abundance of wildlife, particularly waterfowl,” Karrow said. “We were especially lucky to see swans on two different wetlands.”

Spring migration is in full swing and KDWPT staff estimate about 5,000 geese and 40,000 ducks are currently present on the wetland area. Although the wildlife area’s French name translates into “Marsh of The Swans,” swans are typically uncommon visitors. Oddly enough, about 12 swans were present during Senator Roberts’ visit.

In addition to established marshes, the group also toured the site of a forested unit, or green-tree reservoir, which is still in development stages. Trees have been cleared from a narrow corridor to allow for construction later this year. The 75-acre impoundment, dominated by bottomland hardwood trees, will be flooded with shallow water in the fall to attract mallards and wood ducks. The area will be drained in the spring before trees break dormancy. The unit will be open to hunting.

For more information on the Marais des Cygnes Wildlife area, contact Karro at (620) 432-5047 or visitwww.ksoutdoors.com.

DUCKS UNLIMITED CHAPTER TO AUCTION BIG GAME PERMIT

Online auction of big game permit will raise money for conservation

CONCORDIA – The Cloud County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, one of seven lucky applicants  to draw a 2014 Kansas Commissioner’s Big Game Permit, will hold an online auction for their  statewide, any deer, any-season permit. The auction will begin March 2 at 8 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. on March 8. The any-season, either-species permit may be used by residents and nonresidents and is valid during the muzzleloader, archery and firearm seasons, with equipment valid for that season. Those interested in bidding may register online at www.proxibid.com, or contact Steve Williams, at(785) 243-5772 or pressx24@nckcn.com for more information.

Each January, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offers seven select big game permits to Kansas non-profit conservation organizations. The winning applicants receive the permit in the form of a voucher. Typically these vouchers are sold to the highest bidder, who can then exchange the voucher for their designated big game permit through the KDWPT licensing section. Once a voucher is sold, the price of the permit and 85 percent of the total is returned to KDWPT. The conservation group keeps 15 percent to spend at its discretion. After a conservation project is approved, the 85 percent is returned to the group to fund the project.

Past projects include Pass It On activities, hunter education courses, habitat development and restoration, as well as archery and shooting clinics for youth and adults.

For more information on the Commission Big Game Permit program, or instructions on how to apply for 2015, contact commission secretary Sheila Kemmis at (620) 672-0702. 

Related articles

• 2014 Comission Big Game Permit Winners Announced (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• January 1 Commission Big Game Permit Application Deadline (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Applications Being Accepted for Commission Big Game Permits (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wildlife Checkpoint Planned in Central Ks (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

HUNTER SURVEY PARTICIPATION VITAL FOR DEER MANAGEMENT

40,000 Deer hunters will receive online surveys inquiring about the 2013-2014 season

PRATT – Forty thousand of the approximately 120,000 hunters who hunted deer in Kansas this past season will be contacted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) via an online survey. The survey, which is conducted every year, asks deer hunters to provide information regarding harvest success, dates and seasons hunted, days spent in the field, locations hunted, and choice of equipment during the 2013-2014 seasons. Hunter participation in the survey is crucial because biologists use the information to make deer management recommendations. Hunters who are randomly-selected to take this survey are strongly encouraged to complete the survey in its entirety as soon as possible.

“Some people reply back and tell us they killed a doe or got a 10 point buck and think that is all we really need. That is not the case,” said KDWPT big game biologist, Lloyd Fox. Fox explained that KDWPT monitors multiple aspects of the hunt in order to gain a clearer picture of the men and women who hunt deer and the impact of hunting on the resource.

Fox added that preliminary data received from surveys completed thus far show little to no changes from the 2012-2013 season as hunters have been reporting similar harvest success rates compared to last year, but biologists are still eager to receive any and all outstanding surveys in order to obtain the best information possible.

If you receive a 2013-2014 deer survey, please take the time to fill out it. A little time spent at the computer can go a long way in the field next season.

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NEW KANSAS OUTDOOR, TRAVEL GUIDES AVAILABLE

Planning a Kansas excursion is easy with print, online tools

TOPEKA – The 2014 edition of “Kansas Outdoors,” the official guide to the Sunflower State’s outdoor destinations and experiences is now available. Published by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), “Kansas Outdoors” is crammed with 57 pages of

stunning photographs and brief descriptions of a variety of outdoor opportunities, such as camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, boating, biking and Kansas Byway driving. For the truly adventurous, there is information on skydiving, endurance biking and kayaking. The guide also lists a large number of activities, events and places to experience.

The “2014 Kansas Travel Guide” features more than 130 pages of stunning photography; brief stories about a variety of Kansas destinations, activities and events along with hundreds of listings for things to see and do and places to stay or eat. Subscribers to Kansas! magazine will find the travel guide bundled with their magazine.  

“Kansas Outdoors” and the “2014 Kansas Travel Guide” are perfect companions to KDWPT’s two websites – TravelKS.com and KSOutdoors.com, so the right tool to help adventurers explore the state is within easy reach.

TravelKS.com is a one-stop-shop for travelers. Aptly titled, “There’s No Place Like Kansas,” visitors can use the site to plan their trip, learn about a variety of activities, events, dining and lodging options, subscribe toKansas!magazine and locate places to buy Kansas products. Special deals and coupons are even available for a number of destinations and dining, shopping and lodging locations. TravelKS.com also features information devoted to the Flint Hills, Kansas Byways, Agritourism and the Kansas River National Water Trail. Kansas travel industry professionals can use TravelKS.com to reach a wide audience.

KSOutdoors.com offers a “boat load” of helpful content for the outdoor enthusiast, including important information on hunting, fishing, boating, the state parks and purchasing licenses and permits.     

“Kansas Outdoors” and “Kansas Travel Guide” are free, and a free official Kansas travel map is included with all orders. To request a guide, visit TravelKS.com and click on the Travel Guide photo at the top of the page, or call 1-800-2Kansas or email tourism@travelks.com. 

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