WILD TURKEY FEDERATION STATE YOUTH CAMP SEPT. 15-16

At two-day event, kids can camp out and learn archery, shotgun shooting, crafts, much more

EMPORIA — The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will hold its 2012 NWTF Kansas State JAKES Camp for youth on Sept. 15-16 at Camp Alexander, near Emporia. JAKES stand for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship, and the acronym is also a common name for young male wild turkeys.

The cost of this event is $20 for JAKES members, $30 for non-JAKES members, and $20 for adults. Youth 17 years old and younger get to select from 15 activities in which to participate, including fishing, first aid in the field, air rifle, small game animals, arts and crafts, nature hikes and birding, firearms handling and safety, shotgun live fire, turkey calling, archery, sporting dogs, GPS, JAKES Take Aim range, and game calling.
Ralph Duren, two-time Grand National turkey calling champion, will present "Calls of the Wild" and will entertain campers later around the campfire Saturday night. Youth attending can participate in the 3rd Annual NWTF Kansas State youth turkey calling contest Saturday evening.

Attendees may choose to tent camp Saturday night or commute. Top-notch meals will be provided both days. Last year's Kansas State JAKES Camp was awarded the NWTF "Best State JAKES Event" at this year's NWTF National Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

For more information or a registration form, contact Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012.

Related articles

• Michigan's wildlife benefits from DNR partnerships with U.P. conservation groups
• Iowa DNR Approves Duck Seasons, Offers Suggestions on How NOT to deal with Problem Pests, and Offers Workshop on Improving Turkey and Quail Numbers
• Wild Turkey Federation banquet set for Saturday in Germantown
• Wisconsin Wolf Hunting, Turkey Management News, and Outdoor Report

DAILY HUNTING PERMITS REQUIRED AT MELVERN WILDLIFE AREA

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Free permits will help with game management
MELVERN — In an attempt to gather better information regarding how game populations respond to management activities and hunter harvest, Melvern Wildlife Area and Lyon State Fishing Lake will require daily hunting permits beginning Sept. 1. Melvern Wildlife Area is a popular destination for many hunters and provides more than 10,000 acres of public hunting for a variety of game, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and waterfowl. Providing high-quality habitat for each of these game species and a superior experience for the hunters pursuing them requires the best tools and information available, and data gleaned from these permits will help area biologists with their habitat management plans.

The hunting permit will be free and required for anyone hunting on these wildlife areas for any species of game. A new permit must be filled out and returned each day. Permits can be obtained at 10 locations on Melvern Wildlife Area and two locations on Lyon State Fishing Lake. At these locations, permits will be stored in metal boxes called “iron rangers,” which are similar to mailboxes.

Prior to hunting, hunters will fill out the top portion of the card and deposit it in the iron ranger. The bottom portion must be kept on their person while hunting. When the hunter is finished for the day, the bottom portion should be filled out and returned to an iron ranger. The information collected will be used to help direct management in the future. Additionally, these permits will provide much-needed information regarding game population trends on the area as well as hunter preferences, participation, success, and satisfaction with their hunting experience.

When the fall hunting season finally arrives, remember to stop by an iron ranger prior to hunting Melvern Wildlife Area or Lyon State Fishing Lake and fill out a permit. Cooperation and participation in this new program will help the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism collect valuable information to ensure a high-quality hunting experience for future generations. For more information, phone the Melvern Wildlife Area Office at 620-699-3372.

Related articles

• South Dakota Archery Hunters Can Apply For Limited Access Permits In Sioux Falls, Blood Run And Adams Homestead (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Managed deer hunt applications open July 1, close Aug. 15 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Kansas: Leftover Nonresident Deer Permits Still Available (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Kansas: July 13 Deadline for Resident Elk, Either-species Firearm Deer Permit Applications (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Ohio's Controlled Deer and Waterfowl Hunts Coming Soon - Apply Now! (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

HOW TO AGE SPRING TOM TURKEYS

A few simple measurements can provide approximate age of birds
PRATT — The regular Kansas spring turkey season runs through May 31, and many hunters have already bagged a big gobbler. Proud hunters often compare the size of their birds, and this can lead to many friendly arguments. But another, less tangible question often puzzles turkey hunters: How old is that bird?
Many myths surround this subject. Some say that any bird over 20 pounds is at least three years old. Others say that a 9-inch beard is a sure sign that your turkey is at least 4 years old. Still others claim that a sharp spur 3/4-inch long indicates a three-year-old bird. What’s the truth?
Biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism provide information that would seem to settle much of the debate about a turkey’s age. First of all, many things can affect the weight of a bird, so weight is not a factor. Spur and beard length, however, are important factors in determining a turkey’s age. Use the following rules of thumb to determine approximate age of your bird, keeping in mind that these are approximations for this region of the country and that habitat and other factors may affect these guidelines:
Spur Length = Age of Turkey
1/2 inch or less = 1 year (jake)
1/2-7/8 inch and blunt = 2 years
7/8-1 inch = 2+ years
1+ inch and sharp = 3+ years
1 ¼ + = 4 years
Beard Length = Age of Turkey
3-5 inches = 1 year
6-9 inches with amber tip = 2 years
10+ inches = 3+ years
To differentiate juvenile and adult birds from a distance, look at the tail fan while the bird is strutting. A bird with longer feathers in the middle or on the side of the fan is a juvenile while uniform length in tail feathers indicates an adult bird. With a harvested bird, you can distinguish adult from juvenile by examining the two outermost primary wing feathers — those longest feathers on the end of the wing. On adult birds, these two primaries will be rounded and have white barring extending to the very end. On juvenile birds, these feathers will be much more pointed and have no barring near the tip.
Of course, any tom turkey is a prize, and the opportunity to watch and hunt these fascinating birds is one of the most exciting outdoor activities of spring. The turkey season is long, running from early April through the end of May each year, so Kansas should offer the avid hunter many opportunities yet to come this spring.

Related articles

• First-week turkey harvest rebounds
• Youth spring turkey season offers first shot to young hunters
• Early spring presents turkey hunting challenges
• Iowa Spring Turkey Hunting 101
• Warm weather could boost turkey hunters' long-term prospects

12TH ANNUAL COUNCIL GROVE YOUTH TURKEY HUNT A BIG SUCCESS

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fifteen youth participated, taking nine birds
COUNCIL GROVE — On April 7, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) conducted the 12th Annual Council Grove Spring Turkey Hunt. A rainy spring morning did not hamper 15 eager area youngsters the morning of the hunt, and by day’s end, all the participants were fortunate to see or hear wild turkeys. Eight of the participants harvested a turkey (two for one younger hunter) while others enjoyed encounters with their quarry but were unable to harvest. It was the first turkey for each of those who harvested a bird.
Area landowners provided access for this special event, which has become a big draw for area youth. The primary goal of the hunt was to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for area youngsters, bringing them together with others of like interest. Young were paired with knowledgeable and experienced adult volunteers in an effort to initiate or further entice participants to enjoy the spring pastime of wild turkey hunting. All participants received hands-on hunting instruction, turkey hunting gear, and meals.

The following individuals and organizations assisted with the hunt:
Organizations: The National Wild Turkey Federation, The Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, KDWPT, the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, and Cabela’s of Wichita.
Individuals: Randy Benteman, Marvin Peterson, Brandon Houck, Jared McJunkin, Tyson Powell, Spencer Tomb, Allan Cashman, Mike Wells, Mark Hawkins, Phillip Buttrey, Jim Evans, Jason Harris, Nanci Sigle, Martin Godlove, Josh Patry, Alden Neff, Derek Jackson, and Trent and Frank Siegle.
“I would like to sincerely thank all of those who contributed to this 12th annual event,” said Brent Konen, Council Grove Wildlife Area manager and organizer of the hunt. “By donating resources and sharing their time and talents, they instilled not only an interest in turkey hunting in 15 area youth but also enhanced their appreciation for the outdoor world and developed some lasting friendships and memories to last a lifetime. Without the dedication and support of volunteers, this rewarding event would not be possible each year.”
Volunteers interested in helping with next year’s hunt should phone Konen at 620-767-5900.

Related articles

• Early spring presents turkey hunting challenges
• Iowa Spring Turkey Hunting 101
• Turkey hunting clinic open to youths ages 9 through 15
• Peck Ranch Refuge closed to spring turkey hunting
• 2012 ReservedIndiana: Youth Turkey Hunt opportunities on DNR properties

KDWPT VOLUNTARY ELECTRONIC TURKEY REGISTRATION ONLINE

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Photo electronic turkey registration helps hunters comply with transportation laws
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds all spring turkey hunters that immediately after taking a turkey, the permit holder must sign the carcass tag and record on it the county, date, and time of kill, then attach the carcass tag to the bird in a visible manner before moving it from the kill site. During the spring season, only turkeys with a visible beard may be taken, so the beard of the turkey must remain naturally attached to the breast while in transit from the kill site to the permittee’s residence or a commercial place of processing or preservation.
However, a bird maybe dressed for transport if the hunter obtains a transportation confirmation number after electronically registering the turkey on the agency’s website (ksoutdoors.com), or the permittee has retained photographs necessary for electronic registration until registration occurs.

What is electronic registration? Using a camera-reading cell phone, this convenient system allows the permit holder to upload two images of a just-killed turkey, making legal to transport the bird without the carcass tag attached. (At this time the system does not work with certain cell phones.) Here’s how it works:

1. Click the “Check-in Turkey” button at https://programs.ksoutdoors.com/Programs/Electronic-Turkey-Check-in.
2. Here, either Login to an existing account or create a new account. (Save this account information; it will be used for other purposes such as deer check-in and future special hunts.)
3. If you have created a new account, you will need to click "Check-in Turkey" again.
4. Once logged in, fill out all the information requested.
5. Upload two photos of the turkey. One of the photos must be a close-up shot of the turkey tag attached to the turkey. The tag must be visible and filled out with the correct information. The second photo must be a view of the complete turkey with the tag attached and beard visible.
6. Once files appear, click the “Submit” button to finish.
7. Keep the confirmation number with the turkey tag.

This is not a telephone registration system, and it is not required. The system allows KDWPT staff to see the turkey and the hunter’s completed tag without the time and expense of maintaining a check station. This flexibility is a benefit to both the hunter and KDWPT. For more information, go online to ksoutdoors.com and click “Electronic Turkey Check-in” in the “Topics” box.

Related articles

• Iowa Spring Turkey Hunting 101
• First Turkey Awards turn memories into a mementos
• Early spring presents turkey hunting challenges
• 2012 Kansas Nonresident Deer Application Deadline April 27
• Three Kansas Deer Confirmed Positive in Early Stages of Cwd Testing

SAFETY KEY TO SUCCESSFUL SPRING TURKEY HUNT

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ensure a rewarding hunt with a few simple safety rules

PRATT — Kansas gobblers are in full strut, and avid turkey hunters are champing at the bit to get into the woods on opening day of the general spring turkey season, which opens April 11 and runs through May 31. And because turkey hunting is a safe, rewarding way to introduce youth to a heart-thumping hunting experience, many parents and mentors are already pursuing gobblers during the youth/disabled and archery only season, April 1-10.

While calling male turkeys is one of the most exciting hunts in the Sunflower State, Kansas hunters must remember one word that exemplifies the perfect hunt: safety. Responsible hunters are sure of their targets before firing, and they hunt defensively to protect themselves from the mistakes of others.

The following are just a few defensive safety tips to follow when pursuing America’s largest game bird this spring:
set up against a stump, tree, or rock that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head;
never wear or carry the colors red, white, light blue, or black — the colors of a wild turkey gobbler — when turkey hunting;
eliminate movement and set up in open timber rather than thick brush;
avoid imitating the sound of a gobbling turkey;
watch other game and listen for the alarm cries of blue jays, crows, squirrels, or woodpeckers that can tip you off to the presence of another hunter;
assume any noise you hear is another hunter until you know; and
never move, wave, or make turkey sounds to alert another hunter of your presence, but remain still and call out in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence.

Including the archery-only season and youth/disabled seasons, Kansas hunters will be able to hunt for two full months. During the youth season, youth 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. The adult may not hunt during the youth season (except with archery equipment). No hunting license is required for resident hunters 15 and younger, but a valid Kansas turkey permit is required for everyone.

Related articles

• Youth turkey harvest up
• Youth spring turkey season offers first shot to young hunters
• Turkey hunting clinic open to youths ages 9 through 15
• Turkey hunting clinic open to youths ages 9 through 15
• Warm weather could boost turkey hunters' long-term prospects

2012 SPRING TURKEY ATLAS NOW AVAILABLE

Female Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) taken near Rideau River, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Publication shows all land open to spring turkey hunting; online version also available
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has announced that the2012 Kansas Spring Turkey Atlas is now available at KDWPT offices and license vendors around the state. An online version is currently available on the agency's website, ksoutdoors.com. To view or download the atlas from the KDWPT website, click “Hunting/Where To Hunt In Kansas/2012 Spring Turkey Atlas.” View or print all or portions of the atlas.

This is an indispensible tool for anyone looking for a new place hunt, or for those who don’t yet have a place to go. The atlas pinpoints access to all land in Kansas open to public spring turkey hunting, including Walk-In Hunting Access land, which is private land leased by KDWPT. This spring, more than 190,000 acres of Walk-In land are available, in addition to state and federal wildlife areas.

The 2012 spring youth/disabled and archery turkey seasons run April 1-10. The regular spring season runs April 11-May 31. Turkey permits allow hunters to use a shotgun, crossbow, or bow throughout the regular season.

Turkey permits valid in units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online from the KDWPT website or over the counter at any license vendor. (Unit 4 — southwest Kansas — is a draw-only area, except that youth permits are valid in all units, including Unit 4.) A turkey regulations summary may be downloadedfrom the KDWPT website and printed or obtained at KDWPT offices. The brochure can be used only for general regulations regarding the 2012 Kansas spring turkey hunting season.

Huntable populations of wild turkeys exist in nearly every Kansas county. The Rio Grande subspecies dominates the western two-thirds of the state, and the eastern subspecies is common in the eastern regions. Hybrid Rio Grande/eastern birds may be found where the two ranges converge.

Spring turkey permit and game tags fees are as follow:

• Resident General permit — $22.50;
• Resident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $27.50;
• Resident Youth permit — $12.50;
• Resident Youth Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $17.50;
• Resident game tag — $12.50;
• Landowner/Tenant permit — $12.50;
• Landowner/Tenant Combo permit/game tag — $17.50 (available through March 31);
• Nonresident General permit — $32.50;
• Nonresident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $47.50;
• Nonresident game tag­ — $22.50;
• Unit 4 Resident General permit­ — $27.50;
• Unit 4 Resident Landowner/Tenant Permit — $17.50; and
• Unit 4 Preference Point — $6.50.

A 2012 hunting license is required in addition to a turkey permit.

Related articles

• Youth spring turkey season offers first shot to young hunters
• Managed turkey hunt application deadline is Feb. 29
• Licenses on Sale for Mentored Youth Hunting in Michigan
• The Next Pure Michigan Hunt Winner Could Be You!
• Conservation Action December 2011

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

• Managed turkey hunt application deadline is Feb. 29 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Turkey hunting clinic open to youths ages 9 through 15 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Deer-gun Hunting Continues December 17-18 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Turkey hunting clinic open to youths ages 9 through 15 (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

TURKEY FEDERATION CHAPTER YOUTH HUNT APRIL 7

Image via Wikipedia

Guide hunts, gun giveaway to highlight event; application deadline March 30
HIAWATHA — The Thundering Toms Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) — representing Northeast Kansas and Southeast Nebraska with headquarters in Hiawatha, Kan. — will sponsor a guided youth turkey hunt on Saturday, April 7. Hunters, parents/sponsors, and guides will meet at the Hiawatha National Guard Armory the evening of April 6 for a safety meeting and to introduce and assign each hunter a guide. The guides will have written permission to hunt private land and will arrange with hunters and parents or sponsors on the time and place to meet on April 7, before departing to the designated hunting location.
After the hunt all hunters, parents or sponsors, and guides will meet at the shelter house at Hiawatha City Lake for a noon meal. After the meal, birds will be scored, pictures will be taken, prizes will be awarded, and a gun will be given away to one of the young hunters.
All young hunters who are interested in participating in the youth hunt must complete an application, available from Larry West at east@rainbows.net. The hunt will be limited to 15 participants, and the application deadline is March 30. Successful applicants will be sent an agenda for the day(s) of the hunt, meeting times, and other information.
For more information, contact West at the above email address.

Related articles

• Wisconsin Learn To Hunt Turkey events are easy to plan, fun to host for all (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Managed turkey hunt application deadline is Feb. 29 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• REVIEW: Girl Hunter: Revolutionizing the Way We Eat, One Hunt at a Time (macleans.ca)
• Fall firearms turkey harvest up 19 percent (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Tips to Avoid Problems Getting a Deer License - Iowa (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

FLINTS HILLS GOBBLERS 11th ANNUAL SPRING TURKEY HUNTING CLINIC MARCH 24

Image via Wikipedia

For novice turkey hunters; registration deadline March 11
EMPORIA — On March 24, the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Hunter Education Program will conduct the 11th Annual Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic. The event will take place at Camp Alexander, near Emporia, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to anyone interested in learning how to become a better turkey hunter, especially youth, and it's free.

Participants will learn calling tips and other turkey hunting techniques. Bluestem Farm and Ranch of Emporia will display all the latest turkey hunting equipment and will hold a drawing for a turkey vest packed with accessories. Lunch and free T-shirts will be provided. The clinic will consist of several educational sessions dealing with all aspects of becoming a successful turkey hunter, including the following:

• turkey calling and locator calling;
• scouting/roosting;
• wild turkey biology and management;
• shotgun hunting for wild turkeys;
• bowhunting for wild turkeys;
• turkey hunting equipment; and
• turkey hunting safety.

Participants should register by March 10 and include the total number of youth and adults attending, as well as their respective T-shirt sizes (limited to 150 attendees). For more information or to register, contact Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012.

Related articles

• Managed turkey hunt application deadline is Feb. 29 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Only a Few Days Left for Your Chance at Michigan's Hunt of a Lifetime (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Conservation Commission sets 2012 deer, turkey regulations (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Fall firearms turkey harvest up 19 percent (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wild turkeys make the most of break from weather (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

UNIT 4 SPRING TURKEY APPLICATION DEADLINE FEB. 10

Image via Wikipedia

500 permits available to adult residents; youth permits valid statewide
PRATT — While Kansas spring turkey permits are available to all hunters in most of the state, only 500 permits (residents only) will be issued for Unit 4, a western portion of the state bordered by highways I-70 on the north, U.S. 183 on the east, and U.S. 54 on the south. Fifty percent of these permits are reserved for applicants who qualify as landowner/tenants in that unit. Resident youth (age 16 and younger) turkey permits are valid statewide, including Unit 4.

Applications for Unit 4 permits must be received online or by phone at620-672-0728 no later than Feb. 10. Electronic applications are available at www.kdwpt.ks.us. There are no paper applications or mail-in forms. All draw applications must be submitted through the online application process or by phone.

Spring turkey permit and game tags fees are as follow:

• Unit 4 Resident General permit­ — $27.50;
• Unit 4 Resident Landowner/Tenant Permit — $17.50;
• Unit 4 Preference Point — $6.50;
• Resident General permit — $22.50;
• Resident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $27.50;
• Resident Youth permit — $12.50;
• Resident Youth Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $17.50;
• Resident game tag — $12.50;
• Landowner/Tenant permit — $12.50;
• Landowner/Tenant Combo permit/game tag — $17.50 (available through March 31);
• Nonresident General permit — $32.50;
• Nonresident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $47.50; and
• Nonresident game tag­ — $22.50.

A Spring Turkey Atlas showing all public hunting lands and spring Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) lands will be available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices and the KDWPT website in late March. For more details on Kansas spring turkey hunting, go to the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us, and click “Hunting/Turkey Information.”

Related articles

• Ohio: Deer and Turkey Hunters Have a New Process for Reporting Harvests (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Tips to Avoid Problems Getting a Deer License - Iowa (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Wild turkeys make the most of break from weather (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Fall firearms turkey harvest up 19 percent (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Only a Few Days Left for Your Chance at Michigan's Hunt of a Lifetime (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

2012 SPRING TURKEY PERMITS AVAILABLE ONLINE

Image via Wikipedia

Jan. 19, 2012
Regular season April 11-May 31; youth/disabled, archery seasons April 1-10

PRATT — So far, it’s been a mild winter in Kansas, but avid turkey hunters are still itching for spring, when wild turkeys gobble and the hunt for long beards is on. The Kansas spring turkey hunting season runs April 1-10 for archery-only and youth/disabled hunters and April 11-May 31 for everyone. Turkey hunters must possess a hunting license, unless exempt, and a spring turkey permit. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) makes early preparation easier by offering spring turkey permits online in January.

Legal equipment for spring turkey hunting includes 20-gauge or larger shotguns, bows, and crossbows although hunters not qualified as youth or disabled may use only archery equipment April 1-10. The state is divided into four turkey management units. Unit 4, southwest Kansas, is limited to 500 resident-only permits available through a lottery draw with an application deadline of Feb. 10. Youth permits (16 and younger) are half-price and valid statewide, including Unit 4.

Turkey permits for units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online from the Kansas KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us, or from license vendors across the state. (A permit purchased for Unit 1, 2, or 3 is valid in all three units.) In addition, any individual with a spring turkey permit may purchase one game tag valid only in Units 2 and 3. A turkey permit/game tag combination is available through March 31 at a reduced price. By purchasing the combination early, hunters save $7.50 over the cost of purchasing each separately.

Huntable populations of wild turkeys exist in nearly every Kansas county. The Rio Grande subspecies dominates the western two-thirds of the state, and the eastern subspecies is common in the eastern regions. Hybrid Rio Grande/eastern birds may be found where the two ranges converge.

Spring turkey permit and game tags fees are as follow:

• Resident General permit — $22.50;
• Resident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $27.50;
• Resident Youth permit — $12.50;
• Resident Youth Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $17.50;
• Resident game tag — $12.50;
• Landowner/Tenant permit — $12.50;
• Landowner/Tenant Combo permit/game tag — $17.50 (available through March 31);
• Nonresident General permit — $32.50;
• Nonresident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $47.50;
• Nonresident game tag­ — $22.50;
• Unit 4 Resident General permit­ — $27.50;
• Unit 4 Resident Landowner/Tenant Permit — $17.50; and
• Unit 4 Preference Point — $6.50.

A Spring Turkey Atlas showing all public hunting lands and spring Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) lands will be available at KDWP offices and the KDWP website in late March.

Related articles

• Kansas Deer Hunters: Tag Your Deer Properly (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Kdwpt Commission Big Game Permit Applications Due Jan. 1 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• -30- Kansas Firearm Deer Season Opens Nov. 30 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Conservation Commission sets 2012 deer, turkey regulations (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Kansas: TOLL-FREE PHONE HOTLINE PUTS POACHERS ON HOT SEAT (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

FALL TURKEY HUNTING: TIME FOR THE BIG BIRDS

Image via Wikipedia

Wild turkeys offer special fall hunting opportunity
PRATT — The wild turkey was once extirpated from Kansas, but today, wild turkey populations have been growing for years, offering hunters the opportunity to pursue them in fall and spring. While the season opened Oct. 1, it runs long enough to add this traditional game bird to the Thanksgiving and Christmas tables.

All of Kansas except Unit 4 (westcentral and southwestern Kansas) is open to fall hunting, and the seasons are long. This year, the seasons run Oct. 1-Nov. 29, Dec. 12-31, and Jan. 9-31, 2012. One turkey permit per hunter is allowed, valid in Unit 1 (northwestern Kansas), Unit 2 (the eastern one-half of the state), and Unit 3 (central Kansas). In addition, hunters may purchase as many as three additional turkey game tags valid in Unit 2 only. One turkey of either sex may be taken with each permit or tag. Hunters may use legal shotguns or archery equipment.

Unit descriptions may be found in the 2011 Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary, available at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website — www.kdwpt.state.ks.us — KDWPT offices, and license vendors.

October offers some of the best hunting. Turkeys are in small groups, and many young birds have never been hunted. Often, a hunter can stalk the birds or break up a group, then hide and call them back. Public wildlife areas and Walk-In Hunting Access lands often hold large numbers of turkeys in October before hunting pressure moves them to private land.

The combination of good turkey populations, uncrowded hunting, and mild fall weather make October an excellent time to go turkey hunting, or keep a permit in hand while hunting upland game or deer. It's also a good time to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner.

Related articles

• Kdwpt Commission Big Game Permit Applications Due Jan. 1 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Kansas Deer Hunters: MUZZLELOADER, YOUTH/DISABLED, ARCHERY DEER SEASONS ON TAP (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Wild turkeys make the most of break from weather (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Kansas: NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY SEPT. 24 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• The fall hunt: friends, family, food and fun (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)