2014 COMISSION BIG GAME PERMIT WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Being awarded a Commission Big Game Permit can mean big fundraising dollars for

conservation-based nonprofits

PRATT – On Jan. 9, 2014, a total of seven conservation-based nonprofit organizations were awarded a Commission Big Game Permit at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s commission public meeting held at Southwestern College in Winfield. A total of 99 successful applications were received for the seven highly-sought after permits consisting of one elk, one antelope, and five deer permits. Because each organization is asked to rank each permit by first choice through last choice, a total of one elk and six deer permits were awarded this year. In order to be considered for this drawing, applicants had to be a Kansas-based nonprofit organization that works to promote wildlife conservation, as well as hunting and fishing.

2014 Commission Big Game Permit winners are as follows:

ELK PERMIT

RMEF - Traveling Committee

DEER PERMITS

Ducks Unlimited - Cloud County Chapter

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. - Kaw Valley

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.

Friends of NRA - South Central KS - Pratt #KS-18

Friends of NRA - Sunflower State #KS-30

Deer: Friends of NRA - Tri Valley #KS-36

The winning applicants received 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 Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (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.

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JANUARY 1 COMMISSION BIG GAME PERMIT APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications are still being accepted for the 2014 drawing

PRATT – Seventy-two Kansas-based nonprofit organizations have already applied for the coveted

Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission Big Game Permits, but there is still time left for other organizations to apply. Applicants have until Jan.1, 2014 to apply for one of seven big game permits to be drawn at the Jan. 9, 2014 commission meeting. Permits may include one elk, one antelope or up to seven deer, depending upon the preferences of the drawn organizations.

Any Kansas-based nonprofit organization that actively promotes wildlife conservation and the hunting and fishing heritage is eligible to apply. Only one permit per organization will be awarded; however, individual chapters of the same organization may receive permits. A chapter or organization is eligible to receive only one Commission Big Game permit in a three-year period.

Organizations that draw a permit must pay KDWPT the permit fee, and they will be issued a voucher. The voucher can then be auctioned off to raise money for conservation projects. The final recipient must remit the voucher to KDWPT’s licensing section to receive the big game permit. Permits may be issued to resident or nonresident hunters and are valid in management units and seasons listed on the permits.

To apply, organizations must submit an application that includes a copy of their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, articles of incorporation and mission statement, as well as the organization’s preference for an elk, antelope or deer permit. Applications can be downloaded from KDWPT’s website, www.ksoutdoors.com; enter “2013 Commission Big Game Permit” in the search box. Mail applications to Sheila Kemmis, Commission Secretary, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124.

Once an organization sells a permit, not less than 85 percent of the amount is returned to KDWPT to be spent on mutually agreed-upon projects. The remaining 15 percent can be spent at the organization’s discretion. (If Kansas Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KFHFH) receives a permit, not less than 15 percent of the funds raised is remitted to KDWPT with 85 percent staying with KFHFH.)

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48TH ANNUAL CAP AWARDS BANQUET FEB. 25

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Conservation Achievement Program recognizes excellence in all fields of wildlife conservation
MANHATTAN — The Kansas Wildlife Federation's (KWF) 2012 Conservation Achievement Program (CAP) Awards Banquet will be held Saturday, Feb. 25. The event begins with a silent auction and social hour at 5:30 p.m., with the banquet starting at 7 p.m. All events will be held in the Quality Inn, 2110 W. Crawford in Salina. The banquet will honor recipients of the KWF’s 2011 CAP awards. This year’s recipients include the following:

• Conservationist of the Year — Roger Boyd, Baldwin City;
• Conservation Organization — Kansas Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation;
• Wildlife Conservationist — Greg Kramos, Manhattan;
• Conservation Communicator — Mike Miller, Pratt;
• Water Conservationist— Libby Albers, Wichita;
• Land and Soil Wildlife Conservationist —Ed Koger, Wilmore;
• Outdoor Skills Instructor — Gib Rhodes, Madison;
• Farmer/Rancher Wildlife Conservationists — Tim and Rebekah Peterson, Monument;
• Stream Monitor — Laura Calwell, Shawnee Mission;
• Conservation Educator —Eric Kessler, Kansas City, Mo.;
• Forest Conservationist — Larry Rutter, Meriden; and
• Youth Conservationist — Megan Hilbish, Emporia; and
• Legislator Conservationist — Tom Moxley, Council Grove.

Banquet tickets are $25 before Feb. 17 and $35 after. Checks should be made payable to KWF and mailed to KWF Annual Meeting, KWF, P.O. Box 771282, Wichita, KS 67277-1282. For more information, email Ken Brunson at prattbrunsons@gmail.comor phone 620-672-7289.

A block of rooms is reserved at the special rate of $65 per night and will be held until February 10. Phone the Quality Inn at 785-825-2111 to make reservations. Reduced rates will be given attendees who tell the hotel that they are with the Kansas Wildlife Federation.

Sponsors for the 2011 Awards are the Kansas Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Westar Energy, Bundleflower Plant and Wildfower Preserve (the Jim Ruder Family), the Geary County Fish & Game Association, the Kansas Chapter of the Wildlife Society, the Kansas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and the Watershed Institute.

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WILDLIFE FEDERATION WANTS AWARD NOMINEES

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Conservation Achievement Award deadline Dec. 1
PRATT — The Kansas Wildlife Federation’s (KWF) Conservation Achievement Program (CAP) recognizes Kansans who have devoted themselves to conserving the state's natural resources. Whether through education, communication, or on-ground habitat work, such dedicated people are eligible for CAP awards. KWF is asking conservation-minded citizens to nominate candidates who have worked for wildlife conservation.

Each year, KWF honors people who have made special efforts in the areas of land and soil conservation, youth conservation, conservation communication, conservation education, wildlife conservation, water conservation, conservation legislator, conservation farmer/rancher, forestry conservation, stream team conservation, outdoor skills, conservation organization, and conservationist of the year.

Nominations are due by Dec. 1. For more information, phone 316-648-8827 or email info@kswildlife.org.

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