FISHING ATLAS INDISPENSIBLE ANGLING AID

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Atlas including maps of all public-access fishing areas now online; printed copies shipping March 9
PRATT ­­— Warmer March weather is welcome news for Kansas anglers, and more good news may be found in the 2011 Kansas Fishing Atlas, now available for viewing and download from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' (KDWP) website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. The maps in this atlas pinpoint a variety of public fishing areas, including all federal reservoirs, state fishing lakes, river access, and community lakes. Fishing Impoundment and Stream Habitats (F.I.S.H.) waters are included, as well. F.I.S.H. waters are privately-owned ponds or streams KDWP has leased and opened to public fishing. F.I.S.H. sites are numbered in red on each map.

To find fishing areas, consult the map legend, then locate corresponding color codes on each map. With this atlas, anglers can locate just about any type of fishing desired.

To locate the 2011 Kansas Fishing Atlas, click the above link or go to the KDWP website and click "Fishing/Where to Fish in Kansas/Fishing Atlas." Printed copies began shipping March 9 and will be available at most KDWP offices and license vendors late this week or the beginning of next.

Combined with KDWP Fishing Reports and Fishing Forecast, also found on the agency’s website under “Fishing,” the 2011 Kansas Fishing Atlas completes every angler’s tackle box.

KANSAS FOREST SERVICE SEEDLING DEADLINE CORRECTION

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Order deadline first Monday in May
MANHATTAN — On Feb. 16, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) posted a news release promoting the Kansas Forest Service’s (KFS) Conservation Tree Planting Program, which offers the public tree and shrub seedlings for use in conservation plantings.

That release erroneously stated that the deadline for orders was March 7, the first Monday in March. However, the correct deadline for orders is May 2, the first Monday in May.

KDWP asks that anyone distributing information make sure that the correct deadline for seedling orders — the first Monday in May — is used.

For more detailed information or to order seedlings, go online tohttps://www.kansasforests.org or phone toll-free, 1-888-740-8733.

EMPORIA TO HOST KANSAS HUNTING AND FISHING EXPO APRIL 2-3

Second for year event promises to be bigger and better than first
EMPORIA — The Second Annual Kansas Hunting and Fishing Expo will bring the outdoors inside the Flinthills Mall, 1656 Industrial Road in Emporia, on April 2 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and April 3 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Although targeted for youth, the event is open to anyone interested in a fun-filled weekend designed to promote the great outdoors and inspire youth to carry on traditions that sportsmen and women from across the nation currently enjoy.

“We want to make this show bigger and better than last year,” says event organizer Tonya Carson. “We will be offering numerous events for children, including a wild turkey shoot, an archery competition, Laser Shot and jet ski simulators provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, wildlife photos provided by Walgreens, a kids craft corner, the National Rifle Association’s Eddie Eagle program, and much more. Adult guests can enjoy seminars throughout Saturday and Sunday.”

Seminars include a grilling demonstration, a concealed carry class offered during expo hours [$100 per person, contact Flinthills Mall to register], and certified Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young scorers showing how to score big game and turkey mounts. “Anyone may bring a mount to display,” Carson explains, “and the public will have a chance to guess scores and earn prizes.”

Four door prizes will be given away, including a grill from Sears, a youth camouflage Matthews bow from JC Construction, a tent from Budweiser, and a gun from the Kansas Hunting and Fishing Expo. Throughout the day, there will be drawings for more donated prizes.

Vendor booths and sponsorships are still available. To learn more about this event or for information on becoming a sponsor or vendor, phone Carson at785-366-3565 or email tstroda@hotmail.com, or go to Facebook and look under Southeastern Kansas Hunting and Fishing Expo.

The 2011 Southeast Kansas Hunting and Fishing Expo is sponsored by the Flinthills Mall, KISS 103.1, 98.3 Coyote Country, 97.7 DAWG, the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, and WIBW Channel 13 News.

TEACHERS: 2010 STATE-FISH ART CONTEST DEADLINE MARCH 31

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Teaching tool for grades 4 through 12 combines art, writing, and conservation
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — Wildlife Forever has announced that the deadline for entry in its 13th Annual State-Fish Art Contest is March 31. This interdisciplinary conservation education program uses art to spark the imagination of students and foster a sense of discovery of the natural world. The State-Fish Art Project provides valuable lessons about fish and the need for conservation of aquatic resources. The program has two primary components: 1) the comprehensive State-Fish Art Lesson Plan, "Fish ON!," for students in grades 4-12, available free of charge at www.statefishart.com, and 2) the national art contest which serves as an outreach initiative and showcase for youth in the arts.

Through the art contest, students across Kansas and the United States have the opportunity to win local and national recognition and prizes while learning about their state fish and the conservation of aquatic habitats.

To enter, young artists usually create an illustration of their state fish, but artwork of any official state fish is eligible. Kansas entrants usually portray the channel catfish. A written composition on its behavior, habitat, and conservation is also required.

State-Fish Art Contest entries are separated into three school grade categories: 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Winning contestants from every state are honored in each category. All contest winners receive a gift certificate for art supplies, as well as other prizes. Winning designs will also be featured on the official State-Fish Art website, www.statefishart.com.

A talented artist in grades 10-12 will be selected as the national “Best of Show” winner and receive a $2,500 tuition scholarship to attend The Art Institutes International Minnesota (Ai Minnesota). The first-runner up nationally in grades 10-12 will receive a $1,000 tuition scholarship to Ai Minnesota. One “gallery-quality” winning entry will be used as the design for the 2010 Art of Conservation Stamp, and a national "Best of Show" award will be presented to one contestant in each age group.

Winning artwork will be on display at the State Fish Art Expo at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas, June 24-25. Winners who attend the Expo will receive a special rod and reel.

Parents and teachers should visit the State-Fish Art website for complete details and to download a free lesson plan. Entries must be postmarked by March 31. In mid-April, a panel of judges composed of wildlife artists, outdoor writers, fisheries specialists, and national celebrities select one winning artwork for each category from each state. The winning entries will be displayed at the annual Expo and on the contest website.

For more information, write State Fish Art Contest, Wildlife Forever, 2700 Freeway Blvd., #1000, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430, or phone 763-253-0222.

Family-Outdoors

DON’T FORGET WILDLIFE AS TAX DEADLINE APPROACHES

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State income tax return Chickadee Checkoff box helps conserve all wildlife
PRATT — Most people enjoy opening the mailbox, but in January and February, a few not-so-welcome communications intrude on this simple pleasure — tax forms. While few people look forward to tax time, the Kansas State Income Tax form provides everyone with the opportunity feel good about filing when they check the Chickadee Checkoff box. Checking this box is the easy way for Kansans to do something for Kansas wildlife because it gives a portion of returns or any additional contribution to all wildlife, not just birds.

Since 1981, the Chickadee Checkoff Program has been at the forefront of endangered species protection, habitat protection, and wildlife appreciation projects in Kansas. The program has sponsored many popular projects, such as the Nursing Home Bird Feeder Program and Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites (OWLS) at Kansas schools. OWLS has allowed the development of outdoor laboratories at more than 200 schools across the state. Other programs sponsored by the Chickadee Checkoff include the Kansas Backyard Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Certification Program, the Bluebird Nest Box Project, the Songbird Bundle habitat planting, and surveying and protection of sensitive species. Protecting endangered species is a core program for the Chickadee Checkoff. Additionally, the Checkoff has served to document bald eagle nesting success and winter roosts in Kansas.

More than $4.2 million has been contributed to Chickadee Checkoff since 1981. With the help of the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA), the Chickadee Checkoff has enjoyed stable contributions of about $140,000 per year over the long term. It’s a relatively small amount that goes a long way, especially when used to match federal funds.

In 2011, look for the chickadee on your individual income tax form and help Kansas wildlife.

Smallmouth Streams of Missouri

SPRING OUTDOORS-WOMAN WORKSHOP MAY 13-15

Popular Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program now offered twice a year; applications for spring workshop now being accepted
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' (KDWP) Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program has become so popular that KDWP is offering a second, spring workshop to complement the traditional fall workshop that has been offered each year since 1994. This year’s spring workshop will be held May 13, 14, and 15 at Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City, the same location as the fall workshop.

The program is designed to provide women a chance to learn about hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation in a friendly, supportive environment. During the three-day workshop, volunteer instructors teach participants a variety of skills, including fishing, wingshooting, camping, orienteering, rifle marksmanship, botany, dog handling, archery, and more.

“The fact that we have been filled to capacity three months before the fall workshop for the past two years demonstrates how much this fun and educational program connects women with the outdoors," says Ross Robins, KDWP's Education Section chief. "It also reflects well on long-time program coordinator Jami McCabe and on the skill and experience of our volunteer instructors.”

Studies have shown that many women do not participate in outdoor recreation because they have not had an opportunity to learn the skills that make outdoor activities enjoyable. The popularity of BOW proves that when given the opportunity, many women take advantage of it with enthusiasm. Women who participate in this program learn the outdoor skills that allow them to fully enjoy the natural environment while building self-confidence.

Registration for the May 2011 workshop is now open. The deadline for registration is April 15. Women wishing to ensure themselves a spot should mark their calendars and register early. For more information, go online tokdwp.state.ks.us/news/Other-Services/Education/Becoming-an-Outdoors-Woman or phone 620-672-5911.

Basic Gear You Need for Fly Fishing

WESTAR ENERGY GREEN TEAM NOVICE TURKEY HUNTS APRIL 1-1

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Registration deadline March 25; preference given to inexperienced hunters
PRATT — April 1-17, the Westar Energy Green Team will guide youth who have never harvested a turkey at its Jeffrey Energy Center, about 45 minutes northwest of Topeka. Assisted by experienced volunteer guides and hunting from stationary ground blinds, youngsters 12-17 years old will hunt accompanied by an adult mentor in prime fields closed to the public until the youth hunters are through. An adult mentor is required.

The Green Team is looking for both youth and mentors with little or no turkey hunting experience. The hunt is designed for those who have minimal access to turkey hunting areas, as well. They will hunt from enclosed blinds, so no camouflage is needed.

The youth must provide their own turkey permits for Unit 2 and, if they are 16 or older, have a valid Kansas hunting license. Youth are encouraged to bring a shotgun, but guns will be provided for those who don't have access to one. Everything else will be provided, including blinds, non-toxic shells, decoys, and calls.

Turkey densities are high in this area, so chances for a close shot are excellent. Hunts will take place primarily in the morning and on weekends, but weekdays and afternoons are possible based on volunteer guide availability. Registration will be open through Friday, March 25, or until all slots are filled. Applications for the limited number of slots will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with preference for inexperienced participants. For more information or to apply, contact Barb Cornelius at 785-575-8125.