SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR ANGLER INSTRUCTOR COURSE

Get certified to teach basic fishing skills in Kansas

PRATT – If you’re passionate about fishing, and have a desire to share that passion with others,  you can still enroll in a Kansas angler education certification course. Fishing’s Future and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will sponsor a fishing instructor course for 40 volunteers who want to learn about teaching fishing techniques in Kansas. The instructor course will be held Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the National Guard Training Center, 2930 Scanlan Ave, Salina.

During the certification course, anglers will learn about working with children, sample curriculums, fishing regulations, species identification, ethics, knot-tying and more.

To learn more about the fishing instructor certification program and to register for the Salina course, go towww.fishingsfuture.org, click on “Upcoming Events”, then “Kansas Angler Education Training Program.”

Questions may be directed to either Kevin Reich of Fishing’s Future at kevin.reich@fishingsfuture.org, or Sgt. James Merriman at (785) 826 3761.

2014 KANSAS UPLAND BIRD HUNTING FORECAST NOW AVAILABLE

2014 Upland bird forecast shows improvements in pheasant, quail, prairie chicken populations

PRATT – A copy of the 2014 Kansas Upland Bird Forecast is now available and from the looks of things, upland bird hunters will see improved populations this fall. Although below-average harvests areksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting,” then “Upland Birds.”

expected this year, hunters should see more birds and have more opportunities than the 2013 season. To view the entire forecast, visit

PHEASANT

After three consecutive years of statewide declines, spring breeding populations for pheasant stabilized in 2014. The only region showing a significant decrease was the Northern High Plains. Summer brood counts show an increase of 70 percent when compared to 2013. This increase should offer improved hunting opportunities, and the best hunting this year will likely be in the Smoky Hills region. Kansas still contains one of the best pheasant populations among states and the fall harvest will again be among the best in the country; however, Kansas will again have a below-average pheasant harvest this fall.

Regular Season: Nov. 8, 2014 - January 31, 2015; Youth Season: November 1-2, 2014. Daily Bag Limit: 4 cocks in regular season, 2 cocks in youth season.

QUAIL

Roadside surveys for quail showed a statewide increase of 50 percent compared to 2013. However, statewide populations are still below historic averages, and Kansas will likely have a below-average quail harvest this fall. Populations in much of the central and western portions of the state have not fully recovered from the drought. While opportunities will be better throughout most of the state this year, the best opportunities will likely remain in the eastern third of the state, particularly in the Flint Hills region.

Regular Season: November 8, 2014 - January 31, 2015; Youth Season: November 1-2, 2014. Daily Bag Limit: 8 in regular season, 4 in youth season.

PRAIRIE CHICKEN

Prairie chicken populations are generally up where the appropriate habitat exists. Hunting opportunities should be improved throughout the greater prairie chicken hunting unit; however, the best opportunities this fall will be in the Smoky Hills Region.

Early Season (Greater Prairie Chicken Unit): Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2014; Regular Season (Greater Prairie Chicken Unit): Nov. 15, 2014 - Jan. 31, 2015. Daily Bag Limit: 2. Southwest Unit closed to all prairie chicken hunting.

To view the complete forecast, including detailed regional information, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting / Upland Birds.”

KINSLEY KIDS KLASSIC SEPT. 20

Youth invited for day of shotgun shooting, food, and prizes

PRATT– The 22nd Kinsley Kids Klassic, an annual trapshooting event, will be held Saturday, Sept 20. The event is open to youth shooters through high school age, including 2014 graduates. Cost to attend is $25 and includes 100 targets, lunch, event t-shirt and door prize. Registrations must be received by Sept. 15.

Competitors will first shoot 50 16-yard targets at the Dodge City Gun Club, followed by lunch in Kinsley, and 50 handicap targets at the Kinsley Gun Club.

Every shooter will get a door prize, including a chance to win one of four guns, which will be awarded by drawing. Thirty-four Cabela’s gift certificates and Olympic-style medals will be given in each of four age groups for individual shooters. The top three teams will earn trophies and shotgun shells for their program. Special trophies will be reserved for young ladies and 4-H members.

For more information on this unique event, or to register, contact Kinsley Gun Club secretary, Frank O’Brien, toll free at(888) 324-5445.

Information for getting Families in the Outdoors

WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION SETS WATERFOWL SEASONS

2014 duck and goose seasons set by Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission

GREAT BEND – On Thursday, August 21, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission heard 2014 duck and goose season recommendations, considered public comment and approved the following seasons.

DUCKS

High Plains Duck Zone: Oct. 11-Dec. 8, 2014 and Dec. 20, 2014-Jan. 25, 2015.

Low Plains Early Duck Zone: Oct. 11-Dec. 7, 2014 and Dec. 20, 2014-Jan. 4, 2015.

Low Plains Late Duck Zone: Nov. 1, 2014-Jan. 4, 2015 and Jan. 17-25, 2015.

Low Plains Southeast Duck Zone: Nov. 8-9, 2014 AND Nov. 15, 2014-Jan. 25, 2015.

Daily bag limit for ducks is six with the following species and sex restrictions: no more than five mallards, of which only two may be hens; three scaup; three wood ducks; two redheads; two pintails; and one canvasback. Possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. 

GEESE

Canada geese: Nov. 1-9, 2014 and Nov. 12, 2014-Feb. 15, 2015.

Daily bag limit on Canada geese is six; possession limit is 18.

Light Geese: Nov. 1-9, 2014 and Nov. 12, 2014-Feb. 15, 2015

Daily bag limit on light geese is 50 with no possession limit.

White-fronted geese: Nov. 1-Dec. 14, 2014 and Jan. 17-Feb. 15, 2015.

Daily bag limit for white-fronted geese is two and possession limit is six.

In other business, the Commission also approved a regulation allowing dogs on hand-held leashes to be used to trail dead or wounded big game animals.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2014 at Martinelli’s Restaurant Meeting Room, 158 S Santa Fe Ave., Salina.

YOUTH/NOVICE DOVE HUNTING OPPORTUNITY AT BRZON WILDLIFE AREA

Youth age 17 and younger and novice hunters can hunt free of competition Sept. 1at Brzon

PRATT ­– In an effort to provide youth and novice hunters with quality hunting opportunities, Sept. 1. In preparation for the upcoming dove season, several sunflower fields have been planted at the wildlife area ,which is located 8 miles north of Belleville on US 81 Highway and 4 ½ miles west on Fir Road. While opening day, Sept. 1, is reserved for youth and novice hunters, the wildlife area will be open to all hunters on Sept. 2 and thereafter.  

the Brzon Wildlife Area in Republic County is reserved on

The entire area is designated as a youth/novice area, open only to hunters 17 or younger and persons who have not possessed a Kansas hunting license in the last three years on Monday, Sept. 1. Novice and youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older, who may also hunt, one adult per youth or novice. 

In addition to the sunflower fields, several small ponds in the middle of the wildlife area and may provide additional dove hunting opportunities. Prior scouting will increase odds for success.

For information, contact the Lovewell Area Office at (785) 753-4071.

BOATING SAFETY REMINDER FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Safety key to successful holiday on busy lakes

PRATT – Labor Day weekend is the last big outdoor holiday at Kansas lakes, and the Kansas

Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds boaters that being safe on the water is key to an enjoyable weekend. Overall, boating is a very safe outdoor pursuit, but it only takes one small mistake or oversight for a fun day on the water to turn tragic.

Being safe on the water isn’t complicated. By following regulations and a few common-sense rules, boat operators can ensure that everyone in their party stays safe. The first rule is to have everyone onboard wear a life jacket. Accidents can happen quickly, anyplace or anytime on the water. Although every boat must have a life jacket on board for every person on the boat, Kansas law only requires those age 12 and younger to wear a life jacket at all times while on a boat. Those 13 and older are not required to wear a life jacket but must have one available that is easily accessible and fits properly. "Easily accessible" means the jackets must be within reach and in plain view. Life jackets stowed under seats or in storage compartments do not meet this requirement.

Life jackets, like seat belts in cars, must be worn to save lives. There are many excuses given for not wearing life jackets, but life jackets are no longer the orange, hot, bulky vests commonly thought of. New developments have produced smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable life jackets, leaving boaters with no reason not to wear them.

Another common sense safety rule on the water is to avoid alcohol or have a designated boat driver. Alcohol affects a person’s judgment and reflexes, and a high percentage of boating accidents are alcohol-related. And being outdoors on a warm sunny day exacerbates the effects of alcohol. KDWPT boating enforcement officers will be on the lookout for impaired boat operators. Operating a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is against Kansas state law. Anyone caught operating a boat under the influence can have their vessel impounded and incur penalties including arrest, fines, and loss of boating privileges.

And finally, several recent incidents on Kansas lakes put boaters in danger unnecessarily. While it falls under “use common sense,” individuals were “lost” after being left to float on a large reservoir. Both had floatation devices and both survived, but it could have been worse. Never leave anyone floating in open water outside of designated swimming areas. Wave action can make a solitary swimmer almost impossible to see for other boaters and hard to find for anyone looking for them.

This Labor Day, have fun, stay safe and “Wear It Kansas.”

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION TO HOST YOUTH CAMP

Registered youth will enjoy a weekend filled with all things wild

PRATT ­– The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is hosting the 2014 Kansas State September 13 and 14 at White Memorial Camp, six miles north of Council Grove. All interested youth 17 and younger are invited to participate. The cost to attend is $20 for JAKES members, $30 for non-JAKES members (which includes a JAKES membership), and $20 for adults. Lunch and dinner will be provided on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Registrations must be received by Sept. 5.

JAKES (Juveniles Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Skills) Camp

Saturday’s activities include geocaching, fishing, BB gun and air rifle ranges, trapshooting, still-target shooting, 3-d archery, turkey calling with world-champion turkey caller Chris Parrish, and lunch.

Saturday evening activities include a presentation on Quail in Kansas, courtesy of the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation; archery demonstrations, courtesy of Archery in The Schools; arts and crafts; and canoeing. The evening will conclude with the NWTF Kansas State JAKES (youth 12 and under) and Xtreme JAKES (youth 13-17) turkey calling contests and dinner.

On Sunday morning, participants can enjoy breakfast; followed by a class on turkey biology and management presented by Jim Pitman, small game coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; and an arson dog demonstration, presented by the Kansas State Fire Marshal. A 6 a.m. sunrise service will also be available to participants.  

For more information, and to register, contact Gib Rhodes at (620) 437-2012. 

Kansas Deer Hunting Info