ANGLER EDUCATION CERTIFICATION COURSE MAY 17

Anglers can make a difference by teaching fishing techniques across Kansas

PRATT – A bobber goes down, the reel starts spinning, and fishing line is being taken out to

water. The excitement overwhelms her so much that she forgets what to do. He was there to walk her through the steps, and before she knew it, her first-ever fish was in her hands. Wide-eyed and grinning from ear to ear, she says “that was fun,” and that’s all he needed to hear. You, too, can help create unforgettable memories like this for anglers of all ages by becoming certified to teach fishing techniques in the state of Kansas.

Fishing’s Future and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism are looking to enlist up to 40 anglers who want to become volunteer instructors to teach fishing techniques. Interested anglers should enroll in the instructor course that will be taught on May 17 at Lake Henry in Clinton State Park, 798 N. 1415 Rd., Lawrence. The course will run 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and although the class is not a requirement to teach, those in attendance will be given valuable information about working with children, sample curriculums, and tips for preparing a class or clinic. Other topics covered in the four-hour class will include current fishing rules and regulations, species identification, fishing ethics, equipment, knot-tying, casting, fish habitat, aquatic nuisance species, and conservation.

Anglers interested in registering can sign up at fishingsfuture.org. Click “upcoming events,” then “Kansas Angler Education Training Program.”

For more information, contact Fishing’s Future local coordinator Kevin Reich at kevin.reich@fishingsfuture.org, or by phone at (785) 577-6921.

Parking will be available on the hill above Lake Henry. The lot by the lake is reserved for disabled anglers. If there is inclement weather, the course will be moved to the park building.

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KANSAS STATE PARKS OFFER MULTITUDE OF EVENTS THIS JUNE

 It’s summertime and Kansas state parks are gearing up with events for everybody under the sun. From fishing tournaments to music festivals, and Kids Days galore, Kansans are sure to find something fun and

exciting to do this June at a Kansas state park.

Listed below are a variety of events being held this June at Kansas state parks. For more information on a specific event, please contact the respective state park. State park contact information can be found at www.ksoutdoors.com by clicking “State Parks / Locations.”

JUNE 8

National “Get Outdoors” Day

OK Kids Day – Lake Scott State Park (South of Beach House)

Kids Ironman (Kids triathlon) – Clinton State Park

Kansas Draft Horse & Mule Association Driving Clinic – Boulder Bluff Arena, El Dorado State Park. (Open to public).

Field Coursing Dog Run –?Clinton State Park

JUNE 9

Ironman Triathlon – Clinton State Park

Fishstix Bowfishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park (Arrow Rock Boat Ramp)

JUNE 10

Fishstix Bowfishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park (Arrow Rock Boat Ramp)

JUNE 15

Youth Fishing Derby – Cedar Bluff State Park

Youth Scavenger Hunt – Cedar Bluff State Park

Kansas Bass Nation Fishing Tournament –?Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Kids Outdoor Adventure and Free Park Entrance Day – Cedar Bluff State Park. (Camping and utility permits still apply).

Vango Fundraiser – Clinton State Park

OK Kids Day/Free Park Entrance – Wilson State Park

JUNE 16

Kansas Bass Nation Fishing Tournament –?Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Kansas Walleye Association Fishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park

Wild Within You 5K and 15K Hell Creek on Heels Trail Run?– Wilson State Park (Switchgrass Trail)

June 23

Triathlon Race?– El Dorado State Park (Walnut River Area)

June 27

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

June 28

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

June 29

Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament?– Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

Water Safety Event/Jet ski Simulator – Kanopolis State Park

June 30

Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament?– Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

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PLENTY OF SUMMER LEFT AT KANSAS STATE PARKS

After Labor Day, parks offer milder weather, uncrowded camping
PRATT — Many schools are already in session, and although this is often viewed as the end of summer, Kansas state parks are still going strong. Many events are planned for one of the busiest times the year — Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best times for a park visit. Once Labor Day weekend is over, crowds thin, and September provides a relaxing outdoor experience.

Trail rides, chili cook-offs, and fishing tournaments are among the many events slated for September, making the prospect of a pre-autumn mini-vacation even more inviting. Each park sets its own dates for these events, and all offer a chance to enjoy the special attributes of Kansas state parks, many of which feature rental cabins, as well as fascinating historical or geological features that enhance the park experience.
For more information on these events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.ksoutdoors.com. Under “Reservations,” campsite and cabin reservations may be made online.

Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may also be found on the State Parks page under "Locations."
The following is a list of September state park events:

• Sept. 1 — Clinton Trail Workday at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 7-9 — Saddle Ridge Trail Riders Club Poker Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 8 — Hays Bass Anglers Association fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 9 — Chili Cookoff and Free Park Entrance Day at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 9 — 3-D archery shoot and Free Park Entrance Day at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 15 — Hays Bass Anglers Association Big Bass Challenge at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 16 — Heartland Coursing Association hound coursing practice at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 22 — Kansas Buddy Bass Tournament at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 22 — Women on Target instructional shooting at Tuttle Creek State Park;
• Sept. 22 — Heartland Motorcycle Poker Run fundraiser at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 23 — Hays Recreation Center 30+K and 5K trail run at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 28-30 — Kansas Bass Federation fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 28 — Tour de Ted benefit bike ride for cancer research at Tuttle Creek State Park;
• Sept. 29 — 10th Annual Fall River Rendezvous at Fall River State Park; and
• Sept. 30 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia fishing tournament at Clinton State Park.

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SUMMER IN FULL SWING WITH JUNE STATE PARK EVENTS

May 31, 2012
Special events, free park entrance days to be held at many parks
PRATT — During the weekend of June 2-3, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license statewide. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older and residents age 16 through 64 must have a fishing license to fish in Kansas, but on Free Fishing Days, everyone gets to fish for free. Many Kansas state parks offer free admission and special events during Free Fishing Days and the excitement continues throughout the month. Special events, some in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days, are designed to entertain park users who want to explore the history or geology of an individual park, as well as those who just want an excuse to celebrate something “more” than camping, swimming, boating, hiking, and all the other pleasures offered by Kansas state parks.
June events are diverse and may include anything from fishing tournaments and outdoor concerts to mountain bike and equestrian events. Many involve outdoor education. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Events Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, ksoutdoors.com.
Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks also may be found online on the KDWPT website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.
Events for June:

• June 2 — Free Park Entrance Day at Prairie Dog State Park;
• June 2 — National Trails Day at Fall River State Park;
• June 2 — Free Park Entrance Day at Glen Elder State Park;
• June 2 — 5K run/walk at Pomona State Park;
• June 2 — Kids fishing derby at Pomona State Park;
• June 2 — 8th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder State Park;
• June 2 — Kid's fishing clinic at Milford State Park;
• June 2-4 — OK Kids Day at Prairie Dog State Park;
• June 2 — Trails workday at Clinton State Park;
• June 2 — Hays Recreation Center 15K and 5K trail runs at Wilson State Park;
• June 3 — Kids fishing derby at Lovewell State Park;
• June 8 — Western Extralite Company Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
• June 8-10 — Hell Creek Hoedown Bluegrass Festival at Wilson State Park;
• June 9-10 — Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament at Wilson State park;
• June 9 — Lori and Randy Knippa Benefit Horse Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• June 10 — Kansas 70.3 Ironman Triathlon at Clinton State Park;
• June 16 — Kansas Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament, OK Kids Day at Wilson State Park;
• June 17 — Kansas Walleye Association Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
• June 23-24 — Country Stampede Music Festival at Tuttle Creek State Park;
• June 23-24 — Western Nebraska Bass Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
• June 23 — Twin Rivers Bass Club Fishing Tournament at Pomona State Park;
• June 23-24 — Governor’s Cup Walleye Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder State Park;
• June 23 — National Truck Owners Car Show and barbecue at Hillsdale State Park;
• June 24 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia Bass Tournament at Eisenhower State Park;
• June 24 — Heartland Coursing whippet racing event at Clinton State Park;
• June 30 — Bass Federation of Kansas State High School Fishing Championship at Wilson State Park;
• June 30-July 1 — Miami County Bass Club fishing tournament at Wilson State Park; and
• June 30 — Friends of Fancy Creek Range Kids Day at Tuttle Creek State Park’s Fancy Creek Range.

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KANSAS STATE PARKS PREPARE FOR BUSY SEASON

Wilson-Tuscarora State Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

April marks beginning of park season
PRATT — Great outdoor adventures are waiting at Kansas state parks. The early warm-up this spring has whetted the appetites of campers, boaters, and anglers, and your state parks are ready.

In addition to camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking, a variety of special events are planned throughout the state to enhance the state park experience. Some events are in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days; some celebrate a special historical event or geological attribute of an individual park; and others are just for entertainment. Each park sets its own dates for these events.

Events are diverse and may include anything from a marathon race to boating courses and equestrian events. Many are educational, and all make visiting Kansas state parks more enjoyable. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the State Parks page of the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column. A short conversation with local park staff will provide information on campsite availability, park conditions, current visitation rates, and answers to other questions. KDWPT is currently in the process of installing a new reservation system, so no new reservations will be taken until April 17.

Although few events are currently scheduled for April, each month gets busier as the air and water warm. April events include the following:

April 6-8 — 2nd Annual Luke Nihart Memorial Turkey Hunt (youth/disabled) at Tuttle Creek and Milford state parks;
April 7 — Kansas Ultra Runners' Society Rockin' K Trail Runs at Kanopolis State Park;
April 14-15 — Heart of America German Shorthair Pointer Club AKC Field Trial & Hunt Test at Hillsdale State Park;
April 20-21 — Spoon Creek Chapter Fellowship of Christian Cowboys Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
April 21 — second annual benefit ride to send combat troops packages at El Dorado State Park (phone American Legion, 316-323-3982);
April 21 — Hays Bass Anglers Association Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
April 21 — 9th Annual Corps of Engineers Clinton Reservoir Clean Up at Clinton State Park;
April 21 — Kansas Buddy Bass Tournament at Eisenhower State Park; and
April 28 — OK Kids Day and Free Entrance at Cheney State Park.

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• Young shooters flock to Oklahoma State Fair Park for competitive archery finale
• 2012 Kansas Nonresident Deer Application Deadline April 27
• Wisconsin: Strong turnout, new online survey highlight statewide deer forums

PLENTY OF SUMMER LEFT AT KANSAS STATE PARKS

Image via Wikipedia
August 25
After Labor Day, parks offer milder weather, uncrowded parks
PRATT — School will be starting soon, and although many people view this as the end of summer, Kansas state parks are still going strong. Many have events planned for one of the busiest times the year — Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best times of year for a park visit. If the weather is hot or just mildly warm, it’s a good time to be outdoors. Once Labor Day weekend is over, crowds thin, and September becomes one of the most relaxing times to visit a state park.
Trail rides, chili cook-offs, and fishing tournaments are among the many events slated for September, making the prospect of a pre-autumn mini-vacation even more inviting. Each park sets its own dates for these events, and all offer a chance to enjoy the special attributes of Kansas state parks, many of which feature rental cabins, as well as fascinating historical or geological features that enhance the park experience.
For more information on these events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWPT website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.
The following is a list of September state park events:

• Sept. 4 — Wright Flight of Kansas/Missouri trail ride at Eisenhower State Park;
• Sept. 9-11 — American Competitive Trail Horse Association & Midwest Mustang and Burro Saddle Club trail ride at Eisenhower State Park;
• Sept. 9-11 — Saddle Ridge Trail Riders Annual Fall Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 10-11 — Heartland Coursing Association field trail at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 11 — outdoor chili cooking contest at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 11 — 3-D archery competition at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 18 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 23-25 — American Competitive Trail Horse Association trail ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 24 — National Trail Cleanup Day at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 24-25 — “Fishing Has No Boundaries” tournament at El Dorado State Park; and
• Sept. 24 — 9th Annual Fall River Rendezvous at Fall River State Park.

CELEBRATE JULY 4 AT A KANSAS STATE PARK

CELEBRATE JULY 4 AT A KANSAS STATE PARK

State parks are perfect venue for July 4 outdoor fun, but check local regulations on fireworks

PRATT—Baseball; apple pie; red, white and blue; and state parks – what could be more American? The July Fourth Holiday weekend is a big one for Kansas’ 26 state parks. Kansans love summer outdoor fun, and it’s a time-honored tradition to celebrate our nation’s birthday outdoors with family and friends. Kansas state parks are popular because most have easy access to lakes and host a variety of other outdoor recreation opportunities. Some parks also host spectacular fireworks displays for patrons to enjoy. However, if you want to shoot your own fireworks, check the list below or call the park office first. For safety and fire risk reasons, many parks do not allow personal fireworks, and those that do have designated areas for shooting them. Below is a list of state parks with events and personal fireworks policies.

Cedar Bluff State Park will host a fireworks show on July 3. No personal fireworks allowed.

Cheney State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Clinton State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Crawford State Park will host a fireworks show along with homemade ice cream, pie, free watermelon, face painting, kids games and a live band on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Cross Timbers State Park will host a fireworks show on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Eisenhower State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

El Dorado State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Elk City State Park: Personal fireworks are allowed only in parking lot near entrance.

Fall River State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Glen Elder State Park will host a public fireworks show on July 3. No personal fireworks allowed.

Hillsdale State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Kanopolis State Park patrons can enjoy a fireworks display at the Tower Harbor Marina on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Kaw River State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Lovewell State Park: Personal fireworks are allowed on July 2-3 in Pioneer Playground only.

Meade State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Milford State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Mushroom Rock State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Perry State Park: Personal fireworks are allowed July 1-4 only in the Lakeview Boat Ramp area until 11:00 p.m. each day.

Pomona State Park will feature a band and fireworks show at the marina on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Prairie Dog State Park will host a fireworks show on July 4 with watermelon feed and music beginning at 8:00 p.m. No personal fireworks allowed.

Prairie Spirit Trail State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Sandhills State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Scott State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Tuttle Creek State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Webster State Park: Personal fireworks allowed July 1-4 in designated areas only -- Townsite Beach and Goose Flats Boat Ramp.

Wilson State Park visitors can view a fireworks show sponsored by the Wilson Lake Homeowners Association from the Otoe Area on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

For more information on Kansas state parks and contact information for each state park office, go to www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. It’s always a good idea to call the park office before you visit to learn more about events, site availability and current conditions.