Trophy Turkey Program Recognizes Big Gobblers

Big game and turkey hunters love to compare the animals they take. Most trophy-class

animals are older and more difficult to hunt, presenting a unique challenge many hunters enjoy. Deer hunters, for example, use well-known scoring formulas to compare antlers based on size and symmetry. Turkey hunters are no different, and those who take an extraordinary specimen may qualify for a Trophy Turkey Award from the Kansas Department of Wildlife,Parks and Tourism (KDWPT).

The scoring system published by the National Wild Turkey Federation in the early 1980s is used for the KDWPT awards program. A score sheet and certificate application can be downloaded at www.ksoutdoors.com. Hunters score their own birds using the following formula, taking measurements to the nearest eighth of an inch: First, weigh your bird on accurate scales with witnesses. Next, measure the beard (or beards) from the point it protrudes from the skin to the longest bristle. Then, measure each spur from the point where it protrudes from the scaled leg skin. Now you have the necessary measurements and are ready to calculate the score.

Multiply the length of the beard (or sum of the beard lengths if there is more than one) times two. Then add the length of the spurs together and multiply the sum by 10. Add the weight to these two figures for a total score. For example, a bird that weighed 21 pounds, with a 10-inch beard and spurs that measured 1 1/4 inches each would score 66. (21 + 20 [10 x 2] + 25 [1 ¼ + 1 ¼ x 10] = 66)

The minimum score for a Trophy Turkey Award is 65. KDWPT keeps Top 20 lists in two categories: typical and nontypical. Birds with multiple beards would fall under the nontypical category. The largest typical bird on record scored 88 4/8 and was taken in 2007 in Franklin County by Bobby Robinson of Eupora, Miss. That bird weighed 26 4/8 pounds, had a beard that measured 17 ¼ inches and spurs that measured 1 3/8 inches each. The largest nontypical ever awarded was taken in 2008 by Rick Pritchard of Little Rock, Ark. Pritchard’s bird, also taken in Franklin County, weighed 27 pounds, and had spurs that measured 1 1/8 inches each. However, the bird sported eight beards that measured 54 5/8 inches in total. The official score was 158 6/8. 

The spring turkey seasons runs through the end of May, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy an exciting spring hunt. If you’re lucky enough too take a big ole gobbler, weigh it and take some measurements. You might qualify for a Trophy Turkey Award.

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FLINT HILLS GOBBLERS TO HOST 14TH ANNUAL SPRING TURKEY HUNTING CLINIC

Event open to first 250 who register

EMPORIA – The Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold the 14th Annual Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic and Internet-Assisted Hunter Education Class on Saturday, March 28. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dry Creek Sporting Clays, south of Emporia and is open to anyone interested in learning how to become a better turkey hunter.

Participants 17 years old and younger will receive commemorative t-shirts and JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) memberships. Prizes will also be drawn for youth at the end of the clinic. Lunch will be provided. There is no fee to participate; however, preregistration is required.

Participants will go through several education stations covering various aspects of turkey hunting, including:

Turkey biology and management • turkey hunting equipment and safety • turkey calling and locator calling • scouting and roosting • bowhunting for turkeys • shotgun hunting and safety • trap shooting • and target shooting.

An Internet-Assisted Hunter Education Class will also be taught during the clinic; however it will be limited to 24 students.

For more information or to register for the clinic or Internet-Assisted Hunter Education Class, contact Gib Rhodes at (620) 437-2012.

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KDWPT AND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS TEAM UP FOR WILDLIFE AND HUNTERS

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

BLUE RAPIDS–The Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area has grown by almost 500 acres as the result of a collaborative effort by The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Pheasants Forever (PF), Quail Forever (QF), and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). The conservation organizations and KDWPT partnered to acquire a 484-acre tract of land adjacent to the Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area in Riley County. The tract, which is open to public hunting, permanently protects habitat vital to many species of wildlife, including turkey, pheasants, quail and prairie chickens. The acquisition also improves access to 550 acres of the existing Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area.

“It’s great to see conservation organizations work together with state wildlife agencies to increase public access opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Robin Jennison, KDWPT secretary. “In Kansas, where less than three percent of the land is in public ownership, projects like these and our continued relationships for conservation are extremely important.”

In addition to providing partial funding for the land acquisition, the conservation organizations worked with KDWPT to help the acquisition pass through the Legislature.

NWTF, PF/QF and Ducks Unlimited (DU) signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year, creating a historic partnership to ensure wild bird habitat conservation and North America’s hunting heritage remains strong for generations to come.

“This particular acquisition is a shining example of what the conservation community can accomplish when we all work together for a unified cause,” said Jared McJunkin, NWTF Great Plains District conservation field supervisor. “While this is the first successful land acquisition for the NWTF in Kansas, we believe additional projects will follow.”

The NWTF and PF/QF are national nonprofit wildlife conservation organizations working to conserve wildlife habitat and our outdoor traditions. The NWTF (www.nwtf.org) has 36 chapters across Kansas, and the organization’s “Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.” initiative was launched with goals of raising $1.2 billion to conserve more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment nationwide.

Since 1982, Pf and QF (www.pheasantsforever.org) have impacted more than 10 million acres of wildlife habitat in the U.S., of which more than 175,000 acres have been permanently protected and opened to public hunting. There are 36 PF and 13 QF chapters in Kansas, where the organization has spent more than $4.7 million enhancing wildlife habitat on more than 437,000 acres. Events conducted through various partnerships and the organization’s grassroots network of chapters, have provided nearly 13,000 youth with positive outdoors experiences.

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PUBLIC INVITED TO NEOSHO WILDLIFE AREA INFORMATION NIGHT

Topics covered include renovations, water conditions and more

PRATT – Sportsmen and women, and anyone who visits the Neosho Wildlife Area, are invited to attend a public information meeting Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at Function Junction, north of the Highway 59/ Highway 47 junction, on the east side of the road and will feature local Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) staff, and Ducks Unlimited (DU) representatives, who will discuss the status of the area.

Topics for the evening include:

• Neosho Wildlife Area renovation project and funding
• South Unit pump project
• Pool 5 water control structure
• Population status and fall flight forecast
• Kansas wetland conditions
• 2013-14 waterfowl harvest and hunter numbers
• iSportsman daily hunt permits

Attendees will have the opportunity to express their opinions and ask wildlife area staff questions.

For more information, contact the Neosho Wildlife Area office at (620) 449-2539. 

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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

COUNCIL GROVE YOUTH TURKEY HUNT APRIL 5

Hunters age 11-16 are invited to participate; registration deadlineMarch 21

COUNCIL GROVE ­– The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), in April 5 near Council Grove. Participation is open to all youth age 11-16, and there is no cost to attend. Limited slots are available and the deadline to apply is March 21. 

cooperation with area chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will sponsor a  youth turkey hunt

Participants in this hunt will pattern shotguns and scout for turkeys the evening before the hunt on April 4. Early onApril 5, they will be guided on public and private land to some of the best turkey hunt spots the area has to offer. The event will also include door prizes, a turkey hunting presentation, and breakfast and lunch for the hunters.

Lodging is available in nearby Council Grove, and camping is available at Council Grove Reservoir.

For more information or to register for this event, contact KDWPT public land manager Brent Konen at (620) 767-5900.

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YOUTH HUNTERS WANTED FOR MELVERN SPRING TURKEY HUNT

Melvern Wildlife Area to host 2nd Annual Spring Turkey Hunt for youth

READING – The thundering gobble of a turkey in its roost, the spit and drum of a strutting tom, and the sight of a long-beard in full fan are experiences that fuel the passion in Kansas

turkey hunters. However, for many Kansas youth, the journey to becoming a turkey hunter has yet to begin.

A perfect start to the journey could be the Second Annual Spring Turkey Hunt at Melvern Wildlife Area. In an effort to share the spring turkey hunting experience with youngsters age 11-16, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, in cooperation with Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), will host the hunt on Saturday, April 5.

Designed to show beginning turkey hunters how exciting and fun spring turkey hunting is, this event will involve participants not only in the hunt, but also in its preparation. Young hunters will be provided an opportunity to pattern their shotgun, learn about turkeys and turkey hunting, and scout hunting locations the evening before the hunt.

The morning of the hunt, breakfast will be provided courtesy of the NWTF Flint Hills Gobblers chapter before youth will be guided to nearby public and private land where encounters with these magnificent game birds are likely. Program volunteers will arrange transportation to hunting sites and will be available to assist in the hunt. 

Interested parties can apply by March 12 by contacting Melvern Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Clint Bowman at (620) 699-3372. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

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GROUP TO HOST WOMEN’S-ONLY ARCHERY DAY MARCH 15

Women age 13 and older are invited to explore the world of archery during this one-day event

EMPORIA ­– The Flint Hills Gobblers chapter of Women in the Outdoors (WITO) invites women with an interest in archery to attend a fun and informative one-day event, Saturday, March 15 at Dry Creek Sporting Clays, 1257 Road 137 in Emporia. Women, age 13 and older, will learn bow basics and safety, how to purchase a bow, where to shoot, and will receive hands-on instruction. Following instruction, attendees will have the opportunity to shoot FITA and 3D targets, as well as participate in friendly, non-competitive games.

The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Pre-registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 50 who sign-up by calling Tami Cushenberry at (620) 343-9156 or emailingfhwito@yahoo.com. The cost to attend is $60 for non-WITO members age 18 or older (includes membership to WITO), $25 for WITO members age 18 or older, and $25 for participants age 13-17 (includes Jakes membership to National Wild Turkey Federation). Lunch will be provided and women do not need a bow to attend, however those who have bows are encouraged to bring them.

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet fellow female archer, Miss Kansas, Theresa Vail.

15TH ANNUAL STATE FINALS ECO-MEET A SUCCESS

Students tested on knowledge of Kansas flora and fauna

PRATT – A total of 23 teams consisting of 88 students from 21 Kansas high schools participated in the 15th Annual State Finals ECO-Meet on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Dyck Arboretum at Hesston College. Schools represented at the competition include: Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies, Chapman, Goddard, Goodland, Haven, Lakewood Middle School of Salina, Maize, McLouth, Mission Valley, Olathe South, Palco, Pratt, Salina South, Shawnee Mission South, St. Mary’s-Colgan of Pittsburg, St. John’s of Beloit, St. Xavier of Junction City, Tescott, Wakefield, Wilson Junior High and Wilson High School.

ECO-Meets are a series of quiz bowl-type competitions based on knowledge of Kansas plants and animals. Winners were awarded scholarship prizes. The event proved to be an exciting, hard-fought contest, with the following results posted:

Overall Team

1st place: Olathe South HS – Stephen DeHart, Rachel Meyers, Hannah Parrinello, Nadia Qureshi and team coach Rene Gloshen. ($300/student scholarship.)

2nd place: Shawnee Mission South HS – Jessica Jurczak, Jake Morrissey, Joe Petty, Ashleigh Smith and team coach P.J. Born. ($200/student scholarship.)

3rd place: Maize HS, Team A – Sam Urban, Skyler Roth, Ben Emerson, Kris Super, and team coach Jay Super. ($100/student scholarship.)

Individual Events

Mammalogy

1st Place: Stephen DeHart, Olathe South HS ($200 scholarship)

2nd Place: Jake Morrissey, Shawnee Mission South HS ($100 scholarship)

Shortgrass Prairie Ecosystem

1st Place: Stephen DeHart, Olathe South HS ($200 scholarship)

2nd Place: Kris Super, Maize HS ($100 scholarship)

Eight regional qualifying competitions were held to see who claimed the honor of representing their location at the state finals. The regional locations were: Wilson Lake in Russell County, the Sternberg Museum in Hays, Milford Nature Center near Junction City, Lakewood Discovery Center in Salina, Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita, Dillon Nature Center in Hutchinson, Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence, and the Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. The Kansas ECO-Meet committee is considering at least one new location (Garden City) for 2014 and also a return to the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center at Greenbush to host the regionals, so there is potential for continued growth of this program.

The Kansas ECO-Meet committee would like to thank the Kansas Wildscape Foundation; the Kansas Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Simpson Farm Enterprises of Ransom; Barton Community College; Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms; Marelcy of Hutchinson; the Kansas Wildlife Federation; the Ellsworth County Chapter of Pheasants Forever; Friends of Milford Nature Center; Mid America Awards of Salina; Goodwin Sporting Goods of Hays; and the Wildlife Education Service Section of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism in Pratt for their continued support.

For more information, visit kansasecomeet.org, or contact Mike Rader at mike.rader@ksoutdoors.com or (620) 672-0708.

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION HOSTS YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING CAMP

Two-day camp offers youth a crash course on turkey hunting taught by local experts

PRATT ­– The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is hosting the 2013 Kansas State JAKES Camp September 14-15 at White Memorial Camp, six miles north of Council Grove. Youth age 17 and younger can participate in a variety of fun and educational activities, including fishing, arts and crafts, deer hunting, trap and target shooting, archery, and canoeing.

Participants will also have the opportunity to attend several presentations, including “Quail in Kansas,” presented by the Council Grove Chapter of the Quail and Upland Game Federation; “The World of Sporting Dogs,” presented by KVOE radio host Phil Taunton; and “Turkey Talk” presented by turkey hunting legend, author, outdoor TV personality, and Grand National turkey calling champion, Ray Eye.

Evening activities will include the NWTF Kansas State JAKES (youth 12 and under) and Xtreme JAKES (youth 13-17) turkey calling contests, as well as story-telling with Eye around the campfire.

The following morning, participants can enjoy a predator calling seminar with Knight & Hale Pro Staff member, Mick Bowman; a presentation on turkey biology and management from NWTF biologist, Brandon Houck; and a wildlife presentation by the Milford Nature Center. A sunrise service will also be made available to participants, led by Pastor Gary Cargill. Before heading home, participants will get to draw for prizes, as well as take home a commemorative t-shirt.

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.

The NWTF Kansas State JAKES Camp was awarded the "Best State JAKES Event" in 2012 and the "Best Special JAKES Event" in 2013 at the NWTF National Convention in Nashville, TN.

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

MELVERN WILDLIFE AREA HOSTING 1ST ANNUAL YOUTH SPRING TURKEY HUNT

10 lucky youth to receive a guided turkey hunt this spring

Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is partnering with the Flint Hills Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to host a youth spring turkey hunt at Melvern Wildlife Area on April 6. Volunteers from NWTF, KDWPT and local residents will assist with the event.

“We are going to start small,” said Melvern Wildlife Area assistant manager, Clint Bowman. “Assuming everything goes well, we hope to do this every year and eventually build on to it.”

Open to youth ages 11-16, the spring turkey hunt is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to experience Kansas outdoors at its finest. Participants will learn about turkey behavior and habitat, how to pattern a shotgun and even scout for turkeys prior to their guided hunt.

“Spring turkey hunting is exciting, interactive and a perfect way to introduce youngsters to hunting,” said Bowman. “Even if the participants don’t kill anything, we think they’ll enjoy just being out there and seeing and listening to the birds.”

The youth spring turkey season is April 1-9 and all participants must have a spring turkey permit. Hunters who are 16 must also have a Kansas hunting license.

Due to limited space, applications are required and must be turned in by March 15. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For information on how to apply, contact Clint Bowman at (620) 699-3372.

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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.

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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.

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KANSAS LAUNCHES NEW BOBWHITE QUAIL INITIATIVE

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Efforts aim to increase eastern Kansas quail populations in focal areas by 50 percent

EMPORIA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is launching a new quail restoration initiative aimed at making a difference in declining bobwhite quail populations at a landscape level. The state initiative includes the designation of two large quail management focal areas and as much as $500,000 of KDWPT wildlife fee funds over five years to attract landowner participation. Additional funding and support are being provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Quail Forever, Safari Club International, Kansas Wildlife Federation, and The Nature Conservancy. Primary objectives are a 50 percent increase in bobwhite populations and a 5 percent increase in suitable quail habitat in each focus area.

“Bobwhite populations in eastern Kansas have declined by 50 percent or more in the past three decades or so and even more across other parts of its range nationally,” says Jim Pitman, small game coordinator for KDWPT. “Biologists have associated the declines primarily with land use changes and resultant habitat loss, and they have joined forces across the nation as the National Bobwhite Technical Committee to counter the trend at a landscape scale with the habitat-based National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI).”

KDWPT has targeted two regional bobwhite “focal areas” totaling nearly 310,000 acres for restoration over a five-year period. The focal-area strategy reflects the national consensus that working at larger landscape levels rather than on small, scattered projects provides the best opportunity to save the bird — along with a suite of other wildlife species that require the same habitat. Typically, focal areas are anchored by a large tract of public or private land as a core, and efforts are expanded outward to other interested adjacent landowners.

Kansas’ 194,911-acre northern focal area includes parts of Lyon, Wabaunsee, Coffey, and Osage counties and has a bobwhite habitat management potential of “high,” as rated in the national initiative. The core public lands are the 9,407-acre Melvern Wildlife Area and the 562-acre Lyon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area.

The 113,711-acre southern focal area includes parts of Labette and Neosho counties. Its potential for bobwhite habitat management is rated “medium,” but Pitman adds that the additional sources of funding and potential partners available to assist the effort there make it a worthwhile target. Additionally, the public land centerpieces include the new Grand Osage Wildlife Area (formerly the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant) where approximately 9,000 acres will be managed by KDWPT when all the agreements are in place. The southern focal area also includes the 1,320-acre Big Hill Wildlife Area.

KDWPT will assist eligible landowners with enrollment in the appropriate U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cost-share programs and then cover the landowner share of approved practices with non-federal money.

The state has issued a list of acceptable quail-friendly practices, but each landowner project must have the approval of the appropriate KDWPT district biologist to receive the additional non-federal cost share. Bobwhite-friendly practices that are not eligible or accepted into USDA programs will be covered solely with non-federal dollars. Consequently, the landowners will be reimbursed for 100 percent of the estimated average costs for all approved quail-friendly work that they implement within each focus area.

For more information, call the KDWPT Region 4 Office in Wichita at 316-683-8069. To read the Kansas Quail Initiative plan, go online to goo.gl/VmdKd. For more information about NBCI, go online to bringbackbobwhites.org or https://www.facebook.com/bringbackbobwhites.

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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.

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12TH ANNUAL COUNCIL GROVE SPRING TURKEY HUNT APRIL 7

Image via Wikipedia

Young hunters ages 11 through 16 invited; registration deadline March 23
COUNCIL GROVE — Many young Kansans have not yet experienced the thrill of a Kansas spring turkey hunt. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) — in cooperation with Council Grove area chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — hopes to change that. On April 7, the organizations will conduct the 12th Annual Council Grove Spring Turkey Hunt.

“We’ve designed this event to entice beginning turkey hunters into the woods in search of a spring gobbler,” says Council Grove Wildlife Area manager Brent Konen. “It provides participating hunters age 11 through 16 with an opportunity to become involved not only in the hunt but also in its preparation, so they learn a lot more than just how to shoot a turkey.”

Participants will pattern their shotguns and scout for turkeys the evening before the hunt. The morning of the hunt, they will be guided to area locations on public and private land where encounters with these magnificent game birds are likely. Program volunteers will arrange transportation to hunting sites and will be available to assist in the hunt.

The event will also include door prizes, a turkey hunting presentation, and a hunter’s breakfast and lunch.

“Kansas turkey hunting prospects are good, and the excitement of the spring hunt can spark a passion for the outdoors that lasts a lifetime,” says Konen. “Participants are also encouraged to explore historic Council Grove and scenic Morris County while visiting the area.”

Lodging is available in nearby Council Grove, and camping is available at Council Grove Reservoir. Registration is required by March 23. For more information or to register, phone Konen at 620-767-5900.

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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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