Youth Pheasant and Quail Season Prime Opportunity

PRATT – Two days, November 7-8, 2015, should be marked on every young hunter’s calendar. The youth pheasant and quail season allows all youth 16 and younger to hunt, under the supervision of an adult 18 or older, for pheasants and quail statewide. The daily bag limits during the youth season are 2 rooster pheasants per day and 4 quail per day. All state and federal lands normally open to public hunting are open, and all Walk-in Hunting Access lands are open. Hunting pressure is generally light, ensuring high-quality and productive hunting opportunities for youth.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism established youth hunting seasons through Pass It On, the department’s hunter recruitment program. Special youth seasons are set for spring turkey, deer, waterfowl, pheasants and quail. The youth seasons open before regular season openers, giving young hunters first crack. Setting youth seasons separate from regular seasons allows mentors to work with young hunters without giving up their traditional hunts.

Resident youth 15 and younger do not need a hunting license, and while Hunter Education certification is not required when hunting under adult supervision, it is highly recommended. Sixteen-year-old residents and all nonresidents must have hunting licenses. The adult mentor may not hunt; however the youth season can provide a great opportunity to scout potential hunting areas and get dogs primed before the regular opener.

With improved pheasant and quail populations predicted this fall, the youth season will provide a fantastic opportunity to introduce a youngster to the hunting tradition. For many veteran hunters, that experience is more rewarding than the hunt itself.

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Outdoor Family Fun Day and Hunt at Eckman’s Hunting Preserve

PRATT – The Johnson County Chapter of Pheasants Forever (PF) will be hosting an Outdoor Family Fun Day and Youth and Women's Pheasant HuntSaturday, October 3. The free event will take place at Eckman's Hunting Preserve, 988 E. 1900 Rd., Baldwin City, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

The day’s activities will begin with a safety refresher and warm-up clay shooting, followed by morning and afternoon hunts. Those not hunting may shoot additional clays or enjoy the family fun day activities, including archery, pellet gun shooting, and a casting challenge.

Hunts will be available for youth hunters age 12-15 with an adult sponsor, and women, on a first-come, first-served basis. For specifics on license requirements, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting,” then “Fees, Licenses & Permits.”

For more information, visit jocopheasantsforever.org, or contact Jim Milazzo, at (913) 636-3369 or by email at james.milazzojr@wfadvisors.com.

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Youth Invited to Hunt at 2015 Kansas Governor's Ringneck Classic

OAKLEY – Kansas youth hunters age 12-16 with an interest in upland game hunting are invited to submit an application to participate in the 2015 Kansas Governor's Ringneck Classic. The hunt will be held in Goodland, November 19-22, and all expenses will be paid (except for license, gun and transportation) for two lucky youth hunters and their non-hunting chaperones. The two youth selected will also receive a lifetime membership to Pheasants Forever.

To apply, visit www.KansasRingneckClassic.com and click “Youth Hunt,” then “Youth Hunt Application” to download the PDF form. Applicants will then need to fill out some brief information and provide a short essay on what hunting to means to them and why they are interested in participating. Applications are due October 10.

The Ringneck Classic, which began in 2011, was created as a way to celebrate the rich hunting opportunities in Kansas, particularly for upland game. Proceeds from community events allow the host city to support local and regional programs and organizations.

For more information, contact Kansas Ringneck Classic staff at (785) 671-1000, or visit www.KansasRingneckClassic.com.

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Pheasants Forever to Host Youth Instructional Shooting Clinic

HAYS ­– The Smoky Hill Chapter of Pheasants Forever, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, invite youth of all ages to attend a free instructional shooting clinic on Saturday, August 8. The clinic will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club and all equipment will be provided.

Participants will receive instruction with shotguns and pellet rifles in a controlled, safe, live-fire environment guided by experienced instructors. Participants do not need to preregister and lunch will be provided.

For additional information, contact Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever Chapter member Luke Winge at (785) 726-1600.

This event is part of the Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever No Child Left Indoors (NCLI) initiative, which encourages chapters to collaborate with conservation partners and provide youth and their families opportunities to learn about our outdoor traditions and conservation ethic.

Nationwide, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters hold more than 1,000 youth events a year, connecting more than 50,000 youth to the outdoors. They reach out in their communities to sponsor youth mentor hunts, outdoor conservation days, shooting sports, conservation camps, fishing tournaments, outdoor expos, hunter education classes, habitat projects and much more.

To find a chapter near you, visit www.pheasantsforever.org and www.quailforever.org.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE HELPS FUND PHEASANT, GRASSLAND INITIATIVES

USDA launches new regional program, aiding KDWPT in two projects

PRATT ­– Out of more than 600 pre-proposals and 200 full proposals submitted, two Kansas initiatives have been awarded state-level grant funding as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The regional program, which focuses heavily on public-private partnerships, aims to provide private companies, local communities, and other non-government partners a way to invest in efforts relating to land, water, agriculture, construction, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Both the Kansas Pheasant Initiative and the Regional Grassland Bird and Grazing Land Enhancement Initiative, a multi-state effort that also includes Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska, will receive funding from RCPP.

PHEASANT INITIATIVE

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT), alongside the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Pheasants Forever, Star Seed Inc., National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, The Kansas Wildlife Federation, and Safari Club International, have developed a program geared at managing habitat for pheasants. This initiative uses a focus-area approach, providing cost-share and incentives for practices that create and maintain pheasant habitat. Because widespread, isolated efforts have proved less effective, the Pheasant Initiative will direct resources into focus areas to promote connectivity of projects and facilitate landscape-level population increases.

The initiative will use several traditional management practices to meet this goal, including the Conservation Reserve Program, but will also incorporate agricultural practices that have the potential to provide habitat.

“It seems that there is a widespread misconception that modern production agriculture and wildlife management are not compatible,” KDWPT small game specialist, Jeff Prendergast said.
“The funds from the RCPP program will give us the opportunity to promote modern production practices that are beneficial to wildlife, while being economically favorable to producers.” 

The two focus areas include portions of Norton County and Mitchell/Osborne counties and both feature public wildlife areas. The RCPP funds will be utilized to implement cover crops and related practices to increase the availability of nesting and brood rearing cover while partners’ funds will be used to incentivize enrollment in other practices with the same goal.

REGIONAL GRASSLAND BIRD AND GRAZING LAND ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVE

The Regional Grassland Bird and Grazing Land Enhancement Initiative is a five-year project that will aid ranchers in enhancing and protecting the Flint Hills and Smoky Hill native prairies. Opportunities will be offered through key USDA conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Eligible landowners will be able to utilize practices such as prescribed burning, brush management and prescribed grazing to meet their management objectives. Through ACEP, producers can enter into easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of their eligible land.

KDWPT partners involved in the project include the NRCS, The Nature Conservancy of Kansas, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, and the Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition. KDWPT’s primary role will be providing technical assistance to landowners interested in participating in the program. 

“The goals of this project are to implement management strategies that promote biodiversity and enhance grassland ecosystem functions, as well as address smoke management issues,” said KDWPT Farm Bill coordinator, Matt Smith. “By focusing additional resources on our native grasslands, it creates a win-win situation for our wildlife and the land stewards who manage these critical landscapes.”

For more information on these Kansas RCPP projects, and others, visit www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

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PHEASANTS FOREVER, QUAIL FOREVER STATE CONVENTION MARCH 13-14

Two-day event for those interested in enhancing wildlife habitat in Kansas 

WICHITA – Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will host thefifth annual State Convention March 13 and 14 at the Wichita Marriot, 9100 E Corporate Hills Dr. The two-day event will kick off with the “Partners in Conservation Reception” starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by the main event, Saturday, March 14. Convention activities will include discussions from conservation leaders and breakout sessions based on three key topics—habitat, education & outreach, and chapters.

Speakers include Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever President and CEO; Theresa Vail, 2013 Miss Kansas, representative of Bass Pro Shops, and host of “Limitless” on the Outdoor Channel; and Richard McCabe, executive vice president of the Wildlife Management Institute, successful wildlife author, and son of Aldo Leopold’s first graduate student. Additionally, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will report on the status of pheasants and quail in the state.

Afternoon breakout sessions following the morning speakers include a cover crop roundtable with leading agency professionals and farmers, conducting wing-shooting clinics, how to be a successful chapter, and more.

"Through the Kansas State Convention, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever provide wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, landowners, youth educators, and habitat gurus a chance to get together and share their knowledge and passion for the outdoors,” explained Marc Glades, South Region field manager for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “Our chapter leaders, partners, staff, and guests are excited to be guiding this inspiring, information-filled, and interactive weekend that will refresh your wildlife conservation ethic.”

Register between Jan. 27 and Feb. 12 and earn a chance at a $250 Cabela’s gift card. Registration information can be found at http://www.kansaspfqf.org/2015-convention. Hotel rooms are available at a discounted rate of $99 by calling (316) 651-0333. Offer expires Feb. 27. 

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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QUAIL INITIATIVE HABITAT TOUR AND DINNER

Reserve your spot by Oct. 15

PRATT – Landowners and anyone interested in improving quail habitat on their property are invited to attend a quail habitat tour and free dinner Tuesday, October 21 at Melvern Wildlife Area, Reading. Starting at 4:30 p.m., a tour of completed and active habitat projects on Melvern Wildlife Area will be conducted, followed by a catered meal at the Reading City Building around 6 p.m., compliments of the Neosho Valley Quail Forever and Emporia Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation chapters. Those interested in attending are asked to meet at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) office, 2272 Road 250, on the east side of Reading. 

Following dinner, KDWPT staff will update participants on the progress of the Quail Initiative Project and present information on bobwhite biology and habitat management. Local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel will also be on hand to discuss relevant cost-share programs available, as well as representatives from other local conservation organizations. The evening will wrap up with a time for questions, discussion, and the opportunity to sign up for habitat planning assistance.

The Kansas Quail Initiative is an effort spearheaded by KDWPT to implement additional funding in two areas of eastern Kansas to improve habitat for quail and monitor the changes over the next five years. The goal is to improve quail populations by 50 percent in these focus areas. The area of focus for this meeting includes the Melvern Wildlife Area and more than 190,000 acres in portions of Lyon, Wabaunsee, Osage and Coffey counties.

“We plan to offer 100 percent cost-sharing for landowners in these areas to implement ‘quail friendly practices’ on their land,” said Jim Pitman, KDWPT small game coordinator. “KDWPT has designated $100,000 each year to this effort and those dollars can be used to supplement the normal 75 percent cost-share rate from federal habitat programs. The bottom line is that landowners in this focal area will work with biologists to plan habitat improvements for quail and cost-share payments will cover all the costs,” Pitman added.

Some of the practices eligible for cost-share funding include native grass and forb planting, removal of invading trees from grasslands, prescribed burning, hedgerow renovation and prescribed grazing. During its first two years, the initiative has directly impacted nearly 1,300 private land acres and 4,400 public land acres.

To register for the tour and dinner, call (620) 342-0658 by October 15.

For more information on the Kansas Quail Initiative, contact KDWPT district biologist, Pat Riese, at (620) 583-5049.

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PHEASANTS FOREVER TO HOST YOUTH UPLAND HUNT OCT. 18

The hunt is held in memory of Darrell Brown and Lavern Stieben

HAYS – It’s easy to let a hectic schedule get in the way of making time for the outdoors, and Oct. 18, 2014. There is no cost to participate. 

all too often youth miss out on experiencing one of Kansas’ greatest assets – its hunting heritage. In an effort to introduce youth to the long-standing tradition of upland bird hunting, The Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever Chapter #424, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), and the Hunting Heritage Group invite hunters age 12-18 to participate in the 9th Annual Darrell Brown-Lavern Stieben Memorial Youth Upland Hunt

The hunt will take place at Hays City Sportsman Club, 5810 230th Ave., Hays, where each hunter will have the opportunity to harvest at least four birds while hunting over experienced pointing dogs. 

Apart from the hunt, participants will also learn about hunting with pointing dogs; field safety; how hunting dogs are trained; gun handling; how to clean and prepare birds; and what makes good upland bird habitat. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program will also be incorporated into the event.

Special hunts such as this are part of Pass It On, KDWPT’s hunter recruitment and retention program. This program addresses the need to recruit new hunters and retain existing hunters to ensure the future of hunting.  

For more information, and to register for this hunt, contact Shayne Wilson at (785) 628-1415, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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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.”

PHEASANTS FOREVER STATE HABITAT CONVENTION MARCH 7-8

Fruits of the hunt! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fourth annual event celebrates Kansas’ tradition of upland hunting and conservation

WICHITA – Kansas Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will host its fourth annual state habitat convention March 7-8at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita. The two-day event is designed for landowners, conservationists and hunters interested in improving wildlife habitat, and will also celebrate and discuss avenues to enhance the upland hunting tradition in the Sunflower State.

Open to the public, the state meeting is an opportunity for local sportsmen/women and chapters to meet and discuss concerns and opportunities regarding upland wildlife in their area. The habitat-heavy event will also focus on youth, women, and dog enthusiasts within the state.

“We have an outstanding event this year thanks to our volunteers and our partners,” said Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Western Kansas regional representative, Chris Blackledge. “I am greatly looking forward to meeting with individuals from across the state who are ready and willing to help ensure Kansas’ upland hunting heritage.”

Saturday’s keynote speakers include:

Dave Nomsen, vice-president of governmental affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, will discuss issues in Washington D.C. that affect conservation. Additionally, he will update attendees with news about the Federal Farm Bill.

Jake George, private lands coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism,will be on hand to discuss Walk-In Hunting Access programs that are opening up more great locations to the public each year around the state.

Jim Pitman, small game coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, will be discussing bag limits and population dynamics for hunting regulations.­

Nadia Marji, associate editor forKansas Wildlife & Parksmagazine, will share her journey of transitioning from a “city girl” to an “accidental huntress” in an effort to engage more women and youth in the outdoors. 

Speakers will also be on hand to discuss the importance of pollinators and insects in increasing upland bird populations, new ways to engage youth through chapter outreach, issues with stocked birds, landowner success stories, managing deer and upland birds at the same time, taxidermy, and management implementation.

All sessions at the Great Plains Nature Center and the Wichita Marriott are open to the public for a price of $65. Ticket price includes Friday’s Pheasants Forever Kansas Hall of Fame Reception, State Habitat Convention Saturday and the Partners in Conservation Banquet Saturday evening.

For more information, contact Chris Blackledge at (620) 767-2121, cblackledge@pheasantsforever.org or visitwww.kansaspfqf.org to register.

YOUTH UPLAND BIRD HUNT MARCH 1

Local Pheasants Forever chapter to host youth upland bird hunt

GOODLAND – The High Plains Roosters chapter of Pheasants Forever is pleased to announce their upcoming youth upland bird hunt,March 1, in Sherman County (Road 67 and 17).  The hunt is open to all youth age 10-15, and no previous hunting experience is required.

“Our volunteers pride themselves on the ability to accommodate youth hunters of all experience levels,” said Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever Kansas Outreach Coordinator, Brian Schaffer. “These are very seasoned sportsmen who make every effort to pass on our hunting heritage in a safe, enjoyable environment.” 

The event will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday with a pre-hunt safety seminar. Then hunters and mentors will hunt various species of upland birds including ring-necked pheasants and chukar on the grounds of a local controlled shooting area. Following the hunt, participants can also partake in shotgun shooting, bird cleaning, and a D.A.R.E. program provided by the local sheriff’s office. Lunch and refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend. All participants must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

“If your child has an interest in hunting, but maybe doesn’t know where to start, please encourage them to attend this event and experience what it’s all about to be a conservation-minded sportsman,” Schaffer added.

For more information, or to register for this event, contact Melvin Crow at (785) 821-2607 or Jason Artzer at (785) 821-2317. This hunt is open to the first 45 participants, so early registration is encouraged.

BLACK GOLD CHAPTER OF PHEASANTS FOREVER TO HOST APPRECIATION EVENT

Participants can enjoy a day of shooting, socializing, and supporting youth during this annual event

RUSSELL - The Black Gold Chapter of Pheasants Forever will host its 8th Annual Appreciation Event Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013 at LaSada Sporting Clays and Hunting Service, six miles southwest of Russell. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to both members and non-members. Proceeds from the event will go toward youth activities, local scholarships, and the Black Gold Pheasants Forever youth outreach trailer.

The event will kick off with a Lewis Class Sporting Clays Shoot at 9:00 a.m. There is a $50 fee to enter, with $10 of the entry fee going back to the Lewis Class Purse. Shooters may come and go as they please, and can shoot as much or as little as they would like. All participants will have a chance to win prizes, including a cash prize, and one lucky youth will win a youth-model shotgun. There will be free instructional shooting for youth 16 and younger and women, shells and targets provided.

Other activities for the event include a youth archery range with 3D targets, trail walks, and bird watching.

Lunch will also be provided to those in attendance from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Curt Counts at (785) 483-1627, LaSada at (785) 483-3758, or the Sportsman’s Corner at(785) 445-4000.

LOCAL COUPLE TO HOST FIELD DAY ON WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT

PRATT– The Kansas Forest Service (KFS) will host the 2013 Agroforestry Field Day May 8 on the farm of Dave and Mary Hendricks at I Road and 190 Ave, Wakeeney. Discussion topics will include tree health threats, creating mule deer habitat, lesser prairie chicken habitat, water quality concerns in western Kansas, managing for upland birds from the landowner’s perspective, windbreak renovation, assessment and funding projects, and creating a burn plan for prairie. Attendees will also get to hear from the Hendricks as they share their experience working with trees and shrubs in contemporary agricultural systems.

Windbreak Renovation, Assessment and Funding Projects

With the current drought stressing windbreaks throughout western Kansas, KFS foresters Jim Strine and Bob Atchison will provide tips on how to maintain and renovate older windbreaks and shelterbelts using one of the many windbreaks the Hendricks have on their property. Suggestions on row removal, selective thinning, watering and establishing additional tree rows will be provided. Participants will also receive the latest information on financial assistance available to implement windbreak renovation projects as well as the preliminary results of a windbreak assessment study on the size and condition of shelterbelts in the Smoky Hill region.

Lesser Prairie Chicken Habitat

In response to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to list the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species, a rangewide management plan is being developed to assist landowners in enhancing grassland habitat. Mark Witecha, a Pheasants Forever Farm Bill biologist, will be on hand to discuss the habitat needs of this important species and suggest conservation practices that benefit lesser prairie chickens and other important grassland birds. Witecha will also inform participants of the services Pheasants Forever can offer to landowners.

Creating a Burn Plan for the Prairie

Burning the prairie is one of the most important activities landowners can do to ensure the health of grass and range lands and the flora and fauna that depend on them. Unfortunately many landowners are hesitant to burn and those that do sometimes do not plan adequately. Several windbreaks on the Hendricks farm have been lost to wildfire for that very reason. Michele Witecha, a KFS wildlife ecologist and rangeland fire specialist, will provide a session on how to develop a burn plan that accomplishes specific management interests while lowering the risk of wildfire potential.

Managing for Upland Birds from the Landowner’s Perspective

Last season hunters harvested an estimated 475,000 pheasants and this year numbers have been down by almost 50 percent. Randy Rodgers and Helen Hands, are both wildlife biologists who have applied their years of experience managing for upland bird habitat to their farm in Rush County. Winners of the 2012 Kansas Wildlife Federation’s Land and Soil Wildlife Conservationist award, Rodgers and Hands will

Conservationists Dave and Mary Hendricks
will host an agroforestry field day this May

provide both the landowner perspective and the professional wildlife biologist expertise to educate participants on how to improve habitat for upland birds.

Creating Mule Deer Habitat

Mule deer have a different set of habitat requirements compared to upland birds and are regular visitors to the Hendricks farm. Dave Hendricks will show participants how windbreaks can be used as a fawning area for mule deer and discuss how landowners can encourage mule deer habitat on their properties.

Tree Health Threats

Nikki Opbroek, KFS forest health specialist, will offer an update on potential health threats to trees and shrubs (including drought) and provide both diagnosis and control recommendations for the major tree problems people encounter in western Kansas. Foresters will also provide suggestions on appropriate tree and shrub species to plant in the Trego County area.

Water Quality Concerns in Western Kansas

Water quality and quantity issues have never been so relevant to western Kansas. Stacy Minson, K-State Research and Extension watershed specialist, will share her knowledge of the issues and offer suggestions to participants on practices they can implement to address these challenges.

The Hendricks have been chosen as the recipients of the 2013 Kansas Agroforestry Award by the Kansas Forestry Association and the Kansas Forest Service. The Kansas Agroforestry Award is presented to landowners who go above and beyond to implement agroforestry practices on their property such as riparian forest buffers and shelterbelts. The couple will be presented with an award the morning of the event.

The cost of attendance is $10. Lunch will be provided.

In the event of rain, the field day will be moved to the Trego County Fairgrounds in WaKeeney.

For more information, or to register for this event, call rural forestry coordinator Bob Atchison at(785) 532-3310, or visit www.kansasforests.org.

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7TH ANNUAL DARRELL BROWN MEMORIAL YOUTH UPLAND HUNT OCT. 27

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hunt for youth ages 12 through 18
HAYS — Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever No. 424, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), Pheasant Runn Controlled Shooting Area, and the Hunting Heritage Group, Inc., will host the 7th Annual Darrell Brown Youth Upland Hunt, in memory of former volunteer Darrell Brown, on Oct. 27. The event will be held at Hays City Sportsman Club, ¼ mile north of I-70 off Exit 157 near Hays.

The hunt is for youth ages 12 through 18 years old. Each youth hunter will have the opportunity to harvest at least four birds while hunting over pointing dogs.

Participants will hunt and be mentored on a variety of related subjects, including how to hunt with pointing dogs, field safety, how hunting dogs are trained, gun handling, how to clean and prepare harvested birds, and what type of habitat to look for when hunting upland birds. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is also incorporated into the event.

Special hunts like this are part of KDWPT’s Hunter Recruitment and Retention Program, called PASS IT ON. This program recruits new hunters and helps retain existing hunters to ensure the future of hunting and wildlife conservation.

To register for the hunt, contact Shayne Wilson at 785-628-1415, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no charge for the event.

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PHEASANTS FOREVER RECEIVES 640-ACRE LAND CONTRIBUTION

Fruits of the hunt! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Retired Air Force Colonel Rob Peterson honors father’s memory with donation
CIMARRON — Rob Peterson, 53, of Colorado Springs, has donated his 640-acre property near Cimarron to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever as part of the organization’s Grassroots Conservation Campaign. The donation provides a place for future hunters and conservationists to enjoy forever. Peterson, a long-time Pheasants Forever member and Pikes Peak Colorado Pheasants Forever chapter co-chair, noted that his father’s passion for the outdoors and the time they spent hunting and fishing are the main reasons to make Pheasants Forever the recipient of his gift.
A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Peterson grew up in Minnesota where he hunted and fished with his father, Robert Peterson, Sr. “We spent a lot of time in the outdoors,” Peterson said. “The success of the hunt was not always a big deal to us. It was the experience of spending time together that we valued most.”
Those outdoor experiences are what shaped his dream of honoring his father’s memory. In 2010, during one of the last conversations Peterson had with his father, he told his dad of his plan to dedicate a piece of land in his memory, so his outdoor legacy could live forever. Shortly after this conversation, his father lost his battle with cancer.
The property is currently being converted to productive wildlife habitat. “Habitat is my vision because I realize if we don’t have the habitat, the upland hunting is going to dry up,” Peterson said. “If we don’t have the habitat, we can’t ensure there will be an opportunity for young people to hunt 20, 30, 40 years from now.”
Peterson credited Pheasants Forever’s Farm Bill biologist program for providing expert guidance with grassland restoration through the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Pheasants Forever development officer Jordan Martincich helped execute the gift through the organization’s Grassroots Conservation Campaign.
Peterson will continue managing and enjoying the property throughout his lifetime. Upon his passing, Pheasants Forever will oversee the property for wildlife habitat and public use. In addition to the land gift, Peterson has donated a significant portion of his estate to Pheasants Forever with the goal of furthering the outdoor traditions that both he and his father enjoyed.
For more information on Pheasants Forever’s Grassroots Conservation Campaign and how Pheasants Forever can help you leave your legacy, phone Martincich at 816-560-1070.

PHEASANT FEST OFFERS FREE ADMITTANCE TO MILITARY

Image via Wikipedia

National event free with military ID on Feb. 17-19
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever has announced that all active military personnel will receive free admission to its National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic when the event comes to the Kansas City Convention Center’s Bartle Hall on Feb. 17, 18, and 19.

Active duty personnel who present their U.S. Military ID cards will receive free entrance to event from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. This will be the show’s first time in Kansas City and the first time free admission has been extended to military members.

“Men and women of the military make the ultimate commitment to their country,” says Joe Duggan, Pheasants Forever’s vice president of corporate relations. “They sacrifice a lot to serve, including time they might otherwise have spent hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. This is a small token of our appreciation, and we hope to see many service members on the floor, so we can personally thank them for standing up for this nation and its wildlife and natural resources.”

The National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic is the country's largest event for upland bird hunters, sport dog owners, and wildlife habitat conservationists, combining a national outdoor tradeshow, wildlife habitat seminar series, and family event complete with puppies, tractors, shotguns, and art. The event is presented by Cabela's.

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PHEASANT FEST TO FOCUS ON LANDOWNER HABITAT

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Pheasants Forever national meeting in Kansas City Feb. 17-19
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas landowners — and those from across the country — will receive free land-use management consultation at Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic 2012, in the Kansas City Convention Center Feb. 17-19. The Landowner Habitat Help Room, sponsored by Best Buy and Geek Squad, will feature the latest technology to evaluate landowner needs.

A dozen work stations featuring large-screen monitors will provide a detailed look at each landowner’s property. The room is designed to give farmers and landowners site-specific information about conservation programs they can implement on their land. Biologists use aerial photography, topography, and soil information for individual planning. Landowners just need to bring the legal description of their property (township, range, and section). Through one-on-one consultations with leading wildlife experts, landowners have the opportunity to learn about conservation and habitat options on their land available through federal, state, and local programs.

Accompanied by trained Pheasants Forever or Quail Forever biologists or partnering biologists from the Missouri Department of Conservation; the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, landowners will be educated on ways they can improve their acres for wildlife and even what local, state, and federal conservation programs that qualify for enrollment.

"Your next wildlife habitat project starts at Pheasant Fest," says Steve Riley, Farm Bill wildlife biologist manager for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. "The Landowner Habitat Help Room is one of the many ways Pheasants Forever's premiere event goes beyond a trade show and becomes an interactive event where wildlife habitat is the main focus, and a lasting impact is made."

With the most current streaming data available, the Landowner Habitat Help Room will offer topographic and aerial maps on any piece of property in the entire country. For more information, phone Brad Heidel at 651-209-4956 or email bheidel@pheasantsforever.org, or phone Rehan Nana at 651-209-4973 or mail rnana@pheasantsforever.org.

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