TROUT SEASON RUNS THROUGH MID-APRIL

Kansas offers winter trout fishing at more than 30 public fishing lakes

PRATT ­– Kansas might not be the first state that comes to your mind when you think of trout

fishing, but don’t be fooled – the Sunflower State has created spectacular winter fishing opportunities by stocking more than 30 different public fishing locations with this spotted fish.

Through April 15, anglers can try their luck at trout fishing in both Type 1 and Type 2 waters. Type 1 waters stocked with trout require all anglers to possess a $12.50 trout permit, while Type 2 waters require only those fishing for or possessing trout to purchase the permit. The $12.50 permit is valid for the calendar year and can be purchased wherever licenses are sold and online at ksoutdoors.com.

Residents 16-74 years old, and all non-residents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license. The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted. Anglers 15 and younger may fish without a trout permit, but are limited to two trout per day, or they may purchase a permit and take five trout per day. Possession limit for trout is 15.

Trout fishing at Mined Land Wildlife Area No. 30 (Cherokee County), where trout survive through the summer, requires a trout permit year-round. For a complete list of waters stocked with trout, as well as rules and regulations, consult the2014 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, or visit ksoutdoors.com.

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CATCH FIRST GLIMPSE OF 2014 FISHING REGULATIONS SUMMARY ONLINE

 For anglers, timely, quality information can be the difference between getting a couple tugs on a lure and a grill lined-to-the-brim with your favorite catch. Cram-packed with all the information you need to set up for a perfect day of fishing, the 2014 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summaryis the closest you can get to having a game warden, a fisheries biologist, ksoutdoors.com by clicking “Fishing / Fishing Regulations.” Print copies will be available wherever licenses are sold within one to two weeks.

and a hatchery manager at your beck and call. This free, easy to use, full-color pamphlet can be downloaded online now at

Apart from information on important fishing regulations such as special seasons, creel and length limits, license fees and legal fishing methods, anglers will also find a helpful section highlighting new regulations for the 2014 season in the summary. This publication is a must-have for anglers because creel and length limits vary from lake to lake.

Included in a special 16-page section, this pamphlet also lists all public waters, along with their location and any special regulations in effect. At the turn of a page, anglers can see which community lakes don’t charge extra fees for fishing, as well as community lakes designated as Family Friendly Facilities (FFF)thatwill include flush toilet facilities, security patrols, security lighting, easy access to the water and do not allow alcohol.

Information is also provided on aquatic nuisance species (ANS), as well as regulations governing the use of live baitfish. Five pages are devoted to fish identification, featuring color illustrations by Joe Tomelleri. Current state record fish are listed, and there is also a Master Angler Application for anglers who catch fish that qualify forthis certificate award program.

The2014 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summarypamphlet is truly an angler’s “Bible.” Grab a copy, read it, and keep it by your side. Available at more than 200 outlets statewide, and online, there’s no excuse to ever find yourself without one.

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TROUT SEASON KICKS OFF NOVEMBER 1

More than 200,000 trout will be stocked in select waters throughout the state this season

PRATT ­– Outside temperatures may be cooling down, but for trout anglers, fishing season is about to heat up. From Nov. 1, 2013-April 15, 2014, anglers can enjoy some of the best fishing opportunities in the state as nearly 30 public fishing areas will be stocked periodically with this special species. Throughout a five-month period beginning Nov. 1 and endingMarch 31, over 202,000 trout will be stocked in select waters.

In Kansas, there are two types of trout waters: On Type 1 waters all anglers age 16 and older fishing during the trout season are required to have a trout permit, and on Type 2 waters anglers 16 and older who are fishing for or in possession of trout are required to have a trout permit. Anglers 15 and younger can fish for trout without a trout permit, but they may only keep two trout per day. The daily creel limit for anglers with a trout permit is five per day unless posted otherwise. All anglers age 16-74 must also have a Kansas fishing license. New for 2014, anglers fishing for trout in Meade State Fishing Lake will be required to purchase a trout permit.

Anglers fishing in ponds and lakes after April 15 may catch trout without a trout permit, but the limit of 5 trout a day and 15 in possession is still enforced. This does not include the waters that are stocked year-round, such as the Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit #30 (Cherokee County), which requires a trout permit year-round.

Some local governments in areas such as Topeka and Kansas City have their own trout stocking programs, which may require a fee, but the state permit is not required. Local city and county recreation departments should have details.

Trout waters and the total number of trout stocked at each throughout the season are listed below. To view a complete stocking schedule for a specific location, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing / Special Fishing Programs for You / Trout Fishing Program.”

Region 1

Webster Reservoir Stilling Basin: 10,500

Bellville City Lake (Rocky Pond): 7,500

Glen Elder State Park Pond: 3,300

Kanopolis Seep Stream: 8,500

Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin: 4,250

Salina - Lakewood Lake: 6,000

*At this time Smoky Gardens (Sherman County) has water and will be stocked as water quality improves.

*At this time the Solomon River above Webster is dry and will not be stocked.

Region 2

Ft. Riley - Moon Lake: 9,000

Ft. Riley - Cameron Springs: 12,000

Topeka - Auburndale Park Stream: 1,505

Tuttle Creek - Willow Lake: 12,900

Clinton State Park - Lake Henry: 5,075

Holton - Elkhorn Lake: 3,000

Atchison City Lake #1: 3,000

Shawnee Co. - Lake Shawnee: 14,000

Region 3

Scott State Fishing Lake: 8,860

Cimarron Grassland Pits: 5,800

Pratt - Centennial Pond: 4,000

Great Bend - Stone Lake: 6,650

Dodge City - Lake Charles: 5,080

Syracuse - Sam's Pond: 2,500

*At this time Sandsage Bison Range and Wildlife Area is dry and will not be stocked.

Region 4

El Dorado State Park - River Area: 6,350

Sedgwick Co. - Vic's Lake: 14,076

Sedgwick Co. - Slough Creek: 10,944

Hutchinson - Dillon Nature Center: 5,785

Wichita - KDOT East Lake: 8,172

Region 5

Mined Land Wildlife Area - Unit #30: 15,895

Ft. Scott - Gunn Park East Lake: 4,725

Garnett - Crystal Lake: 3,000

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TROUT STOCKING PROGRAM PROVIDES VARIETY FOR ANGLERS

Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of special trout program

 In an effort to provide unique winter fishing opportunities, The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) provides trout fishing opportunities by stocking Kansas waters with thousands of harvestable-sized trout each year. From Nov. 1-April 15, anglers can catch this non-native species at 36 locations throughout the state.

Funded by state trout permit and federal aid dollars, the KDWPT trout program stocks as many as 180,000 rainbow trout and more than 3,500 brown trout annually.

Type 1 trout waters require a trout permit ($12.50) whether anglers are fishing for trout or not, while Type 2 waters require a trout permit for anglers fishing for trout. In addition to a trout permit (where required), residents 16-74, and non-residents 16 and older, must possess a valid fishing license.

The daily creel limit is five trout and the possession limit is 15. Youth 15 and under may keep up to two trout per day without a trout permit, or up to five trout per day with a permit. After April 15, anglers can trout fish without a permit anywhere in the state, excluding Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit #30 (Cherokee County) which requires a permit year-round. Season daily creel and possession limits will still apply after the season is closed.

Consult the 2013 Fishing Regulations Summary for a list of Type 1 and Type 2 trout waters.

Local governments may have their own trout stocking programs and may require a separate permit. Anglers are encouraged to contact their local city and county recreation departments for details.

For more information on the KDWPT trout program, including stocking locations and schedules, visitwww.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You/Trout Fishing Program.”

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HORTON MISSION LAKE EAST RENOVATION COMPLETE

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Revitalized fishery, improved water quality, new facilities enhance lake
HORTON — Renovation of Horton Mission Lake East (½ mile north of Highway 20 on the east edge of Horton) is complete, and it is time to get out and enjoy this revitalized fishery. Mission Lake was opened to fishing on May 23.
Since the fishery was cleaned out last August, several thousand fish have been stocked, including fathead minnows, bluegill, black crappie, and largemouth bass. Some of these were smaller hatchery fish; however, a good portion were adults that were relocated from surrounding waters.
Is there a keeper fish behind every clump of vegetation or in every new brush pile? Probably not, but when Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) biologists sampled the lake in mid-May, they saw a healthy young fishery. And since the renovation, water clarity has improved to more than 4 feet, much better than the 4-7 inches the lake used to have.
In addition to improving the fishery, staff have made several new additions to lake facilities, including a concrete boat ramp, courtesy dock, several fishing piers, two fish feeders, and several new campsites with electrical hookups.

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FREE FULL-LENGTH VIDEO LURES URBAN ANGLERS

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Program, free online video makes urban fishing a great escape
PRATT — Do you want to catch more fish? You can improve your angling success by watching the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) video, The Urban Fish Stocking Program. Watching the video is free through KDWPT’s website, ksoutdoors.com.

This video features KDWPT’s Urban Fish Stocking Program, which was established to improve fishing opportunities in urban lakes. Through the program, lakes are currently stocked with 3/4- to 1 1/2-pound channel catfish, hybrid sunfish, and wipers as often as every two weeks from April through September. All metropolitan areas that have a population of more than 40,000 and available public fishing waters are served by this program. Counties served include Atchison, Butler, Douglas, Finney, Johnson, Leavenworth, Lyon, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Reno, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte.
But there’s more to the video than fish stocking in urban lakes. After a brief overview of the urban program, the video shows young anglers how to rig a line, set drag, set a hook, bait a hook, reel in fish, net fish, and much more. Learn how to fish for catfish, sunfish, and crappie, just a few favorites of beginning anglers. Most importantly, the video shows kids and novice anglers how to start fishing with minimal expense and preparation time. To watch, go online to ksoutdoors.com and click the “Watch It” link on the right-hand side of the page. Enjoy — it’s time to go fishing.
If you live in the above listed counties, you have an urban lake near you. These are great locations for a quick family fishing trip. Just throw the gear in the car and make the short drive to the nearest designated urban fishing lake.
For a complete list of individual lakes and a stocking schedule, just click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You” at ksoutdoors.com.

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ANGLER CATCHES A DREAM RAINBOW

11.02-pound fish beats old record by nearly a pound
TOPEKA — What can a brawny rainbow trout do when confronted with the skill and determination of a seasoned angler? Not much, as it turns out. Angling skill conquered brawn when Bob Lorson hooked his dream rainbow trout in the waters of Lake Shawnee, Topeka. Lorson, a Topeka resident and fervent Kansas fisherman, caught an 11.02-pound rainbow on Saturday, April 2, and the fish has been certified by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) as an official state record. The fish measured 29 inches in length and 16.5 inches in girth.
Lorson and fishing buddy Paul Hottman launched their boat at about 7:30 a.m. intending to catch big fish. According to Lorson, “If you want to catch the big ones, you’ve got to be prepared for them.”
So he loaded his fishing rod with a silver/blue Kastmaster lure on the business end of a spool of 8-pound test line. It was a chilly morning, though Lorson’s fishing would heat up long before the afternoon high reached the mid-70s. The duo had been fishing only about 45 minutes, and Lorson was on the fourth fish of a five-fish limit when the big trout attacked his lure. He quickly realized he’d hooked a big one but didn’t appreciate just how big it was until later. During the 15-minute struggle, the embattled fish tail-danced, jumped a few times, and made a run at the boat.
Hottman, as any respectable angling partner would, cheered his buddy and shouted, “Don’t horse him!” Lorson gave the monster plenty of line, not wanting to jerk the hook from its jaws or break the line, which turned out to be a wise tactic. When the battle came to a close and the tired fish was in the net, the lure fell from its mouth.
Lorson initially guessed the fish’s weight at 8 to 9 pounds. He learned this was a considerable underestimate when other friends fishing nearby who had witnessed the struggle pulled their boat alongside Lorson’s and offered up a spring-scale to weigh the fish. When it showed 11 pounds, Lorson knew he was on to something. Checking the KDWP website on his smartphone, he looked up the list of state records and confirmed that he might have a state-record rainbow trout.
Before a fish can be certified as a state record, anglers must follow a specific procedure, and Lorson carefully adhered to the process he read on the website. He first took his catch to Herman’s Meat and Deli in Topeka for an official weigh-in on certified scales. The fish had to be weighed and measured before it was frozen. Engulfed in an admiring group of onlookers, Lorson proudly looked on as the deli staff weighed his fish on two different certified scales, and both instruments reached the same conclusion — 11.02 pounds.
The following Monday, Lorson took the fish to KDWP Region 2 fisheries supervisor Chuck Bever, who confirmed that it was a rainbow trout. If the species had been suspect, tissue samples would have been taken for further analysis. (Sometimes, a potential record fish turns out to be a hybrid or not the species it was originally thought to be.) With a certified weight, measurements, and confirmation of the species, Lorson was ready to submit his application for a state record. He sent the application to KDWP’s Operations Office in Pratt where it was held for 30 days in case evidence was offered that his story or the catch was not as it was presented. That wasn’t the case, and Lorson’s catch was certified as a new state record on May 4. The previous record was a 10.29-pound trout caught at Shawnee Mission Park Lake a little more than a year ago.
Lorson plans to have a taxidermist craft a replica of the fish and then display the mount for all to admire. Grinning proudly, he admits that he still hasn’t come to terms with his accomplishment. Lorson, who has been fishing “like a crazy man” since he was 16, is not a newcomer to big fish, however. He makes it a point to angle for the largest specimens and enthusiastically recalls the big walleye, smallmouth bass, and wipers he has hooked.
“I’ve caught a lot of big fish,” he said, “but I’m usually a catch and release guy. I return catches to the water unless they’re worthy of display or too worn out to live. But after the fight this record trout went through, it was too exhausted to survive.”
Lorson is an energetic proponent of Kansas fishing. “There’s some awesome fishing in Kansas,” he said. “It’s one of the state’s best kept secrets.” He has fished many of the state’s lakes and numerous private waters and has even won small tournaments at several reservoirs. He likes Milford Reservoir and frequents Lake Shawnee in Topeka and Coffey County Lake near Burlington, his favorite.
Lake Shawnee is seasonally stocked with rainbow trout with the help of KDWP’s Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP), which improves fishing opportunities at community lakes across the state. Under the program, KDWP leases fishing rights to the lake and assists with managing the fish populations. The lease offsets the local costs of operating and maintaining the fishery, and anglers are charged no additional fees.
Lorson’s exciting story is one that many state record-holders can identify with. If you think you’ve landed a record, consult the KDWP website at kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/State-Record-Fish for information and instructions on applying for a record certification. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. For example, freezing a fish before it’s officially measured and weighed on certified scales can change its natural numbers, jeopardizing an application. It’s also important to have the fish examined by a KDWP fisheries biologist who can verify the species.

ENJOY RIVER TROUT FISHING AT WEBSTER

Image via Wikipedia

Wildlife and Parks stocks rainbow trout in river above Webster Reservoir
STOCKTON — To enhance the Kansas trout fishing experience, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) stocked 500 rainbow trout in the South Fork Solomon River above Webster Reservoir on March 9. Flows in the river have been adequate, and anglers should enjoy this exciting challenge, which area biologists provide whenever the river flows well. As with last year, only one site will be stocked; however, it has been extended to 1 mile upstream of the low-water crossing and 1/2 mile downstream of the crossing.

Wading and drifting power bait and salmon eggs into holes and under logs, brushpiles, and other habitat is a highly effective method for fishing river rainbow trout. Artificial lures — such as spinners, small spoons, and flies — are also very effective, and running spinners in current near woody habitat often yields a full creel. To use this method, cast a spinner downstream and work it into position under and around prime habitat, then hold it in place and let the current work the spinner blade. Fly fishing can also be productive, especially with flashy patterns in streamer-type flies.

This stretch of the South Fork Solomon River between the Damar Blacktop and Webster Reservoir is classified as a Type 2 trout water, meaning that during trout season — Oct. 15-April 15 — a trout permit is required for anglers fishing for or possessing trout. The exception is that youth younger than 16 may fish without a permit but are limited to a daily creel limit of two trout, or they can keep five per day if they possess a permit. In addition, all residents 16 through 64 years of age and nonresidents 16 and older must have a valid fishing license.

Anglers fishing for or possessing only species other than trout in this stretch of river during trout season are not required to have a trout permit. All anglers may fish for and possess trout without a permit once the season ends April 15, but the five-fish creel limit still applies.

For more information, phone district fisheries biologist Mark A. Shaw, at 785-425-6775.

Missouri Trout Fishing

FISHING ATLAS INDISPENSIBLE ANGLING AID

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

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

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

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

COUNCIL GROVE YOUTH HUNT LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

From guides to cooks, helpers are needed for popular event
COUNCIL GROVE — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ (KDWP) Council Grove Annual Spring Turkey Hunt for youth hunters is one of the most popular events of its kind in the state. However, it’s become a victim of its own success. While the annual event enhances opportunities for beginning turkey hunters, it’s gotten bigger with time, and volunteers are needed to host the event.

“We are trying to enhance coordination efforts by asking potential volunteers to assist so that we may improve our ability to plan and ensure that we have enough volunteers to meet participant demand,” says event coordinator Brent Konen, area manager for Council Grove and El Dorado wildlife areas and Chase State Fishing Lake. “Past participants have truly appreciated our efforts to provide these opportunities, and we’d hate to turn anyone away because we lack volunteers.”

This year’s youth hunt has been planned during the youth season on Saturday, April 2. Levels of volunteer assistance needed are wide-ranging, from guides responsible for escorting participants into the field and assisting with the hunt, to assistants responsible for helping with tasks during shotgun firing and meal preparation.

Guides should have property access plans in mind before the event. Consider access plans that account for inclement road and field conditions and the needs of young participants. A few ATVs will be available to assist with transportation but will not be available to all parties. Because some past participants have requested that family or friends accompany them on the hunt, volunteer guides should consider hunting locations that provide concealment for hunting parties of two to four. Pop-up blinds will be available.

This years’ event will provide participating hunters (age 11 through 16) with an opportunity to become involved not only in the hunt but also its preparation. The event will begin on Friday, April 1, at 4:30 p.m. at Council Grove Reservoir. A brief informational meeting and a meet-and-greet session for all volunteers and participants will be followed by a complimentary meal. After the meal, participants may pattern shotguns, then accompany guides to hunt locations to scout for the following morning’s hunt. At 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, the group will meet for breakfast, and the hunts will conclude at 11:30 a.m., when participants will enjoy a free lunch.

“I would ask anyone who can to please consider assisting in any way,” Konen asks. “Volunteers will be provided with a complete event agenda in late March.”

For more information, phone Konen at 620-767-5900.

Spring Turkey Hunting Basics

WINTER WEATHER HELPS ANGLERS TACKLE TROUT

PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' (KDWP) trout program creates a popular winter opportunity for anglers across the state. This stocking program provides fish at more than 30 sites across Kansas and affords fast action when other fishing can be slow. Bitter cold temperatures across most of Kansas in late January and early February froze many of these trout waters, but unusually warm weather followed, breaking up ice and making water temperatures and access to trout ideal. And anglers are taking advantage of the situation.

Trout bite a variety of lures, jigs, and flies. They also take live bait and prepared bait, especially colorful pinch-on types. Most Kansas trout fisheries allow a creel limit of five fish per day, but because some regulations — including the use of artificial bait only — vary by location, be sure to read posted information at each site before fishing.

Kansas trout season runs Oct.15 through April 15. During this time, trout are stocked as often as twice a month at each fishing location. Most fish are 10 to 12 inches long, but contracts stipulate that a certain percentage of bigger fish also must be stocked. This gives Kansas anglers a chance to hook a trophy trout that might weigh 5 pounds or more.

During the trout season, trout anglers must possess a special permit in addition to a fishing license. This annual trout stamp costs $12.15 and is valid statewide. All trout anglers must have this stamp, which pays for the program. The exception is trout anglers 15 and younger, who may fish without a trout stamp but are restricted to a daily creel limit of two trout. With a trout stamp, youth anglers may take a full creel limit.

Rainbow trout, native to cold waters, can thrive in Kansas winter pools. However, after spring warm-up, most trout cannot survive in Kansas. The exception to this is the Mined Land Wildlife Area #30, near Oswego, with deep waters cold enough to allow year-round trout fishing. On this area, a trout stamp is required year-round.

Learn more about Kansas trout fishing at the KDWP website,www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You/Trout Fishing Program.”

Missouri Trout Parks

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WHETHER POSTED OR NOT, PRIVATE LAND REQUIRES PERMISSION TO HUNT

Trespassers face stiff penalties, damage landowner-hunter relations
PRATT — With the firearm deer season in full swing as of Dec. 1 — and other seasons ongoing — the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) reminds all hunters that it is illegal to hunt on private land, posted or not, without the owner's permission. Whether someone actually enters private land without permission or shoots onto it from the road or another landowner's property without permission, it is illegal.

Geese pouring into corn stubble or deer standing in an open field can be temptations to break the law, especially when hunters are driving country roads. Such temptations should be resisted; not only is trespassing illegal, but hunting from public roads requires permission of landowner adjoining the side of the road being hunted, the center of the road defining who must grant permission. Railroad rights-of-way require permission from the railroad. In addition, written permission is required to enter land posted with hunting and/or trapping "By Written Permission Only" signs or bordered by trees or fence posts painted purple.

In any situation, shooting from a vehicle is illegal unless legally hunting with a disability permit on land where permission has been granted. Shooting from a road is also extremely dangerous, threatening landowners, other hunters, livestock, and equipment.

According to KDWP’s Law Enforcement Division, Kansas convicted 210 poachers for trespassing-related violations in 2009. "This problem drives a wedge between all hunters and landowners, often making it difficult for hunters who once easily obtained permission and have not broken the law," said Mark Rankin, Law Enforcement Division assistant director.

Whether trespassing is accidental or intentional, it damages the hunting heritage. Because trespassing harms landowner-hunter relations — and because the penalties for trespassing can be severe — hunters should be aware of the following trespass issues:

• landowner permission should be obtained before pursuing wounded game onto private property. If the landowner cannot be found, contact a local natural resource officer or sheriff's office;
• hunting from roads or railways without legal permission is a form of trespassing called criminal hunting;
• conviction of trespass or criminal hunting may prevent the convicted person from enjoying hunting privileges in other states. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is a member of the Wildlife Violator Compact, to which 34 other states currently belong. Under this compact, anyone who has had hunting, fishing, or furharvesting privileges revoked or suspended in a member state cannot hunt, trap, or fish in other member states;
• conviction of simple criminal hunting can result in a maximum fine of $500, plus court costs, and one month in jail on the first conviction. Additionally, the court can suspend or revoke license privileges for up to a year. A second conviction requires at least a one-year suspension of privileges in addition to any fines or jail time;
• if big game or turkey hunting is involved, the penalties get stiffer. Upon first conviction, the law states that the violator "shall not be fined less than $500 nor more than $1,000 or be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than six months, or both." The law requires fifth and subsequent conviction penalties of a minimum $1,000 fine and minimum 90 days in jail;
• criminal trespassing is when the violator does not leave property when told;
• it is illegal to hunt on land requiring written permission without having written permission on one's person;
• in any of these cases, hunting privileges may also be revoked; and
• by law, all hunters must have permission whether the land is posted or not.

Hunters can address this problem by always asking for permission courteously and accepting denial in the same manner. Hunters can also help by reporting trespassers. Take down the license tag number and all other details of the violation before phoning a local natural resource officer, sheriff's office, or KDWP's Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline, 1-877-426-3843. (Do not confront the violator.) A list of phone numbers for all natural resource officers, listed by counties they cover, can be found in the 2010 Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary available wherever licenses are sold, or online at www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

GLEN ELDER YOUTH

Military veterans and celebrities to take part in event; Dec. 10 application deadline
GLEN ELDER — On Dec. 18-19, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc., will sponsor their annual pheasant hunt for youth and women at Glen Elder Reservoir. The event will begin early on both Saturday and Sunday mornings with a hunter breakfast followed by a pre-hunt safety meeting. Groups of hunters, guides, and mentors will then go to various areas around Glen Elder Reservoir and hunt until noon. A noon meal will also be provided for hunt participants each day.

Women of any age and youth ages 11 through 16 are eligible for this hunt, which is geared toward providing a comfortable and positive hunting environment for new or inexperienced hunters. Previous hunting experience is not required, and some shotguns and ammunition will be provided to applicants who do not have access to their own equipment.

A free trap shoot will be offered on Saturday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. west of the Glen Elder Area Office. While designed for new and beginning shooters, the shoot will be open to anyone.

One highlight of this event is that each group will hunt pheasants with a military veteran and celebrity. This guest list is currently being developed, but these individuals may be former athletes, TV personalities, or servicemen and women have recently returned from deployment.

For more information and applications, phone the Glen Elder Area Office at 785-545-3345 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays) by Friday, Dec. 10. Forty applicants will be selected to participate in one of the morning hunts.

Family-Outdoors...a website designed to help folks enjoy the outdoors

13TH ANNUAL YOUTH AND WOMEN PHEASANT HUNT DEC. 18-19 AT GLEN ELDER

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Military veterans and celebrities to take part in event; Dec. 10 application deadline
GLEN ELDER — On Dec. 18-19, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc., will sponsor their annual pheasant hunt for youth and women at Glen Elder Reservoir. The event will begin early on both Saturday and Sunday mornings with a hunter breakfast followed by a pre-hunt safety meeting. Groups of hunters, guides, and mentors will then go to various areas around Glen Elder Reservoir and hunt until noon. A noon meal will also be provided for hunt participants each day.

Women of any age and youth ages 11 through 16 are eligible for this hunt, which is geared toward providing a comfortable and positive hunting environment for new or inexperienced hunters. Previous hunting experience is not required, and some shotguns and ammunition will be provided to applicants who do not have access to their own equipment.

A free trap shoot will be offered on Saturday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. west of the Glen Elder Area Office. While designed for new and beginning shooters, the shoot will be open to anyone.

One highlight of this event is that each group will hunt pheasants with a military veteran and celebrity. This guest list is currently being developed, but these individuals may be former athletes, TV personalities, or servicemen and women have recently returned from deployment.

For more information and applications, phone the Glen Elder Area Office at 785-545-3345 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays) by Friday, Dec. 10. Forty applicants will be selected to participate in one of the morning hunts.