PITTSBURG TO HOST JUNE 19 KDWPT COMMISSION MEETING

Public unable to attend can watch the meeting streamed live through ksoutdoors.com 

PRATT – The public is invited to attend an upcoming Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting, June 19 at the Lamplighter Inn & Suites, 4020 Parkview Dr., Pittsburg. The afternoon session will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and reconvene at 6:30 p.m. for the evening session.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period. Topics covered in the general discussion include: Secretary’s remarks regarding agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2014 legislature, tourism division activities, 2015 turkey regulations, and information on the mined land restoration project.

Workshop topics for the afternoon session include items that were covered under general discussion during the April meeting. Workshop topics, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, include park regulations, fishing regulations, late migratory bird seasons, the five-year review of the Kansas Threatened and Endangered Species List, and the use of dogs to track wounded or dead deer.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the same location to discuss any remaining workshop items and begin the public hearing. Public hearing items open for discussion during the evening session include early migratory bird seasons; public land regulations; Ft. Riley deer season dates; big game and wild turkey provisions; and prairie chicken hunting.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on non-agenda items. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., June 20, to complete any unfinished business.

A commercial-free version of live video and audio streaming of commission meetings will be broadcast through ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2014 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K157 Hwy, Great Bend.

KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION APPROVES REGULATIONS

Public hearing held for wildlife and park regulation changes

WINFIELD – The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission conducted a public hearing in Winfield on Jan. 9 to consider amendments to several wildlife and park regulations. Public hearings are held to discuss and vote on regulation changes after recommendations have been proposed in two previous commission meetings.

In first action, Commissioners listened to recommendations on increases for utility and seasonal camping fees. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) staff recommended camping fee increases to accommodate rising utility rates. Current utility camping fees are $7.50 for one utility, $9.50 for two and $10.50 for three utilities per camping night. The commission approved raising the rates to $9 for one utility, $11 for two and $12 for three utilities per night.

Seasonal camping fees, which are charged by the month, were increased $30.50 to $270.50 for one utility, $330.50 for two utilities and $390.50 for three utilities per month at all parks except El Dorado, Milford and Tuttle creek state parks. The seasonal monthly fees at El Dorado, Milford and Tuttle Creek state parks were increased $30.50 to $310.50 for one utility, $370.50 for two utilities and $430.50 for three utilities.

Commissioners approved the recommended increases.

The second public hearing item was a house-cleaning issue on the regulation defining the scoring system used to determine restitution for big game animals taken illegally. The recommendation more clearly defined a measurable point to “a projection on the antler of a deer or elk at least 1 inch long as measured from its tip to the nearest edge of the antler beam and the length of which exceeds the width at one inch or more of length.” The commission approved this recommendation.

And in final action, the commission approved changes to the fall turkey season bag limits. Turkey populations declined in most regions from 2004-2008 because adverse weather impacted spring nesting success and brood survival.  Success rates for spring hunters dropped accordingly, triggering a change in regulations. KDWPT staff recommended reducing the fall turkey bag limit from four turkeys to one turkey in Turkey Management Units 3, 5 and 6. The fall limit remains one turkey for Unit 1 (northwest) and the season bag limit will remain four turkeys in Unit 2 (northcentral). Unit 4 (southwest) is closed to fall turkey hunting. Commissioners approved the season bag limit change, as well as proposed season dates of Oct. 1-Dec. 3, 2014 and Dec. 16, 2014-Jan. 31, 2015.

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KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING OCT. 17

Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission to conduct last meeting of the year

PRATT – The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, 1100 N. Plum, Hutchinson, will be the location

of the next Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission public meeting and hearing Oct. 17, 2013. The afternoon session will begin at1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., with the evening session reconvening at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period. Topics covered in the general discussion include: Secretary’s remarks regarding agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2014 legislature, a briefing on tourism, the Bass Pass program, a series of antelope and elk regulations, and an update on the potential federal listing of lesser prairie chickens.

During the afternoon session, commissioners will workshop items that were covered under general discussion at the August meeting. Workshop topics, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, include permanent regulations pertaining to big game, a series of deer-specific regulations, and regulations regarding state parks.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for the public hearing. The public hearing will be focused on youth permit fees; special provisions pertaining to fishing, as well as creel, size, and possession limits, and open season; and spring turkey season, including bag limits, permits, and game tags.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., Oct. 18, to complete any unfinished business.

A commercial-free version of live video and audio streaming of commission meetings will be broadcast through the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2014 at Southwestern College, 100 College St., Winfield.

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KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION TO MEET IN TOPEKA

PRATT – The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, Mar. 21, at the Kansas Historical Society History Center, 6425 SW 6 Ave., in Topeka. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

Public hearing to include big game legal equipment,
Secretary’s Orders for deer permits

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics: Secretary’s remarks about agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2013 legislative session. Other general discussion topics include, recognition for a retiring K-9 officer, a year-end review of tourism activities, a report on roadside maintenance for wildlife, a webless migratory bird report, early migratory bird seasons, furharvester regulations, Fort Riley deer and other considerations, and an update on the federal proposal to list the lesser prairie chicken.

The afternoon session will also include a workshop in preparation for potential regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on regulations. Topics include upland bird regulations, public lands regulations, camping and utility fees, antelope and elk regulations, and agritourism.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for the public hearing. Commissioners will consider regulations pertaining to fees; big game legal taking equipment; deer season dates; Secretary’s Orders for limited deer permit quotas; legal equipment and taking methods for turkey; and turkey season, bag limit and permits.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 22, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website,ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for April 25, 2013 at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita.

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WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING AUG. 23 AT GREAT BEND

feral hogs (Photo credit: amy_b)

Duck, goose season dates to highlight public hearing
GREAT BEND — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, Aug. 23, at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K156 Highway, northeast of Great Bend. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

• Secretary’s remarks;
• agency and state fiscal status;
• 2013 Legislature;
• feral swine control efforts in Kansas;
• Tourism Division briefing;
• waterfowl management briefing;
• Cheyenne Bottoms signage project; and
• big game permanent regulations.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

• fishing regulations;
• spring turkey regulations;
• park fees;
• alcohol on Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism property;
• scoring methods for poaching penalty;
• senior hunt-fish licenses/pass pricing; and
• agritourism regulations.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for a public hearing on the following regulations:

• KAR 115-14 series on falconry;
• KAR 115-18-1 — wildlife rehabilitation permit, application, reporting and general provisions, new regulation; and
• late migratory bird seasons.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on Aug. 23 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., Aug. 24, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website,ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Oct. 18 at Flint Oak, 2639 Quail Road, near Fall River.

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WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 26 IN WICHITA

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Public hearing on fall turkey, antelope, and elk seasons; workshop on early migratory birds, prairie chickens, more
WICHITA — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, April 26, at the Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium, 6232 East 29th Street North in Wichita. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.
The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

• Secretary’s remarks;
• 2011 legislative update;
• Hunter/Angler Recruitment and Retention Program update, Pass It On Program;
• fishing regulations;
• hand fishing harvest analysis;
• potential changes in deer regulations 2013; and
• late migratory bird seasons.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

• early migratory bird seasons;
• webless migratory birds;
• commercial mussel harvest;
• prairie chicken seasons;
• falconry regulations;
• public land regulations; and
• KAR 115-25-9a — deer open season, bag limit, permits, and additional considerations.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for a public hearing on the following regulations:

• KAR 115-25-5 — turkey fall season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-7 — antelope open season, bag limit, and permits; and
• KAR 115-25-8 — elk open season, bag limit, and permits.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on April 26 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., April 27, to complete unfinished business.
Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWP website, ksoutdoors.com.
If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 21, at Cabela's, 10300 Cabela Dr. in Kansas City, Kan.

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WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 22 IN TOPEKA

Image via Wikipedia

Big game and turkey regulations to highlight public hearing; audio/visual streaming available
TOPEKA — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, March 22, at the Kansas Historical Society History Center, 6425 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

• Secretary’s remarks;
• Fort Riley presentation;
• 2012 legislative update;
• agency and state fiscal status;
• tourism briefing;
• webless migratory birds;
• early migratory bird seasons;
• commercial mussel harvest;
• prairie chicken seasons;
• Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS) update; and
• otter season update.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

• falconry regulations;
• public land regulations;
• KAR 115-25-7 — antelope, open season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-8 — elk, open season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-5 — turkey, fall season, bag limit and permits; and
• KAR 115-25-9a — deer, open season, bag limit, permits, and additional considerations.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location to hear general public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a public hearing on regulations and Secretary’s Orders. Evening public hearing topics include the following:

• KAR 115-4-2 — big game and wild turkey, general provisions;
• KAR 115-4-4 — big game, legal equipment and taking methods;
• KAR 115-4-4a — wild turkey, legal equipment and taking methods;
• KAR 115-25-9 — deer, open season, bag limit, and permits; and
• Secretary’s Orders for deer.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on March 22 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 23, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 26, at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th Street North in Wichita.

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2012 FISHING REGULATION SUMMARY NOW AVAILABLE

Image via Wikipedia

Latest rules; how, where, and what to fish for; new bait restrictions included
PRATT — Printed copies of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary booklet are now available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) office and license vendors, the agency has announced. Among other things, the publication lists new regulations that took effect Jan. 1. From new regulations regarding bait fish to new lakes and ice fishing regulations, the booklet has everything the angler needs to begin the New Year right.

The following information details Kansas fishing regulation changes for 2012:
ANS-designated Waters

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) waters are defined as waters containing the prohibited species Asian carp, white perch, and/or zebra mussels. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS-designated waters.

Zebra mussels were found in Council Grove, Kanopolis, and Melvern reservoirs, as well as both Jeffery Energy Center lakes last year, bringing the total number of infested lakes to 15.

Bait

Wild-caught bait fish shall only be used on the body of water where taken. If taken on a flowing stream or river, wild-caught bait fish shall not be transported upstream across any dam or natural barrier.

New regulations have been passed regarding what bait dealers may legally sell. Among the restrictions are that certain fish and crayfish and amphibians may no longer be sold for bait. For details, contact a local natural resource officer, fisheries biologist, or KDWPT?office.

New Lakes

Critzer Reservoir, near Mound City, was opened to fishing last spring. And ponds on the Grand Osage Wildlife Area, near Parsons, may be opened for fishing in 2012.

Transporting Fish/Bilges and Livewells

Stocking or releasing of wildlife on navigable publicly-owned rivers and federal reservoirs and department lands and waters is prohibited.

Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels prior to transport from any waters of the state on a public highway.

No person may possess any live fish upon departure from any designated aquatic nuisance body of water.

Trout

Opening day of trout season for 2012 will be Nov. 1. Colby Villa High Lake has been added to the Type 1 list of waters stocked with trout.

Ice Fishing

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered two-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts, and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. These vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry as established by posted notice.

The 2012 booklet also features state park and cabin information and detailed regulations for each body of water managed by KDWPT.

In addition, a full-color fish identification guide lists all the state's sportfish, complete with text descriptions and detailed illustrations by renowned fish illustrator Joseph Tomelleri. Look-alike species are grouped together with complementary text to help the angler distinguish the difference between such closely-related species as white bass and wipers; blue catfish and channel catfish; the state's three black basses; black and white crappie; and pallid, shovelnose, and lake sturgeon.

The booklet also provides the latest information about aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in Kansas waters, including a complete listing of ANS waters by county. Three pages are dedicated to this subject, complete with detailed illustrations and tips on how to prevent the spread of ANS plants, mollusks, and fish.

Anglers who want to contact a district fisheries biologist will find a listing of names and phone numbers of the nearest biologist, as well as regional supervisors. A listing of natural resource officer contacts is also included.

For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT office, pick up a copy of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold. Copies may also be downloaded from the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Click the “Fishing” icon at the top of the page, then “Fishing Regulations” in the left-hand column.

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KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION TO MEET JAN. 5

Image via Wikipedia

Workshop items include big game and deer regulations

PRATT — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, at Kansas Wesleyan University’s Hauptli Student Center, 100 E. Claflin Ave. in Salina. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

• Secretary’s remarks
• Agency and state fiscal status
• 2012 legislative agenda
• Commissioner Big Game Permit drawing
• Tourism Division briefing
• Update on the Voluntary Public Access/Habitat Improvement Program
• Status report on the upland bird season
• Wildlife rehabilitation briefing

The afternoon workshop session will include discussion of preliminary recommendations on the following regulations in preparation for potential future regulatory action:

• Big game permanent regulations
• Potential changes in deer regulations for 2012
• Big game 25-Series regulations – deer
• Big game 25-Series regulations – elk/antelope
• Falconry regulations; and
• Fall turkey regulations.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for discussion on Public Land regulations and to conduct a public hearing to set the Free Park Entrance and Free Fishing days.

There will be time in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on Jan. 5 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., Jan. 6, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for March 22 in Topeka at the Kansas Museum of History, 6425 SW 6th Avenue.

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KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION TO MEET OCT. 13

Image by Arthur Chapman via Flickr

Commercial fishing and bait regulations to be set

PRATT — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Pratt Operations Office basement conference room, 512 SE 25th Ave. in Pratt. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

• Secretary’s remarks;
• agency and state fiscal status;
• 2012 legislative agenda;
• welcome to Pratt by local entities;
• tourism briefing; and
• Hillsdale Shooting Range update.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

• big game permanent regulations;
• potential changes in deer regulations for 2012;
• big game 25-Series regulations – deer;
• big game 25-Series regulations – elk/antelope;
• falconry regulations;
• fall turkey regulations; and
• second state park motor vehicle permit.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for a public hearing on the following regulations:

• K.A.R. 115-8-1, department lands and waters — hunting, furharvesting, discharge of firearms, and Public Lands Reference Document;
• K.A.R. 115-2-3, camping — utility and other fees;
• K.A.R. 115-8-9, camping — general provisions;
• K.A.R. 115-8-10, pets — provisions and restrictions;
• cabin camping rates;
• K.A.R. 115-17-1, commercial harvest of fish bait — legal species, harvest seasons, size restrictions, daily limits, and possession limits;
• K.A.R. 115-17-2, commercial sale of bait fish — testing procedures;
• K.A.R. 115-17-2a, commercial sale of bait fish — possible amendment to testing procedures;
• K.A.R. 115-17-3, commercial fish bait permit — requirement, application, general provisions, and possible amendment;
• K.A.R. 115-17-4, commercial harvest of fish bait — legal equipment, taking methods, and general provisions;
• K.A.R. 115-17-5, commercial harvest of fish bait — open areas;
• K.A.R. 115-17-10, commercial harvest of fish — permit requirement, application, reports, and permit revocation;
• K.A.R. 115-17-11, commercial harvest of fish — legal equipment and taking methods, identification tags, and identification tag fee;
• K.A.R. 115-17-12, commercial harvest of fish — legal species, seasons, size restrictions, daily limits, and possession limits; and
• K.A.R. 115-25-14, fishing — creel limit, size limit, possession limit, and open season.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on Oct. 13 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., Oct. 14, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Dec. 6 at the KDWPT Region 2 Office basement meeting room, 300 SW Wannamaker Road in Topeka. This will be a special session on bait regulations.

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WILDLIFE AND PARKS COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 IN WICHITA

Image via Wikipedia

Public hearing on antelope and elk seasons; workshop on deer, fish bait regulations
WICHITA — The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, April 21, at the Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium, 6232 East 29th Street North in Wichita. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on on-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

• Secretary’s remarks;
• 2011 legislative update;
• agency and state fiscal status;
• vehicles on the ice;
• fishing regulations;
• late migratory bird seasons;
• park regulations;
• falconry regulations; and
• K.A.R. 115-16-3 — nuisance bird control permit application, provisions, and requirements.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

• early migratory bird seasons;
• duck zone regulations from 2011 through 2015; and
• furbearer regulations.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location to hear more general public comments on non-agenda items, general discussion of potential changes in deer regulations, and continued workshop discussion on the following topics:

• KAR 115-25-9a, deer — open season, bag limit, permits; and additional considerations; and
• aquatic nuisance species and bait regulations.

This workshop session will be followed by a public hearing on the following regulations:

• KAR 115-25-7, antelope — open season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-8, elk — open season, bag limit, and permits; and
• KAR 115-7-9 — weigh-in black bass fishing tournaments.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on April 21 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., April 22, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 23, at the Norton Community High School, 103 West Woodsfield in Norton.

Missouri Trout Fishing