KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION MOVES TO PROTECT KANSAS WATERS

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Wild-caught bait may only be used in waters where caught; other restrictions passed
TOPEKA – During a special public hearing Tuesday evening, Dec. 6, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commissioners acted on regulations governing the use and movement of wild-caught live bait fish and the transport of fish from waters designated as having aquatic nuisance species (ANS) present.
The new regulations change the way Kansas anglers collect and use live bait fish and were approved to curtail the spread of invasive aquatic species — particularly Asian carp, zebra mussels, and white perch — in Kansas lakes and streams. These and other aquatic nuisance species are often spread accidently by people using the state’s lakes and rivers.
The Commission listened to public comments and considered various options before taking action. Commissioners voted on regulations that will take effect Jan. 1, 2012 and will 1) allow anglers to use wild-caught live bait fish only in the pool of a lake or impoundment where taken; 2) prohibit anglers from transporting wild-caught bait fish taken from a flowing stream or river across any dam or natural barrier; 3) prohibit anglers from transporting any live fish upon departure from any ANS-designated body of water; 4) prohibit releasing any fish in department waters (unless the fish was caught from the water into which it is being released), navigable publicly-owned rivers, and federal reservoirs; and 4) require that vessels being removed from all waters of the state have livewells and bilges drained and drain plugs removed before transport on any public highway.
Aquatic nuisance species are animals and plants not native to Kansas that can threaten lake and river ecology, harm native or desirable species, and interfere with the state’s economy. Negative impacts on Kansas waters include, but are not limited to, the following:

• diminished food supplies and degraded habitat for other species;
• reduced numbers and variety of desirable fish;
• reduced fishing and other recreational opportunities;
• lowered property values and decreased quality of municipal water sources;
• fouled water lines, clogged intakes, burned out pumps, damaged power generating facilities, and decreased water system efficiency; and
• increased risk of flooding due to overcrowded biomass and clogging of lake outlets.

Biologists have identified the movement of wild-caught bait fish and water as a significant factor in the spread of these dangerous species. With the passage of these regulations, anglers will be restricted to using wild-caught bait fish caught only from the waters where they are fishing or using live bait fish purchased from certified bait dealers.
Anglers will not be able to transport any live fish from waters listed in the Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary(available wherever licenses are sold) as harboring ANS species. And finally, all boaters will be required to remove drain plugs and drain livewells and bilges before transporting vessels on public highways from waters of the state.
For details on aquatic nuisance species, including the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan, go online to www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/content/search?SearchText=ans .

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TOLL-FREE PHONE HOTLINE PUTS POACHERS ON HOT SEAT

Dec. 8, 2011
1-877-426-3843 makes reporting wildlife crime easy
PRATT — Each year, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) natural resource officers (NROs) check tens of thousands of hunters in the field, and about 96 percent of them are found to be law-abiding. Unfortunately, many non-hunters sometimes associate these ethical hunters with that small percentage who are not. KDWPT has 73 NROs to cover the entire state, so they need the help of hunters — and anyone else who enjoys the outdoors — to watch out for those who don't take wildlife crime seriously. Whether it’s trespassing, shooting from a vehicle on the road, any other activity that appears to be a violation of the law, KDWPT officers need your help.
The easiest way to fight wildlife crime is by phoning KDWPT's Operation Game Thief hotline, 1-877-426-3843. Using this toll-free number, concerned hunters and landowners can quickly turn in wildlife criminals simply by picking up the phone. All calls received through the Operation Game Thief line are immediately relayed to the natural resource officer nearest the violation. The line is available anytime of day or night, every day of the year, and callers may remain anonymous.
Nothing can spoil a good hunt more than poachers, who should not be considered “hunters.” Although they may seldom describe themselves as poachers, wildlife thieves are just that. These are the people who trespass, road hunt, litter, take more than their bag limit, drink while they hunt, use illegal equipment, take game out of season, take wildlife for which there is no season, or vandalize. Poachers not only damage the natural resources they should be committed to conserving, they reflect poorly on hunters in the eyes of the general public.
Operation Game Thief calls have resulted in arrests and convictions on violations ranging from public lands vandalism to deer poaching. In many cases, poachers have been arrested within minutes of the call. Even drug operations have been uncovered by alert hunters using this number.
But remember these two important reporting rules:

• never confront suspects; and
• provide as much specific information as possible, such as vehicle descriptions and license tag numbers, descriptions of people involved, locations, and the time and location the incident occurred.

Remember, when you see someone violating wildlife laws, they are stealing from you and damaging the image of legal hunters. Help bring them to justice by phoning 1-877-426-3843.

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KDWPT OFFERS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ONLINE

Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine, videos, early license sales among many offerings
PRATT — Looking for the perfect gift for the outdoorsman or woman in your family? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is the place to start. The agency offers great gifts for hunters, anglers, park users, and other outdoor enthusiasts — or friends and families looking for gift ideas — and makes “outdoor” shopping an online experience.

License bargain sales begin Dec. 15, when all 2012 KDWP licenses, permits, and other issues go on sale and are valid for the remainder of 2010 and all of 2012, adding more than two weeks to their value. This includes hunting, fishing, and park licenses and permits. Licenses and permits can be purchased online, as well.

One of the best bargains is a resident multi-year youth hunting and/or fishing license, which provides convenience and savings for young hunters and anglers. The youth licenses are available for resident youth age 16 through 20. After purchasing the multi-year license, no hunting or fishing license will have to be purchased until the person turns age 21. The one-time purchase, multi-year youth fishing or hunting license is $40. A one-time purchase multi-year youth fishing/hunting combination license is $70.

A perennial favorite is Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine. Each issue is packed with the latest information on fishing, hunting, state parks, and wildlife watching, all highlighted by spectacular color photographs. And the January/February photo issue features some of the finest wildlife photography in nation. Subscriptions may be purchased at KDWPT offices or online at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Simply click "Other Services" then "Publications" then "Magazine.”

Another popular shopping spot is the KDWPT Outdoor Store. At the KDWPT website, click "Service" then "Outdoor Store.” This will take the shopper to a PDF order form. Using this form, shoppers can choose from a selection of 30 wildlife books and 10 VHS videos, including Birds In Your Backyard, The Channel Catfish Story, Deer In Kansas, Do Your Part, Kansas Waterfowl: the Puddle Ducks, Pheasants In Cropland, Shorebirds Of Kansas, The Wild Turkey Story, Wingshooting Basics, and Upland Bird Hunters Guide. DVD offerings include Better Birdwatching In Kansas & Nebraska, Birds In Your Backyard, Kansas Waterfowl: the Puddle Ducks, Outdoor Kansas Wonders, and Shorebirds Of Kansas. In addition, the Outdoor Store offers T-shirts, rain jackets, hats, and other miscellaneous items.

Other great gift ideas can be found on TravelKS.com, including the 156-page, hard-bound book,My Kansas, a photographic journey of Kansas. And you can subscribe to KANSAS! magazine, a quarterly, full-color publication that features the amazing attractions that make Kansas a great place to live.

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HUNTERS DONATE 11 MILLION VENISON MEALS

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Dec. 1, 2001
Organizations such as Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry aid nationwide effort
PRATT — In 2010, Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KSHFH) helped collect 1,108 donated deer, plus other meat, providing nearly 225,000 meals to the needy. KSHFH has been doing this for years, but they’re not alone. A new study commissioned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and conducted by Mile Creek Communications reveals that last year, 11 million meals were provided to the less fortunate through donations of venison by hunters throughout the U.S. Nearly 2.8 million pounds of game meat made its way to shelters, food banks, and church kitchens and onto the plates of those in need.

The study revealed that donations were largest in the Midwest and the South. The Midwest provided 1.3 million pounds of game meat, amounting to 46.1 percent of total donations, with the South close behind at 1.25 million pounds and 45.7 percent. The Northeast contributed 7.2 percent of total donations and the West 1 percent. Though lower than other regions, the West's contribution still accounted for 108,520 meals.

Ground venison is a versatile food, with cooks using it in pasta sauces, chili, tacos, meatloaf, burgers, and other dishes. Individual hunters donate game meat and even pay for processing, though many hunters choose to work through organizations such as KSHFH.

The organization invites anyone to donate legally-harvested deer or elk to participating meat processors. There is no cost to donate deer or elk as long as the KSHFH organization has sufficient funding to cover the processing expense. Donated game must be field dressed and legally tagged. Hunters may also donate a portion of the meat they have processed to a participating processor. For more information and to find participating meat lockers, visit the KSHFH website, www.kshfh.org.

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KVOE “WHAT’S IN THE OUTDOORS” OUTDOOR TRIVIA CONTES JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

Answer outdoor questions, write essay, win great prizes
EMPORIA — KVOE Radio in Emporia, in conjunction with the Beau Arndt Foundation, will sponsor an outdoor trivia contest entitled “What’s In the Outdoors” beginning Dec. 2 and running through Dec. 16. In addition to daily winners, two grand prize winners in two age groups will be presented on Dec. 19.

Prizes include the following:

• one-year membership to the Kansas Wildlife Federation along with a wildlife appreciation book ($75 value);
• tree stand body harness from Johnny Drake and a deer hunting video;
• four bird houses, from wood duck to blue bird, and a bat house from Westar along with assorted resource guides and booklets;
• fishing rod and reel along with two just-published Complete Guide to Kansas Fishing books by Amy Bickel and Jason Probst;
• 40-pound bag of Doc’s Rack Rage Wildlife Feed from Bluestem Farm and Ranch;
• $25 gift certificate to KansasLand Tires;
• a turkey from KVOE;
• a ham from Bobby D’s;
• a pie package from Village Inn;
• $25 gift certificate from Water’s True Value;
• $25 gift certificate from Lyin County Bait Company;
• Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation hat and membership;
• rack of ribs from Williamsburg;
• dinner gift certificate from the Wagon Wheel;
• blue Carhartt jacket from Sutherlands;
• $25 gift certificate to Nature’s Paradise;
• three tanning sessions from Midas Touch golden tans;
• a National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) membership plus a $25 gift card from the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of NWTF;
• leather pouch from Ernie Webb;
• $25 gift certificate from Envi Salon; and
• wool socks and two hats from Brown’s Shoe Fit

In addition, a grand prize one-half day tube fly fishing excursion from Bill Hartman andwww.flyfishkansas.com will be awarded in the adult category (16 and older). A grand prize in the youth category (15 and younger) includes a youth upland game bird hunt for 10 quail and two pheasants sponsored by Country Hunts, just east of Valley Falls, and the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation. This hunt is self-guided at Country Hunts. (Hunter Education certification required.)

To enter, contestants must go online to www.kvoe.com/outdoors.htm to find and answer the wildlife appreciation trivia questions. To complete the contest, contestants must also submit a story that shares their most memorable outdoor experiences — fishing, hiking, hunting, exploring, bird watching, gardening — anything that involves nature. Pictures are a plus but not a requirement to win.

Families can work together to write the story and help the younger people with the quizzes. To enter, submit story and answers to the questions along with name, address, and phone number to outdoors@kvoe.com or mail them to KVOE Outdoors Trivia, PO Box 924, Emporia, KS 66801.

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PERMISSION REQUIRED TO HUNT ANY PRIVATE LAND

Dec. 1, 2001
Land does not have to be posted
PRATT — The Kansas firearm deer season began Nov. 30, and many other hunting season are currently open, as well. With this in mind, officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) are reminding 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 another landowner's property without permission, it is illegal.

Not only is trespassing illegal, but hunting from public roads requires permission of the landowner adjoining the side of the road being hunted, the center of the road defining who should grant permission. Railroad rights-of-way require permission from the railroad. In addition, writtenpermission 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 the hunter has 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 KDWPT’s Law Enforcement Division, Kansas convicted 285 poachers for trespassing-related violations in 2010. 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:

• 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. KDWPT 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;
• refusing to leave property when told is a form of criminal trespassing;
• 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 be revoked; and
• by law, all hunters should 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 KDWPT'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 and other KDPWT staff, listed by counties they cover, can be found online at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/Locations/County-Information.

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KANSAS CITY TO HOST PHEASANTS FOREVER'S 2012 NATIONAL CONVENTION FEB. 17-19

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Kansas City Convention Center site of Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For the first time, the nation's biggest event for pheasant and quail hunters and bird dog enthusiasts is coming to Kansas City. Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic will be held Feb. 17-19, 2012, at the Kansas City Convention Center in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The event will be sponsored by Cabela's, the World's Foremost Outfitter.

The annual convention has topped 20,000 in attendance each of the last six events. The Quail Classic portion of the 2012 event will be a first, representing the strong tradition of bobwhite quail hunting and conservation found in Kansas, Missouri, and across the Great Plains and southeast United States. Both the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Missouri Department of Conservation will participate in the event.

Kansas and Missouri are home to a combined 47 local Pheasants Forever chapters and 34 Quail Forever chapters. With more than 10,000 Pheasants Forever and/or Quail Forever members in the two states, Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever, Inc.'s National President and CEO, says it's time to bring the organization's premiere event to Kansas City.

"Kansas is one of the elite states for pheasant hunting and wildlife habitat conservation, and Missouri has positioned itself as a clear leader in efforts to restore bobwhite quail populations," Vincent said. "Kansas City is the perfect meeting place to have fun celebrating both great game birds."

All things bird dog-related have been the biggest attractions at previous National Pheasant Fest events, and that's expected to be the case at the inaugural appearance in Kansas City. Approximately 40 different sporting dog breeds will be represented; dog training seminars will be held throughout the three-day weekend; and attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with breeders, trainers, and dog kennel and club representatives.

A "Youth Village" is another popular show attraction, where youth can participate in archery and air rifle ranges, a casting booth, laser shot, and more.

For more information, including exhibitor details, phone Brad Heidel, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's Director of Corporate and Special Event Sales at 651-209-4956 or email bheidel@pheasantsforever.org.

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