2012 July 27 | Kansas Wildlife Federation

Lovewell Fun Day Aug. 4

Run/walk race, mud volleyball, disc golf, log races, much more fun awaits LovewellState Park visitors; pre-registration for many events required

Lovewell State Park staff and Lovewell Marina will conduct the annual Lovewell Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 4. New this year is a 5K run/walk at 7 a.m. Race participants must pre-register by 6:45 a.m. the day of the race. The race will begin at the mud volleyball pit area near Walleye Point. No entry fee is required, and certificates will be awarded for winners in several divisions.

The second event of the day is a disc golf singles tournament at Pioneer Day Use Area. Eighteen holes will be played beginning at 8 a.m. Competitors need to register at the Pioneer Day Use Area by 7:45 a.m., when a $5 entry fee is due. The entry fee will be returned to the first place winner in each of two age divisions: youth (15 and younger) and adult (16 and older).

A co-ed, double-elimination mud volleyball tournament begins at 10 a.m., with a $20 entry fee per team, 10 team limit. Pre-registration for the mud volleyball tournament is requested at the Lovewell State Park Office by Wednesday, Aug. 1. All teams must report at the mud volleyball pits at 9:30 a.m.

Another new event this year is a Kids Sand Pile, for youth ages 10 and younger. This event begins at 11 a.m. at the Pioneer Day Use Area, near the sand volleyball pit. Within a 10-minute time limit, kids will dig in a sand pile for hidden change. Two age divisions — five and younger and six through 10 — will participate.

Also added this year is a rock, paper, scissors tournament at noon near the mud volleyball pits. Participants must pre-register by 11:45 a.m. the day of the event, which is limited to 64 people of all ages. The entry fee is $1, which will be returned to the winners.

In addition, an open water slide will be set up from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pioneer Day Use Area. All ages are invited to play on the slide. At 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Day Use Area, log races, the final event of the day, will be held.

For registration and more information on the events, phone Lovewell State Park at 785-753-4971. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park. Daily permits are $4.20, and annual permits are $24.70.

Hays Organizations Plan Youth Outdoor Festival

Shotgun, rifle, archery shooting, casting and furharvesting demonstrations highlight event

On Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hays area conservation groups, businesses, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will offer a free day of target shooting and outdoor activities for youth ages 17 and younger. The 15th Annual Youth Outdoor Festival will be held at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club, 1/4 mile north of I-70 off Exit 157.

All targets, shooting materials, and equipment will be supplied for the event. Trap, skeet, archery, air rifle/BB gun, muzzleloader, small-bore rifle, computerized laser shot target, and paintball shooting will be offered. Furharvesting demonstrations and a kids bass casting competition will complement the event.

This is an excellent opportunity to introduce youth to the world of shooting sports, hunting, and furharvesting. Hunter education certification is not required, but youth participants must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers specializing in their fields of shooting will closely supervise youth at each station. Registration for the event will be completed on site, and participants can enjoy a free lunch.

In addition to the free shooting opportunities and lunch, several door prizes, guns, fishing tackle, and other outdoor equipment will be given away. For more information phone Kent Hensley at 785-726-3212, email [email protected], or phone Troy Mattheyer at 785-726-4212.

Kansas Frog Gigging Season Through Oct. 31

It’s already been a hot summer in the Sunflower State, and those who love outdoor activities are beating the heat during bullfrog season, which began July 1.

Bullfrog hunting, or “frogging,” as many people call it, is a great way to beat the oppressive summer heat. With days sweltering close to 100 degrees through much of June, the freedom of summer nights beckons with the call of the bullfrog. At this time, shorts and a T-shirt are all that’s needed to cool off in the water and pursue this popular quarry.

Froggers can enjoy a season that runs July 1 through Oct. 31 although most frogging activity is in the hotter months of July and August. The daily creel limit is eight, with a possession limit of 24. While bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, dip net, gig, bow and arrow, or crossbow (firearms not allowed), many froggers prefer to take them by hand. All that’s needed is a flashlight, a sack, an old pair of tennis shoes, and some stealth. The only other necessary ingredient is access to a local pond, lake, or stream. A valid fishing license is needed, if required by law.

The best method is to walk quietly through the water at night and shine a bright light along the bank until a pair of glowing eyes appear. Temporarily blinded by the light, frogs can be grabbed or netted.

The fruits of this effort are not only fun times but good food. Frog legs are regarded as a delicacy and have a taste and texture resembling a cross of shrimp and fish. A popular way to cook them is to dip the skinned legs in egg and then into a mixture of flour and corn meal, seasoning salt, and pepper. Then the legs are fried to a golden brown in oil. This gourmet meal is a bonus to a great summer evening that both kids and adults will always remember.

Lovewell State Park Fun Day Aug. 4

Run/walk race, mud volleyball, disc golf, log races, much more fun awaits Lovewell State Park visitors; pre-registration for many events required