Daily Archives: February 14, 2014

Youth Hunters Wanted for Melvern Spring Turkey Hunt

Melvern Wildlife Area to host 2nd Annual Spring Turkey Hunt for youth

The thundering gobble of a turkey in its roost, the spit and drum of a strutting tom, and the sight of a long-beard in full fan are experiences that fuel the passion in Kansas turkey hunters. However, for many Kansas youth, the journey to becoming a turkey hunter has yet to begin.
A perfect start to the journey could be the Second Annual Spring Turkey Hunt at Melvern Wildlife Area. In an effort to share the spring turkey hunting experience with youngsters age 11-16, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, in cooperation with Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), will host the hunt on Saturday, April 5.
Designed to show beginning turkey hunters how exciting and fun spring turkey hunting is, this event will involve participants not only in the hunt, but also in its preparation. Young hunters will be provided an opportunity to pattern their shotgun, learn about turkeys and turkey hunting, and scout hunting locations the evening before the hunt.
The morning of the hunt, breakfast will be provided courtesy of the NWTF Flint Hills Gobblers chapter before youth will be guided to nearby public and private land where encounters with these magnificent game birds are likely. Program volunteers will arrange transportation to hunting sites and will be available to assist in the hunt.
Interested parties can apply by March 12 by contacting Melvern Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Clint Bowman at (620) 699-3372. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Fishing’s Future Provided Rods & Reels to 100 Kids at Topeka Boat & Outdoor Show

The Jodie family provided fishing outfits to the first 100 kids through the doors at the Topeka Boat & Outdoor Show in the Expocentre in Topeka February 7-9th.

Thanks to Steve, Cortnie & Mary Beth Jody of Fort Riley, Kansas, many kids now have rods & reels.

Phil Taunton, board member of the Kansas Wildlife Federation and radio show host of Whats In Outdoors (KVOE) with lucky kids who received a rod & reel.

As Micheal Pearce of The Wichita Eagle wrote recently “Bobbers and spinnerbaits may become part of some Wichita school district physical education classes soon.” You can read his excellent article at
http://www.kansas.com/2014/02/02/3263333/fishing-becomes-part-of-schools.html.

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2014/02/02/3263333/fishing-becomes-part-of-schools.html#storylink=cpy

Get Certified as a Kansas Angler Instructor

Angler Training Program prepares folks to teach fishing techniques in Kansas

It’s hard to beat the excitement that comes with catching a fish. The sudden tug, swishes and swirls in the water, and the anticipation of what is on the line is an experience that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy. If you’re an angler who believes everyone should be introduced to the joys of fishing and have an interest in sharing your passion with others, keep reading.
As part of the new Kansas Angler Education program, developed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and Fishing’s Future, an upcoming class designed to jump-start the instructor certification process will be held March 1 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Kansas City Cabela’s location, 10300 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, KS 66111. There is no cost to attend; however pre-registration is required.
Apart from becoming certified, participants will also be given valuable information regarding working with children, sample curriculums, and tips for preparing a class or clinic. Other subjects covered in the four-hour class include current fishing rules and regulations, species identification, fishing ethics, equipment, knot-tying, casting, fish habitat, aquatic nuisance species, and conservation practices.
“Kansas offers some of the best public fishing opportunities in the nation, and we think this is a great way for anglers to pass on their passion for fishing to those who may have yet to experience Kansas fishing,” said KDWPT Community Fisheries Assistance Program coordinator Bryan Sowards.
Anglers interested in registering for the March 1 class may sign up by visiting fishingsfuture.org and clicking “upcoming events,” then “Kansas Angler Education Training Program.”
For more information, contact Fishing’s Future coordinator Kevin Reich at [email protected], or by phone at (785) 577-6921.