Monthly Archives: March 2014

Cabela’s Ladies Day Out, April 5th

Ladies Day Out, Saturday, April 5th, Kansas City Cabela’s

FREE lunch served at 12:00pm for all participants.
Registration not required but suggested at [email protected]

Interactive Digital Firearm Seminar w/ Dee Regina of SRT
9:00am in our Conference Room
Dee Regina will go in-depth on how to handle a firearm and the proper shooting techniques for women. There will be an interactive training digital shooting booth on-site that all women will be able to experience.
Intro to Wildlife Land Management
10:30am in our Conference Room
We will go over the importance of spring food plots and what exactly animals are looking for in their own habits. From clearing of your own property to planting the proper seeds, this will give you an inside look to land management.
Women’s Fly Fishing University w/ River Runners Women’s Fly Fishing Club
11:00am in our Conference Room
To understand the basic concept of fly fishing is what we will attempt in this section. The knowledge of stream currents, components of your rod & reel, to what fish feed on are just a few of the topics we will cover.
Wild Turkey Bio w/ Pro Guide Jimmy Lopez of Cabela’s
12:00pm in our Conference Room
We will start from the beginning on what turkey hunting is all about and go into basic strategies in the field. From what Tom birds are looking for to what tactics and calls you use to lure them in.

Lunch, Prizes & Free Giveaways
12:30pm in our Conference Room

Jimmy Lopez
Retail Marketing Manager

Cabela’s Kansas City Retail
10300 Cabela Drive
Kansas City, KS 66111
(O)913-328-3108
(M)913-593-6964
[email protected]

Congress Tries to Undermine EPA on Climate Change

Excerpt from Audubon posted March 15, 2014:

Burrowing Owls need help to survive widespread habitat destruction & climate change.
Photo by Kurt Wecker, Audubon Photo Awards

As part of the never-ending attacks on the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to reduce carbon pollution from both new and existing power plants, the House this week passed the Whitfield-Manchin bill (HR 3826) by a vote of 229-183.Climate change is the number one threat to birds and global biodiversity.
This bill would require Congress to set a date before EPA could move forward on its proposed rule to curb carbon pollution from existing power plants. Getting such a date from Congress is highly unlikely, so this bill effectively strangles the EPA’s ability to work on climate change.
While passage in the House was a foregone conclusion, more troubling is a possible strong bid in the Senate (S 1905) as West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) buttonholes his colleagues to give it a serious look.
EPA has held a series of listening sessions and is working closely with states to get advice on the best way to reduce carbon pollution—the leading cause of climate change—without creating undue burdens on the economy. The draft rule on regulating carbon from existing power plants, responsible for 40% of the carbon pollution in the U.S., is expected this summer. In the meantime, EPA is also collecting comments on the final rule to curb pollution from new power plants, wrapping up a multi-year process to finalize this first, but important, step.
Another, even more technical attack on EPA’s ability to move forward on climate change may come from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in coming weeks and its effect would be much the same—shutting down EPA’s ability to limit carbon pollution. If either of these bills starts to get traction in the Senate, you can expect to to hear from us that your urgent help is needed to keep EPA on the job.

Land and Water Conservation Grant Applications Due April 30

Federal grant program helps fund local outdoor recreation projects

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is accepting applications for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants through April 30, 2014. The federally funded program provides 50 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects sponsored by cities, counties, and other appropriate public agencies. Since 1965, Kansas has received more than $50 million in LWCF funds to complete approximately 650 projects in nearly every county.
Grant application materials can be found on the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com, by clicking “State Parks” then “Grants.” Eligible projects include development and/or acquisition of outdoor facilities for the purpose of public recreation. Applications should provide clear evidence of public input and address recreation needs identified in the 2009 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which may be downloaded at ksoutdoors.com.
For more information about project eligibility or application requirements, contact Kyle Jackson, KDWPT LWCF grant coordinator at (620) 672-0740.

KDWPT’S Pam Martin Honored with KACEE Environmental Education Award

Martin conducted over 260 environmental education programs at the Kansas WetlandEducation Center last year alone

The Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) has announced the recipients of the 2014 Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education Awards. Among the winners was Pam Martin, an environmental educator with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) stationed at the Kansas Wetland EducationCenter near Great Bend. Nominated by peers, awardees exhibit outstanding innovation, leadership and achievement, as well as collaboration and cooperation within and beyond the environmental education field.
“KACEE is pleased to honor these deserving individuals and organizations, who are so dedicated to environmental education in Kansas,” said KACEE President Jeff Severin, director of sustainability at the University of Kansas.
Martin was a recipient of the Rising Star Award. This award recognizes individuals who are new to the conservation and environmental education field in Kansas, but are already making an impact. The nomination for Martin states:
It is hard to label Pam as an ”up-and-coming” environmental educator as she has already done so much in the field; she seems much more like a seasoned veteran. In her five years of environmental education, Pam Martin has established an incredible program at the Kansas WetlandsEducation Center that rivals any environmental education program in the region. Martin has worked at KWEC since the Center opened in 2009. For the first year and a half, Martin was the only educator on staff and was responsible for establishing the core foundations of the KWEC’s educational programs. Her passion and commitment to education is evidenced in the sheer volume of programs she does– In 2013 Martin conducted 264 environmental education programs. Martin provides education programming to area elementary students, as well as family programs, programs through the Great Bend Recreation Commission, Scouts programs, and festivals. One of her most impressive accomplishments is the relationship she has established with the USD 428-Great Bend school district. As a result of her efforts in working with the district administrators and the various science committees, Pam has been able to schedule programs with every K-6 classroom in the district. Martin’s work is helping to inspire and educate our next generation about the important role of wetlands in our state and KACEE is extremely proud to honor her with the Rising Star Award for Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education.
Awardees will be recognized at an Awards Celebration hosted by KACEE on Friday, April 4, at Sunset Zoo in Manhattan. The event is sponsored by KACEE, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Sunset Zoo. Ticket information is available at www.kacee.org or by calling (785) 532-1902.

Kick Start the New Season with a Shed Hunt

One deer’s trash can be one hunter’s trophy after a successful shed hunt

No one really knows why deer evolved to shed their antlers every year, but for hunters looking for a way to connect with the world of big game outside of hunting season, knowing “why” isn’t nearly as important as “where” deer shed their antlers.
“We know the mechanisms of the process, but can only speculate on the why. Why would a species spend so much effort and energy to produce these large antlers and then give them up and go through the same process again each year?” says Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) big game program coordinator, Lloyd Fox. “One reason might be because antlers get broken each year and the males want to have their most impressive rack, a new set, prior to the rut. Otherwise the old bucks would have busted remnants within a few years. Another speculation is that carrying around those large antlers is an energy drain and deer without antlers will spend less energy (thus have higher survival) as they go through the wintertime with its reduced food availability. Nobody really knows.”
Commonly referred to as “sheds,” deer antlers that have disconnected from a deer’s skull can provide hunters with valuable information about the buck that was carrying it. Most importantly, a shed antler tells a hunter that a particular buck survived the hunting seasons. A shed may also tell us whether the deer was a whitetail or mule deer, it’s approximate age, whether it was part of a “typical” or “non-typical” rack, and it can provide information on a past location of the deer.
The bulk of Kansas whitetail bucks shed their antlers in February. Just like with any biological process, not every deer is the same. Some bucks have been known to shed as early as November/early December, while others have kept their antlers well into mid-April.
“Bucks will shed antlers over a wide time period, but each individual sheds about the same time each year,” said Fox. “In fact, some data has shown bucks to shed their antlers within a week of the same day each year of their life. It just depends.”
When in search of these left-behind treasures, hunters are encouraged to keep the following things in mind:
-Familiarize yourself with department procedures and the distinction between a shed and a skull with antlers. (Possession of a skull with antlers attached requires a salvage tag.)
-Shed hunting is allowed on KDWPT- managed lands except WIHA, but it’s a good idea to check ahead of time because it’s not allowed on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service national wildlife refuges. Landowner permission is required on all private land.
-During the spring, ticks can be widespread, so the use of an insect-repellent made with DEET can be a good defense.
For a list of public lands where you can shed hunt, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “KDWPT Info/Locations/Wildlife Areas.”

Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission to Meet in Topeka March 20

Commission to hear free park entrance and fishing days, big game season recommendations

The Kansas Historical Society History Center, 6425 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, will be the site of the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission public meeting and hearing March 20, 2014. The afternoon session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., with the evening session reconvening at 6:30 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’s 2014 marketing plans, webless migratory birds, early migratory bird seasons, Fort Riley deer, the use of dogs to track wounded deer, coyote hunting during firearm deer season, hunting the same day a deer or turkey permit is purchased, 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 January meeting. Workshop topics, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, include regulations pertaining to upland birds, regulations regarding public lands, the five-year review of Kansas threatened and endangered species lists, and regulations pertaining to antelope season, bag limit, and permits.
The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the same location for the public hearing. The public hearing will be focused on free park entrance and free fishing days; elk season, bag limit and permit; and deer season, including 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 21, to complete any unfinished business.
A commercial-free version of live video and audio streaming of commission meetings will be broadcast through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism 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 17, 2014 at the Great Plains NatureCenter, 6232 East 29th St. N., Wichita.

Time to start planning your Kaw River Float Trip!

Friends of the Kaw sponsors both private and public educational float tripsfrom April through October. They are focusing their efforts on scheduling private groups of 16 to 24 people.
The advantage of organizing a group trip is that you pick the date, time and river segment you wish to float and they bring the boats and host an educational “sand bar” seminar followed by a hot dog & marshmallow roast. There are now over 20 access ramps on the Kaw so there are many opportunities for float trips between 5 and 14 miles. If you have questions or would like to inquire about a private float select, “contact them” at their web site.
Once they schedule a group float trip, they open registration to the general public two weeks before the scheduled date. You need to check with the Kansas Riverkeeper to see if there are available canoes or kayaks for that trip, and to register. Friends of the Kaw estimates it takes about 1 hour to paddle 3 miles. Novice paddlers should not attempt to paddle more that 10 miles in one day.
If you are not interested in organizing a group float trip, check out these options to get out on the Kaw:
Kaw Valley Canoe Rental – new in Topeka!
Up a Creek – in Lawrence
Mud Kat Kayaking – in Manhattan
For other businesses that rent canoes and/or kayaks, check out the bottom of FOK Float Trips page.

Teaming With Wildlife Lauds Members of Congress for Supporting Conservation

The Teaming With Wildlife Coalition and the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Monday lauded Senators James Risch (R-ID) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA), and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) for their leadership in championing legislation that supports on-the-ground conservation to prevent fish and wildlife from becoming endangered.
The Congressional Awards presentation culminated the Teaming With Wildlife Coalition’s annual, two-day advocacy Fly-In on Capitol Hill to raise awareness of the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program, the only federal program providing funding to states and their partners to conserve the more than 12,000 species that are at risk of landing on the endangered species list.
“I recognize that I am receiving this award because of hardworking Idahoans who work to maximize every dollar of the state wildlife grant funding I’ve worked to secure and to keep species off of the endangered species list,” said Senator Risch.
“I’m very gratified by your recognition of me for, hopefully, what is our good contribution to your work to educate, promote and protect that which is wholesome, natural and good for the well-being of our country,” said Congressman Fortenberry.
The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides each state and territory with approximately $1 million annually to develop and implement their congressionally mandated State Wildlife Action Plans. The Plans assess the health of each state’s wildlife and habitats; identify the problems they face; and outline the actions needed to conserve them over the long term. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is currently working to update their state plan in cooperation of Kansasconservation organizations and interested individuals.
Since 2010, funding for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program has been cut by more than 35 percent. In addition, further cuts to program lead to increased federal ESA listings and threaten the associated jobs and local economies tied the $45 billion wildlife recreation industry.
In addition to recognizing Members of Congress for their support of the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program, the Teaming With Coalition’s Steering Committee presented two awards to Coalition members.
The Virginia Conservation Network, an affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), received the Teaming With Wildlife Member Achievement Award for outstanding achievement in supporting funding for state wildlife diversity conservation.
Approximately 100 attendees participated in the annual Teaming With Wildlife Fly-in held February 25-26 in Washington, DC. Fly-in advocates held meetings with Members and staff in more than 150 congressional offices.
For more information about Teaming With Wildlife and State Wildlife Action Plans, go to www.teaming.com.

Have You Seen a Prairie-chicken Lek this Spring?

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is collecting opportunistic prairie-chicken lek observations again this year across Kansas. If you can help in this effort it would be greatly appreciated. Below are instructions for submitting a lek observation. Please share this link with other folks who you feel can help in this effort.
Chicken Lek Reporting Instructions
If you observe a prairie-chicken lek (display site) this spring please report your observation into KDWPT’s online database (link below). If you report a lek you will need to know the geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the display site, which you can collect with either a GPS unit or by referencing a map. The location data and the date of observation are the only required information when reporting a lek. Other data will be accepted if you can gather it [e.g. bird count and species presence (greater and/or lesser prairie-chickens)].
The data from this effort are extremely important to the department because they help target prairie-chicken conservation programs and provide siting recommendations to energy developers. Your help will ensure that KDWPT is using the best possible data to make those decisions.
Reporting a Prairie-chicken Lek Observation: https://www.surveymonkey.com/chickenleks
If you have any questions, contact Jim Pitman, KDWPT’s Small Game Coordinator 620-342-0658.

Two Flint Hills Nature Trail Workshops Planned

Two Flint Hills Nature Trail Workshops Planned

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) and Kanza Rails to Trails Conservancy (KRTC) have scheduled two more design workshops for the public to share their thoughts on the development of the Flint Hills Nature Trail.
The Flint Hills Nature Trail is a rails-to-trails project that extends 117 miles from Osawatomie to Herington. Development of the Trail will encourage outdoor recreation and provide safer routes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians. The trail will connect six counties and numerous communities along the way.
The design team of CFS Engineers and RDG Planning and Design is leading the planning and design of the trail.
A significant element of the project is learning and understanding public opinions about development of the trail using a series of community workshops. These are open sessions. No formal presentation is planned, and interested residents are invited to attend at their convenience. The workshop format allows visitors to learn about trail planning and design and to talk one-on-one with design team members.
Workshops will be held:
Monday, March 10
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Memorial Hall, near City Park
411 11th St.
Osawatomie, KS 66064

Monday, April 21
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Community Building – Osage City
517 S. First Street
Osage City, KS 66523