Monthly Archives: June 2014

Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission Sets Early Duck Seasons

Commission considers regulations governing public lands, big game permits, and prairie chicken hunting.

At the workshop session of the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting in Pittsburg June 19, commissioners workshopped items for future potential regulatory action, including state park regulations, 2015 turkey hunting regulations, late migratory bird seasons, and recommendations from the Threatened and Endangered (T&E) Species Task Committee.

The T&E Task Committee recommendations are part of a regular five-year review of species on the state T&E and Species In Need of Conservation (SINC) lists. The task committee reviews the status of species on the lists and considers comments from petitioners, expert panels, scientific literature, as well as distribution and survey data. Recommendations from the current review included delisting three endangered species; the Eskimo curlew, black-capped vireo, and many-ribbed salamander. The task committee determined that none of these species are a viable component of the state’s fauna. The committee recommended downlisting six species from threatened to SINC, including the chestnut lamprey, silverband shiner, spring peeper, smooth earth snake, and longnose snake. The recommendations also include adding the northern long-eared bat to the SINC list.

While the task committee was petitioned to downlist the redbelly snake from threatened to SINC, it recommended leaving it at the current status. However, instead of following the T&E Task Committee’s recommendations, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Secretary Robin Jennison told commissioners that the department would recommend the redbelly snake be downlisted from threatened to SINC. Jennison explained that this decision was made to help ensure public support for conservation of T&E species remained strong.

“This recommendation encompasses the department’s attempt to balance the need for conservation and action identified in the expert review by our T&E Task Committee with social and economic concerns within the redbelly snake’s range,” Jennison said. “The department will use the authority already set out in regulation to establish a recovery plan for the redbelly snake as a SINC species.”

The final T&E/SINC recommendations will be voted on at the KDWPT Commission meeting in October.

In the public hearing portion of the meeting, the commission voted on public land regulations, deer season dates on Ft.Riley, and approved a recommendation that would allow hunters to hunt on the same day they purchase a big game or turkey permit. Currently, big game and turkey permits aren’t valid until the next calendar day after purchase.

KDWPT staff presented U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service frameworks and recommendations for the 2014 early teal season. Commissioners approved a 16-day season in the Low Plains Zone (east of Hwy 283), Sept. 13-28, 2014, and a 9-day season for the High Plains Zone (west of Hwy 283), Sept. 20-28, 2014.

The last public hearing item presented to the commission was necessary because of the recent addition of the lesser prairie chicken to the federal Threatened Species List. Commissioners heard and approved recommendations to adjust the Southwest Prairie Chicken Zone and close the zone to prairie chicken hunting.

Finally, Governor Sam Brownback has reappointed Commissioner Gerald Lauber to another four-year term. Commissioner Robert Wilson’s term will expire July 1, but he will serve until a replacement is named.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2014 at theKansasWetlandsEducationCenter, 592 NE K157 Hwy, Great Bend.

Water Vision Draft to be Posted on KWO Website July 1

Team leaders to share first draft of the 50-year Vision the week of July 7-11 on statewide tour

 The first draft of the Kansas Water Vision will be posted to the Kansas Water Office website on July 1 so citizens are able to provide input to the Governor’s Water Vision Team on the statewide tour that will be held July 7-11.

“The Team began gathering input in December from stakeholders of all water uses to develop this first draft,” said Susan Metzger, Vision Team Leader -Kansas Water Office. “There were some resounding messages throughout the last few months: a strong, long-term water Vision for Kansas must be statewide while recognizing that one size does not fit all; a reliable water supply is bigger than quantity and the quality of our water resources is equally important; and public information and education is critical to the successful adoption of the Vision.”

As seen the past few years with extremes of extended drought to cases of flooding, the entire state and its citizens are affected by what happens with water supplies and its management. Last fall Governor Sam Brownback called for a 50 Year Vision to ensure a reliable water supply for Kansas citizens.

“We are looking forward to hearing from Kansans,” said Secretary Jackie McClaskey. “The entire state is affected by what happens with our water, no matter what area of Kansas you live in. Water determines everything from community and industry survival and growth to making us marketable for other opportunities.”

Stakeholders and Kansas citizens are encouraged to attend one of the Vision Tour input sessions. For more information about the Governor’s Call to Action for a 50-Year Vision and a list of times and addresses for each tour location, visit www.kwo.org.

Frog Fishing Opens July 1

Bullfrogs can prove quite the challenge, but offer tasty cuisine

Kansas bullfrog season is less than two weeks away, and for those looking for the ultimate summer fishing challenge, this is it. From July 1-October 31, anglers can attempt to catch these four-legged amphibians with several different techniques.

Bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, dip net, gig, bow and arrow, or crossbow, and a line must attach bow to arrow, and the arrow must have a barbed head. If you’re really up for a challenge, bullfrogs can also be taken by hand. 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 daily creel limit is eight, with a possession limit of 24. A valid fishing license is required for any person to take, catch, or kill bullfrogs, except persons exempt by law from having such license.

Considered by some as a delicacy, frog legs have a taste and texture that resembles a cross between shrimp and fish. A popular way to cook them is to dip the legs in egg and then into a mixture of flour and corn meal, seasoning salt, and pepper. The legs are then fried to a golden brown and served up hot.

For more information on bullfrog season, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing / Fishing Regulations / Bullfrogs” or consult the 2014 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary.

Next Generation Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger App now Available

Outdoor enthusiasts can download the free app by visiting pocketranger.com

If you enjoy Kansas outdoors, but have trouble getting the information you need quickly, consider downloading the newly-redesigned Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger App today.

Available for iPhone and Android devices, and now Amazon Kindle Fires, this interactive outdoor guide is the ultimate guide to exploring Kansas’s state parks. Created by ParksByNature Network™ in partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the updated app now includes:

◊ A new user interface (UI) with a sleek, more photo-centric home screen design.

◊ Photo galleries on park description pages.

◊ A new Explore feature to optimize search capabilities, allowing a 4-in-1 search by location, activities, category, and site name.

Haven’t used the app before? You might be interested to know the Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger app features all these and more to maximize your outdoor adventure:

◊ Educational info, amenities, maps & directions

◊ Real-time Calendar of Events

◊ News, advisories, and weather alerts

◊ Social networking and photo/video sharing

◊ Potentially life-saving Alert feature

◊ GPS Tours

◊ Advanced GPS mapping features

▪ Record trail distance and time elapsed

▪ Mark photo waypoints

▪ Recall, post or share saved data

▪ Friend Finder

▪ Built-in compass

To learn more, or to download your copy today, visit www.PocketRanger.com.

Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)

Yellow Perch, U.S.D.A.

Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)

The yellow perch has a yellow to brass-colored body with a distinct pattern of 5-9 olive-green, vertical, triangular stripes on its sides. Its fins are lighter in color with orange margins. The anterior portion of the body tapers to a slender caudal peduncle. Yellow perch have two dorsal fins and a forked caudal fin.

They spawn in the spring at night when water temperatures are between 2.0 and 18.6°C. Eggs are fertilized externally. Egg strands are commonly draped over submerged vegetation. Yellow perch are found in shallow water such as shorelines of lakes and slow-moving rivers and streams where the water is clear and cool. In summer, as the water warms, perch seek deeper, cooler water. Trout populations suffer in lakes where perch have been introduced since they cannot compete successfully for food.

Yellow perch are an important food source for birds such as double-crested cormorants, eagles, hawks, herons, kingfishers, mergansers, loons and white pelicans.

Western High Plains Ecosystem added to KWF website

Kansas Storm by Mike Umscheid <http://www.underthemeso.com/photoblog.php>

The Kansas Wildlife Federation’s “Kansas Ecosystems” page has been updated with information on the Western High Plains Ecosystem together with three new photos. Just go to the homepage and click the Ecosystem Map and scroll down. It’s extremely informative with outstanding photos that enlarge when clicked.

Kansas Envirothon to be at Rock Springs 4-H Center

The Kansas Envirothon is an outdoor, environmental high school competition where students learn and are tested on soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics, a current issue and an oral presentation. The current issue for the 2014 Kansas competition is:

                       Sustainable Local Agriculture: LocallyGrown.

Kansas Envirothon is hosting the 2014 Kansas Heartland Envirothon Competition July 21-25,2014 at Rock Springs 4-H Center, 1168 K157 Highway, Junction City, KS.

Visit the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts website for registration forms.

12th Annual Bust-a-Clay for Kids’ Sake, June 13-14th at Flint Oak

There are still spots available for the 12th Annual Bust-a-Clay for Kids’ Sake event. Click here to get registered today.

Lesser Prairie Chickens Deserve Better

Jay Lininger’s opinion regarding the Lesser prairie chicken: Recently in the Kansas City Star (June 11, 2014) Jay Lininger of the Center for Biological Diversity asserted that the major reason for decline of the lesser prairie chicken is not only recent years of drought but continued destruction of its habitat by oil & gas drilling, construction of wind turbines and other causes. He criticizes the listing of the lpc as “threatened” instead of “endangered” by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. He notes that the conservation plan with the five relevant states (Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas) is “voluntary and unenforceable”. You can read his complete article in the Kansas City Star here.

by J.N. Stuart

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A Tribute To Dad, Happy Father’s Day

Phil Taunton, Southeast Kansas District Director for the Kansas Wildlife Federation reflects on Father’s Day and what it means to him. Phil is a native of Junction City, Kansas, grew up on the banks of the Republican River and still owns the family cabin on Council Grove City Lake.

A Father’s Day Tribute—-Thanks, Dad.
……..We had a good time at the Lake during the Memorial Day weekend with most of the family being able to make the “get together” for one day or the other. The fishing wasn’t too bad either, considering intermittent rains, high, murky waters, and the wind. Earth wind and fire– Yes, we had fire– when Wifeus burnt the hot dogs!

The note on the refrigerator door was dated August 20, 1995, and had to do with regulations concerning how the family cabin was to be run since my father passed away less than a month earlier. With me being the oldest and living the closest, I guess I just took it upon myself to administer a list of rules to be followed when using the cabin.
Number one had to do with no work being done–don’t even worry about getting the car unloaded and supplies put away–until hooks are baited and lures cast to proven time-tested “honey holes” around docks, stumps, rock piles and brush. I just couldn’t understand how Pop spent half the day down at the lake and not even wet a line. More than once he told me he had to take the poles out of the water because the fish were so active he just couldn’t get any work done and enjoy all the other things that being outside had to offer. Other things, was he serious? What could be more important than reeling in fish, one right after the other once the bite is on?
A work ethic that included picking purple hulled peas for less than a quarter an hour when that was the only job available and coming from a large family that depended on everyone doing their fair share just to get by can do strange things to a fellow.
Number two on the list was to get bait secured, especially if I was going to make it down later. I just couldn’t stand the thought of a big old catfish prowling around the dock and there not being a juicy tidbit of some sort offered, enticing the fish to bite and into the frying pan!
Chore number three, and only if the fish weren’t biting, was to mow the lawn in front of the cabin. We do need to keep a respectable appearance. Remember to roll up the garden hoses and try to keep the riding lawnmower from bouncing off the trees and the corner of the cabin. Pop got a kick out of watching the grandkids “learn to drive” and never a harsh word was said when such incidents occurred.
The back of our cabin had long been declared “wildlife habitat area” off limits to mowing ever since the day he and I ran our pointing dogs over “hill and dale” only to find more than 30 quail in an oasis of tall grass behind the cabin upon our return. I don’t know who jumped the highest when they exploded under our feet, him or me?
Wild flowers are starting to get a hold now. Black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, spider wort and the sunflowers all interlaced with the delicate white, frost-pattern of Queen Anne’s lace blossoms are a sight to see. The family favorite is a butterfly milkweed plant about the size of a peach basket that always returns in its orange blaze of glory.
Rule number four–absolutely no “wimp coffee.” Five scoops of coffee to about ten cups of water should about do it, although I think he made his a little stronger.
As time went on, I found it increasingly hard to return to our beloved “wilderness” retreat because the memory of the man who introduced me to the wonders of nature, taught me about hunting and fishing and presented me with my first sporting firearm and bird dog to go with it was just too painful to bear. Dad wouldn’t be there anymore and I just never realized how much I cherished his company.
Pop also taught me about World War II and the horrors of war being a necessary evil needed to preserve our freedom. A lot of good men and women made supreme sacrifices in order for us to enjoy the liberties we have today. Their sacrifices make it possible for us to relax for a weekend at the lake, be at a golf course or perhaps even participate in the Indy 500. Freedom to do whatever suits our fancy. The flag, “God Bless America” and the Pledge of Allegiance were never to be taken lightly at our house.
Dad’s presence lingered everywhere—in the boat, on the water, up in the garden, down at the dock, the Easter egg hunts, working and laughing. The memories of our outdoor experiences will be a part of me and the cabin forever.
Memories. To this day, I still catch a glimpse of a nonexistent roaster of fried chicken on the stove in the kitchen of the cabin. A pan so full the lid wouldn’t fit always awaited my arrival. Dad and I loved chicken. Whenever there was a sale, he was always first in line. Pop’s chicken, bread and butter sandwiches, fried okra, green onions and cold sliced tomatoes made a meal fit for a king; the lake and cabin being our Kingdom. I never gave it much thought on how early he had to get up and commence frying all that chicken.
Closure is something I don’t think I’m fully capable of understanding. Maybe I’m not supposed to. Last October when I shut the cabin up for the winter, a ritual he and I shared for years, I entertained the thought of selling the cabin. Three years had passed and the bewildering feeling of his not being there, ever again, was just too much to bear. My spirits were about as low and dull as the melancholy song of the Harris sparrow that cold, gray, dreary day.
Something happened this Spring that gave me strength, a form of spiritual rejuvenation, I guess, and I decided to keep the cabin. Seeing my niece, a rambunctious seven-year-old, catch fish and answering to her inquisitive imagination concerning our outdoor world probably had as much to do with making this decision as anything. A friend who has a young fish-o-matic son and who helped me fix the cabin’s leaking roof was another reason.
Purple martins have also returned to our houses, the first since Dad’s passing. And, on Memorial Day we watched a pair of bluebirds build a nest in the newly erected box on the front lawn. It now contains four eggs. Life goes on.
The peonies and irises Dad grew behind the cabin especially for “Decoration Day” were splendid this year despite all the wind and rain. I put a couple of tomato plants in the ground next to his flower garden with hopes of catching some of his magic.
Believe it or not, I think I learned what some of those “other things” in life are. A big part of my “lake time” is now spent just watching the birds, puttering around the place and finding solace in having been blessed with such a wonderful family, father and friend.
Dad, thanks for the memories and Happy Father’s Day