Carl Conley, Southcentral Director
Hometown: Clearwater
Contact: 620-584-2733, 620-641-3026, or [email protected]
Hometown: Clearwater
Contact: 620-584-2733, 620-641-3026, or [email protected]
I am writing today because the American West is facing a modern day land grab threatening public lands and wildlife from bighorn sheep to native cutthroat trout.
Proposals for state take-over of our public lands are currently cropping up across the West. We must act today to protect this vast wildlife habitat and maintain our access to public lands.
Act today to say America’s lands are not for sale.
Transferring control of national lands to the states is unconstitutional, costly, unpopular and most importantly would jeopardize millions of acres of land that belong to all Americans.
Allowing the states to take over control of some of America’s most coveted wild places will threaten access for hiking, hunting, fishing or simply having the opportunity to watch wildlife.
If proposals for states to take control of public lands advance, sportsmen and women could be locked out or forced to pay high access fees, fundamentally affecting enjoyment of America’s great outdoors. Even worse, public lands could be sold off and privatized, making them forever off limits to the public.
Act now to keep public lands in public hands.
Not only are public lands America’s great outdoors, they also provide vital habitat to a host of beloved species including: big horn sheep, elk, mule deer and the Greater sage-grouse.
These open, undeveloped lands and wildlife habitat have been crucial in the conservation and restoration of wildlife for nearly a century.
It is crucial we strive to protect the best and most threatened habitat in order to ensure the continued preservation of fish, wildlife and the places they call home.
By taking action today you can join the unified voices of sportsmen and women, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and the conservation community in opposing state proposals to take over America’s great outdoors.
Speak today in support of the preservation of our national heritage and wildlife habitat.
Thank you for all you do for our public lands and the fish and wildlife that call them home.
Meg Morris
NWF Sportsmen Outreach Coordinator
Kansas offers trout fishing at more than 30 public fishing lakes
Winter weather may not be synonymous with fishing for most people, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offers anglers winter trout fishing opportunities that make putting up with the cold worth it.
Trout are stocked in select waters during the trout season, which is open through April 15. Anglers can try their luck at trout fishing in Type 1 waters, which require all anglers to possess a $12.50 trout permit, and in Type 2 waters, which require only those fishing for or possessing trout to purchase the permit. The $12.50 permit is valid for the calendar year and can be purchased wherever licenses are sold and online at ksoutdoors.com.
Trout fishing opportunities are available at the following lakes:
TYPE 1 LAKES: TROUT PERMITS REQUIRED OF ALL ANGLERS
TYPE 2 LAKES: TROUT PERMITS REQUIRED ONLY FOR TROUT ANGLERS
TROUT Permit required year-round
*Because trout survive through the summer here, a trout permit is required year-round for anglers utilizing the lake.
Residents 16-74 years old, and all non-residents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license. The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted. Anglers 15 and younger may fish without a trout permit, but are limited to two trout per day, or they may purchase a permit and take five trout per day. Possession limit for trout is 15.
For information on trout stocking schedules, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You/ Trout Fishing Program.”
Beavers and otters may be trapped through March 31
The 2014 trapping season is coming to a close, and just as one season closes, another season will open. Beavers and otters may still be trapped through March 31, but the trapping season for other furbearers ended Feb. 15. On March 1, the running season, an eight-month period where hound owners and their dogs can practice their furbearer-chasing skills, opens and will run through Nov. 1. During this time, licensed furharvesters and their dogs can chase – but not take – bobcats, opossums, raccoons, red fox and gray fox.
Hunters can run furbearers 24 hours daily during the running season. Because no furbearer may be legally killed or taken during running season, it is illegal for runners to possess any firearms or weapons while pursuing furbearers, however certain exceptions apply.
Trappers pursuing beavers and otters through the end of trapping season are reminded that otters must be tagged within seven days of the close of the trapping season. The lower canine teeth shall also be surrendered to KDWPT at that time.
For details on current furbearer regulations and the upcoming running season, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting/Hunting-Regulations/Furbearers.”
Anglers interested in teaching fishing techniques can become certified instructors during one-day class
What better way to enjoy your passion than to share it with others? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is looking for anglers interested in sharing their passion for fishing by teaching fishing techniques in Kansas. Through a one-day Angler Education Instructor Certification Course, KDWPT and Fishing’s Future will provide anglers with the tools necessary to work with children and host classes and clinics. The course will be held March 21 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the KDWPT Pratt Operations Office, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt. There is no cost to attend.
Attendees will learn about current fishing regulations, species identification, fishing ethics, equipment, knot-tying, casting, fish habitat, aquatic nuisance species, and conservation practices. Apart from being certified, anglers will also receive sample curriculums for running a class.
One way in which certified angler education instructors can utilize their skills is by leading a local high school fishing club. Many Kansas high schools have already implemented similar programs, but for schools that have yet to offer such clubs, the need for interested and qualified instructors has yet to be met. Certified instructors may even be eligible to receive fishing supplies, including poles and bait, from KDWPT at no cost. Fishing license fees for students 16 and older may also be waived for agency-approved events with prior agency approval.
Anglers interested in registering for the March 21 class are encouraged to sign up by visiting www.fishingsfuture.org and clicking “upcoming events,” then “Angler Certification training in Pratt, Kansas.”
For more information, contact Fishing’s Future coordinator Kevin Reich at [email protected] or by phone at (785) 577-6921.
Huge herds of migratory buffalo previously roamed the prairie. Our ancestors realized fires attracted these bison to new areas. Modern research trials have shown bison will begin foraging in burned areas while embers still smolder. The nutritious regrowth bison craved still feeds cattle today. Fire also helped cover escape routes from enemies, reduce tick populations, signal messages, and prevent future burns.
Today fire is a tool in land manager’s toolbox. From Mexico to Canada fire is catching on with a variety of groups. Livestock producers in the Flint Hills have long used prescribed burning to enhance cattle gains and wildlife habitat. Others burn to reduce invasive species and shift plant community compositions. Wildlife enthusiasts employ prescribed burns as a means to restore habitat for many species. Government agencies systematically conduct prescribed burns to reduce fuel loads in state and national parks in an effort to prevent monstrous wildfires. Others plan prescribed burns simply to reintroduce a key element into the landscape.
Before striking a match it is crucial to set goals, plan how the prescribed burn will occur, and communicate with those fire could potentially affect. Fires are lit from natural or man-made causes. Prescribed burns are ignited to enhance the landscape and environment. One must carefully decide what should take place, tools needed, and manpower required for a successful prescribed burn while keeping a keen eye on the weather.
If you are interested in prescribed burning on your land but feel slightly overwhelmed by the previous paragraph, fret not. Central Kansas District is here to help you along the way. Last year we hosted a Prescribed Burn School. Producer interest was phenomenal and it was a very educational event. This year CKD is teaming up with K-State Research and Extension Specialists, Kansas Forest Service, and Great Plains Fire Science Exchange to bring you an in-depth fire school.
Three separate workshops will be offered this year to those interested in deepening their prescribed fire knowledge. Presenters are prescribed burn bosses with a wealth of experience. Our format is a small group setting where each participant can interact extensively with speakers and other resource personnel. Workshops will feature presentations, videos, and hands-on curriculum designed to give confidence and know-how to those eager to implement prescribed fire on their land.
Cost for these workshops are $20 per person. This covers a meal, refreshments, and snacks throughout the day. Each will cover the same material, no need to attend all three. Workshops will begin at 9:30 am and last until approximately 4:00 pm. Space is extremely limited for these workshops. RSVP quickly before they are full! Below are the dates and locations:
Workshop 1) February 26 at USDA NRCS State Office, 747 Duvall Street in Salina
Workshop 2) March 4 at Ottawa County Courthouse, 307 North Concord Street in Minneapolis
Workshop 3) March 9 at Prescott Room in Salina Public Library, 301 West Elm Street in Salina
Fire imprinted the landscape in our past and can continue to do so in the future. Sign up not to take the first step in reintroducing this natural ingredient into your operation. For questions or comments please feel free to contact Anthony N. Ruiz at 785-392-2147 or [email protected]
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Wild About Kansas photo contest is designed to showcase Kansas outdoors through the lens of photographers of all skill levels.
NEW FOR 2015: There will be an adult category for photographers age 19 and older wishing to participate.
Divided into three categories, participants can submit photos related to:
Winning entries are featured in the January/February photo issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine.
The contest is open to both residents and non-residents of Kansas, and there is no age limit.
Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category, as well as one honorable mention per category.
Mail entry forms to:
Wild About Kansas
Attn: Nadia Marji
512 SE 25th Ave.
Pratt, KS 67124
For more information, e-mail Nadia Marji at [email protected]. Enter “Wild About Kansas” in the subject line.
Applicants must plant to attend a Kansas college or university
The Emporia Community Foundation and staff at What’s In Outdoors understand that college can be expensive – that’s why they’re inviting high school seniors to apply for the What’s In Outdoors Scholarship.
The $1,000 scholarship is available to any graduating high school senior in the state of Kansas planning to attend a Kansas college or university. Applicants must plan to make a career in conservation in some capacity and take classes pertaining to wildlife, nature, photography, journalism, communications, or any other related fields.
Successful applicants will receive $500 per semester after showing proof of full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 credit hours). The second semester payment will be sent after grades from the first semester are received.
Applicants should include with their application: A letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer; information on any involvement with wildlife- or other nature-based fields; and examples of work relating to photography or writing, if applicable.
For more information and to apply, visit www.emporiacf.org and click “Grants,” then “Scholarships.”
Effective deer management requires hunter participation in surveys
One third of the hunters who pursued deer during the 2014-2015 season will be randomly-selected to receive an e-mail survey from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) this month. Because biologists depend on the data gathered to make deer management recommendations, hunter participation in completing the survey in its entirety is crucial to ensure data is statistically-valid.
“Some people reply back and tell us they killed a doe or got a 10-point buck and think that is all we really need. That is not the case,” said KDWPT big game biologist, Lloyd Fox. Fox explained that KDWPT wants to know about multiple aspects of the hunt in order to gain a clearer picture of the men and women who hunt deer and the impact of hunting on the resource.
The survey, which is conducted every year, gathers a variety of information from deer hunters including: harvest success, dates and seasons hunted, days spent in the field, locations hunted, choice of equipment during the 2014-2015 seasons, opinions on current deer populations, and more.
Even if a hunter did not harvest a deer, they are still encouraged to complete the survey.
For more information on Kansas deer hunting, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting/Big Game Information/Deer.”
Goose hunters pursuing snow, Ross’ geese may hunt through April 30
For some waterfowl hunters, seasons seem to come and go all too fast. It may feel like hunters and their canine companions have just warmed up when the regular seasons close. However, hunters looking to enjoy a few more weeks afield hunting geese can participate in the Light Goose Conservation Order from Feb. 16-April 30, 2015. During this special season set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, hunters may take an unlimited amount of snow and Ross’ geese.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established this special season in 1999 in an effort to increase the harvest of light geese, a population that has increased more than 300 percent since the mid-1970s. These historic numbers of geese have denuded portions of their fragile tundra breeding habitat in the arctic, which may take decades to recover. This impacts other bird species that nest there, including semi-palmated sandpipers and red-necked phalaropes.
To increase hunter success, the conservation order authorizes hunting methods not allowed during the regular seasons, including the use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
For more information on this season, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click on “Hunting/When to Hunt/Migratory Birds.”