Daily Archives: February 25, 2015

Visit these trout fishing hot spots

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

  • Cherokee County – Mined Land Wildlife Area No. 30*

*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.”

Trapping seasons to close, running season opens

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.”

KDWPT looking for volunteer angling education instructors

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.

Prescribed Fire Training

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]