Monthly Archives: January 2016

Application period for Unit 4 spring turkey permits Jan. 12-Feb. 12

It may not be spring yet, but it’s time to prep like it is. The application period for those looking to hunt turkeys in Unit 4 this spring begins Jan. 12. Spring turkey permits are sold over-the-counter or online for all but the southwest portion of Kansas, Unit 4. A limited number of permits are issued to residents only through a lottery drawing. Hunters can apply online only, or over the phone, from Jan. 12-Feb. 12 by visiting ksoutdoors.com. Hunters may apply for a Unit 4 Spring Turkey Permit or a Unit 4 Spring Turkey Permit/Game Tag Combo; however the game tag will only be valid in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6.

Five hundred Unit 4 permits will be made available for the 2016 spring season, with half of those permits designated as landowner/tenant permits. Kansas youth (15 and under) may purchase a spring turkey permit valid statewide over the counter or online and will not need to enter the Unit 4 draw. Unit 4 spring turkey permits are also valid in adjacent Units 1, 2, and 5.

Unit 4 Spring Turkey Application Fees:

General Application: $32.50

Landowner/Tenant Application: $20.00

General Combo Permit/Game Tag Application: $42.50

Landowner/Tenant Combo Permit/Game Tag Application: $25.00

Nonresident Tenant Application: $ 37.50

Nonresident Tenant Combo Permit/Game Tag Application:  $50.00

Preference Point only: $6.50

There is a $6.50 nonrefundable application fee. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a refund check and be issued a preference point. If you do not want to apply for a permit and want to purchase a preference point only, you may do so online by selecting Spring Turkey Preference Point Application. Only one point may be obtained per year.

Any individual who has purchased a Spring Turkey Permit is eligible for one Second Turkey Game Tag. Game tags are valid in Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 ONLY.

The spring turkey season will open April 1-12 for youth and hunters with disabilities, and April 4-12 for archery hunters. The regular spring season is April 13-May 31.

For more information, visit www.ksoutdoors.com, or call (620) 672-5911.

Prescribed Burning Workshop

The Jackson County Firefighter Association is hosting a prescribed burning workshop on Jan. 13, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Holton Fire Department, 301 West 4th in Holton.

Prescribed burning workshops are conducted in cooperation with K-State Research and Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Workshops are designed to help participants understand the nature and behavior of fire. Topics covered include reasons for burning, wildlife and prescribed burning, local and state regulations, fire weather, safety, liability, using burn contractors, as well as planning and conducting a burn.

This course will cover the new burn permit system implemented Jan. 1, 2016 in Jackson County. For more information, call (785) 364-3123.

Trapping and predator calling workshop at Tuttle Creek State Park

Tuttle Creek State Park will host a trapping and predator calling workshop on January 9, 2016. The class will be held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the state park office, 5800 A River Pond Rd, Manhattan. There is no cost or preregistration required to attend.

The class is designed for trappers and hunters of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned hunters. Instructors will introduce the sport to those new to trapping and calling as well as provide some brush-up skill for those with experience.

Kansas is home to 14 furbearer species that may be hunted and trapped during the furbearer season, including badger, bobcat, gray fox, least weasel, long-tailed weasel, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, striped skunk, and swift fox. Beaver and otter may also be trapped.

Although coyotes are not classified as furbearers, they may be hunted and trapped year-round.

This class will not certify participants for a furharvester education certificate, but information provided will be beneficial for those interested in completing a furharvester education class in the future. The Kansas Furharvester Education course can be completed online at www.ksoutdoors.com/Services/Education/Furharvester.

For more information on this class, contact park manager Todd Lovin at (785) 539-7941.