The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) reports that the 2009 hunting seasons were the safest on record. Hunters reported 12 hunting accidents — and no fatalities. This is a decrease of four accidents from the previous year and one below the previous record low of 13.
In a year when one word, "fewer," described life in America -- fewer jobs, fewer home sales, fewer purchases -- hunters were responsible for generating a welcome "more" category, as hunting license sales rose by 3.5 percent in 2009 in states that make up NSSF's Hunting License Sales Index.
The first Bald Eagle I ever saw was on the western end of Mt Magazine in Arkansas. I was about half way up the highest point in the Ozark range when I saw a big black bird with a white head and a white tail flying over the the high point of the mountain, then I heard its high pitched scream. All I could do was stare in amazement, at this breathtaking sight, of which will be ingrained in my minds eye for ever.
Each year, the Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) gives approximately $120,000 in Capacity Grants to extend habitat conservation projects throughout the playa lakes region. The grants are intended to help landowners develop habitat projects that benefit playas.
Upland bird and waterfowl seasons have been open for more than two months now, but that doesn't mean it's time for hunters to put up their shotguns. Quail, pheasant, and prairie chicken (Northwest and East units) seasons are open through Jan. 31, and rabbit and squirrel seasons provide additional opportunities for the avid hunter.
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department is offering citizens the opportunity to review a five-year draft management plan for resident Canada geese. The South Dakota Resident Canada Goose Management Plan is written with a goal of providing maximum recreational opportunities that are consistent with a healthy goose population, habitat constraints, and tolerance levels of private landowners and the public.
South Dakota sportsmen donated over $14,000 to the Turn In Poachers program during the 2009 big game license season.
The 1,700 sportsmen not only contributed cash and checks, but also took advantage of the opportunity to donate funds as part of the process for purchasing general hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and applying for big game licenses.
Because of changes in waterfowl migration and hunter-use patterns, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission may make some changes to state waterfowl refuges located along Lake Francis Case.
PIERRE, S.D. - A new grant program from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department seeks to help child-care providers increase the amount of time children spend outdoors.
MANHATTAN — Fire safety is a priority of the upcoming Prescribed Burning Workshops scheduled for central and eastern Kansas this fall. Carol Blocksome, Grassland Water Quality Extension Staff at Kansas State University (KSU), says that these workshops are a continuation of workshops conducted in western Kansas last fall. It was evident from these workshops that producers needed and wanted more information and education on how to conduct safe and successful prescribed burns.
Getting lost in the woods can happen to even the best hunter, according to Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Education Program coordinator. He encourages lost individuals to remain calm and just STOP.
PRATT — The Kansas pheasant and quail seasons return to their traditional opening and closing dates this fall. Both seasons open on Saturday, Nov. 14, and run through Jan. 31, 2010. Prairie chicken season opens a week later — Nov. 21 through Jan. 31, 2010, in the Northwest and East units. In the Southwest Unit, prairie chicken season runs Nov. 21-Dec. 31. (The prairie chicken Southwest Unit is bordered by Highway K-96 on the north and U.S. 281 on the east.)
NEWTOWN, Conn.—Whether you're a hunter, target shooter, own a firearm for self protection or don't own a firearm at all, the National Shooting Sports Foundation asks you to be informed about AR-15-style rifles.
PIERRE, S.D. – People who have received the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department’s Public Lands Hunting Atlas may want to check the GFP Web site for additional hunting-access opportunities.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sells about 600,000
hunting licenses each year so there will be a large number of hunters afield this fall in search of a variety of big and small game. The DNR says it’s important that each hunter put safety first to ensure an enjoyable and successful hunting trip.
HILLSDALE RESERVOIR – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will conduct a youth/mentor waterfowl hunt at Antioch and Gardner wetlands near Hillsdale Reservoir on Saturday, Nov. 21. A new 35-acre youth/mentor-only marsh adjacent to Antioch Wetland will be featured site. The Miami County Ducks Unlimited Chapter and Tribal Outdoors, an outdoor apparel and custom graphic design company in Overland Park, will assist with the event.
Hunters in the Low Plains North and Middle Zones of South Dakota will be the first into the marshes and fields when duck season opens on Saturday, Sept. 26. Hunters in the remaining portions of the state will have to wait until Oct. 10.
With many duck hunters anxiously preparing for the Oct. 3, Minnesota opener, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds people to make sure they pack the one thing that could save their lives - their life jackets.
With the 2009 Minnesota waterfowl season set to open on Saturday, Oct. 3, hunters who wish to hunt either Greenleaf or Sioux lakes in Meeker County are advised that both lakes will be open to hunting.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites waterfowl
hunters to introduce a youth to a Minnesota tradition on Saturday, Sept. 19,
during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day.
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Hunters who need to clear freezer room for this year’s deer, elk, and other wild game can help needy South Dakotans by donating game meat to the South Dakota Sportsmen against Hunger program.
JAMESTOWN — At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will conduct a Waterfowl Hunters' Information Night at Cloud County Community College's Cook Theater. KDWP staff will give hunters an update on local waterfowl hunting areas, new maps, insider tips, upcoming seasons, understanding regulations, and information about what every duck boat should have. KDWP staff from Glen Elder, Jamestown, and Lovewell wildlife areas will be available to answer questions.
PRATT — September is the month to watch for masses of migrating monarch butterflies in Kansas. The weather has cooled, and many people are seeing this regal butterfly in backyards, parks, and in the field. A familiar and popular insect species, monarch migratory behavior is much like that of birds. Navigating on instinct, every monarch east of the Rocky Mountains flies toward a specific area of central Mexico to spend the winter.
PRATT — The 38th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) — designated by Congressional decree and Presidential Proclamation — will be held Sept. 26. The event is a nationwide celebration of hunters and anglers and their contributions to conservation.
PIERRE, S.D. - September is upon us and it brings to South Dakota the opening of the most popular hunting season in the United States, dove season.
WATERTOWN, S.D. - With the early Canada goose season approaching, Game, Fish and Parks Department officials are predicting excellent hunting throughout eastern South Dakota.
There are bills being attempted by anti hunters in several states to raise the legal hunting age to 16 before a youth may take to the field. It’s only a matter of time before it happens in this state. “ Balderdash,” is the closest word I can get away with here,
PRATT – The 2009 Kansas Hunting Atlas, which includes maps showing locations of Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) areas and public wildlife areas, is now available online at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Printed copies of the atlas will be available in late August or early September at KDWP offices and hunting license vendors around the state.
PIERRE, S.D.- Due its supportive congressional representation and the collaborative effort of Sen. Tim Johnson and Sen. John Thune makes South Dakota a recipient of $3.4 million each year for five years because of The Teaming with Wildlife Act. The fund will be used carry out South Dakota’s Wildlife.
Good news for hunting enthusiasts living across South Dakota as HuntSAFE class is being offered. If you are 12 years onwards then you qualify in the said HuntSAFE class. After completion successful graduates will receive a hunter education card which they can use in any South Dakota open hunting season. For information on area HuntSAFE classes, visit the GFP Web site at www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/hunting/Safety/HuntSAFEIndex.htm