Posted: 20 May 2009 12:50 PM PDT
Public cautioned to leave young wildlife alone; mother is almost always nearby
Twenty years ago, the term "Bambi Syndrome" was circulated frequently in the press, and while you don't see the term much these days, the problem still persists: well-meaning Kansans see deer fawns or other wildlife by themselves and assume that they have been abandoned by their mother. In almost all cases, the mother is actually nearby, keeping a hidden eye on her young. If those well-meaning folks decide to "rescue" the young animal, they are usually giving it a death sentence.
Like many other wild animals, the majority of fawns are born in late May and early June. However, some whitetail does younger than one year may breed for the first time in late winter, so many newborn fawns may be seen as late as July or even August. Whitetail does that breed before they are one year old usually give birth to a single fawn. After that, twins are the norm, and triplets are not uncommon. If found alone, these charming young animals are tempting targets for the misinformed wildlife lover.
Many "wildlife kidnapping" incidents are reported each year. Raccoons are another favorite "pick-me-up" animal. So are foxes. Unfortunately, if one of these animals happens to bite someone, it must be put to death and tested for diseases such as rabies. Even if they don't bite, the young usually fail to survive in captivity, and they always lose the instincts that allow them to survive in the wild.
Other cases reported have involved great horned owls, songbirds, opossums, and bobcats.
Picking up these young animals -- under any circumstances -- is against the law. Both the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Department of Health and Environment have regulations against such activity.
Wild animals are better off left in the wild. They are not puppies or kittens and are seldom tamed, even by those who know what they are doing. They cannot legally be inoculated by veterinarians, and few people really know how to care for them. If you see young animals in the wild this spring or summer, consider yourself lucky to have seen them. But remember, their mother is most likely hunting or watching nearby. Leave them in the wild world where they were born and where they belong.
Posted: 20 May 2009 12:44 PM PDT
Application deadline is June 12 for firearms, muzzleloader permits; no paper applications accepted
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that there will be no paper applications or mail-in forms for 2009 antelope permits. All applications must be submitted online. The application deadline is midnight June 12. Those who applied last year will not receive an application in the mail this year.
The application deadline is midnight June 12 for muzzleloader and firearm permits; archery permits may be purchased through Oct. 30. Archery season is Sept. 19-27 and Oct. 10-31. Muzzleloader permit holders may hunt Sept. 28-Oct. 5. Firearm season is Oct. 2-5.
Forty-eight muzzleloader and 130 firearm permits are available this year. Only Kansas residents are eligible for muzzleloader and firearm permits. Unlimited archery permits are available, and last year 163 residents obtained permits to bowhunt antelope. Nonresidents may also purchase archery antelope permits over the counter. Six nonresident archery permits were issued in 2008, and a similar number is anticipated this year.
Posted: 20 May 2009 12:31 PM PDT
Late-season toms can make exciting quarry
It's late May, and many outdoorsmen and women have given up on turkey hunting in favor of fishing or other pursuits. But if you haven't filled your turkey permit, don't give up. All late-season toms belong to the lonely-hearts club because most hens have been bred, making mates harder to find. With just over a week to go in the 2009 season, now may be the time to bag that big tom. He can be just as vulnerable to a well-placed hen decoy and call as he might have been when the breeding season began.
While it's true that late-season gobblers can be wary from having been hunted, in isolated areas, toms may have been bothered little. Those that have been hunted may still respond to the hunter who is quiet and patient. Moving little and calling with caution are the keys. Low clucks sparingly used may be the most effective in late season.
Hunters who haven't bagged a turkey this spring, or those who still have a tag to fill, shouldn't give up. The crappie will still be there once that bird is in the bag.
The 2009 spring turkey season runs through May 31. Turkey permits allow hunters to use either a shotgun or a bow. Online license and permit sales are available at the KDWP website. Permits may also be purchased over the counter, and second turkey game tags are available in units 2 and 3.
Posted: 20 May 2009 12:24 PM PDT
No fishing license required during Free Fishing Days; scout hotspots online
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that 2009 Free Fishing Days will be June 6-7, in coordination with National Fishing Week. On these days, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older and residents age 16 through 64 must have a fishing license to fish in Kansas, but on June 6-7, everyone gets to fish for free, making this the ideal time to introduce youngsters to a healthy, challenging pastime that offers a lifetime of pleasure.
Kansas has hundreds of lakes and streams, including numerous conveniently-located community lakes. To find the ideal Kansas fishing location for you, click here.
Public fishing waters also are listed in the 2009 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available online or in printed form at KDWP offices and license vendors around the state. The summary also provides a fish identification guide, length and creel limits, and a variety of additional information for anglers.
For information on fishing prospects, reservoir ratings for all sportfish may be found on the website's Fishing Forecast. In addition, the most currently-recorded biologists' fishing reports may be found onlie, and anglers can report their own experiences and read those of others on the department's Public Fishing Reports. A new addition to the Public Fishing Reports blog is a section called "Dock Squawk." In this section, any angler may discuss any fishing issue that is not related to a current report from a local lake or stream. A "Dock Squawk" blog has been created for anglers to discuss fishing-related issues in each region of the state.
Late May and early June are some of the best times to take advantage of Kansas angling opportunities. If you haven't already bought a fishing license, take advantage of this opportunity on June 6-7.
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