2010 KANSAS SPRING TURKEY ATLAS NOW ONLINE
PRATT — It's been a long winter in the Sunflower State, but those who anticipate the thrill of spring turkey hunting can start preparing with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) 2010 Kansas Spring Turkey Atlas, now available for viewing and download on the agency's website, www.kdwp.state.ks.u
KS TURKEY PERMIT/TAG COMBO OFFERS BARGAIN PRICE
The 2010 spring turkey season kicks off April 1 with the youth, archery, and disabled season April 1-13, followed by the regular season, which runs April 14-May 31. Hunters looking for a bargain can find it in the turkey permit/game tag combination, available through March 30 at a reduced price. By purchasing the combination early, hunters save $7.50 over the cost of purchasing each separately after March 30.
Kansas Reports Record Low Hunting Accidents In 2009
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.
Hunting License Sales Up By 3.5 Percent
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 Scream of the Eagles
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.
Kansas Spring Turkey Permits Now Availalble for 2010
The 2010 spring turkey season runs April 14-May 31, and hunters across the state are already making preparations. Turkey permits allow hunters to use a shotgun, crossbow, or bow throughout the regular season. Archery-only and youth/disabled seasons run concurrently, April 1-13. A new regulation change this year makes youth permits valid statewide, including Unit 4. Also new for 2010, a turkey permit/game tag combination is available through March 30 at a reduced price. By purchasing the combination early, hunters save $7.50 over the cost of purchasing each separately after March 30.
PRESCRIBED BURNING WORKSHOPS TO BE HELD IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN KANSAS
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.
Hunters Urged to STOP for Survival
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.
South Dakota Hunting Atlas Updates
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.
Safety First this Hunting Season
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.
FALL TURKEY HUNTING A WILD EXPERIENCE
PRATT -- Wild turkey populations in most of Kansas have been growing for years, offering hunters the opportunity to pursue this large game bird in the fall. All of Kansas except Unit 4 (westcentral and southwestern Kansas) is open to fall hunting.
Hunters can help the hungry
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.
BUTTERFLY ROYALTY VISITING KANSAS
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.
NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY SEPT. 26
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.
The Lost Jingle of the Coins
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,
2009 KANSAS HUNTING ATLAS NOW ONLINE
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.
Teaming With Wildlife Act Has South Dakota In Mind
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.
Attend a HuntSAFE Class in Your Area
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
Outlaws - “Why can’t people just read the regulation?”
Most are good folks that made a mistake, paid a small fine similar to a speeding ticket and go on about their business. Others never get the idea and continue, with that “I’m above the law” attitude that sometimes inspires the game wardens to get the idea that the outdoorsmen on the whole, are the enemy.
Kansas Offers Interactive Hunter Education Courses Online
PRATT -- For several years now, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has offered hunter education courses that provide a large percentage of the work online, followed by a day of mostly field training, including live fire. Several days before the class, students log on the International Hunter Education Association's (IHEA) home study website, http://homestudy.ihea.com. Here, they are taken through several pages of information regarding hunter education, including introduction to hunter education, hunting safety, hunter responsibility, outdoor safety, wildlife conservation, and hunting opportunities.
SCOTT STATE PARK TO HOST SOUTHWEST KANSAS YOUTH PROGRAM
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host the annual Southwest Youth Program at Scott State Park on Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Individuals attending the program will have the opportunity to draw one of 24 guided hunts, and two shotguns will be given away. To be eligible, youth must be at least 10 years old. Individuals older than 16 may participate in a guided hunt if they have never hunted before.
SDFG offers free booklet on bird identification
The Game, Fish and Parks Department has produced the backyard bird booklet to give readers tips on how to identify and attract birds. A bird checklist will help you document your growing bird list.
ACCESSYES DONATIONS PROVIDE MORE PLACES TO HUNT AND FISH
Wyoming- For more than 10 years Hunters in Wyoming and anglers The AccessYes program was set up shortly after the walk-in area program began as a method to provide a payment source to compensate landowners for providing access. Game and Fish state access coordinator Matt Buhler said that in 2008, hunters and fisherman gave $131,375 to AccessYes. An additional $45,261 was gifted by conservation organizations and sportsmen. "Most of the donations are made at the time of license purchase," according to Buhler.