Daily Archives: November 2, 2015

Youth pheasant and quail season prime opportunity

Two days, November 7-8, 2015, should be marked on every young hunter’s calendar. The youth pheasant and quail season allows all youth 16 and younger to hunt, under the supervision of an adult 18 or older, for pheasants and quail statewide. The daily bag limits during the youth season are 2 rooster pheasants per day and 4 quail per day. All state and federal lands normally open to public hunting are open, and all Walk-in Hunting Access lands are open. Hunting pressure is generally light, ensuring high-quality and productive hunting opportunities for youth.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism established youth hunting seasons through Pass It On, the department’s hunter recruitment program. Special youth seasons are set for spring turkey, deer, waterfowl, pheasants and quail. The youth seasons open before regular season openers, giving young hunters first crack. Setting youth seasons separate from regular seasons allows mentors to work with young hunters without giving up their traditional hunts.

Resident youth 15 and younger do not need a hunting license, and while Hunter Education certification is not required when hunting under adult supervision, it is highly recommended. Sixteen-year-old residents and all nonresidents must have hunting licenses. The adult mentor may not hunt; however the youth season can provide a great opportunity to scout potential hunting areas and get dogs primed before the regular opener.

With improved pheasant and quail populations predicted this fall, the youth season will provide a fantastic opportunity to introduce a youngster to the hunting tradition. For many veteran hunters, that experience is more rewarding than the hunt itself.

Atchison County to host landowner stewardship workshop

 

Private landowners interested in improving their natural resources are encouraged to attend a Landowner Stewardship Workshop on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. Registration for the workshop will start at 5:30 p.m., with presentations starting at 6:00 p.m. Hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), in cooperation with the Atchison County Conservation District, the workshop will take place at the Benedictine Bottoms Wildlife Area Office, 3.5 miles northeast of Atchison on River Road.

 

Natural resource professionals will discuss technical and financial assistance available to landowners through state cost-share programs and the federal Farm Bill. Attendees will also hear about current management activities on the wildlife area.   

 

Admission is free. For more information contact Tim Urban, KDWPT wildlife biologist technician at 913-422-1314 x 105 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Trout stocking delayed at some locations

Trout season opens November 1, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) will be stocking rainbow trout in selected waters across the state through April 15. More than 30 waters will receive regular trout stockings through the winter. However, initial stockings will be delayed at Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin and the Walnut River in El Dorado State Park. The Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin had yet to experience fall turnover, which occurs as surface water cools. When this happens, dissolved oxygen levels in the water can drop, making it difficult for trout to survive. Trout won’t be stocked in the Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin until December 1, 2015. Low water levels because of dam structure renovations on the Walnut River at El Dorado State Park will also delay trout stocking in the river until November 15.

Despite these delays, other area waters will be stocked with trout by November 1. However, it’s a good idea to check for updated stocking information before traveling to your favorite trout water. Visit the KDWPT website, http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Trout-Fishing-Program/Stocking-Schedule.

During the November 1 to April 15 trout season, some waters stocked with trout require a $12.50 trout permit for all anglers 16 or older, whether they are fishing for trout or not (Type 1 Waters). Other waters require a trout permit only for anglers fishing for or possessing trout (Type 2 Waters). All residents 16-74 years old and all nonresidents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license.

The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted (two trout for anglers 15 and younger who do not have a trout permit). The possession limit is three times the daily creel.

Trout permits are available online at www.ksoutdoors.com, at KDWPT offices, and license vendors.

Little Apple Glow Paddle on the Kansas River

 

If you’re looking for a unique outdoor experience, the Little Apple Glow Paddle should fit the bill. On Saturday, November 7, 2015, paddlers are invited for an evening canoe and kayak float on the Kansas River.

 

Sponsored by the Manhattan Parks and Rec Department, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau, the evening float will begin at 5 p.m. when paddlers will meet at the Linear Trail Head for a bus ride to Fairmont Park. At 5:30, canoers and kayakers will begin paddling back to the Linear Trail Head.

 

Paddlers can bring their own canoe or kayak or rent one at the event. All boaters must wear life jackets. There is a $10 registration fee for those who bring their own vessel, $15 for registration and rental of a single person kayak, $25 for registration and rental of a two-person kayak or two-person canoe. The float will conclude with s’mores around the campfire.

 

Spaces are limited, so register today by calling or emailing Marcia Rozell, (785) 776-8829, [email protected].