Blog

Visit these trout fishing hot spots

Kansas offers trout fishing at more than 30 public fishing lakes

Winter weather may not be synonymous with fishing for most people, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offers anglers winter trout fishing opportunities that make putting up with the cold worth it.

Trout are stocked in select waters during the trout season, which is open through April 15. Anglers can try their luck at trout fishing in Type 1 waters, which require all anglers to possess a $12.50 trout permit, and in Type 2 waters, which require only those fishing for or possessing trout to purchase the permit. The $12.50 permit is valid for the calendar year and can be purchased wherever licenses are sold and online at ksoutdoors.com.

Trout fishing opportunities are available at the following lakes:

TYPE 1 LAKES: TROUT PERMITS REQUIRED OF ALL ANGLERS

TYPE 2 LAKES: TROUT PERMITS REQUIRED ONLY FOR TROUT ANGLERS

TROUT Permit required year-round

  • Cherokee County – Mined Land Wildlife Area No. 30*

*Because trout survive through the summer here, a trout permit is required year-round for anglers utilizing the lake.

Residents 16-74 years old, and all non-residents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license. The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted. Anglers 15 and younger may fish without a trout permit, but are limited to two trout per day, or they may purchase a permit and take five trout per day. Possession limit for trout is 15.

For information on trout stocking schedules, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You/ Trout Fishing Program.”

Trapping seasons to close, running season opens

Beavers and otters may be trapped through March 31

The 2014 trapping season is coming to a close, and just as one season closes, another season will open. Beavers and otters may still be trapped through March 31, but the trapping season for other furbearers ended Feb. 15. On March 1, the running season, an eight-month period where hound owners and their dogs can practice their furbearer-chasing skills, opens and will run through Nov. 1. During this time, licensed furharvesters and their dogs can chase – but not take – bobcats, opossums, raccoons, red fox and gray fox.

Hunters can run furbearers 24 hours daily during the running season. Because no furbearer may be legally killed or taken during running season, it is illegal for runners to possess any firearms or weapons while pursuing furbearers, however certain exceptions apply.

Trappers pursuing beavers and otters through the end of trapping season are reminded that otters must be tagged within seven days of the close of the trapping season. The lower canine teeth shall also be surrendered to KDWPT at that time.

For details on current furbearer regulations and the upcoming running season, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting/Hunting-Regulations/Furbearers.”

KDWPT looking for volunteer angling education instructors

Anglers interested in teaching fishing techniques can become certified instructors during one-day class

 

What better way to enjoy your passion than to share it with others? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is looking for anglers interested in sharing their passion for fishing by teaching fishing techniques in Kansas. Through a one-day Angler Education Instructor Certification Course, KDWPT and Fishing’s Future will provide anglers with the tools necessary to work with children and host classes and clinics. The course will be held March 21 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the KDWPT Pratt Operations Office, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt. There is no cost to attend.

Attendees will learn about current fishing regulations, species identification, fishing ethics, equipment, knot-tying, casting, fish habitat, aquatic nuisance species, and conservation practices. Apart from being certified, anglers will also receive sample curriculums for running a class.

One way in which certified angler education instructors can utilize their skills is by leading a local high school fishing club. Many Kansas high schools have already implemented similar programs, but for schools that have yet to offer such clubs, the need for interested and qualified instructors has yet to be met. Certified instructors may even be eligible to receive fishing supplies, including poles and bait, from KDWPT at no cost. Fishing license fees for students 16 and older may also be waived for agency-approved events with prior agency approval.

Anglers interested in registering for the March 21 class are encouraged to sign up by visiting www.fishingsfuture.org and clicking “upcoming events,” then “Angler Certification training in Pratt, Kansas.”

For more information, contact Fishing’s Future coordinator Kevin Reich at [email protected] or by phone at (785) 577-6921.

Prescribed Fire Training

Huge herds of migratory buffalo previously roamed the prairie. Our ancestors realized fires attracted these bison to new areas. Modern research trials have shown bison will begin foraging in burned areas while embers still smolder. The nutritious regrowth bison craved still feeds cattle today. Fire also helped cover escape routes from enemies, reduce tick populations, signal messages, and prevent future burns.

Today fire is a tool in land manager’s toolbox. From Mexico to Canada fire is catching on with a variety of groups. Livestock producers in the Flint Hills have long used prescribed burning to enhance cattle gains and wildlife habitat. Others burn to reduce invasive species and shift plant community compositions. Wildlife enthusiasts employ prescribed burns as a means to restore habitat for many species. Government agencies systematically conduct prescribed burns to reduce fuel loads in state and national parks in an effort to prevent monstrous wildfires. Others plan prescribed burns simply to reintroduce a key element into the landscape.

Before striking a match it is crucial to set goals, plan how the prescribed burn will occur, and communicate with those fire could potentially affect. Fires are lit from natural or man-made causes. Prescribed burns are ignited to enhance the landscape and environment. One must carefully decide what should take place, tools needed, and manpower required for a successful prescribed burn while keeping a keen eye on the weather.

If you are interested in prescribed burning on your land but feel slightly overwhelmed by the previous paragraph, fret not. Central Kansas District is here to help you along the way. Last year we hosted a Prescribed Burn School. Producer interest was phenomenal and it was a very educational event. This year CKD is teaming up with K-State Research and Extension Specialists, Kansas Forest Service, and Great Plains Fire Science Exchange to bring you an in-depth fire school.

Three separate workshops will be offered this year to those interested in deepening their prescribed fire knowledge. Presenters are prescribed burn bosses with a wealth of experience. Our format is a small group setting where each participant can interact extensively with speakers and other resource personnel. Workshops will feature presentations, videos, and hands-on curriculum designed to give confidence and know-how to those eager to implement prescribed fire on their land.

Cost for these workshops are $20 per person. This covers a meal, refreshments, and snacks throughout the day. Each will cover the same material, no need to attend all three. Workshops will begin at 9:30 am and last until approximately 4:00 pm. Space is extremely limited for these workshops. RSVP quickly before they are full! Below are the dates and locations:

Workshop 1) February 26 at USDA NRCS State Office, 747 Duvall Street in Salina

Workshop 2) March 4 at Ottawa County Courthouse, 307 North Concord Street in Minneapolis

Workshop 3) March 9 at Prescott Room in Salina Public Library, 301 West Elm Street in Salina

Fire imprinted the landscape in our past and can continue to do so in the future. Sign up not to take the first step in reintroducing this natural ingredient into your operation. For questions or comments please feel free to contact Anthony N. Ruiz at 785-392-2147 or [email protected]

“Wild About Kansas” Photo Contest

Screen Shot 2015-02-22 at 9.53.29 AM

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Wild About Kansas photo contest is designed to showcase Kansas outdoors through the lens of photographers of all skill levels.

2015 “Wild About Kansas” Rules and Entry Form 670.14 kB

NEW FOR 2015: There will be an adult category for photographers age 19 and older wishing to participate.

Divided into three categories, participants can submit photos related to:

  • wildlife
  • outdoor recreation
  • landscapes

Winning entries are featured in the January/February photo issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine.

The contest is open to both residents and non-residents of Kansas, and there is no age limit.

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category, as well as one honorable mention per category.

Mail entry forms to:

Wild About Kansas

Attn: Nadia Marji

512 SE 25th Ave.

Pratt, KS 67124

For more information, e-mail Nadia Marji at [email protected]. Enter “Wild About Kansas” in the subject line.

Outdoors scholarship available for high school seniors

Applicants must plant to attend a Kansas college or university

The Emporia Community Foundation and staff at What’s In Outdoors understand that college can be expensive – that’s why they’re inviting high school seniors to apply for the What’s In Outdoors Scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarship is available to any graduating high school senior in the state of Kansas planning to attend a Kansas college or university. Applicants must plan to make a career in conservation in some capacity and take classes pertaining to wildlife, nature, photography, journalism, communications, or any other related fields.

Successful applicants will receive $500 per semester after showing proof of full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 credit hours). The second semester payment will be sent after grades from the first semester are received.

Applicants should include with their application: A letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer; information on any involvement with wildlife- or other nature-based fields; and examples of work relating to photography or writing, if applicable.

For more information and to apply, visit www.emporiacf.org and click “Grants,” then “Scholarships.”

One in three deer hunters to receive E-mail survey

Effective deer management requires hunter participation in surveys

One third of the hunters who pursued deer during the 2014-2015 season will be randomly-selected to receive an e-mail survey from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) this month. Because biologists depend on the data gathered to make deer management recommendations, hunter participation in completing the survey in its entirety is crucial to ensure data is statistically-valid.

“Some people reply back and tell us they killed a doe or got a 10-point buck and think that is all we really need. That is not the case,” said KDWPT big game biologist, Lloyd Fox. Fox explained that KDWPT wants to know about multiple aspects of the hunt in order to gain a clearer picture of the men and women who hunt deer and the impact of hunting on the resource.

The survey, which is conducted every year, gathers a variety of information from deer hunters including: harvest success, dates and seasons hunted, days spent in the field, locations hunted, choice of equipment during the 2014-2015 seasons, opinions on current deer populations, and more.

Even if a hunter did not harvest a deer, they are still encouraged to complete the survey.

For more information on Kansas deer hunting, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting/Big Game Information/Deer.”

Light goose Conservation Order extends hunting season

Goose hunters pursuing snow, Ross’ geese may hunt through April 30

For some waterfowl hunters, seasons seem to come and go all too fast. It may feel like hunters and their canine companions have just warmed up when the regular seasons close. However, hunters looking to enjoy a few more weeks afield hunting geese can participate in the Light Goose Conservation Order from Feb. 16-April 30, 2015. During this special season set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, hunters may take an unlimited amount of snow and Ross’ geese.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established this special season in 1999 in an effort to increase the harvest of light geese, a population that has increased more than 300 percent since the mid-1970s. These historic numbers of geese have denuded portions of their fragile tundra breeding habitat in the arctic, which may take decades to recover. This impacts other bird species that nest there, including semi-palmated sandpipers and red-necked phalaropes.

To increase hunter success, the conservation order authorizes hunting methods not allowed during the regular seasons, including the use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

For more information on this season, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click on “Hunting/When to Hunt/Migratory Birds.”

Kansas NRCS Announces National Initiatives for 2015

Eric B. Banks, State Conservationist with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces five national initiatives being offered in Kansas through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative, National Water Quality Initiative, On-Farm Energy Initiative, Organic Initiative, and Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative. While NRCS accepts applications for EQIP on a continuous basis, NRCS has set a deadline of March 20, to apply for 2015 initiatives funding.

Initiatives Overview

 

Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative: NRCS will assist producers in 36 counties to implement conservation practices specifically targeted to improve the lesser prairie-chicken (LPC) habitat while promoting the overall health of grazing lands and the long-term sustainability of Kansas ranching. Expired or expiring Conservation Reserve Program fields in permanent cover that may benefit LPC habitat may also be eligible for funding. This initiative will be offered in

Barber, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush, Scott, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, and Wichita counties.

National Water Quality Initiative: NRCS will assist producers with addressing high-priority water resource concerns in three watersheds. These include:  Big Creek Watershed in Ellis county; Emma Creek Watershed in Harvey, Marion, and McPherson counties; and Grasshopper Creek Watershed in Atchison, Brown, and Jackson counties.

On-Farm Energy Initiative: Producers work with an NRCS-approved Technical Service Provider (TSP) to develop Agricultural Energy Management Plans or farm energy audits that assess energy consumption on an agricultural operation. NRCS may also provide assistance to implement various recommended improvements identified in the energy audit through the use of conservation practices offered through this initiative.

Organic Initiative: NRCS will assist producers with installation of conservation practices on agricultural operations related to organic production. Producers currently certified as organic, transitioning to organic, or producers who are exempt based on the National Organic Program will have access to a broad set of conservation practices to assist in treating their resource concerns while fulfilling many of the requirements in an organic system plan.

Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative: NRCS helps producers implement high tunnels that extend growing seasons for high value crops in an environmentally safe manner. High tunnel benefits include better plant and soil quality and fewer nutrients and pesticides in the environment.

Eligibility EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to eligible participants to install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. Conservation practices must be implemented to NRCS standards and specifications. In Kansas, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers will receive a higher payment rate for eligible conservation practices applied.

 

Information Available For more information about EQIP, or other programs offered by NRCS, please contact your local USDA Service Center or go to the Web site www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov. For more on the 2014 Farm Bill, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/FarmBill. Follow us on Twitter @NRCS_Kansas. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Range Safety Officer Course at Tuttle Creek State Park

The all-day course will be conducted at Fancy Creek Range

The Friends of Fancy Creek Range invite anyone interested in becoming a certified range safety officer to attend their Feb. 21 course at Fancy Creek Range in Tuttle Creek State Park. The course will be held from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and costs $125 per person. Participants must be 21 or older to attend and do not need to bring their own equipment or ammunition; all supplies will be provided.

Range safety officers are individuals trained to supervise range operations, as well as organize and conduct safe shooting activities. Classes typically cover a range safety officer’s roles and responsibilities, standard operating procedures, range rules and inspection, equipment troubleshooting, emergency protocol, and more.

For more information on the role of safety range officers, and to register for this course, contact Kerry Moore at (785) 485-5527.

«‹444546474849505152›»