February 2009

Late winter offers plenty of hunting; snow geese may be taken through April 30
PRATT -- Abundant numbers of Canada, white-fronted, and snow geese are keeping many waterfowl hunters afield this February. Morning and evening, avid hunters may be found in cut grain fields, decoys arrayed, waiting for giant flocks of geese to leav ... Read More

Missouri River Bottoms area rich in flora and fauna
ATCHISON -- Benedictine Bottoms is a 2,112-acre wildlife area located along the Missouri River near Atchison. Three habitat types existed in the area before development — timber, native grass, and wetlands — and the area is managed for all three to this day. During constructi ... Read More

2009 statewide summary helps anglers find best spots to fish

Each year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) prepares a tool that answers every angler's most pressing question: "Where can I find the best fishing?" Called the Kansas Fishing Forecast, this indispensable tool forecasts fishing prospect ... Read More

National and state prizes awarded for students grades 4 through 12
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. -- Wildlife Forever has announced that the deadline for entry in its 11th Annual State-Fish Art Contest is March 31. Through the contest, students across Kansas and the United States have the opportunity to win national recognition and pr ... Read More

Kansas Forest Service taking orders; shipping begins in March

The Kansas Forest Service’s Conservation Tree Planting Program offers tree and shrub seedlings, as well as other items for use in conservation plantings. Plantings may function as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, woodlots, timber plantations, Christmas tree farms, ... Read More

Kansas Wildscape and Kansas Park and Recreation Association present awards

Several Kansas state parks and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) employees received awards at the annual Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) Conference held late January in Hutchinson. Charlie Black, executive director of Kan ... Read More

Awards banquet honors 2008 winners

The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) has announced the winners of the 2008 Conservation Awards Program (CAP) honors. Eleven Kansans and two organizations were honored for their work on conservation of the state’s natural resources at the KWF annual meeting and awards banquet March 7 in Ma ... Read More

Program designed to expand hunting opportunities; most hunts geared toward youth

This spring, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will conduct a number of special turkey hunts on public and private lands, as well as state parks. These hunts will offer a more controlled environment with less crowding than mig ... Read More

Fishing prospects, techniques, and locations revealed to anglers who attend

To learn how to catch more fish, attend one of several events hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) in late February. Called "Fishing Information Nights," the events will feature experts on fishing and focus on fish ... Read More

Season runs through Nov. 1; firearms may not be possessed

Although beaver trapping season runs through March 31, all other Kansas trapping seasons are over for the winter. However, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reminds hound enthusiasts that the furbearer running season begins March 1. This is the time for fu ... Read More

All aspects of shooting sports to be covered; event limited to 45 women

On Saturday, May 9, the Friends of Fancy Creek Range, Inc., will conduct a National Rifle Association Women On Target program, a shooting event for women ages 16 and older. The event will be held from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. at the Fancy Creek Range i ... Read More

Participants to explore prehistoric sites in revival of 1975 first-ever program

Once named by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the country's 50 top state parks, Scott State Park is known to many Kansans as a place of astou ... Read More

Squirrels abundant in most of Kansas; season ends Feb. 28

February is a down time for many hunters, but one often over-looked game species is abundant and active in Kansas -- the squirrel. But the season ends Feb. 28, and time is running out for those who want to hunt this elusive tree-dweller.

Kansas has two spe ... Read More

Shotgun, other gear, two-day guided hunt go to essay winner; March 14 deadline

The Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is challenging youngsters to write a story and win a two-day guided spring turkey hunt and a new turkey shotgun. In 500 words or less, entrants must answer the questi ... Read More

All novice turkey hunters are welcome; registration deadline March 12

On March 28, the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Hunter Education Program will conduct its 8th Annual Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic. The event will take place at Camp Alex ... Read More

Lake will be partially drained; summer vegetative growth in lake bed should improve fish habitat

During the summer of 2009, visitors to Shawnee State Fishing Lake (8 ... Read More

Atlas includes maps of all public-access fishing areas

Anglers looking forward to warmer weather will find welcome news in the 2009 Kansas Fishing Atlas, available for viewing and download from t ... Read More

Regular season April 8-May 31; special hunts application deadline March 16

The 2009 spring turkey season runs April 8-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 r ... Read More

KDWP awaiting lab results on more samples from 2008 deer season
Five more Kansas white-tailed deer have been confirmed positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), bringing to eight the total number of CWD incidents from the 2008 Kansas deer seasons.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is still awaiting final ... Read More