YOUTH/DISABLED SEASON OPENS 2006 SPRING TURKEY HUNTING

Several events designed for youth, disabled, women, and novice hunters

The regular Kansas spring turkey season runs April 12-May 31, and hunters across the state are honing calling skills, patterning shotguns, and breaking out camo gear and hen decoys. For youngsters and disabled persons, a special season runs April 7-9. During this time, resident and nonresident hunters 16 and younger may hunt under the direct supervision of an adult 18 or older. No hunting license is required for resident hunters 15 and younger, but a valid Kansas turkey permit is required. Adults accompanying youth hunters may not hunt during the April 7-9 season.

A resident turkey permit costs $22.15; a nonresident permit is $32.15. A second turkey game tag (valid in units 2 and 3) may be purchased at a cost of $12.15 for residents and $22.15 for nonresidents. Anyone 16 or older must have a valid Kansas hunting license, as well.

Anyone born on or after July 1, 1957, must successfully complete an approved course in hunter education before hunting in Kansas with the following exception: hunters 15 and younger may hunt without hunter education certification provided they are under direct supervision of an adult 18 or older.

In addition to the spring turkey seasons, a number of special turkey hunts designed to guide youth, disabled, and novice hunters will be conducted. Two special spring turkey hunts will be conducted in the scenic Flint Hills region of the state, near Council Grove. An event for hunters with disabilities will be held on Saturday, April 8, during the disabled and youth special season. A women’s hunt will be held on Saturday, April 22. For more information, phone Brent Konen, Council Grove Wildlife Area manager, at 620-767-5900.

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