November 2007

Book aims to train university students, early- and mid-career professionals, volunteers The Wildlife Society (TWS) has announced publication of The Leadership Workbook: Building Leadership Skills in the Natural Resource Professions and Beyond, authored by Cherrie Nolden, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Farm Bill coordinator; Michael ... Read More


Fall season provides hunters special opportunity to bag big birds Although most turkey hunters think of springtime and calling gobblers, more and more hunters are taking advantage of the fall seasons, when different methods provide the opportunity to put a wild turkey on the Thanksgiving table. The traditional fall turkey hunting technique i ... Read More


Group aids everything from habitat restoration and burning to added WIHA land The Kansas State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently announced selection of the following Hunting Heritage Super Fund proposals for 2008 funding. These proposals had been evaluated and ranked earlier by the Kansas Super Fund Committee. ... Read More


Inexperienced boaters at risk when on the water to hunt or fish Boating is usually considered a warm-weather sport but, as waterfowl hunters and anglers know, fall can be the best time of the year to participate in boating activities. It can also be a dangerous time of year for avid sportsmen and women who don’t consider themselves boaters b ... Read More


Applications available online or by phone; deadline Jan. 4 Applications are now available for conservation organizations interested in applying for Commission Big Game permits. Information and applications are available by telephone request to Sheila Kemmis, 620-672-5911, or online. Applications must be submitted no later than Jan. 4, 2008. ... Read More


Dec. 1 deadline for State Capacity Grant Program proposals The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that $20,000 is available for building partnerships with other conservation organizations in the state through the Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) State Capacity Grant Program. This program provides an opportunity for ... Read More


Twenty teams comprised of 80 students display naturalist skills and knowledge The Clay Center High School team took top honors at the state finals of the 2007 Kansas ECO-Meet competition sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). The competition was held on Oct. 31 at Rock Springs 4-H Center, south of Junction City. Thi ... Read More


Agency also accepting applications for next round of funding Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) officials have announced that an ad-hoc committee of wildlife professionals recently evaluated applications for Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) grants and awarded $409,347 of LIP funds to 13 private landowners. This program provides ... Read More


Event part of Kansas Wildscape's O.K. Kids Days Kansas Wildscape has announced the winners of its 2007 Outdoor Art Contest. Silvia Bennett was the winner of the six and under age category; Brock Butel won the seven through nine group; and Elaine Goodrick won the 10 through 13 age category. This year’s theme was "Favorite Outdoor Scene.& ... Read More


Songbirds, upland game, species at risk benefit from group's efforts The Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) has announced that Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition (KGLC) member Ted Alexander of Sun City was recently honored with the 2007 National Environmental Stewardship Award. The award was good news for KGLC. KGLC was formed more than a decade a ... Read More


Hunters gear up for traditional opening day The 2007 Kansas firearms deer season runs Wednesday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 9, and hunters are sighting in their rifles and practicing their shooting skills in anticipation of one of their favorite hunting seasons. The first Kansas deer season in modern times was held in 1965, and less than ... Read More


Cooled quickly, venison is great-tasting, healthy food For deer hunters, taking a deer is a satisfying culmination of several weeks of practice, scouting, and preparation. However, once the deer is down and tagged and photos snapped, the real work begins -- caring for the meat. No matter the weather, cooling a deer soon after the kill is imp ... Read More


International organization aids local efforts The Chisholm Trail Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) recently donated $3,000 to the Kansas Chapter of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH). The donation will help Kansas FHFH pay for processing of wild game for distribution through local food banks. This provides hunters a vehic ... Read More


Next signup for landowners in early 2008 U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) Acting Secretary Chuck Conner has announced that nearly $257 million in Conservation Security Program (CSP) payments are being readied for all 19,393 contracts with eligible landowners and producers. Wildlife conservation aspects of CSP are designed to encourage land ... Read More


Eighty test locations established across state This year, hunters can help the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) monitor the status of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the state's big game population by having deer and elk tested -- for free. Through a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), KDWP is able to ... Read More


While some services limited, park usage still encouraged Fall and winter are great times to enjoy Kansas state parks, but cooler temperatures mean fewer visitors, as well as some necessary adjustments by park staff. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks designates Oct. 1-March 31 as off-season months for state parks. During this time, ... Read More


Conservation Achievement Award deadline Dec. 1 Throughout the state, Kansans are actively involved in programs to conserve the environment and promote environmental education and outreach. Often, these dedicated groups and individuals go unnoticed. To give the people the recognition they deserve, the Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) annually ... Read More


Silhouette shooting, other events promoted by national organization The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) currently features a new website to help shooters and hunters enjoy their recreation. The NSSF combs the country and reports on new hunting lands, seasons, ranges, and more in every state. Online visitors to the website are enco ... Read More


Two-person teams needed for charitable competition A group of Emporia hunters have organized a charitable competition to help local folks in need this Holiday Season, with hopes of making this an annual fundraiser. The event runs Dec. 7-9 and will provide wild game for the Salvation Army's various food assistance programs. Deer harvested wil ... Read More


Licenses and permits good for rest of 2007, all of 2008 Holiday bargain days began Dec. 17 at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). On that date, all 2008 KDWP licenses, permits, and other issues went on sale and are valid for the remainder of 2007 and all of 2008, adding more than two weeks to their value. This includes huntin ... Read More


Plan serves as guidebook to maintaining, enhancing catfishing opportunities Catfish angling has a long history in Kansas. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologists have developed a comprehensive plan to ensure that the tradition continues. Twelve species of catfish inhabit Kansas waters although channel, flathead, and blue ... Read More


Meat processors, food banks, donors help provide more than 100,000 meals With the help of hunters, meat processors, and private donors, Kansas Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KSFHFH) annually provides more than 100,000 meals to those in need, a figure that grows every year. The Kansas deer firearms season -- Nov. 28-Dec. 9 this year ... Read More


Data used to compile 2008 Kansas Fishing Forecast, guide fisheries management Each year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) raises and stocks millions of fish throughout the state, providing anglers with special opportunities to catch a wide variety of species. To monitor the health of fisheries and help anglers find the best ... Read More