NEOSHO WILDLIFE AREA OFFERS YOUTH/MENTOR TEAL HUNTING OPPORTUNITY

Three weekends reserved for youth on refuge area
ST. PAUL -- Young waterfowl hunters and their mentors are being offered a special hunting opportunity at Neosho Wildlife Area during the upcoming early teal season, which runs Sept. 13-28 east of U.S. 283. Neosho Wildlife Area is located 1 mile east of St. Paul in Neosho County.

The wildlife area’s refuge, normally closed to hunting, will be available to young hunters and an accompanying adult on three successive weekends (Sept. 13-14, Sept. 20-21, and Sept. 27-28) of the teal season. Youth 15 and younger and an accompanying adult at least 18 years old may hunt in the refuge on those weekend days; the refuge is closed to all hunting activity all other days.

Motorized boats will not be allowed in the refuge. Much of the water in the refuge will be approximately four feet deep, so hunters should plan accordingly, but there are areas of dry land within the refuge for hunters to use. Maps will be provided at the wildlife area’s check station illustrating their location.

There will also be huntable water within the other hunting pools on the wildlife area, which will be open to anyone throughout the season. Current waterfowl numbers, habitat conditions, and regulations can be found on the KDWP website at www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Be sure of all regulations prior to hunting; the 2008 Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary is available at the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us, and printed copies should be available prior to opening of the teal season.

Additional youth hunting opportunity will be available at Neosho Wildlife Area during the youth waterfowl season (Oct. 18-19 in eastern Kansas). During youth season, hunters 15 and younger may hunt under the supervision of an adult 18 years or older. The adult may not hunt.

More information regarding the hunts mentioned above, regular waterfowl seasons, habitat conditions, and future management of the Neosho Wildlife Area can be obtained by attending an annual public meeting. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Osage Mission Museum on Highway 47 on the east side of St. Paul.

Further information regarding hunting opportunities or hunting conditions at Neosho Wildlife Area may be obtained by calling 620-449-2539.
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