May 2008

MAY IS TIME FOR KANSAS ANGLERS TO CLEAN UP ON CRAPPIE

Kansas anglers out in force as popular sportfish move to shallow water

Of all Kansas outdoor recreation opportunities, crappie fishing is one of the most popular. These tasty fish bite year-round, but spring brings them close to shore, where they spawn in shallow water. This makes great fishing for anyone with a hook and l ... Read More


KANSAS STATE PARK VISITORS JOIN GROWING GEOCACHING PASTIME

High-tech "treasure hunt" contest offered at 29 locations this year

Kansans throughout the state are excited about a new outdoor activity called geocaching, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is making participation easier. As the sport has gained in popularity, KDWP has offered more opportuni ... Read More


CROUCH NAMED CONSERVATION DIRECTOR FOR PLAYA LAKES JOINT VENTURE

New position to focus on enhancing wildlife habitat through the federal Farm Bill

The Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) has appointed Barth Crouch as the organization's new conservation policy director, and federal Farm Bill programs will be his primary area of responsibilit ... Read More


KANSAS YOUNGSTERS WIN 2008 STATE-FISH ART CONTEST

Youth artists to be honored at State-Fish Art Expo July 19-20

Wildlife Forever has announced Kansas winners of the group's 2008 State-Fish Art Contest. In the 7th- through 9th-grade category, Evan Pflugradt of Olathe took first place. Audra Miller, of Halstead, won Kansas honors in the 10th- through 12th-grade category. Read More


PLAN GUIDES DEVELOPMENT, ENHANCEMENT OF TRAILS IN STATE

Study examines wealth of information to improve existing trails and plan future ones

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced guidelines for improvement of existing trails and development of more trails throughout the Sunflower State. Entitled Kansas State Trails Plan 2008, the 103-page document wil ... Read More


AQUARIUM OFFERS WICHITA RIVERFEST VISITORS UNDERWATER SHOW

KDWP’s 3,200-gallon mobile aquarium to display Kansas fish

WICHITA -- Ever been face to face with a 25-pound channel catfish?

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks invites Wichita Riverfest visitors to take a closeup look at an impressive ass ... Read More


deer fawn
KANSAS DEER FAWNING OVER YOUNG

Public cautioned to leave young deer alone; mother is always nearby

Kansas outdoorsmen and women are seeing more deer fawns lately, and there's good reason: May and June are the primary deer fawning months in the Sunflower State.

The majority of fawns are born in late May and early June, following a gestation pe ... Read More


TURKEY HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUE THROUGH END OF MAY

Lonely toms can make late-season turkey hunting worth the wait

It's May, and many outdoorsmen and women have turned from hunting turkeys to pursuit of spawning crappie or other popular sportfish. However, the avid hunter knows that there's still time to bag a big gobbler, and late in the season may be one of the best time ... Read More


JUNCTION CITY TO HOST GOVERNOR’S GOLF AND FISHING CLASSIC JUNE 13-14

Participants asked to contact event organizers by June 4

The 12th Annual Governor’s Golf and Fishing Classic will be held June 13-14 at Rolling Meadows Golf Course and Milford Reservoir, near Junction City. Participants may enjoy a round of golf at Rolling Meadows Golf Course on Friday, June 13. On Saturday morning, angler ... Read More


CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS REACH AGREEMENT ON FARM BILL

Bill would provide $4 billion for conservation

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After nearly four months of extensions, House and Senate Farm Bill conferees have reached an agreement on the main elements of the 2008 Farm Bill. If passed, the bill would provide an additional $4 billion in new funding for conservation programs.

< ... Read More


2008 PRONGHORN ANTELOPE PERMIT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Application deadline is June 13 for firearms, muzzleloader permits

Applications for permits to hunt antelope in 2008 have been mailed to last year’s applicants. For those who did not apply last year, printed applications are available at offices of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Applications are also a ... Read More


STATE PARKS PREPARE FOR JUNE WEATHER, FREE FISHING DAYS

As summer heats up, parks plan more events for increased visitation

Although the first official day of summer is June 20, most Kansans consider June the first full month of summer and begin planning trips to their favorite state parks. To enhance those visits, park staff conduct a variety of special events throughout the s ... Read More


GLEN ELDER STATE PARK TO HOST YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT MAY 31

Prizes for all kids; special awards for biggest, smallest, and most fish
BELOIT -- The 4th annual Glen Elder Youth Fishing Tournament will be held Saturday, May 31, in association with Glen Elder State Park's OK Kids Day. On this day, approximately 20 local anglers volunteer their time and boats to take the youth fishing from ... Read More


TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT: FREE FISHING DAYS STATEWIDE JUNE 7-8

No fishing license required; time to explore a great sport
PRATT -- The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced its annual Free Fishing Days -- June 7-8. In coordination with National Fishing Week, on these days, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older ... Read More


MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AIDS YOUTH HUNTING, FISHING EVENTS

Conrad Carlson tourney raises funds for turkey and fishing clinics, shooting sports, much more
EMPORIA -- After a tragic construction accident claimed the young life of Conrad Carlson on August 1, 2002, a non-profit foundation bearing his name was formed. One of the foundation's major fundraising events is an annual golf tour ... Read More


KDWP POSTING NEW 'ALIEN INVADER' SIGNS AT LAKES ACROSS THE STATE

Aquatic nuisance species signs geared toward raising public awareness

It's the boating season, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) wants all boaters to have fun. However, staff want to ensure that boaters protect the resource they enjoy from dangerous aliens -- commonly called Read More


KIDS INVITED TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP JUNE 8-13

Six-day camp teaches youngsters outdoor skills and just plain fun

The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) and the K-State Cooperative Extension Service are sponsoring the annual Outdoor Adventure Camp (OAC) June 8-13 at the Camp WaShunGa area of Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City. Youngsters who enjoy the outdoors a ... Read More


KANSAS STATE PARKS JOIN "WHAT'S YOUR MILE?" FITNESS CAMPAIGN

What's your cholesterol? What's your blood pressure? What's your weight? These and other health-related questions are addressed at the Kansas state government's Healthy Kansas website. The Healthy Kansas website includes a program entitled "What's Your Mile?&qu ... Read More


ADVANCED HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE JUNE 12 IN LENEXA

Wingshooting the focus of eight-week course

Kansas volunteer hunter education instructors will conduct an eight-week advanced course in wingshooting beginning Thursday, June 12. The course will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Thursday evening for eight consecutive weeks at the Powder Creek Shooting Park, 8601 Monticell ... Read More


POTENTIAL LARGEMOUTH BASS RECORD PENDING

If confirmed, fish would break a 31-year-old record

A potential new Kansas state record largemouth bass was caught May 3 in a private strip pit in Cherokee County. Fourteen-year-old Tyson Hallam, of Scammon, took the trophy fish during the West Mineral Eagles Fishing Tournament using a jig and pig. The monster largemouth ... Read More