PRATT -- The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission met April 21 in Pittsburg and passed a number of new regulations, primarily focusing on deer hunting. One of the most significant changes to deer regulations are that deer hunters must now purchase an antlered deer permit before purchasing an antlerless permit or game tag. Another major change is that archery permits will be valid in two units (plus Unit 19) of the permit holder's choice, rather than statewide as in the past. For the purposes of archery permits, the state will be divided into nine large archery units, rather than the 18 smaller units used for firearms permits. In addition, archery hunters will be allowed to bowhunt during the regular firearms season if they wear hunter orange.

Deer seasons for 2005 are as follow:

• Early muzzleloader -- Sept. 10-23;
• Youth/Disabled -- Sept. 24-25;
• Archery -- Oct. 1-Dec. 31;
• Unit 19 firearms -- Oct. 15-23;
• Regular Firearms -- Nov. 30-Dec. 11;
• Extended Whitetail Antlerless-Only -- Jan. 1 - 8; and
• Unit 19 archery antlerless-only -- Jan. 9-31.

In addition, Unit 16 was added to the list of units (1, 2, 3, 17 and 18) where deer taken during the regular firearms season must be registered at a check station.

In other regulatory action, the commission approved a nonresident bobcat permit. Under this provision, nonresidents may purchase a nonresident bobcat hunting permit for $100. The permit allows the hunter to take one bobcat, with hunting equipment only, during the furbearer season. Previously, nonresidents were required to purchase a $250 nonresident furharvester permit in order take a bobcat. It is anticipated that the primary purchasers of the permit will be nonresident deer hunters.

The commission also approved a change in reporting requirements for controlled shooting area operators. The change eliminates the requirement for controlled shooting area operators to record daily releases of game birds, allowing more flexibility in reporting. KDWP will still receive annual reports on bird releases.

One final regulation adds the New Zealand mudsnail to the list of species illegal to import or possess in Kansas.

The next meetings of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will be June 23 at Fort Hays State University and Aug. 25 at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita.
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