PRATT -- In March, the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission passed several new regulations dealing with big game and turkey. Turkeys were redefined in a class by themselves, separate from big game. A new class of deer permit -- nonresident Archery Whitetail Either Sex -- was created. The fall turkey season was also approved, running from Oct. 1-Jan. 31, except during any firearms deer season. Supervising adults during the spring turkey youth season must now be 18 instead of the previous age of 21.

Antelope seasons were also set at the March meeting. Archery season will run Sept. 24-Oct. 2 and Oct. 15-31. Firearm season will run Oct. 7-Oct. 10. Muzzleloader season will run Oct. 3-Oct. 10. An unlimited number of resident archery permits will be available over the counter, and 118 firearms permits will be available by drawing. Unit 2 will receive 90 permits, and Unit 17 will receive 28 permits. Thirty-eight muzzleloader permits will be available -- 20 in Unit 2, 10 in Unit 17, and eight in Unit 18.

Elk seasons and permit allocations were also set. The elk archery season will run Oct. 1-Nov. 29 and Dec. 12-Dec. 31. Firearm season will run Nov. 30-Dec. 11 and Jan. 1-March 15, 2006. On Ft. Riley, the first season segment will run Oct. 1-31, the second segment Nov. 1-31, and third segment Dec. 1-31.

Muzzleloader season will be Sept. 1-30. Ten Any Elk permits will be offered. Five Antlerless-Only Elk permits will be authorized for each of the hunting segments on Ft. Riley. Unlimited Hunt-Own-Land elk permits were authorized. The application deadline for limited elk permits is July 15.
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