The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved 2006 big game hunting season regulations at a public hearing in Junction City April 27th. Seasons approved for big game include the following: DEER

Early muzzleloader season: Sept. 9 through Sept. 22

Youth and disabled persons season: Sept. 23 through Sept. 24

Archery season: Oct. ... Read More

The number of recreational boaters using Kansas's waterways has grown tremendously over the past decade. As our waterways become more crowded and the types of boats using the water become more varied, it is increasingly important for boaters to become educated on safe boating techniques and laws. Boating safety course graduates can help ensure ... Read More

Park users can avoid lines, waiting, by purchasing permits before going to the park PRATT -- Kansas state park patrons are encouraged to save themselves time waiting in long lines this summer by purchasing permits before going to their favorite park. Although vehicle, camping, and other permits are available at offices of the Kansas Depart ... Read More

Effort designed to clear public lands of alcohol and drug abuse Natural resource officers with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will be targeting underage drinkers at Lyon State Fishing Lake and Melvern Reservoir this spring and summer. Similar operations on these areas last year netted arrests for minors possessing or cons ... Read More

Offerings range from free park entrance to mountain-man encampments
Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, and many Kansas state parks have scheduled events to celebrate the state's natural resources. Kanopolis (near Ellsworth) and Lovewell (near Mankato) state parks are just two that have planned events this year. Kanopolis State Park will celeb ... Read More

Public and private organizations combine to restore, expand wetland The federal Migratory Bird Conservation Commission recently approved a $999,345 North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant for the first stage of a three-phase project to acquire, restore, enhance, and manage 2,770 acres at Jamestown Wildlife Area (WA) in northce ... Read More

2006 big game seasons highlight evening public hearing agenda The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing Thursday, April 27th, at the Courtyard Marriott, 310 Hammons Drive, Junction City. The public is invited to attend both the afternoon and evening sessions, as well as a pre-meeting tour of the Milfo ... Read More

Event designed to improve women's skills in all types of firearms shooting CHANUTE -- On May 13, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Kansas State Rifle Association, and Lil' Toledo Lodge will sponsor Shooting Skills for Women Day at the Lil' Toledo Lodge, 10600 E. 170th Road, south of Chanute. The event begins at 9 a.m. and runs ... Read More

Changes simplify language, mirror federal laws
This spring, the 2006 Kansas State Legislature passed a bill involving recreational boating laws, and the bill was signed into law by the Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. The law addresses several issues that will benefit boaters. The law clarifies several legal boating terms, as well as updating langua ... Read More

Free Park Entrance Days, other events scheduled for April Each year, Kansas state parks conduct special events, some in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days , some to celebrate a special historical event or geological attribute of an individual park, and others just for entertainment. Events are diverse and may include anything from a ma ... Read More

Space still available for women-only hunt
COUNCIL GROVE -- In preparation for spring turkey season, hunters are breaking out turkey calls and other gear. However, many Kansans have never experienced the thrill of hunting spring gobblers. To introduce the uninitiated to spring turkey hunting, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks -- in ... Read More

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks staff is conducting a series of public meetings around the state this spring to describe and hear comments on several fishing regulation changes under consideration. Meetings have been conducted in Iola, Salina, Hays, and Wichita, with upcoming sessions in Topeka (May 8, 7 - 9 p.m., KDWP Region 2 office) ... Read More

Information sought on participation in fishing, hunting, and other wildlife-based recreation The U. S. Census Bureau has begun interviewing people for the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The survey is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) at the request of state fish and wildlife agenc ... Read More

Cabins, canoes, kayaks, fishing boat for rent, lake association creating fish habitat It's been a busy year at Tuttle Creek State Park, and as summer approaches, the park has a number of improvements to attract visitors. The park now has cabins (4), kayaks, and canoes for rent, and the Tuttle Creek Lake Association has been busy improving fi ... Read More

Several events designed for youth, disabled, women, and novice hunters The regular Kansas spring turkey season runs April 12-May 31, and hunters across the state are honing calling skills, patterning shotguns, and breaking out camo gear and hen decoys. For youngsters and disabled persons, a special season runs April 7-9. During this time, re ... Read More

Input on preserving wetlands, aquifers, and other natural resources needed More than 1,800 farmers and ranchers across the southern High Plains will receive a survey in the mail asking for their opinions about the Ogallala Aquifer, wetlands, and other natural resources in the region. The "High Plains Landowner Survey" is being cond ... Read More

Birdwatching, wetland and prairie chicken tours, seminars to be featured WAKEFIELD -- This Clay County community will turn into a wildlife watcher's paradise April 28-30. The three-day Kansas Birding Festival will feature seminars on birds and birdwatching, guided field trips, food, and much more. The event will begin Friday, April 28 at the ... Read More