Visitors use global positioning systems to find buried "treasure" For those who visit El Dorado State Park to hunt, fish, camp, hike, or just relax and enjoy nature, there is now a new outdoor pursuit to add to this list of activities. "Geocaching" is a worldwide game for Global Positioning System (GPS) users. The game in ... Read More

Inlet closed March 27-April 9 Historically, when water is released into Lovewell Reservoir by the Bostwick Irrigation District, fish are attracted to the inlet area. This year, that release will coincide with the walleye spawning season. When this has occurred in the past, illegal snagging activities of walleye resulted. Since 1988, the Kan ... Read More

Biologists from Canada observing; eggs being propagated on-site at Cheney PRATT -- One of Kansas’ most popular angling opportunities is just beginning as walleye move into shallow, rocky areas -- usually rip-rap along reservoir dams -- to spawn. As waters warm and days grow longer, walleye abandon deep water and migrate to these spawning are ... Read More

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission public hearing action The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved several fee changes at a public hearing in Topeka Thursday, March 16th. The commission approved increases in fees for resident hunt-own-land deer, antelope and elk permits to the same level as resident landowner/tenant deer ($15), ant ... Read More

Park users can save by purchasing permits early Kansas state park patrons can save money by purchasing many permits before April 1. Many camping and vehicle permits fees are cheaper if purchased during the off-season -- Oct. 1-March 31. Park permits can be purchased at most offices of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or online . S ... Read More

Biologists say rain needed to start migration; season opened March 15 The Kansas paddlefish season runs March 15 through May 15, but anglers may not have much success unless eastern Kansas receives spring rains and rivers rise. If the dry spell breaks, and rivers rise, paddlefish enter Kansas in search of spawning areas, usually when the wat ... Read More

“Kansas Wildlife & Parks” magazine story describes research findingsWhen remembering the “Good Ol’ Days” of pheasant hunting in western Kansas, many hunters don’t realize the impact of an outdated farming practice known as wheat-fallow rotation that provided for nesting gamebirds in ways not allowed by modern agriculture. However, new res ... Read More

Printed atlases available in late March; KDWP web log features WIHA discussion The Kansas youth spring turkey season runs April 7-9, and the regular season opens April 12 and runs through May 31. To help Kansans find places to hunt turkeys, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that its 2006 Kansas Spring Turkey Hu ... Read More

Program offers living stipend, experience, education awards The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is accepting applications for the 2006 AmeriCorps program. KDWP has applied for the federal grants necessary to fund the program, and department officials expect to be informed about 2006 grant funding by late summer. The department ... Read More

Recreational trails grant funding available, LWCF grants not available There’s good news for local communities interested in developing recreational trails, but projects seeking funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will have to wait. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has announced that funding will be availab ... Read More

Meat processors, food banks, donors help provide more than 110,000 meals Kansas Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KSFHFH) reports that 2005 was a banner year for the organization. With the help of hunters, meat processors, and private donors, the organization was able to dramatically increase the amount of venison the group provides to ... Read More

Soil and wildlife conservation practices gain national attention The American Soybean Association (ASA) has announced that Keith Thompson of Thompson Farms near Osage City has won the 2006 Western Region Conservation Legacy Award. The award is given for dedication to the land and wildlife through cropland management practices such as conserv ... Read More

Birdwatching, wetland and prairie chicken tours, seminars to be featured The Kansas Birding Festival will transform the Clay County community of Wakefield into a paradise for birders, naturalists, and other outdoor enthusiasts April 28 - 30. The three-day event will feature seminars on birds and birdwatching, guided field trips, food, and mu ... Read More

Public invited to all sessions at Kansas History Center The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing Thursday, March 16th, at the Kansas History Center, 6425 SW 6th Ave., Topeka. All interested persons are invited to attend. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. The evening session will begin at ... Read More

Education classes are available across the state during March and April There’s more to preparing for the boating season than just getting the boat ready. Kansas boaters can help ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers by completing a boater education course. Since many insurance providers offer discounts for boater education ce ... Read More

KDWP summary shows anglers best spots to fish March has arrived, and with it, anglers' dreams of full creels and lunker fish. To help improve angler success, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) annually prepares a forecast of fishing prospects in public water throughout the state. The 2006 Kansas Fishing Forecast outlines man ... Read More

Staff, volunteers already planning for 2006 event Meade State Park staff and their local partners have received a "Commitment to Excellence" award for their efforts in hosting a popular and well-attended OK KIDS Day event in 2005. The award, presented by Kansas Wildscape and Capitol Federal Savings & Loan, recognized the May 7 ... Read More