“Deer FAQ” delivers answers on sweeping changes, two years in the making

What are deer permit options this year? How have deer seasons changed for 2008? How many deer permits may be purchased?

These and other questions are answered in the online “Deer Frequently Asked Questions” at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website.

Most Kansas deer hunters are aware that deer permit and hunting options have changed significantly in 2008. The 2008 deer seasons are the culmination of more than two years of department staff discussion and public comment. The changes were initiated by a request from the Kansas Legislature to streamline deer-related statutes.

Following that legislative request, the KDWP Deer Task Force developed rcommendations, sought and received substantial public comment on those recommendations, and presented them to the 2007 Kansas Legislature. Legislators contributed ideas and approved the statutory foundation of changes effective this year.

Among those changes, approved by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission, are the following:

• resident deer hunters may purchase an “Any-Season White-tailed Deer Permit,” which allows them to hunt in archery, muzzleloader or firearm seasons with equipment legal in each of those seasons;
• reinstatement of resident archery permits that are valid statewide, rather than in specific units;
• creation of half-price youth permits for resident hunters;
• and more.

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