14-year-old Scammon youth landed monster May 3 PRATT -- A new Kansas state record largemouth bass was caught in a private strip pit in Cherokee County on May 3 and has been certified by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Fourteen-year-old Tyson Hallam, of Scammon, took the trophy fish during the West Mineral Eagles Fishing T ... Read More

Stream health surveys now involve local groups, larger streamsPRATT -- Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) stream survey crews will survey streams and rivers throughout Kansas this summer, adding information to a database that helps assess and monitor the overall conditions of these waterways. These assessments are annual undertaking ... Read More

Deadline July 1; payments have increased; additional prairie signup offeredLandowners interested in the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ (KDWP) Walk-In Hunting Access program (WIHA) -- which pays landowners to allow hunting access on their land -- are reminded that the deadline for enrollment is July 1. The WIHA program, which began in ... Read More

Handfishing season runs June 15-Aug. 31; only flathead catfish may be taken; other restrictions apply
PRATT -- The Kansas handfishing season -- often referred to as "noodling" -- opens June 15, and die-hard outdoorsmen are looking forward to the opportunity to take flathead catfish using this unconventional method. Although such angle ... Read More

Derby participants could win $200, drawing prizes for all
WEBBER -- Free Fishing Weekend for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. Fishing licenses are not required to fish any Kansas waters for these two days, and staff at Lovewell State Park are taking advantage of this opportunity w ... Read More

Online survey results to help guide future waterfowl regulationsThe Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks wants to hear from waterfowl hunters. Specifically, the department would like to hear from the 2,794 waterfowl hunters who recently received a postcard asking for their participation in an online survey.“The survey is designed to determin ... Read More

International organization honors Kansas hunter education coordinatorKansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) hunter education coordinator Wayne Doyle has been named to the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) Hall of Fame. The award was presented at the recent IHEA conference in Illinois in recognition of his exceptional con ... Read More

Applications available online; either-species permit allows take of white-tailed or mule deerThe Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) reminds resident hunters that 2008 Firearm Either-species/Either-sex permit applications are due July 11. Applications are available online. These permits allow firearm hunters to take a mule deer or wh ... Read More

Marina staff's quick action prevents spread to reservoir; highlights need for cautionGenerally, the news on zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species (ANS) is bad, but recently, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) staff reported some good news. "I would like to recognize the staff at Melvern Marina for their action to pre ... Read More

Proclamation highlights benefits of outdoor recreationGov. Kathleen Sebelius wants Kansans to get out and have some fun. To this end, Sebelius' recently proclaimed June "Great Outdoors Month." Her proclamation reads as follows:“Whereas, Kansas state residents have a proud tradition of both safeguarding the environment and enjoying the ... Read More

Free fishing, hunting licenses for disabled veterans among new laws enacted in 2008TOPEKA – The 2008 Kansas Legislature and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius have approved several new laws affecting outdoor recreation in Kansas. Bills passed into law this year include the following:
Senate Bill 157 -- requires the department to purchase vessel liabilit ... Read More

Variety of promotional events in planning stageThe Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, has announced that the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ Boating Education Program has been selected as a 2008/2009 National Recreation and Park Association Take Me Fishi ... Read More

Upland bird seasons, early migratory bird seasons on public hearing agendaThe Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on the campus of Bethel College in North Newton June 26. The public is invited to attend both the afternoon public meeting and evening public hearing at Krehbiel Auditorium, 300 E. 27th Str ... Read More

Thirty-five percent increase rangewide means more nesting birds; production outlook hopefulEach spring, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) conducts a survey of pheasants throughout their statewide range. As the mating season approaches, roosters increase crowing, and KDWP staff drive routes, stop at established stations, and lis ... Read More

Classes to focus on grassland burning; registration deadline July 18The Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition (KGLC) is hosting two range schools in August -- one for eastern Kansas at White Memorial Camp in Morris County and one for western Kansas at Camp Aldrich in Barton County. The eastern school is set for August 12-14 and the western school for ... Read More

Bullfrog season a favorite pastime on hot summer nightsKansas summer temperatures frequently reach more than 100 degrees, and many Kansans prefer the comfort of air conditioning to the outdoors. Others, however, relish the freedom of summer nights, when shorts and a T-shirt are all that's needed to cool off in the water and pursue their favorit ... Read More

Although last week in June finds some parks soggy, hopes rise with lower watersA variety of Independence Day events are set to launch the summer season in Kansas state parks. While some parks have experienced high water levels and some flooded or soggy campgrounds in recent weeks, most park facilities are ready for Fourth of July festivities. T ... Read More

Limited but high-quality hunts designed for everyone; application deadline July 15Each year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) offers a number of special hunts on KDWP land. Hunters looking for a high-quality hunting experience are encouraged to apply for these special hunts. Dozens of specially-planned, limited-draw hunts for ... Read More

National figures third-lowest since reporting began; Kansas accidents drop 40 percentDeaths resulting from recreational boating accidents fell in 2007, according to figures recently released by the United States Coast Guard. Nationally, the total dropped from 710 in 2006 to 688 in 2007, the lowest figure since 2004 and third lowest since the Co ... Read More

Mulberries and summer shade attract squirrels and hunters; season runs June 1-Feb. 28For outdoorsmen and women who don't fish or just want more varied outdoor experiences in the Sunflower State, Kansas offers exciting hunting opportunities throughout the summer. Squirrel season provides that opportunity. The season opened June 1 and runs throug ... Read More