Kansas anglers out in force as popular sportfish move to shallow water Of all Kansas outdoor recreation opportunities, crappie fishing is one of the most popular. These tasty fish bite year-round, but spring brings them close to shore, where they spawn in shallow water. This makes great fishing for anyone with a hook and line. Late spring is ... Read More

High-tech "treasure hunt" contest offered at 29 locations this yearKansans throughout the state are excited about a new outdoor activity called geocaching, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is making participation easier. As the sport has gained in popularity, KDWP has offered more opportunity in state parks and o ... Read More

New position to focus on enhancing wildlife habitat through the federal Farm BillThe Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) has appointed Barth Crouch as the organization's new conservation policy director, and federal Farm Bill programs will be his primary area of responsibility. Crouch is no stranger to Farm Bill programs. He most recently worked a ... Read More

Youth artists to be honored at State-Fish Art Expo July 19-20Wildlife Forever has announced Kansas winners of the group's 2008 State-Fish Art Contest. In the 7th- through 9th-grade category, Evan Pflugradt of Olathe took first place. Audra Miller, of Halstead, won Kansas honors in the 10th- through 12th-grade category.In addition to having thei ... Read More

Study examines wealth of information to improve existing trails and plan future onesThe Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced guidelines for improvement of existing trails and development of more trails throughout the Sunflower State. Entitled Kansas State Trails Plan 2008, the 103-page document will serve as the primary ... Read More

KDWP’s 3,200-gallon mobile aquarium to display Kansas fishWICHITA -- Ever been face to face with a 25-pound channel catfish?The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks invites Wichita Riverfest visitors to take a closeup look at an impressive assortment of Kansas fish. The fish will be on display in the department’s 3,200-gallon mobile aquarium ... Read More

Public cautioned to leave young deer alone; mother is always nearby Kansas outdoorsmen and women are seeing more deer fawns lately, and there's good reason: May and June are the primary deer fawning months in the Sunflower State.The majority of fawns are born in late May and early June, following a gestation period of about 200 days. This indic ... Read More

Lonely toms can make late-season turkey hunting worth the wait It's May, and many outdoorsmen and women have turned from hunting turkeys to pursuit of spawning crappie or other popular sportfish. However, the avid hunter knows that there's still time to bag a big gobbler, and late in the season may be one of the best times.By May, most hens hav ... Read More

Participants asked to contact event organizers by June 4The 12th Annual Governor’s Golf and Fishing Classic will be held June 13-14 at Rolling Meadows Golf Course and Milford Reservoir, near Junction City. Participants may enjoy a round of golf at Rolling Meadows Golf Course on Friday, June 13. On Saturday morning, anglers will compete for the ... Read More

Bill would provide $4 billion for conservation WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After nearly four months of extensions, House and Senate Farm Bill conferees have reached an agreement on the main elements of the 2008 Farm Bill. If passed, the bill would provide an additional $4 billion in new funding for conservation programs. While final language is not yet ... Read More

Application deadline is June 13 for firearms, muzzleloader permitsApplications for permits to hunt antelope in 2008 have been mailed to last year’s applicants. For those who did not apply last year, printed applications are available at offices of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Applications are also available online.The app ... Read More

As summer heats up, parks plan more events for increased visitationAlthough the first official day of summer is June 20, most Kansans consider June the first full month of summer and begin planning trips to their favorite state parks. To enhance those visits, park staff conduct a variety of special events throughout the state. From Free Park En ... Read More

Prizes for all kids; special awards for biggest, smallest, and most fish
BELOIT -- The 4th annual Glen Elder Youth Fishing Tournament will be held Saturday, May 31, in association with Glen Elder State Park's OK Kids Day. On this day, approximately 20 local anglers volunteer their time and boats to take the youth fishing from 9 p.m. to noon an ... Read More

No fishing license required; time to explore a great sport
PRATT -- The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced its annual Free Fishing Days -- June 7-8. In coordination with National Fishing Week, on these days, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older and residents age ... Read More

Conrad Carlson tourney raises funds for turkey and fishing clinics, shooting sports, much more
EMPORIA -- After a tragic construction accident claimed the young life of Conrad Carlson on August 1, 2002, a non-profit foundation bearing his name was formed. One of the foundation's major fundraising events is an annual golf tournament, to be held ... Read More

Aquatic nuisance species signs geared toward raising public awareness It's the boating season, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) wants all boaters to have fun. However, staff want to ensure that boaters protect the resource they enjoy from dangerous aliens -- commonly called aquatic nuisance species (ANS). KDWP staff are in ... Read More

Six-day camp teaches youngsters outdoor skills and just plain fun The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) and the K-State Cooperative Extension Service are sponsoring the annual Outdoor Adventure Camp (OAC) June 8-13 at the Camp WaShunGa area of Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City. Youngsters who enjoy the outdoors and want to learn more a ... Read More

What's your cholesterol? What's your blood pressure? What's your weight? These and other health-related questions are addressed at the Kansas state government's Healthy Kansas website. The Healthy Kansas website includes a program entitled "What's Your Mile?" This program helps visitors to the website tailor a walking/hiking program t ... Read More

Wingshooting the focus of eight-week course Kansas volunteer hunter education instructors will conduct an eight-week advanced course in wingshooting beginning Thursday, June 12. The course will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Thursday evening for eight consecutive weeks at the Powder Creek Shooting Park, 8601 Monticello Road in Lenexa. (Sund ... Read More

If confirmed, fish would break a 31-year-old record A potential new Kansas state record largemouth bass was caught May 3 in a private strip pit in Cherokee County. Fourteen-year-old Tyson Hallam, of Scammon, took the trophy fish during the West Mineral Eagles Fishing Tournament using a jig and pig. The monster largemouth weighed 11-pounds, 12.8 ... Read More