Dec. 15, 2011
Many seasons open during Christmas, New Year’s break
PRATT — Most people take some time off work during the Christmas and New Year holidays, and this is a perfect time to take advantage of cool-weather hunting with family and friends. It can be an excellent time to hunt because colder weather may hold game birds tight, bring mallards into the state, and fatten up squirrels and cottontails.

January antlerless deer seasons are especially popular for hunters who have not filled a permit or who want to put more deer in the freezer. Unfilled permits purchased in the fall of 2011 are valid for these seasons. All unfilled permits revert to Whitetail Antlerless Only and retain unit restrictions listed on the permit. All hunters should remember that a 2012 Kansas hunting license is also required beginning Jan. 1.

Cool weather not only makes game easier to locate, but competition for places to hunt is lighter than in the fall. For those looking for a good holiday hunt, the following season dates remain or will be open in late 2011 and into 2012:

• fall turkey — Dec. 12-31 and Jan. 9-31, 2012;
• archery deer — Sept. 19-Dec. 31;
• extended firearm season (whitetail antlerless only, open statewide) — Jan.1-8, 2012;
• special extended firearm season (whitetail antlerless only, units 7, 8, and 15 only) — Jan. 9-15, 2012;
• extended archery season (whitetail antlerless only, Unit 19 only) — Jan. 9-31, 2012;
• exotic dove (Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves only) — Nov. 20-Feb. 28, 2012;
• ducks, Early Zone — Dec. 17-Jan. 1, 2012;
• ducks, High Plains Zone — Oct. 8-Jan. 2, 2012 and Jan. 21-29, 2012;
• ducks, Low Plains Late Zone — Oct. 29-Jan. 1, 2012 and Jan. 21-29, 2012; and
• ducks, Low Plains Southeast Zone — Nov. 5-Jan. 8, 2012 and Jan. 21-29, 2012.
• Canada geese (including Brant) — Nov. 9-Feb. 12, 2012;
• white-fronted geese — Oct. 29-Jan. 1, 2012 and Feb. 4-12, 2012;
• light geese — Nov. 9-Feb. 12, 2012 and by special conservation order from Feb. 13-April 30, 2012;
• pheasant — Nov. 12-Jan. 31, 2012;
• quail — Nov. 12-Jan. 31, 2011;
• prairie chicken — East and Northwest zones, Nov. 19-Jan. 31, 2012 and Southwest Zone, Nov. 19-Dec. 31;
• squirrel — June 1-Feb. 29, 2012; and
• rabbit — open year round.

For detailed information on hunting units, bag and possession limits, and other information, consult the 2011 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary, available wherever licenses are sold or on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.
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