June 19, 2014

Hunters can apply for access to exclusive hunting areas statewide online at ksoutdoors.com

PRATT ­­– The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism invites hunters to apply online for 2014-2015 special hunts for the fall and winter season. Applications can be made as early as July 12 by visiting ksoutdoors.com and clicking “Hunting/Special Hunts Information.” Drawings will take place August 11 for September and October hunts, and September 29 for hunts taking place October through January. 

The special hunting access gained through this program tends to mean a higher quality hunt and potentially greater harvest rates for successful applicants, but just like with any other outdoor activity, nothing is guaranteed.

During the application process, hunters will select what type of species they would like to hunt as well as what type of hunt they prefer, be that an open hunt, a youth hunt, or a mentored hunt. Open hunts are available to all successful applicants, regardless of age or hunting experience. Youth hunts require parties to include at least one youth 18 or younger, accompanied by an adult 21 or older who will not hunt. And mentored hunts are open to both youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor 21 or older who may also hunt.

A random computer drawing will be conducted within one week of the application deadline. Applicants may apply for 2nd draw hunts any time prior to the September deadline. Successful applicants will then be emailed their hunt permit, as well as any necessary maps and other pertinent information.

2014/2015 Fall and Winter application deadlines are as follows:

- 1st Draw (Sept. and Oct. Special Hunts): 9 a.m., August 11, 2014

- 2nd Draw (Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb. Special Hunts): 9 a.m., Sept. 29, 2014

Last year, the Special Hunts Program offered 1,204 hunts for the fall/winter hunting season. Depending upon the location and species being hunted, special hunts can range from a half-day up to the entire length of the season.

Lands made available for special hunts can include Corps of Engineers properties, wildlife areas, state parks, city and county properties, and private lands. Although similar to the Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program in that private landowners are compensated for the use of their land, the Special Hunts Program allows landowners to exercise more control over the use of their land. Rules such as which dates hunting can occur, how many people can hunt, as well as what species can be hunted are all left to landowners’ discretion. In addition, land areas designated for special hunts provide limited access to the public, whereas WIHA lands provide open access to hunters.

For more information on the Special Hunts Program, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting/Special Hunts Information,” or contact KDWPT public land supervisor Mike Nyhoff at (785) 628-8614 or by email at mike.nyhoff@ksoutdoors.com.

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