Christmas bird counts held across Kansas; open to bird enthusiasts from novice to expertThe Kansas Ornithological Society has announced dates for its 2008 Kansas Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs). These statewide events help biologists glean information on bird population trends and give wildlife enthusiasts a chance to search for their favorite bir ... Read More

Quickly-dressed out and cooled deer meat rivals the best entreesFor deer hunters, taking a deer is a satisfying way to participate in nature, often culminating several weeks of practice, scouting, and preparation. However, once the deer is down and tagged and photos snapped, the real work begins -- caring for the meat.No matter the weather, coo ... Read More

Many potential sites conflict with waterfowl, shorebirds, and lesser prairie chickensThe Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) region encompasses some of the highest rated areas for wind energy development in the nation, including the western two-thirds of Kansas. As of Jan. 2008, approximately 50 wind farms producing in excess of 4,000 megawatts of ... Read More

Local group invites public to attend first meeting, join in effortConservationists in Marshall County are doing their part to improve wildlife habitat by creating a new chapter of Quail Forever (QF). The Marshall County Chapter of QF will hold its inaugural meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. in the Marysville City Hall, 209 North 8th St. in M ... Read More

Hunters anticipate camaraderie and full freezers during Dec. 3-14 firearm deer seasonThe 2009 Kansas firearm deer season runs Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 14, and it's time for hunters to sight in rifles and practice their shooting skills. While many hunters see this as an opportunity to fill the freezer with fresh lean meat, it is a ... Read More

Giant fish display will cross the state in 2009; reservation deadline Dec. 19The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Mobile Aquarium made its debut in 2008, participating in three events: Meade State Park OK Kids Day, the Wichita Riverfest, and the Kansas State Fair. In its initial year of operation, the aquarium reached nearly 140,0 ... Read More

Plentiful game species provides year-round alternative to upland and big gameWinter is just around the corner, and while many hunters pursue upland game birds, waterfowl, and deer this time of year, rabbits are an overlooked resource. Prolific breeders, they are found throughout the state, and many hunters find the lack of competition for these ... Read More

Hunters, meat processors, food banks, help provide thousands of meals to poorWith the help of hunters, meat processors, and private donors, Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KSHFH) annually provides thousands of meals to those in need.The Kansas deer firearm season -- Dec. 3-14 this year -- is the busiest time for the organization. Hunters don ... Read More

Cool water brings fish up from deep Kansas lakesAs early fall water temperatures dropped into the upper 60s, sportfish such as white bass, crappie, and walleye moved from cool, deep water and became more active. In shallow water, they take advantage of abundant prey and prepare for the coming winter, and they are easier to find and catch.Throug ... Read More

Applications available online or by phone; deadline Jan. 5Applications are now available for conservation organizations interested in applying for Commission Big Game permits. Information and applications are available by telephone request to Sheila Kemmis, 620-672-5911, or online at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website (c ... Read More

Applications due Nov. 15On Nov. 22-23, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will host the annual Waconda Lake Youth, Women, and Celebrity Pheasant Hunt. This event includes a trap shoot and a banquet for everyone, and pheasant hunts for selected youth and women. Several professional athletes and other celebrities have accepted the invita ... Read More

Applications available at KDWP websiteA program created by the Kansas State Legislature and administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) offers active members of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard who are Kansas residents the opportunity to receive free Kansas hunting and fishing licenses, as well as free state park pe ... Read More

Cheyenne Bottoms, Quivira have limited or suspended hunting to protect elegant, endangered birdsThe whooping cranes are back. Each year, some of these birds -- the largest and rarest of North American cranes -- make a stop in central Kansas, at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, near Great Bend, or Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, about 30 miles ... Read More

More than new offices, building to bring history to life in unique landscapeAmidst the rocky outcroppings known as the Ogallala Formation, Scott State Park is carved into the geography like no place in Kansas. Natural springs, deep-wooded canyons, and craggy bluffs have for centuries made this area an oasis in the High Plains. Long before early ... Read More

Internet, airwaves disseminate information on ephemeral wetlands vital to wildlife, aquifer, as playa numbers "double"According to new surveys, the number of ephemeral wetlands called playas in Kansas may be double what has been previously counted. A study by University of Kansas researchers is finding that there may be as many as 25, ... Read More

Upcoming workshops stress safety, regulations, benefits of prescribed burnsFire safety is the focus of upcoming prescribed burning workshops scheduled to be held in the western one-third of Kansas this fall. Carol Blocksome from the Grassland Water Quality Extension staff at Kansas State University (KSU) said that the idea for the workshops cam ... Read More

St. John, McLouth, Ottawa to host launch of county chaptersQuail Forever (QF), a non-profit organization dedicated to quail conservation and education, will conduct organizational meetings at three locations in Kansas this November. Sportsmen and women are invited to attend the meetings, designed to launch QF chapters in Stafford, Jefferson, an ... Read More