PRATT – Hunters who primarily rely on public land access to pursue their quarry will soon have the opportunity to apply for special hunts around the state that offer high-quality, limited-access experiences. Special hunts occur on private lands, as well as wildlife areas, state parks, federal lands and city- or county-owned properties not normally hunted. The result is that lucky hunters who draw enjoy almost exclusive access and greater harvest rates.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Special Hunts program provides hundreds of such hunts each fall, and there’s no charge. All hunters have to do is apply, and a random computer drawing will be conducted approximately one week after the deadline to determine who is selected.

Beginning July 14, 2018, hunters may submit applications. The deadline to apply for First Draw Hunts (hunts occurring in September and October) is 9 a.m., Aug. 6, 2018, and the deadline to apply for Second Draw Hunts (hunts occurring in November, December, January and February) is 9 a.m., Sept. 24, 2018.

Any resident or nonresident hunter may apply. When applying online, hunters will select hunts by species, date and category, and hunt types include Open Hunt, Youth Hunt, and Mentored Hunt. All applicants are eligible to apply for Open Hunts, 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 may not hunt. Mentored Hunts are open to both youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor 21 or older who may also hunt.

Successful applicants will be emailed their hunt permit, as well as area maps and other pertinent information. Hunters are responsible for purchasing necessary licenses and permits required by law.

Most special hunts are for deer and upland game, but opportunities are also available for waterfowl, dove, turkey and furbearers.

For more information on the Special Hunts Program, and to apply beginning July 14, 2018, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting,” then “Special Hunts Information.”

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