May 2006

FULL SLATE OF ACTIVITIES, EVENTS AHEAD FOR STATE PARK VISITORS

Free Park Entrance Days, other events highlight month

Each month, Kansas state parks conduct special events, some in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days, some to celebrate a special historical event or geological attribute of an individual park, and others just for entertainment. Each park sets its own dates for these ... Read More


GOOD NEWS: KANSAS HUNTING ACCIDENTS DOWN IN 2005

Twenty accidents in 2005, none fatal

The number of reported hunting accidents in Kansas dropped to 20 in 2005, down from 26 reported in 2004, according to a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Hunter Education Section report. There were no fatalities although there were several very serious incidents.

... Read More


WALLEYE WARMING UP

As water warms, walleye fishing heats up

As table fare, walleye are at the top of most anglers' lists. They are not only tasty, but they grow large enough that a few fish can provide a family meal. (The state record walleye is more t ... Read More


ATTENTION, LANDOWNERS: WALK-IN HUNTING ACCESS ENROLLMENT OPEN

Deadline July 1

Landowners interested in the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ Walk-In Hunting Access Program (WIHA) are reminded that the deadline for enrollment is July 1. The WIHA program, which began in 1995, grew to a million acres in 99 counties in 2005.

Almost anyone who owns, leases, or manages 80 ... Read More


KDWP PUBLIC AUCTION FOR VEHICLES & OTHER EQUIPMENT

Kansas Dept. of Wildlife & Parks will be selling,by public auction the vehicles and other equipment listed below. The auction, beginning at 10:00 AM on June 10, 2006, will be conducted by Carlson Auction Services of Topeka. The Auction will be held at Milford Fish Hatchery, 3100 Hatchery Drive, Junction City, KS ( located east o ... Read More


FORESTRY INITIATIVE AIMS TO ENHANCE MARAIS DES CYGNES RIVER

Cost-share program funds local landowners’ forestry practices along streams in the Marais des Cygnes River Basin
The Marais des Cygnes Forestry Initiative is a combined effort of the Lake Region Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), the Hillsdale Water Quality Project (HWQP), and the Kansas Forest Service (K ... Read More


CATCH A FAMILY FUN BARGAIN WITH FREE FISHING DAYS JUNE 3-4

No fishing license required June 3-4, time to explore a great sport

To coincide with National Boating and Fishing Week, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has announced that June 3-4 will be 2006 Free Fishing Days. One of the best outdoor entertainment bargains in the state, these two days give both novice and sea ... Read More


NATIONAL FISHING AND BOATING WEEK OBSERVANCE JUNE 3-11

Actress Jane Seymour honorary chairpers

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has announced that award-winning actress Jane Seymour will serve as honorary chairperson of the sixth annual National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3-11. While Seymour is well-kn ... Read More


TURKEY TARGET COMPETITION AT TUTTLE CREEK RANGE JUNE 10

Competition turkey target shooting contest open to National Wild Turkey Federation members; on-site membership available
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will sponsor a turkey target shooting competition June 10th at Read More


OUTDOORS-WOMAN WORKSHOP APPLICATION DEADLINE SEPT. 11

Registration forms now available for Sept. 22 - 24 event

The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program is designed to provide women a chance to learn about the outdoors and outdoor recreation in a friendly, non-threatening environment. During the three-day workshop at Rock Springs 4-H Center, volunteer instructors teach participa ... Read More


KDWP, USDA TEAM TO PROTECT GREAT PLAINS' PLAYA LAKES

Ephemeral wetlands critical to Ogallala Aquifer recharge

Playa lakes, sometimes referred to as buffalo wallows or lagoons, are naturally-occurring depressions in western Kansas and other parts of the Great Plains. Many landowners often see them as wet spots that flood crops from year to year, often producing little or no ... Read More


JAYHAWK MARINA HELPS KICK OFF NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

May 21 safe boating course, vessel safety check planned at Hillsdale State Park

HILLSDALE STATE PARK -- Safe boating saves lives, and to help get National Safe Boating Week (May 20 - 26) started off right, Jayhawk Marina at Hillsdale State Park is offering a Safe Boating course on Sunday, May 21. As an additional service ... Read More


ALCOHOL BAN AT STATE LAKES ADDRESSES MAINTENANCE, FAMILY CONCERNS

Trash, altercations, vandalism among reasons cited

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that it has banned all alcohol -- including 3.2 percent malt beverages -- from state fishing lakes in many parts of the state. Intoxicated drivers, trash, vandalism, fights, rowdy parties that disturb other ... Read More


wind power left front
WIND POWER, PRAIRIE CHICKENS FOCUS OF RESEARCH PROJECT

KDWP, KSU join collaborative project to be conducted in Flint Hills
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A pair of Kansas State University researchers will lead a scientific inquiry in the Flint Hills to evaluate the effects of wind power development on prairie chickens.

The Nati ... Read More


BLOG COMMENTS INVITED ON BASS TOURNAMENT PROPOSAL

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is conducting a series of public meetings on several recommended fishing regulation changes. Among those recommendations is a proposal to develop a program to accommodate weigh-in bass tournament participants.

The recommendation features a variety of provisions aimed at protecting the s ... Read More


PROPOSAL SEEKS TO PROTECT BASS, ACCOMMODATE BASS ANGLERS

Fishing Tournament Registration and Tournament Bass Pass

Background
Length limits over 15 inches on largemouth and smallmouth bass have made it difficult for tournament organizers to hold weigh-in tournaments where the best angler wins. For example, the tournament participant who catches one large fish has an ... Read More


MEETINGS CONTINUE ON PROPOSED FISH REGULATION CHANGES

Three meetings left, including Topeka, Kansas City, and Junction City
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks staff has been conducting a series of public meetings around the state this spring to describe and hear comments on several fishing regulation changes under consideration. The meetings also include discussion of s ... Read More


crappie left front
VARIETY OF FISHING LOCATIONS ATTRACT CRAPPIE ANGLERS

When it come to freshwater fish that make the best table fare, white crappie are near the top of everyone's list. The best time to catch crappie is during the spawning season, usually late April through May. For many anglers, this is their favorite time of year, when crappie move into shallow water to spawn and may be caught from a boat or ... Read More


YOUNG OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS INVITED TO ROCK SPRINGS EVENT JUNE 11-16

June 11-16 event covers naturalist studies, fishing, shooting sports, and more

Kansas youngsters who are 10 to 12 years of age and who enjoy the outdoors should make plans to attend the Outdoor Adventure Camp (OAC), held annually at the Camp WaShunGa area of Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City. This year's event r ... Read More