November 2008

Christmas bird counts held across Kansas; open to bird enthusiasts from novice to expert

The 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 ... Read More

Quickly-dressed out and cooled deer meat rivals the best entrees

For 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. Read More

Many potential sites conflict with waterfowl, shorebirds, and lesser prairie chickens

The 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 exces ... Read More

Local group invites public to attend first meeting, join in effort

Conservationists 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, ... Read More

Hunters anticipate camaraderie and full freezers during Dec. 3-14 firearm deer season

The 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 f ... Read More

Giant fish display will cross the state in 2009; reservation deadline Dec. 19

The 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 aquari ... Read More

Plentiful game species provides year-round alternative to upland and big game

Winter 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 o ... Read More

Hunters, meat processors, food banks, help provide thousands of meals to poor

With 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 ... Read More

Cool water brings fish up from deep Kansas lakes

As 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 t ... Read More

Applications available online or by phone; deadline Jan. 5

Applications 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 ... Read More

Applications due Nov. 15

On 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 h ... Read More

Applications available at KDWP website

A 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 wel ... Read More

Cheyenne Bottoms, Quivira have limited or suspended hunting to protect elegant, endangered birds

The 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 Read More

More than new offices, building to bring history to life in unique landscape

Amidst the rocky outcroppings known as the Ogallala Formation, Scott State Park is carved into the geography like no place in Kansas. Natural springs, deep-wood ... 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 ther ... Read More

Upcoming workshops stress safety, regulations, benefits of prescribed burns

Fire 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 ide ... Read More

St. John, McLouth, Ottawa to host launch of county chapters

Quail 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 ... Read More