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ANGLERS STALK LATE-WINTER TROUT

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:23:44 GMT

Feb. 23, 2012
Trout stocked Oct. 15-April 15 in more than 30 waters throughout the state
PRATT — Are you itching for turkey season but can’t wait until April to enjoy the thrill of the outdoors? Try trout fishing.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) trout stocking program offers an exciting late-winter opportunity for anglers. The program stocks fish at more than 30 sites across Kansas, offering fast action when other fishing can be slow. Relatively mild temperatures this January and February prevented the usual freezing that many of these trout waters experience in winter, making water temperatures and access to trout ideal. And anglers are taking advantage of the situation.

Trout bite on a variety of lures, jigs, and flies. They also take live bait and prepared bait, especially colorful pinch-on types. Most Kansas trout fisheries allow a creel limit of five fish per day, but because some regulations — including lure or bait restrictions — vary by location, be sure to read posted information at each site or read the regulation summary before fishing.

Kansas trout season runs Oct.15 through April 15. During this time, trout are stocked as often as twice a month at each fishing location. Most fish are 10 to 12 inches long, but contracts stipulate that a certain percentage of bigger fish be included. This gives Kansas anglers a chance to hook a trophy trout that might weigh 5 pounds or more.

During the trout season, trout anglers must possess a special permit in addition to a fishing license. This annual trout stamp costs $12.50 and is valid statewide. All trout anglers must have this stamp, which pays for the program. The exception is trout anglers 15 and younger, who may fish without a trout stamp but are restricted to a daily creel limit of two trout. With a trout stamp, youth anglers may take a full creel limit.

In addition, some areas stocked with trout — called Type 1 Waters — require a trout permit for all anglers 16 or older, whether they are fishing for trout or not. Other areas — called Type 2 Waters — require a trout permit only for anglers fishing for or possessing trout. In addition to being posted, a list of these waters may be found in the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available wherever licenses are sold or on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. Click Fishing/Fishing Regulations.

Rainbow trout, native to cold waters, can thrive in Kansas winter pools. However, after spring warm-up, most trout cannot survive in Kansas. The exception to this is the Mined Land Wildlife Area Lake #30, near Oswego, with deep waters cold enough to allow year-round trout fishing. On this area, a trout stamp is required year-round.

Learn more about Kansas trout fishing at the KDWPT website. Click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You/Trout Fishing Program.”
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FISHING ATLAS IS ANGLERS’ GUIDEBOOK

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:20:28 GMT

Feb. 23, 2012
Atlas including maps of all public-access fishing areas now online, in print March 1
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has released a tool that will help you catch more fish — and it’s free. Interested?

Check out the 2012 Kansas Fishing Atlas, now available for viewing and download from KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. The maps in this atlas pinpoint a variety of public fishing areas, including all federal reservoirs, state fishing lakes, river access, and community lakes. Fishing Impoundment and Stream Habitats (F.I.S.H.) waters are included, as well. F.I.S.H. waters are privately-owned ponds or streams KDWP has leased and opened to public fishing. F.I.S.H. sites are numbered in red on each map.

To find fishing areas, consult the map legend, then locate corresponding color codes on each map. With this atlas, anglers can locate just about any type of fishing desired.

To locate the 2012 Kansas Fishing Atlas, click the above link or go to the KDWPT website and click "Fishing/Where to Fish in Kansas/Fishing Atlas." Printed copies will be available March 1 at most KDWPT offices and license vendors.

Combined with KDWPT Fishing Reports and Fishing Forecast, also found on the agency’s website under “Fishing,” the 2012 Kansas Fishing Atlas is an essential component of every angler’s gear.
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HOUNDS ON THE RUN MARCH 1

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:16:11 GMT

Feb. 23, 2012
Furbearer running season lasts through Nov. 1; firearms may not be possessed
PRATT — On March 1, the great race begins. That’s the opening day of Kansas furbearer running season, which gives hound enthusiasts the opportunity to chase — but not take — bobcat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and gray fox. The season runs through Nov. 1.

Although beaver trapping season runs through March 31, all other Kansas trapping seasons and furbearer hunting seasons are over for the winter. Now it’s time for furbearer hunters and their dogs to keep in shape hone skills necessary during the furbearer hunting seasons.

During the running season, no furbearer may be legally killed or taken. In addition, it is illegal for runners to possess any firearm or other weapon while pursuing furbearers during the running season. (Certain exceptions apply.) Legal hours for running furbearers are 24 hours daily, and a furharvester license is required. Furbearers may also be run during the open furbearer hunting seasons, which coincide with trapping seasons.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism also reminds furbearer trappers and hunters that bobcats and swift foxes must have been pelt-tagged within seven days of season’s end, which was Feb. 15. Tags should be kept with mounted specimens.
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TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF MONARCH BUTTERFLY MIGRATION

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:12:58 GMT

Feb. 23, 2012
Kansas University professor to take participants on 1,000-mile journey
GREAT BEND — Every November, monarch butterflies arrive in central Mexico by the hundreds of millions, clustering so thickly in fir forests they sometimes break the tree branches. Learn more about this amazing annual migration as founder and director of Monarch Watch, Orley R. "Chip" Taylor, professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Kansas University, presents "Monarchs Wintering in Mexico: The Big Gamble." The program will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC), northeast of Great Bend on Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, just off Highway 156. The program is free and open to adults and children.

In 1992, Taylor founded Monarch Watch, an outreach program focused on education, research, and conservation regarding monarch butterflies. Since then, Monarch Watch has enlisted the help of thousands of volunteers to tag monarchs during the fall migration, helping gain new information about monarch migration dynamics. Locally, hundreds of school children and adults have participated in Monarch Watch's tagging program, as the butterflies migrate south in mid- to late September.

The past year was especially challenging for the small but tough orange and black creatures as they flew through a 1,000-mile corridor of drought-stricken land from Kansas through Mexico. Taylor will report on roost site counts tabulated in mid-February, providing the latest information on the monarch population.

After Taylor's presentation, activities for kids, including crafts, will take place in the KWEC classroom. A display on the monarch and information on establishing butterfly-friendly plants will also be available. For more information about the program, phone 1-877-243-9268 or 620-786-7456.
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KANSAS FOREST SERVICE OFFERS CONSERVATION SEEDLINGS

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:09:50 GMT

Feb. 23, 2012
Order deadline March 7
MANHATTAN — The Kansas Forest Service (KFS) spring conservation tree seedling sales are underway and will continue until May 7. This is the 56th season that KFS has offered more than 30 species of low-cost trees and shrubs for windbreaks, wood lots, riparian planting, wildlife planting, Christmas tree plantations, and other conservation tree planting. The program no longer offers bare-root Austrian pine seedlings. A complete list of items offered is available online at https://www.kansasforests.org/public_saps/Welcome.aspx. Shipping and distribution starts mid-March, weather permitting.

Seedlings are stored in a large walk-in cooler, where temperatures are kept between 33 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity levels. This keeps the seedlings fresh and dormant before shipment. Orders usually arrive one to two days after shipping to ensure the plants are fresh.

Once seedlings arrive, orders should be inspected to ensure the plants are the correct species, quantities, and in good condition. Proceed with planting as soon as possible. Proper planting includes keeping plant roots moist until they are put into the planting hole. Dig the planting hole deep enough to accommodate the roots in their natural form. Roots should be pruned to no shorter than 8 inches. After planting, water thoroughly.

Weed control is important for the first two to three years, depending on the planting site, because weeds compete for moisture and nutrients. They can be controlled with weed barrier fabric, mechanical methods, and herbicides.

Most soils have adequate nutrients to support seedlings. Fertilizing is usually not needed unless a soil test indicates a deficiency of nutrients.

Watering the seedlings helps the success of the planting. Watering depends on factors such as air temperature, wind velocity, and soil characteristics. Frequency of irrigation will depend on all these variables. Irrigate thoroughly, saturating the root zone, and then let the soil partially dry out. This promotes soil aeration and root growth.

Mulching the seedlings will help with success and survival of the seedlings by conserving moisture and reducing competition with weeds. Mulch should not come in direct contact with the stem because its increased moisture can encourage rot, house insects, disease, and other problems.

Establishing a successful conservation seedling planting takes planning, effort, and maintenance. With proper planting, weed control, and irrigation, one can enjoy the benefits of the trees for years to come.

For more information, phone 888-740-8733. Downloaded order forms should be mailed to Kansas Forest Service, 2610 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, KS, 66502. Orders are shipped via UPS but cannot be shipped to Post Office boxes.

More detailed information may be obtained at the KFS website, https://www.kansasforests.org, or by phoning the toll-free number above. (If the links in this text do not work, copy and paste the URLs into your browser.)
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OUTDOORS-WOMAN WORKSHOP MAY 18-20

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:51:45 GMT

Feb. 16, 2012
Through March 1, registration open to first-time participants only, then open to all; limited to 48 participants
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program now offers a spring workshop to complement the traditional fall workshop that has been offered each year since 1993. This year’s spring workshop will be held May 18, 19, and 20 at Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City, the same location as the fall workshop.

During the three-day workshop, volunteer instructors teach participants a variety of skills, including fishing, wingshooting, camping, orienteering, rifle marksmanship, botany, dog handling, archery, and other outdoor recreation in a friendly, supportive environment. Twenty-eight concurrent sessions will be offered, from hunting and fishing skills to camping, outdoor cooking, bird watching, orienteering, and wilderness survival. Mini-sessions will cover such topics as “Kansas critters,” outdoor first aid, campfire songs, and star gazing.

The $250 workshop fee includes seven meals, two nights lodging, instruction, supplies, and use of equipment. Based on financial need, three $100 scholarships are available for first-time participants. Email kansasbow@sbcglobal.net for scholarship details.

In addition to the scholarships, an essay contest will award one free entry to the workshop. Interested applicants must write a short paragraph (no more than 100 words) about why they want to become a Kansas Outdoors-Woman and post it as a comment online at blog.travelks.com under the story entitled “Win a women’s weekend in the Kansas Outdoors.” Entries are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17. A panel of judges will review all entries, and the winner will be posted on blog.travelks.com social media sites by Tuesday, Feb. 21. You must be 18 to enter.

Through March 1, only registrations from those who have never attended a BOW workshop will be accepted. After that, application is open to all women if spots are still available. For more information, go online to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, and click “Services/Education/Becoming-an-Outdoors-Woman” or phone 785-845-5052. While you’re at it, join the BOW on Facebook at Becoming An Outdoors Woman KANSAS.

Studies have shown that many women do not participate in outdoor recreation because they have not had an opportunity to learn the skills that make outdoor activities enjoyable. The popularity of BOW proves that when given the opportunity, many women take advantage of it with enthusiasm. Women who participate learn the outdoor skills that allow them to fully enjoy the natural environment while building self-confidence.
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KDWPT TO RELEASE FREE CRAPPIE FISHING VIDEO

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:48:00 GMT

Feb. 16, 2012
Online video reveals all the secrets of catching the state’s favorite panfish
PRATT — A new video, Kansas Crappie Bonanza, will be released by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) on Feb. 17 to show anglers how to catch crappie throughout the year in the Sunflower State. Although this popular panfish is pursued most actively in springtime, crappie provide a great angling opportunity year-round, even through winter ice.

Both entertaining and educational, the 25-minute video shows basic fishing strategies for each season and provides ample advice and tips from crappie guides and fishing experts on how to catch crappie anytime. Although weather is incorporated into the different strategies, the video focuses on the fun of crappie fishing no matter what the weather.

Produced by outdoor videographer and photographer Gene Brehm, with assistance from the KDWPT Fisheries Division video committee, Kansas Crappie Bonanza will help all crappie anglers be more successful in pursuit of this abundant sport fish. On Feb. 17, the video will be available to view free of charge on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com/crappie-video. A limited number of DVD copies of the video are available free on a first-come, first-served basis from district fisheries biologists and KDWPT offices.

Crappie can be found in most waters in Kansas, from large reservoirs to small farm ponds and streams, in both urban and rural settings. As table fare, many rank crappie among the best freshwater fish, and with a 50-fish per day creel limit at most lakes, honing crappie fishing skills is a great way to provide the family with a banquet fit for a king.
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MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA HAS BANNER YEAR

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:45:07 GMT

Feb. 16, 2012
Record duck harvest recorded despite dry year
PLEASANTON — Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, near the Missouri border in Linn County, reported a record breaking-year for waterfowl hunters in the 2011-2012 season. Duck hunters reported harvesting more than 8,300 ducks during the 74-day season, shattering the old record of 6,220 in 1997. Duck hunters made 5,160 trips to the wildlife area, bagging an average of 1.6 ducks per hunter trip.

“The hunter success rate we had in the 2011-2012 season is particularly remarkable when one considers the hot, dry summer we had,” says area manager Karl Karrow. “Marsh vegetation that provides habitat for ducks does not produce well under the conditions we had during last year’s growing season, so we used additional management tools — notably pumping water to irrigate marsh plants during the summer — to provide good habitat. And relatively mild weather this winter didn’t freeze the wetlands. That was a huge factor.”

Nearly 70 percent of ducks harvested were mallards, a species prized by hunters. Green-winged teal were a distant second, comprising only 10 percent of ducks harvested.

“While this is great news for hunters,” Karrow adds, “this is also important to communities near the wildlife area. Most duck hunters come from outside of the local area, and traveling hunters spend money on gas, food, and other supplies at local stores. We saw hunters from North Carolina, Alabama, Iowa, and other states. Any activity that brings more than 5,000 visitors to the area helps the local economy.”

In addition to the regular duck season, early teal season and goose seasons provide opportunities for waterfowl hunters on Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area. For more information, phone Karrow at 913-352-8941, or visit KDWPT’s website, ksoutdoors.com, and click on “Hunting/Where To Hunt In Kansas.”
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PHEASANT FEST OFFERS FREE ADMITTANCE TO MILITARY

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:42:02 GMT

Feb. 16, 2012
National event free with military ID on Feb. 17-19
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever has announced that all active military personnel will receive free admission to its National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic when the event comes to the Kansas City Convention Center’s Bartle Hall on Feb. 17, 18, and 19.

Active duty personnel who present their U.S. Military ID cards will receive free entrance to event from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. This will be the show’s first time in Kansas City and the first time free admission has been extended to military members.

“Men and women of the military make the ultimate commitment to their country,” says Joe Duggan, Pheasants Forever’s vice president of corporate relations. “They sacrifice a lot to serve, including time they might otherwise have spent hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. This is a small token of our appreciation, and we hope to see many service members on the floor, so we can personally thank them for standing up for this nation and its wildlife and natural resources.”

The National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic is the country's largest event for upland bird hunters, sport dog owners, and wildlife habitat conservationists, combining a national outdoor tradeshow, wildlife habitat seminar series, and family event complete with puppies, tractors, shotguns, and art. The event is presented by Cabela's.
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PLJV CONOCOPHILLIPS GRANTS HELP FUND KANSAS CONSERVATION PROJECTS

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:39:42 GMT

Feb. 16, 2012
$37,307 devoted to two Kansas projects
LUBBOCK, Texas — At a January meeting of the Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV), the group’s management board approved more than $107,000 in ConocoPhillips grants to support five conservation projects. The grants will support habitat conservation, outreach, and research efforts in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Two projects in Kansas will greatly improve or protect habitat by following many of the recommendations in the PLJV's Area Implementation Plans. The first is called Prescribed Fire Council Education. With a $25,000 grant, the Kansas Prescribed Fire Council will increase their educational activities regarding prescribed burning. Fire suppression has been proven to have a detrimental effect on grasslands in Kansas. Without controlled burning, invasive species such as eastern redcedar continue their rapid expansion — and removal of these invasive species by mechanical means has failed to make significant reductions. Since 2008, six local prescribed burning associations have organized in Kansas as a result of the Kansas Prescribed Fire Council’s efforts, but a major obstacle to prescribed burning has been the lack of affordable liability insurance. Additional outreach activities will help expand the statewide membership of the Council to meet statewide insurance underwriting requirements, which should increase prescribed burns conducted each year. This novel approach emulates a successful program pioneered in Oklahoma in 2011.

The second Kansas project is called Evaluating Playa Impacts. The University of Wisconsin will use a $12,705 grant to fund research in Kansas, examining the impacts of land use on playa function, as well as the effectiveness of grass buffers to mitigate these impacts. To evaluate these issues, soil cores will be collected from playas throughout western Kansas. Cores will be analyzed for a variety of properties, including color, particle size, organic matter content, bulk density, and magnetic susceptibility. This research takes a landscape-scale approach by using remote sensing/GIS techniques to assess catchment properties (water draining the land in the area). Catchment properties address a range of issues having an impact on playas, including implications for playas' abilities to provide wetland habitat, surface water storage, and groundwater recharge. The study will shed light on what buffers are most effective for playa function in northern portions of the Playa Lakes Joint Venture.

"ConocoPhillips continues to help the PLJV make a big difference with tangible habitat conservation projects such as these," said PLJV Coordinator Mike Carter. “Such long-term commitments are rare these days, and we are pleased to see the PLJV-ConocoPhillips Grant program continue into its 21st year."
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