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DREDGING PROJECT AT KANOPOLIS STATE PARK IMPROVES BOAT ACCESS

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:10:39 GMT

May 23, 2013

The three-day excavation project will aid boaters launching in low water conditions

PRATT – Low water levels at Kanopolis Reservoir have made all but one boat ramp unusable this spring. And that ramp, located at Langley Point in Kanopolis State Park, has been difficult for boaters due to shallow water. To improve boating conditions near the ramp, Kanopolis State Park staff have been overseeing a dredging operation.

Crane Rental of Salina began dredging the boat ramp Tuesday, May 21, 2013 using a crawler crane and extendable fork lift.

“The boat ramp is usable as is,” said park manager Rick Martin, “but once we’ve excavated more material, launching a boat should become a lot easier.” Martin added that Langley Point will be in full working order for Memorial Day weekend.

For more information, contact the Kanopolis State Park office at (785) 546-2565.

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TUTTLE CREEK LAKE ASSOCIATION TO HOST 19TH ANNUAL YOUTH FISHING CLINIC

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:03:09 GMT

May 23, 2013

Young anglers will learn about and fish for channel catfish during this two-day event

PRATT – The Tuttle Creek Lake Association is hosting the 19th Annual Youth Fishing Clinic June 7-8, 2013 at Anneberg Park Lake. The event is open to the first 200 youth, age 8-12, who register.

In addition to casting their lines, participants can enjoy special lectures on general fishing know-how and water safety.

In cooperation with Manhattan Parks and Recreation, Anneberg Park Lake will be stocked with channel catfish averaging 12 inches long and ranging from 3/4 pound up to 3 pounds.

Trophies will be awarded to the girl and boy with the smallest fish caught, the girl and boy with the largest fish caught, and the girl and boy with the largest three fish caught.

Thanks to generous sponsors, participants will get to take home a new rod and reel, hooks, bobbers, sinkers, bait, and a hat! Lunch will also be provided at no additional cost.

Only youth who have not previously participated in this event are eligible to attend and must be accompanied by an adult. Participants can register the day of the event, however early registration is encouraged as the event is limited to the first 200 applicants.

For more information, contact Leo Schell at (785) 539-6540.

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WALK WITH WILDLIFE EVENT TO SHOWCASE KANSAS WILDLIFE

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:54:57 GMT

May 23, 2013

Participants get up-close to wildlife species without leaving the sidewalk

PRATT – Are snakes slimy or smooth? What does a kestrel’s call sound like? You can learn this and more when you attend the 29th Annual Walk With Wildlife event, Saturday, June 8, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Great Plains Nature Center (GPNC) will be holding the event at Chisholm Creek Park, 6232 E. 29th Street North in Wichita. The cost to attend is $2 per person, and lunch concessions will be available.

Chisholm Creek Park’s 1-mile handicapped-accessible trail loop will be decorated with multiple stations, each featuring different wildlife species. Visitors can get up-close views of native mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and more.

While visiting the GPNC, participants can also enjoy fun and educational videos in the Coleman Auditorium, hands-on nature exhibits in the Koch Habitat Hall, or shop the Owl’s Nest Gift Shop.

In addition, the GPNC will also host a Kids Fishing Clinic for youth age 12 and under at no additional charge. Each participant will receive fishing equipment, as well as a free photo with their fish. Registration forms can be obtained from The Wichita Eagle newspaper, or by calling (316) 268-2640. Attendance is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Participants must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on the Walk With Wildlife event, call (316) 683-5499.

Spirit Aerosystems is an annual sponsor of the Walk With Wildlife event.

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FISHY FUN TO BE HAD AT MILFORD NATURE CENTER KID’S FISHING CLINIC

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:44:51 GMT

May 23, 2013

Families can enjoy some fun in the sun at the 2013 Kid’s Fishing Clinic and Casting Contest June 1

PRATT – For youth age 5-12, there is plenty of fun to be had at the Milford Nature Center’s 2013 Kid’s Fishing Clinic and Casting Contest, Saturday, June 1. Participants can enjoy a variety of activities including an electrofishing demonstration, casting contest, and raffle prize drawing.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Gathering Pond, below the Milford Dam. The event is open to the first 100 registered participants, so early registration is encouraged. Rods and reels, as well as bait, will be provided to each participant.

Following afternoon activities, including an award ceremony and raffle prize drawing, participants can enjoy lunch courtesy of the Junction City Noon Kiwanis Club.

Additional sponsors for the event include the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Kansas Wildscape, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Milford Nature Center.

To register for this event, call the Milford Nature Center at (785) 238-5323.

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FREE FISHING DAYS FIRST WEEKEND IN JUNE

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:39:06 GMT

May 16, 2013

Residents and visitors can enjoy two days of free fishing in Kansas June 1-2

PRATT – The old adage “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” may be true 363 days out of the year, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is bucking that notion for two days by offering free fishing throughout the state June 1-2 . That’s right – free – no license will be required.

Anglers must still abide by all other fishing regulations set forth by KDWPT during the free fishing weekend, but anglers normally required to have fishing licenses, those age 16-74, do not need licenses June 1-2.

New Fishing Changes for 2013

Senior Fishing Licenses

Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, resident anglers age 65-74 are no longer exempt from fishing license requirements. Residents age 75 and older are still exempt.
Residents age 65-74 are eligible for a lifetime hunting/fishing combination license at $42.50, an annual senior hunting/fishing combination license at $20.50, or an annual fishing license at $11.50 (half-price).

ANS-Designated Waters

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) waters are defined as waters containing prohibited species such as Asian carp, white perch, and/or zebra mussels. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS-designated waters, and livewells and bilges must be drained before transporting boats from waters of the state. For more information about ANS, visit ProtectKSWaters.org.

Bait Fish

Wild-caught baitfish shall only be used on the body of water where taken, except that bluegill and green sunfish may be taken from a non-ANS-designated water and used for bait. If taken on a flowing stream or river, wild-caught baitfish shall not be transported upstream across any dam or natural barrier.

Anglers who purchase bait from a commercial dealer are required to carry the receipt for the live baitfish purchase while fishing.

Handfishing Report No Longer Required

Handfishing permit holders are no longer required to return a questionnaire about their angling activities.

Artificial Lure Definition

An artificial lure is defined as a man-made fish-catching device used to mimic a single prey item. Artificial lures may be constructed of natural, non-edible, or synthetic materials. Multiple hooks, if present, shall be counted as a single hook on an artificial lure. Regulation allows only two baited hooks or artificial lures per rod. The umbrella rig, popularly called the Alabama Rig, may only have two separate lures with hooks.

For more information, including where to fish in Kansas and current fishing regulations, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing.”

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NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK KICKS OFF MAY 18

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:26:35 GMT

May 2, 2013

Boaters can follow these 10 steps for a safe and fun summer on the water

PRATT – National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, serves as a reminder that, in the midst of making summer memories, it’s easy to forget about the hazards of spending a day on the water. To ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable boating experience, here are 10 water safety tips for a successful summer.

1) Make sure your boat is properly registered.

Motorized boats and sailboats are required to be registered and properly numbered before being operated on Kansas public waters. Original registration papers must be on board and available for inspection. Registration numbers must be properly displayed on the boat’s hull.

2) Know the rules of the water.

Many people are unaware that there are operating rules for boats on the water, which include being able to recognize buoy markers and the proper use of navigation lights. Knowledge of these rules can prevent dangerous, and even deadly, situations.

3) Make sure your boat has all required equipment.

Boaters are required to have the following items at all times:

-Certificate Number

-Registration Decal

-U.S. Coast Guard Documentation

-Boating Education Certification

-Life Jackets

-Type IV PFD

-Sound Producing Device

-Ventilation

-Muffler

-Navigation Lights

-Fire Extinguisher

-Backfire Flame Arrestor

-Skier Down Flag

-Wide Angle Mirror/Observer

-Ignition Safety Switch

-Vessel Capacity Plate

-Hull ID Number

(Some equipment requirements are specific to the type and length of boat. Refer to boating regulations for more details).

In addition to the aforementioned required items, it is recommended that boaters also possess the following items:

-Drain plugs/spares

-First aid kit

-Anchor

-Paddle

-Tool kit

-Electrical tape/wire connectors

-Spare fuses

-Extra two-cycle oil

-Spare trailer light bulbs

-Extra life jackets

4) Install a carbon monoxide detector.

Dangerous levels of exhaust fumes can accumulate on board if proper precautions are not taken. Install a carbon monoxide detector on inboard and cabin motorboats to alert you if this “silent killer” should pose a threat to you and your family.

5) Test your equipment before hitting the water.

It is important to make sure that your equipment is in working order prior to leaving land. If an item needs replacing, it’s better to spend a little money now and save yourself trouble later.

Specific items to test include, but are not limited to:

-Outboard motor

-Trailer lights

-Batteries

-Electrical gear

-Safety gear

-Fire extinguisher

-Life jackets

6) Know CPR.

In addition to adult CPR, it is also important to learn infant and child CPR. Many local hospitals, fire departments, Red Cross offices, and recreation departments offer CPR training at little to no cost.

7) Designate a “water watcher” while playing in the water.

Regardless of a swimmer’s age or skill level, it’s always smart to have someone keep an open eye. When there are several adults present and children are swimming, it is wise to designate an adult as the water watcher for a specific amount of time to prevent lapses in supervision.

8) Have a life jacket on at all times.

Kansas law requires that all boats have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved, readily-accessible personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. Children age 12 or younger are required to wear a life jacket at all times when on board a boat, and it is recommended that adults do the same.

*To see if your life jackets meet current U.S. Coast Guard standards, visit www.uscgboating.org and click “Safety / Life Jacket Wear / Wearing your Life Jacket.”

9) Allow only those who have completed boater education to operate the vessel.

Anyone age 12-20 must have completed an approved boater education course before operating a vessel without the direct supervision of an adult. Approved adults include anyone age 18 or older who has completed the course or any adult age 21 or older.

*No one younger than 12 may operate a vessel without supervision regardless of a boater education certification.

10) Adhere to a “no drinking” policy while boating.

Boating under the influence is just as deadly as drinking and driving. Penalties can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail terms. To be on the safe side, only consume alcohol when on land, and never before operating your boat.

For more information, including a list of current boating regulations, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Boating.”

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GLEN ELDER TO HOST ANNUAL YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:18:10 GMT

May 16, 2013

Youngsters can hone angling skills and win prizes during Glen Elder youth fishing tournament

PRATT – It’s an unspoken rule among anglers that when lures hit the water, friendly competition should ensue. In an effort to bring some good ol’ fashioned summer fun to young anglers, Glen Elder State Park staff is hosting their 9th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder Reservoir, also known as Waconda Lake. The event will be held June 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., coinciding with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) free fishing weekend.

Participants will receive a new fishing pole, t-shirt, fishing tackle, and a free lunch.

The tournament is open to youth 7-14, and there is no fee to participate. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with boats hitting the water at 8:00 a.m. The tournament will conclude at 1:00 p.m., followed by lunch and an awards ceremony. Prizes will be awarded to youth who caught the biggest fish of a given species, and the youth who caught the most fish overall.

Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to call early and reserve a spot. For more information, or to sign-up for this event, contact KDWPT district fisheries biologist Scott Waters at (785) 545-3345.

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP A SUMMER-MUST FOR YOUTH

Wed, 08 May 2013 22:03:12 GMT

May 9, 2013

Youth can discover the wonder of nature during a week-long summer camp June 2-7

PRATT– The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) and KSU Cooperative Extension Service will host the 25

Annual Outdoor Adventure Camp (OAC) June 2-7. This six-day summer camp for kids is open to youth age 10-12.

Held at Camp Wa Shun Ga in the Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City, the week-long camp allows youth to experience loads of outdoor fun with all the comforts of home including a dining hall, swimming pool and fully-enclosed cabins.

Campers will learn about the Kansas ecosystem, including mammals, insects, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Camp activities include wildlife watching, stargazing, scavenger hunts, swimming, canoeing, fishing, shooting sports, archery, and much more.

The cost of attendance is $300 and includes food, instruction and lodging. Participants are encouraged to bring extra money if they wish to purchase snacks or souvenirs during the Milford Hatchery and Nature Center field trips.

Space is limited, so interested parties are encouraged to register early.

Completed applications and payment should be mailed to Outdoor Adventure Camp, c/o Theresa Berger, 406 S. New York Ave., Sylvan Grove, KS 67481 no later than May 31.

Make checks payable to the Kansas Wildlife Federation.

For more information, or to obtain an application, contact Berger at (785) 526-7466.

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KDWPT LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION HOLDS K-9 RECERTIFICATION TRAINING

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:54:00 GMT

May 9, 2013

Four K-9 law enforcement teams recently took part in recertification training, an annual requirement of the unit

PRATT– The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Law Enforcement Division recently held its 11th annual K-9 recertification training, April 22-25 at Milford Reservoir, despite wintery conditions. This four-day training period is conducted each year to ensure that every dog and handler meets or exceeds current agency standards. For nearly 30 hours, each team partook in a variety exercises designed to mirror real-world scenarios and environments.

In order to successfully pass recertification training, each team must prove proficient in the following three areas:

Tracking

K9s and handlers must be able to continually track for a required distance, picking up on multiple scent articles along the trail. In order to create a realistic setting, each team had to combat a variety of challenges including dead ends, surface changes, multiple turns, and cross tracks.

Detection

In order to qualify in detection, each team is required to quickly and efficiently locate hidden wildlife both indoors and outdoors. Wildlife used in this training included deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, dove, and various waterfowl. These animals were hidden in and around buildings, boats, vehicles, coolers and other various locations.

Area Searches

To certify in area searches, each team is required to conduct an area search of a field, picking up a variety of hidden objects along the way. Hidden items included guns, shell casings, spotlights, wallets, cell phones, knives, back packs, and other items containing a human scent.

Those in attendance were LT. Jason Sawyers and the following K-9 teams:

–K-9 “Meg” and handler Lance Hockett

–K-9 “Lucy” and handler Jeff Goeckler

–K-9 “Cocoa” and handler Jake Brooke

–K-9 “Libby” and handler Ben Womelsdorf

For more information on the KDWPT K-9 unit, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Services/Law Enforcement/K-9 Unit.”

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GOVERNOR’S FLINT HILLS FREEDOM RIDE JUNE 1

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:48:20 GMT

May 9, 2013

Motorcyclists will travel Native Stone Scenic Byway and Flint Hills National Scenic Byway; benefit five worthy causes

TOPEKA– Governor Sam Brownback invites motorcyclists to join him for the Second Annual Governor’s Flint Hills Freedom Ride on Saturday, June 1. The 100-mile ride will begin in Topeka, travel along the Native Stone Scenic Byway and Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, and then end at Council Grove High School. The ride will benefit five worthy causes, including the Wounded Warrior Fund (Soldier and Family Assistance Center), Brothers in Blue Re-entry, Army Community Service at Fort Riley, the Native Stone Scenic Byway, and the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. The public is encouraged to attend this family-friendly, alcohol-free event.

On-site registration begins at 8:00 a.m. on the south lawn of the Capitol, however online pre-registration is strongly encouraged to minimize delays at the event.

A group photo will be taken with the Governor at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Blessing of the Bikes and Riders at 9:45 a.m. Kickstands Up is at 10:00 a.m.

This year, the ride includes a bike show, which will begin setting up at 11:30 a.m. when the first riders arrive at Council Grove High School. At 2:00 p.m., Governor Brownback will honor veterans, Fort Riley soldiers and families for their dedication to freedom. The bike show, games, and entertainment will follow. The bikes will be judged from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and awards will be given out at 4:00 p.m.

A $25 fee per person is required to participate, and those pre-registered by May 15 will receive a Flint Hills Freedom Ride t-shirt. Additional t-shirts will be available the day of the ride on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants are asked to keep their receipts for gas and purchases the day of the ride and turn them in at Council Grove to be eligible for prizes.

Vendors are invited to set up at Council Grove High School. Electricity will not be available, but generators will be allowed. Corporate partnership opportunities are also available. Visit the website below for vendor and sponsorship information.

The partner groups organizing the ride include the Governor’s Office, Fort Riley; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Kansas Department of Corrections; Kansas Department of Transportation; Brothers in Blue Re-entry; members of the Council Grove community and community leaders; ABATE of Kansas; Wabaunsee County Economic Development; and Christian Motorcycle Alliance.

Complete ride details and registration are available online at fhfreedomride.ksoutdoors.com.

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