Hunting

MOSSY OAK EVENT LURES MONSTER BUCK POACHING SUSPECT

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:13:36 GMT

Feb. 10, 2012
Topeka man enters suspected illegally-taken deer in Monster Buck Contest
TOPEKA — On Jan. 27-29, Mossy Oak Properties of the Heartland presented the inaugural Monster Buck Classic (We are Kansas) event at the Kansas ExpoCentre in Topeka. The event was designed to promote deer hunting and outdoor recreation in Kansas and to provide Kansas hunters with the latest information and equipment related to deer hunting.

In addition, the event featured a Monster Buck Contest, open to all Kansas residents, in which hunters could enter officially-scored bucks, with prizes offered to the largest deer in typical and non-typical categories for both white-tailed and mule deer. Fortunately for all law-abiding hunters, the contest helped expose the suspected illegal shooting of a big buck.

One entry, which would have potentially been a new Kansas state record, drew suspicion of Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) law enforcement officials, and after investigation, David V. Kent was charged with poaching the deer.

On Feb. 1, eight charges were filed against Kent by Osage County Attorney Brandon Jones in the District Court of Osage County, Fourth Judicial District, including criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal hunting, illegally hunting with an artificial light, hunting outside of legal hours, illegal hunting during a closed season, using an illegal caliber for taking big game, illegal hunting from a vehicle, and hunting without a valid deer permit.

Kent has been summoned to appear in Osage County District Court in Lyndon, Kan., on March 1, 2012, at 9 a.m.

“As a developer of the Mossy Oak Properties brand in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa, I strongly condemn this type of behavior,” said Brian D. Smith, CEO of Mossy Oak Properties of the Heartland and founder of the Kansas Big Buck Classic. “In fact, we believe in the stiffest penalties possible for poaching, and we played a strategic part in exposing this case. We cooperated 100 percent.”
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THREE KANSAS DEER CONFIRMED POSITIVE IN EARLY STAGES OF CWD TESTING

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:25:20 GMT

Feb. 9, 2012
Numbers still low; no known threat to humans or livestock
PRATT — The number of cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) detected in Kansas deer continues to be low and is currently isolated to the northwest part of the state, according to the Shane Hesting, wildlife disease coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). Samples from three white-tailed bucks taken during this year’s hunting season were confirmed positive for CWD in tests completed last week. Counties where the deer were taken include Wallace (new county of detection), Decatur, and Rawlins. KDWPT will continue testing some vehicle-killed and sick or suspect-looking deer, as well as deer taken with depredation permits, through July 31.

“This season’s testing results bring the total number of confirmed CWD cases in Kansas to 43 since testing began in 1996,” says Hesting. “About 2,400 samples were collected during the 2011-2012 deer seasons, but testing has been slow, and testing kits are continually on back order. We’re about 35 percent done. More importantly, U.S. Department of Agriculture funding will not be available for collecting and testing samples next season. Without federal financial assistance, surveillance will be very limited and less robust.”

Annual testing has been a part of an ongoing effort by KDWPT to monitor the prevalence and spread of CWD. The disease, fatal in wild deer, was first detected in deer taken in Cheyenne County in 2005.

CWD is a member of the group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other diseases in this group include scrapie in sheep and goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or Mad Cow Disease) in cattle, and Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease in people. CWD is a progressive, fatal disease that results in small holes developing in the brain, giving it a sponge-like appearance under the microscope. An animal may carry the disease without outward indication, but in the later stages, signs may include decreased interactions with other animals, listlessness, lowering of the head, weight loss, repetitive walking in set patterns, and a lack of response to humans.

“It must be noted that many of the symptoms of CWD are indicative of other diseases,” Hesting explains. “Thus, a sick deer may or may not be infected with CWD. CWD is a serious deer disease but is still rare in Kansas.”

All but three of the 43 positive animals detected since 2005 were asymptomatic, meaning 40 animals did not show any symptoms of CWD at the time of collection. Anyone who discovers a sick or suspect deer should contact the nearest KDWP office.

There is no vaccine or other biological method that prevents CWD. However, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans or livestock in the natural environment. Still, precautions should be taken. Hunters are advised not to eat meat from animals known to be infected, and common sense precautions are advised when field dressing and processing meat from animals taken in areas where CWD is found. More information on CWD can be found on KDWPT’s website, www.ksoutdoors.com (Hunting/Big Game Information), or at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website, www.cwd-info.org.
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KANSAS TRAPPERS REACH OTTER QUOTA

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:57:34 GMT

Feb. 2, 2012
Trappers notified that harvest quota has been met; season closes after Feb. 5
EMPORIA — For the first time in modern history, Kansas allowed otter trapping during the 2011-2012 trapping season. Biologists had been monitoring a growing otter population for many years and had proposed a limited harvest to manage otter numbers and learn more about the species. The season was to run Nov. 16, 2011-March 31, 2012, or until the statewide trapping mortality quota of 100 otters was met.

Biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) have announced that that quota has been met. Trappers have been allowed a grace period for notification that the quota has been met, so all otters taken on or before Feb. 5 may be kept by the furharvester.

Otters accidentally taken while trapping for other species after Feb. 5 must be reported to KDPWT prior to removal from the trap site. They may be reported to the toll free hotline at (855) 778-6887 (RPT-OTTR) or to a local KDWPT natural resource officer or biologist. Inadvertent capture of otters shall not be deemed illegal if the capture is reported or if the animal is released unharmed.

KDWPT collected carcasses from all harvested otters this season and will be determining age, reproductive output, and other biological information, which will be used to make decisions about future seasons. For more information, phone Matt Peek at 620-342-0658.
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TURKEY FEDERATION CHAPTER YOUTH HUNT APRIL 7

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:27:57 GMT

Feb. 1, 2012
Guide hunts, gun giveaway to highlight event; application deadline March 30
HIAWATHA — The Thundering Toms Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) — representing Northeast Kansas and Southeast Nebraska with headquarters in Hiawatha, Kan. — will sponsor a guided youth turkey hunt on Saturday, April 7. Hunters, parents/sponsors, and guides will meet at the Hiawatha National Guard Armory the evening of April 6 for a safety meeting and to introduce and assign each hunter a guide. The guides will have written permission to hunt private land and will arrange with hunters and parents or sponsors on the time and place to meet on April 7, before departing to the designated hunting location.

After the hunt all hunters, parents or sponsors, and guides will meet at the shelter house at Hiawatha City Lake for a noon meal. After the meal, birds will be scored, pictures will be taken, prizes will be awarded, and a gun will be given away to one of the young hunters.

All young hunters who are interested in participating must have completed a certified hunter education course. An application, available from Larry Weast at larryweast@rainbowtel.net, must also be completed. The hunt will be limited to 15 participants, and the application deadline is March 30. Successful applicants will be sent an agenda for the day(s) of the hunt, meeting times, and other information.

For more information, contact West at the above email address.
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PHEASANT FEST TO FOCUS ON LANDOWNER HABITAT

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:44:06 GMT

Jan. 26, 2012
Pheasants Forever national meeting in Kansas City Feb. 17-19

More Pheasant Fest Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas landowners — and those from across the country — will receive free land-use management consultation at Pheasants Forever's National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic 2012, in the Kansas City Convention Center Feb. 17-19. The Landowner Habitat Help Room, sponsored by Best Buy and Geek Squad, will feature the latest technology to evaluate landowner needs.

A dozen work stations featuring large-screen monitors will provide a detailed look at each landowner’s property. The room is designed to give farmers and landowners site-specific information about conservation programs they can implement on their land. Biologists use aerial photography, topography, and soil information for individual planning. Landowners just need to bring the legal description of their property (township, range, and section). Through one-on-one consultations with leading wildlife experts, landowners have the opportunity to learn about conservation and habitat options on their land available through federal, state, and local programs.

Accompanied by trained Pheasants Forever or Quail Forever biologists or partnering biologists from the Missouri Department of Conservation; the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, landowners will be educated on ways they can improve their acres for wildlife and even what local, state, and federal conservation programs that qualify for enrollment.

"Your next wildlife habitat project starts at Pheasant Fest," says Steve Riley, Farm Bill wildlife biologist manager for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. "The Landowner Habitat Help Room is one of the many ways Pheasants Forever's premiere event goes beyond a trade show and becomes an interactive event where wildlife habitat is the main focus, and a lasting impact is made."

With the most current streaming data available, the Landowner Habitat Help Room will offer topographic and aerial maps on any piece of property in the entire country. For more information, phone Brad Heidel at 651-209-4956 or email bheidel@pheasantsforever.org, or phone Rehan Nana at 651-209-4973 or mail rnana@pheasantsforever.org.
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UNIT 4 SPRING TURKEY APPLICATION DEADLINE FEB. 10

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:41:40 GMT

Jan. 26, 2012
500 permits available to adult residents; youth permits valid statewide
PRATT — While Kansas spring turkey permits are available to all hunters in most of the state, only 500 permits (residents only) will be issued for Unit 4, a western portion of the state bordered by highways I-70 on the north, U.S. 183 on the east, and U.S. 54 on the south. Fifty percent of these permits are reserved for applicants who qualify as landowner/tenants in that unit. Resident youth (age 16 and younger) turkey permits are valid statewide, including Unit 4.

Applications for Unit 4 permits must be received online or by phone at 620-672-0728 no later than Feb. 10. Electronic applications are available at www.kdwpt.ks.us. There are no paper applications or mail-in forms. All draw applications must be submitted through the online application process or by phone.

Spring turkey permit and game tags fees are as follow:

Unit 4 Resident General permit — $27.50;
Unit 4 Resident Landowner/Tenant Permit — $17.50;
Unit 4 Preference Point — $6.50;
Resident General permit — $22.50;
Resident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $27.50;
Resident Youth permit — $12.50;
Resident Youth Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $17.50;
Resident game tag — $12.50;
Landowner/Tenant permit — $12.50;
Landowner/Tenant Combo permit/game tag — $17.50 (available through March 31);
Nonresident General permit — $32.50;
Nonresident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $47.50; and
Nonresident game tag — $22.50.

A Spring Turkey Atlas showing all public hunting lands and spring Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) lands will be available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices and the KDWPT website in late March. For more details on Kansas spring turkey hunting, go to the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us, and click “Hunting/Turkey Information.”
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FLINTS HILLS GOBBLERS 11th ANNUAL SPRING TURKEY HUNTING CLINIC MARCH 24

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:37:43 GMT

Jan. 26, 2012
For novice turkey hunters; registration deadline March 11
EMPORIA — On March 24, the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Hunter Education Program will conduct the 11th Annual Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic. The event will take place at Camp Alexander, near Emporia, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to anyone interested in learning how to become a better turkey hunter, especially youth, and it's free.

Participants will learn calling tips and other turkey hunting techniques. Bluestem Farm and Ranch of Emporia will display all the latest turkey hunting equipment and will hold a drawing for a turkey vest packed with accessories. Lunch and free T-shirts will be provided. The clinic will consist of several educational sessions dealing with all aspects of becoming a successful turkey hunter, including the following:

turkey calling and locator calling;
scouting/roosting;
wild turkey biology and management;
shotgun hunting for wild turkeys;
bowhunting for wild turkeys;
turkey hunting equipment; and
turkey hunting safety.

Participants should register by March 10 and include the total number of youth and adults attending, as well as their respective T-shirt sizes (limited to 150 attendees). For more information or to register, contact Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012.
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2012 SPRING TURKEY PERMITS AVAILABLE ONLINE

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:29:12 GMT

Jan. 19, 2012
Regular season April 11-May 31; youth/disabled, archery seasons April 1-10

PRATT — So far, it’s been a mild winter in Kansas, but avid turkey hunters are still itching for spring, when wild turkeys gobble and the hunt for long beards is on. The Kansas spring turkey hunting season runs April 1-10 for archery-only and youth/disabled hunters and April 11-May 31 for everyone. Turkey hunters must possess a hunting license, unless exempt, and a spring turkey permit. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) makes early preparation easier by offering spring turkey permits online in January.

Legal equipment for spring turkey hunting includes 20-gauge or larger shotguns, bows, and crossbows although hunters not qualified as youth or disabled may use only archery equipment April 1-10. The state is divided into four turkey management units. Unit 4, southwest Kansas, is limited to 500 resident-only permits available through a lottery draw with an application deadline of Feb. 10. Youth permits (16 and younger) are half-price and valid statewide, including Unit 4.

Turkey permits for units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online from the Kansas KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us, or from license vendors across the state. (A permit purchased for Unit 1, 2, or 3 is valid in all three units.) In addition, any individual with a spring turkey permit may purchase one game tag valid only in Units 2 and 3. A turkey permit/game tag combination is available through March 31 at a reduced price. By purchasing the combination early, hunters save $7.50 over the cost of purchasing each separately.

Huntable populations of wild turkeys exist in nearly every Kansas county. The Rio Grande subspecies dominates the western two-thirds of the state, and the eastern subspecies is common in the eastern regions. Hybrid Rio Grande/eastern birds may be found where the two ranges converge.

Spring turkey permit and game tags fees are as follow:

Resident General permit — $22.50;
Resident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $27.50;
Resident Youth permit — $12.50;
Resident Youth Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $17.50;
Resident game tag — $12.50;
Landowner/Tenant permit — $12.50;
Landowner/Tenant Combo permit/game tag — $17.50 (available through March 31);
Nonresident General permit — $32.50;
Nonresident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 31) — $47.50;
Nonresident game tag — $22.50;
Unit 4 Resident General permit — $27.50;
Unit 4 Resident Landowner/Tenant Permit — $17.50; and
Unit 4 Preference Point — $6.50.

A Spring Turkey Atlas showing all public hunting lands and spring Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) lands will be available at KDWP offices and the KDWP website in late March.
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JANUARY AND FEBRUARY OFFER GREAT HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:23:18 GMT

Jan. 19, 2012
Excellent waterfowl, small game, upland game, more await winter hunters
PRATT — Sometimes the best things are saved for last. This winter, make it so with a late-season Kansas hunt. For those hunters still in pursuit of upland birds, the last two weeks of the season can be very productive. Cold weather often bunches birds together and makes them hold tighter while competition for hunting spots is light. And although waterfowl seasons have been open for more than two months, there’s still time for good duck and goose hunting.

Quail, pheasant, prairie chicken (Northwest and East units only), and fall turkey seasons are open through Jan. 31, and rabbit and squirrel seasons provide additional opportunities for the avid hunter.

In most areas, crops have been cut, concentrating birds in draws and thick grass, such as CRP. Late-migrating geese and ducks, especially mallards, are often abundant where open water can be found. And as hunting pressure eases, private landowners are often more receptive to hunters looking for new places to pursue game.

Heavy pressure can make public hunting areas less desirable than private land in early seasons, but public areas may provide better hunting in late season. Wildlife management practices on public lands usually provide excellent cover and food supplies, making them good late-season options as hunting pressure decreases.

Hunters looking for a place to stay can rent one of more than 100 cabins at state parks and wildlife areas across the state. Most cabins are open year-round and provide a range of amenities, many with full bathrooms and kitchens. Click "Cabin Reservations" in the upper right-hand corner of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us, for more information.

Those seasons still open or opening soon include the following:

ducks High Plains Zone (west of U.S. 283) — Jan. 21-29;
ducks Low Plains Late Zone — Jan. 21-29;
ducks Low Plains Southeast Zone — Jan. 21-29;
Canada geese (including Brant) — through Feb. 12;
white-fronted geese — Feb. 4-12;
light geese — through Feb. 12;
Light Goose Conservation Order — Feb. 13-April 30;
pheasant and quail — through Jan. 31;
prairie chicken (Northwest and East units) — through Jan. 31;
fall turkey — through Jan. 31;
exotic dove (Eurasian collared and ringed turtle) — through Feb. 28;
squirrel — through Feb. 29;
rabbit — year-round;
extended archery antlerless only whitetail deer (management Unit 19 only) — through Jan. 31;
coyote — year-round;
furbearer hunting and trapping — through Feb. 15; and
beaver trapping — through March 31.

For detailed information, consult the Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary, available at most license vendors, KDWPT offices, or online at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.
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FLINT HILLS GOBBLERS YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST DEADLINE MARCH 8

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:20:28 GMT

Jan. 19, 2012
Shotgun, other gear, two-day guided hunt go to essay winner

EMPORIA — Now in its tenth year, the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Youth Essay Contest challenges youngsters to write an essay and win a two-day guided spring turkey hunt and a new turkey shotgun. This year, in 500 words or less, entrants must answer the question, “How can young hunters become involved in helping ensure our hunting heritage and traditions?”

Youth 16 years and younger from Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Wabaunsee, and Woodson counties are eligible to participate. Participants must have completed a hunter education course, be available to hunt during the 2012 spring turkey season, and purchase a Kansas spring turkey hunting permit if they win. Youth 16 years old will also need a valid Kansas hunting license. All past winners have harvested a gobbler.

In addition to the shotgun and guided hunt, the winner will receive a turkey hunting vest and other turkey hunting items donated by Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply, Emporia.

Essay submissions must include name, age, address, and phone number and be sent to Gib Rhodes, 1643 360th St., Madison, KS 66860, or Shelley Sparks, 1789 Road B5, Emporia, KS 66801. The entry deadline is March 8, and the winner of the contest will be notified March 11. Lodging will be provided if the winner is not from Emporia or the surrounding area. A parent or guardian is encouraged to accompany the youth on this hunt. For more information, phone Rhodes at 620-437-2012.

The contest is co-sponsored by the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Lyon County Hunter Education Program, Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply of Emporia, and the Conrad Carlson Charitable Foundation.
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