El Dorado Wildlife Area News

Area News - Spring 2014

Want Current Lake Condition Information? It’s Just a Click Away! It can be argued that technology is not always a good thing. But for outdoor recreationists wanting to know current information about , technology can be good because the information is available and can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by visiting the internet on your computer or smart phone.

For those interested in learning more about current or historic lake levels, precipitation amounts, lake inflow, or lake releases, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates a convenient web site providing this information. Whether you are an angler interested in lake conditions to determine if it might be right for pursuing your favorite species of fish, or are a boater or camper wondering how lake conditions have been impacted by recent drought or rains, the website can be a valuable trip planning tool. To access this information simply visit:

http://www. swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ELDR.lakepage.html

What’s Being Done to Improve Fishing in ?

Ever wonder how the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism works to develop or improve fishing in the sunflower state? The KDWPT Fisheries Division video committee recently re-released the 24-minute video titled Fisheries Management in Kansas. Originally released in 2002, the video details techniques used by agency fisheries management and hatchery personnel to create and maintain quality fishing opportunities across the state. The video is well done and is a must see for anyone with an interest in fishing in Kansas. The video was made available on the KDWPT YouTube channel and can be viewed at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J31chIla9Tk

Fishing at sunset.

A welcome scene for anglers, following the cold Kansas winter that we experienced. El Dorado Lake - 2014 Fishing Outlook

District Fisheries Biologist, Craig Johnson, has provided the following information to assist anglers when planning upcoming fishing trips. Information is provided based upon his annual population sampling.

White crappie- Good Crappie density obtained during trap netting in October 2013 was the second highest of the last five years. Overall size will also be up during 2014. Approximately 30% of the crappie sampled exceeded 10- inches compared to 7% during the previous year. Crappie had good body condition values during October which equates to nice, plump fish. Anglers should be happy with the crappie fishing at the lake during 2014.

Walleye- Good Walleye numbers decreased during the October 2013 sample while overall size continued to increase. Forty-three percent (43%) of the walleye sampled during fall test netting exceeded the 21-inch minimum length limit. Anglers should again expect good walleye fishing during 2014 with high percentages of keeper sized fish. Walleye fingerlings are annually stocked but despite the addition of these 200,000 fingerlings each spring the numbers of young walleye within this population has remained low. A good year class is needed in the near future to ensure good walleye fishing in coming years.

White bass- Fair White bass densities are down to the lowest level seen in quite some time. Drought conditions during 2011 through 2013 have provided less than ideal spawning conditions for the white bass. Density has decreased with a population comprised mainly of larger, older individuals with few younger individuals available to replace those fish leaving the population. Anglers reported catching fewer white bass throughout the 2013 fishing season. Although density will be down during 2014, anglers should be pleased with the size of the white bass that they do catch.

Wiper- Good While white bass numbers have dropped in recent years, wiper numbers have increased. The 80,000 wiper fingerlings stocked each year have done well in recruiting to the adult population which has created good wiper fishing opportunities. Wiper are protected with a 21-inch minimum length limit and 2/day creel limit. Anglers experienced very good wiper fishing with increasing catches of fish larger than 26-inches during 2013 and this should continue in 2014. Channel catfish- Fair Channel catfish numbers are down heading in to 2014. This population has received a rating of fair this year. Anglers will still find good catfish action in the old Bluestem Lake area and in the feeder creeks during times of inflows.

Blue catfish-Fair This population received a fair rating mainly due to the low percentage of fish available for harvest with the 35-inch minimum length limit in place. KDWPT personnel verified several angler caught blue catfish during 2013 that exceeded the 35-inch limit. Legal length fish numbers continue to increase each year. Overall density of this population continues to increase and angler catch rates are also increasing. Catch and release opportunities would be rated Good as there are plenty of fish for catching. This population should continue to improve in the years to come.

Black bass-Poor The lake contains three species of black bass: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass. Largemouth and spotted bass population densities are low whereas smallmouth bass densities can be quite good in areas with good smallmouth habitat. Skilled bass anglers continue to catch nice largemouth bass at El Dorado, but the casual angler would likely be quite disappointed in largemouth bass action at the lake. Smallmouth prefer the rockier areas of the reservoir while the largemouth prefer the vegetated coves, shallow timbered areas, and feeder creeks. The density of all three populations remains fairly stable from year to year. Recent attempts to increase the numbers of these fishes in the lake have not proved to be very successful.

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Spotted Bass Anglers and Boaters Reminded to Take Precautions to Control Aquatic Nuisance Species!

Unfortunately more Kansas waters were recently added to the growing list of those threatened by aquatic nuisance species (ANS). ANS waters are defined as those containing Asian carp, white perch, or zebra mussels. In 2013, zebra mussels were found in Clinton and Glen Elder Reservoirs, and in Wabaunsee Lake and Lake Shawnee.

Asian Carp White Perch Zebra Mussel

Why are these species a problem? ANS often become dominant within an area. They can out-compete native species for food or space and can reduce biological diversity or the assemblage of plants and animals within our native habitats. Ultimately, ANS species such as zebra mussels, asian carp, and white perch, threaten to alter aquatic habitats, of which our wildlife species depend, including those species sought by anglers in Kansas!

Regulations have recently been enacted to prevent the spread of ANS. Boaters and anglers are reminded to follow these regulations while visiting Kansas waters.

1. Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels being removed from waters of the state before transport on a public highway. 2. No person may possess ANY live fish upon departure from any designated ANS body of water. 3. Live baitfish may be caught and used as live bait only within the common drainage where caught. However, bluegill and green sunfish collected from non-designated ANS waters may be possessed or used as live bait anywhere in the state. Live baitfish shall not be transported and used above any upstream dam or barrier that prohibits the normal passage of fish.

For a list of ANS designated waters please refer to the 2014 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary (page 30) or visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism website at www.ksoutdoors.com and click on “Fishing”, then “Aquatic Nuisance Species”. Other ANS designated waters near El Dorado Reservoir include Cheney, Marion, and Council Grove Reservoirs, Coffey County Lake, Kingman and Chase State Fishing Lakes, Lake Afton, and Council Grove and Winfield City Lakes. Streams and rivers below these Kansas lakes are also designated ANS waters.

To protect our aquatic habitats, follow these simple steps at every lake, wetland, and river, every time:

CLEAN: Inspect all equipment for anything attached (plants, animals, and mud) and remove anything that is found. DRAIN: Empty all water from equipment (livewell, bilge, bait bucket, etc.) before using at a different location. DRY: Dry all equipment for a minimum of 5 days before using it again. If you need to use it sooner, wash with hot (140 degree) water. Water Level Planning at El Dorado Lake

Why let out so much water? Why leave the lake so full? Why are they releasing water now?

Questions such as these are often asked of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) personnel working at El Dorado Lake. Answers to such questions are often more complex than many might think. Water level management planning utilizes the education and experience of many different natural resource professionals including water planners, engineers, park managers, fisheries biologists, and wildlife biologists. To add to the complexity, they are charged with trying to meet the needs of a tremendously diverse group of resource consumers including landowners, agricultural interests, industry, and municipalities, in addition to an equally diverse group of resource users including recreationists of all types.

Scenic view of El Dorado Lake - an important resource for regional water supplies and recreation.

The construction of El Dorado Lake was first authorized by the United States Congress in 1965. Completed in 1981, the project developed a lake comprised of approximately 98 miles of shoreline, and 8,000 surface acres of water. The lake was constructed to provide flood control, to enhance water supply, to improve water quality, to provide fish and wildlife habitat, and to provide public recreation. With all of those intended functions, it is a challenge to try to meet the needs of all lake users all of the time.

View within illustrating facilities potentially used for diverse recreational interests including fishing, camping, swimming, and boating. Flood control functions often take precedence in times of abundant precipitation. At such times, the COE is charged with managing El Dorado Lake not as a separate entity, but rather as a part or piece of an entire watershed system comprised of many other lakes, and millions of acres of land within several states. Decisions made to retain or release water at El Dorado Lake may not always appear rational if simply considering local conditions. COE engineers and area managers must not only consider local conditions when establishing lake levels and water release rates and duration, but those of a much larger area including other lakes, lands, and property downstream.

Lake floods can impact area roads and recreation facilities, but may be necessary to protect other resources downstream.

Photo by Craig Johnson, KDWPT.

At many federal reservoirs the impacts of age are becoming more apparent. Silt deposition in several older Kansas reservoirs, threatens water supplies and other lake functions. El Dorado Lake will someday face similar threats. Increasing human populations and diminishing water supplies are a significant concern to water planners, rural water districts, and municipalities. Water uses to maintain a human population, agriculture, and industry are expected to increase. Existing water supplies within El Dorado Lake serve communities such as El Dorado and others in Butler County. Current lake level plans already have “built in” conditions designed to protect the water supply purpose of the lake. These conditions don't allow elevated water releases beyond a lower lake level threshold.

Water quality functions are also considered when developing water level management plans at El Dorado Lake. Sediments are often allowed to settle to the lake bottom after being carried into the lake from flows within area creeks and rivers. By doing so, sediments and other impairments are “captured” within the lake basin and prevented from being released into the below the lake dam. Downstream water quality is then often enhanced. Additional downstream water quality needs are also considered by water releases designed to allow a minimum stream flow. This flow is designed to provide an adequate water supply for downstream use and improve water quality to sustain aquatic and terrestrial wildlife downstream. Water quality impairments and land losses created from eroding stream banks are of yet another concern. Release rates and duration can affect stream bank erosion and are considered when developing water release plans. Responsibility to enhance the quality of water within El Dorado Lake, and thus the waters released from it, ultimately lies with all public and private lake users and land managers. Lake level management for the benefit of fish and wildlife species alone can be a difficult task. Because nature is so complex, any action or change in habitat cannot be equally beneficial or harmful to all living things. Each time the lake level changes, or water is released, some species of fish and wildlife will benefit, others may not be impacted, while others may be harmed. Fisheries biologists and wildlife biologists are then often tasked with trying to meet the needs of the majority of species, of those most valued by the public, of species of greatest environmental influence, or those most threatened with extinction. Lake level planning for the benefit of fish and wildlife species at El Dorado Lake currently places significant management emphasis upon game fish species. Lake level plans consider year round needs of species by managing lake levels and water releases to enhance spawning and brood habitat and enhance recruitment by minimizing losses during high flow events. Although the lake does provide habitat for many migratory birds, including waterfowl, water level restrictions set forth to insure water supply needs, inhibit KDWPT's ability to enhance shoreline habitats for the benefit of many such species. To add yet another dimension of complexity, KDWPT biologists are tasked with evaluating the impacts of zebra mussels upon other fish and wildlife species and whether water level management can serve as a tool to manage invasive species populations.

Successful walleye angler at El Dorado Lake.

Photo by Craig Johnson, KDWPT.

The recreational function of El Dorado Lake enhances the quality of life of area residents and visitors and significantly boosts the area economy. As such, this function is also considered when developing lake level plans. The desires of campers, hunters, anglers, boaters, canoeists, marina operators, and others are considered when formulating plans. Area management staff must always be mindful of impacts to these users and the impacts of water level management actions upon the infrastructure that is necessary, and in place, to provide these users with opportunities to pursue a favored pastime.

Recreationists provide important economic benefits to El Dorado and Butler County.

Lake level management decisions do not often come easy. Those responsible for such decisions do so knowing those actions may well be controversial. Is it possible to make everyone happy all the time? Consider again all of the intended purposes of El Dorado Lake and all of those depending upon it for necessity and recreation. Then tell me...is it possible? Would you like more information about the El Dorado Wildlife Area?

Please contact:

Brent Konen - Area Manager Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism 1130 Lake Road Council Grove, KS 66846 #620/767-5900 [email protected] www.ksoutdoors.com

Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism El Dorado Wildlife Area News

Area News - Summer 2014

2014 Dove Hunting Outlook: Two sunflower tracts (10 & 17 acres) should provide fair to good dove hunting opportunities at El Dorado Wildlife Area. Portions of each of the sunflower fields will be mowed (if conditions allow) to enhance dove use and hunter access. The 10 acre sunflower field can be accessed from the north by traveling 0.1 mile east of the junction of NE Bluestem Road and NE 90th Street. The same field can be accessed from the south by traveling 0.1 mile east of the junction of NE Bluestem Road and NE 85th Street. The 17 acre sunflower field is about 200 yards north of the parking area along NE40th Street, south of Satchel Creek. Dove hunters using these managed fields must use non-toxic shot (see related article below). Dove hunters may be asked to obtain a permit prior to hunting and to report harvest at the conclusion of their hunt. Please assist area staff with evaluating these opportunities by following instructions located at permit stations posted at each field. Hunters are also reminded to please be courteous and aware of other hunting parties while using these fields! For a brochure and map of the entire wildlife area please visit the El Dorado Wildlife Area web page (ksoutdoors.com) and click on the brochure tab at the top of the page. For more information please call area manager, Brent Konen, at #620/767-5900.

El Dorado Wildlife Area - 2014 Managed Dove Hunting Locations

Cole Creek Area (left) & Satchel Creek Area (right). Dove Field Hunters Required to Use Non-Toxic Shot: Beginning in 2013 many managed dove fields on KDWPT public wildlife areas required the use of non-toxic shot. Designated fields at El Dorado Wildlife Area have been included in this requirement and will continue to include all sunflower fields. Signs designating this requirement will be posted at each field. Lead exposure has long been recognized as a significant threat to waterfowl populations. Concerns arose when large concentrations of lead from spent shotgun shells began to accumulate in traditional waterfowl hunting locations. It was discovered that waterfowl could ingest the lead shot while feeding, and that the lead was toxic and could lead to illness or death. It was also found that some animals that scavenged lead poisoned carcasses could also ingest remaining lead and become afflicted, thus impacting an entire food chain. Losses from lead poisoning were estimated to be significant, and as such a nation-wide ban on the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting was implemented decades ago. Concerns of lead exposure to other wildlife species, including doves has become more common. Managed dove hunting fields can provide fast-paced gunning opportunities leading to the deposition of significant quantities of lead within some fields. This lead can potentially be ingested by species foraging in these fields such as doves, ducks, geese, prairie chickens, and non-game species such as songbirds. Concerns may be elevated in fields where no-till planting has been employed (increasingly common) for its soil building and erosion control benefits. As the name implies, no-till planted fields do not incorporate ground tillage into planting preparations. Lead deposited in these fields may be more likely to remain available to wildlife at the ground surface as compared to conventionally planted fields were tillage is incorporated into plans and where lead could be mixed beneath the soil surface. Non-toxic shot availability and price has improved and its use should help to insure the responsible conservation of our wildlife resources and preservation of our treasured hunting heritage. Would you like more information about the El Dorado Wildlife Area?

Please contact:

Brent Konen - Area Manager Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism 1130 Lake Road Council Grove, KS 66846 #620/767-5900 [email protected] www.ksoutdoors.com

Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism El Dorado Wildlife Area News

Area News - Fall 2014

2014/2015 Hunting Outlook:

Upland Birds: The fall hunting outlook for quail on the area is fair. Hunters should see quail numbers that are again increased as compared to last fall. Quail production in recent years (2007-2010) was believed to have been hampered by heavy rains, cool temperatures, and significant flooding during the critical reproductive months of May, June, and July. The 2011 and 2012 reproductive seasons however were notably different. Rather than too much moisture and associated cool temperatures, both years were marked with record breaking excessive heat and drought. Quail production during those years is believed to have suffered as well. More moderate weather conditions in 2013 and 2014 are believed to have resulted in improved production, as several coveys were observed or reported early this fall, but current quail populations remain below levels observed during 2005 and 2006 when quail populations were very good. Within most habitat areas, natural vegetation and area crops should provide good food and cover conditions for wildlife, including quail, and should help to sustain breeding populations into next spring. The wildlife area lies outside the primary range of ring-necked pheasant. Hunters occasionally encounter pheasants on the area, but numbers are low.

Male bobwhite.

Waterfowl: The fall hunting outlook for waterfowl on the area is fair. Waterfowl populations are reported to remain strong following another good production year within breeding habitats to the north. Habitat conditions however here are not nearly as strong as those experienced last year. Abundant precipitation and a slight flood in June kept lake levels full, or nearly so, for much of the summer. Food producing plants could not become established within dewatered zones at the upper ends of the lake until late this summer. As such, a thin fringe of food producing vegetation became established along some lake edges, but stands are not nearly as extensive as those witnessed last year. Late summer and early fall weather was mild and relatively dry, contributing to declining lake levels which has pulled water away from food and cover edges. Currently, food producing vegetation will not be available to feeding waterfowl without precipitation and increases in lake levels. Weather will undoubtedly play a part (as it always does) in determining the extent of waterfowl use this year as well. Hunters are encouraged to visit the area website to view weekly waterfowl population and habitat condition updates. Hunters are reminded that El Dorado Lake lies within the Southeast Duck Zone.

Drake mallard. Deer: The fall hunting outlook for deer on the area is fair. Reports from last season indicated that many hunters saw fewer deer and fewer older bucks. On the bright side, deer remain relatively common on the wildlife area, but observations suggest that populations are reduced and younger deer predominate. The 2012 EHD outbreak that struck many Midwestern states is believed to have had an impact in Kansas, but deer losses were not as extensive as other nearby states. Frequent and large reports of die-offs were lacking within the county and on the wildlife area in that year and conditions have not been conducive for additional outbreaks of this disease since 2012. Antlerless deer and fawns were a common sight this summer, and reports of a few nice bucks have been received, suggesting that an area breeding population remains strong and will provide hunting opportunity into the future.

White-tailed buck.

Turkey: The fall hunting outlook for turkey on the area is good. Area populations remain strong following good production dating back to at least 2012. Several broods were again observed this summer indicating a moderate level of production on the wildlife area. Hunters should find good turkey numbers early this season with numbers declining later in the year as some harvest occurs and remaining birds spend more time on nearby private property as a result of hunting pressure.

Male w ild turkey.

Small Game: Opportunities to hunt fox squirrel and cottontail exist. Of the two, fox squirrel, typically provide greater opportunity. With much of the area wooded and with hunting interest in squirrels often low, the area can provide some attractive hunting. Cottontail populations are often not strong, but can provide some opportunity during most years.

Fox squirrel.

Furbearers & : The area is open to the hunting and trapping of furbearers . In most years, good opportunity to harvest beaver and raccoon exists. and populations are generally fair, providing some opportunity.

Coyote. Year Two of Upland Habitat Planting Plan Completed:

A new 5 year plan designed to provide multiple benefits, including those to enhance water quality, wildlife habitat, and associated recreation was initiated in 2013. Beginning last year, portions of agricultural lands along 5 lake tributaries will be idled and planted to native grasses and forbs. These annual planting projects are designed to enhance grassland cover availability in areas dominated by woodland and cropland habitats. As a result, plantings should enhance habitat diversity within the wildlife area, ultimately enhancing habitat for wildlife species such as quail, turkey, deer, and others, and enhance lake water quality by filtering some run-off from adjacent agricultural lands. In 2013, six former agricultural tracts were planted totaling approximately 30 acres along Durechen Creek. Similar efforts were completed in 2014, converting portions of 4 tracts totaling 10 acres along Cole Creek. Approximately 35 acres are planned to be converted within 3 tracts along the Walnut River in spring 2015. Additional work will be conducted each spring along each of the primary drainages leading into El Dorado Lake. By improving habitat, we can enhance wildlife populations and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting.

Grassland habitat planting at El Dorado Wildlife Area

Durechen Creek Area. 2013 habitat planting locations. Cole Creek Area. 2014 habitat planting locations. Surveys Provide Insight into Wildlife Population Trends:

How are our wildlife numbers looking this year? How do those numbers look compared to other years? How did the weather impact populations? Why are the populations changing?

Questions such as these are commonly asked of Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) staff, and can be a topic of lively discussion among outdoor enthusiasts. In an effort to answer such questions, KDWPT staff spend considerable time each year conducting surveys. These surveys are designed to monitor changes in populations and are based upon scientific principles to reduce bias and provide information based upon observation, rather than speculation. By conducting surveys and collecting population data, KDWPT biologists can better tailor or target habitat management programs to meet species needs, modify harvest opportunities as populations change, and inform the public of population changes and reasons for noted changes.

So what surveys are conducted and how are they completed? Area staff are involved with surveys designed to provide population information for species such as bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey, greater prairie chicken, waterfowl, white-tailed deer, and furbearers. Each survey provides biologists with a snapshot of the population at a specific time of year. By conducting a survey each year, at the same time of year, under similar environmental conditions, and within the same area, biologists can then determine how populations have changed, and offer explanations for changes.

As an example let's take a look at a survey used by biologists to monitor population trends for bobwhite quail. Each June biologists throughout the state travel their own 10 mile survey route. They are asked to travel the exact same route each year. They may begin the route if winds are light and no rain is falling. They begin at sunrise and stop at each mile along the route to listen for whistling quail. At each stop they exit the vehicle and listen for 5 minutes. After listening at each stop they record the number of whistles heard and the number of individual quail heard. Information collected from the current year can then be compared with that collected during surveys completed in the past. Data from a route conducted in the region since 2003 is provided below.

Morris County Bobwhite Quail Survey

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

From the data one can see that the breeding quail population has changed each year, most drastically in 2008, but overall has remained relatively constant. Biologists use the information collected from that single route to inform area hunters of the status or abundance of the spring breeding population. Looking back, changes may have been influenced by the degree of successful nesting and brood rearing the previous year, or by the severity of the previous winter and resulting survival. Looking ahead, the survey provides biologists with information relating to the status of the population going into the current reproductive season, and can then provide clues into how strong populations may be the coming fall. Without the survey, biologists would not know specifically how the population was enhanced or impacted each year. Collectively, survey results from several routes completed in the Flint Hills region indicate populations have fared much better recently as compared to other regions of the state where severe heat and drought are believed to have negatively impacted populations. In the case of quail, additional surveys are conducted from July through August of each year to determine production or the level of success from nesting and brood rearing efforts earlier in the spring and summer. Surveys are designed to count adults and young, and age chicks, along routes. Results are then compared with those from the past to determine trends. In a similar fashion, other wildlife species are surveyed and monitored. Other upland game birds such as pheasant and prairie chicken are monitored in a manner similar to quail. Spring population surveys are conducted along specific routes throughout the species range to determine the health of the breeding population, and then later, production is estimated by completing surveys which count adults and young along routes. Turkeys are also included in these types of production surveys. Some recent survey results for turkey follow.

Deer populations are monitored in part by conducting surveys along routes to count bucks, does, and fawns. In addition to simply counting individuals seen, other information is collected to include angle and distance to an observed animal. By doing so, information collected during these surveys is used not only to provide population trend information, but can be used to estimate deer density as well.

Waterfowl populations are monitored from September through March of each year at all sizeable public lakes and wetlands in the state. Populations of ducks, geese, and mergansers are estimated simply by traveling routes along the edges of areas and noting species present and estimating numbers twice each month. Such surveys have found as many as 22 species of waterfowl totaling nearly 10,000 individuals during some winter months at El Dorado Lake.

Furbearer populations are monitored in part by tabulating observations of species such as raccoon, opossum, skunk, coyote, bobcat, and fox along roadways throughout summer months each year. Trends can then be derived based upon the number of observations per mile traveled per year.

Wildlife and outdoor recreation are important to the quality of life for all Kansans. Surveys play an important part in helping KDWPT to meet its mission to conserve and enhance Kansas wildlife and its habitats, and to inform the public of the status of the natural resources of our state. Ultimately they help to ensure future generations the benefits of the state's diverse, living resources. Disking Project Completed to Enhance Upland Habitats:

KDWPT continues to enhance habitat for upland game birds on the area by periodically light disking some area grassland and retired agricultural tracts. This management activity is designed to enhance plant diversity on these acres and improve year-round habitat for game birds. T reated acres are allowed to grow to annual grasses and forbs in an effort to enhance brood-rearing habitat and native plant seed (wildlife food) production. Recent management treatments have involved disking of 25 acres within 3 retired agricultural tracts. Additional treatments are being considered for other tracts in coming years.

Disking to promote plant diversity and enhance grassland habitat at nearby Council Grove Wildlife Area. Left to right - spring, summer, winter response.

Hunters Reminded of Recent Changes to Public Lands, Big Game, & Turkey Regulations:

The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission has recently approved new regulations relating to hunting on public lands, and hunting of big game and turkey. Designed to provide hunters with equal opportunities on limited public lands, and to simplify equipment regulations for the hunting of big game and turkey statewide, the following regulations have been enacted:

o Fall turkey game tags are valid only in Unit 2 (north-central Kansas). They are NOT valid on Council Grove or El Dorado Wildlife Areas.

o Baiting is illegal on public lands. Bait is considered any grain, fruit, vegetable, nut, hay, salt, sorghum, feed, or other food or mineral capable of attracting wildlife. Liquid scents and sprays are not considered bait.

o Only two portable blinds or tree stands are allowed per hunter on public lands.

o Portable blinds and tree stands must be marked with the owner's name and address or KDWPT number. Portable blinds may not be left unattended overnight on public lands.

o Decoys may not be left unattended overnight on public lands.

o Commercial guides must have a permit to guide on public lands. The permit is free and must be specific to the land where guiding takes place.

o Big game hunters can now select any caliber centerfire rifle or handgun, any gauge shotgun with slugs, and any muzzleloader rifle and pistol .40 caliber or larger.

o Crossbows are now legal equipment during archery seasons for anyone with a valid archery permit.

o Turkey hunters are no longer restricted to 20 gauge shotguns or larger. All gauges are allowed, using shot size No. 2 through No. 9. Would you like more information about the El Dorado Wildlife Area?

Please contact:

Brent Konen - Area Manager Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism 1130 Lake Road Council Grove, KS 66846 #620/767-5900 [email protected] www.ksoutdoors.com

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism