MARCH/APRIL 2004 $2.75 by Mike Hayden State Park Funding Challenge ushroom Rock, Dog, , budget. The department is currently wrestling with Cedar Bluff — the names of our state parks how to make the parks self-sustaining, while meeting Mreflect the diversity of the landscape the increasing demand and diversity of park visitors. and the flora and fauna it supports. In previous Limited budgets make volunteer groups essential columns I’ve written about the importance of public to the parks. Many state parks have their own lands for all Kansans. All who enjoy the outdoors, “friends” organizations, and other groups such as the many of whom live in urban areas, need open spaces Trail Riders, the Navy Seabees, the Kansas to enjoy hiking, hunting, biking, birdwatching, or Trail Council, and the Boy Scouts, all contribute time, any of the other many outdoor activities. raise money, and supply the labor for many park The state’s park system began in 1958 with the projects. Corporate efforts such as Westar Energy’s establishment of in Ellsworth Green Team have also provide critical support. County. There are currently 24 state parks all across Currently, the department is seeking legislative the state. Visitation has steadily increased during the designation of a 25th state park—Menninger past decade, and in 2002, more than 7 million people Memorial State Park in Topeka. It is hoped that a pri- visited Kansas state parks. As attendance has vate developer, who will be developing a portion of increased, so has the challenge to meet the ever- what was the Menninger Hospital campus, will changing outdoor recreation needs of visitors. donate 80 acres of land to the state. A day-use state State parks are among the most popular attrac- park, with access to the Kansas River, picnic areas, tions in the state. According to 2002 attendance fig- walking and biking trails, and a children’s fishing ures, was second only to pond, would be developed. Additional land may Cabela’s as the most visited place in Kansas. Many eventually be acquired that would link the Kansas other state parks had more than 200,000 visitors, State Historical Society, Menninger Memorial State placing them in the top tier of Kansas tourist destina- Park, and the Governor’s Mansion at Cedar Crest in tions. a system of trails. This project would help meet the Besides being a critical source for outdoor recre- needs identified in the 2003 Statewide ation, state parks are also key in efforts to conserve Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which and preserve the Kansas land and the plants and ani- noted heavy demand for additional open space, chil- mals that live there. Enhancing wildlife habitat and dren’s fishing areas, river access, and hiking/biking restoring native prairie are included in many parks’ trails near urban areas, particularly in our state’s cap- management plans. Special projects, such as shore- ital city. line stabilization at Cheney, Eagle Days at Milford Probably during next year’s legislative session, the and Kanopolis, maintenance of habitat for threatened department will seek the designation of Prairie Spirit and endangered species, and preservation of an 18th Rail Trail State Park, as well. This trail currently runs century pueblo at Scott State Park, are just examples from Ottawa to Welda, a distance of about 33 miles. of how parks contribute to natural resource and his- The trail is open to biking, hiking, runners, and those toric conservation. who want to enjoy the outdoors. The third, and final Despite their tremendous value to Kansans, state phase of the trail, for which the department will seek parks’ long-term funding is uncertain. For the past approval during next year’s legislative session, will decade, the amount of State General Fund support extend the trail to Iola, for a total of about 50 miles. for parks has decreased from 60 percent of the total For more information about the parks please go to parks budget in 1995 to a proposed level of 15.5 per- the department’s website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us, or cent in fiscal year 2005. The department has been contact the department’s office at (620) 672-5911. advised that in the future, all State General Fund With spring just around the corner, please plan to money could be removed from the Parks Division visit our parks and enjoy the Kansas outdoors. March/April 2004 Vol. 61, No. 2 1 On Point State Park Funding Challenge by Mike Hayden 2 Marsh Of The Swans Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area in Linn County is a duck hunter’s paradise with lots of history that has provided out- door recreation for 50 years. by Lee Queal and Karl Karrow 8 Barging In On Walleye GOVERNOR 8 Kathleen Sebelius A floating work station, the walleye culture barge, made its debut at Glen Elder Reservoir last spring. by J. Mark Shoup COMMISSIONERS John Dykes, Chairman, Shawnee Mission 11 Mussel Treasure John Fields, Pittsburg Once valued commercially for their shells, many mussel species Lori Hall, Salina Dr. James Harrington, Liberal are in peril and their value to our environment and the quality Doug Sebelius, Norton of our water has never been higher. by Bryan Simmons Shari L. Wilson, Kansas City Kelly Johnston, Wichita 15 Kansas State Parks Guide A 32-page section featuring all 24 Kansas state parks. ADMINISTRATION Secretary Mike Hayden Turkey Fever Ass't. Secretary/Admin. Richard Koerth 47 Ass't. Secretary/Operations Keith Sexson The youth turkey season provides veteran hunters with ideal Director of Administrative Svcs. Cindy Livingston opportunities to introduce youngsters to the excitement and Director of Fisheries & Wildlife Joe Kramer thrills of spring turkey hunting. by Marc Murrell Director of Parks Jerold (Jerry) Hover Director of Law Enforcement Kevin Jones Wild Currents 49 MAGAZINE STAFF edited by J. Mark Shoup Chief of Information and Education Bob Mathews Backlash 45 Editor Mike Miller Danger Calls by Mike Miller Associate Editor J. Mark Shoup Photographer/Associate Editor Mike Blair Illustrator Dustin Teasley Staff Writer Marc Murrell Circulation Bev Aldrich

KANSAS WILDLIFE & PARKS (ISSN 0898-6975) is pub- lished by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, 1020 S Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66612. Address editorial correspondence to Kansas Wildlife & Parks Magazine, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124 (620) 672-5911. Send sub- scription requests to Kansas Wildlife & Parks Magazine, P.O. Box 8059, Red Oak, IA 51591. Subscription rate: one year $10; two years $18; and three years $27. Articles in the magazine may be reprinted with permission. Periodical postage paid at 11 Pratt, KS and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Kansas Wildlife & Parks Magazine, P.O. Box 8059, Red Oak, IA 51591. Front Cover: A peaceful summer morning dawns Editorial Creed: To promote the conservation and wise use of our natural resources, over Area G at Marais des to instill an understanding of our responsibilities to the land. Cygnes Wildlife Area. Mike Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs described herein is avail- Blair filmed the scene with a able to all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or 55mm lens, f/11 @ 1/1000 handicap. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to Office of the Secretary, Kansas sec. Back: A proud young Department of Wildlife and Parks, 1020 S Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66612. hunter holds his first turkey, taken during a youth hunt Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks Website near Hutchinson. His guide www.kdwp.state.ks.us Marc Murrell took the photo magazine e-mail — [email protected] with a 35-80mm zoom lens, f/8 @ 1/125. Marsh Of The Swans step back in time

by Lee Queal wildlife biologist/retired Ducks Unlimited regional director, Pratt and Karl Karrow area manager, Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Pleasanton photos by Mike Blair associate editor/photographer, Pratt

Along a wild river by the same name, the Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area provides us with a snapshot of why people have been drawn to this land throughout history.

arais des Cygnes. French trappers in the settlement nates in southeastern Wabaunsee Locally pronounced of the area. The riverbank com- County and drains some 3,230 M“mare des zene”. Once munity of Trading Post, an apt square miles above Trading Post. pronunciation is mastered, the name in an area steeped in The river was subject to frequent obviously French words roll wildlife history, is one of the and intense flooding prior to set- gently off the tongue. Similarly, oldest settlements in Kansas, tlement. Through the lower sec- other names in eastern Linn dating back to the early 1800s. tion of its eastward flow, the County — Boicourt, La Cygne, The dominant ecological force riverbanks (terraces) are 3 to 6 Coppage Bayou, Paris Township in the area is the Marais des feet higher than the bottomlands — all reflect an early influence of Cygnes River. This river origi- of the adjacent floodplain. These

2 City and New Orleans support. markets. Numerous Adjacent to the wildlife area hunting clubs developed is the 7,500-acre Marais des along the river, mostly for Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge sportsmen from the Kansas (NWR), established in 1992, and City area. Currently, there managed by the U.S. Fish and are over 40 waterfowl Wildlife Service (USFWS). This hunting clubs in the lower NWR is proposed to be 9,300 Marais des Cygne Valley. acres, if fully acquired, and In the early 1950s, the focuses on restoring and pro- Kansas Forestry Fish and tecting bottomland hardwoods Game Commission along the Marais des Cygnes embarked on an effort to River. Combined, the two areas create a waterfowl man- total almost 15,000 acres, which agement area in the lower far exceeds the original total Marais des Cygnes Valley. envisioned by the Fish and The natural wetlands and Game Commission in the early bottomland hardwood 1950s. forests made the area near Wetland Development Trading Post and Boicourt Wetland development at an obvious site. Original MDCWA began in 1955 and con- documents indicate that tinues today. Units A (originally waterfowl management called Burr Oak Lake), B (Wood was the primary objective. Duck Lake) and G (Flathead Early efforts in acquiring Lake) were completed by 1957. land were successful but Additional wetlands were devel- marked with controversy. oped in Units C, E, and F in the The Commission elected to 1960s and 1970s, and wetlands take the fast approach and are still being created or used condemnation to enhanced throughout MDCWA. terraces trapped floodwater on acquire much of the land. The In the early years, wetland the floodplain, inundating agricultural bottomland along recharge was mostly by natural forests and natural wetlands. In the river was acquired first but sources. Units A, C, and G had lower reaches of the river there not without bitterness, some of small watersheds and relied are many U-shaped oxbow which lingers today. The effort almost entirely on floods for lakes, remnants of former river to acquire hunting clubs resulted water. Other marshes such as channels cut off by frequent in numerous court cases, some Units B, E, and F captured pre- flooding. even going before the Kansas cipitation runoff and flood Prior to settlement, the water- Supreme Court. The State even- water. Most large units had con- shed provided clear, clean runoff tually won, but in a startling siderable variation in topog- to oxbow lakes, bottomland reversal of its earlier position, raphy, resulting in portions of hardwood forests, and marshes, the Commission elected not to the wetland being too deep for which attracted waterfowl and go forward with acquisition of most wetland wildlife when the other wetland wildlife. some key club properties. units were full. Presumably, early French trap- Acquisition began with 3,679 Although the primary pur- pers and traders pursued beaver acres in 1953. Additional pur- pose of the project was to in the area and provided the chases from 1954-1973 brought manage waterfowl, fishing name, Marais des Cygnes, which the total number of acres became a major recreational use translates to Marsh of the Swans. included in what is now the of MDCWA in early years. Marshes with abundant water- Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area Without an artificial water fowl attracted hunters — first for (MDCWA) to 7,350. Later pur- supply, early managers usually sustenance and then for market chases involved only willing opted to leave units full and, and sport hunting. Market sellers, an approach that takes combined with abundant struc- hunters shipped birds to Kansas more time but has more public ture from dead trees, the pools

3 provided excellent fishing at times. Unfortunately, fisheries and wetland management often conflict. Wetlands are most pro- ductive when water levels fluc- tuate to produce vegetation for food and cover. Further, wet- lands are much shallower than is ideal for fish. Management plans were also affected by dramatic changes in the Marais des Cygnes River watershed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed three major watershed projects over an 18-year period. Pomona (1963), Melvern (1972), and Hillsdale (1981) reservoirs have a combined drainage of approxi- mately 25 percent of the Marais This aerial view of the Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area shows the diversity of the des Cygnes River watershed and environment, as well as oxbow pools left by the Marais des Cygnes River. store almost 520,000 acre-feet of water. Conversion of prairie to larly right after the pump station bersome. In some instances, agriculture fields speeds runoff was established. water could only be delivered to into the river and tributary Development of the river downstream marshes after streams. Withdrawal of water for pump station ushered in the era upstream marshes were filled. municipal, industrial, and agri- of modern wetland manage- Large topographic variation cultural use further impacts the ment, but many problems still within units required large vol- hydrology of the river system. remained. Individual wetland umes of water and during Modern floods undoubtedly units had been developed droughts, flow in the Marais des have greater velocity and higher without regard for an overall Cygnes River was insufficient to peaks, but are of shorter dura- water delivery system and flood marsh units. Other tion than before modifications. movement of water between marshes still relied on natural Changes in river hydrology marsh units was slow and cum- water sources. and demand for high- A major renovation quality wetland habitat to project constructed from attract waterfowl for 1994 through 1996 solved hunting led MDCWA many problems. Water managers to develop reli- delivery was isolated able water sources. In 1982, from marsh units to allow a major pumping station timely movement to was constructed. This 200- selected marshes. horsepower, electric pump Marshes were divided delivers more than 15,000 along topographic con- gallons per minute and tours to allow shallow supplies water to units A, inundation of large areas C and F. Managers began without deep flooding of to intensify wetland man- other areas. Shallow agement and dewatered water habitat favored by selected marshes in the ducks and other wetland spring and reflooded wet- species increased. lands in the fall. Fishermen Subdivided marshes pro- vigorously opposed wet- Waterfowl hunting is the most popular activity for wildlife area vide more management land drawdowns, particu- users, but birdwatching activity has increased in recent years. flexibility by allowing

4 managers to dewater or MDCWA. Although harvest flood subunits individually. of furbearers is now rela- Overall water demand from tively insignificant, wetland the river was reduced, management is the primary allowing better use of water focus and waterfowl hunting in drought years. In addi- constitutes the greatest recre- tion, a subsequent project in ational use of the wildlife 2002 subdivided one of the F area. In addition to water- units, further reducing water fowl, other game species demand and increasing such as white-tailed deer, shallow water habitat. turkey, and tree squirrels, Still problems and oppor- attract significant numbers tunities remain. One particu- of hunters. larly acute need is for Birdwatching has effective management of recently grown in popularity, water in Unit B, the primary and significant numbers of refuge pool at MDCWA. A birders visit the area during project is being designed to migration peaks. Perhaps divide this unit along con- most significant is the large tours and to provide a pump numbers of wading birds for reliable water recharge. and in some years, shore- River flow during severe birds, that can be observed drought is still inadequate to in wetlands that are being meet needs in spite of recon- dewatered in spring. In figured marshes that require addition to serious birding, less water. This problem is many visitors simply enjoy certain to become more the scenic views and chance acute as population growth encounters with wildlife. in the Marais des Cygnes Although a diverse Valley puts additional number of waterfowl species demand on the Marais des use the wildlife area, mal- Cygnes River. Techniques to lards are most popular with address this problem are hunters. In recent years, mal- being investigated. lards have generally consti- In addition to manage- tuted 60 percent to 75 ment of open marshes, recent percent of all ducks taken at management has focused on MDCWA. Hunters prize this forested wetlands, or bottom- species because it responds land hardwood forest. This to calls and decoys, yet is habitat has been dramatically wary enough to be a chal- reduced nationally and is lenge. Further, mallards important to a wide array of remain in the Marais des species. Fortunately, Cygnes valley after most MDCWA has many acres of “marsh ducks” have bottomland hardwoods in migrated, providing hunting good condition. This opportunity until marshes resource will require excel- are completely frozen. lent stewardship to be pro- Significant harvest of tected, enhanced, and A wildlife area for all seasons, this series shows how the Canada geese, another land changes through the year. Ideally, wetland man- restored for the future. agers prefer to drain some wetland cells in the spring so highly prized species, is rel- Wildlife Resources that vegetation can grow, providing food and cover for atively new at MDCWA. Furbearers and waterfowl waterfowl when the cells are reflooded in late summer From the wildlife area’s obviously attracted early vis- or early fall. Modern improvements have allowed man- early development in the itors to the area that became agers to move water and use it more efficiently. 1950s until 1980, Canada

5 Local populations are now self- sustaining and hunting seasons are reasonably generous. MDCWA is primarily a migration stop for waterfowl but in mild years, significant numbers of hardy species, such as mallards and Canada geese, winter on the area. Canada geese and wood ducks are the only significant nesting water- fowl at MDCWA. Partnerships Effectively managing wildlife and its habitat can only be accomplished through working partnerships. The most obvious Bottomland hardwood forest is another critical habitat type managers are focusing on. MDCWA has many acres of quality bottomland forest. partnership is between hunters and KDWP. License fees paid by geese were never abundant. Fall nently flightless, their off-spring hunters have been the primary sightings of 100 to 150 geese were allowed to fly free. With no funding source for MDCWA were unusual. Typically a few established migration pattern, since inception. This has been migrants would pass through these geese developed nesting supplemented by federal aid, prior to the waterfowl season, populations in the Marais des which comes from the 11 percent and a few larger geese would be Cygnes Valley. A refuge was excise tax on all sporting present in late fall. Bagging a established surrounding the firearms and ammunition. Canada goose was a rare prize. management area to protect In the Marais des Cygnes In the late 1970s, the depart- local geese. This extensive refuge Valley there is another unique ment initiated a project to create area, which remained in effect partnership: KDWP, the USFWS, a population of local nesting until 1987, allowed the popula- and private landowners all geese at MDCWA. The wildlife tion to become well established. manage many acres for wildlife area was chosen because it was Habitat management, combined habitat. The department and the being managed for waterfowl, with the local population, USFWS have many common had habitat capable of sup- attracted migrant Canada geese objectives, such as the protection porting large numbers of geese, in high numbers, particularly in of bottomland hardwood forests and the area manager at the the late 1980s and early 1990s. and wetland management. time, Rick Warhurst, was Private duck clubs manage knowledgeable about geese many acres of wetlands and and a proponent of the pro- contribute significant ject. Another factor was La habitat in the Valley. Cygne Lake, about 6 miles Further, habitat manage- to the north, which provides ment assistance for private open water year-round due landowners is provided by to warm-water discharges both the state and federal from an electrical gener- agencies. ating plant. In recent years, budgets In 1980, a predator-proof for expensive wetland goose pen was erected and development have tightened pinioned geese from North and additional funding Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, sources were needed. Nebraska, and the Wichita Fortunately, Ducks Zoo were introduced to the This photo shows a sign from the early years of devel- Unlimited, Inc. (DU) devel- pen. Although pinioned opment, probably the late 1950s. oped the Matching Aid to geese are rendered perma- Restore States’ Habitat

6 land wildlife, management practices are refined. 50th Anniversary Certainly, the duck hunter April 3, 2004 has been desig- who visited MDCWA in the nated to honor the 50th late 1950s would scarcely Anniversary of the Marais des recognize the area today. Cygnes Wildlife Area. Wildlife Further, negative impacts enthusiasts from across the state to wetlands and wildlife are invited to join in this special resources in North America celebration. Activities will begin continue, and it is impera- at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m. speakers tive that public lands pro- including KDWP Secretary vide the best habitat Mike Hayden, Ken Babcock possible. (Director of Operations for DU It’s been some 50 years Southern Regional Office), Scott since the concept of a Manley (DU Director of While waterfowl are the primary attraction, deer, Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Conservation Programs for turkey, and squirrels also thrive on MDCWA. Area was initiated. A lot of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, water has washed under and Kentucky), and others will (MARSH) program in 1985, the proverbial bridge since then. address participants. whereby 7 percent of all monies Wetland and waterfowl manage- Lunch will be served (free- raised by volunteer efforts in the ment has been highly successful. will donation) followed by state were allocated back to The future can be even better tours of the wildlife area high- approved projects. And the state with the development of more lighting completed and waterfowl habitat stamp pro- efficient management of limited planned projects. gram, passed by the Kansas water resources. This success is a It will be a great celebration Legislature in 1987, provided tribute to the dedication of the of 50 years of work dedicated additional money to help Kansas Kansas sportsmen and the man- to improving wetland and match MARSH funds. Since that agement staff of the Marais des waterfowl habitat. For more time, DU has provided more Cygnes Wildlife Area that has information contact Karl than $930,000 to KDWP through been created in the Marsh of the Karrow, MDCWA manager, at the MARSH program. More than Swans. 913-352-8941. $250,000 has found its way to the Marais des Cygnes Valley. Without this part- nership between the department and DU, wetland management at MDCWA would be severely hampered at the expense of water- fowl and those individ- uals who treasure this resource. A Bright Future T r emendous improvements have been made at MDCWA, but opportunities and challenges remain. Wildlife management is an evolving science and as we learn more about how wetlands function and the needs of wet-

7 BARGING IN ON WALLEYE

text and photos by J. Mark Shoup associate editor, Pratt

Millions of walleye eggs were taken from Kansas waters last year, and a special tool called the walleye barge helped biolo- gists work more efficiently.

alleye are popular closely monitored systems of Kirwin, and Webster), a substan- with Kansas anglers, flowing water. At a water tem- tial portion of Austin’s early- W even though they perature of 60 degrees, hatching spring days were spent working W occurs on the eighth or ninth on the walleye culture program. aren’t native to most waters. Not long after walleye were first day. Prior to the late-March/early- stocked in the 1960s, it became Some fry are stocked in lakes April walleye spawning period, apparent that dependable just days after hatching while Austin prepared equipment and walleye fishing would require others are kept in hatchery corralled “volunteers” — other annual stocking. From that ponds, raised to fingerling size, biologists from across the state necessity, the walleye culture and stocked later in the summer. — for the intensive process of program evolved. But first, the hard work of egg collecting eggs. He would spend The saga of Kansas walleye collecting must be completed, a three weeks preparing nets, begins in early spring. Even in process that is constantly being boats, motors, livewells, coolers, ideal conditions, fewer than 5 refined, as demonstrated last waders, and other gear in late percent of walleye eggs normally year at Glen Elder Reservoir. winter. survive in the wild. Artificial Last fall, Kyle Austin took a With equipment ready, Austin spawning and hatching can desk job in the KDWP Pratt and his team of four or five biol- increase egg survival rates to 50 Operations Office, but prior to ogists braved unpredictable percent. that, he had spent 14 years as a Kansas springs — which can Walleye move into spawning district fisheries biologist man- bring sun, wind, cold, and rain areas when the water tempera- aging Glen Elder and Lovewell — to collect 30-100 million eggs ture reaches the middle 40s. By reservoirs and Jewell State a year. It is work not for the feint the end of March, crews of biolo- Fishing Lake. It was in this latter of heart. Thirty-mile-per-hour gists are set up on several capacity that he helped intro- winds whipping across a Kansas Kansas reservoirs. They will duce Kansas to an innovative lake create more than a chill work grueling hours for several fisheries management tool — the during cool weather; they can weeks to capture walleye. Eggs fish culture barge. capsize or flood a boat in a heart- are stripped from females, fertil- Because Glen Elder Reservoir beat. ized and shipped to state hatch- is one of the state’s more produc- To collect and fertilize walleye eries for incubation. Hatchery tive walleye lakes (others eggs, large numbers of female culturists incubate eggs in include Cheney, Hillsdale, walleye must be caught,

8 “milked,” and released with the the wind,” Austin says. least amount of disturbance to “There was just no way those fish. Two methods of cap- to protect the eggs at all ture are used for this: fish traps times, and severe condi- on or near the shallow spawning tions made the process areas (along the dam at Glen harder on the fish.” Elder) and gill nets farther out in Looking to improve the lake. While fish traps have the process, Austin been standard equipment, traveled to Colorado to windy conditions at Glen Elder study their methods of convinced Austin to switch to propagating walleye. gill nets. Wind would often roll While there, he was trap nets up, making them inef- introduced to the con- fective and dangerous to cept of a floating fish retrieve, and modern multi-fila- culture dock. Austin ment gill nets are much easier on immediately recognized fish than the older monofilament the dock’s potential to Inside the canvas cover, the barge includes all the nets. make walleye egg col- equipment necessary to take eggs cleanly and effi- “I used traps for 10 years,” he lecting more efficient in ciently. It’s also more comfortable for biologists. explains, “but on this lake, it just Kansas. got to the point where I felt it “I went to Colorado two or The seed for this new tech- was too dangerous. The waves three years, essentially to investi- nique was planted. Austin next to the dam not only make it gate gill nets versus traps,” pitched the barge idea to his hard on us, but it’s possible to Austin explains. “I found that supervisor, Steve Price, who lose some fish in the process. On the gill nets were working well received the okay from Fisheries Glen, gill nets are a lot safer and in their walleye operation, but Chief Doug Nygren. more effective, and we’ve been their floating fish dock really Austin modified the design of supplying a steady egg source caught my eye. They did every- Colorado’s boat to fit Glen with them since 1999.” thing on it, and they were inside Elder’s needs and sought bids Choice of equipment has not where it was warm, clean, and from boat builders. The first rig been the only challenge in col- out of the sun and wind. A year would cost $19,000, including lecting enough eggs to meet or so later, they went to the same boat and trailer, and it arrived at demand. The process itself has operation on a barge, and I went Glen Elder Reservoir in March of made collecting viable eggs and out in 2002 to see how it worked. 2003. saving brood fish difficult. Fish I immediately knew I wanted With the new barge in place, had to be hauled to the bank, one.” Austin and his team of biologists where the females were were ready when the walleye squeezed for eggs. (Because began to spawn last spring. preserved sperm is now To meet biologists’ requests, used, males no longer have to 240 million walleye eggs be collected at this time.) would be needed, and this Here, milt and eggs had to be crew would be out to prove mixed in whatever elements the value of their new tool. Mother Nature presented. Here’s how the process The sun can be hard on eggs, works: Twelve 400-foot gill and it was difficult to protect nets are set and checked them from exposure to the every two hours throughout light. And the wind could the night, beginning at 5 p.m., whip dirt into the mix, for 20 days. Approximately tainting the fertilization 800 female walleye will be process. collected during this time. “We had to turn this way Because the wind usually to protect the eggs from the kicks up by mid-morning, the sun and that way to avoid A cooler with fertilized eggs is marked and dated and last net is checked and pulled ready for delivery to one of the state’s hatcheries.

9 four trap doors with holding bigger. They are then placed in cages beneath. One side contains coolers full of clean water, a bubbling holding tank and sealed, and labeled for imme- shelves lined with vials, scales, diate shipping to hatcheries at measuring boards, coolers, and Milford, Pratt, and Meade. other equipment. The entire This is the same process used barge is covered with a white at the other lakes where some nylon tarp that lets in light but 240 million walleye eggs were keeps wind and dirt out. collected last year; with the After the females are sorted, barge it’s just cleaner, more effi- the fertilization process begins. A cient, and — from the biologist’s ripe female is taken from the point of view — more pleasant. holding tank and eggs (approxi- Currently, KDWP as only one mately 80,000 per fish) are gently walleye spawning barge, but squeezed from its vent into a fer- others may be in the offing, tilization pan, where they are depending on demand and mixed with clean water, about a budget. Fisheries biologists at tablespoon of preserved sperm, other lakes are vying for the and Fuller’s earth — a powdery opportunity to use the barge this clay used to keep the eggs from year, and as of this writing, it sticking to one another. This solu- wasn’t certain which lake would tion is then slowly stirred with a house this new technology. large feather until eggs, sperm, But wherever it goes, the Female walleye are sorted and those and clay are thoroughly mixed. walleye barge will help ensure that are green, or not ready to After the eggs are stripped, that 50-150 million walleye will spawn, are kept in holding cages the female is measured and be stocked in Kansas lakes each under the barge. released back into the lake. Her year. And that’s good news for eggs are placed in a nylon basket anglers who will have the at 6 a.m. Brood females are taken and submersed in clean water. chance to catch one of the tastiest from nets and put in the boat’s The eggs are bathed in this water fish that swim North American livewell. (Males are released. To for about two hours to wash waters. ensure that genetically pure away the clay. During this time, walleye are produced, popula- the eggs harden and actually get tions were tested. Marion Reservoir walleye tested pure, so sperm from these fish is sent to Milford, where it is preserved for fertilization of all walleye eggs propagated in the state.) The females are then brought to the fish barge, where they are sorted. “Green” females — those not yet ready to spawn — are placed in a holding cage under the barge where they will be kept overnight, so their eggs can ripen. “Spent” females, which have already spawned, are released. “Ripe” females are kept in a holding tank on the barge before processing. The 30-foot-by-8-foot fish The walleye culture process is continually being refined by fisheries biologists and barge most resembles a floating hatchery fish culturists. Last year, the program produced more than 240 million laboratory. The floor contains walleye eggs, which resulted in millions of walleye stocked back into state reservoirs.

10 text by Bryan Simmons aquatic ecologist, Pratt photos by Mike Blair Commonly called “clams,” freshwater mussels were once economically important to eastern Kansas river communities. Today, their numbers and economic value have dropped, but their environmental importance has never been higher.

hen you think of increases. At the same time, a baseball is felt among the underwater explo- there is a sense of adventure. stones. My quarry has been Wration, Jacques Upon reaching the river chan- located and is tucked safely Cousteau swimming among fish nel bottom 8 feet deep, I struggle away in my bag. I go on to find and colorful coral reefs off the to orient myself on the gravel. another and another during this Bahamas islands comes to mind. An air line tied to my back pro- murky dive. You don’t think about a dive in vides oxygen from a floating This treasure is not gold, sil- the muddy Neosho River of compressor. Around my waist is ver, or jewelry, but freshwater eastern Kansas. The turbid a 30-pound lead belt to hold me mussels — also known as stream, filled with jagged trash, underwater. Looped over my Unionids, clams, or naiads. Mus- fishing debris, and log piles, is shoulder is a large net bag for sels are classified as inverte- hardly aesthetic. However, one my invaluable finds. I try to cre- brates, without internal bones, does strange things for treasure. ate a low profile, as the river much like insects or crayfish. I dive the Neosho and other fights to push me downstream Their hard outer shell is the only Kansas rivers – not for recre- toward the log jam on the next structure that protects them from ation, but for science. Each time I bend. Once stabilized, I start my a ravenous river environment. go into the water, there is a sense search by sweeping my hands Furthermore, their treasure lies of expectancy. In the gloomy across the river bed. Little can be not only in the beautiful depths of Kansas rivers are crea- seen, though the sun is directly abalone-like shell, but also in tures that may hold answers to overhead on a clear day. Light is their rarity and environmental the future of Kansas’ water. With choked out by the agricultural importance. Mussels help fore- each dive, knowledge of our sediment the river. Suddenly, a tell the health of our rivers and state’s water quality and fauna familiar smooth object the size of streams.

11 That fact is made clear in this dive. The bounty of mus- sels within this stretch of river, as well as a majority of rivers of the Midwest, was once so abun- dant that the gravel of the river’s bottom was outnumbered by these hard- shelled animals. Now, though it is still easy to find them, populations Biologists survey populations of mussels by diving and bringing samples to shore for study. Trends in mussel populations are valuable indicators of water quality. are far short of historical levels. Through history, mussels were about 17 percent of the nation’s blanks shipped to Japan and economically important. They total pearly products. However, inserted into pearl oysters. Mussel were used by American Indians, within a few decades, it became shells are drilled to produce a not only as a source of food, but apparent that mussel catches were nucleus upon which pearl oysters also as utensils, tools, ornaments, dramatically dwindling. This can secrete a thin layer of nacre. jewelry, and as temper for pottery. decline continued until they were This helps to produce cultured As settlers moved westward and scarcely obtainable for the cost pearls in a fraction of the time towns sprang up along major involved. About this same time, in needed for natural processes uti- Midwestern rivers, mussels the 1940s, plastic was invented lizing a grain of sand. Blanks also became important in the garment and replaced mussel shells as the help standardize the size of pearls and jewelry industry. Shells were primary button material. This took to be harvested. harvested and shipped to facto- the majority of the pressure off of Before looking at conservation ries. The pearly mussel shells were the natural resource. Since then, needs, it is useful to understand processed into fancy buttons. This mussel harvest has been low to some things about Kansas fresh- became a multi-million-dollar moderate. water mussels. Mussels feed upon industry along eastern Kansas Even so, mussel shells still have suspended microscopic particles, rivers such as the Verdigris, a market today, primarily as pearl including algae, using a part of Spring, and Neosho. Shells can still be uncovered during renova- tion projects in some old river towns which have the telltale markings from the button process. Waste button shells were also used in building foundations and bases for sidewalks and roads. At first, like much of American wildlife, mussels seemed in end- less supply. During the mid- to late 19th century, harvests were tremendous. It was reported that Photo Chris Barnhart 85 million mussels were removed from the Neosho River during During the first stage of life, mussel larvae must attach themselves to the gills of a host fish. Some species have an appendage resembling a small fish. When a larger fish 1912 alone, which represented attempt to eat the decoy, mussel larvae are deposited.

12 their anatomy called a gill. A por- glochidia are produced by every them. Beginning in 2002, Kansas tion of this gill also functions as a female each year to ensure that declared a 10-year moratorium on brood site for baby mussels. Since one or two mussels survive to the mussel harvest. mussels aren’t very mobile, repro- next generation. For those that The moratorium was based on duction and gene exchange is per- reach adulthood, life span is about several factors, including declin- formed using the surrounding 10 to 20 years. However, a few ing harvest trends, existing low- water as a medium. Males simply species are known to live nearly market values for shells, lack of emit sperm into the water, and the 100 years. Sexual maturity often current population status, low current transports it downstream requires 10 years or more, so numbers of recruitment (babies where any number of females adverse river factors can have a coming into the population to siphon it in as a by-product of rapid impact on mussel popula- replace those being harvested,) feeding. The eggs that are in the tions. and significant population differ- brood chamber of the gill are then Mussels exhibit great diversity ences noted between harvest and fertilized and baby mussels called in habitat preference. Some species non-harvest areas. It is currently glochidia develop. prefer riffles, some pool areas, and illegal to harvest freshwater mus- Now, an intriguing life stage is some lake- or pond-like areas. sels from any Kansas waters, as it required. The glochidia must Their shells also vary in shape to is throughout much of the U.S. attach itself to the gills of a fish in match their environment. Shells Why are mussels declining order to develop as a juvenile with a lot of sculpturing (knobs, nationwide? Several factors come mussel. This process, which ordi- bumps, or ridges) are also very into play, many the result of narily requires only several weeks heavy. These mussels generally human neglect, impropriety, and to complete, allows the immature live in fast moving riffle environ- ignorance through activities asso- mussel to be nurtured from the ments, where their anatomical fea- ciated with urbanization and bloodstream of the host fish as it tures allow them to hold on in a development. Rivers are affected develops its own digestive system. flood. by such things as dam construc- The process is sometimes so spe- Mussel harvest currently con- tion and stream channelization, cific that only one species of fish tinues in a limited number of dredging for navigation and road can complete a mussel’s develop- states, but Kansas is not among material, pollution and sedimenta- ment. Obviously, any habitat problem that affects the fish also affects the mussel. It was learned only recently, that mussels employ differing and often astounding reproductive strategies to transfer their parasitic glochidia to host fish. For exam- ple, female mussels of several species have a soft mantle flap that closely resembles a small baitfish. Glochidia, which are attached to the flap, are transferred when a fish bites at the mussel’s “bait.” In other species, the glochidia develop in a packet or envelope which resembles a food source. These packets are simply released into the water in hopes that the Photo Chris Barnhart proper host fish will eat it and Mussel shells were popular for jewelry and buttons in the late 1800s, and a multi-mil- thus provide transfer. lion-dollar industry developed along several eastern Kansas rivers. Plastic replaced For this to work, several million mussel shell as the preferred button material in the 1940s, and harvests declined.

13 waters, five have ecosystem until they are gone. For- been extirpated, tunately, current mussel popula- seven are listed as tions in Kansas and surrounding endangered, four states are not worse for all they as threatened, and have endured. 12 as SINC Questions remain. There is con- (Species in Need of cern that baby mussels aren’t mak- Conservation). ing it into the future population. Reasons We can only hope that we can pre- for protecting vent the continual decline and ini- Kansas’ mussel tiate a comeback. To do so, water- population are sheds need to be examined to bet- numerous. While ter understand the trends both Mussel species have adaptations according to the type of they provide a positive and negative on our mus- water they prefer. Some have heavy shells which allow them general index of sel populations. Popu-lations may to thrive in riffles and stay put during high flows. water quality and need to be relocated or reintro- tion from agricultural run-off, and toxicity, they also directly improve duced. woodland removal along stream water quality. One individual We should consider our impor- banks. Changes to a river ecosys- mussel can filter more than 8 gal- tant responsibility for stewardship tem ultimately affect its wildlife, lons of water a day. Through of Kansas’ resources, remember- particularly mussels. recent surveys of mussel densities, ing the past and looking toward That is why freshwater mussels it is estimated that one mussel bed betterment of the environment for are now recognized as the most in one riffle can naturally filter 1 our children. One would like to imperiled group of animals in million gallons a day during opti- think that the mussel populations North America. More than 70 per- mal temperature. How can we put could eventually rebound to sup- cent of all animals listed on the a price tag on these benefits? port a sustainable harvest for use. Federal Threatened and Endan- Mussels are also an important But until their biology and life his- gered List are freshwater mussels. food source for a variety of other tory, as well as human impacts, are Of 300 species nationally, 36 are aquatic and terrestrial animals. better understood, we should con- now presumed extinct, and 61 are However, if mussel populations tinue to monitor and protect fresh- listed as federally endangered. continue to decline, we may never water mussels. Only by doing so, Kansas mussels are experiencing completely grasp the importance will learn what these treasures are alarming declines as well. Of the of their existence and free bio-fil- really worth. 46 mussel species native to Kansas tering capability upon our fragile

Zebra Mussels his article deals with mussels native to Kansas, but there is another mussel in the news recently: the zebra mussel. Zebra mussels are non-native, brought to North America in the ballasts of cargo ships Tand first discovered in the Great Lakes. The zebra mussel is a small barnacle-sized mussel that could threaten aquatic ecosystems and damage industry. Zebra mussels look like small clams with yellow-brown shells, usually with dark- and light-col- ored stripes. Most are smaller than 1 inch long. The microscopic larvae can live in a teaspoon of water. In August of 2003, zebra mussels were discovered in El Dorado Reservoir. Because of the potential threat zebra mussels pose to other aquatic species, as well as industry and recreation, it’s important that the fol- lowing precautions be taken to prevent them from being spread to other Kansas lakes: 1) Drain bilge water, livewells and bait buckets 2) Remove any vegetation attached to boat and trailer 3) inspect the boat and trailer for attached mussels and scrape them off 4) dry boat and trailer for one week before entering new water, OR wash boat and trailer with 140-degree water, a 10 percent chlorine and water solution, or hot salt water solution (DO NOT WASH AT BOAT RAMPS) finish with clean rinse.

14 Kansas State Parks Kansas State Parks: Kansas State Park Fees More Than Meets The Eye Prices in parentheses are for purchases during Prime Season: April 1 – September 30 he Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks All other prices are for purchases from manages 24 state parks across the state. Most October 1 – March 31. provide utility and primitive camping, and T Motor Vehicle Fees access to reservoirs, trails and wildlife areas. A few are preserved natural areas, allowing visitors to One-Day Motor Vehicle Permit ...... ($6.50) $5.50 enjoy unspoiled wild Kansas. Many parks host Annual Motor Vehicle Permit (for calendar year) ...... ($45.50) $35.50 annual events such as concerts, festivals, and com- Second Vehicle Permit petitions. Whatever your outdoor interest — (with annual vehicle permit) ...... ($25.50) $20.50 hiking, camping, wildlife observation, fishing, bike Senior/Disabled – Kansas Residents Only riding, horseback riding, hunting, or just plain (Daily Motor Vehicle Permit) ...... ($3.75) $3.25 relaxing, a Kansas state park has what you’re Senior/Disabled – Kansas Residents Only looking for. If you’ve never been to a Kansas state (Annual Motor Vehicle Permit) ...... ($23.25) $18.25 park, use this guide to find the nearest one. If you Senior/Disabled – Kansas Residents Only haven’t visited a state park recently, look again — (Second Annual Motor Vehicle Permit) .($13.25) $10.75 there’s more than meets the eye. Duplicate (replacement) Permit ...... $11.00 Trail Use Fees State Park Daily Trail Permit* (per person) ...... $3.00 Annual Trail Permit* (per person) ...... $11.00 Camping Fees Daily Camping Permit (per night/unit) . .($8.00) $7.00 Fourteen Day Camping Permit ...... ($76.00) $66.00 Annual Camping Permit ...... $151.00 Prime Site Fee** ...... ($2.00) Utilities ...... 1 Hookup $5.50 ...... 2 Hookups $7.50 ...... 3 Hookups $8.50 Rent-A-Camp Equipment - per night . . . . .$15.00 Designated Overflow Camping ...... $6.00 Reservation Fee ...... $10.00 Eisenhower State Park Duplicate (replacement) Permit ...... $11.00 Group Camping ...... $1.50 per person, plus $.50 per site Youth Camping (per unit) ...... $3.00 Cabin Camping Permit ...... PRICES VARY (Check with participating parks for pricing and availability of cabins) A daily or annual motor vehicle permit is required for all vehicles entering a Kansas State Park. A camping permit is required in addition to the motor vehicle permit for overnight stays. Prime site fees and utility fees are in addition to all camping permits. *A "per-person" trail permit is required to utilize and Prairie Spirit Trail (except the portion of Prairie Spirit Trail within the city limits of Garnett and Ottawa). **Prime site fee applies to designated sites from April 1- September 30. All fees include $1 issuance fee. Some vendors may charge an additional fee.

El Dorado State Park

16 A - Available B - Available at extra charge C - Limited times D - Beach only E - Fishing boats only F - In non-state areas SERVICES

PARK TER, SEWERTER && ELEC.ELECTRIC HOOKUPS HOOKUPS (B) (B) LAND ACRESNUMBERWA OF AREASWA ELECTRICALNON-UTILITY ONLYRESERVABLE (B) RENT-A-CAMPSITESSHOWERHOUSE SITESBOAT (B)(B) COURTESYRAMPBOATING LANES DOCKSBOAT MARINARENTALDUMP (B) TRAILS STATIONHISTORICALMOTELSHELTERHOUSES LANDMARK NEARBYFISH CLEANINGRENTAL50 CABINSAMP STATIONSSWIMMING ELECTRICAL (B) BEACH (B) Cedar Bluff 900 2 10 91 20 300 A 5 11 5 A A 3 A 4 2 2 A 1 Cheney 1913 2 185 245 A 9 22 3 A A 4 A 3 2 7 A 4 Archery Range, Trout Pond, Clinton 1425 1 240 220 A 4 16 8 A A A 4 A A A 6 1 0 1 Childrens Fishing Pond Crawford 589 1 48 27 A 2 2 2 C A 1 A A A 2 0 0 1 Cross Timbers 1075 5 15 37 10 180 A 5 6 2 A 1 A A 0 2 0 A 1

Equestrian, Hiking, and Eisenhower 1785 1 25 38 127 A A 4 18 2 A F F 4 A A 0 2 1 A 1 Interpretive Trails El Dorado 3800 4 128 352 566 A A 13 17 5 A A A 4 A A 10 6 5 A 2

Elk City 857 1 11 84 70 2 3 1 A 2 A F A 3 0 0 A 1 Accessible Fish Dock Fall River 983 3 45 100 3 4 3 A 1 A 14 1 0 A 1

Glen Elder 1391 1 112 8 240 A 3 6 2 A A A 2 A A A 1 1 0 A 1 Trails Under Development

Equestrian Campground, Hillsdale 2830 4 160 40 0 3 10 4 A 1 A 9 0 0 A 1 Windsurfer Beach Equestrian Campground, Kanopolis 1585 2 16 31 200 A A 3 6 2 A A 3 A A A 4 2 0 A 1 Horse Rentals Lovewell 1126 1 23 13 82 306 3 4 3 A A A 2 A A A 3 2 2 A 1 Archery Range Meade 443 1 42 0 150 2 1 1 E 1 A 4 0 0 A 1

Viewing Tower Milford 1084 1 31 92 100 3 10 4 A F A 2 A A A 33 1 0 A 1 Horse & Hiking Trails Mushroom Rock 5 1 DAY USE AREA ONLY Horse, Biking and Perry 1597 2 124 200 5 10 2 A F 2 A A 8 1 0 A 1 Hiking Trails Pomona 490 1 47 97 200 A A 3 5 2 A A A 2 A A 1 0 0 A 1

Prairie Dog 1150 2 40 18 125 A 2 2 1 A 2 A A A 0 1 0 A 1 Adobe House Museum

Prairie Spirit Trail 33 mi. DAY USE AREA ONLY- per person permit required Biking & Walking Trail

Sand Hills 1123 1 DA Y USE AREA ONLY- per person permit required Horse & Walking Trails

Scott 1120 1 25 35 170 3 2 2 E A 1 A A A 3 0 0 A 1 Historical Site

Disc Golf Course Tuttle Creek 1156 5 104 12 500 A A 4 11 3 A A A 3 A A 25 2 0 A 1 Canoe Rentals Webster 880 2 66 8 100 A 3 5 3 A 1 A A 18 1 0 A 2 2 Walk-out Fishing Docks

Wilson 927 2 99 36 100 A A 3 5 2 A A A 3 A A 3 1 0 A 2 Biking & Walking Trail

Park Area Information Center Dumpster

Camping Area Pay Stations Concessions

Other Public Lands Potable Water Playground

Water Shower/Toilet Shelter

Dam or levee Modern Toilet Shelter Group

Private Lands Vault Toilet Cabin Modern

Paved Roads Trailer Dump Station Cabin Primitive

Gravel Roads Boat Ramps Camping Improved

Unimproved Roads Dock/Pier Camping Primitive

Park Entrance Fish Cleaning Station Trail/Trailhead Hike

Park Office Swimming Area Trail/Trailhead Bike

Parking Area Marina Trail/Trailhead Equestrian

17 27 25 117 DECATUR NORTON 283 PHILLIPS 161 383 281 2 83 183 ST. Francis Atwood Norton 60 8 Oberlin 36 36 Smith 383 Center 36 Philipsburg 181 128 CHEYENNE Prairie Dog 281 RAWLINS 9 123 9 State Park SMITH SHERIDAN GRAHAM 283 83 ROOKS OSBORNE 23 24 Osborne Colby Stockton Goodland 24 24 70 24 Hoxie Hill 27 383 City Webster 25 SHERMAN 281 THOMAS 18 State Park MIT

Oakley TREGO 181 18 Wakeeney 281 25 183 83 40 232 Gove Wilson 40 Sharon Cedar Bluff 70 Springs State Park LINCOL Scott Hays Russel WALLACE State Park LOGAN GOVE State Park ELLIS RUSSELL 27 147 Ellswor RUSH BARTON 4 Scott Tribune Leoti 96 City 4 ELLSW Ness La Crosse Dighton City 96 281 96 83 156 GREELEY WICHITA SCOTT Great 56 LANE 283 183 NESS Bend 23

156 Larned RICE 25 19 50 PAWNEE 156 Jetmore 19 Syracuse 50 156 Lakin Garden ST. John City HODGEMAN 50 270 50 Kinsley 56 STAFFORD HAMILTON 25 Dodge City KEARNY 83 Cimarron FINNEY EDWARDS 27 281 61 RENO 23 154 Johnson Pratt 270 Ulysses 54 160 144 283 154 64 160 Greensburg 190 54 GRAY FORD 34 STANTON Sublette PRATT 42 GRANT 183 MORTON HASKELL 190 KIOWA SEWARD 98 KINGMA 270 83 Meade 160 160 Medicine 51 51 Ashland Coldwater 56 Hugoton 270 51 160 Lodge Meade54 27 25 283 34 281 Elkhart 23 1 STEVENSStateLiberal Park 2 MEADE CLARK 83 COMANCHE BARBER HA 183 281 8

18 159 7 REPUBLIC NEMAHA BROWN 28 14 81 15 77 15 99 63 75 73 Hiawatha DONIPHAN Belleville Washington 36 Lovewell Marysville Seneca 120 Mankato 36 Troy 36 WASHINGTON 87 187 159 State Park 75 20 8 148 9 20 9 73 CLOUD 77 JEWELL 28 MARSHALL 9 Atchison 9 159 Concordia RILEY POTTAWATOMIE 62 4 15 Holton 116 Beloit 16 9 ATCHISON 73 Clay 16 Center Westmoreland JEFFERSON Glen Elder 24 Tuttle Creek 7 13 4 192 Leavenworth 82 177 63 92 14 State Park 59 State Park 75 LEAVEN- OTTAWA 24 JACKSON TCHELL 81 Manhattan 92 Oskaloosa 635 82 WORTH WYANDOTTE 113 16 5 Minneapolis MilfordCLAY 18 SHAWNEE 24 Perry 40 Kansas DICKINSON 177 City Lincoln 106 State Park 40 70 State Park 18 Junction 32 Alma 470 City Lawrence 10 57 4 Topeka 435 77 GEARY 99 ClintonOlathe LN Abilene DOUGLAS 150 70 69 43 Salina OSAGE State Park 156 Mushroom 4 WABAUNSEE 31 56 JOHNSON 140 15 rth 104 59 7 141 State Park4 149 Pomona 35 33 56 Ottawa 68 68 31 14 SALINE Council 268 StateLyndon Park Grove 177 68 MIAMI Paola 4 81 50 WORTH MORRIS 170 Hillsdale McPHERSON 56 Kanopolis 57 Emporia 169 35W FRANKLIN State Park Mc Pherson 50 LINN 135 State Park 56 150 75 Cottonwood 57 Lyons Eisenhower 31 Falls 52 Marion Garnet 7 15 State Park 61 Mound LYON Burlington Sand Hills 77 City 52 35 59 HARVEY 169 31 State96 Park MARION CHASE 57 239 ANDERSON 14 Newton GREENWOOD COFFEY 3 50 El Dorado WOODSON 65 31 52 Hutchinson Cross Timbers BOURBON 177 Yates Iola 61 196 State Park 7 69 81 StateCenter Park SEDGWICK 54 54 54 Fort 96 35W Eureka 57 Scott 254 El Dorado ALLEN 17 296 39 WILSON Chanute Wichita 54 39 Kingman Cheney 99 7 Fall 96River 39 57Crawford 169 146 State Park 235 Erie 42 77 75 State Park3 State Park Fredonia 47 47 14 15 57 160 BUTLER Girard 53 Howard 96 CRAWFORD Pittsburg COWLEY 37 NEOSHO 126 AN 126 55 160 49 39 169 57 2 ELK Elk City Parsons 103 Wellington CHAUTAUQUA 96 160 59 160 160 38 State Park 7 69 35 Winfield Independence 96 96 15 Oswego Columbus 44 81 75 26 14 Sedan 59 69 Anthony 166 MONT- 101 49 77 66 GOMERY CHEROKEE 179 15 166 166 Coffeyville LABETTE ARPER SUMNER 66 166 Arkansas 99 169 81 177 City

19 ocated south of I-70 in Trego County, this western Kansas Lpark consists of two areas comprising 1,100 acres on the 6,000-acre Cedar Bluff Reservoir. The Bluffton Area, located on the lake’s north shore, is the most developed and receives extensive use. The Page Creek Area, on the south shore, Cedar Bluff State Park offers beautiful primitive camping as well as a gen- (785) 726-3212 [email protected] erous helping of utility sites. Park campgrounds offer 121 utility sites, and a group campground contains 12 utility sites. Expansive areas are set aside for primitive camping, the park is equipped to suit nearly anyone’s preference. Rental cabins are available in Bluffton Area the Bluffton Area. These reservable cabins come with bunk beds, camping gear as needed (stove, 13 Miles to water jug, lantern), and a woodstove. Ogallah On the lake, fishing, boating, windsurfing, and Butterfield Maintenance Campground Building Memorial 147 skiing are popular. In the stilling basin just below Wagon Rut Park Campground Horseshoe the Cedar Bluff Dam, anglers may fish for the Pits rainbow trout stocked in the spring and fall. There ADA Volleyball Accessible Area are five boat ramps that allow access to the water, Basketball Court two in the Bluffton Area and three in the Page Dispatch Campground Creek Area. Broken Spur Volleyball Campground 12 Miles Area to The area around the park offers excellent Horseshoe Brownell Pit wildlife watching opportunities, enhanced by Overland Campground food plots and a waterfowl refuge. Deer, turkey, Boat Mooring Arapahoe pheasant, Canada geese, pelicans, eagles in the Cedar Bluff Campground winter, and more can be seen in and near the Reservoir park. A portion of the Page Creek Area is desig- nated as a handicap hunting access area. Threshing Machine Canyon, White Tail Campground the site of a 1850s Native Cedar Bluff American attack on a wagon Reservoir Campground train bearing a threshing Commanche Campground machine, is accessed by a road west of the park. In the historic canyon you will Prickly Pear Campground Pronghorn find carvings dating back to Campground Crooked Arrow Campground the mid-1800s. For a stun- Muley Campground ning view of the area, take a drive to the top of the 150- foot tall, cedar covered lime- stone bluffs. Page Creek Area Permit Booth

ADA Accessible

20

Cheney State Park his 1,900- West Shore Area offers seven (316) 542-3664 acre park reservable modern cabins. [email protected] Tcomprises Cheney State Park occupies two areas located the shores of one of the top at the south end of sailing lakes in the U. S. The Cheney Reservoir, located 20 Ninnescah Sailing Center on the miles west of Wichita. Since its West Shore Area is the “head- completion in 1964, the park has quarters” for sailing at Cheney. grown to include more than 200 A marina in the East Shore Area utility camping sites. In addi- offers supplies and services for tion to the variety of camping boaters and anglers. amenities available here, the The park is equipped with modern pit toilets, nine restrooms with showers, a ADA Dock shelter house, four trailer Mr. D's dump stations, and four desig- Pay Station With Personnel Only East Shore Area nated swimming areas, as well Jetties as several picnic/day use Wichita Point Campground areas. The Giefer Creek and Spring Creek nature trails offer Heimerman Point hikers an aesthetic sampling of Electrical Campground Hook-ups Wichita the area’s lush natural beauty. Point Day-use Area Fishermen are attracted to Jetties Jetties Cheney to productive fishing for channel St. Joe Reservoir Jetties catfish, white bass, crappie, M&M Point Lakeview Campground East Boat Electrical striped bass, wiper, and Ramp Hook-ups Marina Electrical walleye. The park’s 22 boat Hook-ups East Toadstool launching lanes provide conve- Loop Lakeshore Drive Jetties nient access to the 9,500-acre Day Use Only Ninnescah Sailing Association lake. A handicapped-accessible NSA Sailboat Cove Afterdeck Campground fishing complex is available at Jetties the Toadstool Loop Jetty. Cheney The 5,200-acre Cheney Reservoir North Electrical Wildlife Area adjacent to the Hook-ups & Campground park provides a rich variety of Hobie Beach Campground wildlife watching, nature pho- Jetties Handicap Fishing Jetty South Electrical Spring Creek tography, and public hunting Hook-ups & Nature Trail Campground Day-use Area opportunity. A refuge has been West Toadstool Loop Smarsh Creek Day-use Area set aside on the wildlife area Campground With Hookups Giefer Creek for migratory waterfowl. The Cabin Campground Area Giefer Hill area is closed to all activities Day-use Area from Sept. 15 through March Smarsh Creek Harding Hill Church Campground Group Campground Shelter 15, when it is reopened for West Boat Ramp fishing and non-hunting day- Giefer Creek Nature Trail use activities. to West Shore Mt. Vernon Giefer Hill Area Campground 21st. Street to Wichita

21

linton State Park is located four miles west of Lawrence in the scenic Osage CQuestas region. The 1,500-acre park lies on the north shore of Clinton Reservoir, known for its clear water and good fishing. Modern facilities and an extensive hiking/biking trail system make this park and adjacent 9,200-acre wildlife area an attractive destination for a outdoors Clinton State Park enthusiasts. (785) 842-8562 Popular activities include picnicking, swimming, [email protected] or camping on one of the nearly 500 campsites, including 240 water/electric utility sites and 220 dump stations, and more. primitive sites. Nearby restrooms and showers add a The Clinton Lake Marina offers boat slips, fishing touch of comfort and convenience for park visitors. and boating supplies, equipment rental, and a Visitors to the park can enjoy viewing white-tailed floating restaurant. Anglers are attracted to Clinton deer, , waterfowl, bald eagles in spring Reservoir for its good channel catfish, walleye, and and fall, and numerous species of songbirds in the crappie fishing. carefully managed habitats that make Clinton a dis- Well-known for its extensive trails system, Clinton tinctive outdoor destination. State Park is an outdoor mecca for hikers, nature Clinton offers 16 boat ramps, eight courtesy photographers, mountain bicyclists, wildflower docks, separate launching areas for windsurfers enthusiasts, wildlife observers, even cross-country and personal watercraft, a beach with shower snow skiers. Park staff work closely with Lawrence house, six picnic shelter areas, a separate day-use and University of Kansas individuals and organiza- picnic area, four playgrounds, a sand volleyball tions to present several concerts and other special area, an archery range, six shower buildings, two events each year.

Cross Country Ski Trail

Maintenance Building

Fishing Ponds

Archery Range

Group Camp Clinton Area Reservoir

22 Crawford State Park ich in history boating and scuba Kansas state parks. Redbud trees and spectacular diving are among offer spectacular beauty in Rscenery, favorite recreational spring, and the lush foliage of Crawford State Park pursuits. the surrounding forest is a natu- has a flavor all its Located on the ralist’s delight. own. This southeast Kansas trea- edge of the Ozarks, Crawford sure, located 9 miles north of State Park illustrates the variety Crawford State Park Girard in Crawford County, of landscapes available in (620) 362-3671 [email protected] resides on a 150-acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps Spider leg (CCC) in the 1930’s. Bridge Trail There are two recorded archaeological sites 1 mile to highway K-7 within the park’s bound- aries, including remnants of a 19th-century U. S. military outpost. An CCC Trail Rocky Cove Campground interpretive trail connects Crawford the park with the Kansas Lake Department of Wildlife & Evening Parks’ Farlington Fish Breeze Hatchery, which was Point built shortly after the Amphitheater CCC completed con- struction of the lake. Oak Point Campground The 500-acre park fea- tures seven campgrounds with 74 water/electric utility campsites and 425 primitive campsites, two boat ramps, two bath- houses, and a swimming beach. Sand volleyball South Shelter courts, horse shoe pits, Group Use Area and a playground offer more recreational oppor- tunities. Food, fuel and convenience items are Lonesome available at the full-ser- Point Osage Bluff vice marina and restau- Campground rant located within the park. Anglers enjoy excel- lent fishing for channel Cherokee catfish, crappie, and Landing striped bass. Pleasure

23 ross Timbers Woodson County. This region State Park is was a favored hunting and Clocated in the camping ground of Native gently rolling hills of the Americans of the Osage Nation. Valley in The forested flood plains, sur- southeast Kansas. rounded by terraces of prairie Comprising 1,075 acres in the and hills of oak savannah, pro- northern reaches of the physio- vide visitors an opportunity to graphic region known to early immerse themselves in some of pioneers as the Cross Timbers, the most diverse flora and fauna this park provides numerous in Kansas. access points to the 2,800-acre Shaded campsites within easy Cross Timbers State Park Toronto Reservoir. access of the lake are available (620) 637-2213 [email protected] The park is located 12 miles for both full RV hookup and west of Yates Center in primitive camping. All park campgrounds are served by modern bathroom and shower

Chatauqua Hills facilities. All park trails are open Trail (Yellow) to hiking and backpacking. All Chatauqua Hills Trail (Blue) but the Ancient Trees Trail are open to other non-motorized Osage Plains Campground uses such as jogging and moun- Ball Toronto Courts Point Area tain biking. Backcountry Handicapped camping is allowed by special Ancient Fishing Pier Trees Trail Cross Timbers Hiking Only Campground permit on segments of the Sandstone Amphitheater Manns Campground Group Cove Area Chautauqua Hills Trail. Camp Toronto Fishing in the river and on Chatauqua Reservoir Hills Trail the reservoir can be excellent. Both are noted for excellent white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and flathead cat- fish angling. Black bass, , and sunfish round out the Blackjack Campground diverse fishing opportunities

Toronto available here. The adjacent Reservoir 4,600-acre Toronto Wildlife Area

Oakridge Blackjack Trail is a diverse collection of habitats, Trail Overlook Trail including forests, grasslands,

Access Point Woodson farmlands, and marshes. Species Blackjack Cove Area & Oakridge Trails common to the area included white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, squirrel, rabbit, dove, and raccoon. A rich variety of song- Holiday Hill & birds appeals to wildlife Dam Site Area observers and photographers.

24 Eisenhower State Park

amed after native son Eisenhower State Park President Dwight (785) 528-4102 NEisenhower, this 1,785- [email protected] acre park features 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, 440 acres of woodland, and a complete range park visitors another of recreational facilities. The camping option. Other Melvern Reservoir park lies on the north shore of recreation facilities the 6,900-acre Melvern include a swimming beach, Melvern Reservoir’s excellent Reservoir, in southern Osage horse shoe pits, playgrounds, fishing potential attracts anglers County. volleyball courts, and picnic looking for walleye, crappie, The park provides 195 utility shelters. sauger, white bass, and channel campsites and four shower Eisenhower is also home to a catfish. Two nine-lane boat houses. Non-utility sites are burgeoning trails system. ramps with ample parking offer available for primitive camping Camping with horses is avail- excellent access to the expansive in the Five Star, Blackjack, able in Cowboy Camp and the lake. Sailboat Beach, and Omaha North Loop of Westpoint The 10,400-acre Melvern Swim Beach areas. Westpoint Campground. Crooked Knee Wildlife Area adjacent to the Campground is open to Horse Trail offers equestrians a park is home to a variety of camping, and group camping is 20-mile excursion through the wildlife, including white-tailed available in Abilene undeveloped west side of the deer, eastern wild turkey, bob- Campground. Mamie’s Cabin, park, which also offers excellent white quail, squirrels, furbearers, an ADA accessible rental, offers shotgun and archery hunting. and waterfowl.

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Fivestar Campground Crooked Knee

North Loop Horse Camping Camp Cowboy Host Campground Abilene Mamie's Group Area Cabin Campground HUNTING AREA Archery & Shotgun Only HORSEBACK RIDING AREA Amphitheater

Westpoint Campground Camp Day Use Only Host

Interpretive Trail Sailboat Beach Doud Campground Campground Churchill Blackjack Campground Campground

Melvern Reservoir

25 dual stages accommodates a El Dorado State Park variety of concerts and festivals (316) 321-7180 [email protected] conducted at the park each year. Trail users will find a variety of attractions, including a desig- miles of shoreline. About 6,000 nated horse campground. Seven acres of land are available for trails offer outdoor adventure for public hunting, including 2,000 hikers, bikers and horse riders. acres within the state park. All Seven cabins are available for hunting within the park reservation year-round, offering a requires a state park vehicle variety of comfortable accommo- permit for entry. dations to suit any preference. A large amphitheater with l Dorado State Park is located just north and east Rock Quarry Eof the city of El Dorado on Area the edge of the scenic Flint Hills. Boulder Bluff Bluestem Point Area Walnut Valley The largest state park, El Sailing Club Area Dorado’s four units sprawl across 4,000 acres along the Satchel Camping Creek eastern and western shores of El Area #1 Cove Box Turtle Dorado Reservoir. El Dorado Point Reservoir Goose Regarded as one of the state’s Fisherman's Cove Camping Point most handicapped accessible Area #2 Big parks, El Dorado contains 1,100 Pine

Area campsites which offer visitors a #3 Sunflower Youth Fishing range of choices. Other facilities Quail Meadow Pond include two swimming beaches, Cabins Run Eastside Group 10 group shelters, and a 24-site Area Campground #4 El Dorado Reservoir group campground. The Shady Creek Marina, Walnut Valley Sailing Club, and six boat ramps offer amenities Veterns Point Camping Area #5 El Dorado Camping Area #3 Camping Area #2 and facilities for boaters of every Reservoir stripe. Crappie and largemouth Picnic Area #1 bass fishing are good in standing El Dorado Camping Camping Camping Area Area Reservoir Shady Creek Area #6 #7 timber and around fish attrac- Marina & Sales #4 tors. Walleye fishing is good Aphitheater El Dorado Picnic Linear Area along the face of the dam and on Trail #1 Shady Creek the old railroad bed. Channel cat Area Shady Creek fishing is good lakewide, as well Eagle Pass Hiking Trail as in the river below the outlet. Flathead fishing is good in a Walnut Walnut ADA Hollow Ridge Trail (Day Use Area) variety of areas, especially Old Hiking Trail Bluestem Lake. Prairie Walnut Wind The 8,000-acre El Dorado River Big Oak Honor Area Camp Reservoir has approximately 98 Bemis Creek Teter Nature Trail

26 ense oak-hickory woodlands meet rolling meadows of big bluestem and Indiangrass Dat this striking 857-acre park located west of Independence in Montgomery County. The 4,500- acre Elk City Reservoir and 12,000-acre Elk City Wildlife Area adjacent to the park offer outdoors lovers ample room to pursue their pastimes. A nationally recognized trails Elk City State Park system invites visitors to take a (620) 331-6295 closer look at the rich variety of [email protected] flora and fauna in and around Elk City State Park. The Green Thumb Nature Trail is a one-mile loop ends near the U. S. Highway 160 bridge on the Elk that begins in the state park campground, and River. Parking is available at the Memorial rewards hikers with a panoramic vista of the lake, Overlook or state park trailheads. framed by ash and oak trees. Table Mound Hiking Campgrounds at Elk City offer an array of well- Trail and Post Oak Nature Trail are also park attrac- shaded sites appealing to recreational vehicle or tions. The Elk River Hiking Trail is a scenic 15-mile primitive campers. Conveniently located restrooms route that begins at the west edge of the dam and and showers, swimming beach, group shelter, fishing piers, and three- To Overlook & lane boat ramp offer pop- Outlet Areas To To Hwy 75 N Independence ular amenities for park

Green Thumb visitors. Nature Trail Comfort Cove The expansive Elk City Area Timber Road Area Wildlife Area adjacent to To Hwy 160 & Gatehouse Hwy 75 S the park offers a rich Table Mound Junction Hiking Trail array of wild inhabitants. Basketball Camp Court Host Kids Fishing White-tailed deer, wild Pond Sunset Point turkey, bobwhite quail, Area cottontail, fox and gray squirrels, and prairie Handicap Accessible chickens can be found Fishing Dock here. Common furbearers include beaver, raccoon,

Prairie Meadow Basketball bobcat, coyote, gray fox, Area Court opossum, mink and Day Use Area "NO CAMPING" Jetties Basketball muskrat. Court Overflow Camping Elk City Reservoir Area offers good to excellent fishing opportunities for channel catfish, white Elk City bass, crappie, flathead cat- Reservoir Squaw Creek fish, largemouth bass and Trail saugeye. A handicapped access fishing dock is located in the state park.

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Fall River State Park animal life. The 980-acre park is (620) 637-2213 a unique blend of forested flood [email protected] plains, blackjack savannahs, and tallgrass prairie. Outdoors ositioned between enthusiasts looking to get off the the Cross Timbers beaten track will find much to Pregion and the grass- their liking at this park, located lands of the Flint Hills, in southeastern Greenwood Fall River State Park is County. home to a remarkable Camping, swimming, boating, diversity of plant and water skiing, hiking, and pic- nicking are popular pursuits at Fall River. Developed campsites Fall River Reservoir include modern restroom and South Rock Casner Creek Camping Area Campground shower facilities. Forty-five elec- tric/water hookups are avail- able, plus more than 100 primitive campsites. A hiking trail and orienteering course Fredonia Bay Amphitheater Campground offer visitors an up-close and personal perspective on this unique area.

Gobbler's Knob A favorite pastime here is Campground canoeing Fall River, which feeds into the 2,450-acre reservoir of the same name. Bird watchers, photographers, and naturalists Fredonia Bay Area will enjoy a variety of native plants and animals here. More than 8,000 acres of public wildlife area next to the park are managed for a variety of game Fall River and nongame species. Dove, Reservoir quail, deer, turkey, rabbit, Maintenance squirrel, waterfowl, and prairie Building chicken are common. Fall River offers good fishing opportunities for channel cat- fish, white bass, crappie, flat- head catfish, largemouth bass and walleye. White bass fishing can be excellent in early spring, particularly in Otter Creek and Quarry Fall River above the reservoir. Bay Area

28 Glen Elder State Park 300 primitive sites, there’s plenty of room for campers of any preference. Boat ramps in Kanza and Osage offer excellent lake access and ADA courtesy docks. Glen Elder State Park offers conve- nient access to the 12,500-acre reservoir Glen Elder State Park where crappie, walleye, white bass, saugeye, (785) 545-3345 channel catfish, largemouth bass, and flathead cat- [email protected] fish attract anglers. Swimming, boating, hiking, volleyball, softball, ituated on the shores of one of Kansas’ largest and bicycling accommodations are all available at lakes, Glen Elder State Park offers nearly the park. The Osage area has sand volleyball courts, Sunlimited recreational opportunities. Located a reservable group shelter, and a swimming beach. 12 miles west of Beloit in Mitchell County, Glen The Pawnee Overlook provides shoreline fishing, Elder offers something for virtually any outdoor primitive camping, picnicking — and an excellent pursuit. view. The Chautauqua Fishing Pond offers easy Modern restroom/shower buildings are open in access for individuals with disabilities and children. the Sioux, Kanza, and Cheyenne areas from mid- The pond is stocked with trout in the winter. April to October. The Kanza shower may be open Waconda Heritage Village, featuring the during the winter and early spring, as well, historic Hopewell Church, offers visitors a glimpse depending on the weather. A full-service marina into the area’s past. The facility provides historical provides fuel, slip rental, and supplies from April displays and a room reservable for group events. through October. Proposed future development includes a Waconda With three campgrounds offering 121 electrical Springs replica and a restored limestone school- hookups (most with water), as well as more than house.

13 miles to Downs

24 5 miles to Waterfowl Cawker City Blind

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Commanche Waterfowl Campground Blind Wichita Campground

Uskuts Hopewell 24 Takota Campground Church Chautauqua Point Kiowa Fishing Pond Campground

Arikaree 12 miles to Campground Beloit

Visitor's Center

50 amp Kanza Electric Sites Kaw Campgound Sioux Campground 50 amp 8-50 amp Sites Electric Sites Cheyenne No Water Campground Pawnee 12- 50 amp Sites Overlook Amphitheater Osage Campground

Pawnee Campground Glen Elder Reservior

29 Hillsdale State Park As the newest of Kansas’ state parks, Hillsdale is well-equipped with modern facilities. Located in the fastest-growing area of the state, the park is heavily used by ocated in the rolling hills of residents of nearby Kansas City. Miami County, Hillsdale Camping is allowed in the 200 LState Park offers a broad designated camp sites in the array of outdoor recreation Russell Crites Area. About half opportunities. Campers, anglers, of those sites have electric/water boaters, hunters, swimmers, hookups available. Two horseback riders, model airplane restroom/shower houses are flyers, hikers, naturalists, pic- conveniently located for camp- Hillsdale State Park nickers, photographers and ground users. The park features (913) 783-4507 [email protected] sightseers all enjoy unique two beach areas which are open opportunities at Hillsdale. from sunrise to sunset. The Saddle Ridge Equestrian Area on the east side of the reservoir has 32 Marysville Campground miles of marked trails. Model airplane flying is a popular activity in a spe- Saddle Ridge Horse Camping cially designated area just & Trailhead south of the dam.

Windsurfer Beach Rd. Harmony Anglers find ample sport Campground in the 4,500-acre Hillsdale 255th St. Reservoir. Fishing is allowed Hillsdale Reservoir on all 51 miles of shoreline, Quail Run Campground and seven boat ramps in the Crappie Cove Campground state park and adjacent wildlife area provide conve- Russell nient access to the water. Crites Oultet When the lake was filled, in PWC Ramp the early 1980s, more than 70 Watercraft Jayhawk Beach Ramp percent of the standing timber in the lake basin was

Rabbit Ridge Scott Creek left to provide fish habitat. Campground Campground R.C. Flying Sunflower Field As a result, walleye, catfish, Day-Use largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are abundant.

Youth The adjacent 7,700-acre Scout Camping public wildlife area offers hunters and wildlife observers a variety of enjoy- able outdoor opportunities.

30 Kanopolis State Park

Water Crossing Trails Extend onto the Wildlife Area

Kanopolis State Park Horsethief (785) 546-2565 Area [email protected]

anopolis State Park started it all. The first Kansas state park has drawn visitors to Corral Group Shelter eastern Ellsworth County since 1955. Prairie Dog K Amphitheater Town Situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the Rockwall scenic region of Kansas, Kanopolis is Burr Oak located 33 miles southwest of Salina. Rockin' K Horse The park features a full-service marina, beaches, Campground picnic areas, and trails for horseback riding, moun-

tain biking, and hiking. More than 200 primitive Eagle campsites and 119 utility sites are located through Point Wildlife the 14 campgrounds in the Langley Point and Viewing Horsethief areas. Buffalo Track Nature Trail is an Area enthralling 1.5-mile route rich in native plants and wildlife, as well as Native American history. Kanopolis offers 25 miles of trails, all of which Sandyshore start in the state park. The Rockin’ K trails take Kanopolis Reservoir visitors to and from the Rockin’ K campgrounds. Buzzard The Horsethief trails loop through canyons and Bay trees. Farther north and west, the Prairie Trails traverse high prairie and Red Rock Canyon. The Kanopolis Alum Creek trails take visitors across vast prairie Ball Field Caving and through many water crossings. Be aware that Reservoir Banks it can take more than a day to complete some trails on foot. Switchgrass The 3,500-acre Kanopolis Reservoir offers excel- Sandstone Yucca lent fishing opportunities. White bass fishing can Sandplum be good soon after ice-out and in April during the spawning run. The best crappie fishing occurs Little Cottonwood Bluestem from March through May. In addition, anglers will Sumac find walleye, saugeye, wiper, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. More than 12,500 acres of public Langley Point Mulberry Kid's wildlife area add to Kanopolis’ appeal. Area Fishing Amphitheater Pond

31 Lake

he only state park in utility sites and 150 primitive campsites. southwest Kansas, The lake invites anglers to sample excellent TMeade State Park is fishing for bluegill, channel cat, and largemouth an oasis in the shortgrass bass. No skiing or pleasure boating is allowed; prairie region of the state. boats must be used for fishing purposes only. The park comprises 440 The adjacent 360-acre wildlife area, although acres of land and recreational facilities situated modestly sized, offers good opportunities for dove around the 80-acre Meade State Fishing Lake. and quail hunters. Deer, turkey, rabbit and some Nature trails offer visitors an up close look at the waterfowl also inhabit the area and offer hunters shortgrass prairie ecosystem. Utility and primitive an occasional mixed bag. Deer may be hunted only camping, day use areas, swimming beach, and with bow or muzzleloader firearms. Naturalists boating and fishing access make this a popular des- will enjoy a nature trail at the northwest corner of tination. Campgrounds provide 42 water/electric the lake.

Lake Meade State Park (620) 873-2572 [email protected]

Improved Primitive Camping Area Camping Area

Improved Camping Area Improved Camping Area

Cattails Marsh

Primitive Camping Area Meade SFL

Primitive Camping Area

Improved Camping Area

Primitive Camping Area

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Primitive Camping Area

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and paddleboat rentals are avail- in natural habitats. Wild turkey, able seasonally. deer, bobcat and beaver are Nature trails accommodate common in the area. A horse hikers, horseback riders, and camp area provides amenities naturalists and provide excellent for equestrian visitors. idden in the western opportunities to observe wildlife Kansas prairie, Scott HState Park is a star- tling oasis of natural Bull Canyon South Campground springs, deep wooded canyons, and craggy bluffs. Mooring Dock The 1,020-acre park sur- Scott rounds the 100-acre, spring- SFL Fishing Pier fed Scott State Fishing Lake. Handicapped Fishing Rich in history, this park Dock Lake View provides an ideal setting for Campground camping, boating, swim- (Utilities available) To Hwy 83 N ming, hiking, hunting, Timber Canyon Lakeside Oakley 34 miles Campground Campground fishing, and wildlife obser- Horse Unloading vation. The Steele home, the & Camp Area Methodist Church Horse Thief Camp Lakeside Canyon dwelling of the original set- 95 tlers on the area, has been Circle Drive Campground preserved much as it was (Utilities available) 100 years ago. The park also boasts the northernmost Steele pueblo in the U. S. – El Monument

Cuartelejo. El Cuartelejo Steele Home Pueblo Ruins The park has 55 utility Museum

campsites, including some Boy Scout with 50-amp service and Camp water hookups. Three modern shower buildings, 175 primitive campsites and Elm Grove Camping several vault toilets are also Area available. Visitors enjoy a

swimming beach and play- Big Springs Nature Trail ground, and a concessions & Picnic Area building stocks camping and fishing supplies. Canoe

Barrel Springs Trout Pond

Lake Scott State Park 95 (620) 872-2061 [email protected] To Hwy 83 S Scott City 14 miles

33 electrical sites may be reserved, and Bluebird Primitive Campground is reservable for camping groups. Three shower/toilet buildings, three Lovewell offers an vault toilets, year-round freeze- Lovewell State Park enticing blend of proof water hydrants and two (785) 753-4971 camping, fishing, trailer dump stations are cen- [email protected] wildlife watching, trally located in the park. and special events. A historic limestone school ovewell State Park is a The park features excellent hosts summer church services, haven for outdoors lovers shade and 23 full utility, 13 and an archery range is located Lwho are looking for water/electric, 82 electric only, north of the Cottonwood shower variety. Located off the beaten and 306 primitive campsites, as building. The Pioneer day-use track in northern Jewell County, well as two cabins. Designated area features a playground, sand volleyball, softball diamond, and horse shoe pits. Two bas- 4 Miles to K-14 ketball courts are located west of the marina. The Southwinds Swimming Beach offers plenty of sun and shade. Picnic facilities are available throughout the day- use areas, as well as a large

Archery log group shelter that can be Range reserved. Lovewell hosts several annual special events, including a Kids Fishing Willow Campground Twin Coves Leased Derby in early June, fireworks Mobile Home Spaces Willow Utility Campground and sand castle contest in July, Cottonwood Utility Campground Lovewell Fun Day in August, Cottonwood Campground and various other special Bluebird Group Camp Area events and fishing tourna-

Basketball Court ments throughout the year. Cemetery Cedar Point The 2,900-acre Lovewell Utility Campground Reservoir is popular with

Semi-modern anglers. The south shore fea- Cabin Lovewell Semi-modern Cedar Point Cabin tures high bluffs that block Reservoir Campground summer winds. The 2,200-

Volleyball Court acre Lovewell Wildlife Area Baseball Field invites hunters, wildlife Pioneer Campground Horseshoe Pit Semi-modern watchers, and other wildlife Walleye Point Cabin Utility Campground enthusiasts to experience a variety of well-managed Walleye Point Campground habitats.

34 Milford State Park ocated near Junction City in the lower half of the lake. on the shores of the state’s Many game species Llargest lake – 16,000-acre are present on the Milford Reservoir – Milford 18,800-acre Milford State Park is a favorite getaway Wildlife Area, and a for outdoors loving visitors. permanent 1,100-acre Park facilities include modern wildlife refuge has campgrounds, shower buildings, been established on the northern Milford State Park (785) 238-3014 toilets, swimming beaches, boat end of the reservoir for water- [email protected] ramps, picnic shelters, a full-ser- fowl management. vice marina, and a multi-pur- pose trails system. The park also houses a large yacht club. Nearby Milford Nature Walnut Grove Center and Milford Fish Campground Yacht Hatchery offer a variety of Club interpretive exhibits and dis- Woodland Hills plays. Campground The park comprises five Cedar Point campgrounds with 120 elec- Campground tric/water utility sites. Thirty Crystal Trailhead of these sites also include 2.1 miles sewer hookups. More than 100 improved primitive camp- sites are also available throughout the park.

The state park is a popular Hickory Hollow Campground destination for anglers eager to experience the excellent fishing available in Milford Reservoir. Walleye concentrate Old School along the face of the dam in House early April to spawn, then Eagle Ridge move to the flats at Farnum Trailhead 8 miles Waterfall Trailhead Creek and mud points near 0.6 mile

School Creek. Nearly all of the Sunset Ridge Campground & brushy and rocky coves con- Day use area tain crappie and largemouth bass, but coves in the Rolling Prairie View Hills and Curtis Creek areas Campground are traditional hot spots for Old River Bluff Trail 1.5 miles crappie. White bass and cat- (To Riverwalk Trail) fish are plentiful in a variety Milford Reservoir of locations, and smallmouth bass frequent the face of the dam, as well as rocky points

35 campers. A swimming beach and beach house serve summertime fun-seekers. Day-use areas of the park offer seven picnic shelters, three of which are available by reservation. The marshes at Perry Wildlife Area provide early erry State Park comprises migrant bird hunting, and deep water areas supply two areas totaling 1,250 late season mallard and diving duck hunting. In Pacres on the shores of dry years, water is pumped to some of the area’s 10 Perry Reservoir in Jefferson marshes to ensure adequate water levels. White- County. With the 12,500-acre tailed deer, cottontails, wild turkeys, coyotes, rac- reservoir and an 11,000-acre coons, and dove are common on the area. wildlife area nearby, this state Perry Reservoir is best known for its crappie and park is well-situated to accom- channel cat fishing. Best angling opportunities for modate any outdoor preference. crappie are in the Slough Creek, Rock Creek, and The park’s four campgrounds provide 124 elec- Old Town areas. The best areas for channel catfish tric/water campsites and 350 primitive campsites. are on mud flats in the upper end of the reservoir Showers and toilets are conveniently located for all and in the Delaware River.

Perry State Park (785) 246-3449 [email protected]

Delaware Area

Wild Eagle Horse Landing Perry Electrical Hookups Reservoir

Turkey Run Lakeview Mulberry Grove Pelican Catfish Point Alley

Electrical Hookups Hobie Cove Cottonwood Jefferson Point Bridge Electrical Area Cougar Hookups Pass Hideaway

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ell-known by northeast Kansas residents for Wshady campsites and a great family atmosphere, the 490- acre Pomona State Park is located in Osage County, 30 miles south of Topeka. group facility Pomona State Park Recreation opportunities at the equipped with (785) 828-4933 park include camping, pic- restrooms, a [email protected] nicking, fishing, boating, hiking, kitchenette, a and wildlife viewing. large multi-purpose room, and hunting. Bald eagles visit the The park has 140 water/elec- restful porch areas. Call the park lake in the winter and are often tric campsites and more than 200 office for availability and reser- seen perching in shoreline trees primitive campsites. Lighthouse vations. A swim beach and bath or soaring above the lake. A pop- Bay Marina provides full ser- house are located in the park, as ular destination for fishermen, vices to boaters, anglers, skiers well as picnic shelters, play- the 4,000-acre Pomona Reservoir and campers. Four boat ramps grounds, volleyball courts, horse offers some of the best crappie are available in the park, and the shoe pits, and a nine-hole disc and catfish angling in Kansas, as lake’s generally calm waters are golf course. well as good populations of popular with skiers. Nearby wildlife areas offer walleye, white bass, and large- Southwind Shelter House is a upland bird and waterfowl mouth bass.

Kansa Pomona Reservoir Waucondah Campground Campground

Red Oak Campground Park Office Osage Campground Disc Lighthouse Golf Area Bunkers Cove Bay Campground Marina Four Winds Campground Southwind 2 White Feather Shelter House Campground 1

Cedar Wind Campground

3 Big Bear Campground

Burning Heart Campground 4 Cafe Heart Stays Evening Star Campground Golf Motel Campground Course 368

37 hallmark of this park. Two vin- Prairie Dog State Park tage 19th century buildings are (785) 877-2953 preserved here, including a one- [email protected] room school and renovated adobe house. Sebelius Reservoir is well prime place to expe- Sebelius Reservoir known for its excellent fishing rience the shortgrass opportunities. In recent years, Aprairies of western than 130 primitive sites. anglers have found productive Kansas, Prairie Dog State Park Reservable sites are available. A fishing for black bass, walleye, occupies 1,150 acres on the group campground is available wiper, crappie, catfish and shores of Keith Sebelius in the Branded Cedar area. saugeye. Reservoir in Norton County. The Shower and restroom facilities The 6,400-acre Norton park is home to a thriving are conveniently located, as are Wildlife Area offers good prairie dog colony and is the site two RV dump stations. A 1.4- prospects for pheasant, water- of the last remaining adobe mile nature trail complete with fowl and rabbits. Both white- house in Kansas. interpretive signage is a great tailed and mule deer can be Campsites at Prairie Dog way to explore the park and found here, as well as a variety include 40 electric/water sites, observe wildlife. of furbearers. 16 electric-only sites, and more Historical interpretation is a

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To Highway 36

One Room Schoolhouse

Prairie Dog Town

Adobe Home Bureau of Reclamation HQ

Archery Range Prairie Dog Campground

Meadowlark Shady Rest Campground Campground

Branded Cedar Campground Sebelius Reservoir

38 Tuttle Creek State Park

state’s second largest impound- ment, offers 12,500 acres of water and about 100 miles of rugged, Tuttle Creek State Park wooded shoreline to explore. Telephone: (785) 539-7941 ocated near Manhattan in Four units – River Pond, [email protected] northeast Kansas, Tuttle Spillway, Fancy Creek and LCreek State Park offers vis- Randolph – make up the 1,156- itors a broad variety of outdoor acre park. Electric and water recreation possibilities and hookups, a swimming beach, plenty of room to roam. boat ramps, courtesy docks, and Tuttle Creek Reservoir, the dump stations are available. Campgrounds contain 104 water/electric campsites, 12 Tuttle Creek electric-only campsites, and 500 Fancy Creek Reservoir Area primitive campsites. Spillway Numerous nature trails, a Area mountain biking trail, and a scenic equestrian trail offer explorers a variety of routes to experience the aesthetic Flint Trail ADA Accessible Hills environment. Scenic picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course, volleyball courts, horse shoe pits, and conveniently Maintenance Building placed restroom and shower Shooting Range facilities accommodate park visi- tors. The state-of-the-art Fancy Tuttle Creek Creek Shooting Range is open Reservoir the first and third weekends of each month. Excellent channel cat and flat- Tuttle Creek Tuttle Creek head fishing is available in the Reservoir Reservoir Disc Golf lake and in the river above and Trailhead below the lake. Fair numbers of bass are caught near standing timber and brush piles, and walleye can be taken off the face Spillway Channel of the dam as well as in the river

O

l d Tuttle Creek below. The 12,000-acre wildlife C h a River Pond n area adjacent to the park offers ne l B ig B excellent hunting and wildlife lu e R i v watching opportunities. e O r ut le Randolph t River Pond C h a Area Area n n e l

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Webster State Park (785) 425-6775 [email protected]

ebster State Park offers a prairie setting of Wrolling hills and spa- cious skies. The park occupies 880 acres contained in two tracts on the shores of Webster Reservoir. Campers can choose from 24 72 utility campsites and more To Stockton than 100 primitive campsites. To Hill City Besides boating and fishing, campers at Webster choose from recreational opportuni- ties provided by swimming Rock Point beaches, a sand volleyball Campground court, horse shoe pits, play- grounds, and a hiking trail. The newest addition to Mushroom Webster’s attractions is a two- Camping Area bedroom cabin that accommo- dates six people. Oldtown Area Five boat ramp lanes and Lake View Camping Area (North Shore) three courtesy docks offer boaters ample launching facil- ities. Pleasure boating, fishing Webster water skiing, and windsurfing Reservoir 232 (at conservation pool) are popular activities at Old Marina Webster. Primary sportfish Campground include walleye, wipers, Eagle Landing largemouth bass, crappie, Campground Canada channel catfish and flathead Campground catfish. The park offers Marina Point Goose Flat Area floating fishing docks, and Campground (South Shore) there is an easily-accessible fishing pier at the nearby stilling basin. Webster The 5,750-acre Webster Reservoir Wildlife Area is home to white-tailed and mule deer, pheasants, quail, waterfowl, To Zurich wild turkey, squirrels and 11 miles numerous songbirds.

40 Wilson State Park shower buildings are available April through September. Frost-free water hydrants and several vault toilets are open through the winter. For RV campers, the park has three dump sta- tions – two in Hell Creek and one in Otoe. The Dakota Trail gives visitors one of the best Wilson State Park views of the Kansas prairie and Wilson Reservoir. (785) 658-2465 The Switchgrass Bike Trail offers bicyclists a scenic [email protected] 7.5-mile route. The Cedar Trail in the Otoe area is a handicapped-accessible, one-mile loop with an et in the scenic Smoky Hills region of asphalt surface. Kansas, Wilson State Park provides conve- Wilson State Park offers excellent opportunities Snient access to one of the state’s prime water to view and photograph wildlife, including deer, recreation areas. bobwhite quail, waterfowl, numerous songbirds The park’s 945 acres consist of two areas – Hell and migratory birds. The adjacent, 8,000-acre Creek and Otoe – both situated on the south side of Wilson Wildlife Area offers an array of hunting the 9,000-acre Wilson Reservoir. Utility and primi- opportunities. Famous for its striped bass and tive campsites, day-use areas, swimming beach, walleye fishing, Wilson attracts thousands of boating access, a marina, and trails provide enjoy- anglers each year. able alternatives for visitors. Water hookups and

Goldenrod Campground Otoe Area Yarrow To Dam Campground Cedar Wilson Reservoir ADA Trail Yucca Campground 232 Sagewort Big Bluestem Campground Campground Bait Shop Side Oats Coneflower Campground Campground Boat Lovegrass Ramp Campground Cove Little Bluestem Indiangrass Campground Dakota Campground Nature Trail

Marina Hell Creek Cove Buffalograss Cove Campground 6 miles to I-70 Wheatgrass Exit 206 Campground

Grama NO WAKE AREA Campground Dropseed Campground Switchgrass Campground Switchgrass Bike State Park Cove Trail

Area Office

Scenic Hell Creek Area Route to I-70

41 ushroom Rock State away the softer portions of Park is a geological sandy rock. The spheres of the Mphenomenon of sand- naturally cemented portions of stone spheres balanced on softer the sandstone are what we see pedestals of sandstone. The today. power or erosion weathered The Smoky Hill wagon trail crossed in this vicinity. These unusual formations, which resemble giant mushrooms

Pulpit reaching for the sky, served

Rock 26th Rd. Formation as landmarks and meeting places for Native Americans Ave. K To K-141 and pioneers. Managed by staff from Bridge Mushroom Rock State Park nearby Kanopolis State Park, contact Kanopolis State Park Mushroom Rock is a unique (785) 546-2565 site in a history-rich region. Mushroom [email protected] Rock Devil's Formation Oven Formation Sandhills State Park unique natural hunting are available only by special permit. area, Sandhills Contact the Cheney State Park office (316/542- AState Park is a 3664) for information. wildlife watcher’s delight. Located north- east of Hutchinson in Reno County, the park 69th Street features an excellent system of trails that winds

Cottonwood through 1,123 acres of sand dunes, native Trail prairie, wetlands, and woodlands. Visitors are Prairie Bluestem Spur Pond limited to walk-in access to help protect the 61 Trail Trail Trail area’s natural features. A trail access permit is Woodland Trail required for persons 16 years of age or older. Dune Trail Tallgrass Trail Two wildlife observation blinds allow visitors Rolling Hills Dune Trail Trail a close up view of ducks, geese, songbirds, deer, Overlook muskrats and more. The most popular activities 56th Street at Sand Hills are hiking and horseback riding. Eight different trails provide hikers and horse- back riders a variety of natural environments. The trails range from one mile to almost four Sandhills State Park miles in length, and are open throughout the contact Cheney State Park (316) 542-3664 year. Most trails start from four parking lots Hutchinson [email protected] located on 56th Street or 69th Street. To Archery deer and turkey, and upland game

42 State Park Regulations 1. A current motor vehicle permit is required 8. A special event permit is required for any for every motorized vehicle entering the event involving entrance fees, sales, orga- park. nized competition, amplified sound, use of temporary structures (does not include 2.Vehicles are permitted on improved roads common camping gear or blinds) or reser- and parking areas only. vation of specific site or facility. 3. A camper may stay at one campground up 9. Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Actions to 14 consecutive days, and may extend an which alarm, anger, or disturb others are additional 14 days only with written per- prohibited. Failure to comply may result in mission from the manager. expulsion from the park and a notice to 4. Fires are allowed in fireplaces, firerings and appear in court. cooking grills only. 5. Swimming is at your own risk and This summary highlights only a portion of recommended only at swimming beach the current regulations. For a complete areas. listing of the state park rules and regula- tions, contact a state park office or the 6. Beverages containing more than 3.2% KDWP, 512 SE 25th Ave., alcohol are not permitted. Kegs are prohib- Pratt, KS 67124-8174; (620) 672-5911. ited in some state parks. Complete regulations are also available at 7. Pets must be restrained on a leash not longer the KDWP website: www.kdwp.state.ks.us than 10 feet or otherwise confined.

Lake Scott State Park

Elk City State Park

El Dorado State Parks

43 Hillsdale State Park Cedar Bluff State Park

Elk City State Park State Park Contacts Cedar Bluff (785) 726-3212 El Dorado (316) 321-7180 Box 76A 618 NE Bluestem Rd. Ellis, KS 67637 El Dorado, KS 67042-8643 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Cheney (316) 542-3664 Elk City (620) 331-6295 16000 NE 50th St. 4825 Squaw Creek Rd. Cheney, KS 67025-8487 Independence, KS 67301 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Clinton (785) 842-8562 Fall River (620) 637-2213 798 N. 1415th Rd. 144 Highway 105 Lawrence, KS 66049 Toronto, KS 66777 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Crawford (620) 362-3671 Glen Elder (785)545-3345 1 Lake Rd. RR 1, Box 162A Farlington, KS 66734-4045 Glen Elder, KS 67446 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Cross Timbers (620) 637-2213 Hillsdale (913) 783-4507 144 Highway 105 26001 W. 255th St. Toronto, KS 66777 Paola, KS 66071 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Eisenhower (785) 528-4102 Kanopolis (785) 546-2565 29810 S. Fairlawn Rd. 200 Horsethief Rd. Osage City, KS 66523-9046 Marquette, KS 67464 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 44 Lovewell (785) 753-4971 Prairie Dog (785) 877-2953 RR 1, Box 66A Box 431 Webber, KS 66970 Norton, KS 67654 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Meade (620) 873-2572 Sand Hills Box K, 13051 V Rd. Cheney (316) 542-3664 Meade, KS 67864 16000 NE 50th St. E-mail: [email protected] Cheney, KS 67025-8487 E-mail: [email protected] Milford (785) 238-3014 8811 State Park Rd. Scott (620) 872-2061 Milford, KS 66514 520 W. Scott Lake Dr. E-mail: [email protected] Scott City, KS 67871-1075 E-mail: [email protected] Mushroom Rock Kanopolis (785) 546-2565 Tuttle Creek (785) 539-7941 200 Horsethief Rd. 5800 - A River Pond Rd. Marquette, KS 67464 Manhattan, KS 66502 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Perry (785) 246-3449 Webster (785) 425-6775 5441 W. Lake Rd. 1210 Nine Rd. Ozawkie, KS 66070-9802 Stockton, KS 67669-8834 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Pomona (785) 828-4933 Wilson (785) 658-2465 22900 S. Hwy 368 RR1, Box 181 Vassar, KS 66543-9162 Sylvan Grove, KS 67481 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Crawford State Park

Cheney State Park

Fall River State Park

45 Eisenhower State Park

Tuttle Creek State Park

Wilson State Park Other KDWP Offices Office of the Secretary Region 4 Office 1020 S. Kansas, Rm. 200 6232 E. 29th St. North Topeka, KS 66612-1327(785) 296-2281 Wichita, KS 67220 .(316) 683-8069

Pratt Operations Office Region 5 Office 512 SE 25th Ave. 1500 W. 7th St., Box 777 Pratt, KS 67124-8174 (620) 672-5911 Chanute, KS 66720-0777(620) 431-0380

Region 1 Office Emporia Research & Survey Office 1426 Hwy. 183 Alt., P.O. Box 338 1830 Merchant, P.O. Box 1525 Hays, KS 67601-0338(785) 628-8614 Emporia, KS 66801-1525(620) 342-0658

Region 2 Office Kansas City District Office 3300 SW 29th 14639 W. 95th St. Topeka, KS 66614-2053(785) 273-6740 Lenexa, KS 66215 ...(913) 894-9113

Region 3 Office 1001 W. McArtor Road Dodge City, KS 67801-6024(620) 227-8609

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs described herein is available to all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or handicap. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to Office of the Secretary, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, 1020 S Kansas Ave. Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612-1327 03/04 Turkey Fever

text and photos by Marc Murrell Great Plains Nature Center manager, Wichita The youth turkey season, April 9, 10, 11, 2004, is a great time to introduce a young hunter to the sheer excitement of spring turkey hunting. However, being the mentor can often be as exiting as being the hunter.

urkey hunting is roosted in there,” I said exciting. Predawn based on previous years’ Tgobbling and a big experience. “I’d bet this gobbler drumming and truck on it. They’re just not strutting at close range talking tonight.” makes even veteran turkey Hunters and guides met hunters shake. Although at 4:30 the next morning, “turkey fever” is often con- then traveled to private fined to the shooter, the hunting spots provided by sights and sounds of the generous landowners. We hunt can make even an arrived at our spot at about observer’s heart race. I 5 a.m. We walked in with learned that lesson in 2002 the aid of a small flashlight, during Kansas’ first youth- getting as close as I dared to only turkey season. a known roosting spot. I was guiding a 14-year- I sat my young hunter at old Hutchinson teenager the base of a cedar tree and who had submitted his positioned the jake and hen name and was lucky decoys about 20 yards to enough to be drawn for the our left. Shooting time was KDWP’s Third Annual about a half-hour away, so I Youth Turkey Hunt. The told him to get comfortable youngster, like the nine and we’d listen for gobbles. other participants, had never need their own license plates At 5:20 I heard the faintest, killed a turkey. Young hunters buzzed around our heads as we distant gobble. Several more met guides, learned about safety listened for gobbles. One distant turkeys gobbled, but none close and hunting techniques and bird gobbled before we moved to our location. checked shotgun patterns the to the other side of the section. “Did you hear that?” I asked evening before the hunt. As the Nothing was heard there, and him after each gobble. sun set, guides and hunters we ended up back where we But he was having trouble scouted hunting ares to “roost” started. hearing because of a cold. Then birds for the morning’s hunt. “It looks like you’ve got your a tom cut loose less than 100 “We should be able to hear work cut out for you tomorrow,” yards away. the birds from here,” I said to his dad said after a series of my “I HEARD THAT!” he said in the youngster and his dad after I owl hoots yielded no gobbling a loud whisper “That one was stopped the truck. response. close!” Mosquitoes big enough to “I assume there are birds Several more joined in and

47 from nearby trees. As the sky Like I predicted, the mature in, we drove some backroads to brightened, we could see the sil- tom turned back to our right and see how many turkeys we could houette of one tom as he fanned headed straight to the hen decoy, spot. I just wanted the morning and gobbled from his two-story only 20 yards away. My heart to last a little longer for the perch. Hens joined the serenade was racing and I wasn’t even youngster. as the wild world awakened. holding the gun. After watching several flocks I called softly, hoping the gob- The gobbler inched forward of turkeys, we turned in to head- blers would think there was new in full strut when the hen decoy quarters and found three other a hen nearby. Then we watched twitched in the breeze. The tom hunters had also scored. Two of a couple birds fly down. did a side step and raised its them connected right off the Unfortunately, they went the head with a sideways glance. roost, 10 minutes into legal opposite direction. “Shoot him!” I advised shooting time, while the other The gobblers were much less knowing it was now all up to the connected a short time later. All vocal on the ground and only young hunter. three had killed mature toms answered my calls occasionally. His little 20-gauge jumped, with nice beards and spurs. However, at least two It turned out those hens seemed irritated by four were the only birds my calling and were killed during that hunt matching my yelps note which concluded at for note. This went on for noon. A couple young- several minutes when a sters missed birds and all single gobble thundered hunters saw and heard from the bottom. plenty of turkeys. “That’s a good sign,” I The youngsters came said, hoping we could away with a new under- peel a gobbler out of the standing of turkeys and flock stacked with female turkey hunting, and companions. hopefully will want to A short time later the try it again. The guides gobbler sounded again, came away with the sat- closer. isfaction of knowing they “I think we’re in business,” I and the gobbler went down with may have just played a part in said, certain the gobbler was on a well-placed load of No.4s. keeping our hunting heritage its way. “Go get your first turkey,” I alive. Pass It On! I could see the tom through a shouted as the gobbler flopped. thicket,100 yards out and in full “Good shot!” strut. I checked my watch and it “There he is!” I whispered. was 6:04. For more information on special “Get your gun up and be still.” “It doesn’t always work like youth hunts, contact KDWP, I didn’t call again since the this,” I told the young man as (620) 672-5911. The 2004 youth gobbler could see both decoys. we admired his bird. turkey season will be April 9, We had a ringside seat as the big “Everything worked perfectly 10, and 11. Youngsters 16 and bird strutted the whole closer this time.” younger can hunt on those days and closer. The young hunter’s first while under the supervision of “He’s going to the left,” the turkey was a 2-year-old with an adult 21 years old or older. youngster said, worried the bird about an 8-inch beard, 3/4-inch Adults may not hunt. All youth was leaving his shooting lane. spurs and weighed about 20 must have a turkey permit, and “He’ll turn and come back to pounds. I shot photos as the sun 16 year old resident youth and the decoys,” I said confidently as was just peeking over the all nonresident youth must also the bird closed the gap to within horizon. have hunting licenses. 25 yards. “Just don’t move.” Before driving back to check

48 Send letters to the editor by e-mail to [email protected] letters

Edited by Mark Shoup appreciate Kansas as the gem that it is. the legitimacy of digital photography. I This issue helps to document this. I will shoot with a Canon D60 and, like you DON’T ABANDON FILM keep it for a long time to convince oth- observe, I appreciate the flexibility, lati- ers of our gift. tude, freedom from noise, instant feed- Editor: I have found Kansas to be the best back, and high resolution this medium I’ve just looked over your beautiful there is. From the KUMC circuit courses affords, especially coupled with the pictures in the Jan./Feb. 2004 issue of for physicians in the state to my own extreme flexibility of Photoshop. Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine and treks throughout the state, we have Most of my own photos are panoram- send highest compliments for your fine come to appreciate it. Indeed, we have ics composed from six or more overlap- work. You’ve not only given us lovely recently purchased a farm in Marion ping, side by-side exposures. The tech- photos that display the beauty of County. nique works great for everything but Kansas, but you’ve also supplied rich While I enjoy photography using action. examples of counties where rank ama- slides, and I can see the value of digital Again, thanks to you both for an teur photographers (like me) can day- photography, I believe for several rea- excellent issue. trip for impromptu photo shoots. sons I will stay with the slides rather John Morrison As much as the digital age has than spend money for a new technology Wichita afforded you with speedy shoot-to-press- I would have to learn over. time capabilities, I would sincerely hope As a conservationist, I thank you and you won’t completely hang up your old Wildlife and Parks for keeping Kansas a DENVER LIKES DIGITAL film camera and abandon the purest wonderful state. form of the photographer’s art. No, it Francis E. (Pete) Cuppage, M.D. Editor: won’t be fast, and you certainly won’t be Shawnee, Kansas I’ve really got to compliment you on able to tweak the color if you’ve arrived your January/February issue of Kansas and shot on the downside of nature’s Wildlife & Parks magazine. The digital beauty. HOWLING WITH 4-H pictures were beautiful and stunning. You might be forced into using your Keep up the good work. I look forward own hand at burning and dodging, but Editor: to each issue. in the long run, I believe you’ll be more I just wanted to let you know that one After reading every magazine, I drop it satisfied with the end results because of our AmeriCorps team members and I off at the Denver Regional Veterans they will be entirely yours — no outside were absolutely howling with laughter Hospital so it can continue to bring joy. help from a program, no predetermined after reading Mark Shoup’s article, Gary Gulick calculations, just you and your skills in “Legends of the Fair” (Kansas Wildlife Denver, Colorado the final rendering of very superb pic- & Parks magazine, Nov./Dec. 2003, tures that you’ve already captured. Page 39). We are both 4-H parents and Thanks for sharing your art with us. club leaders and have lived your night- GET OVER “TROPHIES” I’ll look forward to the next edition. mare! It's great that we can laugh about Judith McGuire it later although we are sure we are Editor: Leavenworth going to suffer a coronary at the time. I always enjoy Kansas Wildlife & It was very well written and very Parks magazine. I started shooting a funny. Thanks for brightening our day. rifle at about eight or nine years old and DOCTOR GIVES OKAY Lisa Boyles basically hunted rabbits until I received Webber my first shotgun at 12. I always remem- Editor: ber older men in my life congratulating I just received the Jan./Feb. 2004 me for the occasional rabbit I actually issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks. The LOVE THE DIGITAL managed to take. It was a source of photographic issue of your pictures of pride and accomplishment, and I looked Kansas is extraordinary. Indeed it repre- Editor: forward to eating the game. I appreci- sents our state in a beautiful fashion. I really appreciated the Jan./Feb. ated the hard-earned prize. When I moved my family here some issue. To Mike Miller, thanks for dedicat- I enjoy watching some of the many 37 years ago, I had little expectations. I ing an entire issue to photographs. outdoor programs on TV. However, I have since retired from the faculty at the To Mike Blair, thanks not only for notice the obsessive attention to trophy Kansas University Medical Center. your wonderful photography but thanks deer hunting they emphasize. I heard a During these years, I have come to especially for your comments supporting host on a program the other day talking

49 about a deer he shot and the length of Santa Fe, Texas. FIRST PRAIRIE its G7 and G whatevers. I thought he I have seen pheasant many times CHICKEN SEASON was talking G2 intelligence until I real- going to hunt for deer but just didn't ized he was talking antlers. get the chance to hunt the birds. Now Editor: So if you go out and shoot a doe, your pheasant and quail hunting is all I think Could you tell me the first year that hunt was a failure to these clowns. If about when I come to Kansas. Kansas had a prairie chicken season? I you don't shoot a 6 x 6 bull elk, you I used to pheasant hunt with my dad think it was open for only one weekend don't measure up. These people and and brother when I was young in Ohio. I a year. many outfitters do a great disservice to went back to Ohio and wanted to go Toby Ross hunting and the tradition of hunting. pheasant hunting and was told there Iola Basically, they aren't true hunters. aren’t any. Being hard-headed, I went Growing up in Kansas, I had a passion anyway, and it was very sad because Dear Mr. Ross: for bird hunting of all types. I have since there weren’t any pheasant at all, and I According to Kansas Hunting and graduated to deer, antelope, elk, bear, walked all day. Fishing, by Neal E. Danielson, the first and wild hogs. I have taken my share of That was about 20 years ago and I prairie chicken season was established what would be considered trophy ani- haven't tried since, but I went last year in 1861, and it lasted September mals. However, I have shot more doe in Kansas and had the time of my life. I through March. In 1901, it was Aug. deer than bucks and was equally pleased will go many more times in Kansas. 15-Oct. 1. In 1905, it was Sept. 15- to take “non-trophy” animals. The satis- I just want to thank you for making Oct. 15 with a bag limit of 15. In faction of hunting is the outdoor experi- every possible effort to keep hunting in 1919, it was moved to Dec. 1-10. ence and the appreciation of whatever Kansas a memorable experience for my The first two-day season appears to be game you take. If it's not a trophy, has family and me. My daughter got her Oct. 22-23, 1929. The season was your hunt been a failure? It shouldn't hunter education certificate this year, closed in 1936 until 1941, when it was be. All game taken should be respected and she is just as excited to go hunting opened for one day, Oct. 21, in six and admired for the life it lived. Out of with me in Kansas. You are doing an counties. respect, we enjoy the consumption of excellent job. It remained limited to a day or two the game after the hunt. Michael Pletcher only in certain southeast Kansas coun- I find the constant promotion of trophy Santa Fe, Texas ties until 1944, when it was again hunting by outdoor programs becoming closed until 1950-51, when it was more and more offensive. I don't have opened Oct. 25 in certain counties. much respect for the attitude it promotes, The season was open for a limited num- and of course, it helps enflame a lot of ber of days or closed altogether year to poaching of trophy animals. year after that until 1980, when a Ron Sisk statewide season of Nov. 1-Dec. 31 was Lenexa, Kansas established, with a bag limit of two. —Shoup Dear Mr. Sisk: I couldn't agree with you more, and I hope that the current "trophy" obses- sion doesn't influence our young hunters to believe that they must take WAY oouuttssiiddee large antlers to have a successful hunt. by Bruce Cochran —Miller

THANKS FOR THE SURVEY Editor: I would like to thank you for letting me participate in the Kansas Small Game Hunter Activity Survey. I live in Texas and have been going to Kansas for several years deer hunting with bow. I have a nephew in Arlington, Kan., who I spend Thanksgiving with. Last year, I had the chance to go pheasant hunting there with a friend of mine who lives in

50 law CO NABS BANK with verbal commands. I ROBBER reached for my radio to give my DOG DOC PLEADS NO-CONTEST location to dispatch, but it was veterinarian accused of shooting three deer at his It was just before noon on gone. It had fallen out when I Leavenworth residence last year pleaded no con- December 12, and I was leaving crossed the fence. test to three wildlife violations, a prosecution the KDWP Region 4 office in Finally, I was able to hold the A spokesman said. The man was fined a total of $810 Wichita. Just minutes before, I suspect at gunpoint until a after entering his plea [last winter]. He indicated he had been talking to my supervi- Wichita police officer arrived. As planned to pay the fine the same day. sors about how quiet the it turned out, the original report The vet pleaded no contest to taking deer without a firearm deer season had been. from the bank had been wrong: valid big game control permit, taking deer during a However, that all changed when the suspect did not have a gun. closed season, and taking deer using illegal equipment. I heard a broadcast on my He was still uncooperative and One charge of failing to tag deer was dismissed as part police-band radio of a bank rob- combative, but we finally took of a plea agreement, said Assistant County Attorney bery in progress at Sunflower him into custody. He still had David Melton. Bank, near 21st Street North the money from the robbery. The vet was arrested Aug. 6 after he reportedly admit- and Woodlawn, only a short dis- To say the least, it was a ted to shooting three deer at his residence at 1830 S. tance from where I was now dri- change of pace from catching 18th St. According to police, he said he shot the deer ving. Dispatch notified me that a poachers. It goes to show that with a shotgun because they were pests and eating his black male suspect wearing you never know what you may flowers. black pants and a gray hooded encounter while on the job as a He was fined $250 for each of the three charges. He sweatshirt was last seen running conservation officer. also was charged $60 for court costs. In court, he read north from the bank with a gun. —Jason Barker, conservation a lengthy statement in which he apologized. He also Knowing that the bank was officer, Wichita made note of a deer population problem that he said he less than a mile away, I went to has personally witnessed. the area to assist. Seconds after GOLFER KILLS HEN The killing of the deer received local media attention, arriving a block north of where MALLARD but District Court Judge Gunnar Sundby assured the the robbery occurred, a suspect doctor that the case was being treated as any other. His matching the description given In April of 2003, a man was attorneys had previously mentioned a possible diver- by dispatch ran in front of my golfing with three other people sion, which could have led to the charges being dis- truck. I jumped out of my truck at the Riverbend Golf Course missed if terms were met. Melton said a diversion had and pursued the suspect on foot south of Salina. While playing been offered, but the veterinarian decided to make a through an apartment complex the sixth hole, the man and his plea instead. parking lot. Then I lost sight of companion lost their golf balls "I'm not sure why he didn't take (the diversion)," him when he ran around the near the edge of a pond. Melton said. corner of a building. While there, a hen mallard The assistant county attorney said the terms of the A Wichita police officer duck sitting on her nest was hit diversion would have required the vet to pay fines for arrived to assist in the area repeatedly with a golf club. The the charges he faced, court costs, and another fine of at where I lost sight of the suspect, golfer’s companion said that his least $100. The diversion also would have called for but it was not hard to find out friend was startled by something him to donate veterinarian services to a local animal where he was hiding. The sus- in the water and swung at it. He shelter. pect had knocked a charcoal said that they saw that it was a Melton said the man’s first court appearance was grill over when he entered one duck afterward and that it was Sept. 17, but the diversion negotiations took some time. of the apartment complexes. The still alive but ruffed up a bit. "There was just a bunch of wrangling," he said. other officer and I covered the After the golfing foursome left Melton said the vet's attorney, Carl Cornwell, talked building. As I was standing next the golf course, a witness saw to him before court. The defense attorney indicated he to the door the suspect had that the duck was lying dead in wanted to take care of the case that day. entered, he ran out of the build- the water. Other golfers and wit- Dismissing the charge of failing to tag a deer as part ing. The chase was on again. nesses were interviewed, and of a plea agreement is "pretty typical" in such cases, The suspect ran and climbed charges were filed with the U.S. Melton said. over a 6-foot chain-link fence. I Fish and Wildlife Service. The Melton said the standard fine for each of three went over the fence and contin- man was convicted of illegally remaining charges is $500. He said the judge probably ued to chase him into a back- killing a migratory game bird gave the veterinarian a break because there were multi- yard surrounded by another and paid a $500 fine. ple charges involved. fence. I had the suspect at gun- —Greg Salisbury, conservation —John Richmeier, point, but he failed to comply officer, Salina courtesy of The Leavenworth Times

51 issues

NEW HUNTER ED RULES PROPOSED For several years, wildlife NO LEON agencies throughout the U.S. have noted that the average LION age of hunters is rising and that fewer younger people are ast winter, the department received taking hunter education dozens of emails from people all classes and joining the ranks Lreporting the same story, with slight of hunters. Although Kansas variations, about a giant mountain lion being is more rural than many shot near Leon, Kansas, during our 2003 states, KDWP has noted this firearms deer season. Unfortunately, these trend here, as well. A number folks were victims of one of many email of factors drive this trend — hoaxes that circulate the web. some speculative and some The circulated photograph was actually based on studies by various featured in the fall issue of the Boone and Photo courtesy of the Boone & Crocket Club organizations and agencies. Crockett Club’s magazine, “Fair Chase.” The Today’s young people have lion had been taken earlier in the year within “Got this from one of my friends at [name more things to occupy their an hour’s drive of Seattle, Washington. This a workplace]. This mountain lion was shot time than in the past: orga- email hoax first began when it was said to near Leon, Kansas. This guy is a friend of nized sports at ever younger have been taken near Harrisburg, one of the guys who works with my friend. ages, virtual sports on comput- Pennsylvania. Since then, the department’s He was going deer hunting when he heard ers, and various other activi- website feedback email has received mes- his neighbor’s cows making noise. He discov- ties that offer instant gratifica- sages claiming it was taken in Alabama, ered this cat attacking some calves. tion and almost instant Montana, Texas, and Wyoming, as well as the “He shot and reportedly the cat jumped 8 entrance into the activity. hoax claiming Leon. feet into the air, ran about 100 yards, and These all compete for the Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned died. The man in the picture is over 6 feet young person’s attention. As a here. Check out dubious email stories before tall and the cat weighed over 200 pounds.” result, a hunter education passing them around. Two good places on To track the validity of supposed "trophy" course has come to be viewed the internet are truthorfiction.com and game animal emails, click the "Trophy as a barrier to young people snopes.com. The following is an example of Watch" link on Boone and Crockett's web- who might otherwise give the email hoax and the lion photo it circu- site, www.booneandcrockettclub.com. hunting a try. lated. It’s big, but it wasn’t taken in Kansas: —Shoup The problem is that kids are required to invest 10-14 hours in a hunter education class before they can even try hunt- BUSH SIGNS includes any “lion, tiger, leop- The Captive Wildlife Safety ing to see if they like it. Many BIG CAT BAN ard, cheetah, jaguar, or Act provides exemptions for youngsters and their parents cougar species, or any hybrid legitimate wildlife sanctuaries are not willing or able to do On Dec. 19, President of such a species.” The and for those people licensed that. Bush signed into law the Kansas Department of by the U.S. Department of In an effort to remove this Captive Wildlife Safety Act, Wildlife and Parks currently Agriculture to exhibit these barrier, KDWP has introduced which bars the interstate and issues permits for possession animals. Nineteen states cur- Senate Bill 363, which asks foreign commerce of danger- of mountain lions, but the rently have laws that ban the Kansas Legislature for a ous exotic animals — includ- state has no prohibitions keeping big cats as pets. change to the hunter educa- ing lions, tigers, leopards, regarding possession of the KDWP is currently review- tion law. This change would cheetahs, jaguars and other species cited in the law. ing state regulations to see if remove a potential barrier to cougars — for the pet trade. However, it is against the law the new law will affect how young people who want to try An estimated 10,000 to to release exotic animals into the department deals with hunting. All changes would be 15,000 exotic cats, such as the wild. this issue. effective Jan. 1, 2005. lions and tigers, are kept as The legislation passed both —Shoup If passed, the new law pets in the . chambers of Congress with- would allow anyone under age The ban specifically out dissent. 12 to hunt without taking a

52 hunter education course, as hunter education course in requires a 10-hour course for Kansas laws and regulations, long as they were under the order to hunt would not anyone born on or after July 1, as well as a gun-handling test. direct supervision of a licensed change. All certificates issued 1957, regardless of their home If successful, the hunter adult 18 or older, effectively prior to the effective date of state’s requirement. In this would be issued a “crash- removing the barrier that the law would be valid case, KDWP will be asking course certificate” valid only in keeps many youngsters from regardless of the age of the Legislature for Kansas and only until the end going afield. Currently, anyone the holder, but those authority to offer a of the current upland bird sea- who has passed a hunter edu- younger than 12 shorter course and son. A limited number of crash cation course can hunt most would be required to charge a fee for courses would be offered, and game species by themselves, to hunt under the that course, as well. their dates and locations would regardless of their age. direct supervision What is envi- be listed on the KDWP website In addition, this proposal of a licensed adult, sioned is a course by the middle of August. Those would require anyone 12 years even if they have where the hunter would be the only dates and old or older to have a certified already taken a certified takes the International locations. hunter education course to course. Hunter Education Association For those interested in this hunt. The law would further The second change in (IHEA) internet course at effort, check “Legislative state that the minimum age to hunter education requirements home. They would then bring Updates” on the KDWP web- be certified in hunter educa- that KDWP is pursuing would the section tests to a three site, www.kdwp.state.ks.us tion will be 11 years old. allow “crash courses,” primar- hour class. The class would —Wayne Doyle, For hunters 12 years or ily for adult nonresidents who first test students on the IHEA statewide Hunter older, the requirement that are not required to have course to make sure they took Education coordinator, Pratt anyone born on or after July 1, hunter education in their own it. There would then be instruc- 1957, must have a certified state. Currently, the law tion in ethics, safety, and DDrraawwddoowwnn KKiillllss ZZ--mmuusssseellss Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) biologists have obtained results of a water drawdown that began to have two “annuli” — ring-like struc- revealed many Asian clams but no zebra Dec. 12 at El Dorado Reservoir to kill tures on the shell that indicate age — mussels. newly-discovered zebra mussels and to indicating that zebra mussels may have Zebra mussels look like small clams allow further study of the exotic species’ been in El Dorado Reservoir at least with yellowish-brown, D-shaped shells infestation. While massive numbers of three years, possibly longer. that usually have alternating dark and the invasive zebra mussels were exposed And the mussel kill resulting from the light stripes. Usually, they are less than and killed in this experiment, there is drawdown does not indicate an end to 1 inch long and grow in clusters. still reason for concern. the problem. There are more on the As detailed in the Nov./Dec. issue of Millions of mussels were killed. In the rocks just below the surface of the lake. Kansas Wildlife and Parks magazine lower part of the lake, especially the Zebra mussels have already been found (Page 37), Kansas boaters who move southeast corner, biologists found an colonizing native mussels and were their boats from ANY body of water to average of 135 mussels per square found on tree stumps, logs, bottles, even another can help prevent their spread. meter within the dry area. This is an a golf ball. Anyone who discovers zebra mussels increase over what were found in Many larger rocks have caches of in Kansas waters should note the loca- August and likely the result of late sum- opened mussel shells beneath them that tion and date and notify the nearest mer and fall reproduction. include zebra mussels and Asian clams. Wildlife and Parks office or contact the The mussels found were also bigger Zebra mussels have been found Emporia Research and Survey Office, than those found in August and reflect through out the lake, but those found in 1830 Merchant, P.O. Box 1525, growth during the fall. Many of the mus- the very upper end were smaller and Emporia, KS 66801, (620) 342-0658. sels found in the lower lake were one- less numerous, less than one per meter. Save a sample in rubbing alcohol. Do half to 1-inch long, compared to gener- KDWP has received reports of zebra not put them back in the water. ally less than one-half inch earlier. mussels in the Walnut River below the —Shoup Some of the larger mussels appeared dam, but an investigation of the site

53 hunting Youth Essay Contest, Gobbler Seminar WRITING CONTEST The winner of the contest will be noti- Young hunters can write a story and fied by March 31. Lodging will be pro- win a guided youth spring turkey hunt vided if the winner is not from Emporia with Jared McJunkin this spring. or the surrounding area. A parent or McJunkin guides annually for the Kansas guardian is welcome and encouraged to Governor’s Annual One-Shot Turkey accompany the youth on this hunt. Hunt held each spring in El Dorado and This contest is co-sponsored by the is known locally for his passion to intro- Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the duce fellow hunters, especially youth, to National Wild Turkey Federation and the sport he so dearly loves. Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply. Only In 500 words or less, youngsters will youth 16 years and younger from Chase, explain why hunting is important and Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Osage, and why we should strive to preserve the Woodson counties are eligible to win. hunting tradition. The lucky For more information, winner will receive a two-day The clinic will last from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Calling tips and other expert contact McJunkin at (620) guided spring turkey hunt turkey hunting advice will be provided by Hunter Specialties pro-staffer 340-3219. during the KDWP youth Martin Eichelberger. Eichelberger also will be at Bluestem Farm and HUNTING CLINIC turkey hunting weekend Ranch Supply later in the afternoon giving turkey hunting advice. Free In conjunction with the April 9-11. Participants must T-shirts and lunch will be provided. In addition, the clinic will include essay contest, the Flint Hills several educational sections dealing with all aspects of becoming a suc- have completed a hunter edu- cessful turkey hunter, including the following: Gobblers Chapter and cation course, be available to KDWP’s Hunter Education hunt during the youth week- •turkey calling and locator calling; Program will present the •scouting and roosting; end, and, if chosen, purchase •wild turkey biology and management; Third Annual Spring Turkey a Kansas spring turkey hunt- •shotgun hunting for wild turkeys; Hunting Clinic on March 27 ing permit. The winner also •bowhunting for wild turkeys; at Camp Alexander, near will receive a special turkey •turkey hunting equipment; and Emporia. Anyone interested hunting vest donated by •turkey hunting safety. in learning how to become a Bluestem Farm and Ranch better turkey hunter is Supply, Emporia. attending the Spring Turkey Hunting invited, especially youth. Essays, including name, age, address, Clinic at Camp Alexander (see the box For more information and to reserve a and phone number must be submitted to above and “HUNTING CLINIC”) may sub- spot, contact McJunkin at (620) 340-3219. Jared McJunkin, 91 Cherokee Lane, mit their essay to McJunkin at the semi- —Phil Taunton, hunter education area Emporia, KS 66801 by March 27. Those nar. coordinator, Emporia

PASS IT ON Under current law, youth Youth 16 and younger may Program. Some special hunts OPPORTUNITIES deer season is open during hunt pheasants and quail are designed for youth and the last weekend of under the supervision of an offer uncrowded, high-quality Increasing youth involve- September and allows youth adult 21 or older. hunting opportunities and ment in hunting is one of the 12 to 16 years old to hunt This spring, youth turkey enhanced harvest odds. key goals of the Kansas deer under the supervision of season is open the Friday, Hunts include opportunities Department of Wildlife and an adult 21 or older. Youth Saturday, and Sunday (April for waterfowl, upland birds, Parks (KDWP) “Pass It On” waterfowl seasons typically 9, 10, and 11) prior to the and deer. The applications program, designed to open the weekend prior to regular spring turkey opener. are typically available in mid- increase hunting participa- the regular opening day of Youth 16 and younger may June and need to be submit- tion in Kansas. The program duck season in each of the hunt under adult supervi- ted to the Pratt office by mid- includes events such as three duck zones. Youth 15 sion. July. There are no additional statewide youth seasons and and younger may hunt under The supervising adult may fees; all that is needed are special hunts. For several the supervision of an adult not hunt in any of these sea- the appropriate licenses, years now, KDWP has pro- 18 or older. Youth upland sons. stamps, or permits. vided early special youth sea- bird season is open the week- Another component of the —Greg Nichols, public lands sons for deer, waterfowl, end prior to the regular “Pass It On” program is the manager, Sylvan Grove upland birds, and turkeys. pheasant season opening. statewide Special Hunts

54 UNDER CURRENTS She went straight to Dad, probed the area a few minutes until she found the dove, by Mark Shoup then sprinted back to me, bird in mouth. Most of all, though, Penny was my friend. In the truck, she stayed on the floor, but her head was always on the drive-train hump, brown eyes gazing up at me. Often, she would cheat and plop her chin on the seat, so I could scratch her ears. In the fall of 1998, more than a year after we had moved to the country, Penny was 11 years old, but she still liked to hunt The first time I met Penny, she was six dog in the house when I was gone and, as and had a tendency to roam when left months old. The previous spring, I had Logan grew and Will arrived, how Penny alone. I let her out one Saturday morning, researched an article on Kanopolis State reacted to the boys. and when I returned to whistle her in, she Park, hoping to land a job with this wildlife “I felt secure with her because she would did not come. By afternoon, I began to fret. outfit. Friendships were forged with Kurt bark when someone came to the door,” I called all the neighbors I knew and asked Reed, the state park manager, and Mike Rose explains, “and she would patiently let them to spread the word. One mentioned Butler, the Corps of Engineers biologist, the boys wrestle with her, pull her ears and that he had seen her late Saturday morn- and I found myself at Kurt’s Uncle Harold’s tail. And if the boys were tired, she would ing, a mile west of our house heading farm near Larned on the opening of pheas- let them lie against her and sleep.” I, too, south. ant season, 1987. loved to watch her play with the boys. The entire family worried through the Mike had two golden retrievers with him Whether they were trying to ride her or weekend, praying that someone would find that day. Penny was still a pup but well make her pull a wagon, she was always her and call. I drove every dirt road within behaved, intelligent, and beautiful. With a patient and gentle. 10 miles, scanning fields for any sign of coat reflective of her name, she pranced My father, not prone to hyperbolic her. Nothing. Then Sunday evening, we like a thoroughbred between fields. It was praise, once said of Penny, “Why, she’s just received a call from the folks who had pur- love at first sight. the best dog that ever was!” chased our house in town. “Do you have a Over the next six months, I made several My mother recalls how Penny would sit golden retriever?” they asked. Apparently trips to Kanopolis, shooting my first prairie beside her with her head on Mom’s lap. lost, Penny had gone “home,” travelling the chicken, catching the white bass run, shoot- “She was the sweetest human dog I ever back roads and fields at least 15 miles over ing my first wild turkey, playing with knew,” she says. terrain she had never seen before to find Penny, and begging Mike to sell her to me. Once when Rose was gone for the our old house, where she arrived late After all, he had two goldens and a Lab. evening, I had to run to the corner store, Saturday afternoon and refused to leave. Think of the money he’d save on dog food. only two blocks away. Logan was asleep in That was Penny’s last adventure. The fol- Finally, in late April of 1988 — a month his crib, so I locked the doors and left lowing spring, she contracted sinus cancer, after my first son, Logan, was born — Mike Penny inside. When I returned not five and six months later, I could no longer relented, and I drove to pick her up. Mike minutes later, Penny did not respond to my bear seeing her in pain. I called the vet. We ran her through a few training drills, then call. I finally found her upstairs guarding all gathered round Penny in the family turned her loose. I rolled on the ground the crib, as if to say, “You shouldn’t leave room on her favorite blanket. I fed her a and called. Instantly, Penny was all over this baby alone.” In that moment, she was sausage as her eyes surrendered the last me, and we spent several minutes wrestling both my child’s guardian and her master’s light of life. like two puppies. teacher. Wrapped in the blanket, we laid her in a “She’ll need plenty of that,” Mike noted In training, Penny was tireless, retrieving grave near the pond, and I stumbled with a smile. And she would get it. a dummy far out in the lake until my arm through a tearful farewell prayer. As I was Although a year old, she was my dog. I felt ached, and begging for more. Afield, she about to cover her, William said “Wait,” she knew this when I told her to “kennel was the indispensable flushing retriever. ran to the house, and returned with his up,” and she hopped into the dog box in She stayed close, got birdy on quail, and special “sparkling rock.” Logan followed the back of my pickup. could find a dead bird in the thickest suit with a coin from a foreign land, and We lived in Wichita at that time. brush. She’d stand for hours in cold water, both threw their charms to Penny. Although Penny had never been in a house scanning the air for ducks. As she had charmed our lives, so they before, she house-broke in a week. Her new But she was my dog alone, and there- sought to return the gift. And through bed was beside ours from that time on. fore, all game was mine. I once was hunt- these spontaneous gestures, I realized that Okay, not all was perfect. Penny made ing doves with my father when he killed a Penny had touched and taught those I love her first impression on my wife, Rose, by bird he couldn’t find. He was some 300 most — in lasting ways that make me for- chewing up her Joy of Cooking cookbook. yards away in a weedy fencerow, so I sent ever grateful for the best dog that ever was. But Rose soon came to appreciate having a Penny on a line to him while he called her.

55 fishing

match KDWP’s $10,000 LARGEMOUTH BASS RESTORATION PROJECT investment the previous year. component — involve- The group also helped ment of anglers. with fin-clipping, stocking KDWP provided bass in rearing ponds, and approximately collecting bass from private $10,000 to purchase ponds in the area. Over the 167 Berkeley Fish course of the project, mem- Habs — artificial fish bers donated more than 800 habitat structures man hours, helped stock made of recycled fish- approximately 40,000 bass ing line and other over the past 6 years, placed recycled plastics. The 122 boatloads of trees and American nearly 400 Berkeley Fish Sportfishing Habs in the lake, and raised Association, FishAmerica more than $20,000. In addi- Foundation, and Wildlife tion, FHBA has spent $600 Forever provided another for a pellet fish feeder for $10,000 to purchase an addi- use in rearing ponds. tional 167 Berkeley Fish As part of the project, com- Habs. mercial fishermen harvested From 1997 to the present, Members of the FHBA cut approximately 94,000 Why Trout Permit? the Flint Hills Bass and placed trees, built habi- pounds of rough fish from he trout program, in its Association (FHBA) has tat structures, and placed the lake. Also, FHBA mem- current format using actively assisted KDWP biol- Berkeley Fish Habs into bers helped transplant Tcommercially pur- ogists at Perry Reservoir Perry in July and August, American lotus, water prim- chased fish, was directed by with a progressive large- 1997. FHBA members con- rose, American pond weed, the Kansas Wildlife and mouth bass restoration pro- tributed nearly 400 hours to arrowhead, and other Parks Commission to be a ject. In early 1997, Perry this initial effort. aquatic plants from Perry user-pay venture. The com- Reservoir was adopted by Concrete blocks to weight waterfowl marshes to three mission wanted anglers to the Flint Hills Bass trees were donated to KDWP sites in Rock Creek and pay for the program. A trout Association and the local by Capitol Concrete Products three sites in Evans Creek. permit costs $11, and the Black Bass Foundation Co., Inc., of Topeka. Seventy Once established, the trans- department sells approxi- (BBF) chapter with the goal boatloads of trees were plants will help provide vital mately 9,000-10,000 per year. of increasing the largemouth placed along the shoreline in fish nesting habitat. The program is also cov- bass population in the lake. 175 locations. Using the While the five-year plan ered under federal aid, allow- A five-year plan was devel- KDWP habitat barge, individ- ended Dec. 31, 2002, the ing a 75-percent reimburse- oped with several compo- ual tree placements, ranging Flint Hills Bass association’s ment for the cost of the pro- nents that would hopefully from 30 feet wide to 20 feet work is not done. Over the gram. So, the total revenue achieve the ultimate goal — long, were placed in the lake. last few years, drought has derived from the trout pro- more largemouth bass in the All habitat placements were lowered Perry Reservoir, gram is approximately reservoir. The plan included made in 7 to 15 feet of among others. Seeing this as $90,000 in permits and increasing the length limit water. On Jan. 1, 1998, a an opportunity, FHBA mem- $142,000 in federal funds. from 15 inches to 21 inches, temporary 21-inch length bers placed shoreline habitat This more than covers the commercial harvest of rough limit on Perry largemouth along areas that will hope- cost of the program fish, establishment of shore- bass was approved. fully fill over in the future. ($190,000). line vegetation, habitat place- FHBA sponsored the 13th With the commitment The money is deposited ment in prime largemouth annual Atchison Youth they have shown thus far, into the Wildlife Fee Fund locations, annual stocking of Center Kid’s Day at Perry, the FHBA will likely con- and must be appropriated by 5,000 intermediate sized and the American tinue work for some time, the governor and legislature largemouth bass, continued Sportfishing Association making them a model for each year to maintain the submission of the Water (ASA), the FishAmerica what organized anglers can program. Level Management Plan Foundation, Wildlife Forever, do on other Kansas lakes. —Doug Nygren, Fisheries (WLMP) for fisheries bene- and the Coleman Company —Shoup Section chief, Pratt fits, and the most important presented FHBA $10,000 to

56 nature

ome to 465 bird species, Kansas offers fascinating possibilities for both the amateur and the serious Kansas Birding: Hbird watcher. The Sunflower State has diverse habitats, joining the eastern hardwood forest to tallgrass prairie. The As Good As It Gets mixed-grass prairie region harbors the pleasant Smoky Hills and Red Hills and birds begin their fall migrations in July, the same year, Sam Fried extolled the encompasses two prime central wetlands most birds start later. Shorebird num- birding virtues of the central Kansas — Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and bers peak through September as many wetlands after visiting the Wings N’ Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. of the passerines (songbirds/perching Wetland Festival at Great Bend the pre- One of the main birding attractions is birds) are beginning their migrations. vious year. Such notoriety has helped in the extreme southwest corner of Typically, the first week in October is make Kansas a coveted destination for Kansas — the Cimarron National peak for warblers and many of the rap- serious birders. Grasslands and areas around Elkhart. tors, along with sparrows and many oth- Kansas also has a number of resources Known for “zooties,” rare birds that ers. Classic warbler migrations are antic- for birding information, including the occasionally extend ranges from areas ipated each fall along the eastern edge Kansas Ornithological Society south and west, this corner of the state of the state and in other key spots offer- (www.ksbirds.org/kos/index.html) and gains attention of all serious birders ing a short-term, safe harbor from unfa- Audubon (audubonofkansas.org) chap- both in-state and nationally. vorable south winds. ters. Additionally, there is an active How does the Kansas bird list stack In spring, mid-April is peak for shore- Kansas bird listserve where both novice up regionally? Compared to nearby bird numbers, and over the following 30 and expert can obtain up-to-the hour states, Kansas ranks very well in num- days or so, most other passerines, rap- information on birds being seen around bers of species. According to the tors, and waterfowl flock through the the state. The listserve also discuses American Birding Association, the num- state. bird and birding issues and is a great ber of bird species in surrounding states In recent years, Kansas birding has place to learn quickly about these top- number as follow: Oklahoma — 450; achieved some significant notoriety. In ics. This listserve may be found at list- Colorado — 470; Nebraska— 445; September of 2001, Wildbird magazine serv.ksu.edu/archives/ksbird l.html. Missouri — 405; and Iowa — 405. ranked the Kansas central wetlands as Join in and see for yourself the tremen- Situated in the Central Flyway, 8th out of 15 of the “best birding loca- dous birding opportunities Kansas has Kansas enjoys flocks of thousands of tions in North America.” In February of to offer. waterfowl and shorebirds in the central 2003, Birding, the highly respected For information on birding events, as part of the state. The casual nature-lover magazine of the American Birding well as a gallery of beautiful pho- will enjoy the spectacle of these giant Association, ran an article by Mark tographs by Kyle Gerstner, go to the flocks around the major wetlands and Robbins detailing the incredible 225 Kansas Birders’ Calendar at reservoirs. Shorebird migrations are “Big Day” that he and two others had staff.jccc.net/dseibel/ksbirdcal.htm very dependent on these major wet- the previous year. This big day tied for —Ken Brunson, wildlife diversity coor- lands, and the majority of some species the all-time third highest one-day count dinator, Pratt make stops at these locations annually. of individual bird species in the nation. While some shorebirds and humming- In the March/April issue of Wildbird

57 notes

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE LAKE Webster State Park now has a log cabin available to rent to the public. The cabin will appeal to families or groups who want to experience the great outdoors but also want to enjoy modern conveniences. The Webster cabin has heat and air conditioning, a modern kitchen and dining area, a bathroom with shower, and two bedrooms. The cabin will sleep six and is handicap acces- sible. Some additional amenities include a large front porch with an excellent view of Webster Reservoir, a picnic table, and fire ring. Webster State Park staff was chairman, “but going into the help in the effort. Some hunters Hills Resource Conservation able to build this addition to fall, I didn’t know if we were also donate to processing costs. and Development Council, the park thanks to funding going to have a program Some meat processors across Valley Falls; the Resource from the Bureau of because we were in the red. Kansas agree to accept donated Conservation and Development Reclamation. For more infor- Then we had some folks step deer. An average of $70 is Counsels of Kansas; and the mation, to check availability, or up, and we got rolling. And required to process each deer. Kansas Department of Wildlife to make reservations, contact because we didn’t process as The food is distributed to and Parks. The national organi- the Webster State Park Office many deer as last year, we’ll needy families through existing zation has affiliates in more at (785) 425- 6775. start next fall about $2,000 in food banks and community ser- than 30 states, and tons of —Cliff Ehrlich, park manager, the black.” vice organizations. However, donated venison has been dis- Webster State Park DeRossett’s comment on next the program also needs volun- tributed through existing food fall’s start reflects the optimism teers to transport the banks to needy families through he has for this program. processed venison from the the organization. PLANNING FOR Already, the group has sched- meat processors to local food Anyone interested in donat- HUNGRY uled 3-D archery fundraisers for distribution services. ing to or helping with the pro- March 7 and April 17, and other In the 2003 season, the gram may email tonyderos- Kansas Farmers and events — such as sporting clay Kansas FHFH Chapter received [email protected] or phone Hunters Feeding the Hungry competitions — are in the plan- donations or pledges from the DeRossett at (913) 768-6479. (FHFH), a nationally-affiliated ning stages. “With the events following corporate contribu- Donations may be sent directly program initiated by a we have planned and are work- tors, as well as other sources: to Farmers and Hunters Maryland hunter in 1997, has ing on, combined with private • Farm Bureau Mutual Feeding the Hungry, PO Box announced the results of its and corporate donations, we Insurance Company — $10,000; 260, Strong City, KS 66869. most recent efforts. During the hope to be in a position to • American Family Mutual Information on the program is 2003 deer season, the non- process 500 deer next year,” he Insurance Company — $2,500; also available at the organiza- profit group processed 217 adds. • Kansas Farm Bureau — tion’s internet website, deer that were donated by If Kansas hunters continue $1,000; and www.ksfhfh.org. Kansas hunters to feed those donating venison to the organi- • Shelter Mutual Insurance —Shoup in need. zation, the money raised will Company — $1,000. “This was down a lot from pay for processing, packaging, FHFH is co-sponsored by the last year when we processed and freezing of donated deer. Flint Hills Resource 418 deer,” says Tony Donations from churches, clubs, Conservation and Development DeRossett, Kansas FHFH businesses, and individuals all Council, Strong City; the Glacial

58 nature's notebook

by Ed Miller, nongame biologist, Independence

here are many kinds of finches (mem- bers of the family Embe-rizidae) in T Kansas, from the small but colorful goldfinchT to the striking favorite of many a birdwatcher, the cardinal. Two members of this family are quite similar and, these days, familiar to anyone who has a bird feeder. One is native to America but new to the Midwest over the past 10 or 15 years, while the other seems to have been around forever but is actually an alien. Those who have kept bird feeders for years may have noticed that there are fewer house HOUSE SPARROW sparrows these days. House sparrows — once called English sparrows — have been out-competed by the house finch, the “new- here a long time but are not native to North comer” with a reddish-orange head and rump. America. In a rare reversal of natural history, (The female house finch is actually quite plain, however, the house sparrow is slowly being a drab brown bird looking very much like a house sparrow.) According to bird feeder reports conducted HOUSE FINCH by KDWP, the Kansas Orthinological Society, and Audubon of Kansas, house finches his- torically have not made the top-10 list of birds on the annual surveys. By 1995, however, they were the third most common bird in the Kansas Winter Bird Survey, which is taken every January. The house finch is native to western states, but it was introduced to the east coast in about 1940. Pet dealers there sold house

59 lion seeds. finches differ from male Adults will house finches in that they PURPLE FINCH come to any have a darker red color and feeder to eat no streaks on their breast sunflower or feathers. thistle seed. Purple finches will only be Another seen at a feeder during the reddish finch winter months because they that can be nest in the pine country of confused with the the northern U.S. Usually, a house finch is the purple small number journey far finch. “Purple” is not very south in winter, but greater descriptive of this bird numbers migrate when the because the male looks more weather is severe and food finches as caged birds and like he was dipped in rasp- supply is low. dubbed them “Hollywood berry juice. The female looks House finches are now per- finches.” Because taking manent residents of birds from the wild and sell- Kansas. They nest in ing them was a violation of cities, towns, and home- the federal Migratory Bird Entrance steads and often raise Hole 2" Treaty Act, many of the Box Height 6" two broods a year. Entrance hole caged birds were released 4" above Floor Because the house spar- and established wild popu- row and house finch use Floor lations that spread 6" x 6" PLACE BOX the same nesting sites, 8-12 FEET throughout the East. Nail or screw OFF GROUND they are in direct competi- The coastal populations holds side closed. tion. The aggressive house of house finches adapted finch — the true native well to human habitat and species — appears to be expanded their ranges winning this battle. The toward the Midwest. In the population of house spar- last few years, the two rows will probably decline Piviot nails expanding fronts have Front and Back until a balance is reached Two pivot nails allow side merged, so now the bird’s to swing out for cleaning. where the two species can range stretches from Use nail at top to close side. co-exist. coast to coast. Eastern Meanwhile, the house Kansas probably was some like a large sparrow with a finch is an easily-accepted of the last real estate that light white line behind the eye “invader” in Kansas. It has the house finch inhabited. and a dark jaw stripe. some features that most House finches eat weed Purple finches are slightly people find appealing: its sta- seeds, especially those from larger than house finches tus as a native species, its dandelion and thistle. Adults and have a more deeply- colorful feathering, and its even feed the young dande- notched tail. Male purple musical song.

60 Backlash by Mike Miller Danger Calls was fiddling with my turkey calls the other day. “So you’re better at something than I am. What am I (Technically, fiddling is one of the early stages of doing wrong?” Ihunt preparation. There are five stages, beginning I explained how the call had to be pushed against the with “finding your stuff.” The second is “fiddling with roof of his mouth, and how he had to regulate air passing your stuff.” And fiddling leads directly to: “making sure over the reeds with his tongue. I made some long, drawn all your stuff works.” The fourth stage is “fixing stuff or out yelps, while he looked at me skeptically. He picked buying new stuff,” and the last stage is “organizing stuff up his call and tried again. for tomorrow.” Each stage can take several hours or sev- “That’s what I was doing. Pfffft pfffts, pffffts, yeelp!” eral days, depending on what season it is and how much Lennie made a screechy sounding yelp. He grinned and stuff you have.) Anyway, I was trying to get up the kept yelping. nerve to put one of my diaphragm turkey calls in my “Yeeeelp, yeeeelp, yeeelp. I got it. I got it,” he declared. mouth and try it. Yelping on a mouth call is great fun, “Now, make the yelp break a little quicker and work and besides, I was fiddling. But I couldn’t tell if I had on your cadence,” I said. rinsed it off after last season. Stuff can grow between the But Lennie wasn’t listening. He was strutting around latex reeds on a used turkey call. the house proudly screeching on his new call. He yelped Finally, I popped it in and pushed it up against the at his wife. She rolled her eyes and gave me a “What have roof of my mouth and let out a few yelps. The reeds you done now?”look. were stuck together and the call sounded awful. As I “Practice,” I said, then left before I got in more trouble. spit it out, I was reminded of Lennie’s introduction to A month later, Lennie and I were going scouting. the mouth diaphragm years ago. Turkey season was a week away, and we were going to Lennie was fascinated when I demonstrated a listen for gobbles along the river that evening. As he diaphragm call. He was just learning to turkey hunt and drove, Lennie pulled his call from his shirt pocket. figured a hands-free call would be his ticket to success. “I’m getting better,” he said. “But sometimes it just Fumbling with a box call had already cost him a big doesn’t sound right.” tom. He put the call in and made some weird hissing I showed him which calls to order, and I remember sounds before a yelp finally broke out. We both laughed. him phoning excitedly when they arrived. “Whatter you But as he inhaled after laughing, he sucked the call into doin’?” he asked. “Come over and show me again how the back of his windpipe. Lennie’s eyes grew big and he these calls work,” he ordered before I said a word. froze in panic. My first thoughts were how the Heimlich When I arrived, Lennie was carefully examining a Maneuver might be performed in the front seat of a tiny triple-reed diaphragm, holding it up to the light and Nissan truck cab, but my second thought was bailing out squinting at the latex layers. since Lennie was driving. Finally, he coughed. The call “It’s not working. Which way does it go?” he asked. fired out of his mouth like a bullet, smacking the wind- “The longest reed goes on top. Put it in and let her shield. rip,” I said with a knowing grin. We both stared in stunned silence at the call stuck to “Pfffft, pfffft, pffft,” Lennie huffed. the windshield. Then I exploded with uncontrolled “Sounds more like an out-of-breath cricket than a laughter. Lennie was hurt by my insensitivity. turkey,” I joked. “It ain’t funny,” he wheezed. “I could have suffocated.” Embarrassed, he repositioned the call. In between gasps and guffaws, I said “You could put “Pffft, pffft, pitouie!” the call came flying out. an eye out with that thing. I guess if you ever run out of As I laughed, Lennie snatched the call from the table shotgun shells, you could kill a turkey with your call.” and held it in my face. As relief swept over him, Lennie ended up laughing “Here, Mr. Turkey Calling Expert, show me.” until tears ran down his face. He finally got the nerve to I wasn’t about to put Lennie’s turkey call in my try a mouth diaphragm again several years later, but he mouth, but I put one of my own in and yelped and cut still prefers a box call. He claims it’s because box calls and even gobbled just to rub it in. sound better, but now you know the rest of the story. “Okay, Okay,” Lennie said as he held up his hand.

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