FISH AND MANAGEMENT: WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM / 1/5/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWP...

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Jan. 5, 2012 2012 marks 75th anniversary of landmark legislation that brought wildlife back from the brink PRATT — Hunters and anglers pay for wildlife management in . If you’ve heard that before, you were probably talking to an employee of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). There is a popular myth, probably because KDWPT is a state agency, that general taxes pay for its programs. Actually, State General Funds make up less than 7 percent of the agency’s budget, and that money is dedicated to state park programs and administration. The bulk of KDWPT’s budget is derived from the sale of licenses and permits, and the rest of the budget used for wildlife and management comes from federal funding — a self-imposed excise tax on and equipment lobbied for by hunters and anglers themselves.

This funding can be traced back to the beginning of modern wildlife management. In 1900, wildlife populations in the U.S. were dwindling to dangerously low numbers, and some species were near extinction. Wildlife management, while desired, wasn’t funded by Congress or the states. And even though there were Kansas on the books designed to protect populations, there wasn’t funding to pay for enforcement.

In the 1930s, hunters and the hunting and shooting industry urged Congress to act before it was too late for many wildlife species. Congress acted by extending the life of a 10 percent tax on ammunition and used for sport hunting and earmarked the funds to be distributed to the states for wildlife restoration. On Sept. 2, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, now called the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (P-R) after its principal sponsors, Sen. Key Pittman of Nevada and Rep. A. Willis Robertson of Virginia.

The money has been distributed to the states based on the number of hunting licenses they sell pay for wildlife-related programs on a 75- 25-percent match. State license and permit fees make up the states’ 25 percent. Since P-R was signed into , more than $2 billion in excise taxes has been sent to the states, which matched $500 million for wildlife restoration.

How is the money spent? Nationwide, more than 62 percent is used to buy, develop, maintain, and operate wildlife management areas. Four million acres have been purchased, and nearly 40 million acres have been managed for wildlife under agreements with private landowners. Twenty-six percent of the funding is used for surveys and research, two efforts extremely important to the evolution of modern wildlife management programs. But it’s accurately called the Wildlife Restoration Act. Since it was signed, historical wildlife population comebacks have been witnessed again and again.

Great comeback stories abound. In 1900, numbers of white-tailed deer, , and pronghorn, once abundant, had dwindled dramatically in North America, and all three species were extirpated from Kansas. Today, whitetails and wild turkeys provide great hunting statewide, and a strong, huntable population of pronghorns — a species unique to the continent — thrives in western Kansas. Whooping cranes, while still endangered, have grown from fewer than 40 to more than 400. And the once endangered national symbol — the bald — has recovered so dramatically that it has been removed from the list.

Following in the footsteps of Pittman and Robertson, Sen. Edwin Johnson of Colorado and Rep. John Dingell Sr. of Michigan sponsored the Sport fish Restoration Act in 1950. Commonly called the Dingell-Johnson, or D-J, Act, this legislation was modeled after the P-R Act, bringing revenue to sport fish conservation efforts from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment and import duties on , yachts, and pleasure craft, plus a portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats. That money is distributed to the states based on fishing license sales and also requires a state 25-percent match. The funds are used for programs and boat access.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program (now considered two parts of a common program). Since they began, nearly $14 billion has been generated and apportioned back to the states. Recipient fish and wildlife agencies have matched these program funds with more than $3.4 billion. Grants to the states from the Sport Fish Restoration program can be used for projects, boating access, and aquatic education. Money from the Wildlife Restoration Program is used for projects to restore, http://ksoutdoors.com/...ive/2012-Weekly-News/1-5-12/FISH-AND-WILDLIFE-MANAGEMENT-WHERE-THE-MONEY-COMES-FROM[1/16/2018 2:47:03 PM] FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT: WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM / 1/5/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWP...

conserve, manage and enhance wild birds and mammals and their habitat, as well as projects that provide public use and access to wildlife resources, hunter education, and development and management of shooting ranges.

Through the WSFR, Kansas receives approximately $15 million annually. Last year, WSFR funds helped the department purchase land at the Parsons Ammunitions Plant that will be managed for public hunting, and Fancy Creek Shooting Range at Tuttle Creek State Park was enhanced. Popular programs such as Walk-In Hunting Access, Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitat, and Community Fisheries Assistance Program would not have been possible without WSFR.

WSFR leverages license and permit revenues and allows the department to provide direct benefits to wildlife, as well as anglers, hunters, and boaters. And while the programs funds are usually specific to game animals and sport fish, they benefit all wildlife and fish. Because so few of our wildlife species are hunted or fished, habitat enhancement efforts benefit many more nongame species.

If you enjoy wildlife in Kansas, you can thank hunters, anglers, and the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. All of our wildlife resources and most of our outdoor recreation have benefitted from this far-reaching program that was started 75 years ago by some visionary people. -30-

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Jan. 5, 2012 Fort Hays State University, Pratt Community College among beneficiaries NEWTOWN, Conn. — Through its Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative (CSSI), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) awarded $299,200 in grants to 41 colleges and universities in 2011 to develop and expand shooting sports programs. Of those schools receiving assistance, 11 are in the process of developing new shooting clubs. Now in it’s third year, the CSSI program has provided nearly $600,000 to foster collegiate shooting programs. In that time, CSSI grant-supported programs have helped double participation at the Intercollegiate Clay Target Championships. The 2011 championships featured 439 students representing 50 schools.

Schools of all size received awards, from Harvard to the Sunflower State’s Pratt Community College and Fort Hays State University. Fort Hays State University received $5,000 to develop a shooting club ambassador program that has helped recruit students to the school. Pratt Community College received $7,500 to host a Friends of National Rifle Association Banquet and conduct youth shoots to help educate the community about its program and firearms safety. School plans call for attending more collegiate shooting events.

Well established programs such as those at Fort Hays, and even newer programs such as Pratt Community College’s, now serve as models for others interested in developing shooting clubs and varsity teams.

"Throughout the country, we are seeing a surge in college students interested in the shooting sports," said Zach Snow, NSSF's manager of shooting promotions. "These clubs are filling a need on campus by providing opportunities to target shoot, and their members are building positive reputations for the shooting sports both on campus and in surrounding communities."

Sixty-five colleges submitted proposals for CSSI grants, and approximately two-thirds received awards. Grants ranged from $10,000, an amount given mainly to schools whose programs are in the development stage, to smaller amounts for schools with established programs. Many schools have had success attracting members using introductory seminars such as NSSF's First Shots and social media sites such as Facebook.

Anyone interested in starting or strengthening a college , rifle, or pistol team or club can find resources and grant opportunities online at www.nssf.org/college. -30-

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Jan. 5, 2012 Agency evaluates waters annually TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued revised fish consumption advisories for 2012. The advisories identify types of fish or other aquatic animals that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination.

Fish consumption advisories are formulated using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) risk assessment methods. Cancer risk assessment is a method to determine the added increase in cancer levels in a human population if fish in the advisory areas are consumed regularly (one 8-ounce serving per week) over a 70-year period. Assessments that estimate the increased risk of cancer as greater than one in 100,000 persons are regarded as unacceptably high. Risk assessments for contaminants assessed as non-carcinogens (mercury, lead, cadmium) are based on 8-ounce serving sizes for adults and 4-ounce serving sizes for children nine to 18 years old. For further technical information, go online to water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/techguidance/

Water body-specific advisories

KDHE provides the following guidelines:

1. Do not eat bottom-feeding fish (carp, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, freshwater drum, bullheads, sturgeons, buffalos, carpsuckers and other sucker species) taken from the Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the (Douglas and Leavenworth counties) because of PCB levels; 2. Avoid eating all forms of aquatic life, including fish, taken from Horseshoe Lake located in units 22 and 23 of the Mined Lands Wildlife Area (Cherokee County) because of perchlorate levels; 3. Do not eat shellfish (mussels, clams, and crayfish) taken from Spring River from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County) because of lead and cadmium levels; 4. Do not eat shellfish taken from Shoal Creek from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County) because of lead and cadmium levels; 5. Do not eat bottom-feeding fish taken from Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County) because of PCB levels; and 6. Do not eat bottom-feeding fish taken from the Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties) because of PCB levels.

The state recommends restricting consumption of any species of fish from the following locations:

1. Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County). Limit of one 8-ounce serving per month for adults or one 4-ounce serving per month for children for all types of fish because of mercury and PCBs; 2. Blue River from U.S. 69 Highway to the Kansas/Missouri state line (Johnson County). Limit of one 8-ounce serving per week for adults or one 4-ounce serving per week for children for all types of fish because of mercury; and 3. Kansas counties with current fish consumption advisories include Cherokee, Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Reno, Sedgwick, and Sumner.

General advice for eating locally caught fish in Kansas 1. Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are nursing and parents of children under twelve years of age may wish to consult with their physician about safe levels of fish consumption and mercury exposure. This sensitive group should restrict their total mercury intake as related to both supermarket fish and locally-caught species. Kansas recommends that this sensitive group restrict consumption of locally-caught fish, from waters not specifically covered by an advisory, to one 8-ounce meal per week for adults or one 4-ounce meal per week for children. 2. People who regularly consume locally caught fish (more than one meal/week) can reduce their mercury intake by limiting

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their consumption of large predatory fish such as largemouth bass, walleye, and wiper. Larger/older fish of all types are more likely to have higher concentrations of mercury. 3. Available data comparing contaminant levels in whole fish versus fillets indicate that higher concentrations of PCBs and some other fat soluble contaminants are associated with whole fish. Kansas recommends avoiding the consumption of parts other than fillets, especially when eating bottom feeding fish. 4. Consumers can reduce their ingestion of fat soluble contaminants such as PCBs by eating fillets only, trimming fat from fillets, and cooking in a manner in which fat drips away from the fillet. 5. In water bodies where advisories or warnings related to harmful algae blooms have been applied, fish should be consumed in moderation and care taken to only consume skinless fillets. Avoid cutting into internal organs, and as a precaution rinse fillets with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.

It should be recognized that eating fish is considered an integral part of a healthy and balanced diet. Concerned consumers should educate themselves by seeking further information about the health benefits and risks of eating fish.

Details of monitoring efforts and protocols may be found in the Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Monitoring Plan on the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/environment/qmp/download/FTCMP_QAMP.pdf .

Information on the Kansas Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program can be found at www.kdheks.gov/befs/fish_tissue_monitoring.htm . Advisories are also posted on the KDWPT website at kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Are-My-Fish-Safe-To-Eat .

For further information about mercury in fish, national advisories, and advisories in other states, go to the EPA website at www.epa.gov/fishadvisories/advice . -30-

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Jan. 12, 2012 Seven permits to be sold to raise money for conservation projects SALINA — Seven Kansas conservation organizations were awarded 2012 Commission Big Game permits in a drawing conducted at the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting Jan. 5 at Kansas Wesleyan University’s Hauptli Student Center Salina. Ninety- eight eligible applications were submitted for the seven available permits, which could include deer permits, one elk permit, and one antelope permit.

Winners of the permits include the following:

National Wild Turkey Federation, (NWTF), Hays (elk permit) — Jared McJunkin, west conservation field supervisor, [email protected], 785-396-4552; Ducks Unlimited (DU), Wichita Chapter No. 017 (antelope permit) — Roger Zettl, district chairman, [email protected], 316- 722-0951; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Greater Wichita Chapter (deer permit) — Steve Bell, Kansas volunteer chair, [email protected], 316-648-1993; Friends of the NRA, Pratt County No. KS-40 (deer permit) — Rick Chrisman, field representative, [email protected], 913-294-9956; DU Topeka (deer permit) — Jeff Neal, district chairman, [email protected], 785-221-6625; NWTF Iola (deer permit) — Jared McJunkin, west conservation field supervisor, [email protected], 785-396-4552; and Friends of the NRA, McPherson County No. KS-38 (deer permit) — Rick Chrisman, field representative, [email protected], 913-294-9956.

Qualified applicants must be local nonprofit conservation organizations or Kansas chapters of national organizations based or operating in Kansas that actively promote wildlife conservation and the hunting and fishing heritage.

Commission Big Game permits were first awarded in 2006. Winners purchase the permits and typically auction them at their respective conventions and banquets to raise funds for conservation projects. After a permit is sold by an organization, the amount of the permit is subtracted, and 85 percent of the proceeds are sent to KDWPT to be used on approved projects. After the projects are approved, the money is sent back to the organization for the project. The other 15 percent may be spent at the organization’s discretion.

KDWPT regulations allow someone who buys a Commission Big Game permit at auction to also purchase another deer permit valid for an antlered deer or, if the Commission Big Game permit is for an elk, to also draw (or have drawn in the past) an antlered elk permit. These would be the only situations in which an individual could have valid permits for two antlered deer in one year, or to have previously drawn an antlered elk permit and still be able to obtain another one. One antelope and one elk Commission Big Game permit are offered in the drawing.

In 2011, permits were won by two National Wild Turkey Federation Chapters — McPherson Smoky Valley Strutters Chapter (deer permit sold for $6,000) and St. Paul Neosho River Struttin’ Toms Chapter (deer permit sold for $6,500); two Ducks Unlimited Chapters — El Dorado Chapter No. 027 (deer permit sold for $6,000) and Johnson County Chapter (deer permit sold for $5,000); two Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams chapters — I-70 Chapter (deer permit sold for $4,000) and Southeast Chapter (elk permit sold for $9,100); and the Safari Club International Kansas City Chapter (deer permit sold for $5,100). The permits sold for $41,700, providing $32,320 for state habitat projects.

The Commission also listened to discussion about potential changes in the wildlife rehabilitator regulations, including a staff decision to no longer permit outdoor holding facilities located within city limits and primarily in residential areas. Potential regulation changes to reduce user conflict on public lands were discussed and included use of treestands and ground blinds, decoys, baiting, and commercial guiding. Discussion about potentially allowing hunters 16 and younger and those 55 and older to hunt with crossbows during the archery carried over to the evening session.

The only items discussed during the public hearing session included Secretary’s Orders to approve 2012 Free Fishing Days for June 2 and 3, and setting Free Park Entrance Days for all Kansas state parks. The approved resolution allows all parks to have an Open House with free entrance on March 31. Each park then selected an individual Free Entrance Day that coincided with a special event held at the park. http://ksoutdoors.com/...Info/News/News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/1-12-12/KDWPT-COMMISSION-AWARDS-BIG-GAME-PERMITS[1/16/2018 2:48:10 PM] KDWPT COMMISSION AWARDS BIG GAME PERMITS / 1/12/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

For a complete list of Free Park Entrance Days, visit www.kdpwt.state.ks.us. -30-

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Jan. 12, 2012 State income tax return Chickadee Checkoff box helps CHECK THE CHICKADEE AT TAX TIME conserve all wildlife PRATT — Tax time often brings additional darkness to the post-holiday blues, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offers state taxpayers the opportunity to brighten the new year’s landscape by doing something good for wildlife. The Kansas State Income Tax form provides everyone with the chance to feel good about filing when they check the Chickadee Checkoff box. Checking this box gives a portion of returns or any additional contribution to all wildlife, not just birds.

Since 1981, the Chickadee Checkoff Program has helped with endangered species protection, habitat protection, and wildlife appreciation projects in Kansas. The program has sponsored many popular programs, such as the Nursing Home Bird Feeder Program and Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites (OWLS) at Kansas schools. OWLS has allowed the development of outdoor laboratories at more than 200 schools across the state. Other programs sponsored by the Chickadee Checkoff include the Kansas Backyard Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Certification Program, the Bluebird Nest Box Project, the Songbird Bundle habitat planting, and surveying and protection of sensitive species. Additionally, the Checkoff has served to document nesting success and winter roosts in Kansas.

More than $4.2 million has been contributed to Chickadee Checkoff since its inception. In recent years, about 10,000 taxpayers have donated to the program each year, but they have given more than twice what they gave when the program began — from an average of $5.24 per donation to more than $12. With the help of the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA), the mean annual donations total $143,590. It’s a relatively small amount that goes a long way, especially when used to match federal funds.

For details, visit the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.ks.us. Click “Other Services/Wildlife Diversity/Chickadee Checkoff.” -30-

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Jan. 12, 2012 Latest rules; how, where, and what to fish for; new bait restrictions included PRATT — Printed copies of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary booklet are now available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) office and license vendors, the agency has announced. Among other things, the publication lists new regulations that took effect Jan. 1. From new regulations regarding bait fish to new lakes and ice fishing regulations, the booklet has everything the angler needs to begin the New Year right.

The following information details Kansas fishing regulation changes for 2012: ANS-designated Waters

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) waters are defined as waters containing the prohibited species Asian carp, white perch, and/or zebra mussels. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS-designated waters.

Zebra mussels were found in Council Grove, Kanopolis, and Melvern reservoirs, as well as both Jeffery Energy Center lakes last year, bringing the total number of infested lakes to 15.

Bait

Wild-caught bait fish shall only be used on the body of water where taken. If taken on a flowing stream or river, wild-caught bait fish shall not be transported upstream across any dam or natural barrier.

New regulations have been passed regarding what bait dealers may legally sell. Among the restrictions are that certain fish and crayfish and amphibians may no longer be sold for bait. For details, contact a local natural resource officer, fisheries biologist, or KDWPT?office.

New Lakes

Critzer Reservoir, near Mound City, was opened to fishing last spring. And ponds on the Grand Osage Wildlife Area, near Parsons, may be opened for fishing in 2012.

Transporting Fish/Bilges and Livewells

Stocking or releasing of wildlife on navigable publicly-owned rivers and federal reservoirs and department lands and waters is prohibited.

Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels prior to transport from any waters of the state on a public highway.

No person may possess any live fish upon departure from any designated aquatic nuisance body of water.

Trout

Opening day of trout season for 2012 will be Nov. 1. Colby Villa High Lake has been added to the Type 1 list of waters stocked with trout.

Ice Fishing

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered two-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts, and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. These vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry as established by posted notice.

The 2012 booklet also features state park and cabin information and detailed regulations for each body of water managed by KDWPT.

In addition, a full-color fish identification guide lists all the state's sportfish, complete with text descriptions and detailed illustrations by

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renowned fish illustrator Joseph Tomelleri. Look-alike species are grouped together with complementary text to help the angler distinguish the difference between such closely-related species as white bass and wipers; blue catfish and channel catfish; the state's three black basses; black and white crappie; and pallid, shovelnose, and lake sturgeon.

The booklet also provides the latest information about aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in Kansas waters, including a complete listing of ANS waters by county. Three pages are dedicated to this subject, complete with detailed illustrations and tips on how to prevent the spread of ANS plants, mollusks, and fish.

Anglers who want to contact a district fisheries biologist will find a listing of names and phone numbers of the nearest biologist, as well as regional supervisors. A listing of natural resource officer contacts is also included.

For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT office, pick up a copy of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold. Copies may also be downloaded from the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Click the “Fishing” icon at the top of the page, then “Fishing Regulations” in the left-hand column. -30-

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Jan. 12, 2012 Topeka event will help develop ongoing strategy for the Flint Hills region TOPEKA — Persons who want to attend the Second Governor’s Flint Hills Visioning Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 17, are encouraged to register soon. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Shawnee Ballroom at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Topeka. The summit will bring together stakeholders from throughout the Flint Hills Region and across Kansas. There is a $20 registration fee with a limit of 300 participants. Lunch will be provided for those who register in advance. A legislative reception will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The meeting is a follow up to the successful first summit held in May 2011, and is focused on growing the Kansas economy and creating jobs. Governor Sam Brownback’s administration will continue to use the input gathered from this summit to help develop an ongoing strategy for the Flint Hills region. Regional stakeholders and policy makers will make presentations to help participants understand the challenges and strategies. During breakout sessions, participants will discuss specific issues and offer feedback, recommendations, and direction for the future. In addition to Governor Brownback, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Secretary Robin Jennison also will attend.

Public involvement is crucial to the success of the program. The second summit will be another step to creating thriving rural communities throughout the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Presentation portions of the summit will be streamed live over the Internet for those unable to attend in person. Links will be displayed on the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us; on the summit website, fhs.ksoutdoors.com; and on the Kansas tourism industry website, TravelKSIndustry.com

To register or learn more about the meeting, visit the Flint Hills Visioning Summit website at fhs.ksoutdoors.com. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. For additional information, email Linda Craghead, KDWPT assistant secretary, at [email protected] or phone 785-296-2281.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, phone the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting KDWPT at 785-296-2281. -30-

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Jan. 12, 2012 Reward offered for information on deaths; callers may remain anonymous TOPEKA — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is actively investigating the deaths of two bald in Kansas. The first eagle was found in a borrow ditch on 370th Road, approximately ¼ mile north of the Ness County line, in southeastern Trego County, on Jan. 9. The USFWS worked with area veterinarians to X-ray the eagle and identified the presence of metal in the bird.

The second eagle was recovered near 1700 Road in northwest Montgomery County, approximately ½ mile south of the Wilson County line on Jan. 10. This eagle was also X-rayed and showed the presence of metal.

Bald eagles are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The killing of any eagle constitutes a violation of those acts.

Anyone with information regarding the death of these eagles is asked to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, in Topeka at 785-232-5149. The USFWS will pay for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the killing of these or any other eagles or protected species. Anyone contributing information to authorities may choose to remain anonymous. Information may also be reported to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-877-426-3843.

Approximately 50,000 pairs of bald eagles occupied the lower 48 states in pre-colonial times, but that number was reduced to 400 pairs by the 1960s. Biologists blame a loss of habitat, shooting, trapping, and the heavy use of pesticides such as DDT for the decline of the species, which was officially listed under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1976. After DDT was outlawed, bald eagles began making a comeback in the late 1980s, and the species was down-listed from endangered to threatened in 1996. In June of 2007, it was removed from the list completely.

For more information on the bald eagle, go online to www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/baldeagle.htm. -30-

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

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

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

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

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

Spring turkey permit and game tags fees are as follow:

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

A Spring Turkey Atlas showing all public hunting lands and spring Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) lands will be available at KDWP offices and the KDWP website in late March. -30-

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

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

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

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

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

Those seasons still open or opening soon include the following:

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

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For detailed information, consult the Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary, available at most license vendors, KDWPT offices, or online at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. -30-

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

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

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

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

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

The contest is co-sponsored by the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Lyon County Hunter Education Program, Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply of Emporia, and the Conrad Carlson Charitable Foundation. -30-

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Jan. 26, 2012 Summary and link to legislature’s website offer convenient access to information PRATT — The Kansas Legislature is in session, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) wants to help anyone interested in the outdoors keep track of legislation that may impact wildlife and outdoor recreation. The latest developments in the 2012 Legislature are just a computer click away at Legislative Update Report.

Currently, the status of bills from last year is posted, and bills carried over will be updated as they are acted upon. In addition, new bills that affect the agency will be posted as they come before either chamber of the Legislature. The page will be updated regularly throughout the session. For quick and easy notification of action, visitors to the page may subscribe to receive email updates.

The Legislative Update Report provides concise, up-to-date summaries of these issues. In addition, a link is provided to the Kansas Legislature website, which allows visitors to quickly and conveniently view the complete text of a bill and track its progress during the 2012 session.

To view the report, click the “Legislative Update Report” button on the KDWPT homepage, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. -30-

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

More Pheasant Fest Information

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

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

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

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

With the most current streaming data available, the Landowner Habitat Help Room will offer topographic and aerial maps on any piece of property in the entire country. For more information, phone Brad Heidel at 651-209-4956 or email [email protected], or phone Rehan Nana at 651-209-4973 or mail [email protected]. -30-

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

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

Spring turkey permit and game tags fees are as follow:

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

A Spring Turkey Atlas showing all public hunting lands and spring Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) lands will be available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices and the KDWPT website in late March. For more details on Kansas spring turkey hunting, go to the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us, and click “Hunting/Turkey Information.” -30-

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

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

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

Participants should register by March 10 and include the total number of youth and adults attending, as well as their respective T-shirt sizes (limited to 150 attendees). For more information or to register, contact Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012. -30-

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Feb. 1, 2012 Effort will concentrate on two” focal areas” in eastern Kansas PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is introducing a new five-year initiative — the Kansas Quail Initiative — aimed at improving habitat conditions for bobwhite quail, an upland species that has declined throughout much of its range. The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Kansas State Chapter was the first conservation group to provide financial support for this important conservation effort, committing $12,500. The NWTF also will help deliver and promote the program by helping locate interested landowners and assisting with habitat improvements.

The NWTF has 33 chapters in Kansas with more 2,800 members. More than $885,715 has been raised and spent by Kansas chapters on projects within the state.

"It was a no-brainer for the Kansas State Chapter to step up and become the first conservation organization to support the Quail Initiative," said Todd Adolph, NWTF Kansas State Chapter president. "We have a positive working relationship with KDWPT, and I expect this initiative will be a big success."

The Kansas Quail Initiative aims to increase quail populations by 50 percent in five years within “focal areas.” A northern focal area includes portions of Lyon, Osage, and Wabaunsee counties, and a southern focal area includes parts of Neosho and Labette counties.

KDWPT biologists identified these regions as areas with high restoration potential, and they both contain sizable amounts of public land that can be used for core habitat improvements.

"The fact that the NWTF has committed to this initiative shows that we’re not just about turkeys, and that our volunteers understand the urgency to conserve habitat for quail" said Jared McJunkin, NWTF conservation field western region supervisor.

For private landowners in the focal areas, this initiative will increase available cost-share assistance to 100 percent of the estimated costs of implementing quail-friendly practices on their property. KDWPT is committed to spending as much as $100,000 per year on private land habitat improvements in the focal areas for each of the five years of this initiative.

KDWPT also will emphasize the voluntary public access and habitat improvement program in these focal areas to promote enrollment in continuous Conservation Reserve Program practices.

To become an NWTF member, or for more information about the NWTF, go online to www.nwtf.org or phone (800) THE-NWTF. -30-

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Feb. 1, 2012 2012 statewide summary helps anglers find best spots to fish PRATT — Each year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) prepares the Kansas Fishing Forecast, an indispensable tool that forecasts fishing prospects in public waters throughout the state.

The 2012 Kansas Fishing Forecast, now online at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us (click Fishing/Fishing Forecast), assembles results of biologists' sampling efforts into a format that can help anglers select lakes that will most likely provide the best opportunity to catch the kind and size of fish they prefer. The information is formulated from data collected by fisheries management biologists through annual lake monitoring, which includes test netting and electroshocking.

Water bodies are separated into three categories — reservoirs (waters larger than 1,200 acres), lakes (waters from 10 to 1,200 acres), and ponds (waters smaller than 10 acres). This helps anglers understand that while a water body may have a high rating, if it is small, its overall opportunity may be limited.

Table categories have been created for popular species and include a Density Rating, Preferred Rating, Lunker Rating, Biggest Fish (the largest fish taken in sampling), Biologist’s Rating, and Three-Year Average. The Three-Year Average rating is included because not every lake can be survey every year.

The Density Rating is the number of high-quality size or larger fish per unit of sampling effort. High-quality size, listed in parentheses at the top of the Density Rating column, is the length of fish considered acceptable to most anglers and is different for each species. The higher the Density Rating, the more high-quality sized or larger fish per surface acre in the lake. Theoretically, a lake with a Density Rating of 30 has twice as many high-quality sized fish per acre as a lake with a Density Rating of 15.

The Preferred Rating identifies how many above-average-sized fish a water contains. For example, a lake may have a good density of crappie, but few fish over 10 inches. The Preferred Rating helps anglers select which lake to go to for a chance to catch bigger fish.

The Lunker Rating is similar to the Density Rating, but it indicates the relative density of lunker-sized fish in the lake. A lunker is a certain length of fish considered a trophy by most anglers. It also differs with each species and is listed in parentheses at the top of the Lunker Rating column. For example, most anglers consider a channel catfish longer than 28 inches a lunker. Many lakes may have a lunker rating of 0, but this does not mean there are no big fish in that lake. It just means that no lunker fish were caught during sampling, and they may be less abundant than in lakes with positive Lunker Ratings.

Anglers can use the Density Rating and Lunker Rating together. For those who want numbers, go with the highest Density Rating. For those who want only big fish, go with the Lunker Rating. Somewhere in the middle might be a better choice. A lake with a respectable rating in all three categories should provide the best overall fishing opportunities.

The Biggest Fish column lists the weight of the largest fish caught during sampling. A heavy fish listed here can give the lunker angler confidence that truly big fish are present.

The Biologist’s Rating adds a human touch to the forecast. Each district fisheries biologist reviews the data from annual sampling of their assigned lakes. This review considers environmental conditions that may have affected the sampling. They also consider previous years’ data. A rating of P (poor), F (fair), G (good), or E (excellent) will be in the last column. Sometimes the Density Rating may not agree with the Biologist’s Rating. This will happen occasionally and means the Density Rating may not accurately reflect the biologist’s opinion of the fishery.

Printed copies of the forecast will be available at KDWP offices by the end of February, and the March/April issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine will present the forecast as a full-color article. (For subscriptions, phone 1-800-288-8387.)

Whether the angler is after big fish or more fish, the forecast will help find them. Weekly reports on fishing conditions at waters throughout

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the state are also posted on the website and complement the forecast. -30-

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Feb. 1, 2012 Small wildlife enhancement project application deadline Feb. 29, 2012 PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) Chickadee Checkoff Program has funded hundreds of nongame species projects through the years. These range in scope from small species survey projects of $500 or less to efforts of $100,000 or more when used with matching federal funding sources such as the Endangered Species Act and the State Wildlife Grants Program.

This small grants program reserves $20,000 of annual contributions to the Chickadee Checkoff for nongame small grant projects. These small grant project proposals (for up to $5,000) must address issues and strategies listed in Kansas' Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan (CWCP), "A Future for Kansas Wildlife ." More information on the Kansas CWCP may be found by clicking “Services/Kansas CWCP” on the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

Applicants will be required to contribute a minimum of 25 percent of the total project cost. This match can either be a cash contribution from a federal or non-federal source or in-kind contributions of labor, materials, equipment use, or other. A committee of KDWPT professionals will review all applications based on established ranking criteria so that all applicants are considered fairly and that the best projects are chosen. KDWPT reserves the right to fund portions or the entire proposed project amount as agreed upon with the applicant.

Applications should be no longer than two pages and include project title, name of applicant and contact information, purpose of the project, how the project relates to the CWCP, “A Future for Kansas Wildlife,” and must include budget-fulfilling matching requirements.

For information and examples of issues and strategies eligible for this program on the Chickadee Checkoff Program, go to the KDWP website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us, then click “Services/Wildlife Diversity/Chickadee Checkoff.”

Proposals may be submitted online by completing the Chickadee Checkoff Small Grants Form, found on the Chickadee Checkoff Program website or emailed to Chris Berens, habitat conservation ecologist, at [email protected], or phone Berens at 620-672-0771. The deadline for submission is Feb. 29. -30-

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

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

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

For more information, contact West at the above email address. -30-

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Feb. 2, 2012 Funds will help attract visitors, enhance economic development TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has awarded two grants totaling $70,350 to the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Exploration Place, Inc., in Wichita, to help the organizations with their marketing efforts. The grants are funded through the Attraction Development Grant Program, and will be matched by a total of $789,274 from the two recipients.

The Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, representing the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, will receive $40,350 to help market the byway through e-marketing, targeted trade show attendance, online, and print advertising. They will leverage $60,528 cash and in-kind contributions toward the total project cost of $100,878.

Exploration Place, Inc., will receive $30,000 to assist with marketing “Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination,” an interactive science and technology exhibit. Exploration Place, Inc., will leverage $728,746 towards the total project cost of $758,746.

“We are pleased to support these exciting tourism attractions in Kansas,” said Tourism Director Becky Blake. “As travelers seek new travel experiences, it’s important to assist our communities in developing attractions that will draw visitors and enhance economic development. The Attraction Development Grant Program is a great tool to help tourism destinations maximize their potential.”

The Attraction Development Grant Program assists in developing and marketing authentic experiences that encourage travelers to visit Kansas. Grants may be used for various activities necessary to expand the tourism product base or develop new attractions. The program funds up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent. Funding for the Tourism Attraction Development Grant Program comes from the Economic Development Initiatives Fund, which is derived from state lottery proceeds.

For more information, contact Regina Nicol, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, at 785-296-6777 or email [email protected]. -30-

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

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

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

KDWPT collected carcasses from all harvested otters this season and will be determining age, reproductive output, and other biological information, which will be used to make decisions about future seasons. For more information, phone Matt Peek at 620-342-0658. -30-

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is no vaccine or other biological method that prevents CWD. However, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans or livestock in the natural environment. Still, precautions should be taken. Hunters are advised not to eat meat from animals known to be infected, and common sense precautions are advised when field dressing and processing meat from animals taken in areas where CWD is found. More information on CWD can be found on KDWPT’s website, www.ksoutdoors.com (Hunting/Big Game Information), or at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website, www.cwd-info.org. -30-

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Feb. 9, 2012 Conservation Achievement Program recognizes excellence in all fields of wildlife conservation MANHATTAN — The Kansas Wildlife Federation's (KWF) 2012 Conservation Achievement Program (CAP) Awards Banquet will be held Saturday, Feb. 25. The event begins with a silent auction and social hour at 5:30 p.m., with the banquet starting at 7 p.m. All events will be held in the Quality Inn, 2110 W. Crawford in Salina. The banquet will honor recipients of the KWF’s 2011 CAP awards. This year’s recipients include the following:

Conservationist of the Year — Roger Boyd, Baldwin City; Conservation Organization — Kansas Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation; Wildlife Conservationist — Greg Kramos, Manhattan; Conservation Communicator — Mike Miller, Pratt; Water Conservationist— Libby Albers, Wichita; Land and Soil Wildlife Conservationist —Ed Koger, Wilmore; Outdoor Skills Instructor — Gib Rhodes, Madison; Farmer/Rancher Wildlife Conservationists — Tim and Rebekah Peterson, Monument; Stream Monitor — Laura Calwell, Shawnee Mission; Conservation Educator —Eric Kessler, Kansas City, Mo.; Forest Conservationist — Larry Rutter, Meriden; and Youth Conservationist — Megan Hilbish, Emporia; and Legislator Conservationist — Tom Moxley, Council Grove.

Banquet tickets are $25 before Feb. 17 and $35 after. Checks should be made payable to KWF and mailed to KWF Annual Meeting, KWF, P.O. Box 771282, Wichita, KS 67277-1282. For more information, email Ken Brunson at [email protected] or phone 620-672-7289.

A block of rooms is reserved at the special rate of $65 per night and will be held until February 10. Phone the Quality Inn at 785-825-2111 to make reservations. Reduced rates will be given attendees who tell the hotel that they are with the Kansas Wildlife Federation.

Sponsors for the 2011 Awards are the Kansas Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Westar Energy, Bundleflower Plant and Wildfower Preserve (the Jim Ruder Family), the Geary County Fish & Game Association, the Kansas Chapter of the Wildlife Society, the Kansas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and the Watershed Institute. -30-

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Feb. 9, 2012 Teaching tool for grades K-12 combines art, writing, and conservation BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — Teachers and student artists across Kansas in grades K-12 should be aware that it’s time to start preparing entries for the 2012 Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest. The contest is open to all students in public, private, or home schools. The entry deadline is March 31 each year.

Major changes in the contest for 2012 include the permissible size of artwork to include works 8.5 inches by 11 inches or 9 inches by 12 inches; creation of a K-3 grade-level division for artwork only; addition of a national prize for best essays in grade level divisions 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12; and a new category with one national winner for best artwork and essay about an invasive species.

Contest rules, guidelines, entry information and details about the contest changes can be found at www.wildlifeforever.org/contest.

Educators who wish to have their students enter the contest can download the free “State-Fish Art Contest Lesson Plan” at www.statefishart.com. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes lessons and activities, a species identification section profiling each state fish, a glossary, and student worksheets.

Located in Brooklyn Center, Minn., Wildlife Forever is a non-profit multi-species conservation organization dedicated to conserving America’s wildlife heritage. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to “on-the-ground” efforts. Wildlife Forever supports habitat restoration and enhancement, land acquisition, research, and management of fish and wildlife populations.

For more information on the contest, write State Fish Art Contest, Wildlife Forever, 2700 Freeway Blvd., #1000, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430, or phone 763-253-0222. -30-

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Feb. 9, 2012 Strange-looking fish puzzles anglers AUGUSTA — On Jan. 25, anglers were taking advantage of a fish salvage order as Augusta City Lake was being drained for renovation. During a fish salvage, anglers can take sportfish with equipment not ordinarily allowed, such as seines, snagging rigs, bow and arrow, and gigs. Most of the prizes hauled in were large flathead catfish, but one angler snagged a fish estimated to weigh about 55 pounds that no one could identify. Officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) became involved with the catch when a picture of the fish appeared on local television. It was immediately identified as an aquatic nuisance species (ANS), an Asian carp.

“This report supports our long-standing recommendation that fish should not be moved between waters,” said Jason Goeckler, KDWPT aquatic nuisance specialist. “Here is a case of a lake with Asian carp that we didn't even know about.”

Asian carp were imported to the U.S. in the 1970s for purposes but escaped into Midwestern rivers and streams. Previously, they had been found only in the Kansas, Missouri, Big Blue, and Wakarusa rivers and Browning Oxbow Lake in northeastern Kansas. Officials believe that the fish was released into Augusta City Lake or waters above the lake.

Two species of Asian carp have been discovered in Kansas — bighead and silver carp. Both species have scaleless heads, and silver carp may grow to more than 60 pounds and as long as 4 feet. This fish, however, was a bighead carp, which may grow to more than 100 pounds. Both species have low-set eyes and a large upturned mouth without barbels (“whiskers”).

Asian carp directly compete with other fish for food resources, grow quickly, and feed voraciously. They can consume 40 percent of their body weight each day. Silver carp pose physical danger to boaters because of their leaping ability. Anyone boating in silver carp-infested waters should be aware that these large fish may jump into their boat.

Shortly after news reports of the Augusta City Lake Asian carp, KDWPT began receiving calls and emails.

“We want to thank the public for sending in reports,” Goeckler said. “Unfortunately we did not hear about this discovery prior to press-time. But the big news is that we received countless emails, calls, and online reports from the public. They shared our concern about the discovery, and their reports help us monitor these species.”

Anyone who catches an Asian carp should not release the fish back into any body of water. Anglers who catch Asian carp somewhere other than the Kansas, Missouri, Big Blue, and Wakarusa rivers should freeze the fish in a sealed plastic bag, note the date and location, and call the KDWPT Emporia Research Office at 620-342-0658 or email [email protected]. -30-

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

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

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

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

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

“As a developer of the Mossy Oak Properties brand in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa, I strongly condemn this type of behavior,” said Brian D. Smith, CEO of Mossy Oak Properties of the Heartland and founder of the Kansas Big Buck Classic. “In fact, we believe in the stiffest penalties possible for poaching, and we played a strategic part in exposing this case. We cooperated 100 percent.” -30-

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

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

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

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

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

Studies have shown that many women do not participate in outdoor recreation because they have not had an opportunity to learn the skills that make outdoor activities enjoyable. The popularity of BOW proves that when given the opportunity, many women take advantage of it with enthusiasm. Women who participate learn the outdoor skills that allow them to fully enjoy the natural environment while building self- confidence. -30-

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

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

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

Crappie can be found in most waters in Kansas, from large reservoirs to small farm ponds and streams, in both urban and rural settings. As table fare, many rank crappie among the best freshwater fish, and with a 50-fish per day creel limit at most lakes, honing crappie fishing skills is a great way to provide the family with a banquet fit for a king. -30-

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

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

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

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

In addition to the regular duck season, early teal season and goose seasons provide opportunities for waterfowl hunters on Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area. For more information, phone Karrow at 913-352-8941, or visit KDWPT’s website, ksoutdoors.com, and click on “Hunting/Where To Hunt In Kansas.” -30-

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

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

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

The National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic is the country's largest event for upland bird hunters, sport dog owners, and wildlife habitat conservationists, combining a national outdoor tradeshow, wildlife habitat seminar series, and family event complete with puppies, tractors, shotguns, and art. The event is presented by Cabela's. -30-

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

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

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

"ConocoPhillips continues to help the PLJV make a big difference with tangible habitat conservation projects such as these," said PLJV Coordinator Mike Carter. “Such long-term commitments are rare these days, and we are pleased to see the PLJV-ConocoPhillips Grant program continue into its 21st year." -30-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about Kansas trout fishing at the KDWPT website. Click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You/Trout Fishing Program.” -30-

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

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

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

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

Combined with KDWPT Fishing Reports and Fishing Forecast, also found on the agency’s website under “Fishing,” the 2012 Kansas Fishing Atlas is an essential component of every angler’s gear. -30-

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

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

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

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism also reminds furbearer trappers and hunters that and swift foxes must have been pelt-tagged within seven days of season’s end, which was Feb. 15. Tags should be kept with mounted specimens. -30-

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

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

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

After Taylor's presentation, activities for kids, including crafts, will take place in the KWEC classroom. A display on the monarch and information on establishing butterfly-friendly plants will also be available. For more information about the program, phone 1-877-243-9268 or 620-786-7456. -30-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More detailed information may be obtained at the KFS website, https://www.kansasforests.org, or by phoning the toll-free number above. (If the links in this text do not work, copy and paste the URLs into your browser.) -30-

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March 1, 2012 Special hunts application deadline March 18; regular season April 11-May 31 PRATT — To encourage youth involvement in turkey hunting, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will offer special hunts on select state wildlife areas this spring. In addition, KDWPT is joining with private landowners to offer special turkey hunts on private lands. Private land special hunts will be offered in 12 counties — Chase, Clay, Douglas, Leavenworth, Marshall, Osage, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Reno, Riley, Sumner, and Wabaunsee — opening more than 3,700 acres for 83 special hunts.

Public lands special spring turkey hunts will be held on Benedictine Bottoms, Grand Osage, Kansas River Fitzgerald Tract, and Noe (Jackson County) wildlife areas, as well as Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge and Pottawatomie SFL No. 2.

Special hunts range from youth-only and youth-mentor hunts to open hunts. All special hunt opportunities are available by online application and a random drawing. Those applicants who are drawn for a hunt will be notified by email with additional hunt information and their special hunt permit. The online application and hunt information is on the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com under Hunting/Special Hunts Information. The application deadline is Sunday, March 18.

Access to lands enrolled in these special hunts will be limited to foot traffic only, unless posted otherwise. Each property will have special restrictions for dates allowed and type of hunt that will be listed on the application.

For more information or applications, contact Tina McFerrin, KDWPT, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124; phone 620-672-0791; or email [email protected].

The 2012 spring turkey season runs April 11-May 31. Turkey permits allow hunters to use a shotgun, crossbow, or bow throughout the regular season. Archery-only and youth/disabled seasons run concurrently, April 1-10.

Turkey permits for units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online from the KDWPT website or over the counter at any license vendor. Detailed information on spring turkey hunting seasons, permits, and fees may be found on the website under Hunting/Applications and Fees/Turkey. This page also includes results of the resident-only, limited-draw permit application for Unit 4.

Archery hunters, anyone 16 years old or younger, and those with disability permits may hunt April 1-10. (All youth must have an adult supervisor during the youth season.) Hunters younger than 16 are not required to have hunter education certification to hunt while they are supervised by a person 18 or older, but they must have a turkey permit. (During the regular season, persons age 12 through 15 may hunt without adult supervision if they have completed a certified hunter education course.) Hunter education certification may not be obtained until age 11, and all hunters younger than 12 must have adult supervision to hunt at any time.

A spring turkey atlas showing all public hunting lands and spring Walk-In Hunting Access program lands will be available at KDWPT offices and the KDWPT website in late March. -30-

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March 1, 2012 Property to be restored to benefit wildlife and the public CHEROKEE COUNTY — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Kansas Field Office and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) (collectively known as “Trustees”) have acquired 711 acres in Cherokee County. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will hold title to the property and be responsible for its operation and maintenance. This marks the first restoration acquisition in Kansas since the implementation of the Cherokee County Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment.

Cherokee County is part of the Tri-State Mining District in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, which was mined extensively for lead, cadmium, and zinc for more than a century. As a consequence of these mining and mine-related activities, large amounts of metals were released into the Cherokee County environment. Lead, cadmium, and zinc are potentially toxic to a wide variety of organisms, including birds, mammals, fish, mussels, and plants. The Trustees have been documenting these effects since the mid-1990s. The Restoration Plan outlines specific goals to compensate for mining-related damage to the environment.

The property was previously enrolled in the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The WRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands on their property. As part of the WRP agreement, NRCS will fund restoration of native grasslands and construct wetlands.

The 711-acre property has 1 mile of perennial stream with an intact riparian corridor. The Trustees will work together with KDWPT and NRCS to draft and implement a management plan for the property. The management plan will focus on benefits to wildlife such as shorebirds, waterfowl, and other migratory birds. It is anticipated that the property will provide a recreational benefit to the public for activities such as hunting, fishing, and bird watching.

For more information, phone the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kansas Field Office in Manhattan, 785-539-3474. The completed management plan will be posted online at www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/NRDA/CherCO_KS/CherokeeCounty.htm. -30-

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March 1, 2012 Drought forces temporary move of 40 animals GARDEN CITY — A two-year drought is forcing the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) to move bison from the Sandsage Bison Range and Wildlife Area, near Garden City, to Maxwell Wildlife Area, in McPherson County north of Canton. The drought has depleted forage on the area, and the move is being made to protect both the sensitive range as well as the bison.

“We have been supplementing the bison with hay and range cubes since August,” said area manager Tom Norman. “However, the bison still have too great a need for grass for supplements to be a long-term solution. Also, the Sandsage Bison Range is a pretty fragile ecosystem, so maintaining the type of vegetative cover that provides food for the bison and prevents sand movement is a challenge even under normal climatic conditions. A drought makes it almost impossible to maintain vegetation to provide for either.”

Attempts to stay within the carrying capacity of the range have resulted in consistent herd reductions since 2002, and today, the herd has 50 percent fewer animals than in 2001. Even with the reductions in herd size, the pastures have been unable to keep up with the forage needs of the bison. According to Norman, the area needs long-term rest.

“We will be moving 40 head and retaining nine,” Norman explained. “We would take all of them, but there just isn't room at Maxwell for any more. The bison we retain will be kept in the corral pens at least until we get some forage growth this spring. I am hoping to get a large exhibition pasture fenced to hold them until we can allow them into the sandhill pastures. But it all depends on precipitation. We are hoping that conditions will improve enough to bring the majority of the herd home in the fall.”

The agency began transporting animals on Feb. 29 and plans to complete transportation by the end of the week. Since Feb. 8, the herd has been confined to the corral pens, where they have been vaccinated against the Mycoplasma bovis organism.

Historically, bison herds would move great distances during drought, but today’s fences across the require transportation by truck and trailer. The 2,500-acre Maxwell Bison Refuge was donated to KDWPT in 1943 by Henry Maxwell to create a wildlife refuge dedicated to bison and other prairie species. -30-

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March 1, 2012 Registration deadline March 23; preference given to inexperienced hunters PRATT — Staff at Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC) are inviting youth who have not harvested a turkey to participate in the center’s spring hunt April 1-22 at JEC, about 45 minutes northwest of Topeka.

Youth must be accompanied by an adult mentor, preferably one who does not have turkey hunting experience. These trips will be guided by veteran hunters and will take place in enclosed blinds around small crop fields scattered throughout the plant’s property, where turkeys are abundant.

Youth 12 through 17 years old are eligible. All they need is a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism turkey permit and a shotgun; no special clothing, calls, or decoys are needed. A hunting license and hunter education certificate are only necessary for hunters 16 years or older.

Hunts will take place primarily in the mornings and on weekends, but weekdays and afternoons are possible based on volunteer guide availability. Registration is open through Friday, March 23, or until all slots are filled. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first- served basis with preference for inexperienced mentors. For more information or to apply, phone Barb Cornelius at 785-575-8125. -30-

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March 1, 2012 Young hunters ages 11 through 16 invited; registration deadline March 23 COUNCIL GROVE — Many young Kansans have not yet experienced the thrill of a Kansas spring turkey hunt. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) — in cooperation with Council Grove area chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — hopes to change that. On April 7, the organizations will conduct the 12th Annual Council Grove Spring Turkey Hunt.

“We’ve designed this event to entice beginning turkey hunters into the woods in search of a spring gobbler,” says Council Grove Wildlife Area manager Brent Konen. “It provides participating hunters age 11 through 16 with an opportunity to become involved not only in the hunt but also in its preparation, so they learn a lot more than just how to shoot a turkey.”

Participants will pattern their shotguns and scout for turkeys the evening before the hunt. The morning of the hunt, they will be guided to area locations on public and private land where encounters with these magnificent game birds are likely. Program volunteers will arrange transportation to hunting sites and will be available to assist in the hunt.

The event will also include door prizes, a turkey hunting presentation, and a hunter’s breakfast and lunch.

“Kansas turkey hunting prospects are good, and the excitement of the spring hunt can spark a passion for the outdoors that lasts a lifetime,” says Konen. “Participants are also encouraged to explore historic Council Grove and scenic Morris County while visiting the area.”

Lodging is available in nearby Council Grove, and camping is available at Council Grove Reservoir. Registration is required by March 23. For more information or to register, phone Konen at 620-767-5900. -30-

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March 2, 2012 Proposal addresses seniors’ concerns while helping agency TOPEKA – Earlier this year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) asked the Kansas Legislature to consider eliminating the hunting and fishing license exemptions for persons 65 years of age and older. A bill to remove the exemptions was introduced into the Kansas Senate as SB 314, and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which held hearings on the bill on February 17 and March 1.

At the March 1 hearing, Senator Allen Schmidt distributed a proposed balloon amendment giving senior residents two options. Under one option, seniors could purchase an annual half-price hunting, fishing or combination hunting/fishing license (excluding vendor and convenience fee) up to the age of 75, with no license required for 75 years of age and older. Under the current pricing structure, that would make annual hunting and fishing licenses $9.00 each, and an annual combination hunting/fishing license $18.00 (a $2.50 vendor and convenience fee would be added to the cost of each license).

The other option would be for seniors to purchase a one-time, lifetime combination senior hunting/fishing pass for an amount not to exceed one-eighth of the fee for a regular lifetime combination hunting/fishing license. The cost for a senior pass would be set by the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission through a change in regulation. According to KDWPT Secretary Robin Jennison, the cost for a lifetime combination senior hunting/fishing pass would likely be set at $40.00 not including the vendor and convenience fee. He noted that if a person purchases the lifetime senior pass, the department would receive federal matching funds for 18 years for each pass purchased, helping the agency achieve a more stable and consistent revenue stream.

Senator Schmidt said of his amendment, “I believe this is an effective mechanism to address the concerns of our senior hunters and anglers and help KDWPT meet its needs for a broader funding base to support the fishing and wildlife programs that are so important to Kansas.”

Secretary Jennison thanked Senator Schmidt for his efforts. “We really appreciate Senator Schmidt’s work in bringing this amendment forward,” he said. “It is both fair to our seniors and is a great way to help the agency continue offering the programs and services outdoor enthusiasts have come to expect.”

License revenues and a federal match from the excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment fund the wildlife and fisheries programs. The demographics of hunters and anglers are changing due to baby boomer retirements and greater longevity. KDWPT currently loses an estimated $1.4 million on hunters and anglers between 65 and 74 years of age because of the exemption.

The Committee on Natural Resources is expected to act on the bill in the coming week. -30-

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March 8, 2012 Early propagation program helping bass survival and growth rates MEADE — Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) fish culturists are producing largemouth bass earlier, giving them a head start on bass hatched with traditional hatchery methods or those hatched in the wild. Now in its fourth year, a bass propagation project at Meade Fish Hatchery, near , is coming to fruition. The project’s first year, 2009, was met with several setbacks, but after some revising of techniques, Meade Hatchery biologists Jason Vajnar and Josh Jagels were able to produce 750,000 fry more than 45 days earlier than normal in the spring of 2010.

In 2011, the hatchery produced 2 million early-hatched bass, which were stocked primarily in Hillsdale and Cedar Bluff reservoirs, with a few stocked in smaller impoundments on a trial basis. The goal for 2012 is 2.5 million fry. Of those stocked this year in Hillsdale and Cedar Bluff, approximately 100,000 in each lake will be marked finglerings, so biologists can separate early-propagated bass from wild-spawned bass during testing later in the year. In addition, Herington City Lake, an impoundment with virtually no historical natural bass recruitment, will receive 600,000 seven-day-old fry.

Typically, hatchery and wild bass spawn in mid-June, too late to eat young gizzard shad — a primary prey species for bass, which hatch earlier and are too big for young-of-the-year bass to feed on. This results in slower growth rates and smaller year-class bass that are more vulnerable to winter die-off after the growing season ends in fall.

“We want to emphasize that while we are hopeful for the long-term success of this project, it is still experimental,” says KDWPT Fisheries Section chief Doug Nygren. “We will monitor progress for the next few years, and if it’s producing significant numbers of additional largemouth bass for anglers, we’ll expand the program. If not, it will be discontinued.”

The concept of hatching bass earlier in the year is relatively simple. KDWPT fisheries biologists have built a climate-controlled building — called the Bass Propagation Facility — for the process. Here, they can manipulate water temperature and photoperiod (length of light in a day) in hopes that mature breeding bass will spawn approximately six weeks earlier than normal. If the parent bass respond as expected, their fry will be reared in raceways to fingerling size by the time wild-hatched bass are still in the fry stage.

Both fry and young fingerlings are stocked in lakes, where they feed on zooplankton until young shad are available.

Kansas boasts 24 large reservoirs, but few of them provide consistent largemouth opportunities. Fishery managers have struggled for years to maintain bass populations in reservoirs, but in most cases, it’s been a futile battle. Kansas anglers catch plenty of largemouth bass, but most come from the tens-of-thousands of farm ponds and small lakes that dot the state. When the reservoirs are new, wooded draws, weedy farm fields, and grasslands are flooded, providing excellent largemouth habitat. During this time, largemouth bass flourish and grow quickly, but after five or six years, populations decline.

In the past, biologists have tried stocking more largemouth bass, but this did not result in increased numbers of large bass. Biologist have determined that lack of aquatic vegetation (plentiful in small lakes and farm ponds) in large reservoirs is the missing ingredient. Aquatic vegetation is important for newly-spawned largemouth to hide from predators and feed. Vegetation harbors insect larvae, minnows, and panfish species that are important food sources for largemouth bass. Biologists have transplanted vegetation and even fenced off coves in attempts to reestablish vegetation, but results have been limited.

During the first attempt, the biologists learned important lessons. For the second attempt, breeding bass were removed from outdoor hatchery ponds and brought to indoor tanks in November 2009. Water temperature and lighting was adjusted to mimic winter — 40-degree water and 10 hours of light followed by 14 hours of dark. On March 11, 2010, the lighting was changed to 14 hours of light and 10 hours of dark to replicate the diurnal cycle of May. The water was warmed to 68-70 degrees. On March 25, it was warmed to between 70-72 degrees. Until this point, the male and female bass had been kept in separate raceways. On March 25, the sexes were put into the same raceways but kept separated by a screen. Bass could then react to the pheromones given off, allowing gonads to develop. On April 2, the

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screens were pulled and the sexes were allowed to mingle. Spawning mats (artificial nests) were placed on April 9, and on April 14, the first spawns were collected. The result was that the Meade Hatchery produced nearly 750,000 fry in 2010.

The process is constantly being refined. Water quality is monitored carefully in spring. Staff watch levels of ammonia and un-ionized ammonia carefully, and whenever set parameters are exceeded, they make adjustments. The water heating system is now improved so that the temperature doesn’t fall during the night. Correspondence with the Florida Bass Conservation Center in Florida and biologists in Texas also helped Vajnar and Jagels make the program a success.

The success of this project depends on the survival rate of stocked bass through their first year. If it works as hoped, Kansas anglers should be catching bigger and more of their favorite sportfish in the future. -30-

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March 8, 2012 Big game and turkey regulations to highlight public hearing; audio/visual streaming available TOPEKA — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, March 22, at the Kansas Historical Society History Center, 6425 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

Secretary’s remarks; Fort Riley presentation; 2012 legislative update; agency and state fiscal status; tourism briefing; webless migratory birds; early migratory bird seasons; commercial mussel harvest; prairie chicken seasons; Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS) update; and otter season update.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

falconry regulations; public land regulations; KAR 115-25-7 — antelope, open season, bag limit, and permits; KAR 115-25-8 — elk, open season, bag limit, and permits; KAR 115-25-5 — turkey, fall season, bag limit and permits; and KAR 115-25-9a — deer, open season, bag limit, permits, and additional considerations.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location to hear general public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a public hearing on regulations and Secretary’s Orders. Evening public hearing topics include the following:

KAR 115-4-2 — big game and wild turkey, general provisions; KAR 115-4-4 — big game, legal equipment and taking methods; KAR 115-4-4a — wild turkey, legal equipment and taking methods; KAR 115-25-9 — deer, open season, bag limit, and permits; and Secretary’s Orders for deer.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on March 22 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 23, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by

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contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 26, at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th Street North in Wichita. -30-

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March 8, 2012 Anglers should be aware of rules, areas open; season runs through May 15 PRATT — Many anglers in eastern Kansas look forward to March 15, when the Kansas paddlefish season opens, running through May 15 at specific locations. Once water temperatures near 60 degrees, paddlefish make the annual spawning run. Some snagging areas, such as the Neosho River in Chetopa, require a rise in the river level for paddlefish to be present, so significant rainfall is essential.

Paddlefish may be taken inside Chetopa and Burlington city parks on the Neosho River, on the Neosho River at Iola downstream from the dam to the city limits, on the Marais des Cygnes River below Osawatomie Dam downstream to a posted boundary, and on the Marais des Cygnes River on the upstream boundary of Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area downstream to the Kansas-Missouri border.

Paddlefish may be snagged using pole and line with not more than two single or treble hooks. Barbless hooks must be used in Chetopa City Park. is allowed in Burlington, Chetopa, and Iola except that once attached to a stringer, a fish becomes part of the daily creel limit. The daily creel limit for paddlefish is two, and the season limit is six. On the Missouri River (season: March 15-April 30), there is a 24-inch minimum length limit. There is a 34-inch minimum length limit on Marias des Cygnes River.

A paddlefish permit — $12.50 for those 16 and older, $7.50 for youth 15 and younger — includes six carcass tags. Immediately upon attaching a fish to a stringer, the angler must sign a carcass tag; record the county, date, and time of harvest; and attach the carcass tag to the lower jaw of the paddlefish taken. Anglers must stop snagging once the daily creel limit of two paddlefish is reached.

Paddlefish caught outside the paddlefish season or in non-snagging areas may be kept if they are hooked in the mouth only.

Nonsport fish (carp, drum, grass carp, threadfin and gizzard shad, goldfish, gar, suckers including carpsucker and buffalo, goldeye, and bowfin) may also be snagged in waters posted open to snagging during the paddlefish season. There are no limits on nonsport fish. -30-

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Amended bill gives seniors two options for discounted hunting/fishing licenses

The Senate Natural Resources Committee today amended Senate Bill 314 and sent it to the full Senate. Earlier this year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) asked the Kansas Legislature to consider eliminating the hunting and fishing license exemptions for persons 65 years of age and older. The committee held hearings on the bill on February 17 and March 1.

The state’s wildlife and fisheries programs are funded by license/permit fees and a federal match from the excise tax paid by hunters and anglers on equipment they buy (these revenues can only be used to fund wildlife and fisheries programs; they cannot be used for state parks). The state’s share of the federal excise tax is based on the number of hunting and fishing licenses sold. Removing the senior exemption or charging seniors a reduced fee allows Kansas to capture the federal excise tax for seniors who hunt and fish. The amended bill would give senior residents two options for buying discounted hunting/fishing licenses. Either option would bring federal excise taxes back to Kansas, and help the agency achieve a more stable and consistent revenue stream.

Under one option, seniors could purchase a lifetime combination senior hunting/fishing pass, which would likely cost $40.00 (excluding a vendor and convenience fee). The agency believes this is the lowest amount the department could charge and still safely claim the federal matching funds – amortized over 18 years per pass. The cost would be set by the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission through a change in regulation, and the amount could not exceed one-eighth of the fee for a regular lifetime combination hunting/fishing license.

The second option would be for seniors to purchase an annual half-price hunting, fishing or combination hunting/fishing license up to the age of 75, with no license required for those 75 years of age and older. Under the current pricing structure, the senior annual hunting and fishing licenses would be $9.00 each, and the senior annual combination hunting/fishing license would be $18.00 (excluding a $2.50 vendor and convenience fee for each license).

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March 15, 2012 System available online April 17; all reservations will shut down April 1-16 PRATT — Have you ever wondered what state park facilities are still available on a busy weekend or wished you could make a reservation in advance from home, when park offices are closed? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS) — available April 17 — will provide that service and much more.

In addition to allowing customers to make reservations from the comfort of home, photos of each campsite and whether it’s available will be hosted online. In most cases, ORMS will save park users money, through reduced service fees and more efficient management. The system also will allow staff to mark sites with problems — such as broken hydrants or electrical issues — until these issues can be fixed. ORMS data will show which sites are used the most, making management planning more efficient. ORMS will allow park staff to look within the system to see what sites are full and who is on that site, making emergency notifications much faster.

For those without computers or who still prefer using a phone, park staff will be able to use ORMS to help callers with reservations.

Reservations made before ORMS is launched will be moved into the new reservation system, so there will be no need to renew existing reservations. A cancellation/reschedule policy will be implemented, similar to the policy for camping cabins. The number of campsites available for reservation will vary by park. The rest will be available through the traditional first-come, first-served method. Shelter and group campground reservations will continue to be made only through the park office where the facilities are located.

In order to implement ORMS, the current reservation system will be shut down from April 1 through April 16. During this time, no reservations will be taken either online or by phone.

On March 31, all state parks will host a Free Park Entrance Day, with open-house in the offices, allowing customers to purchase park permits on the last day of lower off-season pricing. During open house, ORMS demonstrations will offer customers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new system. Also during the open house, visitors can enter a drawing to win a free one-night stay at a state park or public land cabin of their choice (terms and conditions apply, no purchase is necessary to enter. Call park office for details).

Those who cannot make it to a state park open house March 31 and see a demonstration can go online to Reserve America — www.reserveamerica.com — and familiarize themselves with how to use the system ahead of the launch date. Forty states are currently using the system, so pick one and see what they have to offer.

Among many other benefits of ORMS, park users will be able to make a reservation online from home, be assured to have a site if they have made a reservation, and avoid reservation errors such as double-booking. Park staff will use ORMS to manage walk-in as well as phone sales.

For those sites that can be reserved, users will be able to search for specific locations, sites, dates, and lengths of stay. Searches can be narrowed by amenities such as site size, utility hookups, equestrian facilities, hiking and biking trails, boating facilities, swimming areas, and more. Visitors without a camping permit can purchase one online before leaving home.

State park cabin reservations may already be made online at reserve.ksoutdoors.com or by calling or visiting a state park office. Constituents should continue to use these venues through March 31.

ORMS is much more than a camping and cabin reservation system. It will help KDWPT staff provide better customer service and more accurate visitor information. For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT state park or phone the Pratt Operations Office, 620-672- 5911, and ask for the Parks Division. -30-

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March 15, 2012 Helicopters will be used to search for new breeding grounds; data may help prevent endangered species listing PRATT — Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) biologists are cooperating with the Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) to find new lesser prairie chicken breeding grounds, called “leks,” in western Kansas. WAFWA received funding to evaluate an aerial survey technique that can be used for uniform monitoring across the five-state range of the lesser prairie chicken.

During the survey this spring, surveyors will fly low-elevation transects in helicopters within several randomly chosen 10-square kilometer blocks throughout the lesser prairie chicken range, which includes portions of western Kansas, southeastern Colorado, western Oklahoma, north Texas, and eastern . Field crews will train on March 29-31 in Trego County and conduct official survey work across all of western Kansas until the middle of May.

“Everyone in western Kansas is asked to be on the alert for prairie chicken leks,” says KDWPT small game coordinator Jim Pitman. “We are trying to acquire better information on the distribution and population of lesser prairie chickens to help guide an impending Endangered Species Act listing decision being developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This data, coupled with U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation efforts, provide us with the information that may help prevent listing of the lesser prairie chicken.

“If a lek is observed this spring, we are asking that it be reported to the nearest KDWPT biologist or law enforcement officer. We also have an online reporting database. This information is extremely important to the department because it will help us target conservation programs and provide site recommendations to energy developers.”

The work was contracted to Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc., of Cheyenne, Wyo., and the aerial survey protocol was developed by the Lesser Prairie Chicken Interstate Working Group, of which KDWPT is a partner. -30-

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March 15, 2012 Home energy efficiency, conservation products reviewed GREAT BEND — On Sunday, March 18, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC), northeast of Great Bend on Highway 156, will conduct an energy-saving seminar by eco-consultant Rebecca Ford. In this fast-paced presentation, participants will receive a comprehensive and practical set of instructions that can cut personal energy expenses.

In addition to specific practices, Ford will cover some of the good and not-so-good products and gadgets that enhance (or hinder) efficient use of energy, water purity and conservation, toxic-free living, waste reduction, recycling, and air quality.

This program is offered free of charge thanks to a grant from the Golden Belt Community Foundation. Refreshments will be served. For more information, phone the KWEC at 620-786-7456 or email [email protected]. -30-

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March 15, 2012

Don’t let severe weather ruin the outdoor experience TOPEKA — March 12-16 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas, a time to remind Kansas outdoorsmen and women to be prepared for stormy weather in the outdoors. Severe weather can strike quickly in the Sunflower State, and hunters, anglers, and boaters need to know how to avoid the high winds, lightning, and floods that can accompany these storms.

“The first rule of thumb for any outing is to check the weather,” says Mike Miller, Information Production Section chief for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). “If storms are predicted for your area, postpone your trip. Secondly, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Too often, people get caught in bad weather, even in springtime, and no one knows where to look for them. Just telling someone where you’re going could save your life.”

Blizzard It may be above 80 degrees during Severe Weather Week this year, but such is not always the case, and blizzards are still possible this year. Some of the state’s worst blizzards occur in March. Turkey hunters, hikers, and bikers should prepare for this and wear plenty of layers if there’s the slightest chance of a winter storm. Have plenty of food and water in your vehicle. A well-charged cell phone can be a lifesaver, if you’re in an area with service. The best advice, however, is to follow the first two rules of thumb. And watch the skies; if a storm appears to be brewing, head for home.

Lightning Again, watch the skies, especially for towering black cumulonimbus clouds. Get indoors at the first sign of these powerful storms. Remember that shotguns are lightning rods. So are fishing rods and boats on open water. And so are humans. If caught in a sudden thunderstorm, seek shelter in a vehicle or building. Boaters should get off the water, by the shortest possible route. Everyone should seek shelter immediately and avoid towering structures and isolated trees. If your skin tingles or your hair stands on the end, a lightning strike may be about to happen. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together. Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head. Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground. Do not lie down.

Wind Most Kansans are well aware of the damage wrought by severe winds and tornadoes, and these events can hit without warning. Sheer straight winds of more than 100 mph are not uncommon, and tornadoes often hit in the middle of a downpour so severe that the twister itself cannot be seen. Use a smart phone to keep track of weather forecasts and radar maps. Winds can be particularly dangerous for boaters, especially on large lakes. Watch the skies for approaching storm fronts and head for shore at the first sign of severe winds.

In 2011, the National Weather Service reported about 68 tornadoes statewide, and this serves as a reminder that severe weather can strike anywhere this tornado season. Many people do not understand the difference between a storm watch and a warning. When conditions are favorable for severe weather, a severe thunderstorm or a tornado “watch” is issued. Information from weather radar, spotters, and other sources is used to issue severe thunderstorm and tornado “warnings” for areas where severe weather is imminent. Severe weather warnings are passed to local radio and television stations and broadcast over weather alert radios. These warnings are also relayed to local emergency management and public safety officials who then activate the local warning systems to alert communities.

General information about severe weather and being prepared is available at www.ready.gov. -30-

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March 22, 2012 Free entrance at all Kansas state parks; events, introduction to new reservation system, drawing for free stay at park cabin TOPEKA — On Saturday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will hold an “Open House” at all state parks from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free park entrance. To highlight the event, visitors will have the opportunity to enter a statewide drawing to win a free one-night stay at a state park or public lands cabin of their choice. (The free one-night stay must be used in 2012 and is subject to availability. No purchase is required to enter the drawing. Limit one entry per person. The free night may be used for a single night or to extend a paid cabin reservation for another night.)

This is a great chance to see facilities, cabins, and recreation opportunities at Kansas state parks, and staff will be demonstrating the new Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS), which will streamline park reservations throughout the state. ORMS goes online April 17.

Also during the Open House, park users can take advantage of low off-season permit prices. March 31 is the last day annual camping permits and annual vehicle permits are priced at off-season discounts. On April 1, the prices increase to their regular prime-season levels. Annual park permits may be purchased and cabin or campsite reservations made at this time, as well. For pricing information and to purchase permits online, go to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. For online permit purchases, click the License/Permits icon. For cabin reservations, click the Cabins icon.

To make the Open House even more special, the Kansas Lottery has donated 26 prizes to be given away through drawings at the parks. Each park will have a drawing for the following prizes:

one winner will receive a Bass Pro Shop 2 room tent; four winners will receive a Bass Pro Shop aluminum table and a lantern; one winner will receive a Bass Pro Shop aluminum table an igloo cooler and TravelKS camp stool; eight winners will receive two Bass Pro Shop sleeping bags and a Coghlan's four-function whistle, thermometer, magnifier, and compass; five winners will receive two canvas hard arm chairs with cup holder with carry bag and an Igloo cooler; and two winners will receive two canvas hard arm chairs with cup holder with carry bag and a Red Head boot/bag combo camouflage duffle bag.

Each park office will also draw for a $20 lottery coupons.

In addition to ORMS demonstrations and prize drawings, the following state parks have specific events on tap for this day:

East Region Clinton — Camp Creek Cabin will be open for tours from 11a.m. to 3 p.m., interpretive display at park office, and recruitment for “trade for services workers" for various park seasonal positions. Crawford — free hot dogs served at noon, 5K Run to benefit local Parent Teachers Organization (registration 7:15 a.m. with race starting at 8 a.m. at beach shelter house, phone 620-724-0854 or 620-362-3671 for more information), boating safety inspection and aquatic nuisance species cleaning station from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Boaters encouraged to bring their vessels, have safety equipment checked, and wash out winter storage grime. — Whispering Oaks Cabin open for tours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guided bird walks all day at Whispering Oaks Cabin, horse trail rides, archery range, disk golf, and nature room open. http://ksoutdoors.com/...WPT-Info/News/News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/3-22-12/KDWPT-STATE-PARKS-OPEN-HOUSE-MARCH-31[1/16/2018 3:05:36 PM] KDWPT STATE PARKS OPEN HOUSE MARCH 31 / 3/22/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

Eisenhower — Cabins and yurts open at West Point Area 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m., free bratwursts (while they last) provided by the Friends of Eisenhower State Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 5K run for the Warmth Fund sponsored by the Community Covenant Church at 9 a.m., horse trail rides, archery range, disk golf, and nature room open. Elk City — scavenger hunt and park updates at park office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., lunch provided at Comfort Cove Shelter from noon to 2 p.m., boating information and inspections at park office, kids fishing at the Youth Pond from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Entrance Station and Willow Bend Cabin open for tours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., refreshments at cabin. Hillsdale — Information tour of Hillsdale Shooting Range 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at east side of dam outlet area. In the event of inclement weather, park office open from 10 am. to 6 p.m. Boat inspection lane at park office parking lot from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., “Ask a Ranger” table at the office with free coffee and cookies 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Perry — Stonefield Cabin open for tours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guided mountain bike trail rides 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., car show 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., guided horse trail rides 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pomona — Tonkawa and Santa Fe cabins and the Southwind Shelter House open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m., park scavenger hunt all day, food vendors, personal watercraft simulator 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Southwind Shelter, family disc golf, natural resource officer available for question and answer.

Central Region Cheney — Heron Cabin open, coffee and cookies at the park office. El Dorado — Bluestem and Walnut River gatehouses open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Cabin No. 7 in Bluestem and Cabin No. 8 in Walnut River Area open for tours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., prescribed burning nature talks at by Randy Just at office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., courtesy boat inspections at office 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kanopolis — Wyatt Earp Cabin open for tours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guided trail hike from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Horsethief Canyon, tour of Mushroom Rock from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Milford — Appaloosa Cabin open for tours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Manhattan Running Company 10K and 18K dual race. Cookies, coffee, and donuts at office throughout the day. Tuttle Creek — Cherokee Cabin open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., archery at Nihart Range from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Fancy Creek Shooting Range open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no range fees, garden tractor pull at 11 a.m., Rockin’ Rabbit 5K and 10K Race from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., cookies and coffee sponsored by Friends of Tuttle Creek State Park throughout the day. Wilson — Elm Ridge Cabin open for tours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kansas bike clubs and public trail rides.

West Region Cedar Bluff — free hot dog feed and refreshments sponsored by Cedar Bluff friends group Die Hards from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., all cabins available for tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., park and new development tours throughout the day on request. Glen Elder — coffee and doughnuts 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tahoe Cabin open for tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., park photo contest at 10 a.m. (entries from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Lovewell — Marina restaurant open for meals, Sunrise Primitive Cabin and Lookout Modern Cabin open for tours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., fishing informative talk from 11a.m. to 12 p.m. Meade — lunch and refreshments sponsored by Friends of Meade State Park, volunteer park cleanup from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Easter egg hunt from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Prairie Dog — refreshments sponsored by Friends of , Eagle View Cabin and Cedar Crest Cabin open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hillman School tour at 4 p.m. Scott — punch and cookies sponsored by Lake Scott Friends Group, Taos Cabin open by appointment. Webster — “Cookies by Jana,” Blue-wing Bungalow open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., /Stockton Recreation Fun Walk/Run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Old Marina Campground.

For more details and office contacts, click “State Parks/State Parks Open House” online at ksoutdoors.com.

Park users should be aware that the reservation system will be on hold from April 1 through April 16. During this time, KDWPT will be installing the new Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS). In order to transition to the new reservations site, KDWPT staff won’t be able to take campsite or cabin reservations from April 1 through April 16. During that time, staff will move existing reservations to the new site, so those who made reservations prior to April 1 won’t have to “re-reserve” a campsite or cabin reservation. Beginning April 17, visitors to the KDWPT website who want to reserve a cabin or campsite will be linked to ORMS on Reserve America, www.reserveamerica.com, a national online reservation system.

In addition to allowing customers to make reservations from the comfort of home, photos of each campsite and whether it’s available will be hosted online. In most cases, ORMS will save park users money through reduced service fees and more efficient management. The system

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also will allow staff to mark sites with problems — such as broken hydrants or electrical issues — until these issues can be fixed. ORMS data will show which sites are used the most, making management planning more efficient. ORMS will also allow park staff to look within the system to see what sites are full and who is on that site, making emergency notifications much faster.

For those without computers or who still prefer using a phone, park staff will be able to use ORMS to help callers with reservations. -30-

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March 22, 2012 Four shooting and four responsibility areas of competition offered to participants WELLINGTON — On May 5, the National Rifle Association (NRA) will conduct its Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) at the Davis Pond, 5 miles north of Mayfield in Sumner County. (From Highway 160, go north 3 miles on Anson Road, west 1 mile on 40th, and north 1.5 miles on Mayfield Road.) This competition will include two groups: a Youth Division, ages 10-14, and a Senior Division, ages 15-18. Competitors may be 19 if they are enrolled in high school and turn 19 during the school year. Hunter education certification is required except for 10- and 11-year-old participants.

This a comprehensive program created to promote outdoor skills and safety training in young hunters. Youth who have received their state hunter education certificate are eligible to compete for awards and prizes in eight different skill areas. Competition consists of four responsibility events and four shooting events, including rifle, archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, ethics, wildlife identification, orienteering, and safety on the trail. All skill levels are welcome to participate.

Registration forms may be found online at kansasyhec.org/forms.html. Entry form, $20 early entry fee, copy of birth certificate, and copy of hunter safety education certificate must be post marked no later than April 20. Forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of participant slots will be available. Mail registration forms to SC KS YHEC, c/o Jarrod Davis, 747 N. Anson Rd., Wellington, KS 67152. On-site registrants will be on standby should participant slots become full. On-site registration fee is $30. More information may be found online at http://kansasyhec.org.

Parents are encouraged to stay and enjoy the event. For more information, email [email protected]. -30-

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March 22, 2012 Pre-season maintenance can ensure a safe, trouble-free boating season PRATT — March of 2012 has been a mild month, and anglers and recreational boaters are eager to get on the water. This means it’s time to prepare boats and trailers for a trouble-free boating season. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) recommends the following simple steps so that your boat works properly and safely before launch. Not only will you have more fun, but you and your family will be safer.

Outboard motor Replace the lower unit grease. Grease all zerks on the motor, and make sure the steering mechanism is lubricated and working smoothly. Clean or replace spark plugs. Check fuel lines. Remove the prop and check for nicks or gouges. Remove any old or weeds from shaft. Grease the shaft and replace the cotter pin on the shaft nut. You can start the motor in your driveway if you have a pair of motor muffs, which attach to a garden hose and force water into your motor’s water intake ports. Never start your motor dry. If your engine is oil injected, fill the oil reservoir and test the temperature warning signal device.

Trailer Grease the wheel hubs. Check the tires for weathering and proper inflation. Check wire connections and make sure all lights work. Lubricate the trailer winch and check the winch strap for wear. Make sure the hitch is sound and safety chains are in place. Check the ball and tighten if necessary.

Batteries Batteries should have been charged every 30 days throughout the winter. Inspect and clean all battery connections. Water levels should be checked in each cell, and batteries should be fully charged before the first trip. Check the batteries several days before a trip to make sure they are holding a charge.

Electrical gear Check all bilge pumps and electrical gauges. Tighten any loose connections and secure wire harnesses.

Safety Gear Inspect all life jackets and throwable cushions. They must be in good working condition to be legal. Be sure a sound-making device or working horn is on board. Test the boat lights, clean connections, and replace bulbs if needed. It's also important to make sure your boating registration is up to date.

In addition to these items, boaters should make sure drain plugs work and keep a spare on board. Other items should include first aid kit, anchor, paddle, tool kit, electrical tape and wire connectors, a variety of spare fuses, extra two-cycle oil, spare trailer light bulbs, and extra life jackets.

And don't forget boater education. Any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1989, must complete an approved boater safety education course in order to operate a motorboat or sailboat on public waters in Kansas. This requirement does not apply to a person accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a person age 17 or older who either possesses a certificate of completion of an approved boater safety education course or is legally exempt from the requirement.

For more information, click "Boating" on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, phone 620-672-0770, or email [email protected]. -30-

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March 22, 2012 Park users and hunters can save by purchasing permits before April 1 PRATT — Visitors to Kansas state parks can save money by purchasing many permits before the prime park season begins on April 1. Permits purchased in the off-season — Oct. 1-March 31 — are valid for the remainder of the calendar year, and they are cheaper if purchased during this period. And hunters looking for a bargain can find it in the turkey permit/game tag combination, available through March 31 at a reduced price. By purchasing the combination early, hunters save $7.50 over the cost of purchasing each separately after March 30.

For 2012, state park vehicle entrance permit fees include the following:

Off-Season (through March 31) Annual camping permit — $202.50 14-night camping permit —$87.50 Annual vehicle permit — $19.70 (senior/disabled: $11.10

Prime Season (April 1-Sept. 30) Annual camping permit — $252.50 14-night camping permit —$101.50 Annual vehicle permit — $24.70 (senior/disabled: $13.60)

Turkey Permits Resident Turkey permit — $22.50 Resident Turkey game tag — $12.50 Resident Turkey Combo permit/game tag — $27.50

Costs listed include applicable service fees, except online purchase convenience fee. Annual permits are valid for the remainder of the calendar year whether purchased in the off-season or the prime season.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Parks Division operates a system of 26 parks, including the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail. Most state parks provide utility and primitive camping, as well as cabins, and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Most camping and utility fees remain unchanged year-round, but daily, 14-day, and annual camping permits, as well as annual vehicle permits, are cheaper if purchased in the off-season. In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, swimming beaches, trails, and a variety of other amenities. Parks also host numerous special events, such as concerts and festivals, throughout the year.

Turkey season for youth and disabled runs April 1-10, and the general season runs April 11-May 31. Each permit or game tag is valid for one turkey. A hunting license is also required, unless exempt by law.

More information on state parks is available at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. To reserve a cabin, click "Cabin Reservations" under “Topics” in the middle of the KDWPT home page. -30-

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http://ksoutdoors.com/...Archive/2012-Weekly-News/3-22-12/MARCH-31-LAST-DAY-FOR-PARK-AND-TURKEY-COMBO-BARGAINS[1/16/2018 3:06:27 PM] STATE PARK RESERVATION SYSTEM SHUTDOWN APRIL 1-16 / 3/29/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

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March 29, 2012 New Outdoor Recreation Management System being installed PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds all state park users that parks will not take cabin, campsite, or other reservations from April 1-16. The shutdown will allow the agency to transition to a new reservation system called the Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS) hosted by Reserve America, a nationwide campground reservation system. During this time, no reservations will be taken either online or by phone. Reservations made before April 1 will be moved into the new reservation system, so there will be no need to renew existing reservations.

Once the new system is up and running April 17, reservations will be made faster and easier. In addition to allowing customers to make reservations from the comfort of home, photos of each campsite and whether it’s available will be hosted online. In most cases, ORMS will save park users money through reduced service fees and more efficient management. The system also will allow staff to mark sites in need of repair until they can be fixed. ORMS data will show which sites are used the most, making management planning more efficient. ORMS will also allow park staff to look within the system to see which sites are full and who is on those sites, making emergency notifications much faster.

For those without computers or who still prefer using a phone, park staff will be able to use the new system to help callers with reservations.

To make reservations on or after April 17, visit the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, where you’ll be directed to the new reservation site at reservemerica.com, or call a KDWPT state park office or the Pratt Operations Office at 620-672-5911. For the location of your nearest Kansas state park office, go to the KDWPT website and click “State Parks/Locations.” Prior to April 17, park users can go to reserveamerica.com and familiarize themselves with how to use the system ahead of the launch date.

Among many other benefits of ORMS, park users will be able to make a reservation online from home, be assured to have a site if they have made a reservation, and avoid reservation errors such as double-booking. Park staff will use ORMS to manage walk-in as well as phone sales.

For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT state park or phone the Pratt Operations Office, 620-672-5911, and ask for the Parks Division. -30-

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http://ksoutdoors.com/.../News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/3-29-12/STATE-PARK-RESERVATION-SYSTEM-SHUTDOWN-APRIL-1-16[1/16/2018 3:25:31 PM] 2012 SPRING TURKEY ATLAS NOW AVAILABLE / 3/29/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

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March 29, 2012 Publication shows all land open to spring turkey hunting; online version also available PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has announced that the 2012 Kansas Spring Turkey Atlas is now available at KDWPT offices and license vendors around the state. An online version is currently available on the agency's website, ksoutdoors.com. To view or download the atlas from the KDWPT website, click “Hunting/Where To Hunt In Kansas/2012 Spring Turkey Atlas.” View or print all or portions of the atlas.

This is an indispensible tool for anyone looking for a new place hunt, or for those who don’t yet have a place to go. The atlas pinpoints access to all land in Kansas open to public spring turkey hunting, including Walk-In Hunting Access land, which is private land leased by KDWPT. This spring, more than 190,000 acres of Walk-In land are available, in addition to state and federal wildlife areas.

The 2012 spring youth/disabled and archery turkey seasons run April 1-10. The regular spring season runs April 11-May 31. Turkey permits allow hunters to use a shotgun, crossbow, or bow throughout the regular season.

Turkey permits valid in units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online from the KDWPT website or over the counter at any license vendor. (Unit 4 — southwest Kansas — is a draw-only area, except that youth permits are valid in all units, including Unit 4.) A turkey regulations summary may be downloaded from the KDWPT website and printed or obtained at KDWPT offices. The brochure can be used only for general regulations regarding the 2012 Kansas spring turkey hunting season.

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

Spring turkey permit and game tags fees are as follow:

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

A 2012 hunting license is required in addition to a turkey permit. -30-

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March 29, 2012 Application deadline last Friday in April; no mail-in applications accepted PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds all nonresident deer hunters that the application period for 2012 Kansas Deer permits is April 1-27 (closing the last Friday in April. All applications must be made online through the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, or by phoning 620- 672-5911 and asking for Licensing. Mail-in applications are not available, and none will be accepted. Phone applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, April 27. The online application deadline is midnight on April 27. This application applies to nonresident either-sex deer permits only. Nonresident Hunt-Own-Land and Antlerless White-tailed Deer permits will be available beginning June 18 over the counter.

Nonresident either-sex deer permits allow the taking of one white-tailed deer buck, doe, or fawn. The cost of the permit is $322.50, and if successful in the drawing, the applicant must also purchase a nonresident hunting license, $72.50, prior to hunting. The hunter applies in one of 18 deer management units and may also select one adjacent unit in which to hunt. Applicants also select one equipment type and season choice (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm) at the time of application. Muzzleloader permit holders may hunt during early muzzleloader season and regular firearm season using muzzleloader equipment only. If unsuccessful in the draw, the hunter receives a $301 refund and a preference point for next year’s draw.

A nonresident who successfully draws an Archery or Muzzleloader either-sex deer permit in Unit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 16, 17, or 18 may also apply for one of a limited number of Mule Deer Stamps for an additional fee of $102.50, submitted at time of application; if drawn, the applicant’s archery or muzzleloader whitetail permit converts to an either-species/either-sex archery or muzzleloader permit. Preference points do not count toward this stamp. If unsuccessful in the Mule Deer Stamp draw, the hunter will receive a $101 refund and be issued the whitetail permit.

A nonresident hunter who doesn’t want to hunt in 2012 can purchase a preference point online for $22.50. The preference point will count toward a nonresident whitetail either-sex deer permit in a future drawing.

To apply for a Nonresident Whitetail Either-sex Deer permit, go to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com and click "Licenses/Permits" in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Then click "Buy your License/Permit Online" and follow the directions. To learn more about permits you may qualify for, go online to the KDWPT website, ksoutdooors.com, and click “Hunting/Big Game Information/Deer.” -30-

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March 29, 2012 Parks users will have a short detour to access Wilson State Park WILSON — A short detour will be required to visit the Wilson Reservoir area and the Post Rock Scenic Byway this travel season. Beginning in early April and ending in the fall, the I-70/K-232 interchange (Exit 206, Wilson/Lucas) will undergo reconstruction, but K-232 will still be accessible. K-232 leads to Wilson Reservoir, Wilson State Park and Wildlife Area, the Post Rock Scenic Byway, and the cities of Lucas and Wilson.

Between early April and early June, westbound I-70 travelers heading to K-232 will be detoured about seven miles farther west to Exit 199 (Dorrance), where they can exit, cross I-70, and enter eastbound I-70 to the K-232 exit. During this time, eastbound I-70 travelers can exit at K-232 without a detour.

Between early June and sometime this fall, eastbound I-70 travelers heading to use K-232 will be detoured about 10 miles farther east to Exit 216 (Vesper), where they can exit, cross I-70, and enter westbound I-70 to the K-232 exit. During this time, westbound I-70 travelers can exit at K-232 without a detour.

Throughout the project, K-232 travelers intending to go either direction on I-70 will be detoured in the opposite direction on I-70 to Exit 199 or Exit 216, where they can cross I-70 and re-enter I-70 in their intended direction.

Dial 511 (landline and wireless) for up-to-date road conditions, construction detours, and travel weather information for the Kansas Turnpike and any Interstate, U.S., or state highway in Kansas and Nebraska. If dialing 511 doesn't work from your phone, phone 1-866-511-KDOT (5368). Visit KanDrive.org for online travel information, including an interactive map and highway camera views. -30-

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http://ksoutdoors.com/...-12/WILSON-RESERVOIR,-POST-ROCK-SCENIC-BYWAY-ACCESSIBLE-DURING-INTERCHANGE-WORK[1/16/2018 3:26:24 PM] KDWPT BIOLOGISTS LOOK TO CULTIVATE 80 MILLION WALLEYE EGGS / 3/29/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWP...

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March 29, 2012 Early spring walleye spawning attracts fisheries biologists as well as anglers PRATT — Historically, walleye were rare in Kansas, native to a few streams and rivers in the far eastern parts of a state with essentially no natural lakes. In the mid-20th century, however, lakes and reservoirs were built throughout the state, and the Kansas Fish and Game Commission (now the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, or KDWPT) began aggressively stocking walleye. Today, the walleye is an abundant prized sportfish and considered by many to be among the tastiest of all freshwater species in the Sunflower State.

But the fishery can’t be maintained without help. In late March and early April, walleye migrate to rocky shallows in Kansas reservoirs to spawn. KDWPT fisheries biologists take advantage of the spawn to harvest walleye eggs, which are then taken to agency hatcheries where increased hatching success means more fish for anglers in years to come.

This year, three reservoirs have provided KDWPT with walleye eggs. Egg-taking began on March 18 at , March 20 at Hillsdale Reservoir, and March 23 at Milford Reservoir. Nets were placed to catch spawning females that provide eggs for both walleye and saugeye hatching programs. Fall test netting revealed large populations of big walleye in these three lakes.

Infestations of zebra mussels, white perch, and other aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in several Kansas reservoirs require special care during egg-taking to prevent the spread of these potentially-destructive species. All sperm and egg collection will take place on each lake and the fish returned to that lake immediately. Eggs are fertilized at the lake, as well, so no fish are moved.

On March 13, KDWPT biologists began catching male sauger and milking them for milt (sperm) for the saugeye hatching program. (The saugeye is a walleye/sauger hybrid.) Milt is preserved in vials that are taken to Milford Reservoir to fertilize walleye eggs.

Biologists will work for the next few weeks collecting and fertilizing eggs, transporting them to KDWPT's hatcheries at Farlington, Milford, and Pratt, and eventually stocking fish throughout the state. Some fry are stocked in hatchery ponds to be raised to fingerling size and stocked later in late May and early June. Others are stocked directly into lakes as fry.

In addition to walleye, the Milford Hatchery will produce the saugeye. Saugeye grow faster and larger than sauger and are thought to be less prone to wash-out high flow-through reservoirs than the walleye. To prevent production of fertile saugeye that have the potential to breed with walleye already in a lake — and potentially diluting that walleye population's genetics — a "triploid induction" process is used on some of the saugeye produced. Triploid induction is a technique that allows genetic manipulation of a chromosome number to create a potentially faster-growing, but sterile, saugeye.

KDWPT's statewide harvest goal for 2012 is 87 million eggs, with a production goal of 35 million walleye, eight million saugeye, and 1.2 million sauger. Because fewer than 5 percent of eggs hatch in the wild, artificial spawning and hatching is used to increase egg survival rates as much as 40-50 percent. When hatchery-bound eggs reach their destination, biologists monitor incubation closely. Water flows are checked to ensure constant but controlled movement. Water temperatures and oxygen content are also routinely checked. Dead eggs rise to the top of the jars and are siphoned off each day. With a water temperature of 60 degrees, hatching generally occurs on the eighth or ninth day of incubation. As the fry break out of their egg cases, they are carried upward by the water into large circular holding tanks where they are held for two to four days. Then they are ready for stocking.

All this activity may not be high-profile, but it makes Kansas walleye fishing much more productive. And as waters warm and days grow longer in late March and early April, many anglers take their cue from fisheries biologists and enjoy the opportunity to take walleye from the shore. -30-

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March 29, 2012 Increase your angling odds for only $6.50 per year PRATT — If you had the opportunity to pay just $6.50 a year to increase your odds of catching fish on rod and reel — possibly by 30 percent or more — would you take it? Many anglers would, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offers just that opportunity with the three-pole permit. The permit is especially attractive to those who fish from the bank for channel catfish and other species using live or prepared bait and a tight line or bobber — or both.

Kansas fishing regulations restrict anglers to two rods with no more than two baited hooks (single or treble) or artificial lures per line. However, all anglers, regardless of age, may use a third rod with the purchase of an annual $6.50 three-pole permit. Whether fishing a river, pond, or lake, the three-pole permit gives the angler the advantage of spreading out baits to more areas. Find the hot spot, and you may want to put two lines there, leaving the third in a promising site while waiting for the action to move on. Whatever the approach, having more bait in more areas is bound to increase the chances of bringing home a full stringer.

This year, try KDWPT’s three-pole permit, available wherever licenses are sold, and increase your angling odds. -30-

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March 29, 2012

Capturing federal funds one key to maintaining hunting and fishing programs

TOPEKA— Kansas hunters and anglers are losing money. Every time they buy a box of shotgun shells, a new crankbait or just about any other item of hunting and fishing equipment, the price includes a federal excise tax. That excise tax is then distributed back to the states by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), based partly on the number of licensed hunters and anglers in each state. The current exemption allowing Kansas residents 65 and older to fish and hunt without a license means that Kansas doesn’t get as much of the excise tax back as it deserves, and money that should be spent on Kansas wildlife and fishery programs is sent to other states.

Kansas Senate Bill 314, currently under consideration in the Kansas House, could stop the flow of money out of Kansas and help ensure the future of our hunting and fishing heritage. In its current form, the bill proposes a Lifetime Senior Hunting and Fishing Combination Pass (Senior Pass) valid for residents 65 and older. The Senior Pass can cost no more than one-eighth the cost of a regular lifetime combination hunting and fishing license, but department officials are committing to a lower fee of $40. If passed, SB314 would allow a Kansas hunter or angler to make a one-time purchase of a Lifetime Senior Hunting and Fishing Combination Pass when they turned 65, and Kansas would receive federal money each year based on that license sale for the next 18 years. The bill also exempts residents 75 and older from hunting and fishing license requirements.

Currently, Kansas receives about $25 in federal aid for each hunting/fishing combination license sold, but losses are substantial due to the senior exemption when you consider that an estimated 33,000 Kansans 65 and older hunt or fish. Officials estimate that the Senior Pass could bring in more than $873,000 in the short-term for wildlife and fishery programs. The estimated revenue could exceed $1.4 million in the long run. However, passing this bill will be even more important in the future because hunters and anglers over 64 are our fastest growing age group.

SB314 also proposes a half-price ($9) annual hunting or fishing license for those seniors not wanting the Senior Pass. The half-price annual license is a great bargain and would count toward federal funding. Supporters of this bill, including many seniors, understand that hunters and anglers pay for all wildlife and fishery programs, and they are rightfully proud of that legacy. It is truly a user-pays system in Kansas, as no State General Fund money is used for hunting and fishing programs. Broadening the funding base will help avoid increasing fees on a smaller number of younger hunters and anglers.

Ensuring adequate funding for conservation programs and keeping outdoor opportunities affordable for all is important to the future of our outdoor heritage. However, it’s just as important for hunters and anglers to be involved in this process by communicating with their legislators. Find the contact information of your senator or representative at www.kansas.gov/government/legislature and let them know where you stand on outdoor resource issues. They need to hear from a cross-section of people affected by potential changes.

The federal program that returns the federal excise tax money to the states is aptly called the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR), and 2012 marks its 75th anniversary. The program is remarkable both in how much money has been returned to states, more than $14 billion, and in how it came to be. The wildlife portion of this federal program is called Pittman-Robertson (P-R) after the congressmen who proposed the legislation. It was passed in 1937, which was a time when many of our nation’s wildlife resources were in peril. Amazingly, the very people who would be taxed pushed for the bill’s passage – hunters and the firearms industry. These far-sighted people understood that without such a program, our tremendous wildlife and hunting heritage might be lost forever.

In Kansas, we only need look in our backyards to see the amazing recovery of wildlife resources made possible by P-R. Today, Kansans enjoy outstanding hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and pronghorn, species that were either nonexistent or on the brink of disaster at the turn of the century. In the last 75 years, Kansas has received more than $120 million for wildlife on a 75-25 matching basis; qualified programs are funded with 75 percent coming from P-R and 25 percent from license and permit revenues.

http://ksoutdoors.com/...nting-Fishing-Pass-3-29-2012/SENIOR-HUNTING-FISHING-PASS-WOULD-STOP-FEDERAL-FUNDING-LOSS[1/16/2018 3:27:38 PM] SENIOR HUNTING/FISHING PASS WOULD STOP FEDERAL FUNDING LOSS / Senior Hunting/Fishing Pass 3-29-2012 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive...

In 1950, Congress passed the Sport Fish Restoration Act, called Dingell-Johnson (D-J) after the bill’s sponsors. Modeled after P-R, D-J established an excise tax on fishing equipment, yachts, pleasure craft and motorboat fuel. D-J has generated nearly $7 billion for fisheries programs and boating access nationwide, with more than $100 million coming to Kansas.

In addition to wildlife species recoveries, WSFR made many of our most popular programs possible, including the fall and spring Walk-In Hunting Access programs, which open more than 1 million acres of privately-owned land to public hunting. WSFR helps fund the Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitat (FISH) program and the Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP), which provide hundreds of local fishing opportunities. And KDWPT uses WSFR funding to build boat ramps, deliver hunter education classes, and enhance hunting and fishing opportunities on 100 wildlife areas, 40 state fishing lakes, and 24 federal reservoirs.

Our fish and wildlife resources have been dramatically transformed in the last 75 years, and hunting and angling opportunities in Kansas have never been better. None of these changes would have been possible without hunters and anglers paying their way through the purchase of licenses and the excise taxes on equipment. SB314 will ensure this legacy for future generations.

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April 5, 2012 April marks beginning of park season PRATT — Great outdoor adventures are waiting at Kansas state parks. The early warm-up this spring has whetted the appetites of campers, boaters, and anglers, and your state parks are ready.

In addition to camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking, a variety of special events are planned throughout the state to enhance the state park experience. Some events are in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days; some celebrate a special historical event or geological attribute of an individual park; and others are just for entertainment. Each park sets its own dates for these events.

Events are diverse and may include anything from a marathon race to boating courses and equestrian events. Many are educational, and all make visiting Kansas state parks more enjoyable. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the State Parks page of the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column. A short conversation with local park staff will provide information on campsite availability, park conditions, current visitation rates, and answers to other questions. KDWPT is currently in the process of installing a new reservation system, so no new reservations will be taken until April 17.

Although few events are currently scheduled for April, each month gets busier as the air and water warm. April events include the following:

April 6-8 — 2nd Annual Luke Nihart Memorial Turkey Hunt (youth/disabled) at Tuttle Creek and Milford state parks; April 7 — Kansas Ultra Runners' Society Rockin' K Trail Runs at ; April 14-15 — Heart of America German Shorthair Pointer Club AKC Field Trial & Hunt Test at ; April 20-21 — Spoon Creek Chapter Fellowship of Christian Cowboys Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park; April 21 — second annual benefit ride to send combat troops packages at (phone American Legion, 316-323-3982); April 21 — Hays Bass Anglers Association at Wilson State Park; April 21 — 9th Annual Corps of Engineers Clinton Reservoir Clean Up at ; April 21 — Kansas Buddy Bass Tournament at Eisenhower State Park; and April 28 — OK Kids Day and Free Entrance at .

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April 5, 2012 Ensure a rewarding hunt with a few simple safety rules PRATT — Kansas gobblers are in full strut, and avid turkey hunters are champing at the bit to get into the woods on opening day of the general spring turkey season, which opens April 11 and runs through May 31. And because turkey hunting is a safe, rewarding way to introduce youth to a heart-thumping hunting experience, many parents and mentors are already pursuing gobblers during the youth/disabled and archery only season, April 1-10.

While calling male turkeys is one of the most exciting hunts in the Sunflower State, Kansas hunters must remember one word that exemplifies the perfect hunt: safety. Responsible hunters are sure of their targets before firing, and they hunt defensively to protect themselves from the mistakes of others.

The following are just a few defensive safety tips to follow when pursuing America’s largest game bird this spring:

set up against a stump, tree, or rock that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head; never wear or carry the colors red, white, light blue, or black — the colors of a wild turkey gobbler — when turkey hunting; eliminate movement and set up in open timber rather than thick brush; avoid imitating the sound of a gobbling turkey; watch other game and listen for the alarm cries of blue jays, crows, squirrels, or woodpeckers that can tip you off to the presence of another hunter; assume any noise you hear is another hunter until you know; and never move, wave, or make turkey sounds to alert another hunter of your presence, but remain still and call out in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence.

Including the archery-only season and youth/disabled seasons, Kansas hunters will be able to hunt for two full months. During the youth season, youth 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. The adult may not hunt during the youth season (except with archery equipment). No hunting license is required for resident hunters 15 and younger, but a valid Kansas turkey permit is required for everyone.

For more information, contact the nearest office of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism or visit the agency's website, ksoutdoors.com. -30-

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April 5, 2012 From March through May, male chickens dance, fight, and call to attract mates PRATT — Each spring, one of the most extraordinary mating rituals in all of nature occurs right here in Kansas — the courtship of the prairie grouse, more commonly known as the prairie chicken. On specific sites in otherwise indistinguishable tracts of natural prairie landscape, groups of male chickens gather at dusk and dawn in elaborate dances designed to attract females.

These areas — called leks, or booming grounds — are actually formed in fall when the order of dominance is established among the males. At this time, mature males gather in these relatively high, flat areas and attempt to establish their own small territories as close to the center of the lek as possible, where activity will be highest in spring. Although young males visit the lek, they are kept to the edges and seldom given the opportunity to establish their own territories.

While the fall activity is important and interesting, it is the spring lekking, or “booming,” activity that most fascinates naturalists, both professional and amateur. Beginning in March and lasting through the end of May, male chickens display an incredible array of vocalizations and maneuvers to win the right to mate.

Avid bird watchers and novices alike are mesmerized by this site, and it’s not difficult to find a place to witness it. For a list of prairie chicken viewing opportunities, visit the Natural Kansas website www.naturalkansas.org/birding.htm#PCV or phone the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Emporia Office at 620-342-0658 or the Pratt Operations Office at 620-672-5911.

In the mating ritual, the male chicken's tail is elevated; horn-like feathers (called pinnae) on the neck are raised over the head; and the wings are lowered with the primary feathers spread. The bird stamps its feet while moving forward or in circles, and this is followed by a series of rapid tail snaps and fans. At the same time as the tail is clicked open and shut, a whoom-AH-oom sound is given as the bright orange air sacs on the neck of the greater prairie chicken (orange to plume in the lesser) are inflated for maximum exposure. The lesser prairie chicken exhibits similar behavior, but the sound is higher-pitched, and the air sacs are a reddish color.

A second major display is flutter-jumping with associated cackling calls. The male jumps several feet into the air, flies forward, and lands. In so doing, the bird advertises its presence as well as the location of the lek. Flutter-jumping is typical of the peripheral males when females are near the center of the display ground.

A female will typically fly to the edge of a lek and walk slowly toward the center. When the hen enters a male’s territory, the male's behavior changes greatly. Lekking is performed with high frequency and extreme posturing. The male will display in circles around the female, showing all aspects of its plumage. At the peak of this performance, the dancer often spreads his wings and lays his head flat to the ground, as if bowing to the hen. If suitably impressed, the hen will stoop low to the ground, signaling that she is ready to mate.

Occasionally, fights break out among competing males. This is mostly ritual, as well, involving short jumps; striking with feet, beak, and wings; and face-offs in which the competitors whine and attempt to stare each other down. Injuries do occur but are seldom serious.

With its large, colorful air sacs, horn-like pinnae, and feathers growing all the way to its feet, the prairie chicken is one of the most beautiful birds in Kansas. And its mating ritual makes it one of the most fascinating birds to watch. Kansans are lucky to have the largest population of prairie chickens in the world, so viewing opportunities are good.

Two species of prairie chicken can be found in Kansas. The greater prairie chicken, the most populous, can be found throughout portions of northcentral and eastern Kansas, especially in the Flint Hills region. The lesser prairie chicken, which is slightly smaller and has reddish- orange air-sacs, can be found in pockets of native sandsage and shortgrass prairie in western Kansas. The lesser prairie chicken male produces a higher-pitched, bubbly sound, or "gobble," leading to the term "gobbling grounds" for their leks. On a quiet spring morning, the sounds of both species can carry as far as 2 miles across the open prairie. -30-

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April 5, 2012 Salina man garners award for exceptional volunteer service PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Hunter Education Section has announced that Shannon Clarkson, Salina, has been selected the 2011 Kansas Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. Clarkson joined the volunteer hunter education instructor ranks in 1994, adding bowhunter education certification in 1997.

“Shannon has worked diligently to prepare young hunters to safely take the fields since 1994, and he works exceptionally well with them,” said Greg Salisbury in his nomination of Clarkson. “He stresses safety in live fire, and trail walks are included in each of his classes.”

Wishing to better his skills in instructing young students in the technical details of shotgun shooting, Clarkson has taken the National Rifle Association (NRA) Shotgun Training Course. In addition, he holds certifications as an NRA range safety officer and a muzzleloader instructor, as well as training as a National Bowhunter Education Foundation tree stand safety instructor.

Dubbed by Salisbury as “Mister Hunter Ed of Salina,” Clarkson routinely coordinates hunter education classes in and around the city. He has embraced use of KDWPT’s instructor intranet portal for ordering supplies and submitting student rosters for the classes he organizes.

“Shannon encourages and tutors his fellow instructors to do everything he does,” Salisbury added. “He is the prime recruiter of new instructors in this area, assisting with new instructor orientation workshops in Salina and surrounding counties.”

Clarkson has been an active member of the Kansas Hunter Education Instructor Association (KHEIA) for many years and is the association’s sitting president. The KHEIA is instrumental in securing locations for instructor workshops, staffing the registration table at the statewide instructor academy (held once every three years), and purchasing pellet gun ranges made available for use by all instructors in their programs.

In addition to his involvement in hunter education, Clarkson is deeply involved in community activities, including school events with his sons and with the local kennel club with Spark, his Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. Clarkson is a Cub Scout master and an assistant Webelos den leader in a Salina Cub Scout Pack. He serves on a new committee attempting to develop a public shooting range in Saline County and instructs conceal carry classes in Salina.

For his efforts, Clarkson will receive a collector Henry Golden Boy .22 caliber lever action rifle and a Browning model 322571 knife, made available through the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA), commemorating the 60th Anniversary of hunter education in North America. The set will be presented at the KHEIA Annual Meeting in June.

Also nominated were Marshall Rhea, Oakley; Greg Babcock, Lincoln; Tom Van Hoecke, Olathe; Bill Van Deventer, Wichita; and Michael Corby, Haysville. Each nominee will receive a pewter Order of the Buffalo pin and Certificate of Appreciation.

“Our thanks to each of these great instructors for contributing to the on-going success of the Kansas Hunter Education Program,” said Monica Bickerstaff, KDWPT assistant hunter education coordinator and bowhunter education coordinator. -30-

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April 5, 2012 “Rescuing” what seems to be an abandoned young animal usually a death sentence PRATT — Twenty years ago, the term "Bambi Syndrome" was circulated frequently in the press, and while you don't see the term much these days, the problem still persists: well-meaning Kansans see deer fawns or other wildlife by themselves and assume that they have been abandoned by their mother. In almost all cases, the mother is actually nearby, keeping a hidden eye on the young. If those well-meaning folks decide to "rescue" the young animal, they are usually giving it a death sentence.

Like many other wild animals, the majority of fawns are born in late May and early June. However, some whitetail does younger than one year may breed for the first time in late winter, so many newborn fawns may be seen as late as July or even August. Whitetail does that breed before they are one year old usually give birth to a single fawn. After that, twins are the norm, and triplets are not uncommon. If found alone, these charming young animals are tempting targets for the misinformed wildlife lover.

Many "wildlife kidnapping" incidents are reported each year. are another favorite "pick-me-up" animal. So are foxes. Other cases reported have involved great horned owls, songbirds, opossums, and bobcats.

Unfortunately, if one of these animals happens to bite someone, it must be put to death and tested for diseases such as rabies. Even if they don't bite, the young usually fail to survive in captivity. If they do survive, they lose instincts that allow them to survive in the wild and are thus condemned to a life in captivity. Care for injured or abandoned wildlife should be left in the hands of licensed wildlife rehabilitators. For a list of licensed rehabilitators, go to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, ksoutdoors.com, and click "Services/Rehabilitation."

Picking up these young animals — under any circumstances — is against the law. Both the KDWPT and the Department of Health and Environment have regulations against such activity.

Wild animals are better off left in the wild. They are not puppies or kittens and are seldom tamed, even by those who know what they are doing. They cannot legally be inoculated by veterinarians, and few people really know how to care for them. If you see young animals in the wild this spring or summer, consider yourself lucky to have seen them. But remember, their mother is most likely watching nearby. Leave them in the wild world where they were born and where they belong. -30-

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April 12, 2012 Efforts aim to increase eastern Kansas quail populations in focal areas by 50 percent EMPORIA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is launching a new quail restoration initiative aimed at making a difference in declining bobwhite quail populations at a landscape level. The state initiative includes the designation of two large quail management focal areas and as much as $500,000 of KDWPT wildlife fee funds over five years to attract landowner participation. Additional funding and support are being provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Quail Forever, Safari Club International, Kansas Wildlife Federation, and The Nature Conservancy. Primary objectives are a 50 percent increase in bobwhite populations and a 5 percent increase in suitable quail habitat in each focus area.

“Bobwhite populations in eastern Kansas have declined by 50 percent or more in the past three decades or so and even more across other parts of its range nationally,” says Jim Pitman, small game coordinator for KDWPT. “Biologists have associated the declines primarily with land use changes and resultant habitat loss, and they have joined forces across the nation as the National Bobwhite Technical Committee to counter the trend at a landscape scale with the habitat-based National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI).”

KDWPT has targeted two regional bobwhite “focal areas” totaling nearly 310,000 acres for restoration over a five-year period. The focal- area strategy reflects the national consensus that working at larger landscape levels rather than on small, scattered projects provides the best opportunity to save the bird — along with a suite of other wildlife species that require the same habitat. Typically, focal areas are anchored by a large tract of public or private land as a core, and efforts are expanded outward to other interested adjacent landowners.

Kansas’ 194,911-acre northern focal area includes parts of Lyon, Wabaunsee, Coffey, and Osage counties and has a bobwhite habitat management potential of “high,” as rated in the national initiative. The core public lands are the 9,407-acre Melvern Wildlife Area and the 562-acre Lyon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area.

The 113,711-acre southern focal area includes parts of Labette and Neosho counties. Its potential for bobwhite habitat management is rated “medium,” but Pitman adds that the additional sources of funding and potential partners available to assist the effort there make it a worthwhile target. Additionally, the public land centerpieces include the new Grand Osage Wildlife Area (formerly the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant) where approximately 9,000 acres will be managed by KDWPT when all the agreements are in place. The southern focal area also includes the 1,320-acre Big Hill Wildlife Area.

KDWPT will assist eligible landowners with enrollment in the appropriate U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cost-share programs and then cover the landowner share of approved practices with non-federal money.

The state has issued a list of acceptable quail-friendly practices, but each landowner project must have the approval of the appropriate KDWPT district biologist to receive the additional non-federal cost share. Bobwhite-friendly practices that are not eligible or accepted into USDA programs will be covered solely with non-federal dollars. Consequently, the landowners will be reimbursed for 100 percent of the estimated average costs for all approved quail-friendly work that they implement within each focus area.

For more information, call the KDWPT Region 4 Office in Wichita at 316-683-8069. To read the Kansas Quail Initiative plan, go online to goo.gl/VmdKd. For more information about NBCI, go online to bringbackbobwhites.org or https://www.facebook.com/bringbackbobwhites. -30-

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April 12, 2012 Birdwatching, wetland and prairie chicken lek tours, seminars to be featured; April 13 registration deadline WAKEFIELD — On April 25-27, the Kansas Birding Festival will be held near Wakefield. The three-day event will feature seminars on birds and birdwatching, guided field trips, food, and much more. This area is rich in birding opportunities during the latter part of April. Native birds inhabit the area year round, and this is the prime season for migrating birds. Combine this with Milford Reservoir and Wetlands and the native prairie, and you have one of the best locations in America for watching birds.

On Friday, April 27, the event will begin at the Wakefield Methodist Church Community Center with registration and guided field trips to the Milford Wetlands, the Republican River Bottoms, and the Kansas Landscape Arboretum.

The event on Saturday will begin with breakfast from 4 a.m. to 5:45 a.m., followed by guided field trips, including a prairie chicken lek at Fort Riley, the Konza Prairie, the Landscape Arboretum, the Milford Wetlands, and the Republican River Bottoms.

After an 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. lunch break, events will include optional free time to bird watch and seminars, including “Greater Prairie Chickens in Kansas,” by Dr. Brett Sandercock; “Shorebird Identification,” by Suzanne Fellows; and “Grassland Birds,” by Eugene Young. At 7 p.m., a banquet will be held with a keynote address by wildlife photographer Judd Patterson.

On Sunday, April 29, breakfast will again be served from 4 a.m.-5:45 a.m. This will be followed by the field trip options.

Fees and pre-registration are required. For more information, phone Chuck Otte at 785-238-4161 or 785-238-8800 or Vanessa Avara at 785-238-3108, email [email protected], or go online to www.kansasbirdingfestival.org. -30-

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April 12, 2012 KDOT grant to help keep public land users safe PRATT — Through a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, natural resource officers with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism are targeting underage drinkers at Osage and Lyon state fishing lakes and Melvern and Pomona reservoirs this spring. The issue is especially problematic in late spring, when minors gather after prom and graduation festivities for parties on their own.

Similar operations in the past have netted arrests for minors possessing or consuming alcohol, as well as drugs and drug paraphernalia. Numerous cases of beer and other alcoholic beverages were seized and citations were issued. Parents or guardians were notified and required to come to the lakes to pick up their sons and daughters. Additionally, officers arrested and charged several adults with furnishing intoxicants to minors.

Natural resource officers are conducting similar efforts in other parts of the state to keep natural areas safe and clean and to help prevent tragedies that too often occur as a result of alcohol and drug abuse.

For more information, phone the KDWPT Pratt Operations Office, Law Enforcement Division, at 620-672-5911. -30-

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April 12, 2012 Two record-breaking fish caught within three-day period PRATT—On March 7, Tony Melkus of Topeka caught the biggest rainbow trout he’d ever laid eyes on. In fact, when he had it weighed on certified scales, Melkus knew his 14.28-pound trout would be listed in the Kansas record books as the largest rainbow trout ever taken from Kansas waters. He didn’t know that before the ink would dry on his state record fish certificate, his record would be broken.

On March 10, Nicole Wilson of Topeka caught a rainbow trout eclipsing Melkus’ fish, and it now stands as the Kansas state record — as of this writing.

Wilson’s trout was huge, weighing in at 15.43 pounds, more than a pound heavier than Melkus’. Her fish was 33 inches long and had a girth of 19 inches. Both anglers caught their record fish from Lake Shawnee in Topeka.

Rainbow trout are stocked in select Kansas waters each winter to provide an alternative fishing opportunity during months when most warm-water sport fish are tough to catch. Apparently, there are some mighty large fish being delivered to Lake Shawnee. The lake is owned and operated by Shawnee County. It is enrolled in the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Community Lake Assistance Program, which means that, other than state fishing license requirements, no additional angling fees are charged although to fish for or possess trout during the Nov. 1-April 15 trout season, a KDWPT trout permit is required.

In 2011, a similar story played out. On April 2, 2011, Topekan Bob Lorson caught a 11.02-pound rainbow trout. Just 18 days later, Ed Ames of Tecumseh caught one that weighed 13.65 pounds. While Ames’ record only stood 11 months, that’s long by Kansas trout record standards.

Who knows, a bigger trout could be swimming? But anglers will have to hurry to catch it this year; few, if any, of the fish will survive Kansas summer water temperatures. -30-

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Saturday, April 14, 2012 - Storms cause damage at Kanopolis State Park

Due to Saturday storms, the Kanopolis State Park office and campgrounds are currently without power. We will keep updating Park conditions as the week moves forward.

As other State Parks storm damages are determined we will update this news item.

Sunday, April 15, 2012 - Power is back on at Kanopolis State Park. Some Parks have downed tree, these will be cleaned up during the week. All Parks are open.

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Sunday, April 15, 2012 - Power is restored at Kanopolis State Park

Power has been restored at Kanopolis State Park. Some Parks still have downed trees, so proceed with caution, these will be cleaned up during the week. All State Parks are Open.

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April 19, 2012 New campsite, cabin reservation system launched April 17; no park damage from weekend storms PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has announced that its new online campsite and cabin reservations system is up and running. This good news followed reports that with the exception of a few downed trees and a temporary power outage at Kanopolis State Park, Kansas state parks survived unscathed by tornadoes that rampaged through the state on April 14.

Built by Active Network, Inc., a cloud-based activity and participant management™ solutions provider, the new system makes it easy to find and reserve campsites and cabins in the state parks as well as cabins at certain state fishing lakes and wildlife areas. It is hosted on ReserveAmerica.com, a media property of Active Network for camping reservations. The online registration system powered by ActiveWorks® cloud technology was launched on schedule just after midnight on Tuesday, April 17. KDWPT has not taken online or phone reservations since April 1 to allow programmers to move reservations made before April 1 into the new reservation system. As a result, there is no need for customers to renew existing reservations.

The new reservation system allows KDWPT to take its paper- and phone-based camping reservations process online for the first time, creating tremendous efficiencies for both park staff and consumers. The centralized system allows guests to search multiple camping and cabin sites simultaneously and make reservations from the comfort of their homes. In many cases, park users will save money through reduced service fees and will be assured a site if they have made a reservation. Additionally, the system will enable KDWPT park staff to more effectively manage their statewide parks and facilities, and benefit from centralized reporting and auditing.

To make campsite and cabin reservations, guests can visit the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, where they’ll be directed to the new reservation site at reserveamerica.com, or they can call a KDWPT state park office or the Pratt Operations Office at 620-672-5911. For the location of the nearest Kansas state park office, go to the KDWPT website and click “State Parks/Locations.” For those without computers or who still prefer using a phone, park staff will be able to use the new system to help callers with reservations.

The number of campsites available for reservation will vary by park – in most parks about half of the sites can be reserved. The rest will be available through the traditional “first-come, first-served” method. Shelter and group campground reservations will continue to be made only through the park office where the facilities are located.

For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT state park or phone the Pratt Operations Office, 620-672-5911, and ask for the Parks Division. -30-

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April 19, 2012 Public hearing on fall turkey, antelope, and elk seasons; workshop on early migratory birds, prairie chickens, more WICHITA — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, April 26, at the Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium, 6232 East 29th Street North in Wichita. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

Secretary’s remarks; 2011 legislative update; Hunter/Angler Recruitment and Retention Program update, Pass It On Program; fishing regulations; hand fishing harvest analysis; potential changes in deer regulations 2013; and late migratory bird seasons.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

early migratory bird seasons; webless migratory birds; commercial mussel harvest; prairie chicken seasons; falconry regulations; public land regulations; and KAR 115-25-9a — deer open season, bag limit, permits, and additional considerations.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for a public hearing on the following regulations:

KAR 115-25-5 — turkey fall season, bag limit, and permits; KAR 115-25-7 — antelope open season, bag limit, and permits; and KAR 115-25-8 — elk open season, bag limit, and permits.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on April 26 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., April 27, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWP website, ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 21, at Cabela's, 10300 Cabela Dr. in Kansas City, Kan. -30-

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April 19, 2012 Photo electronic turkey registration helps hunters comply with transportation laws PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds all spring turkey hunters that immediately after taking a turkey, the permit holder must sign the carcass tag and record on it the county, date, and time of kill, then attach the carcass tag to the bird in a visible manner before moving it from the kill site. During the spring season, only turkeys with a visible beard may be taken, so the beard of the turkey must remain naturally attached to the breast while in transit from the kill site to the permittee’s residence or a commercial place of processing or preservation.

However, a bird maybe dressed for transport if the hunter obtains a transportation confirmation number after electronically registering the turkey on the agency’s website (ksoutdoors.com), or the permittee has retained photographs necessary for electronic registration until registration occurs.

What is electronic registration? Using a camera-reading cell phone, this convenient system allows the permit holder to upload two images of a just-killed turkey, making legal to transport the bird without the carcass tag attached. (At this time the system does not work with certain cell phones.) Here’s how it works:

1. Click the “Check-in Turkey” button at https://programs.ksoutdoors.com/Programs/Electronic-Turkey-Check-in. 2. Here, either Login to an existing account or create a new account. (Save this account information; it will be used for other purposes such as deer check-in and future special hunts.) 3. If you have created a new account, you will need to click "Check-in Turkey" again. 4. Once logged in, fill out all the information requested. 5. Upload two photos of the turkey. One of the photos must be a close-up shot of the turkey tag attached to the turkey. The tag must be visible and filled out with the correct information. The second photo must be a view of the complete turkey with the tag attached and beard visible. 6. Once files appear, click the “Submit” button to finish. 7. Keep the confirmation number with the turkey tag.

This is not a telephone registration system, and it is not required. The system allows KDWPT staff to see the turkey and the hunter’s completed tag without the time and expense of maintaining a check station. This flexibility is a benefit to both the hunter and KDWPT. For more information, go online to ksoutdoors.com and click “Electronic Turkey Check-in” in the “Topics” box. -30-

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April 19, 2012 More than 250 students compete in program’s third state championship HAYS — The third annual Kansas State Archery In the Schools (AIS) Championship meet was held at Fort Hays State University on March 31, and participation revealed that the program is growing dramatically in popularity. Seven participating school districts (Anthony-Chaparral, Clearwater, Healy, Jackson Heights, Neodesha, Otis-Bison, and Stockton), plus the Chanute Christian Academy, entered 266 youngsters, including 60 high school, 114 middle school, and 92 elementary school students. This compares to 246 participants in the second annual event last year.

The focus of the AIS program is to provide international-style target archery training in grades 4-12 physical education classes. The Kansas Archery in the Schools Program operates under the umbrella of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

Started in Kentucky 13 years ago, Archery In the Schools came to Kansas in 2006. Gary Keehn, of Soldier, serves as coordinator of the state program. Keehn helps organize events, recruit instructors, set up ranges, and conduct certification workshops for instructors, many of whom are physical education teachers in elementary and secondary Kansas schools. Instructors are trained primarily through summer workshops.

Working under Mike Rader, KDWPT wildlife education coordinator, Keehn helps schools and other organizations start programs and obtain equipment. With support from the archery industry, a $5,000 program equipment kit can be purchased by schools for about $3,000. Any teacher who completes a training session receives assistance towards the purchase of a kit from KDWPT. Schools that host a basic instructor training workshop receive additional assistance. The Kansas program currently has about 200 schools involved.

Fort Hays State was the first university to establish a program, under the direction of Dr. Joyce Ellis, assistant professor in the school's Department of Health and Human Performance. For the third year in a row, Ellis has also been the driving force behind the state championship meet.

Because archery is not sanctioned by the Kansas State High School Activities Association, some schools restrict money used to establish programs or pay travel expenses for competitions. Schools with the program hold fund raisers with the help of supporters, students, local businesses, and community volunteers. Partial funding for equipment comes from KDWPT and NASP. And this year, support came from Genesis Bows and Morrell Targets.

Using stock, unmodified Genesis bows (their own or ones provided by the tournament), students shot one practice round of five arrows and three scoring rounds of five arrows each from both 10 meters and 15 meters — a total of 30 scoring shots. Scoring rings on the target provided points from 10 to zero. Team scores were the total of the team's highest 12 individual scores, with at least five archers of each gender per team.

Each participant received a medal. The overall highest male and female scorers each received a new Genesis bow donated by NASP. Plaques donated by KDWPT were awarded to the top three teams in each division and the top three individual shooters. The top two teams and the top three individuals in each division are eligible to participate in the 2012 NASP National Championships in Kentucky the second weekend of May.

The top scoring individual participants included the following, each receiving a Genesis bow:

Top Male Overall — Bradon Williams, 9th-grader from Clearwater Middle School Blue; and Top Female Overall — Micaela Keehn — 11th-grader from Jackson Heights High School.

Jackson Heights High School and Clearwater dominated the individual high school competition, taking home all of the top three plaques in

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the high school division:

First Place — Bradon Williams, 9th grade, Clearwater High School; Second Place — Jordan Serpan, 9th grade, Clearwater High School; and Third Place — Micaela Keehn, 11th grade, Jackson Heights.

Parity was the rule for the day in the middle school individual competition, with students from three different schools nabbing the top three plaques:

First Place — Alexandrea Lear, 8th grade, Anthony Middle School; Second Place — Bradley Lightfoot, 7th grade, Otis-Bison Intermediate School; and Third Place — Darion Luckner, 7th grade, Clearwater Middle School White Team.

Individual elementary school plaques went to the following participants:

First Place — Grant Ricky, 4th-grader, Clearwater Elementary Team Blue; Second Place — Michael Rowland, 6th-grader, Clearwater Elementary Team Blue; and Third Place — Kate Lears, 6th-grader, Jackson Heights Elementary School

The top three teams in each division also won plaques:

High School First Place —Clearwater High School; Second Place — Jackson Heights High School; and Third Place — Otis-Bison High School.

Middle School First Place — Clearwater Middle School Team Blue; Second Place — Anthony Middle School; and Third Place — Clearwater Middle School Team White.

Elementary School First Place — Clearwater Elementary School Team Blue; Second Place — Anthony Elementary School; and Third Place — Clearwater Elementary School Team White.

For more information on the Kansas Archery in the Schools program, phone Mike Rader at 620-672-0708. -30-

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April 19, 2012 Fifteen youth participated, taking nine birds COUNCIL GROVE — On April 7, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) conducted the 12th Annual Council Grove Spring Turkey Hunt. A rainy spring morning did not hamper 15 eager area youngsters the morning of the hunt, and by day’s end, all the participants were fortunate to see or hear wild turkeys. Eight of the participants harvested a turkey (two for one younger hunter) while others enjoyed encounters with their quarry but were unable to harvest. It was the first turkey for each of those who harvested a bird.

Area landowners provided access for this special event, which has become a big draw for area youth. The primary goal of the hunt was to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for area youngsters, bringing them together with others of like interest. Young were paired with knowledgeable and experienced adult volunteers in an effort to initiate or further entice participants to enjoy the spring pastime of wild turkey hunting. All participants received hands-on hunting instruction, turkey hunting gear, and meals.

The following individuals and organizations assisted with the hunt:

Organizations: The National Wild Turkey Federation, The Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, KDWPT, the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, and Cabela’s of Wichita.

Individuals: Randy Benteman, Marvin Peterson, Brandon Houck, Jared McJunkin, Tyson Powell, Spencer Tomb, Allan Cashman, Mike Wells, Mark Hawkins, Phillip Buttrey, Jim Evans, Jason Harris, Nanci Sigle, Martin Godlove, Josh Patry, Alden Neff, Derek Jackson, and Trent and Frank Siegle.

“I would like to sincerely thank all of those who contributed to this 12th annual event,” said Brent Konen, Council Grove Wildlife Area manager and organizer of the hunt. “By donating resources and sharing their time and talents, they instilled not only an interest in turkey hunting in 15 area youth but also enhanced their appreciation for the outdoor world and developed some lasting friendships and memories to last a lifetime. Without the dedication and support of volunteers, this rewarding event would not be possible each year.”

Volunteers interested in helping with next year’s hunt should phone Konen at 620-767-5900. -30-

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April 19, 2012 Tagged fish could be worth big bucks TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will participate again this year in Cabela’s Wanna Go Fishing for Millions? promotion by tagging fish at certain public lakes around the state. The competition begins May 5, at which time the lakes will be announced to the general public. The contest gives anglers a a chance to win as much as $2 million in cash and more than $225,000 in additional prizes by catching tagged fish in select lakes across 19 states. In 2011, 143 winning fish were caught nationwide, and Kansas anglers led the nation with 26 tagged fish caught.

Anglers are encouraged to register ahead of time beginning today. Cabela’s will release the list of participating lakes before the contest begins to those who pre-register by April 30. Only registered anglers may participate in the contest. In addition, anglers must comply with applicable Kansas fishing regulations, licensing, and permit requirements.

Cabela’s, Outdoor Channel, Wanna Go Fishing TV, and Geico are teaming up for this year’s contest. The premise is simple: catch specially tagged fish, and win prizes ranging from Cabela’s gift cards to boats to $2 million. Wanna Go Fishing for Millions? debuted in 2011. Registered anglers who catch a tagged fish will be directed to the contest website where they will find instructions on redeeming the tags for prizes.

One of the tagged fish could be worth $1 million. The grand prize will be doubled to $2 million for participants who are current users of the Cabela’s Fish Recon app or who download the Cabela’s Fish Recon app to their smartphone, sponsored by Geico. Other prizes include two Ranger 520Z Bass Series Comanche boats and trailers with Evinrude outboard motors, valued at $65,000 each, as well as more than $20,000 in gear from Costa sunglasses, Abu Garcia, and Rapala.

All rules and requirements, as well as contest details and registration information, can be found at the contest website, www.cabelas.com/fishformillions, or by visiting the KDWPT website at ksoutdoors.com and clicking on the contest logo. -30-

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April 26, 2012 Outdoor events all day long, Ducks Unlimited banquet April 27 GREAT BEND — On Saturday, April 28, the city of Hoisington, in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited, will host the Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlanders Festival in downtown Hoisington. The festival focuses on celebrating the amazing ecosystem of the Cheyenne Bottoms region in central Kansas. The festival will offer a glimpse into the nature and activities around the Cheyenne Bottoms area through events and activities the whole family can participate in and enjoy.

The event will actually kick off on Friday, April 27, with a Ducks Unlimited Sportsman's Auction and Dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hoisington. The public is invited to enjoy pulled pork barbecue or fish along with several side dishes. After dinner, participants will bid on silent and live auction items or purchase tickets for a special drawing. Items include guns, pictures, bronze sculpture, hunting gear, and more. Tickets are $35 for singles or $50 for couples and can be purchased at Manweiler Chevrolet in Hoisington. The doors will open at 5 p.m. for a social hour, and dinner begins at 7 p.m. Debit and credit cards will be accepted at the auction.

On Saturday, all-day events include a live observation bee hive, educational and art displays, wood carvers, a laser reality hunting game, a geocaching contest, retail vendors and independent distributors, and antler and pelt displays. Other events include the following:

6:30 a.m. — 5K run; 11 a.m. — chili dog feed; 10 a.m. — Kansas Wetlands Educational Center’s Curtis , "Things That Go Bump in the Night"; 10 a.m. — kids archery skills; 10 a.m. — pop-up coffee shop; 10:30 a.m. — Dutch oven demonstration and free samples by Max Schroeder and Al Jirik; 11 a.m. — Sternberg Museum educational program; 11:30 a.m. — story time; noon — coloring contest awards presentation; noon — camouflage face painting; 12:15 p.m. — kids fish casting contest; 1 p.m. — kids crafts; 2 p.m. — duck calling clinic by Brady Stoppel; and 2 p.m. — kids games.

For more information, contact Kim Schneweis, 620-923-9592, email [email protected], or go online to www.wetlanders.org. -30-

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April 26, 2012 A few simple measurements can provide approximate age of birds PRATT — The regular Kansas spring turkey season runs through May 31, and many hunters have already bagged a big gobbler. Proud hunters often compare the size of their birds, and this can lead to many friendly arguments. But another, less tangible question often puzzles turkey hunters: How old is that bird?

Many myths surround this subject. Some say that any bird over 20 pounds is at least three years old. Others say that a 9-inch beard is a sure sign that your turkey is at least 4 years old. Still others claim that a sharp spur 3/4-inch long indicates a three-year-old bird. What’s the truth?

Biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism provide information that would seem to settle much of the debate about a turkey’s age. First of all, many things can affect the weight of a bird, so weight is not a factor. Spur and beard length, however, are important factors in determining a turkey’s age. Use the following rules of thumb to determine approximate age of your bird, keeping in mind that these are approximations for this region of the country and that habitat and other factors may affect these guidelines:

Spur Length = Age of Turkey 1/2 inch or less = 1 year (jake) 1/2-7/8 inch and blunt = 2 years 7/8-1 inch = 2+ years 1+ inch and sharp = 3+ years 1 ¼ + = 4 years

Beard Length = Age of Turkey 3-5 inches = 1 year 6-9 inches with amber tip = 2 years 10+ inches = 3+ years

To differentiate juvenile and adult birds from a distance, look at the tail fan while the bird is strutting. A bird with longer feathers in the middle or on the side of the fan is a juvenile while uniform length in tail feathers indicates an adult bird. With a harvested bird, you can distinguish adult from juvenile by examining the two outermost primary wing feathers — those longest feathers on the end of the wing. On adult birds, these two primaries will be rounded and have white barring extending to the very end. On juvenile birds, these feathers will be much more pointed and have no barring near the tip.

Of course, any tom turkey is a prize, and the opportunity to watch and hunt these fascinating birds is one of the most exciting outdoor activities of spring. The turkey season is long, running from early April through the end of May each year, so Kansas should offer the avid hunter many opportunities yet to come this spring. -30-

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April 26, 2012 Dioramas, wildlife displays, educational events lure outdoor enthusiasts PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) operates five nature centers across the state, each offering great outdoor education experiences for visitors of all ages. On your next outdoor outing, take advantage of one of these or other nature centers. Information on KDWPT nature centers may be found online at ksoutdoors.com, and those operated by other entities may be found at naturalkansas.org, including center details, events, and other wildlife links.

Learn more about the wildlife and ecology of outdoor Kansas, and enjoy the next camping, hunting, fishing, or birdwatching trip all the more, buy visiting a KDWPT nature center this spring or summer.

Great Plains Nature Center — 6232 E 29th Street North, Wichita, KS 67220, phone 316-683-5499 The Great Plains Nature Center (GPNC) is operated and maintained jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; and the Wichita Department of Park and Recreation. All three entities share the common goal of providing recreational, interpretive, and environmental education opportunities to the public. This nature center is an exciting place to learn about natural resources, especially the wildlife and habitats of the Great Plains.

Nature-related programs are offered quarterly. These are advertised on the nature center’s website, www.gpnc.org, and in the newsletter Prairie Reflections.

GPNC’s biggest event of the year takes place the second Saturday in June. Walk With Wildlife, entering its third decade, provides a glimpse of native Kansas wildlife to approximately 1,500 visitors annually and includes a fishing clinic for kids 12 and younger.

Other opportunities include wildlife programs, field trips, discovery boxes, adult workshops, junior naturalist classes, scout programs, and nature hikes.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center — 592 NE K-156 Highway, Great Bend, KS 67530, phone 620-786-7456 or 1-877-243-9268 Operated by Fort Hays State University as an annex of the college’s Sternberg Museum on KDWPT land, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) includes a 2,000 square-foot exhibit gallery, classroom, auditorium, and gift store. A handicapped-accessible ½-mile nature trail displays grasslands, marshes, and woodlands. A vast expanse of windows allows visitors to comfortably view wildlife on the wetland.

From a spiny soft-shell turtle to grasshopper mice, visitors can view some of the lesser known inhabitants of Cheyenne Bottoms in the KWEC classroom. Children can discover the feel of animal furs, snake skins, and feathers; match animals to their tracks; and make their own track stencil or rubbing.

Combine a visit with a drive through the 19,857-acre Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and The Nature Conservancy’s 7,600-acre reserve. The largest interior wetland in the , Cheyenne Bottoms is one of only 22 U.S. “Wetlands of International Importance,” where more than 330 bird species have been observed.

Milford Nature Center — 3415 Hatchery Dr., Junction City, KS 66441, phone 785-238-5323 Located near beautiful Milford Reservoir in the Flint Hills, the Milford Nature Center offers visitors a better understanding of the natural communities of Kansas. Visitors can see and touch native animal furs, print their own animals tracks, and use their sense of touch to identify natural mystery items. Dioramas line the halls, depicting an aquatic system with more than 300 life-like fish, turtles, snakes, and insects and a terrestrial system showcasing wildlife from the , marshes, and woods.

Live animal exhibits feature snakes, amphibians, turtles, lizards, prairie dogs, and more. A large bird of prey exhibit outside the building features many native raptors, including both bald eagle and golden eagle. Adjacent to the raptor cages is the bobcat display. Nature trails, a birdwatching wall, and a backyard habitat area can also be enjoyed on the center's grounds. The educational sites housed in these areas demonstrate how to attract birds, butterflies, and other animals to your backyard. The Butterfly House Exhibit is open from late May through early October (weather and butterflies permitting).

The Nature Playground has quickly become a favorite among visitors. This playground gives kids a chance to slide through the belly of a snake or jump on the back of a spider. A picnic shelter can be found next to the playground area and is available on a first-come, first- served basis.

The Milford Fish Hatchery is adjacent to the nature center, and visitors are welcome to walk around the outside raceways during their visit.

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Hatchery tours are offered on weekends at 1 p.m. or by appointment.

Prairie Center — 26235 West 135th Street, Olathe, KS 66061, phone 913-856-7669 Just five minutes from downtown Olathe, the Prairie Center is a 300-acre tallgrass preserve and education site with trails winding through remnant and reestablished prairie and riparian woodlands. Most of the eight ponds on the property serve as intermittent wetlands for wildlife. There is a small lake for fishing and water studies. Visitors can explore a bedrock creek provides for aquatic life and a look back in time through the fossil remains embedded in the limestone creek bed. In mid-summer, native grasses grow taller than a living room ceiling.

The primary goal of the Prairie Center is to serve as a preserve for local flora and fauna. There are no public buildings, and public access is restricted to trails and a few gathering areas. No horses, bicycles, or motorized vehicles are allowed, and dogs must be on leashes. Pit toilets and an archery range are available. The Prairie Center is open to the public from dawn to dusk seven days a week for trail walking or fishing in the lake.

The center also provides educational opportunities for the public. Most of the programs are educator-led, with supplies provided by the Prairie Center. One such opportunity is Stations Programming, where students rotate through 10 stations with specific studies such as mammals, soil, water quality, macro-invertebrate exploration, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. Other educational programming is also available. The center will help tailor a program to fit your needs.

Pratt Education Center — 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124, phone 620-672-5911 Numerous displays, dioramas, and exhibits provide close encounters with the native birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles of Kansas. The center’s winter diorama provides a glimpse at how wildlife deals with the snow and cold of Kansas winters. The grassland display depicts the three grasslands (short, mixed, and tall) of Kansas and wildlife common to each region, as well as a rare black-footed ferret mount. The raptor exhibit features owls, hawks, falcons, and kite mounts. The wetland wall depicts Cheyenne Bottoms, one of the five most important wetlands in North America.

The Aquarium Room contains 12 aquaria, ranging from 400 to 600 gallons and displaying fish species native to Kansas or that have been successfully introduced into Kansas. Wall panels feature the early history of the Pratt Hatchery and the catfish rearing program, along with a working model of the hatchery’s innovative incubating trough. More than 128 species of birds and their eggs are displayed in the Bird Room. Across from this room, visitors can enjoy duplicating the tracks of Kansas animals using the vinyl replica tracks. Numerous interactive exhibits test knowledge of Kansas wildlife. -30-

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April 27, 2012 Seasons set for antelope, elk WICHITA — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission met at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita on Thursday, April 26. During the Public Hearing portion of the meeting, the commission approved recommended changes to the management units for fall turkey hunting season. The recommendation adds two units for a total of six, and will allow biologists to adapt hunting regulations and bag limits to better manage the state’s turkey populations.

In other action, the commission approved recommendations for the season dates and permit allocations for the 2012 antelope seasons. Archery season for antelope is Sept. 22-30, and Oct. 15-31. Archery permits are sold over-the-counter to residents and nonresidents, and all antelope management units are open to archery hunting.

The muzzleloader-only antelope season is set for Oct. 1-8, and is open to residents only. Twenty-six muzzleloader-only permits are authorized for Unit 2; 12 permits are authorized for Unit 17; and eight permits are authorized for Unit 18.

The 2012 firearm antelope season is set for Oct. 5-8 and is open to residents only. One hundred firearm antelope permits are authorized for Unit 2; 40 are authorized for Unit 17; and 10 are authorized for Unit 18.

The application period for resident antelope muzzleloader and firearm permits is May 8-June 8. All applications must be submitted online through the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com.

In final public hearing action, commissioners approved recommendations for the 2012-2013 elk hunting season. Archery season: Unit 3 (statewide except Fort Riley and Morton County) — Sept. 17-Dec. 31; Unit 2a (Fort Riley) — Sept. 1-30. Firearm Season: Unit 3 — Nov. 28-Dec. 9, and Jan. 1, 2013-March 15, 2013; Unit 2a, either-sex holders — Oct. 1-Dec. 31; antlerless-only permit holders – Oct. 1-31, Nov. 1-30 and Dec. 1-31 (one-third of the permits valid in each season segment). Muzzleloader season: Unit 2 and Unit 3 – Sept. 1-30.

Ten either-sex elk permits and 15 antlerless-only elk permits are authorized for Unit 2. Only residents are eligible for elk permits, and applications for limited-quota permits must be submitted online by July 13, 2012. An unlimited number of antlerless-only and either-sex hunt-own-land permits are authorized for Units 2 and 3. An unlimited number of the antlerless-only and either-sex elk permits are authorized for Unit 3.

The KDWPT Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for June 21 in Kansas City. -30-

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May 3, 2012 Urban Fish Stocking Program, free online video makes urban fishing a great escape PRATT — Do you want to catch more fish? You can improve your angling success by watching the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) video, The Urban Fish Stocking Program. Watching the video is free through KDWPT’s website, ksoutdoors.com.

This video features KDWPT’s Urban Fish Stocking Program, which was established to improve fishing opportunities in urban lakes. Through the program, lakes are currently stocked with 3/4- to 1 1/2-pound channel catfish, hybrid sunfish, and wipers as often as every two weeks from April through September. All metropolitan areas that have a population of more than 40,000 and available public fishing waters are served by this program. Counties served include Atchison, Butler, Douglas, Finney, Johnson, Leavenworth, Lyon, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Reno, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte.

But there’s more to the video than fish stocking in urban lakes. After a brief overview of the urban program, the video shows young anglers how to rig a line, set drag, set a hook, bait a hook, reel in fish, net fish, and much more. Learn how to fish for catfish, sunfish, and crappie, just a few favorites of beginning anglers. Most importantly, the video shows kids and novice anglers how to start fishing with minimal expense and preparation time. To watch, go online to ksoutdoors.com and click the “Watch It” link on the right-hand side of the page. Enjoy — it’s time to go fishing.

If you live in the above listed counties, you have an urban lake near you. These are great locations for a quick family fishing trip. Just throw the gear in the car and make the short drive to the nearest designated urban fishing lake.

For a complete list of individual lakes and a stocking schedule, just click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You” at ksoutdoors.com. -30-

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May 3, 2012 Perry, Wilson, Keith Sebelius reservoirs listed among best in country; others may be as good or better PRATT — Bassmaster.com has recently listed three Kansas reservoirs in its list of top 100 bass fishing lakes in the U.S. Perry, Wilson, and Keith Sebelius reservoirs received honors, ranking 60th, 77th, and 87th, respectively. The rankings were determined using information from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) annual electro-shocking and angler surveys; B.A.S.S. Federation Nation state presidents’ opinions based on state tournament results; B.A.S.S. Federation Nation conservation directors rankings based on access, stocking practices, and current health of fisheries; and opinions from a blue ribbon panel of experts, including outdoor writers, Elite Series anglers, and leaders from across the country.

While this is bodes well for Kansas anglers, there may be even better news. 2012 is stacking up as a great year for Kansas bass anglers statewide.

“We have a tremendous smallmouth bass fishery at Coffey County Lake, too” says Doug Nygren, KDWPT Fisheries Section chief. “LaCygne Lake will rival any lake in the state for big largemouths. But Sebelius may be our best because it has smallmouth, spotted, and largemouth bass. And many of our small- to medium-sized lakes always have great bass fishing.”

“Anglers know that great bass fisheries are not created in one year,” adds Kyle Austin, KDWPT’s hatchery system supervisor. “The past three or four years have been very good for bass fisheries in Kansas lakes. We’re in really good shape.”

Nygren agrees. “This is going to be an above-average year for bass in our reservoirs.”

So whether you’re fishing one of the Bassmaster.com Top 100 or one of the state’s many other great bass lakes, this should be a an outstanding year for Kansas bass anglers. For a sneak peek at the top lakes in the state this year, go online to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, and click “Fishing/Fishing Forecast.” Now go fish. -30-

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May 3, 2012 Warming water lures fish to shallows; online video details best angling techniques PRATT — The Kansas crappie spawn is one of the most exciting times of the year for many Kansas anglers. In response to warming April weather, breeding fish are moving into lake shallows, and anglers are already catching them as they move to spawning waters close to shore. This concentrates the fish and makes great fishing for boaters and shore anglers. Reservoirs from Glen Elder in the northwest, Perry and Tuttle Creek in the northeast, Cheney in the southcentral, and LaCygne and Melvern in the southeast are reporting crappie caught in shallow water, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Fishing Reports web page, the most currently-recorded biologists' fishing reports

Crappie move to shallow areas when water temperatures reach the mid-50s and wait to spawn at water temperatures of 60-65 degrees. They may spawn as shallow as 2 feet deep and are most active at dawn and dusk, when light levels are low. Look for spawning fish near vegetation, brush, and rocky gravel shorelines.

Live minnows are good crappie bait, especially during cool spells when fish are less active. Hook the minnow just under the dorsal fin to keep it lively. Use a bobber to set depth, and keep a minnow near structure where the fish are hiding.

When crappie are most active, small, colorful jigs can produce even better catches. Small spoons, spinners, or crankbaits can be effective, as well. For the avid fly , crappie present a welcome challenge and bite well on a variety of flies. Those that imitate minnows and nymphs are best.

Most crappie anglers use ultralight spinning gear because the fish generally weigh less than a pound. Monofilament line of 4- to 6-pound test allows an angler to cast tiny jigs and provides better feel for light bites. A slip bobber or float can help keep a small jig at just the right depth and might help avoid snags.

Spawning crappie are easily frightened by noise, so approach shallow fishing spots quietly. Some anglers use 8- to 10-foot rods, wading and dipping a jig in a technique known as "doodlesocking." Dipping the jig in partially-submerged timber and brush, the doodlesocker can fish from spot to spot without spooking the fish. This is an effective method when crappie are in water about 3 feet deep or shallower.

For visual tips on crappie fishing year-round, the 25-minute video, Kansas Crappie Bonanza, will help crappie anglers be more successful. Available to view free of charge on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com/crappie-video, the video shows basic fishing strategies for any season and provides ample advice and tips from crappie guides and fishing experts on how to catch crappie anytime. Although weather is incorporated into the different strategies, the video focuses on the fun of crappie fishing no matter what the weather.

For anglers fishing for food, it doesn't get any better than spring crappie fishing. This year, the top crappie reservoirs include Lovewell, Hillsdale, Melvern, Big Hill, and Perry. The best small lakes include Cedar Lake in Olathe, Hargis Creek Lake in Wellington, Scott State Fishing Lake, Carbondale City Lake East, and Polk Daniels Lake in Howard.

For more information on crappie fishing prospects, go to the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com, and click “Fishing.” Reservoir ratings for both black and white crappie may be found under Fishing Forecast. Anglers can report their own experiences and read those of others on the department's Public Fishing Reports page. Water temperatures typically vary from north to south in Kansas, so movement may begin later in some of the state's northernmost lakes.

Because they are prolific in most Kansas waters, crappie creel limits are liberal — in most places, 50 fish per day. Some lakes have more restrictive length and creel limits. Check the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available wherever licenses are sold, or the KDWPT website for details. Fishing conditions may vary depending on weather, particularly storms and heavy run-off. For up-to-date information on lake conditions, go to "Where To Fish In Kansas" on the KDWPT website, simply type fishks.org in your browser. -30-

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May 3, 2012 Six-day camp teaches youngsters outdoor skills from fishing, swimming, and star-gazing to canoeing, archery, and wingshooting; registration deadline May 28 JUNCTION CITY — The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) and the K-State Cooperative Extension Service are sponsoring the 24th Annual Outdoor Adventure Camp (OAC) June 3-8 at the Camp WaShunGa area of Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City. Youngsters ages 10 through 12 who enjoy the outdoors and want to learn more about it are encouraged to attend.

Participants will spend mornings exploring the grounds at Rock Springs with instructors, observing Kansas animals and plants close-up. Session subjects include insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, fish management, wildlife management, wetlands, birds, and stream ecology. Afternoons will be spent learning about birds of prey, skins and skulls, bats, streams, and more general topics, including ecology, wetlands, riparian areas, and watersheds. Instructors from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Kansas State University, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, county conservation districts, and other organizations will be on hand.

After dark, participants may prowl for owls, star-gaze, or watch bats hunt bugs. Evening swims will be followed by campfire stories and snacks. One evening will feature a friendly fishing competition.

Other activities include scavenger hunts; swimming and canoeing; fishing; rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, archery, and pellet gun shooting; arts and crafts; and horseback riding. A trip to the Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery will occupy one day.

Participants should bring a swimsuit, sleeping gear, and clothes for a week. Sunscreen, insect repellent, a cap, a fishing pole, and a water bottle are also recommended. Food, instruction, and lodging are all included in the $300 price of the six-day camp. Some conservation groups and sportsman’s clubs offer Outdoor Adventure Camp scholarships. The Kansas Wildlife Federation and the Outdoor Writers of Kansas offer scholarships in cooperation with Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters. Space is limited to 50 youngsters, and the registration deadline is May 28.

For application, camp, or scholarship information, write Outdoor Adventure Camp, Theresa Berger, 406 S. Ave., Sylvan Grove, KS 67481; phone 785-526-7466; or e-mail [email protected]. Checks should be made out to the Kansas Wildlife Federation. -30-

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May 3, 2012 Fishing tournaments dominate park activities in early season PRATT — State parks are great places to camp, boat, fish, swim, and just enjoy the outdoors, but if that isn't enough, you'll find a special event you won't want to miss. In May, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has planned a number of special events. Because May is one of the best months for fishing, many of this month's events are fishing tournaments. Other events include Women On Target activities, mountain bike races, and an equestrian trail ride. Each park sets its own dates for these events.

Events are diverse and many are educational. All make visiting Kansas state parks more enjoyable. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the State Parks page of the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com. Under “Reservations,” campsite and cabin reservations may be made online. Since upgrading the system in April, online reservations are faster and easier. In addition to allowing customers to make reservations from the comfort of home, photos of each campsite and its availability are hosted online.

Although not necessary to make a reservation, park goers may phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices are found on the KDWPT website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column. Campsite reservations may also be made by phone.

The following is a list of events for May:

May 1-Sept. 3 — Association Fish-A-Thon at Glen Elder State Park; May 5-6 — Kansas Bass Federation fishing tournament at Wilson State Park; May 5 — courtesy boat checks at Tuttle Creek State Park; May 5-6 — Kansas Fat Tire Festival mountain bike race at Wilson State Park; May 6 — Kansas Walleye Association fishing tournament at Eisenhower State Park; May 6 — Waconda Lake Association crappie tournament at Glen Elder State Park; May 12 — snake show-n-tell at Clinton State Park; May 12 — Women on Target event at Tuttle Creek State Park’s Fancy Creek Range; May 12 — OK Kids Day aquatic education event at ; May 18-20 — Eastern Kansas Arabian Association equestrian trail ride at Hillsdale State Park; May 20 — Atchison Bass Club fishing tournament at Eisenhower State Park; and May 20 — Kansas State Mountain Bike Championship at Tuttle Creek State Park.

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May 10, 2012

Signup deadline July 15 for landowners; new counties eligible for incentive payments

PRATT — Landowners interested in the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Walk-In Hunting Access Program (WIHA) — which pays landowners to allow public hunting access on their land — are reminded that the deadline for enrollment is July 15. The WIHA program, which began in 1995, has grown to include more than 1 million acres and nearly 3,000 contracts with Kansas landowners.

Almost anyone who owns, leases, or manages 80 contiguous acres of land with suitable wildlife habitat can qualify. A little more than half the land enrolled in WIHA is federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grass, but other lands are also considered, including native rangeland, weedy wheat stubble, milo stubble, and riparian and wetland areas.

After receiving applications, KDWPT biologists evaluate wildlife habitat on the applicants' land. Payment rates are based on the size and location of tracts and the number of months the landowner will open the land to hunting. A 50- percent additional incentive payment is offered for WIHA in the following urban counties: Butler, Coffey, Cowley, Douglas, Franklin, Harvey, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Kingman, Leavenworth, Lyon, Miami, Osage, Ottawa, Reno, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Sumner, Wabaunsee, and Wyandotte.

Counties that have had historically low or are declining in program participation are also eligible for the 50-percent additional incentive payment. The following counties are eligible under this criteria: Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Barber, Barton, Bourbon, Brown, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Clay, Cloud, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Elk, Ellsworth, Geary, Greenwood, Harper, Jewell, Labette, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Marshall, McPherson, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Republic, Rice, Riley, Stafford, Washington, Wilson, and Woodson.

Once enrolled, the property is posted with signs indicating access dates, and a map of the tract will be included in a free atlas provided by KDWPT. Natural resource officers periodically patrol WIHA properties. In addition, state law provides protection to private individuals who lease their land to the state for recreational purposes from liability for damages or injuries resulting from ordinary negligence.

Lease options include open periods running Sept. 1-Jan. 31 and Nov. 1-Jan. 31, with the option to run through March 31 in areas where habitat and hunt opportunities are appropriate. A popular spin-off is the Spring Turkey WIHA Program, with lease dates from April 1- May 31. For more information, phone 620-672-5911.

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May 10, 2012

Seven Kansas lakes involved; tagged fish could be worth big bucks

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is participating this year in Cabela’s Wanna Go Fishing for Millions? contest by tagging fish in the following Kansas reservoirs: Milford, Glen Elder, Cheney, Clinton, El Dorado, Cedar Bluff and Hillsdale. The competition began May 5 and gives anglers a chance to win as much as $2 million in cash and more than $225,000 in additional prizes by catching tagged fish in select lakes across 19 states. In 2011, 143 winning fish were caught nationwide, and Kansas anglers led all participating states by catching 26 tagged fish.

Anglers must register online at www.cabelas.com/fishformillions to participate in the contest. In addition, anglers must comply with Kansas fishing regulations and licensing and permit requirements.

Cabela’s, Outdoor Channel, Wanna Go Fishing TV, and Geico have teamed up for this year’s contest. The premise is simple: catch specially-tagged fish and win prizes, ranging from Cabela’s gift cards to boats to $2 million. Wanna Go Fishing for Millions? debuted in 2011. Registered anglers who catch a tagged fish will be directed to the contest website where they will find instructions on redeeming the tags for prizes.

One of the tagged fish could be worth $1 million. The grand prize will be doubled to $2 million for participants who are current users of the Cabela’s Fish Recon app, sponsored by Geico, or who download the Cabela’s Fish Recon app to their smartphones. Other prizes include two Ranger 520Z Bass Series Comanche boats and trailers with Evinrude outboard motors, valued at $65,000 each, as well as more than $20,000 in gear from Costa sunglasses, Abu Garcia, and Rapala.

All rules and requirements, as well as contest details and registration information, can be found at the contest website, www.cabelas.com/fishformillions, or on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com: click on the contest logo on the home page to be directed to the contest site.

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May 10, 2012

International organization honors longtime Kansas hunter education and shooting instructor

PRATT — Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Pass It On shooting instructor Jim Kellenberger has been named to the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) Professional Hall of Fame. The award will be presented at the IHEA National Convention on May 30 in Kansas City.

With 39 years as a regional Law Enforcement Division supervisor and natural resource officer for KDWPT, Kellenberger has been involved with the agency’s Hunter Education Program since its inception — as an class instructor, class coordinator, shooting instructor, and coach. His contributions have been numerous.

“Jim has been influential in the promotion and incorporation of live-fire activities into Kansas Hunter Education classes for almost 40 years,” noted KDWPT statewide Hunter Education Program coordinator Kent Barrett in his nomination of Kellenberger. “Although not a required class component, live fire is now included in 63 percent of Kansas classes. Much of the credit must go to Jim and those pioneering instructors who saw the value in that specific training. Jim’s involvement with Pass It On hunter recruitment events, along with promotion of hunter education class live fire activities, displays long-term support for Kansas hunter education.”

Kellenberger also helped develop hunter education curricula that is consistent with IHEA standards. As a game warden, he helped develop standards that made Kansas hunter education certification reciprocal with other states while maintaining the most relevant and instructive coursework possible.

Kellenberger also influenced the direction of the Hunter Education Program through the recruitment and training of many instructors still active today, and he stays involved by promoting live fire through the Hunter Education in the Schools program in Kansas. He also works with Becoming an Outdoors Woman and Women On Target programs to get women more involved with the shooting sports.

“Jim chose a career that would allow him to be intimately involved in an activity that he thoroughly enjoyed,” Barrett added. “When hunter education was mandated and the Kansas Safe Hunter program began in 1973, Jim was immediately pressed into service. His instructor number is 66; through the years, there have been more than 18,000 Kansas hunter education instructors.”

As one of the original “go to” guys in the program, Kellenberger looked for recruits. He was the coordinator for his assigned area. He organized and taught classes, found and recruited new instructors, and trained them to teach. He saw the students come to class, pass the course, become hunters, and come full circle as instructors themselves, so they could pass the hunting tradition on to a new generation. He hasn’t stopped yet.

“After 39 years of teaching hunter education, Jim remains an active and very positive teacher of core IHEA standards that remain the framework on which Kansas Hunter Education is built,” Barrett said. “For 20 years as a regional law enforcement supervisor, Jim was the training officer and guiding force moving his officers to increased involvement in hunter education. Following his example, Jim’s officers were required to recruit and train new instructors while organizing and conducting hunter education classes within their assigned areas. This kept them active and provided opportunities to get to know local hunters, and for the hunters to get to know them.”

Kellenberger began working with Pass It On before retiring. Pass It On funds have purchased and equipped shooting trailers in the different Kansas regions to provide opportunities for more individuals to experience safe, positive live-fire events. Kellenberger went through the first required training and became completely involved as a custodian of one of the first trailers. Already an excellent wingshot, he became a superb teacher and coach, and after retirement, he still has his calendar full of hunter education classes and shooting events.

“He is always in demand. Event coordinators repeatedly request Jim for events,” Barrett noted. “And before retirement, Jim was invited to be a member of the Kansas Hunter Education Advisory Committee. His service in that capacity has been exceptional. He is quiet and thoughtful when considering questions posed to the committee. When he speaks, everyone listens because his experience and wisdom are immediately apparent.”

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The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) is the professional association for 67 state and Canadian provincial wildlife conservation agencies and the 70,000 volunteer instructors who teach hunter education in North America.

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May 12 ceremony to include unveiling of the refurbished 15,000-gallon aquarium and kid’s casting event.

SALINA- The Salina Central Mall and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) will host a grand re-opening ceremony of the Bruce Zamrzla Memorial Aquarium on May 12, beginning at 1 p.m. and ending at 3 p.m. The Central Mall is located at 2259 S. 9th St. in Salina.

The 15,000-gallon aquarium is 25 feet long and is home to many amazing species of Kansas fish and turtles. The display was originally constructed in 1987 at the urging of Bruce Zamrzla, who was the district fisheries biologist for the area. “Zam,” as he was affectionately known, was tragically killed in a car accident on April 19, 1994, but he left an amazing legacy as a resource manager and champion of outdoor education. Fittingly, the aquarium was renamed and dedicated in his honor.

The aquarium has long served as an excellent outdoor education exhibit but in recent years had begun to show its age. As part of the Central Mall’s 25th Anniversary, KDWPT and Central Mall teamed up to restore the aquarium to a first-class attraction. The aquarium features new designs and graphics, an educational PowerPoint display, Kansas fisheries videos, and an updated rustic look and feel. The neon fish formerly on the overhead display have been removed and replaced with a structure designed by Melissa Bowell, a commercial art student at Salina Area Technical College. Bowell’s design was judged the best in a contest with 24 other entries, and she will receive a $1,000 scholarship award for efforts. An amended version of the design has been created and donated by Kasa Fab and will be unveiled at the re-opening event.

The aquarium also received attention. The fish were transferred to the Milford Hatchery for safe keeping while the aquarium was drained, cleaned, and new filtration and water quality devices were added. The fish are in great shape, and the water is now even more crystal clear than .

The ceremony on Saturday will include presentations by Central Mall staff and KDWPT Assistant Secretary Keith Sexson. A ribbon cutting will be conducted by the Central Mall, Salina Chamber of Commerce, and KDWPT Fisheries Chief Doug Nygren.

Following, the ceremony, Fishing’s Future and the KDWPT Fish KS Aquatic Education Program will host a Kids’ Casting Event. All participants will receive prizes, and a drawing will be held for Central Mall gift cards and a framed fish print.

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May 17, 2012 More than 4,000 permits left over, on sale June 18 PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has completed the nonresident deer permit drawing for the 2012 seasons, and for those applicants who were unsuccessful, there’s good news: more than 4,000 permits are left over from the initial drawing. These permits will go on sale first-come, first-served beginning June 18, online at ksoutdoors.com.

Nonresident hunters who were successful in the drawing should expect their permits in the mail about the second week in June. Those who were unsuccessful — more than 600 applicants — will be notified about the same time. Applicants can check the number of deer permits by unit that are still available online at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, under “Hunting/Applications-and-Fees/Deer/Quotas-and-Draw- Stats.” Department staff will update this site frequently.

Applicants will be able to check the status of individual applications at https://www1.ks.wildlifelicense.com/results_lookup.php about June 1.

June 8 is the deadline for resident-only firearm and muzzleloader antelope permits. Antelope archery permits may be purchased online and over the counter July 25 through Oct. 30. Archery antelope permits are available to both resident and nonresident. -30-

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May 17, 2012 KDWPT programs enhance fishing opportunity statewide PRATT — May is the busiest month for Kansas anglers. Most sport fish species are in shallow water — some just done spawning and others just getting ready. All are more accessible to anglers and easier to catch now than at other times of the year. A look at state records and the Master Angler Award program provides more evidence.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) issues Master Angler Award certificates to applying anglers who catch fish as long or longer than minimum lengths set for each species (see KDWPT website or the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary for minimum lengths and applications). Of the more than 200 certificates that are issued each year, more than 30 percent are caught in May. And 30 percent of the fish species listed as Kansas state records were caught during the month of May. For more information, look on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, under “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You/Master Angler Award Program.”

Other KDWPT programs help anglers catch more fish. Under the Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP), the agency uses matching funds from federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and motor boat fuel to lease fishing rights to nearly 240 community lakes statewide, removing fishing and boating fees for anglers on approximately 13,000 acres of water. The Urban Fishing Program stocks 80 lakes with 3/4- to 1 1/2-pound channel catfish, hybrid sunfish, and wipers as often as every two weeks from April through September. All cities with available public fishing waters and populations larger than 40,000 are served by this program.

A rising star among KDWPT fishing programs is the Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitat (F.I.S.H.) program. The program enrolls 1,500 acres of ponds and more than 90 miles of streams on private land for public fishing access. The program includes ponds and lakes ranging from 5 acres to more than 100 acres, as well as access to stream reaches formerly unavailable to the public. F.I.S.H. sites are open to public access from March 1 through October 31. The 2012 Kansas Fishing Atlas, available wherever licenses are sold, provides detailed maps showing all public fishing waters in Kansas, including CFAP and F.I.S.H.

In addition to these programs, KDWPT conducts numerous fishing clinics for youngsters throughout the state, and several how-to fishing videos may be found on the KDWPT website under “Fishing/How to Fish.”

Finding the ideal fishing location is simple. Go to the KDWPT website and click "Fishing" at the top of the page, then “Where to Fish in Kansas” in the left-hand column. Public fishing waters also are listed in the Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available on the website or in printed form at KDWPT offices and license vendors around the state. The summary also provides a fish identification guide, length and creel limits, and a variety of additional information for anglers.

For information on fishing prospects, lake ratings for all sportfish may be found under Fishing Forecast. Anglers can report their own experiences and read those of others on the department's Public Fishing Reports page.

KDWPT is participating in Cabela’s Wanna Go Fishing for Millions? contest by tagging fish in the following Kansas reservoirs: Milford, Glen Elder, Cheney, Clinton, El Dorado, Cedar Bluff and Hillsdale. The competition began May 5 and gives anglers a chance to win as much as $2 million in cash and more than $225,000 in additional prizes by catching tagged fish in select lakes across 19 states. Anglers must register online at www.cabelas.com/fishformillions to participate in the contest. In addition, anglers must comply with Kansas fishing regulations and licensing and permit requirements.

If these programs are not enough to entice you to go fishing, check out Kansas Free Fishing Days, June 2-3. On these days, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older and residents age 16 through 64 must have a fishing license to fish in Kansas, but on June 2-3, everyone gets to fish for free, making this the ideal time to introduce youngsters to a healthy, challenging pastime that offers a lifetime of pleasure. So get out and enjoy the weather — fish Kansas! -30-

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May 17, 2012 Certification required of boat operators ages 12 through 20 PRATT — Summer is just around the corner, and many Kansas boaters have already begun a new boating season. For those who haven’t, there are the usual preparations such as changing the lower unit grease and putting new spark plugs in the outboard, making sure life jackets are in good condition, and checking the fire extinguisher charge. And the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds boaters about the importance of boater education before taking to the water.

Any person age 12 through 20 who wishes to operate a vessel (personal watercraft, power boat, sailboat) in Kansas without direct supervision must complete an approved boater education course. Direct supervision means being able to take over in case of an emergency. For a personal watercraft, this means that the supervising adult must be on the same vessel, not riding next to it. The supervising adult must be at least 18 years old and either have completed a boater education course or be exempt because they are older than 21. No one younger than 12 may operate a vessel without supervision regardless of boater education certification, and the course is recommended for everyone.

Courses are offered in three different formats: traditional classroom, home study, or Internet-based. Traditional instruction is provided by trained volunteers, KDWPT natural resource officers, and members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Home study and online Internet course work are also provided. All courses must be at least eight hours long. A list of courses and more details may be found on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, under “Boating/Boating-Education.”

The Kansas Boating Education Program is designed to reduce boating accidents and violations while promoting legal, courteous, and responsible boating practices. Boating safety and responsibility are stressed throughout the course. Additional topics include ethics and courtesy, accident prevention, general information about boats, safe operating procedures, required safety equipment, boating laws, and general boating safety concerns.

More 80,000 boats are registered in the state of Kansas, so being aware of boating regulations and safe boating practices is essential. Taking a boating education class will help ensure that your trip to the lake is safe and enjoyable for the whole family, and completion of an authorized course might even entitle you to a discount on boat insurance. -30-

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May 18, 2012

Blue-green algae blooms affecting five public lakes

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a Public Health Advisory for one public lake and a Public Health Warning for four public lakes due to blue-green algae populations above minimum public safety levels. KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Public Health Warning

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County

Marion Reservoir – Marion, Marion County

Marion County Lake – Marion, Marion County

Winfield City Lake – Winfield, Cowley County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Public Health Advisory

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities such as boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

Old Herington City Lake – Herington, Dickinson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the filet portion, and discard other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

http://ksoutdoors.com/...012-Weekly-News/Blue-green-5-18-12/KDHE-ISSUES-BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-WARNINGS-AND-ADVISORIES[1/16/2018 3:40:28 PM] STATE FISHING LAKES OFFER GREAT SUMMER OUTINGS / 5/24/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

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May 24, 2012 Survey indicates highly-satisfied Memorial Day weekend visitors PRATT — Looking for a peaceful, uncrowded summer weekend outdoor experience? Try one of the more than 40 Kansas state fishing lakes. Anglers surveyed who fished state fishing lakes reported low levels of crowding, high satisfaction, and sufficient access from shore at these small Kansas gems. In most cases, there is minimal to no wait time to launch a boat and plenty of parking available.

In addition to fishing, picnicking and primitive camping are popular activities at state fishing lakes. Some — including Kingman, McPherson, Mined Land, and Ottawa — offer modern, affordable cabins for those who prefer not to camp. Many state fishing lakes also have ADA-compliant facilities, such as accessible docks and piers.

You don’t need a boat to enjoy the state fishing lake angling experience because numerous piers, jetties, and accessible shoreline are available for easy access. Almost half of anglers visiting these lakes fish from shore and find plenty of access without a boat.

As the name suggests, most state fishing lakes are managed for anglers, so no pleasure boating, skiing, or swimming is allowed. However, because Crawford, Meade, and Scott are also state parks, they provide full-service camping and allow swimming, and Crawford and Scott allow some recreational boating and offer recreational facilities such as sand volleyball courts, bathhouses, and horseshoe pits. Chase State Fishing Lake also has a swimming beach. Water-use restrictions may limit their appeal to some outdoor users, but for others, the limitation may be a peaceful plus.

Most visitors do not feel crowded at Kansas state fishing lakes, even on this busiest weekend of the year, so these lakes are great alternatives to large federal reservoirs. If you just want to enjoy nature, camp, and fish, you may be able to find a great family-friendly spot all to yourself. -30-

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May 24, 2012 Applications accepted only online; archery permits over the counter July 25 PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is accepting applications for the resident firearm and muzzleloader antelope permit drawing. Applications may be submitted online through the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. Click "License/Permits" in the upper right-hand corner of the page to begin the process. Paper applications are not available. For more information, phone 620-672-0728.

Open to Kansas residents only, more than 1,000 applications are expected for the 150 firearm and 46 muzzleloader permits available this year. Hunters who are unsuccessful in the drawing receive a preference point. It may require six or more preference points for a general resident to draw a firearm permit, or three or four preference points to draw a muzzleloader permit, depending on the number of applicants. Half the permits allocated in each unit are set aside for landowner/tenant applicants. Those who do not want to apply for a permit and want to purchase a preference point only may select "preference point only" online for $6.50. Only one preference point may be obtained per year.

Archery antelope permits are unlimited, and both resident and nonresident hunters can purchase permits over the counter. One open archery unit comprises the same area as the three firearm units combined. On average, fewer than 200 archery permits are sold each year. Archery antelope permits will be available over the counter from July 25 through Oct. 30.

2012 antelope season dates:

firearm season — Oct. 5-8; muzzleloader season — Oct. 1-8; and archery season — Sept. 22-30 and Oct. 15-31.

Shooting hours for all seasons are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Firearm and muzzleloader antelope general resident permits are $47.50, and resident landowner/tenant permits are $27.50. General resident archery antelope permits are $42.50; landowner/tenant archery permits are $22.50; and nonresident archery permits are $202.50. (Internet and processing fees also apply.) Unless exempt, all permit holders must also possess a Kansas hunting license.

The first modern-day antelope (properly called "pronghorn") hunting season in Kansas was held in 1974. Nearly 500 hunters applied for 80 permits, and 70 animals were harvested. Today, hunting is restricted to three management units that include parts or all of Sherman, Thomas, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Trego, Greeley, Wichita, Scott, Lane, Ness, Hamilton, Kearny, Finney, Gray, Hodgeman, Ford, Stanton, Grant, Haskell, Morton, Stevens, Seward, Meade and Clark counties.

For more information on hunting antelope in Kansas, go to Hunting/Big Game/Antelope on the KDWPT website. -30-

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May 24, 2012 Taking fawns from wild is usually a death sentence PRATT — Recently, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) staff have received numerous reports of individuals taking young fawns from the wild and either attempting to raise them or taking them to licensed wildlife rehabilitators. KDWPT reminds everyone that picking up these young animals — under any circumstances — is against the law. Both the KDWPT and the Department of Health and Environment have regulations against such activity.

Often, well-meaning Kansans see a deer fawn by itself and assume that it has been abandoned by its mother. In almost all cases, the mother is actually nearby, keeping a hidden eye on the young. If those well-meaning folks decide to "rescue" the young animal, they are usually giving it a death sentence.

The majority of fawns are born in late May and early June. However, some whitetail does may breed for the first time in late winter, so newborn fawns may be seen as late as July or even August. If found alone, these charming young animals are tempting targets for the misinformed wildlife lover.

“Wildlife kidnapping" incidents are reported each year. The young often fail to survive in captivity, and if they do, they almost always lose the instincts that allow them to survive in the wild and are thus condemned to a life in captivity.

Wild animals are better off left in the wild. They cannot legally be inoculated by veterinarians, and few people really know how to care for them. Due to the threat of chronic wasting disease, KDWPT discourages wildlife rehabilitators from accepting them. In one case, a “rescued” fawn was transported from northwestern Kansas, where several CWD cases have been confirmed, to Hutchison. This kind of activity raises the potential for spreading the disease.

"We encourage the public to leave fawns in the wild," said Shane Hesting, wildlife disease coordinator for KDWPT. "As we all know, in many cases, lone fawns are seldom 'orphaned'. The mother is usually nearby but out of sight, keeping watch. The risk of spreading such a dangerous disease should override the emotion of wanting to 'save' a fawn."

If you see young animals in the wild this spring or summer, consider yourself lucky to have seen them. But remember, their mother is most likely watching nearby. Leave them in the wild world where they were born and where they belong. -30-

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May 24, 2012 Revitalized fishery, improved water quality, new facilities enhance lake HORTON — Renovation of Horton Mission Lake East (½ mile north of Highway 20 on the east edge of Horton) is complete, and it is time to get out and enjoy this revitalized fishery. Mission Lake was opened to fishing on May 23.

Since the fishery was cleaned out last August, several thousand fish have been stocked, including fathead minnows, , black crappie, and largemouth bass. Some of these were smaller hatchery fish; however, a good portion were adults that were relocated from surrounding waters.

Is there a keeper fish behind every clump of vegetation or in every new brush pile? Probably not, but when Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) biologists sampled the lake in mid-May, they saw a healthy young fishery. And since the renovation, water clarity has improved to more than 4 feet, much better than the 4-7 inches the lake used to have.

In addition to improving the fishery, staff have made several new additions to lake facilities, including a concrete boat ramp, courtesy dock, several fishing piers, two fish feeders, and several new campsites with electrical hookups. -30-

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May 24, 2012 Everyone may fish without a license; scout hotspots online PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will offer 2012 Free Fishing Days on June 2-3, helping launch the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) National Fishing Week, June 2-10. On the weekend of June 2-3, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older and residents age 16 through 64 must have a fishing license to fish in Kansas, but on Free Fishing Days, everyone gets to fish for free, making this the ideal time to introduce curious would-be anglers of any age to an outdoor pastime that will provide pleasure throughout their lives.

In conjunction with National Fishing Week, RBFF has launched the “Nature’s Waterpark Showdown,” which uses the TakeMeFishing.org Facebook page to highlight parks around the country. In Kansas, El Dorado State Park has been nominated, one of 23 parks in the nation to receive the honor. The promotion will run for eight weeks and will culminate in a list of the top eight parks in the country based on fan votes. Once fans have voted, they can also register to win weekly prizes and one Grand Prize. The Grand Prize winner will receive a trip for four to one of the top-eight parks of their choice.

Kansas has hundreds of lakes and streams, including numerous conveniently-located community lakes. Finding the ideal fishing location is simple: go to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, click "Fishing" at the top of the page, then “Where to Fish in Kansas” in the left-hand column.

Public fishing waters also are listed in the Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available on the KDWPT website or in printed form at KDWPT offices and license vendors around the state. The summary also provides a fish identification guide, length and creel limits, and a variety of additional information for anglers. The 2012 Kansas Fishing Atlas includes maps with locations of all state-managed and F.I.S.H. waters.

For information on fishing prospects, lake ratings for all sportfish may be found on the KDWPT’s online Fishing Forecast. In addition, the most recent biologists' fishing reports may be found on the Fishing Reports page.

Late May and early June are some of the best times to take advantage of Kansas angling opportunities. If you haven't already bought a license or are curious about fishing, take advantage of this opportunity on June 2-3. -30-

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May 24, 2012 National Safe Boating Week raises awareness of water safety issues prior to Memorial Day Weekend TOPEKA — Whether part of a vacation or an ordinary summer day, boating can be fun for the entire family — as long as everyone remains safe. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that an estimated 85 percent of boating-related drownings could be prevented by the use of life jackets. Nationally, of the children who drowned while boating in 2003, more than 60 percent were not wearing life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices, or PFDs.

“On a boat, everyone should wear a life jacket at all times,” says Cherie Sage, state director of Safe Kids Kansas. “Look for a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Water wings and other inflatable swimming aids such as inner tubes do not prevent drowning.”

Safe Kids Kansas recommends that children ages 14 and younger wear PFDs not only on boats but near open bodies of water or when participating in water sports. Kansas law requires that all boats have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved, readily-accessible PFD for each person on board. (For details, look on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism [KDWPT] website, ksoutdoors.com, under “Boating.”) Anyone 12 years old or younger must wear a life jacket at all times when on board a boat.

Safe Kids Kansas urges parents and caregivers to wear life jackets on boats or other watercraft as well. According to a 2005 study by Safe Kids Worldwide, children are much more likely to practice safe habits when they witness similar behavior by parents and caregivers. “Your children will pick up and embrace your safety habits,” says Sage.

Safe Kids Kansas also reminds parents and caregivers to follow these safety rules:

always wear life jackets when in or around open bodies of water and on boats. Make sure the life jacket fits snugly. Have the child make a “touchdown” signal — if the life jacket hits the child’s chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps too loose; enroll your kids in swimming lessons taught by a certified instructor, but don’t assume swimming lessons or life jackets make your child “drown proof”; remember that any person ages 12 through 20 must have completed an approved boater education course before operating a vessel without direct supervision of an adult 18 or older who has completed the course or an adult who is 21 or older. No one younger than 12 may operate a vessel without supervision regardless of boater education certification; avoid alcoholic beverages while boating; when there are several adults present and children are swimming, designate an adult as the “water watcher” for a specific amount of time to prevent lapses in supervision; install a carbon monoxide detector on inboard and cabin motorboats to alert you to dangerous levels of exhaust fumes; and learn infant and child CPR. Many local hospitals, fire departments, Red Cross offices, and recreation departments offer CPR training.

National Safe Boating Week is an annual educational campaign coordinated by the National Safe Boating Council, www.safeboatingcouncil.org, running the week prior to Memorial Day. For more information about drowning and boating-related injuries, call Safe Kids Kansas at 785-296-0351 or visit www.safekids.org. For more information about safe boat operations, contact the Coast Guard Info line at (800) 368-5647 or visit www.uscgboating.org.

And don’t forget boating safety classes. Class schedules and a home study course may be found online at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, under “Boating/Education.” -30-

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May 25, 2012 One lake added to Advisory list; three others show improvement TOPEKA — Because blue-green algae populations are above minimum public safety levels, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHW) has issued a new Public Health Advisory for one public lake and has downgraded three others from a Warning to the less-severe Advisory level. KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Public Health Warning A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Public Health Advisory A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

Logan City Lake, Logan, Phillips County (new addition) – Marion, Marion County (downgraded from Warning) Marion County Lake – Marion, Marion County (downgraded from Warning) Winfield City Lake – Winfield, Cowley County (downgraded from Warning) Old Herington City Lake – Herington, Dickinson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. NOTE: It is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; eat only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness. -30-

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Advisory extends from Lincoln Street Bridge in Wichita to Oklahoma state line

May 25, 2012

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a public health advisory for a portion of the Arkansas River due to elevated levels of bacteria discovered during routine stream sampling by KDHE’s ambient water quality monitoring program. KDHE has also confirmed a report of a fish kill in the Arkansas River in areas where there is black, odiferous water.

The health advisory covers a the stretch of the Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street Bridge in central Wichita to the Oklahoma state line.

KDHE advises individuals to have no contact with the Arkansas River between the locations identified above until further notice. Residents are also advised to keep their pets and livestock from making contact with the water.

The cause has not been identified. KDHE is conducting an investigation and will follow up with additional water testing to determine when this notice can be lifted.

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June 1, 2012 One lake added to Advisory list TOPEKA — Because blue-green algae populations are above minimum public safety levels, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHW) has issued a new Public Health Advisory, adding Overland Park South Lake to the Advisory list. KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Public Health Warning

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Public Health Advisory

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

Overland Park South Lake, Johnson County (new listing) Logan City Lake, Logan, Phillips County Marion Reservoir – Marion, Marion County Marion County Lake – Marion, Marion County Winfield City Lake – Winfield, Cowley County Old Herington City Lake – Herington, Dickinson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. NOTE: It is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; eat only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae

http://ksoutdoors.com/...eekly-News/Blue-green-5-25-20122/KDHE-UPDATES-BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-WARNINGS-AND-ADVISORIES[1/16/2018 3:45:23 PM] KDHE UPDATES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES / Blue-green 5/25/2012 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info...

blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness. -30-

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May 31, 2012 Special events, free park entrance days to be held at many parks PRATT — During the weekend of June 2-3, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license statewide. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older and residents age 16 through 64 must have a fishing license to fish in Kansas, but on Free Fishing Days, everyone gets to fish for free. Many Kansas state parks offer free admission and special events during Free Fishing Days and the excitement continues throughout the month. Special events, some in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days, are designed to entertain park users who want to explore the history or geology of an individual park, as well as those who just want an excuse to celebrate something “more” than camping, swimming, boating, hiking, and all the other pleasures offered by Kansas state parks.

June events are diverse and may include anything from fishing tournaments and outdoor concerts to mountain bike and equestrian events. Many involve outdoor education. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Events Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, ksoutdoors.com.

Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks also may be found online on the KDWPT website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.

Events for June:

June 2 — Free Park Entrance Day at Prairie Dog State Park; June 2 — National Trails Day at Fall River State Park; June 2 — Free Park Entrance Day at Glen Elder State Park; June 2 — 5K run/walk at ; June 2 — Kids fishing derby at Pomona State Park; June 2 — 8th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder State Park; June 2 — Kid's fishing clinic at Milford State Park; June 2-4 — OK Kids Day at Prairie Dog State Park; June 2 — Trails workday at Clinton State Park; June 2 — Hays Recreation Center 15K and 5K trail runs at Wilson State Park; June 3 — Kids fishing derby at ; June 8 — Western Extralite Company Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park; June 8-10 — Hell Creek Hoedown Bluegrass Festival at Wilson State Park; June 9-10 — Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament at Wilson State park; June 9 — Lori and Randy Knippa Benefit Horse Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park; June 10 — Kansas 70.3 Ironman Triathlon at Clinton State Park; June 16 — Kansas Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament, OK Kids Day at Wilson State Park; June 17 — Kansas Walleye Association Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park; June 23-24 — Country Stampede Music Festival at Tuttle Creek State Park; June 23-24 — Western Nebraska Bass Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park; June 23 — Twin Rivers Bass Club Fishing Tournament at Pomona State Park;

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June 23-24 — Governor’s Cup Walleye Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder State Park; June 23 — National Truck Owners Car Show and barbecue at Hillsdale State Park; June 24 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia Bass Tournament at Eisenhower State Park; June 24 — Heartland Coursing whippet racing event at Clinton State Park; June 30 — Bass Federation of Kansas State High School Fishing Championship at Wilson State Park; June 30-July 1 — Miami County Bass Club fishing tournament at Wilson State Park; and June 30 — Friends of Fancy Creek Range Kids Day at Tuttle Creek State Park’s Fancy Creek Range.

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May 31, 2012 Free Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® is ideal phone app for enjoying Kansas outdoors PRATT — Just in time for summer travel season, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has launched the Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® app — a free, interactive mobile guide to Kansas state parks. The Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® app is designed to provide information and technology to guide and enhance the state park experience and to provide added safety and enjoyment for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts at all of Kansas’ 26 state parks.

The Pocket Ranger® app offers interactive GPS and mapping technology for tracking trails, marking waypoints, and locating landmarks in state parks. Users are also able to locate friends within parks using the Friend Finder feature. The Alert feature supplies GPS coordinates to designated contacts in case of an emergency. Guests can also cache (store) park maps in advance, so they can still navigate if they lose mobile reception. The GeoChallenge feature offers the novice explorer or more adventurous geocacher various geoquest activities and games throughout the year to guide them on their quests.

In addition to its state-of-the-art GPS technology, the Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® app has other tools that make exploring state parks a breeze. Visitors can decide which park to visit using a comprehensive list of activities or search for a park within a particular region. A Calendar of Events helps visitors find upcoming events for each park. Park rules and regulations are a click away, which is especially helpful to anglers and sportsmen. Users can even reserve a campsite or cabin using the Pocket Ranger® to navigate to KDWPT’s new online cabin and campsite reservation site.

The free Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® app is available on the KDWPT home page at ksoutdoors.com, on iTunes, in the iPhone Apps Store, and online at PocketRanger.com and will soon be available for Android phones. Blackberry and feature phone users can use the mobile website version of the Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger®.

The Pocket Ranger Mobile Tour Guide tutorial is available at www.youtube.com/user/PocketRangerApp. For more about Pocket Ranger®, go online to www.pocketranger.com. -30-

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http://ksoutdoors.com/...PT-Info/News/News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/5-31-12/KANSAS-STATE-PARKS-MOBILE-APP-AVAILABLE[1/16/2018 3:43:52 PM] LOVEWELL STATE PARK TO HOLD KIDS FISHING DERBY / 5/31/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

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Like 0 LOVEWELL STATE PARK TO HOLD KIDS FISHING Tweet DERBY

May 31, 2012 Event coincides with Free Fishing Days WEBBER — Free Fishing Days is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3. Fishing licenses are not required to fish any Kansas waters for these two days, including , near Webber and Lovewell State Park. However, vehicle and camping permits are still required.

In conjunction with Free Fishing Days, Lovewell State Park’s Kids Fishing Derby is set for Sunday, June 3. Park and wildlife area staff and area businesses sponsor this annual event. Each year, participants have the opportunity to win the $200 Don Cart Memorial Savings Bond. The family of Don Cart, former Concordia resident and avid Lovewell area outdoorsman who passed away several years ago, has donated this bond.

Registration for the fishing derby is from 8 a.m. to noon at the state park office, with early registration prizes awarded to the first 50 kids who register. The weigh-in is set for 3 p.m. at the marina parking lot. Anglers will be divided into two age brackets: 7 and younger and 8 through 15 years old. Prizes will be awarded for the most pounds of fish and biggest fish in each age bracket, plus all participants present at the weigh-in are eligible for prizes drawn at random.

Area businesses and individuals have donated more than $1,000 in prizes and gift certificates for the event. For more information, phone Lovewell State Park at 785-753-4971 or email [email protected]. -30-

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Like 0 LATE MAY AND JUNE PULL WALLEYE INTO Tweet SHALLOWS

May 31, 2012 Shallow points, flats, and underwater roadways lure anglers to big fish PRATT — Many anglers pursue walleye in late March and early April, when breeding fish move onto the rip- rap of lake dams to spawn. But the best time to catch walleye is in May and June, when water temperatures warm and walleye move into shallows to feed. At this time, walleye fishing heats up over shallow points, flats, and underwater roadbeds, where walleye feeding is most intense.

While a boat gives an angler more access to lake structure, walleye can also be caught by wading anglers. Look for fish in water 3 to 15 feet deep, along shallow points and submerged roadbeds.

These post-spawn walleye are often aggressive and can be caught with crankbaits or drifting a jig and night crawler combination. Jig size varies depending on the amount of wind and water depth, but usually a - or -ounce jighead works well. Popular lure colors include chartreuse, red, orange, pink, and white.

According to the Kansas Fishing Forecast, the best walleye fishing reservoirs this year are Webster, Kirwin, Glen Elder, Milford, and Cedar Bluff. And anglers shouldn't overlook smaller community lakes. The best smaller lakes rated are Pratt County Lake, Banner Creek Lake near Holton, Lower Barber State Fishing Lake, Herington City Lake, and Jeffery Energy Center Make-Up Lake.

Much credit for successful walleye fishing in Kansas can be attributed to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) aggressive walleye stocking program. This year, KDWPT fisheries biologists harvested approximately 100 million walleye eggs and stocked almost 54 million fry. In addition, length limits allow walleye to grow to reproductive age, and in some reservoirs, prime habitat produces excellent walleye populations year after year.

Because of their size and reputation as great table fare, walleye are among the most popular sportfish in Kansas. Take advantage of this great angling resource. Conditions for walleye fishing can change daily, so visit the KDWPT Fishing Reports for the latest information. -30-

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Like 0 KDHE Modifies Public Health Advisory for Arkansas Tweet River

June 1, 2012 Friday work will permanently plug leak at Wichita’s wastewater treatment plant TOPEKA, Kan.—The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has modified the public health advisory first issued on May 25 for the Arkansas River. Water samples collected by KDHE and the city of Wichita indicate that bacteria concentrations above the 47th Street bridge are safe for recreation. Therefore, KDHE is modifying the current health advisory to include the portion of the Arkansas River from the 47th Street bridge to the state line.

Last week, elevated levels of bacteria were recorded during routine stream sampling by KDHE’s ambient water quality monitoring program. The city then discovered a leak at an intermediate pump station at the wastewater treatment plant. Work crews constructed a temporary fix for the leaking valve, and it has been partially successful. Therefore, the city is implementing a permanent solution that is scheduled to be completed on June 1.

KDHE advises individuals to have no contact with the Arkansas River from the 47th Street bridge in central Wichita to the Oklahoma state line. Residents are also advised to keep their pets and livestock from making contact with the water.

State and local officials will continue working to assess the situation and are committed to minimizing the impact downstream. The affected portion of the Arkansas River is south, or downstream, of Wichita's Riverfest activities, which begin June 1.

KDHE will continue to follow up with water testing to determine when this advisory can be lifted. -30-

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Like 0 KANSAS NONRESIDENT LEFTOVER DEER Tweet PERMITS ON SALE JUNE 18

June 7, 2012 More than 4,000 permits left over, on sale June 18 PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has completed the nonresident deer permit drawing for the 2012 seasons, and for those applicants who were unsuccessful, there’s good news: more than 4,000 permits were left over in other units after the initial drawing. These permits are being sold online at ksoutdoors.com on a first-come, first-served basis. Click License/Permits on the home page.

Those hunters whose favorite unit does not have leftover permits may purchase a permit for an adjacent unit, if it has leftover permits, then select their favorite unit as the adjacent unit where they may also hunt.

Nonresident hunters who were successful in the drawing should have received their permits in the mail about the second week in June. Those who were unsuccessful — more than 600 applicants — were notified about the same time. Applicants can check the number of deer permits by unit that are still available online at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, under “Hunting/Applications-and-Fees/Deer/Quotas- and-Draw-Stats.” Department staff will update this site frequently.

Applicants can check the status of individual applications at https://www1.ks.wildlifelicense.com/results_lookup.php. -30-

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Like 0 NEILSON NAMED 2012 BOATING OFFICER OF Tweet THE YEAR

June 7, 2012 El Dorado officer stresses education, enforcement in keeping busy lake safe PRATT — Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) natural resource officer Tyson Neilson, El Dorado, has received the agency’s 2012 Boating Officer of the Year Award. The award is given annually to the boating officer who demonstrates dedication and achievement above and beyond the call of duty.

“In the course of a boating officer’s career, it would be impossible to predict the number of lives he has saved or injuries he has prevented,” said Dan Heskett, KDWPT’s boating officer administrator. “But Tyson Neilson’s efforts on one of Kansas’ busiest recreational reservoirs — El Dorado — have been exceptional.”

Neilson began his career with KDWPT on Nov. 11, 2001. From the beginning, he has been seen as one of the top boating enforcement officers in the state, taking pride in the safety of people who recreate on Kansas waters. He was nominated by three other officers, including a first-line supervisor and two neighboring officers.

“Through dedicated enforcement and education, Officer Nielsen’s actions have increased awareness of the dangers of violating the safety rules and laws associated with the operation of vessels,” Heskett said. “Through aggressive education efforts, he has greatly increased the wear-rate and accessibility of life jackets on El Dorado Reservoir. In addition, his personal campaign to combat the operation of vessels under the influence of alcohol or drugs has had a dramatic affect on the boating community. Because of these efforts, boaters on El Dorado Reservoir now police their own ranks and have purchased preliminary breath-testing instruments for use prior to operating their own vessels after a day of partying.”

Nielsen’s efforts include coordination of numerous boating education efforts such as Operation Dry Water during the summer of 2011; dozens of vessel inspections; presentation of boating programs; composition and delivery of boating-related news releases; and working numerous drug and boating under the influence cases.

Nielsen also maintains an informational blog for boaters at El Dorado. He conducts programs at local schools, hunter education classes, and KDWPT law and regulation training for other law enforcement agencies. He has recently volunteered to be one of four area coordinators for the agency’s Boating Education Program.

“That El Dorado, one of the busiest reservoirs in our state, had zero boating accidents last year is a testament to Officer Neilson’s philosophy of comprehensive education and law enforcement,” Heskett added. “It was a pleasure to see him honored with this award.” -30-

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Like 0 KDHE UPDATES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE Tweet WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES

June 8, 2012 Milford, Lovewell Reservoirs added to Advisory List TOPEKA — Because blue-green algae populations are above minimum public safety levels, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHW) has issued a new Public Health Advisory for Milford and Lovewell Reservoirs. KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Although Milford and Lovewell reservoirs are under a public health advisory, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities are open for business. Boating is allowed, but full body contact with the water is discouraged and state park swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

Milford Reservoir – Geary, Riley and Clay counties (new addition) Lovewell Reservoir – Jewell County (new addition) Logan City Lake – Phillips County Marion Reservoir – Marion County Marion County Lake – Marion County Winfield City Lake – Cowley County Old Herington City Lake – Dickinson County Overland Park South Lake – Johnson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation http://ksoutdoors.com/...2-Weekly-News/Blue-green-6-8-12/KDHE-UPDATES-BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-WARNINGS-AND-ADVISORIES[1/16/2018 3:46:37 PM] KDHE UPDATES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES / Blue-green 6/8/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / K...

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness. -30-

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Like 0 FIRST RANGE-WIDE LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN Tweet AERIAL SURVEY CONCLUDED

June 14, 2012 New breeding grounds discovered in Kansas EMPORIA — Surveys have now been concluded for the first range-wide assessment of lesser prairie chicken populations using common methods across portions of five states. The Lesser Prairie Chicken Interstate Working Group is composed of biologists from the state fish and wildlife agencies of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Working Group collaborated with federal agencies and West Ecosystems, Inc., of Laramie, Wyo., to conduct the large-scale, helicopter-based survey to locate lesser prairie chicken leks across the High Plains in all five states.

Leks, which are also referred to as gobbling grounds, are sites that the birds come to every spring for breeding. These surveys encompassed more than 300,000 square miles, and survey results will be used to produce the first statistically valid, five-state estimate of the number of leks by sometime later this summer.

The lesser prairie chicken has been considered a candidate under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1998, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will release a proposed rule on the status of the bird under the ESA in September. Information from these surveys will be used as a baseline by these five state fish and wildlife agencies to monitor trends in prairie chicken populations and to target conservation programs in partnership with private landowners, oil and gas industries, and wind-energy and electric utilities.

“These surveys will be the basis for a range-wide lesser prairie chicken management plan that is being developed by the five states in collaboration with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Grassland Initiative,” said Jim Pitman, small game coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. “The plan is expected to be completed by next March, and we are hopeful that it will preclude the need for the Fish and Wildlife Service to designate the lesser prairie chicken as a federally threatened or endangered species.”

The surveys this spring detected several previously unknown leks, despite the severe drought that occurred across the region last year. They also detected leks in Kansas that are beyond what was thought to be the northern extent of the historic range of the species. Lesser prairie chicken numbers have been largely increasing in Kansas for the last 15 years while populations have declined in parts of the southern portion of the range. Biologists believe this northward expansion may represent a shift in the population of the species caused by improved habitat from native grasses planted through the federal Conservation Reserve Program. -30-

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Like 0 STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN AIMS TO STOP AQUATIC Tweet HITCHHIKERS

June 14, 2012 People can help stop Asian carp, zebra mussels, other species that threaten Kansas’ waters TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) recently launched a statewide campaign, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers, to educate Kansans about the environmental and economic threats that aquatic nuisance species (ANS) such as zebra mussels and Asian carp pose to the state’s aquatic resources. Aquatic nuisance species are animals and plants not native to Kansas that can threaten lake and river ecology, harm native or desirable species, and interfere with the state’s economy. They often hitchhike with unsuspecting people, so an informed, watchful public can help protect Kansas waters.

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers features animated Asian carp hitching a ride in a boat and includes a new website, ProtectKSWaters.org; billboards; print advertisements; and TV and radio spots. It aims to alert the public to the threat of ANS and encourages people to visit ProtectKSWaters.org, where they can learn more and use what they learn to help prevent the spread of ANS.

“Some people may not realize that these non-native species can affect them even if they don’t fish or boat,” says Jason Goeckler, Kansas ANS program coordinator. “Zebra mussels will attach themselves to anything below the water line. In addition to damaging boating and fishing equipment, they’ll foul rocky shorelines with their sharp, dime-sized shells, making it hard to walk or wade along the shore. They can also clog water intakes and damage power-generating facilities. In early May, the city of Council Grove experienced a temporary water shortage due to a thick layer of zebra mussels coating the inside of the intake tank at Council Grove City Lake.

“Asian carp consume as much as 40 percent of their body weight each day, competing with native fish for food and threatening the diversity and quality of other aquatic life,” Goeckler continues. “When young, Asian carp resemble native minnows and shad, which is one reason we adjusted our bait fish regulations to limit the use of wild-caught bait fish. When grown, Asian carp can weigh as much as 100 pounds, and they are prone to leaping out of the water when disturbed, posing a real physical threat to boaters.”

In an attempt to stem the spread of ANS, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission passed new regulations effective Jan. 1 of this year. The new regulations prohibit the movement of wild-caught live bait fish between bodies of water or up streams. They also require that vessels being removed from all waters in the state have livewells and bilges drained and drain plugs removed before being transported on any public highway.

“We realize that the new regulations require anglers and boaters to modify the way they fish and boat today,” Goeckler says. “But if we don’t take these steps, the way that we enjoy our waterways in the future will drastically change.”

For more information about aquatic nuisance species, go online to ProtectKSWaters.org or contact Goeckler at 620-342-0658 or [email protected]. -30-

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Like 0 FLATHEAD CATFISH HANDFISHING SEASON Tweet JUNE 15-AUG. 31

June 14, 2012 Kansas and Arkansas rivers, portions of federal reservoirs open PRATT — If you’re an outdoor adventurer looking for the thrill of your life, get ready for the Kansas flathead catfish handfishing season, which opens June 15. This exciting sport not only provides thrills, but bountiful, delicious table fare awaits those hearty souls willing to take up the challenge. Reaching under logs and other structure in dark, cool water for the muscled body of a 40-pound catfish is not for the faint of heart.

The season runs June 15-Aug. 31, and handfishers may catch flathead catfish using nothing but their hands and wits — no snorkel or scuba gear, hooks, or manmade devices may be used. Although such anglers may be few, the season offers a special challenge at a time when summer heat has slowed many other types of fishing.

In addition to a limited season, there are restrictions during the handfishing season. Only flathead catfish may be taken, and legal handfishing hours are sunrise to sunset. A special $27.50 permit is required in addition to a regular fishing license. A stringer may be used but not until the fish are caught by hand and are at or above the surface of the water. No man-made object that attracts fish — such as a barrel, box, bathtub, or any other object — may be used. The season is only open in the following waters:

the entire length of the Arkansas River; all federal reservoirs from beyond 150 yards of the dam to the upstream end of the federal property; and the Kansas River from its origin downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River.

Everyone who purchases a handfishing permit will be given a questionnaire they must complete and submit no later than 30 days after the close of the handfishing season. Handfishing permits may be purchased online or at select locations around the state. To find vendors or purchase permits online, go online to ksoutdoors.com/License-Permits. -30-

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Like 0 KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL FISHING STATE Tweet CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE 30

June 14, 2012 Winners eligible for regional championships, college scholarships RUSSELL — The Bass Federation (TBF), in partnership with Forrest L. Wood (FLW) Outdoors, will host the Student Angler Federation Kansas High School Fishing State Championship June 30 at Wilson Reservoir, near Russell. The state championship is a two-person team event for students in grades 9-12. The winning two-person team from each state championship will advance to an FLW Outdoors/TBF High School Fishing Regional Championship held in conjunction with a National Guard FLW College Fishing Regional Championship hosted on a college campus this fall.

Registration for high school anglers and their coaches, who will provide the boat they compete in, is available online at HighSchoolFishing.org, by phoning 580-765-9031, or by emailing [email protected] for more details.

Mandatory check-in begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 29, in the TBF tournament trailer at Wilson State Park’s Hell Creek Area boat ramp, with a mandatory rules briefing at 8 p.m. Teams are encouraged to preregister online or by phone in advance to avoid late-registration fees.

Students and parents can go to HighSchoolFishing.org for details on the Student Angler Federation (SAF) and to sign up. Cost is $25 and includes a one-year SAF membership and full TBF and FLW Outdoors benefits, including access to FLW Outdoors Magazine e-Edition and insurance coverage for students and their club. The fee covers all SAF sanctioned events all year.

Each team that qualifies for a regional and/or national championship will receive a travel allowance to help offset expenses. The High School Fishing National Championship winners will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to use at the university of their choice.

An SAF-sanctioned event also includes an “angler testing” component. Anglers can take a free online test at HighSchoolFishing.org about boater safety, conservation, and angler ethics, which makes them eligible for contingency awards at their state championship.

For more information, email The Bass Federation at [email protected], phone 580-765-9031, or go online to www.highschoolfishing.org. -30-

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Like 0 KDHE UPDATES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE Tweet WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES

June 15, 2012 Cedar Bluff added to Advisory List, Old Herington City on Warning List TOPEKA — Because blue-green algae populations are above minimum public safety levels, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHW) has issued a new Public Health Advisory for Cedar Bluff Reservoir and a Public Health Warning for Herington Old City Lake. KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Although these lakes are under alert, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities are open for business. Boating is allowed, but state park swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County Old Herington City Lake, Dickinson County (previously an Advisory)

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status.

Cedar Bluff reservoir — Trego County (new listing) Milford Reservoir – Geary, Riley and Clay counties Lovewell Reservoir – Jewell County Logan City Lake – Phillips County Marion Reservoir – Marion County Winfield City Lake – Cowley County Overland Park South Lake – Johnson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation http://ksoutdoors.com/...-Weekly-News/Blue-green-6-15-12/KDHE-UPDATES-BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-WARNINGS-AND-ADVISORIES[1/16/2018 3:48:21 PM] KDHE UPDATES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES / Blue-green 6/15/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / ...

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness. -30-

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http://ksoutdoors.com/...-Weekly-News/Blue-green-6-15-12/KDHE-UPDATES-BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-WARNINGS-AND-ADVISORIES[1/16/2018 3:48:21 PM] HUNTERS NEEDED FOR MANHATTAN-AREA YOUTH/HANDICAP DEER HUNT / 06/21/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / ...

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June 21, 2012 Application deadline Aug. 1 MANHATTAN — The 10th Annual Youth/Handicap Assisted Deer Hunt is just three months away, and now is the time to sign up. The Riley County Fish and Game Association; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Reservoir are seeking participants for the hunt, to be held Sept. 8 and 9.

Kansas youth 11 through 16 years old and Kansas residents with a certified disability are eligible to participate in this hunt. Participants will need a Kansas hunting license, a deer permit, and, if required by Kansas law, to take or have taken an approved hunter education course. Sponsoring agencies and associations can provide assistance meeting these requirements, including scholarships to help purchase licenses and permits. Rifles and/or ammunition can be provided, as well.

Each hunt participant will be paired with an experienced hunter who will serve as guide. Arrangements have been made with area lockers, where basic processing of harvested deer will be handled free of charge. Other items provided for this hunt include accessible hunting blinds, access to hunting property, hunter orange hats and vests, and transportation to the field.

Hunt participants will also be required to attend a firearm safety presentation and sight-in at the Fancy Creek Shooting Range at 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 19.

Other groups and organizations contributing to this hunt include the Friends of Fancy Creek Range, Kansas City Chapter of Safari Club International, Kansas State Rifle Association, and the Association.

For more information or an application, phone Steve Prockish at the Tuttle Creek Lake Corps of Engineers Office, 785-539-8511, ext. 3167, or email [email protected]. Applications will be accepted thru Aug. 1. -30-

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http://ksoutdoors.com/...2-Weekly-News/06-21-12/HUNTERS-NEEDED-FOR-MANHATTAN-AREA-YOUTH-HANDICAP-DEER-HUNT[1/16/2018 3:48:48 PM] BULLFROG SEASON OPEN / 06/21/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

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June 21, 2012 Season runs July 1-Oct. 31; fishing license required PRATT — It's already been a hot summer in the Sunflower State, and those who love outdoor activities are beating the heat during bullfrog season, which began July 1.

Bullfrog hunting, or "frogging," as many people call it, is a great way to beat the oppressive summer heat. With days sweltering close to 100 degrees through much of June, the freedom of summer nights beckons with the call of the bullfrog. At this time, shorts and a T-shirt are all that's needed to cool off in the water and pursue this popular quarry.

Froggers can enjoy a season that runs July 1 through Oct. 31 although most frogging activity is in the hotter months of July and August. The daily creel limit is eight, with a possession limit of 24. While bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, dip net, gig, bow and arrow, or crossbow (firearms not allowed), many froggers prefer to take them by hand. All that's needed is a flashlight, a sack, an old pair of tennis shoes, and some stealth. The only other necessary ingredient is access to a local pond, lake, or stream. A valid fishing license is needed, if required by law.

The best method is to walk quietly through the water at night and shine a bright light along the bank until a pair of glowing eyes appear. Temporarily blinded by the light, frogs can be grabbed or netted.

The fruits of this effort are not only fun times but good food. Frog legs are regarded as a delicacy and have a taste and texture resembling a cross of shrimp and fish. A popular way to cook them is to dip the legs in egg and then into a mixture of flour and corn meal, seasoning salt, and pepper. Then the legs are fried to a golden brown in oil. This gourmet meal is a bonus to a great summer evening that both kids and adults will always remember. -30-

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June 21, 2012 Publication ranks best beaches in each of 50 states plus District of Columbia PRATT — To kick off the start of summer, USA TODAY asked local experts to select their favorite beach in each state and the District of Columbia. Scott State Park, north of Scott City, was tagged as having the “best” beach in Kansas.

“Lake Scott opens like a surprise package amidst the vast plains and farmland of western Kansas,” the publication stated in a May 29 article entitled “Just for Summer: 51 Great American Beaches.”

“Hidden in a wooded canyon of craggy cliffs, the park's spring-fed lake has a pleasant swimming beach with a playground and concession stand offering food, fishing supplies, canoes, and paddleboats. The 1,020-acre state park also has camping, hunting, nature trails, and historic sites.”

This is not the first national accolade for the area. In the 1980s, Scott was listed by National Geographic's Traveler magazine as one of 50 "must-see" state parks in the country.

The years that carved a canyon in this area and blessed it with natural springs and the consistently-flowing also made possible construction of the 100-acre Scott State Fishing Lake, at the heart of the park. Because of these precious water sources, the lake level varies less than 10 inches in any given year, even in one of the most arid parts of the state. Located along the Western Vistas Historic Byway, the lake is a remarkable jewel in the crown of this area, which is surrounded by Ogallala rock formations rising 200 feet or more above the water. Some 150,000 anglers, campers, and nature lovers travel here each year to enjoy the scenery. Some come as far away as Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

For more information on Lake Scott State Parks, visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website, ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Scott. -30-

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June 21, 2012 Health advisories lifted at Milford and Marion reservoirs and Winfield City Lake TOPEKA — When blue-green algae populations are above minimum public safety levels, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHW) issues public health advisories and warnings in lakes across the state. As a result of this week’s water sampling, health advisories have been lifted at Marion and Milford reservoirs and Winfield City Lake, and Old Herington City Lake has been downgraded from a Warning to an Advisory.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Although these lakes are under alert, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities are open for business. Boating is allowed, but state park swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Logan City Lake — Phillips County (previously at Advisory) Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

Old Herington City Lake — Dickinson County (downgraded from Warning) Cedar Bluff Reservoir — Trego County Lovewell Reservoir — Jewell County South Lake — Johnson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

http://ksoutdoors.com/...-Weekly-News/Blue-green-6-22-12/KDHE-UPDATES-BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-WARNINGS-AND-ADVISORIES[1/16/2018 3:49:49 PM] KDHE UPDATES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES / Blue-green 6/22/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / ...

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness. -30-

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June 28, 2012 Fireworks, fishing tournaments, poker runs headline July events PRATT — As mid-summer nears, many Kansans look forward to Independence Day weekend — July 7-8 this year — and most park facilities should be ready for Fourth of July celebrations a few days after the actual holiday. These events highlight July at Kansas state parks, but other events are planned throughout the month. Many events are educational, and all make park visits more fun. Current dry, hot, windy weather increases the danger of grassfires. Check with local park offices for information on potential burn bans that may be in place.

For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, ksoutdoors.com. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWPT website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.

The following is a list of Kansas state park events for July:

July 1 — Kansas Bass Federation Dream Team Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park; July 1 — Saddle Ridge Trail Riders at Hillsdale State Park; July 2 — Fourth of July Celebration at Crawford State Park; July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration at Prairie Dog State Park; July 7 — Bash on the Beach at Meade State Park; July 7 — Kanopolis Tower Harbor Marina Fireworks at Kanopolis State Park; July 7 —Waconda Volleyball Tournament at Glen Elder State Park; July 7 — volunteer trail workday at Clinton State Park; July 7 — vintage boat show at Kanopolis State Park; July 7 — Wilson Lake Area Association Boat Poker Run at Wilson State Park; July 7 — firework display at Wilson State Park; July 15 — sand castle contest at Lovewell State Park; July 21 — Hays Bass Anglers Association Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park; July 21-22 — 2nd Annual Waconda Springs Indian Festival at Glen Elder State Park; July 21 — Central Kansas Yacht Club Boat Poker Run at Kanopolis State Park; and July 22 — Buddy Bass and Walleye Fishing Tournament at Hillsdale State Park.

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June 28, 2012 Applications available online; Either-Species/Either-Sex deer permit allows take of white-tailed or mule deer PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds hunters that resident 2012 Firearm Either-Species/Either-Sex Deer permit applications are due July 13 and are available online at ksoutdoors.com. These permits allow firearm hunters to take a mule deer or white-tailed deer of either sex. General resident permits cost $37.50. Landowner/tenant permits cost $22.50. Unsuccessful applicants will be charged a $6.50 application fee and receive one preference point for next year's drawing.

There are two mule deer zones for resident firearm hunters. In the West Zone (Deer Management units 1, 2, 17, and 18), 1,290 permits are allocated. In the East Zone (Deer Management units 3, 4, 5, 7, and 16), 1,000 permits are allocated.

Applications for limited resident elk permits valid in Elk Management units 2, 2a (Ft. Riley), and 3 are also due July 13 and are available online. Ten Either-Sex and 15 Antlerless-Only Elk permits are allocated for this drawing.

A unlimited number of Hunt-Own-Land Antlerless Only Elk and Hunt-Own-Land Either Sex Elk permits will be available in Elk Management units 2 and 3 (most of Kansas, excluding most of Morton County and Ft. Riley). An unlimited number of General Resident Antlerless-Only Elk and General Resident Either-Sex Elk permits will be available in Elk Management Unit 3. These permits are valid during any legal elk season, and the bag limit is one elk as specified on the permit. These permits will be available July 30, 2012, through March 14, 2013.

While most elk in Kansas inhabit the Fort Riley area, some small populations may be found in western Kansas on private land. KDWPT recommends that hunters make sure they have permission to hunt before purchasing a permit.

General resident Either-Sex Elk permits cost $252.50, and landowner/tenant Either-Sex permits are $127.50. General resident Antlerless- Only Elk permits cost $102.50. Landowner/tenant Antlerless-Only Elk permits are $52.50. The fee to apply for a limited-elk permit is $7.69. Those unsuccessful in the drawing for limited permits valid on Fort Riley will receive a bonus point.

Applicants for General Resident Elk permits on Fort Riley must apply online or by phone, 620-672-0728, by July 13. For more information, visit the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, or phone the nearest agency office. Elk and deer season information may be found on the website at Hunting/When to Hunt/Big Game. -30-

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http://ksoutdoors.com/...2/JULY-13-DEADLINE-FOR-RESIDENT-ELK,-EITHER-SPECIES-FIREARM-DEER-PERMIT-APPLICATIONS[1/16/2018 3:50:30 PM] ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM TRAINING WORKSHOP JULY 7 / 06/28/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT ...

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June 28, 2012 Instructors needed for growing school program RUSSELL — A training workshop for the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program will be conducted at the Russell Recreation Commission in Russell on Saturday, July 7, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. The workshop will be conducted by Joyce Ellis of Fort Hays State University and Gary Keehn, the Kansas NASP state coordinator. The program is free, and participants will receive basic NASP archery instructor certification.

The workshop is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Fort Hays State University; and the Russell Recreation Commission. For more information concerning NASP, to pre-register for the workshop, or for information on how to obtain funding to establish this program in your area, phone Joyce Ellis at 785-628-4594 or email [email protected], or phone Gary Keehn at 785- 834-2075 or email [email protected]. -30-

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June 28, 2012 Event to focus on how pollinators affect wildlife habitat CUNNINGHAM — On July 6, Pheasants Forever will host a wildlife habitat tour of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Byron Walker Wildlife Area, near Cunningham. The tour will focus on habitat diversity and the importance of native wildflowers and pollinator insects to raising successful broods of pheasants and quail. The tour is free and open to the public.

Interested individuals should meet at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 6, at the Byron Walker Wildlife Area Headquarters, 9 miles west of Kingman on Highway 54. The tour will last approximately three hours.

Topics to be covered include vegetative diversity and wildflowers in grasslands and how they affect game bird populations, ways to improve bird habitat in CRP, grassland management techniques that are being employed on the wildlife area, and common pollinator insects that can be found there. Following the presentations, the tour will visit two sites on the area for short nature walks to see first-hand how the grasslands have responded to management employed by area staff.

This workshop will offer some spectacular photo opportunities. Long pants, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. For more information, phone Zac Eddy at 620-338-7132 or email [email protected].

Partners assisting Pheasants Forever with the tour include KDWPT, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Mary Liz Jameson from Wichita State University’s Department of Biological Sciences. -30-

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June 29, 2012 Health advisory lifted at Cedar Bluff reservoir TOPEKA — When blue-green algae populations are above minimum public safety levels in Kansas lakes, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issues public health advisories and warnings. As a result of this week’s water sampling, health advisories have been lifted at Cedar Bluff Reservoir while Marion Reservoir and Old Herington City Lake have been moved from Advisory to Warning.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Although these lakes are under alert, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities are open for business. Boating is allowed, but state park swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Marion Reservoir — Marion County (previously at Advisory) Old Herington City Lake — Dickinson County (previously at Advisory Logan City Lake — Phillips County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

Lovewell Reservoir — Jewell County South Lake — Johnson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

http://ksoutdoors.com/...-Weekly-News/Blue-green-6-29-12/KDHE-UPDATES-BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-WARNINGS-AND-ADVISORIES[1/16/2018 3:51:32 PM] KDHE UPDATES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES / Blue-green 6/29/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / ...

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness. -30-

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July 4, 2012 Professional fireworks displays cancelled at many parks, some banning personal fireworks TOPEKA — Whether you like to swim, ski, boat, fish, hike, or participate in any number of other outdoor activities, Kansas state parks will be open and ready for your holiday and weekend adventures. However, the onslaught of hot, dry weather across many portions of Kansas has increased the risk of wildfires. The most vulnerable regions are in the western half of the state where rainfall has been minimal. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) urges park visitors to check with the local state park office to learn about burn and fireworks restrictions that may be in place in their favorite parks. Contact information for any Kansas state park can be found online at ksoutdoors.com. Click on “State Parks” at the top of the home page, and then click on “Locations.”

Of the state’s 26 state parks, only two plan to allow personal fireworks, and only in designated areas. At , personal fireworks will be allowed July 3 and July 4 only at the Lakeview boat ramp until 11 p.m. At , personal fireworks will be allowed July 3 and 4 only at the designated area just beyond the gatehouse from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Professional fireworks displays have been cancelled at Cedar Bluff, Lovewell, Kanopolis, Prairie Dog, and Wilson state parks. Professional fireworks displays are still scheduled at or near the following state parks:

near Milford State Park — the city of Junction City will host a display on July 4 at 10 p.m. in the city’s Heritage Park; Pomona State Park — July 4 profession fireworks display to be conducted at dusk near boat ramp No. 1; and Tuttle Creek State Park — Tuttle Creek marina will host a display on July 7 in the Cedar Ridge area at the southeast corner of the main lake.

Park visitors should also heed National Weather Service excessive heat watches, advisories, and warnings and follow personal heat safety precautions. Information about excessive heat and personal safety is available on the National Weather Service website, nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml#safety. -30-

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http://ksoutdoors.com/...s/07-04-12/WEATHER-SPARKS-RESTRICTIONS-ON-BURNING,-FIREWORKS-AT-KANSAS-STATE-PARKS[1/16/2018 3:51:58 PM] SPECIAL HUNTS APPLICATIONS NOW ONLINE / 07/04/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

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July 4, 2012 KDWP offers youth, novice hunts of a lifetime; first application deadline Aug. 13 PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Special Hunts Program offers a variety of limited hunts, many designed to introduce youth and novices to hunting in an uncrowded setting with good opportunity for success. The first application period — for special hunts in September and October — runs through Aug. 13, and drawing results will be emailed within a week. A second application period — for November, December, and January hunts — runs through Oct. 1., with drawing results emailed during the following week. New this year, applicants may apply for both hunt periods beginning July 16, and they will have three choices for each species per draw period.

Most special hunts occur during regular hunting seasons and will be conducted in all regions of the state on both public and private land. Not all special hunts are for youth or older beginning hunters (novices). Some are open to all hunters, and each special hunt targets specific game species, including doves, upland game (pheasant and quail), waterfowl, and deer. Some take place during the special youth/disabled deer season Sept. 8-16, some during the youth pheasant and quail season Nov. 3-4, and others during special youth waterfowl seasons yet to be set.

Specifically, there are three categories of hunts: open, youth, and mentor. Open hunts are available to all hunters, with no age or experience restrictions. Youth hunts may require at least one youth 15 or younger who must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older who may hunt. Some youth hunts may have more specific age requirements, and accompanying adults are not allowed to hunt. Mentor hunts are open to both youth and/or inexperienced hunters who are supervised by a licensed adult 18 or older (mentor) who may hunt. Some hunts require the supervising adult to be 21 years or older.

Many veteran hunters find new satisfaction in serving as mentors, introducing a relative, friend, or neighbor to the wonder of the hunt in a wildlife-rich setting. Parents or grandparents may take children or grandchildren who have never hunted but are now showing an interest, but mentors and novices do not have to be related.

Hunter Education is not required for youth 15 and younger accompanied by an adult 18 or older. However, persons 16 and older who have not hunted before and do not have hunter education must obtain a one-time apprentice hunting license, which exempts them from the hunter education requirement through the calendar year in which it is purchased. All hunters 16 and older need a valid Kansas hunting license.

For more detailed information or to apply, go online to ksoutdoors.com. Click "Hunting/Special Hunts" on or after July 16. Those who do not have computer access may apply by telephone at 620-672-0791. -30-

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July 4, 2012 Early teal season dates, public land regulations highlight meeting KANSAS CITY — At a June 24 meeting in Kansas City, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission approved regulations dealing with hunting deer, migratory birds, and upland game, as well as hunting on public land. The following issues were addressed in regulations:

Deer Any person with a deer permit valid during the archery deer season in deer management units 1, 12, 15, and 19 may use a crossbow during deer archery season, regardless of age or disability. Each person age 16 through 54 shall obtain a free crossbow hunter survey number from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism before hunting with a crossbow during archery season.Fort Riley deer season set: archery, Sept. 1-Dec. 31 and Jan. 14-31, 2013; youth/disabled, Sept. 8-16 and Oct. 5-8; and firearms, Nov. 23-25 and Dec. 15-23 and Jan. 19-21, 2013.

Migratory Birds Doves may only be taken while in flight. Early teal season will run 16 days from Sept. 8-23 in the Low Plains Zone (east of U.S. Highway 283) and nine days from Sept. 15-23 in the High Plains Zone (west of U.S. 283). Sandhill crane shooting hours are now sunrise to sunset throughout the season, which runs Nov. 7-Jan. 3, 2013.

Upland Game Prairie chicken hunters must purchase a $2.50 prairie chicken permit before harvesting a bird this fall. A random sample of permit holders will receive a questionnaire after the season to assess their hunting activity and success. The early season in the East and Northwest units will run Sept. 15-Oct. 15. The East and Northwest unit regular season will run Nov. 17-Jan. 31, 2013, and the Southwest Unit season will run Nov. 17-Dec. 31.

Public Lands Commercial guides must have a permit to guide on public lands. The permit is free and must be specific to the land where guiding takes place. Baiting is illegal on public lands. Bait is considered any grain, fruit, vegetable, nut, hay, salt, sorghum, feed, or other food or mineral capable of attracting wildlife. Liquid scents and sprays are not considered bait. Only two portable blinds or tree stands are allowed per hunter on public lands. Portable blinds and tree stands must be marked with the owner’s name and address or KDWPT number. Portable blinds may not be left unattended overnight on public lands. Decoys may not be left unattended overnight on public lands.

The commission also passed a regulation to continue the moratorium on commercial harvest of mussels for 10 years. -30-

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July 4, 2012 Retired Air Force Colonel Rob Peterson honors father’s memory with donation CIMARRON — Rob Peterson, 53, of Colorado Springs, has donated his 640-acre property near Cimarron to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever as part of the organization’s Grassroots Conservation Campaign. The donation provides a place for future hunters and conservationists to enjoy forever. Peterson, a long-time Pheasants Forever member and Pikes Peak Colorado Pheasants Forever chapter co-chair, noted that his father’s passion for the outdoors and the time they spent hunting and fishing are the main reasons to make Pheasants Forever the recipient of his gift.

A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Peterson grew up in Minnesota where he hunted and fished with his father, Robert Peterson, Sr. “We spent a lot of time in the outdoors,” Peterson said. “The success of the hunt was not always a big deal to us. It was the experience of spending time together that we valued most.”

Those outdoor experiences are what shaped his dream of honoring his father’s memory. In 2010, during one of the last conversations Peterson had with his father, he told his dad of his plan to dedicate a piece of land in his memory, so his outdoor legacy could live forever. Shortly after this conversation, his father lost his battle with cancer.

The property is currently being converted to productive wildlife habitat. “Habitat is my vision because I realize if we don’t have the habitat, the upland hunting is going to dry up,” Peterson said. “If we don’t have the habitat, we can’t ensure there will be an opportunity for young people to hunt 20, 30, 40 years from now.”

Peterson credited Pheasants Forever’s Farm Bill biologist program for providing expert guidance with grassland restoration through the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Pheasants Forever development officer Jordan Martincich helped execute the gift through the organization’s Grassroots Conservation Campaign.

Peterson will continue managing and enjoying the property throughout his lifetime. Upon his passing, Pheasants Forever will oversee the property for wildlife habitat and public use. In addition to the land gift, Peterson has donated a significant portion of his estate to Pheasants Forever with the goal of furthering the outdoor traditions that both he and his father enjoyed.

For more information on Pheasants Forever’s Grassroots Conservation Campaign and how Pheasants Forever can help you leave your legacy, phone Martincich at 816-560-1070. -30-

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July 12, 2012

Program provides technical assistance and financial incentives to enhance wildlife habitat on private land; Oct. 1 application deadline

PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is now accepting applications for State Wildlife Grants (SWG), which are awarded to qualified private landowners to enhance wildlife habitat on their land. Since its inception, the SWG Private Landowner Program has funded more than $1.4 million to complete 60 private land habitat projects. Projects include removing invasive woody plants from native mixed-grass prairie, constructing alternate watering facilities to help with native short-grass prairie management, conversion of cool season grass to native grass and forbs, and construction of perimeter fencing on expiring CRP fields to help maintain those fields in native grass. These projects will improve more than 20,346 acres of habitat that will benefit wildlife considered Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCG) in Kansas.

In the past, KDWPT received $586,000 of SWG funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to aid in the protection and management of priority habitats for SGCG in Kansas. In June 2012, the department received an additional $205,000 in SWG funds to further continue this private landowner habitat conservation work.

To be eligible, applications must address issues and strategies identified in the Kansas Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan. Applications will be scored based on established criteria to ensure all applicants are considered fairly and that the highest-ranking projects are selected. Proposals with potential to score highest will specifically address restoration and enhancement activities that will contribute to 1) development or maintenance of large grassland blocks capable of supporting area-sensitive wildlife species; 2) restoration or maintenance of areas supporting high densities of playa lakes surrounded by grasslands; and 3) restoration or enhancement of streams and associated riparian buffers.

Applications are being accepted immediately with a deadline of Oct. 1. Those landowners receiving funding will be required to match a minimum of 25 percent of total project costs. This match can either be a cash contribution from a non-federal source or contributions of labor, materials, or equipment use. Applications will be accepted until available funds have been committed.

Interested landowners should contact any KDWPT regional office or a private lands biologist for application materials or to schedule a consultation concerning a proposed project. Questions regarding program administration can be addressed to Roger Wolfe, KDWPT Region 2 Office, 300 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, Kansas 66606; phone 785-273-6740. Persons with special communication needs may use the Kansas Relay Center, 1-800-766-3777.

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July 12, 2012

More than 1,200 permits still available to nonresidents as of July 11

PRATT — After the initial nonresident deer permit drawing in May, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) had approximately 4,000 permits leftover in 11 deer management units for the 2012 season. The agency put these permits up for sale on a first- come, first-served basis, but as of July 11, more than 1,200 of these Whitetail Either-Sex permits were still available. Those hunters whose favorite unit does not have leftover permits may purchase a permit for an adjacent unit, if it has leftover permits, then select their favorite unit as the adjacent unit where they may also hunt.

As of July 11, leftover Nonresident Whitetail Either Sex Deer permits were available in the following units: Unit 10 — 354; Unit 11 — 27; Unit 12 — 247; Unit 13 — 350; and Unit 14 — 242. With these permits, the hunter designates equipment/season choice, as well as one adjacent unit, at time of purchase. They will be sold online through the KDWPT website to any nonresident who does not already have a 2012 permit at the ksoutdoors.com, under “License/Permits.”

Applicants can check the number of deer permits by unit that are still available online at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, under “Hunting/Applications-and-Fees/Deer/Quotas-and-Draw-Stats.” Department staff will update this site frequently.

Hunters who purchase a leftover permit will lose any preference points they may have accumulated for next year's drawing. Applicants who were successful in the nonresident drawing may not purchase a leftover permit. No hunter may purchase more than one permit that allows the take of an antlered deer. An antlered deer permit is required before purchasing a Whitetail Antlerless-Only Deer permit.

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July 12, 2012

Trend continues for continent’s breeding ducks

WASHINGTON, DC — Although breeding habitat conditions have declined from previous years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) 2012 "Trends in Duck Breeding Populations" report estimates breeding waterfowl numbers in North America's duck factory is at a record high. This year's estimate of 48.6 million breeding ducks is significantly higher than the 45.6 million birds estimated last year and 43 percent above the long-term average.

This annual report summarizes information about the status of duck populations and wetland habitats collected by wildlife biologists from the USFWS and the Canadian Wildlife Service for the “Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey.” The survey samples more than 2 million square miles of waterfowl habitat across the United States and Canada.

Highlights from the survey in the northcentral United States, southcentral and northern Canada, and Alaska include the following population abundance estimates:

mallard -- 10.6 million, a 15 percent increase over 2011 and a 39 percent increase over the long-term average of 7.6 million; gadwall -- 10 percent above the 2011 estimate and 96 percent above the long-term average; American wigeon -- 3 percent above 2011, but remains 17 percent below the long-term average; green-winged and blue-winged teal -- 3.5 million and 9.2 million, respectively, 20 percent and 3 percent above 2011 numbers. Both species continue to remain well above long-term averages by 74 percent and 94 percent, respectively; northern shovelers -- 5.0 million, 8 percent above 2011 and 111 percent above the long-term average; northern pintail -- 3.5 million, 22 percent below the 2011 estimate and 14 percent below the long-term average; redhead -- unchanged from last year but 89 percent above the long-term average; canvasback -- 0.8 million, 10 percent above last year's estimate and 33 percent above the long-term average; and lesser and greater scaup -- 5.2 million, 21 percent above the 2011 estimate and 4 percent above the long-term average.

Habitat conditions observed across the survey areas during the 2012 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey were characterized by average to below-average moisture, especially in the southern portions, due primarily to a mild winter and an early spring.

The 2012 survey's estimate of ponds for the northcentral U.S. was 1.7 million, 49 percent below the 2011 estimate of 3.2 million and similar to the long-term average. Significant decreases in wetland numbers and conditions occurred in the U.S. Prairies during 2012. Nearly all of the northcentral U.S. habitat was rated as good to excellent in 2011; however, only the habitat in the coteau region of North and South Dakota was rated as good in 2012, and no areas were rated as excellent habitat this year. Severe wetland declines in western South Dakota and Montana resulted in mostly poor to fair habitat conditions.

The annual survey guides USFWS waterfowl conservation programs under authority of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The USFWS works in partnership with state biologists from the four flyways – the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific – to establish regulatory

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frameworks for season lengths, dates, and bag limits, derived in part from the data gathered through this annual survey. Using these frameworks as guides, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will establish the 2012-2013 waterfowl seasons and bag limits at its August 23 meeting. The meeting will be conducted at the Kansas Wetland Education Center, 592 NE K-156 Highway, Great Bend, with the afternoon session beginning at 1:30 p.m. Waterfowl seasons will be discussed at the Public Hearing portion of the meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m.

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July 13, 2012

Warning lifted at Old Herington City Lake

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is continuing regular testing of recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing of samples resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below, as well as the Public Health Warning being lifted at Old Herington City Lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water, as conditions can change quickly depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or a thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH WARNINGS

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Herington Reservoir, Dickinson County

Logan City Lake, Phillips County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORIES

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

Brown County State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County

South Lake, Johnson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

http://ksoutdoors.com/...2-Weekly-News/Blue-green-Algae-7-13-12/CURRENT-BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-WARNINGS-AND-ADVISORIES[1/16/2018 3:54:23 PM] CURRENT BLUE-GREEN ALGAE WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES / Blue-green Algae 7-13-12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / ...

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. NOTE: It is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; eat only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

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July 19, 2012 Misunderstood law can lead to accidents PRATT — Boating and water sports are great ways to beat the summer heat, and Kansas waters teem with recreational boaters this time of year. Some of the most popular activities involve boating and being pulled by boats — such as skiing, boarding, or tubing — at high speeds. High-speed boating is fun but potentially dangerous without proper precautions, especially when riders fall while being towed.

A downed rider is hard to spot, and accidents can happen when other boaters fail to see them. That’s why it is Kansas law to raise red or orange “skier down” flags to caution boat traffic when a rider falls. Flags must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches. On Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) waters and federal reservoirs, all boaters must obey a no-wake, 5-mile-per-hour speed limit when passing within 200 feet of a swimmer or person who has fallen while being pulled by another boat or is otherwise in the water as indicated by one of these raised flags.

As important as this statute is, misunderstanding of the law is widespread. It’s common to see boats towing riders with raised flags, and some boaters have apparently adopted a policy of leaving a flag up during an entire outing, according the KDWPT. This violates the letter and the intent of the law, which states that the flag is to be raised immediately when a rider loses control of a tow rope and falls into the water. The flag is to be lowered once the towing resumes.

Although correct procedure may seem trivial, failure to follow it can lead to a general complacency that raises the risk of accidents.

“KDWPT boating and law enforcement officers emphasize the importance of understanding and obeying safety laws when towing passengers,” says Dan Heskett, boating law enforcement coordinator for the agency. “Boaters who run at high speed with a raised flag will be stopped and warned or ticketed. The same goes for failure to raise the flag when stopped.”

Remember, the flag should only be raised when a person is down in the water, and the flag must be down when towing begins or is resumed. Following these simple safety regulations will help ensure that summer boating trips remain exciting but safe. -30-

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July 19, 2012 Class required of all hunters born on or after July 1, 1957; youngsters may hunt under adult supervision without course until age 16 PRATT — Late summer is the time when hunters' thoughts turn to fall seasons, which begin with dove season Sept. 1. For first-time hunters, preparation usually means taking a hunter education course.

In most cases, anyone born on or after July 1, 1957, must successfully complete an approved course in hunter education before hunting in Kansas. Those hunting on their own land are exempt. Anyone 16 or older may purchase a one-time deferral of hunter education, called an "apprentice hunting license.” This license is valid only through the calendar year in which it is purchased, and the holder must hunt under direct supervision of a licensed adult 18 or older. Hunter education must be completed before the individual can purchase a hunting license in subsequent years. Anyone younger than 16 may hunt without hunter education certification if they are under direct supervision of an adult 18 or older. Hunters 12 years of age and older may hunt without adult supervision provided they possess a valid hunter education certificate and the appropriate licenses and/or permits. No one younger than age 11 can be certified.

Kansas hunter education volunteer instructors have scheduled a number of hunter education courses in all regions of the state, and more will be scheduled in the future. Most courses require pre-registration. Usually, multiple-day courses are traditional classroom courses, and single-day courses are internet-assisted courses. The internet-assisted class requires students to complete several hours of internet course work before attending a field day. Students must preregister for a field day before completing the internet course.

A calendar of scheduled courses, including contact information for pre-registration, is regularly updated on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website, ksoutdoors.com. For updated course listings, click "Hunting/Hunter Education/Class Schedule." The following is a list of currently-scheduled courses. Check the website regularly to find a class that fits your schedule and to confirm dates, which are subject to change.

Region 1, northwest Kansas

Internet-Assisted Course Field Days July 25 — Phillipsburg Aug. 11 —Stockton Aug. 17-18 — Colby Aug. 18 — Osborne Aug. 25 — Hill City

Traditional Courses July 23-28 — Salina Aug. 13-18 — Salina Oct. 8-13 — Salina Nov. 12-17 — Salina

Region 2, northeast Kansas

Internet-Assisted Course Field Days Aug. 6 — Fort Riley Aug. 11 — Shawnee Sept. 8 — Shawnee Oct. 27 — Clay Center Oct. 13 — Randolph

Traditional Courses

http://ksoutdoors.com/...Weekly-News/7-19-12/WILDLIFE-AND-PARKS-POSTS-HUNTER-EDUCATION-CLASS-SCHEDULE-ONLINE[1/16/2018 3:55:07 PM] WILDLIFE AND PARKS POSTS HUNTER EDUCATION CLASS SCHEDULE ONLINE / 7/19/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info /...

July 27-28 — Junction City Aug. 2-4 — Olathe Aug. 11-12 — Abilene Aug. 13-16 — Hiawatha Aug. 15-19 — Topeka Aug. 16-18 — Basehor Aug. 21-25 — Gardner Aug. 21-28 — Manhattan Aug. 24-25 — Atchison Sept. 4-8 — Gardner Sept. 6-8 — Olathe Sept. 20-22 — Basehor Sept. 25-Oct. 2 — Manhattan Oct. 13-14 — Abilene Oct. 18-20 — Basehor Oct. 23-30 — Manhattan Nov. 23-24 — Atchison

Region 3, southwest Kansas

Internet-Assisted Course Field Days Aug. 18 — Syracuse Aug. 25 — Great Bend

Traditional Courses Aug. 3-4 — Holcomb Oct. 19-20 — Holcomb

Region 4, southcentral Kansas

Internet-Assisted Course Field Days July 24-25 — Wichita Aug. 14-15 — Wichita Aug. 18 — Arlington Aug. 28-29 — Wichita Sept. 8 — Inman Oct. 13 — Arlington Oct. 13 — El Dorado

Traditional Courses Aug. 3-4 —Hutchinson Aug. 10-11 — El Dorado Aug. 17-19 — Eureka Sept. 14-15 — El Dorado

Region 5, southeast Kansas

Traditional Courses Aug. 7-11 — Fort Scott Aug. 13-25 — Parsons Aug. 24-25 — Iola Sept. 11-15 — Fort Scott

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Oct. 9-13 — Fort Scott Oct. 14-21 —Garnett Oct. 15-27 — Parsons

The majority of classes are held from August through October, the period of peak demand. A number of classes are also offered in early spring prior to the turkey season. Few classes are offered from November through February. -30-

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July 19, 2012 All but three from northwest Kansas; numbers stable PRATT— The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has announced that nine deer from Kansas tested positive for chronic wasting disease, seven confirmed and two presumptive, for the current test year. That total is down from 10 confirmed positive during last year’s testing. The two presumptive positive samples will be sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa for confirmation. All but three of the nine deer — one from Stafford County one from Sumner County, and one from Ford County — were animals from northwestern Kansas. The Stafford, Sumner, and Ford county cases were firsts for each county. Eight of the deer were taken by hunters during the 2011 hunting seasons, and one was euthanized by a KDWPT natural resource officer after it was reported as acting sick.

Two cases were from Norton County and one each from Decatur, Ford, Rawlins, Stafford, Sumner, Trego, and Wallace counties.

All cases were white-tailed deer. This season’s testing results bring the total number of confirmed CWD cases in Kansas to 49 since testing began in 1996. In total, 2,447 animals were tested for CWD for the 2011 deer seasons. Although most testing is finished for the year, KDWPT will continue testing some vehicle-killed and sick or suspect-looking deer, as well as deer taken with depredation permits, through July 31.

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

CWD is a member of the group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other diseases in this group include scrapie in sheep and goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease) in cattle, and Cruetzfeldt-Jacob disease in people. CWD is a progressive, fatal disease that results in small holes developing in the brain, giving it a sponge-like appearance under the microscope. An animal may carry the disease without outward indication, but in the later stages, signs may include behavioral changes such as decreased interactions with other animals, listlessness, lowering of the head, weight loss, repetitive walking in set patterns, and a lack of response to humans. Anyone who discovers a sick or suspect deer should contact the nearest KDWPT office.

“It must be noted that many symptoms of CWD are indicative of other diseases,” says KDWPT wildlife disease coordinator Shane Hesting. “A sick deer may or may not be infected with CWD. CWD is a serious deer disease but is still a rare disease in Kansas. There is no vaccine or other biological method that prevents the spread of CWD. However, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans or livestock in the natural environment.”

Still, precautions should be taken. Hunters are advised not to eat meat from animals known to be infected, and common-sense precautions are advised when field dressing and processing meat from animals taken in areas where CWD is found. More information on CWD can be found on KDWPT’s website, ksoutdoors.com or at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website, www.cwd-info.org. -30-

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July 20, 2012 Region 5 offers no Internet-assisted courses PRATT — A Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) news release dated July 19, 2012, and entitled “Wildlife and Parks Posts Hunter Education Class Schedule Online” contains two errors. The first regards class listings for Region 5 (southeast Kansas). Seven Internet-assisted course are listed for that region, but none are offered. Region 5 currently offers seven traditional courses, as follow:

Aug. 7-11 — Fort Scott Aug. 13-25 — Parsons Aug. 24-25 — Iola Sept. 11-15 — Fort Scott Oct. 9-13 — Fort Scott Oct. 14-21 —Garnett Oct. 15-27 — Parsons

In addition, the date for an Internet-assisted course scheduled for Randolph, in Region 2 (northeast Kansas), should read “Oct. 13.”

For the latest information, a calendar of scheduled courses, including contact information for pre-registration, is regularly updated on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. For updated course listings, click "Hunting/Hunter Education/Class Schedule." -30-

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July 20, 2012 Several lakes and one stream listed TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released blue-green algae warnings and advisories for testing done the week of July 16-20. When blue-green algae populations are above minimum public safety levels in Kansas lakes, KDHE issues public health advisories and warnings. As a result of this week’s water sampling, health advisories and warnings have been announced at several Kansas lakes and portions of one stream.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Although these lakes are under alert, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities are open for business. Boating is allowed, but state park swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Chisholm Creek North Lake — Sedgwick County Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Logan City Lake — Phillips County Marion Reservoir — Marion County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County South Lake Park — Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

Milford Reservoir — NOTE: North of Madison Creek is currently under an Advisory, but south of Madison Creek is not currently under an Advisory or Warning. Atchison County Park Lake — Atchison County Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County Centralia Lake — Nemaha County

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Herington Reservoir — Dickinson County — Scott County Lovewell Reservoir — Jewell County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness. -30-

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July 20, 2012

EMPORIA – Officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Wolf Creek Generating Station announced Friday that zebra mussels have been found in Coffey County Lake. Officials knew it was a matter of time before zebra mussels appeared in the lake near Burlington because the aquatic nuisance species (ANS) had been detected in Marion Reservoir three years ago. The Cottonwood River flows from Marion Reservoir into the Neosho River, which then fills . Coffey County Lake, which is the cooling lake for Kansas’ only nuclear power plant, gets its water from John Redmond. The larval stage of zebra mussels, called veligers, are microscopic and free-floating in water. Transmission downstream from an established population is the only method of spreading zebra mussels that is inevitable.

Wolf Creek officials were prepared for this event and have implemented procedures and equipment to ensure that zebra mussels won’t interfere with the generating station’s operations.

Zebra mussels are small, bi-valve mollusks with striped shells. They are native to the Black and Caspian seas of Western Asia and Eastern Europe and have been spread across the world via shipping. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River in 1988. Zebra mussels quickly spread through out the Great Lakes and to many inland rivers including the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas and Hudson. They first appeared in Kansas in 2003 when they were discovered in El Dorado Reservoir. Public education programs were designed to inform boaters about the dangers of zebra mussels in our waters and ways to prevent spreading them. However, zebra mussels have been confirmed in more the a dozen Kansas lakes in the past nine years. Moving water in boats and bait buckets was identified as a likely vector and recently, KDWPT established stringent regulations regarding the use of wild-caught bait, as well as prohibiting the movement of live fish from lakes where zebra mussels have been found.

Although related, zebra mussels differ from our native mussels in several important categories. Perhaps the most important is their ability to produce very large populations in a short time. Unlike native mussels, zebra mussels do not require a host fish to reproduce. A large female zebra mussel is capable of producing 1 million eggs during the reproductive season. Once fertilized, eggs develop into microscopic veligers. These veligers cannot be seen by the naked eye and can be contained by the thousands in very small quantities of water. Veligers passively float within the water for up to two weeks before they settle out as young mussels. These young mussels quickly grow to adult size and reproduce during their first summer of life, thus adding to the problem of extremely dense populations.

After settling, zebra mussels develop byssal threads that allow the shells to attach to hard surfaces such as rocks, piers, and flooded timber. They also attach themselves to pipes, water intake structures, boat hulls, propellers, and lower units of out board motors. As populations continue to increase in these areas, they can clog intake pipes and prevent water treatment plants and electrical generating plants from drawing water. In 2012, two Kansas communities, Council Grove and Osage City, experienced water shortages because of zebra mussel infestations before water intake structures could be cleaned up. Removing large quantities of zebra mussels to ensure adequate water supplies can be labor-intensive and costly.

Zebra mussels are just one of the non-native aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. Boaters and anglers are reminded to follow basic precautions to stop the spread:

• Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment between uses

• Wild-caught bait may only be used in the lake or pool where it was caught

• Live fish may not be moved from waters infested with zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species

• Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway

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July 26, 2012 Shotgun, rifle, archery shooting and casting and furharvesting demonstrations highlight event HAYS — On Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hays area conservation groups, businesses, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will offer a free day of target shooting and outdoor activities for youth ages 17 and younger. The 15th Annual Youth Outdoor Festival will be held at the Hays City Sportsmen's Club, 1/4 mile north of I-70 off Exit 157.

All targets, shooting materials, and equipment will be supplied for the event. Trap, skeet, archery, air rifle/BB gun, muzzleloader, small-bore rifle, computerized laser shot target, and paintball shooting will be offered. Furharvesting demonstrations and a kids bass casting competition will complement the event.

This is an excellent opportunity to introduce youth to the world of shooting sports, hunting, and furharvesting. Hunter education certification is not required, but youth participants must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers specializing in their fields of shooting will closely supervise youth at each station. Registration for the event will be completed on site, and participants can enjoy a free lunch.

In addition to the free shooting opportunities and lunch, several door prizes, guns, fishing tackle, and other outdoor equipment will be given away. For more information phone Kent Hensley at 785-726-3212, email [email protected], or phone Troy Mattheyer at 785- 726-4212. -30-

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July 26, 2012 Become an instructor for growing archery program KINGMAN — A training workshop for the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program will be conducted at Kingman schools on Tuesday, July 31, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The workshop will be conducted by Bob Funke, Erika Brooks, and Jesse Gehrt of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). The program is free, and participants will receive Basic NASP Archery Instructor Certification.

The workshop is sponsored by KDWPT and the Kingman school system. For more information concerning NASP, to pre-register for the workshop, or for information on how to obtain funding to establish this program in your area, phone Bob Funke at 620-431-9898, email [email protected], phone Erika Brooks at 620-672-0770, or email [email protected]. -30-

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July 26, 2012 Run/walk race, mud volleyball, disc golf, log races, much more fun awaits Lovewell State Park visitors; pre-registration for many events required WEBBER — Lovewell State Park staff and Lovewell Marina will conduct the annual Lovewell Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 4. New this year is a 5K run/walk at 7 a.m. Race participants must pre-register by 6:45 a.m. the day of the race. The race will begin at the mud volleyball pit area near Walleye Point. No entry fee is required, and certificates will be awarded for winners in several divisions.

The second event of the day is a disc golf singles tournament at Pioneer Day Use Area. Eighteen holes will be played beginning at 8 a.m. Competitors need to register at the Pioneer Day Use Area by 7:45 a.m., when a $5 entry fee is due. The entry fee will be returned to the first place winner in each of two age divisions: youth (15 and younger) and adult (16 and older).

A co-ed, double-elimination mud volleyball tournament begins at 10 a.m., with a $20 entry fee per team, 10 team limit. Pre-registration for the mud volleyball tournament is requested at the Lovewell State Park Office by Wednesday, Aug. 1. All teams must report at the mud volleyball pits at 9:30 a.m.

Another new event this year is a Kids Sand Pile, for youth ages 10 and younger. This event begins at 11 a.m. at the Pioneer Day Use Area, near the sand volleyball pit. Within a 10-minute time limit, kids will dig in a sand pile for hidden change. Two age divisions — five and younger and six through 10 — will participate.

Also added this year is a rock, paper, scissors tournament at noon near the mud volleyball pits. Participants must pre-register by 11:45 a.m. the day of the event, which is limited to 64 people of all ages. The entry fee is $1, which will be returned to the winners.

In addition, an open water slide will be set up from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pioneer Day Use Area. All ages are invited to play on the slide. At 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Day Use Area, log races, the final event of the day, will be held.

For registration and more information on the events, phone Lovewell State Park at 785-753-4971. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park. Daily permits are $4.20, and annual permits are $24.70. -30-

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July 27, 2012

In addition to lakes, drought is reducing stream flows; potential for algal blooms in stagnant pools

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue- green algae. When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water, as conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH WARNINGS

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Chisholm Creek North Lake, Sedgwick County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

Logan City Lake, Phillips County

Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County

South Lake Park, Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORIES

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

Milford Reservoir: north of School Creek is currently under an Advisory status, south of School Creek is not currently under an Advisory or a Warning status.

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Atchison County Park Lake, Atchison County

Brown County State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Centralia Lake, Nemaha County

Deanna Rose Farmstead, Johnson County (new)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (downgraded from a warning)

Lake Scott State Park, Scott County (new)

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

KDHE has also issued a stream notice this week. As a result of the statewide drought, Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering.

KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to initially screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website.

Additionally, KDHE has noticed a number of pooled streams having high bacteria concentrations, presenting a risk to anyone using those pools for recreation. KDHE advises citizens to be aware of recreation activities at and above stagnant pools in streams. Those pools may contain high levels of bacteria levels. Use of public water bodies, particularly lakes and reservoirs, continues to be the best opportunity for low-risk water recreation and is encouraged.

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Aug. 1, 2012

$2.50 permit required to hunt prairie chickens; follow- up surveys can help better manage harvest and target conservation programs EMPORIA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has announced that a $2.50 permit will be required to hunt prairie chickens this fall. This applies to both lesser and greater prairie chickens. Permits may be purchased wherever licenses are sold and online beginning the first full week in August. The $2.50 fee is the minimum charge, with all proceeds going to vendors and automation costs.

The permit will give KDWPT biologists the ability to better identify prairie chicken hunters. Using information gathered when the permit is sold, a random sampling of those individuals will be sent a post-season survey that will be used to develop more accurate estimates of harvest and species distribution.

The lesser prairie chicken has been considered a candidate under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1998, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will release a proposed rule on the status of the bird under the ESA in September. KDWPT is opposed to a federal listing of the lesser prairie chicken because it will likely hamper voluntary landowner enrollment in conservation programs that have greatly benefited lesser prairie chickens and other grassland wildlife across the state. Information from the new prairie chicken survey will help KDWPT to further justify hunting of lesser prairie chickens to the USFWS and the general public in the face of possible listing. Research has already shown that the current level of hunter harvest has negligible effects on population growth, which is much more sensitive to changes in the production of young.

“Collecting these data will provide us with the best chance to continue hunting lesser prairie chickens in the face of a pending threatened or endangered listing by the Fish and Wildlife Service,” explains Jim Pitman, KDWPT small game coordinator. “As an added bonus, we will also be able to better regulate harvest of both lesser and greater chickens and more accurately delineate their distributions. More accurate range delineations provide us with a greater ability to target conservation programs across the state to benefit both chicken species. The greater prairie chicken is not currently a candidate species for federal listing, but we included them in the permit requirement because in parts of Kansas, their populations are struggling much more than those of their smaller cousin. By including them, we are being proactive and are attempting to avert a situation similar to the one we are now facing with lesser chickens.”

Population size and distribution of both prairie chicken species have increased across western Kansas over the last 15 years, largely due to voluntary landowner enrollments in federal farm bill programs, especially the Conservation Reserve Program. Greater prairie chicken populations in the eastern one-half of the state have been declining over that same time period due in large part to inadequate fire frequency on native rangelands.

Also new for 2012, the Northwest Prairie Chicken Unit has been expanded to include all of Kansas west of U.S. Highway 281 and north of Highway 96. That unit will also now be open during the early season, Sept. 15-Oct. 15. A map of prairie chicken units may be found online at kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/Hunting-Regulations/Maps.

Fall 2012 prairie chicken seasons include the following:

Early Season (Northwest and East units) Sept. 15-Oct. 15 Daily Bag Limit: 2, single species or in combination

Regular Season (Northwest and East units) Nov. 17-Jan. 31, 2013 Daily Bag Limit: 2, single species or in combination http://ksoutdoors.com/...PT-Info/News/News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/8-2-12/PRAIRIE-CHICKEN-PERMIT-REQUIRED-THIS-FALL[1/16/2018 3:58:36 PM] PRAIRIE CHICKEN PERMIT REQUIRED THIS FALL / 8/2/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

Southwest Season Nov. 17-Dec. 31 Daily Bag Limit: 1

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Aug. 1, 2012 Labor Day weekend event for youth 16 and younger; registration deadline Aug. 23 ST. MARYS — The Westar Energy Green Team will host a youth dove hunt at Jeffrey Energy Center, north of St. Marys, on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3. Hunts will be on wheat stubble or sunflowers, guided by volunteers in the early morning or late afternoon. Area staff report that the fields are in excellent condition and should provide excellent hunting.

These hunts are a great way for kids 16 and younger to learn dove hunting basics with plenty of birds flying at close range. Youth must bring their own shotguns, be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, and have a license and HIP stamp if age 16. Nontoxic shells will be provided.

Interested hunters or mentors should phone Barb Cornelius at 785-575-8125. Hunters will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and hunts will be scheduled as requests dictate and hunting groups can be formed. The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 23. -30-

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Aug. 1, 2012 Algae blooms, oxygen depletion can kill fish, make pets and people sick PRATT — Blue-green algae blooms have been reported at a number of Kansas reservoirs this summer, but they are not isolated to large bodies of water. Record hot temperatures and drought have created the potential for algae blooms in farm ponds. These blooms sometimes create toxins that can kill fish and even pets, and they are known to make people sick.

While fish kills can be heartbreaking to a small pond owner, preventing people and pets from getting sick is critical. So how do you stay safe around algae-tainted water?

“It’s largely a matter of common sense,” says Mike Miller, information production section chief for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). “If food doesn’t look or smell good, we don’t eat it. It should be the same for water we wade or swim in. If a body of water has green or oddly-colored scum floating on it, stay out and keep your pets out.” Miller adds that fish caught from these waters should be good to eat if properly cleaned and cooked.

Blue-green algae blooms often resemble green or turquoise paint floating on the water. These blooms result when long-term build up of nutrients in the water (nitrogen and phosphorus) combine with hot weather and other environmental conditions to stimulate algae growth. In time, these algae blooms naturally die off.

While blue-green algae blooms can be toxic to fish, fish kills can also result from oxygen depletion created by a number of factors not necessarily associated with blue-green algae blooms. To support fish and other higher organisms, a pond or lake must have dissolved oxygen. Oxygen depletion is the most common cause of fish kills, and low oxygen occurs most often during periods of calm, cloudy, hot weather. Although Kansas has not experienced many cloudy days this summer, 100-degree days have scorched the landscape, and green algae has tinted most ponds this summer.

Most dissolved oxygen in water comes from the atmosphere on windy days and as a byproduct of photosynthesis in aquatic plants such as filamentous algae (commonly called "moss"), green algae, and coontail. If less sunlight penetrates deeper water — because of clouds or murky water — vegetation and oxygen content at deeper levels are reduced. Dissolved oxygen levels can also be affected by temperature. Colder water holds oxygen better, and very warm water easily loses oxygen. Atmospheric pressure is also a factor. Oxygen solubility increases as atmospheric pressure rises.

Most fish kills occur in the early morning before the sun comes up, when dissolved oxygen levels are lowest, and, unfortunately, larger fish are usually the first to be affected. Ponds or lakes with large amounts of algae or phytoplankton can have high oxygen during the day, but at night, bacteria that feed on these dying plants use up oxygen.

Herbicides or algaecides can help control aquatic vegetation and reduce the chances of a fish kill. However, this must be done carefully to prevent rapid decomposition and further oxygen depletion. Other ways to prevent oxygen depletion include pumping or flowing water into a pond (especially in the early morning hours before sunrise); diluting runoff that adds nutrients to a pond; using a commercial aerator; reducing feed if artificial feeding is used; and maintaining proper fish density for the size of the pond.

For the latest blue-green algae alerts from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, visit their website, kdheks.gov/algae- illness/index.htm. For more information on pond management, contact KDWPT at 620-672-5911 or visit the department website, ksoutdoors.com. Type "Pond Management" in the search box and then click on "Producing Fish and Wildlife in Kansas Ponds." -30-

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Aug. 3, 2012 Three lakes lifted; one lake downgraded to Advisory TOPEKA — On Aug. 2, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae, and alerts for three lakes have been lifted while another has been downgraded from “Warning” to “Advisory.” Advisories/Warnings have been lifted at Milford Reservoir in Geary County, Lake Scott State Park in Scott County, and Marion Reservoir in Marion County. Chisholm Creek Park Lake North in Sedgwick County, which was previously under a Warning, has been downgraded to a Advisory status.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Harvey County West Park Lake — Harvey County (new) Logan City Lake — Phillips County Great Bend Memorial/Veterans Lake — Barton County McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County (new) South Lake Park— Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

Atchison County Park Lake — Atchison County Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County

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Centralia Lake — Nemaha County Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County (previously a warning) Deanna Rose Farmstead Fishing Pond — Johnson County Riggs Park Lake — Sedgwick County (new)

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

KDHE has also issued a stream notice this week. As a result of the statewide drought, Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering.

KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to initially screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website.

Additionally, KDHE has noticed a number of pooled streams having high bacteria concentrations, presenting a risk to anyone using those pools for recreation. KDHE advises citizens to be aware of recreation activities at and above stagnant pools in streams. Those pools may contain high levels of bacteria levels. Use of public water bodies, particularly lakes and reservoirs, continues to be the best opportunity for low-risk water recreation and is encouraged. -30-

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Aug. 9, 2012 KDWPT-managed areas are magnets for elusive mourning doves PRATT — Many hunters view Sept. 1 as the opening of hunting season, with dove season beginning on that day. It’s been a blistering hot, dry summer, but mourning doves seem to thrive in hot, dry weather, and Kansas hunters should have no problem finding this acrobat game bird when the season opens. Hitting them may be another matter, so target practice prior to season is important.

Although the mourning dove is the primary quarry, Kansas hunters enjoy pursuing four species of doves in split fall and winter seasons. The season for all doves runs Sept. 1-Oct. 31 and Nov. 3-11. During these segments, two native species (mourning and white-winged doves) as well as two exotic species (Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves) may be taken. In addition, an exotic species season runs Nov. 20-Feb. 28, 2013. During this time, only Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves may be taken.

To enhance public hunting opportunities, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) manages fields specifically to attract doves. Dove fields may include standing or mowed sunflowers, unharvested strips of wheat and burned crop stubble, mowed wheat, mixed plantings, or any combination of techniques.

Some areas have restricted hunting dates or times, and others may be restricted to youth, novice, and/or disabled hunters. Some may also require hunters using managed dove fields to obtain and complete a daily hunt permit or obtain access through a drawing. Other areas are open to the general public. Fields within waterfowl management areas require non-toxic shot only. Daily hunt permits are free and located in “iron rangers” (similar to mailboxes) at the field near you.

Use the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, to find details on areas specially managed for doves. Click "Hunting/Migratory Birds/Doves/Managed Hunting Areas" for details on a managed dove area.

Hunters are reminded that there are no bag and possession limits for Eurasian collared doves and ringed turtle doves. However, during the regular dove season — Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 and Nov. 3-11 — if the take of exotic doves exceeds a hunter’s daily bag of 15 mourning and white-winged doves (single species or in combination), the exotic doves must be transported with a fully-feathered wing attached. The possession limit for mourning and white-winged doves is 30.

Doves are excellent table fare. Whether wrapped in bacon and grilled, baked in a pie, or skewered for shish-ka-bobs, this game bird is a favorite of many. But don’t wait until Sept. 1 to get ready. Hunters should be scouting areas and obtaining permission on private ground or planning for a public land hunt now. Shooting clay targets for a couple of weeks will save shells once the season opens, but stock up on shells anyway; this is one of the most difficult game birds to hit. These things done, all that remains is knowing the law and cleaning the grill.

All dates and regulations needed for hunting doves may be found online at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. On Aug. 23, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will approve final regulations for ducks and geese at the Wetland Education Center, 592 NE K156 Highway, near Great Bend. Once that action is complete, KDWPT can post the 2012 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary, on the agency’s website, where hunters can go to learn more about identifying dove species. At that time, click "Hunting/Hunting Regulations" to view or download this booklet.

Printed copies of the 2012 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary, as well as the Kansas Hunting Atlas, will be available where licenses are sold the first week in September. -30-

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Aug. 9, 2012 Youth ages 10-16 invited to participate in guided hunt; application deadline Aug. 25 ELLIS — Thanks to the success of last year’s TJ’s Memorial Youth Deer Hunt, Hunting Heritage Group and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will host the 6th Annual TJ’s Memorial Youth Deer Hunt during the special youth and disabled hunting season. This year, the hunt will be held Sept. 8-9. Hunters will hunt from a blind with an experienced guide/mentor on private land that adjoins Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area in Trego County. Two young hunters will hunt in specially-designated areas on Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area.

The first morning will consist of classroom instruction along with a trip to the range to sight in rifles. Once rifles are sighted in and everyone has had lunch, guides and youth hunters will go afield. All hunters will return to the meeting area that evening. Those youth who are unsuccessful that day will be invited to hunt the following day.

Youth participants for this hunt must be residents of Kansas ages 10 through 16. One disabled veteran and one disabled youth will also be selected to participate in the hunt. In addition, candidates for the hunt must complete and submit an application form by Aug. 25. Application forms may be obtained at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com (type “TJ’s” in the search box) or by contacting Natural Resource Officer II Jason Hawman at 785-483-0504. There is no charge for the hunt, and lodging will be provided.

Special hunts like this are part of the Kansas Hunter Recruitment and Retention Program called "PASS IT ON." This program addresses the need to recruit new hunters and retain existing hunters in order to ensure the future of hunting in Kansas. -30-

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Aug. 9, 2012 Shoreline and fishery improvements scheduled; no fish salvage allowed KINGMAN — In an effort to improve fishing and eliminate an expanding white perch population — an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) — Kingman State Fishing Lake (SFL) is scheduled to be drained and renovated this fall. Periodic renovations are standard practice in small lakes when fish populations became unbalanced due to expansion of undesirable fish species. Kingman SFL has been drained and rehabilitated six times since 1947. Currently, the majority of the fish biomass in the lake is composed of common carp, gizzard shad, and white perch. The quality and quantity of sport fish has decreased in the lake, and the fishery is not currently meeting the needs of anglers. Angler use in 2011 was approximately one-third of that seen during the last angler survey at Kingman in 1999.

Biologist believe hot, dry weather has created the best conditions for renovating this fish population because the drought has dried up many upstream pools that may have harbored undesirable fish species. After the lake is drained, the existing water in the lake basin will be treated with rotenone, a fish toxicant. Because Kingman is an ANS-designated water due to white perch, fish salvage will not be allowed, reducing the risk of white perch transfer into non-infested waters.

Dewatering of the lake will begin in mid-August. During renovation, a number of lake improvement projects will take place, including fish habitat placement, boat ramp extension, and chemical treatment of problematic shoreline vegetation. Upon refilling of the lake, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and channel catfish will be restocked.

“Hopefully, fall rains and increased spring flow will fill the lake by spring of 2013,” says Sean T. Lynott, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s regional fisheries supervisor for southern Kansas. “After the renovation, the lake will not be closed to fishing because some adult fish will be stocked immediately to prey on any undesirable fish not eliminated by the chemical treatment. Additionally, the newly- stocked fish should grow quickly without competition from rough fish, so fishing should quickly improve in the years to come.” -30-

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Aug. 9, 2012 Free permits will help with game management MELVERN — In an attempt to gather better information regarding how game populations respond to management activities and hunter harvest, Melvern Wildlife Area and Lyon State Fishing Lake will require daily hunting permits beginning Sept. 1. Melvern Wildlife Area is a popular destination for many hunters and provides more than 10,000 acres of public hunting for a variety of game, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and waterfowl. Providing high-quality habitat for each of these game species and a superior experience for the hunters pursuing them requires the best tools and information available, and data gleaned from these permits will help area biologists with their habitat management plans.

The hunting permit will be free and required for anyone hunting on these wildlife areas for any species of game. A new permit must be filled out and returned each day. Permits can be obtained at 10 locations on Melvern Wildlife Area and two locations on Lyon State Fishing Lake. At these locations, permits will be stored in metal boxes called “iron rangers,” which are similar to mailboxes.

Prior to hunting, hunters will fill out the top portion of the card and deposit it in the iron ranger. The bottom portion must be kept on their person while hunting. When the hunter is finished for the day, the bottom portion should be filled out and returned to an iron ranger. The information collected will be used to help direct management in the future. Additionally, these permits will provide much-needed information regarding game population trends on the area as well as hunter preferences, participation, success, and satisfaction with their hunting experience.

When the fall hunting season finally arrives, remember to stop by an iron ranger prior to hunting Melvern Wildlife Area or Lyon State Fishing Lake and fill out a permit. Cooperation and participation in this new program will help the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism collect valuable information to ensure a high-quality hunting experience for future generations. For more information, phone the Melvern Wildlife Area Office at 620-699-3372. -30-

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Aug. 10, 2012 Public asked to notify KDWPT of deer that act ill or are found dead EMPORIA — July through early October is a time when people occasionally see sick and dead deer and wonder what is happening. The disease most often associated with these losses is called hemorrhagic disease (HD). It is caused by a virus, and it is transmitted to deer and other ruminant animals by biting midges. People and their pets are not affected by this virus, and the disease stops in the fall after cold weather kills the midges.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is asking anyone who sees a sick or dead deer to phone local KDWPT staff and report where and how many deer are involved. To help identify the extent of the disease, an online survey is also available for people to report fresh or decomposing carcasses. The public survey can be found at surveymonkey.com/s/WHZKVNS.

So far this year, KDWPT has received reports of dead or sick deer from at least 24 counties in northcentral and eastern Kansas. These counties include Jewell, Cloud, Cherokee, Shawnee, Clay, Washington, Wilson, Doniphan, Jackson, Miami, Franklin, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Douglas, Osage, Wabaunsee, Pottawatomie, Lyon, Riley, Anderson, Bourbon, Dickinson, and Marion. Most of these reports have involved a single sick or dead deer, with occasional reports of multiple mortalities.

Test samples can be taken from deer if the carcass is found soon after death. Samples are submitted to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) at the University of Georgia to determine cause of death and occurrence at the county level. Recent results from a case in Wilson County confirmed the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, serotype 2 (EHDV-2), a variation within a subspecies of the virus.There are two related classes of viruses that may cause hemorrhagic disease — epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and bluetongue virus (BTV). The virus and serotype most often associated with death of deer in Kansas is EHDV-2.

Both BTV and EHDV infect cattle, but in North America, clinical disease in infected cattle is rare and generally mild when it does occur. Sheep are not affected by EHDV, but severe disease can be caused by BTV. Midges can carry both viruses and feed on many species of ruminants, and the viruses may produce a variety of symptoms in deer.

When HD occurs, people normally find sick and dead deer along streams or near ponds. Midges reproduce in nutrient-rich substrate near stagnant water, and deer are often found near those sites in the late summer. Deer with HD frequently have a high temperature and may seek cool water. They also often allow people to get very close. Sick deer may be standing or lying down, many times right in water, and they occasionally have an open mouth with their tongue hanging out and swollen.

The clinical signs of HD in deer can be highly variable. The virus can damage the deer's blood vessel lining, which can result in leaking blood vessels and an accumulation of blood and fluid in tissues. This hemorrhagic appearance gave rise to the name for this disease.

This year many deer are responding severely to the disease. These animals will sometimes die within a couple days after they are first infected by the midges. That does not mean that all deer infected with the virus will die. Some deer will not show any symptoms, and their immune system will produce antibodies for this virus. Those antibodies can give the deer some protection from the disease in future years. Other deer will survive the initial infection, only to develop complications from tissue damage during the early stages of infection, a form known as chronic HD.

The chronic signs of HD typically observed by hunters in the winter or by people who encounter a sick deer in the spring include fever rings on the hooves (cracked or sloughed hooves on three or four feet) and emaciation. Thin deer are generally the result of the disease’s effects on the lining of the rumen (a digestive organ similar to a stomach in other animals). Those animals have a decreased ability to effectively digest food. Chronic HD can further lower the immune response of deer and leave them vulnerable to bacterial diseases such pneumonia. The virus itself is not a threat to people, but deer with bacterial infections are unfit for consumption.

What can be done about HD? There are no effective treatments or vaccines for HD. Even if there were, it would be nearly impossible to treat enough wild deer to have any effect on the annual outcomes of this disease. Some individual deer have high levels of immunity to the disease. Deer in western Kansas generally have antibodies for various serotypes of EHDV and BTV, and a significant die-off in the western two-thirds of the state is rare. Deer in eastern Kansas generally do not have antibodies for the disease, and when events like the one this year occur, there can be high numbers of sick and dead deer.

The best advice for people concerned about HD on their land is to make sure deer are not concentrated at feeders and that deer are not being fed high levels of corn, which may lower their ability to mount an immune response if they become infected. KDWPT will continue to monitor the spread and extent of HD this year.

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“HD probably occurs to some extent every year in Kansas,” explains Lloyd Fox, big game program coordinator for KDWPT. “Occasionally, there are years when the disease causes high mortality. The department adjusts future management, such as antlerless-only seasons and numbers of permits, as a result of those events.”

Fox explains that HD is a traditional disease of deer, and while there may be high numbers of dead deer in a particular area, the deer herd will generally repopulate the area within a few years. -30-

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Aug. 10, 2012 Lakes in Johnson and Shawnee counties added to Warning list TOPEKA — On Aug. 10, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae, and alerts for two lakes have been added to the “Warning” list: Antioch Park Lake South, in Johnson County, and Central Park Lake, in Shawnee County. These are the only changes from last week’s testing results.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Antioch Park Lake South — Johnson County (new) Central Park Lake — Shawnee County (new) Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Harvey County West Park Lake — Harvey County Logan City Lake — Phillips County Great Bend Memorial/Veterans Lake — Barton County McPherson State Fishing Lake — McPherson County South Lake Park— Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

Atchison County Park Lake — Atchison County Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County

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Centralia Lake — Nemaha County Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County Deanna Rose Farmstead Fishing Pond — Johnson County Riggs Park Lake — Sedgwick County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

KDHE has also issued a stream notice this week. As a result of the statewide drought, Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering.

KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to initially screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website.

Additionally, KDHE has noticed a number of pooled streams having high bacteria concentrations, presenting a risk to anyone using those pools for recreation. KDHE advises citizens to be aware of recreation activities at and above stagnant pools in streams. Those pools may contain high levels of bacteria levels. Use of public water bodies, particularly lakes and reservoirs, continues to be the best opportunity for low-risk water recreation and is encouraged. -30-

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Aug. 16, 2012 Duck, goose season dates to highlight public hearing GREAT BEND — The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, Aug. 23, at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K156 Highway, northeast of Great Bend. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

Secretary’s remarks; agency and state fiscal status; 2013 Legislature; feral swine control efforts in Kansas; Tourism Division briefing; waterfowl management briefing; Cheyenne Bottoms signage project; and big game permanent regulations.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

fishing regulations; spring turkey regulations; park fees; alcohol on Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism property; scoring methods for poaching penalty; senior hunt-fish licenses/pass pricing; and agritourism regulations.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for a public hearing on the following regulations:

KAR 115-14 series on falconry; KAR 115-18-1 — wildlife rehabilitation permit, application, reporting and general provisions, new regulation; and late migratory bird seasons.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on Aug. 23 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., Aug. 24, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Oct. 18 at Flint Oak, 2639 Quail Road, near Fall River. -30-

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Aug. 16, 2012 Atlas locates all Walk-In Hunting Access areas and public wildlife areas PRATT — Want hunting access to one million acres of private land? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) provides just that and more in the 2012 Kansas Hunting Atlas. This essential hunting tool includes maps showing locations of Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) areas and public wildlife areas and will be available online at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, the week of Aug. 27. Click “Hunting/Where to Hunt in Kansas” to find a link to the document. Printed copies of the atlas will be available in late August or early September at KDWPT offices and hunting license vendors around the state.

The atlas provides dozens of full-page maps covering the entire state. Online visitors can view and print the complete atlas or select specific maps. Hunters can also download maps to GPS units for easy navigation. Each map includes an index listing the game species most likely to occur on properties listed.

For information on hunting seasons and regulations, copies of the 2012 Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary will be available at KDWPT offices and license vendors the first week in September, but hunters can view or download the complete publication from the KDWPT website after the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting Aug. 23. Type “Hunting Regulations” in the search box at the department’s homepage or click “Hunting/Hunting Regulations. -30-

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Aug. 16, 2012 Great Bend doctor an active outdoorsman TOPEKA — Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced Monday the appointment of Roger Marshall, M.D., Great Bend, to the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission. Marshall replaces Frank Meyer, Herington, who’s second term on the commission expired in at the end of June.

Marshall lives in Great Bend and was born and raised in Butler County. He received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Kansas State University and graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting upland birds, waterfowl, and turkeys, as well as bowhunting deer, fishing, and boating.

Marshall and his wife of 29 years have four children. He operates an obstetrics and gynecology private practice in Great Bend and serves as the chairman of the Great Bend Regional Hospital Maternal and Child Health Service. He also served in the U.S. Army reserves from 1984 to 1991.

The seven-member KWPT Commission is made up of no more than four members of any one political party. Members are appointed by the Governor and serve staggered four-year terms. The commission advises the agency’s Secretary on planning and policy issues. Regulations approved by the commission are adopted and administrated by the Secretary. -30-

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Aug. 17, 2012 Centralia Lake moved to Warning list, Atchison County Park Lake removed from listing TOPEKA — On Aug. 16, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae, and alerts for two lakes have changed. Centralia Lake in Nemaha County has been moved to the Warning list and Atchison County Park Lake in Atchison County is no longer under a Warning or Advisory status. These are the only changes from last week’s testing results.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Antioch Park Lake (South) — Johnson County Central Park Lake — Shawnee County Centralia Lake — Nemaha County (moved from Advisory list) Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Harvey County West Park Lake — Harvey County Logan City Lake —Phillips County McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County South Lake Park — Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

http://ksoutdoors.com/...fo/News/News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/Blue-green-8-17-12/BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-NOTICES-FOR-AUG.-17[1/16/2018 4:05:57 PM] BLUE-GREEN ALGAE NOTICES FOR AUG. 17 / Blue-green 8/17/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County Deanna Rose Farmstead — Johnson County Riggs Park Lake — Sedgwick County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

KDHE has also issued a stream notice this week. As a result of the statewide drought, Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering.

KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to initially screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website.

Additionally, KDHE has noticed a number of pooled streams having high bacteria concentrations, presenting a risk to anyone using those pools for recreation. KDHE advises citizens to be aware of recreation activities at and above stagnant pools in streams. Those pools may contain high levels of bacteria levels. Use of public water bodies, particularly lakes and reservoirs, continues to be the best opportunity for low-risk water recreation and is encouraged. -30-

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Aug. 23, 2012 Printed copies available in early September PRATT — Printed copies of the 2012 Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary will be available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices and license vendors around the state about the first of September, but hunters can view or download the summary beginning Aug. 24 at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. Type “Hunting Regulations” in the search box or click on “Hunting” then “Hunting Regulations.”

As always, this year's booklet contains several new regulations. In addition to changes in season dates, significant new regulations include the following:

Big game animals Crossbows may be used during the archery season by hunters who possess a youth big game permit valid during the archery season and hunters 55 and older who possess a big game permit valid during the archery season. In a two-year pilot project, any person with an archery or any season deer permit valid in deer management units 1, 12, 15, and 19 may use a crossbow during deer archery season, regardless of age or disability. Each person age 16 through 54 shall obtain a free crossbow hunter survey number from the KDWPT website before hunting with a crossbow during archery season.

Migratory birds Doves shall only be taken while in flight. Legal shooting hours for sandhill cranes are from sunrise to sunset throughout the season.

2013 Senior license exemption On Jan. 1, 2013, hunters age 65-74 will be required to have a hunting license. A reduced-price lifetime combination hunting/fishing license or a half-price annual fishing, annual hunting, or combination annual license will be available.

Upland game The Southwest Prairie Chicken Unit now includes that area west of U.S. Highway 281 and south of Hwy 96. The Northwest Unit includes that area west of U.S. Highway 281 and north of Highway 96 and will offer an early season, Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Prairie chicken hunters must purchase a $2.50 prairie chicken permit before harvesting a bird this fall.

Public lands (including WIHA) Commercial guides must have a permit, available on the KDPWT website, to guide on public lands. The permit is free and must be specific to the land where guiding takes place. Baiting while hunting or preparing to hunt is illegal on public lands. Only two portable blinds or tree stands are allowed per hunter. Portable blinds may not be left unattended overnight. Tree stands and portable blinds must be marked with the owner’s name and address or KDWPT number. Decoys may not be left unattended overnight.

Turkey Management units for fall turkey hunting have changed to six units.

Other regulations are covered in this indispensable booklet. Download a copy as soon as it’s available or pick up a printed copy in early

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September. -30-

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Aug. 23, 2012 Hunt for youth ages 12 through 18 HAYS — Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever No. 424, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), Pheasant Runn Controlled Shooting Area, and the Hunting Heritage Group, Inc., will host the 7th Annual Darrell Brown Youth Upland Hunt, in memory of former volunteer Darrell Brown, on Oct. 20. The event will be held at Hays City Sportsman Club, ¼ mile north of I-70 off Exit 157 near Hays.

The hunt is for youth ages 12 through 18 years old. Each youth hunter will have the opportunity to harvest at least four birds while hunting over pointing dogs.

Participants will hunt and be mentored on a variety of related subjects, including how to hunt with pointing dogs, field safety, how hunting dogs are trained, gun handling, how to clean and prepare harvested birds, and what type of habitat to look for when hunting upland birds. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is also incorporated into the event.

Special hunts like this are part of KDWPT’s Hunter Recruitment and Retention Program, called PASS IT ON. This program recruits new hunters and helps retain existing hunters to ensure the future of hunting and wildlife conservation.

To register for the hunt, contact Shayne Wilson at 785-628-1415, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no charge for the event. -30-

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Aug. 23, 2012 Submerged structure, commercial vessels pose greater threat in low water ST. LOUIS — Many waterways throughout the Midwest are experiencing lower than average water levels this year. This poses particular hazards to recreational boaters. Areas that were navigable in past months or years may be too shallow to operate in now. River structures such as dikes may be closer to the surface, posing potential grounding threats, and channel widths may be smaller than expected. This can affect all waters in the Mississippi drainage, including the Missouri and Kansas rivers in the Sunflower State.

As a result, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a boating advisory for all waters in the drainage. Boaters should follow simple precautions while using these waters:

always have approved life jackets for everyone onboard; operate in areas you are familiar with, at safe speeds; do not operate near fleeting areas, commercial vessels, or barges — larger vessels and structures can create strong eddies, undertows, and wakes; do not operate near underwater river structures, such as dikes; have light and sound signaling devices onboard; tell someone where you are going, when you will be there, and how to contact you to verify your safety; and for boating safety tips and classes, contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary for support or visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Boating Education website, ksoutdoors.com/news/Boating/Boating-Education.

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Aug. 23, 2012 Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation lists eight best parks EL DORADO — El Dorado State Park has been voted by fans of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Take Me Fishing campaign as one of eight best “waterparks” in the country. This summer, RBFF fans visited the organization’s Facebook page to participate in Nature’s Waterpark Showdown. Each fan was invited to help determine the top eight natural “waterparks,” or state parks, for boating and fishing in America. Participants could also register to win the grand prize, a vacation to a state park for a family of four.

El Dorado State Park, in Butler County, was voted one of the top eight state parks in America based on fishing, boating, and “family fun.”

The list of eight stretched from New Hampshire to Kansas, including these parks:

Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma Itasca State Park, Minnesota Blue Spring State Park, Florida El Dorado State Park, Kansas Presque Isle State Park, Cave Lake State Park, Nevada Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee Wellington State Park, New Hampshire

El Dorado Reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was completed in June of 1981. The lake consists of approximately 8,000 surface acres of water, 4,500 acres of state park lands, and 3,500 acres of wildlife area. The park consists of four primary campgrounds offering a full service marina, a sailing club, approximately 1,000 campsites, picnic shelters, rental cabins, trails (horse, hiking, and bicycling), swim beaches, shower houses and restrooms, ADA playgrounds, boat ramps, and a laundry facility. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism manages the park and the reservoir resources.

For more information on the Nature’s Waterpark Showdown winners visit the Take Me Fishing™ Facebook page at facebook.com/takemefishing. The parks showcased in the campaign are just a fraction of the many outdoor recreation spots available throughout the nation. For more information on boating and fishing and a full list of places to participate in the sports, visit TakeMeFishing.org. -30-

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Aug. 24, 2012 One lake downgraded to Advisory; one lake lifted from list TOPEKA — On Aug. 23, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae, and alerts for two lakes have changed. As a result of this week’s water sampling, the health advisory has been lifted at Antioch Park Lake (South), Johnson County, and McPherson County State Fishing Lake has been moved from a Warning to an Advisory level. These are the only changes from last week’s testing results.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Central Park Lake — Shawnee County Centralia Lake — Nemaha County Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Harvey County West Park Lake, — Harvey County Logan City Lake — Phillips County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County South Lake Park — Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County Deanna Rose Farmstead — Johnson County McPherson County SFL — McPherson County (Downgraded from Warning) http://ksoutdoors.com/...fo/News/News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/Blue-green-8-24-12/BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-NOTICES-FOR-AUG.-23[1/16/2018 4:07:39 PM] BLUE-GREEN ALGAE NOTICES FOR AUG. 23 / Blue-green 8/24/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

Riggs Park Lake — Sedgwick County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

KDHE has also issued a stream notice this week. As a result of the statewide drought, Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering.

KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to initially screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website.

Additionally, KDHE has noticed a number of pooled streams having high bacteria concentrations, presenting a risk to anyone using those pools for recreation. KDHE advises citizens to be aware of recreation activities at and above stagnant pools in streams. Those pools may contain high levels of bacteria levels. Use of public water bodies, particularly lakes and reservoirs, continues to be the best opportunity for low-risk water recreation and is encouraged. -30-

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August 24, 2012

Low Plains Southeast Zone duck season to open Nov. 15

GREAT BEND – The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission approved season dates for the 2012-2013 duck and goose seasons at a public hearing conducted at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center near Great Bend on Aug. 23. Duck seasons are as follows: High Plains Unit – Oct. 6-Dec. 30 and Jan. 19-27, 2013; Low Plains Early Zone – Oct. 6-Dec. 2 and Dec. 15-30, 2012; Low Plains Late Zone – Oct. 27-Dec. 30 and Jan. 19-27, 2013; Low Plains Southeast Zone – Nov. 15, 2012-Jan. 27, 2013.

The 2012-2013 goose seasons are as follows: White-fronted geese – Oct. 27-Dec. 30 and Feb. 2-10, 2013; Canada and brant geese – Oct. 27-Nov. 4 and Nov. 7, 2012-Feb. 10, 2013; Light geese (Ross’ and snow) – Oct. 27-Nov. 4 and Nov. 7, 2012-Feb. 10, 2013; Light geese conservation order – Feb. 11-April 30, 2013.

Shooting hours for duck and goose hunting are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit for ducks is 6 ducks with species and sex restrictions as follows: 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be hens), 3 wood ducks, 2 pintails, 2 redheads and 1 canvasback. Daily bag limit for mergansers is 5 (only 2 of which may be hooded). Daily bag limit for coots is 15. Daily bag limits for geese are as follows: 3 Canada geese, 2 white-fronted geese, and 20 light geese. Possession limit for ducks and geese is twice the daily bag limit, except there is no possession limit for light geese. During the conservation order for light geese, there is no daily bag or possession limit.

Special youth waterfowl seasons allow youth 15 and younger to hunt under the supervision of an adult 18 years old or older. The adult may not hunt. Shooting hours and bag limits are the same as during the regular duck and goose seasons. Youth seasons are as follows: High Plains Unit and Low Plains Early Zone – Sept. 29-30; Low Plains Late Zone – Oct. 20-21; and Low Plains Southeast Zone – Nov. 3-4.

The Commission also approved changes to the falconry regulations, which bring Kansas state regulations in compliance with federal requirements and allows falconers to operate under a state-managed system with federal oversight.

Changes were approved to rehabilitation permit regulations as a result of changes in the falconry regulations related to the possession requirements for treatment of injured animals.

The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will meet next on October 18 at Flint Oak, Fall River.

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Aug. 30, 2012 Day to feature field seminar and question and answer session CONCORDIA — On Sept. 6, Jamestown Wildlife Area managers will hold the traditional Jamestown Waterfowl Information night, with a twist. Instead of meeting in a classroom with presentations, pictures, graphs, and tables on current habitat conditions, interested hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to Jamestown Wildlife Area to see the conditions first hand.

Jamestown Wildlife Area is 12 miles northwest of Concordia, near Jamestown. From Jamestown, go 2.5 miles north on Cloud County Road 765, turn west on Wagon Road for one mile, turn north on 30 Road for one mile, then turn west on Republic Road for another mile and follow the road north around the curve for about a mile to the intersection of Marsh Trail and 30 Road to 299 Marsh Trail.

A driving tour will begin at 6 p.m. from the area headquarters and return at 7:30 p.m. for a short presentation and question and answer session.

Attendees will see the challenges of management in 2012, how water is moved and held in various pools, and the habitat conditions expected for this upcoming season. This will be an excellent opportunity for the public to get a sneak peak before the teal season opener on Sept. 8. Managers will discuss expected waterfowl numbers and Central Flyway habitat conditions, as well as 2012-2013 season dates and bag limits.

For more information, phone the area office at 785-439-6243. -30-

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Aug. 30, 2012 Awards await young shooters; registration deadline Sept. 10 KINSLEY — On Saturday, Sept. 15, the Kinsley Gun Club will host its 19th Annual Kids Klassic trap shooting tournament for young shooters. Each youngster will fire at 100 targets. A $25 entry fee will include a custom T- shirt, lunch, and a chance to win a door prize, including three guns. The entry fee does not include shells.

This event is open to all youngsters through high school. Shooters will compete for trophies, Olympic- style medals, shotgun shells, and other prizes in four age groups for individuals and five-person teams. Ten $100 savings bonds will be awarded by drawing, so everyone has a chance to win. Other awards include 29 flats of shotgun shells and 36 trophies for four age groups, with special awards to 4-H members. The top three five-shooter teams earn trophies and shells. A trophy and prize will be reserved for the top girl shooter, as well.

The shoot starts at the Dodge City Gun club with 50 16-yard targets, then moves to Kinsley for lunch, 50 handicap targets, and the prize presentation.

While everyone high school age and younger is welcome to attend, participants who enter must be strong enough to handle a shotgun safely and are expected to know the basic rules and etiquette of trapshooting. The shoot is not for beginners.

The registration deadline for the event is Sept. 10. Entries (including T-shirt sizes and number of adults for lunch) should be provided in advance. To enter, receive an official program, receive more information, or find out where to practice close to home, phone toll free at 1- 888-324-5445, email [email protected], or write to Frank O’Brien, 115 Sunnyside Drive, Lewis, KS 67552. -30-

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Aug. 30, 2012 Lake Quivira native at the top of this sport PRATT — Kansan Brent Chapman has had a phenomenal year as a professional bass fisherman. The Lake Quivira resident started the 2012 season of the Bassmaster Elite Series ranked 58th in the world of bass fishing, according to the BassFan.com World Rankings. He finished the season by taking sixth place in the final event on New York’s Oneida Lake on Aug. 23-26 — good enough to land the 2012 Bassmaster Angler of the Year award (AOY), professional bass fishing’s most prestigious honor.

As the series of eight tournaments unfolded in March, Chapman started strong with a fourth-place finish at the St. John’s River in Florida. A fifth at Lake Okeechobee, Fla., moved him up to second in the AOY race. After another fifth-place finish, this time at Missouri’s Table Rock Lake, he found himself at the top of the AOY list. Unfortunately, Douglas Lake in Tennessee proved to be a challenging venue, and he finished well down the list at 68th place, out of the money cut (top 50). This finish dropped him to third in the AOY standings, 40 points behind the new leader.

Apparently determined to erase the sour taste of a poor finish after three consecutive top fives, he rebounded to dominate the next contest on Louisiana’s Toledo Bend, taking the lead on the second day and never relinquishing it. It was his first Elite Series win and fourth win of his 17-year career.

Chapman continued with a string of high finishes, logging a 22nd at the Upper Mississippi River, then a 27th at Lake Michigan’s Green Bay. This put him back atop the AOY points race going into Lake Oneida.

The AOY award not only netted Chapman $100,000 but ensures him of a string of future endorsements. And he has already qualified for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic Tournament, the Super Bowl of bass fishing. That event will be held much closer to home next year, at Grand Lake, Okla. -30-

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Aug. 30, 2012 Golden eagle killed in Trego County WICHITA — The poacher of a golden eagle in Trego County was sentenced Aug. 21 after pleading guilty to killing the immature raptor in 2011. Chad Irvin, Lacrosse, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. He killed the eagle with a 12-gauge shotgun from a vehicle while hunting with family members.

Irvin was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and restitution of $3,000; placed on supervised probation for three years, during which time he may not hunt, fish or trap; required to complete 50 hours of community service; and ordered to forfeit the shotgun used to kill the eagle.

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent investigated the crime in conjunction with Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism natural resource officers.

Golden eagles are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The killing of any eagle constitutes a violation of those acts. For more information on golden eagles, go online to fws.gov/migratorybirds/baldeagle.htm. -30-

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Aug. 30, 2012 At two-day event, kids can camp out and learn archery, shotgun shooting, crafts, much more EMPORIA — The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will hold its 2012 NWTF Kansas State JAKES Camp for youth on Sept. 15-16 at Camp Alexander, near Emporia. JAKES stand for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship, and the acronym is also a common name for young male wild turkeys.

The cost of this event is $20 for JAKES members, $30 for non-JAKES members, and $20 for adults. Youth 17 years old and younger get to select from 15 activities in which to participate, including fishing, first aid in the field, air rifle, small game animals, arts and crafts, nature hikes and birding, firearms handling and safety, shotgun live fire, turkey calling, archery, sporting dogs, GPS, JAKES Take Aim range, and game calling.

Ralph Duren, two-time Grand National turkey calling champion, will present "Calls of the Wild" and will entertain campers later around the campfire Saturday night. Youth attending can participate in the 3rd Annual NWTF Kansas State youth turkey calling contest Saturday evening.

Attendees may choose to tent camp Saturday night or commute. Top-notch meals will be provided both days. Last year's Kansas State JAKES Camp was awarded the NWTF "Best State JAKES Event" at this year's NWTF National Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

For more information or a registration form, contact Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012. -30-

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Aug. 30, 2012 After Labor Day, parks offer milder weather, uncrowded camping PRATT — Many schools are already in session, and although this is often viewed as the end of summer, Kansas state parks are still going strong. Many events are planned for one of the busiest times the year — Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best times for a park visit. Once Labor Day weekend is over, crowds thin, and September provides a relaxing outdoor experience.

Trail rides, chili cook-offs, and fishing tournaments are among the many events slated for September, making the prospect of a pre-autumn mini-vacation even more inviting. Each park sets its own dates for these events, and all offer a chance to enjoy the special attributes of Kansas state parks, many of which feature rental cabins, as well as fascinating historical or geological features that enhance the park experience.

For more information on these events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.ksoutdoors.com. Under “Reservations,” campsite and cabin reservations may be made online. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may also be found on the State Parks page under "Locations."

The following is a list of September state park events:

Sept. 1 — Clinton Trail Workday at Clinton State Park; Sept. 7-9 — Saddle Ridge Trail Riders Club Poker Ride at Hillsdale State Park; Sept. 8 — Hays Bass Anglers Association fishing tournament at Wilson State Park; Sept. 9 — Chili Cookoff and Free Park Entrance Day at Lovewell State Park; Sept. 9 — 3-D archery shoot and Free Park Entrance Day at Lovewell State Park; Sept. 15 — Hays Bass Anglers Association Big Bass Challenge at Wilson State Park; Sept. 16 — Heartland Coursing Association hound coursing practice at Clinton State Park; Sept. 22 — Kansas Buddy Bass Tournament at Hillsdale State Park; Sept. 22 — Women on Target instructional shooting at Tuttle Creek State Park; Sept. 22 — Heartland Motorcycle Poker Run fundraiser at Clinton State Park; Sept. 23 — Hays Recreation Center 30+K and 5K trail run at Wilson State Park; Sept. 28-30 — Kansas Bass Federation fishing tournament at Wilson State Park; Sept. 28 — Tour de Ted benefit bike ride for cancer research at Tuttle Creek State Park; Sept. 29 — 10th Annual Fall River Rendezvous at Fall River State Park; and Sept. 30 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia fishing tournament at Clinton State Park.

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Aug. 30, 2012 Initial test was false-positive PRATT— In July, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reported that nine deer had tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) during the 2011-12 testing period. The agency now reports that the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, after two different tests, did not detect CWD prions in the Sumner County deer, so initial testing in this case yielded a false- positive result. This reduces the total 2011-2012 positives to eight. Counties where CWD was detected during the 2011-2012 surveillance period include Wallace (one), Rawlins (one), Decatur (one), Norton (two), Trego (one), Ford (one), and Stafford (one).

The white-tailed deer in question was taken from Sumner County last winter. This result brings the total number of confirmed CWD cases in Kansas to 48 since testing began in 1996. In total, 2,446 animals were tested for CWD during the 2011-2012 surveillance period, Aug. 1, 2011, through July 31, 2012.

Annual testing is part of an ongoing effort by KDWPT to monitor the prevalence and spread of CWD. The fatal disease was first detected in the Kansas free-ranging deer herd in 2005 in Cheyenne County.

More information on CWD can be found on KDWPT’s website, ksoutdoors.com, or at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website, www.cwd-info.org. -30-

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Aug. 31, 2012 PRATT — An Aug. 30, 2012, news release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) announced in its opening paragraph that the annual Kinsley Kids Klassic trap shooting tournament for young shooters will be held on Sept. 17. This date is in error. The correct date is Sept. 15. The date did appear correctly in the article's title.

For details, visit the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. The registration deadline for the event is Sept. 10. To enter, receive an official program, receive more information, or find out where to practice close to home, phone toll free at 1-888-324-5445. -30-

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Aug. 31, 2012

One lake removed from list, one upgraded to Warning status, one new listing TOPEKA — On Aug. 31, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae, and alerts for three lakes have changed. A health Advisory has been lifted at Riggs Park Lake in Sedgwick County, removing that lake from all alerts. Chisholm Creek Park Lake North in Sedgwick County has been moved from Advisory to Warning status, and Hiawatha City Lake, in Brown County, is a new listing, also on the Warning list. These are the only changes from last week’s testing results.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County (upgraded from Advisory) Hiawatha City Lake — Brown County (new listing) Central Park Lake — Shawnee County Centralia Lake — Nemaha County Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Harvey County West Park Lake, — Harvey County Logan City Lake — Phillips County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County South Lake Park — Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently

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under “Advisory” status:

Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County Deanna Rose Farmstead — Johnson County McPherson County SFL — McPherson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

As a result of the statewide drought, some Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering.

KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to initially screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website. -30-

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August 31, 2012

Hunters urged to watch for bands on harvested doves

EMPORIA – September 1 marks the start of the 2012 hunting seasons with dove season opening day. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) officials remind dove hunters to check harvested doves for leg bands. For the last 10 years, biologists in Kansas, as well as those in most other states, have banded mourning doves each summer in an effort to gain information about population size, harvest, and migration patterns.

Dove bands, small aluminum rings with unique nine-digit codes attached around the lower leg, are smaller versions of the leg bands used on ducks and geese that hunters may be more familiar with. KDWPT staff and volunteers banded more than 3,000 doves in 2012, and more than 20,000 in the last 10 years all across the state. The majority of banded doves recovered in Kansas were banded in Kansas, with birds banded in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska also commonly harvested. Birds banded in Kansas are also frequently recovered in Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, and as far away as southern Mexico.

Banded doves should be reported using the toll free phone number (800-327-BAND) or website printed on the band (www.reportband.gov). Banding data is an important component of bird research that benefits both bird populations as well as hunters. By reporting bands, hunters are helping KDWPT better manage dove populations. For more information on doves, dove hunting, and dove banding, visit the “Dove Banding Study” page on KDWPT’s website (ks.outdoors.com), the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory webpage (www.reportband.gov) or flyways.us.

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Sept. 6, 2012 Special event designed to encourage youth participation in outdoor shooting sports COUNCIL GROVE — Morris County area youth are invited to attend a free shotgun, pellet rifle, and archery shooting and safety clinic on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Council Grove Reservoir. Sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), the Flint Hills Chapter of Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF), and Morris County Hunter Education instructors, this special event will provide participants an opportunity to enhance firearm and archery shooting and safety skills. Controlled live-fire instruction by certified instructors will teach safe, responsible shooting techniques.

All gear and supplies — including shotguns, pellet rifles, shells, bows, arrows, targets, and eye and ear protection — will be provided by KDWPT’s “Pass It On” and Hunter Education Programs. Teaching methods almost guarantee that students will break shotgun targets by the end of the session.

Anyone age 11 through 16 may participate. Participants are required to pre-register for the event by Sept.14. Students are not required to have completed a hunter education course, but prior completion is preferred. The event will begin at 12 p.m. at the COE-managed area between Marina Cove and Neosho Park, approximately 0.25 miles west of the COE office at the west end of the dam. Check-in and a free lunch provided by QUWF will be from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Instruction will begin at 12:30 p.m. and end at approximately 4 p.m.

To register or learn more about this special event, phone Brent Konen, Council Grove Wildlife Area manager, at 620-767-5900. -30-

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Sept. 6, 2012 Late August rainfall, record duck numbers keep hunters hopeful PRATT — Kansas duck hunters don't have long to wait before seasons open. The early teal season runs Sept. 15-23 in the High Plains (west of U.S. 283) and Sept. 8-23 in the Low Plains (east of U.S. 283), and there should be plenty of birds migrating through Kansas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates green-winged and blue-winged teal numbers at 3.5 million and 9.2 million, respectively, 20 percent and 3 percent above 2011 numbers. Both species continue to remain well above long-term averages by 74 percent and 94 percent, respectively.

Although drought throughout much of the state has left many prime waterfowl marshes dry, Jamestown Wildlife Area, in northcentral Kansas, reports that timely rains throughout the summer have provided water for hunting as well as excellent habitat conditions. Managers are expecting an increased number of hunters for the teal opener.

Although traditional hotspot Cheyenne Bottoms, near Great Bend, is currently dry, nearby Quivira National Wildlife Refuge reports that 5 inches of rain fell throughout the refuge in late August. This brought water into most areas within the hunting zones.

If the state gets more rain soon, conditions at any of the state’s waterfowl management areas could turn around overnight, and many private waters could hold ducks for the teal opener.

For weekly updates on public waterfowl management areas, visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.ksoutdoors.com, and click “Hunting/Migratory Birds/ Waterfowl Reports." KDWPT biologists begin updating these reports in early September. Phoning the nearest KDWPT office may be the best way to decide where to hunt. These numbers may be found on the website under “KDWPT Info/Locations.”

Duck season dates and zones for the regular seasons include the following:

Youth seasons High Plains Zone — Sept. 29-30; Low Plains Early Zone — Sept. 29-30; Low Plains Late Zone — Oct. 20-21; and Low Plains Southeast Zone — Nov. 3-4.

Regular Duck Seasons High Plains Zone — Oct. 6-Dec. 30 and Jan. 19-27, 2013; Low Plains Early Zone — Oct.6-Dec.2 and Dec. 15-30; Low Plains Late Zone — Oct. 27- Dec. 30 and Jan. 19-27, 2013; Low Plains Southeast Zone — Nov. 15-Jan. 27, 2013.

During youth seasons, hunters 15 and younger may take ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers while hunting under the supervision of an adult 18 years or older. The adult may not hunt.

In both youth and regular seasons, six ducks is the daily bag limit, which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), one canvasback, two redheads, two pintails, or three wood ducks. The daily bag may comprise six of any other duck, such as six teal, six gadwall, or six wigeon.

The 2011 goose seasons are as follow:

Canada and Brant — Oct. 27-Nov. 4 and Nov. 7-Feb. 10, 2013, daily bag limit three, possession limit six; white-fronted — Oct. 27-Dec. 30 and Feb. 2-10, 2013, daily bag limit two, possession limit four; and light (Ross’, snow, blue) — Oct. 27-Nov. 4, and Nov. 7-Feb. 10, 2013, daily bag limit 20, no possession limit.

By special conservation order, light geese may also be taken from Feb. 11-April 30, 2013. During this period, there will be no bag or http://ksoutdoors.com/...ews-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/9-6-12/ALL-WATERFOWL-SEASONS-SET,-TEAL-SEASON-COMING-SOON[1/16/2018 4:12:39 PM] ALL WATERFOWL SEASONS SET, TEAL SEASON COMING SOON / 9/6/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

possession limit on light geese. In addition, participants will be allowed to use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls and take light geese from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset during this conservation order.

For a detailed map of the duck boundaries, as well as other duck and goose regulations, pick up a copy of the 2012 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary, available in early September at all KDWPT offices and most license vendors, or download the booklet now from the KDWPT website. Click “Hunting,” then “Hunting Regulations.” -30-

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Sept. 6, 2012 Hunting guides must obtain permit before guiding on public wildlife areas, other KDWPT-managed lands PRATT — At a June meeting of the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission, a new regulation regarding guide services on public lands was passed. Beginning with this fall’s hunting seasons, commercial guides must have a permit to guide on lands managed or owned by the department. The permit is free and available on the KDPWT website, ksoutdoors.com, to guide on public lands. Click on “Hunting/Applications and Fees/Public Lands.” The permit must be specific to the land where guiding takes place. This includes public wildlife areas as well as Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) lands.

“Commercial guide” services means any commercial assistance to hunters, including providing any one or more of the following when used in conjunction with or for hunting activities: pack or riding livestock, transportation other than by commercial carrier, equipment, or facilities.

“Commercial” means that the recipient of the commercial guide services agrees to provide valuable consideration as compensation for the services, which are provided as part of a business relationship. Evidence of a business relationship shall include advertisement of the commercial guide services, written agreement of the terms of payment, or services provided by an employee of a commercial guide service. -30-

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Sept. 6, 2012 Competition for whole family on Sept. 9; free park entrance day WEBBER — Lovewell State Park will hold its final special event of the season, a Chili Cook-off and 3-D archery shoot, on Sunday, Sept. 9.

Participants will register for the archery shoot from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and shooting will be completed by noon, with competition in divisions for men, women, and youth, with prizes awarded in each division. A $10 donation is suggested to enter.

This will be followed by a “steel deer” competition — shooting at a steel deer silhouette with a hole in it — at noon. A $5 donation is suggested for this event. Prizes will be awarded for the first-, second-, and third-place shooters overall.

The chili cookoff will be held at the Lovewell Marina area. Chili cookers must register no later than 10 a.m. at the park office. The first 100 people who contribute $5 for a taste-testing ticket will be judges. Donations will be used for prizes at Lovewell State Park’s special events throughout the year. Judging tickets will be available at the cookoff area beginning at 12:30 p.m., and judging will start at 1 p.m. and end by 1:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the first-, second-, and third-place entries, by popular vote.

For more information, phone Lovewell State Park at 785-753-4971. Sunday is also a Free Park Entrance Day at Lovewell State Park. Vehicle permits are not required to enter the state park on that day, but camping permits are still required if camping overnight. -30-

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Sept. 6, 2012 Milford Reservoir and Lake Scott State Park added to Advisory list TOPEKA — On Sept. 6, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae, and Milford Reservoir and Lake Scott State Park have been added to the Advisory list. These are the only changes from last week’s testing results.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County Hiawatha City Lake — Brown County Central Park Lake — Shawnee County Centralia Lake — Nemaha County Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Harvey County West Park Lake — Harvey County Logan City Lake — Phillips County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County South Lake Park — Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County

http://ksoutdoors.com/...t/KDWPT-Info/News/News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/9-7-12/BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-NOTICES-FOR-SEPT.-6[1/16/2018 4:13:47 PM] BLUE-GREEN ALGAE NOTICES FOR SEPT. 6 / 9/7/12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

Deanna Rose Farmstead — Johnson County McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County Lake Scott State Park — Scott County (new listing) Milford Reservoir — Clay, Dickinson, and Geary counties (new listing)

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

NOTE: As a result of the statewide drought, some Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering.

KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to initially screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website. -30-

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Sept. 13, 2012 While some areas of central, northcentral, and northwest Kansas may offer some good hunting, drought and heat have reduced bird numbers PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has released its 2012 Kansas Upland Bird Forecast, and because of continued drought, the state will likely experience a below- average upland bird season this fall. Kansas upland bird hunters experienced a down season in 2011, and this summer’s heat and drought in parts of the state have not improved upland bird prospects for 2012. For those willing to hunt hard, there will still be pockets of fair bird numbers, especially in the northern Flint Hills and northcentral and northwestern parts of the state.

Although last winter was mild, winter precipitation is important for spring vegetation, which is critical to reproductive success, and most of Kansas did not get enough winter precipitation. Pheasant breeding populations showed significant reductions in 2012, especially in primary pheasant range in western Kansas. Spring came early and hot this year but also included fair spring moisture until early May, when the precipitation stopped. Then the state experienced record heat and drought through the rest of the reproductive season.

Early nesting conditions were generally good for prairie chickens and pheasants. However, the primary nesting habitat for pheasants in western Kansas is winter wheat, and in 2012, Kansas had one of the earliest wheat harvests on record. Wheat harvest can destroy nests and very young broods. The early harvest likely lowered pheasant nest- and early-brood success. The intense heat and lack of rain in June and July resulted in decreased brood cover and insect populations, causing lower chick survival for all upland game birds.

Because of drought, all counties in Kansas were opened to Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) emergency haying or grazing. Many CRP fields, including Walk In Hunting Areas (WIHA), may be affected. Kansas has more than one million acres of WIHA (atlases available online at ksoutdoors.com or at any license vendor). Often, older stands of CRP grass need disturbance, and haying and grazing can improve habitat for the next breeding season and ultimately be beneficial if weather is favorable.

The regular opening date for the pheasant and quail seasons is Nov. 10 for the entire state. The previous weekend — Nov. 3-4 — is the special youth pheasant and quail season. Youth participating in the special season must be 16 years old or younger and accompanied by a non-hunting adult who is 18 or older. All public wildlife areas and WIHA tracts will be open for public access during the special youth season.

Pheasant Pheasant breeding populations dropped by nearly 50 percent or more across pheasant range from 2011 to 2012, resulting in fewer adult hens in the population to start the 2012 nesting season. Drought has resulted in less cover and insects needed for good pheasant reproduction. Additionally, winter wheat serves as major nesting habitat for pheasants in western Kansas, and a record early wheat harvest this summer likely destroyed some nests and young broods. Then the hot, dry weather set in from May to August, the primary brood-rearing period for pheasants. Insufficient precipitation and lack of habitat and insects throughout the state’s primary pheasant range resulted in limited production. This will reduce hunting prospects compared to recent years. However, some good opportunities to harvest roosters in the Sunflower State remain, especially for those willing to work for their birds. Though the drought has taken its toll, Kansas still contains a pheasant population that will produce a harvest in the top three or four major pheasant states this year.

The best areas this year will likely be pockets of northwest and northcentral Kansas. Populations in southwest Kansas were hit hardest by the 2011-2012 drought (72 percent decline in breeding population), and a very limited amount of production occurred this season due to continued drought and limited breeding populations.

Quail The bobwhite breeding population in 2012 was generally stable or improved compared to 2011. Areas in the northern Flint Hills and parts of northeast Kansas experienced improved production this year. Much of eastern Kansas has seen consistent declines in quail populations in recent decades. After many years of depressed populations, this year’s rebound in quail reproduction in eastern Kansas is welcome, but overall populations are still below historic averages. The best quail hunting will be found throughout the northern Flint Hills and parts of

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central Kansas. Prolonged drought likely impaired production in central and western Kansas.

Prairie Chicken Kansas is home to greater and lesser prairie chickens. Both species require a landscape of predominately native grass. Lesser prairie chickens are found in westcentral and southwestern Kansas in native prairie and nearby stands of native grass in CRP. Greater prairie chickens are found primarily in the tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies in the eastern one-third and northern one-half of the state.

The spring prairie chicken lek survey indicated that most populations remained stable or declined from last year. Declines were likely due to extreme drought throughout 2011. Areas of northcentral and northwest Kansas fared the best, while areas in southcentral and southwest Kansas experienced the sharpest declines where drought was most severe. Many areas in the Flint Hills were not burned this spring due to drought. This resulted in far more residual grass cover for much improved nesting conditions compared to recent years. There have been some reports of prairie chicken broods in these areas, and hunting will likely be somewhat improved compared to recent years.

Because of recent increases in prairie chicken (both species) populations in northwest Kansas, regulations have been revised this year. The early prairie chicken season (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) and two-bird bag limit has been extended into northwest Kansas. The northwest unit boundary has also been revised to include areas north of U.S. Highway 96 and west of U.S. Highway 281. Additionally, all prairie chicken hunters are now required to purchase a $2.50 prairie chicken permit. This permit will allow KDWPT to better track hunters and harvest, which will improve habitat management practices. Both species of prairie chicken are of conservation concern, and the lesser prairie chicken is a candidate species for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act.

A detailed 2012 Kansas Upland Bird Hunting Forecast is available online at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. Click "Hunting/Upland Birds/Upland Bird Regional Forecast" for the complete report.

The following table includes the upland bird seasons for 2012. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits.

Season Open Daily Bag Open Areas Dates (Possession) Prairie chicken 15 Sep. – 2(8) East Unit: East of Hwy 281 (Early) 15 Oct. NW Unit: North of Hwy 96 and West of Hwy 281

Youth 3-4 Nov. 2(4) Statewide Pheasant Youth Quail 3-4 Nov. 4(8) Statewide Pheasant 10 Nov. – 4(16) Statewide 31 Jan. Quail 10 Nov. 8(32) Statewide 31 Jan. 17 Nov. – 2(8) Excludes area south of Hwy 96 Prairie chicken 31 Jan. & west of Hwy 281 * East and Northwest Units

17 Nov. – 1(4) South of Hwy 96 & west of Prairie chicken 31 Dec. Hwy. 281 * Southwest Unit

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Sept. 13, 2012 Resident Any Season White-tailed Deer permits available over the counter PRATT — Three deer seasons open this September: the muzzleloader season, which runs Sept. 17-30; the archery season, which runs Sept. 17-Dec. 31; and the youth/disabled season, which runs Sept. 8-16. Resident hunters who have yet to obtain a Resident Any Season White-tailed Deer permit may still obtain one at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices, select license vendors, online at ksoutdoors.com (click "License/Permits" on the top menu bar), or by phoning 1-800-918-2877 toll-free.

The Any Season permit is valid statewide and allows the hunter to harvest one antlered or antlerless white-tailed deer during any season with equipment legal for that season.

Resident hunting licenses, required of anyone age 16 through 64 in addition to the deer permit, cost $20.50. Resident Any Season White- tailed Deer permits cost $32.50. Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer permits, which may be purchased only after an antlered deer permit has been purchased, cost $17.50.

After Dec. 30, deer hunters may purchase Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer permits valid during January seasons without having first purchased an antlered deer permit.

There is no minimum age to apply for and receive a big game permit, and youth younger than 16 may hunt without hunter education if supervised by an adult 18 years or older. For more information, visit the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. -30-

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Sept. 13, 2012 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues guidelines, warning TOPEKA — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reminds all hunters and landowners of federal waterfowl hunting regulations concerning crop manipulation (baiting). Farm producers who use their land for hunting or lease the hunting rights on their land need to make sure they are following federal waterfowl hunting regulations concerning baiting.

“Waterfowl hunters or land managers bear responsibility to know and obey all federal and state laws regarding migrating waterfowl,” says Kenny Kessler, USFWS special agent. “Legal waterfowl hunting can occur on manipulated crops only if the crop is ‘normally’ harvested. Rotary mowing of a corn crop, for example, would not be a ‘normal’ harvest, and hunting waterfowl would not be allowed on or near the areas manipulated.”

Hunters should avoid hunting waterfowl over unharvested crops that have been trampled by livestock or subjected to other types of manipulations, such as disked down crops where grain has been scattered or exposed. Areas where grain is present and stored, such as grain elevators and grain bins, are illegal to hunt waterfowl over, as are areas where grain is present for the purpose of feeding livestock. Additionally, hunting over freshly-planted wildlife food plots that contain exposed grain is illegal. Finally, it’s illegal to hunt croplands where a crop has been harvested and the removed grain is redistributed or “added back” onto the area where grown.

On the other hand, waterfowl hunting is allowed in fields of unharvested standing crops, including over standing crops that have been flooded. It’s also permissible to flood fields after crops are harvested and use these areas for waterfowl hunting. It’s advisable for landowners to follow normal harvesting timelines if corn fields are planned to be used for hunting waterfowl.

For additional information, see Waterfowl Hunting and Baiting and Dove Hunting and Baiting on the USFWS website, www.fws.gov, or contact phone 785-232-5149 or 316-788-4474. -30-

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Sept. 13, 2012 More than $54,000 appropriated for 2013; partners match more than $270,000 BLAINE — The Kansas Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has announced appropriation of more than $54,000 for support of wildlife habitat projects in Kansas, many supporting the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). Partner matching funds brings the total raised to more than $300,000. These projects help fund everything from grassland and forest restoration to education outreach.

Projects funded by the Kansas NWTF for 2013 include the following:

KDWPT spring Walk-In-Hunting-Area (WIHA) program — $2,000 plus $14,952 in partner funding; support of forestry workshop for wildlife — $500; forestry projects on publicly-accessible lands — $5,500; oak restoration project at Hillsdale Reservoir — $2,000 plus $9,165 from partners; oak savannah restoration on Woodson Wildlife Area — $2,000 plus $2,000 in partner funding; signs for NWTF-funded habitat projects — $900 plus $630 in partner funding; support of 10-acre brome conversion on Norton Wildlife Area — $882.80 plus $924 in partner funding; river restoration along the Marias Des Cygnes River on Melvern Wildlife Area — $5,000 plus $23,103 in partner funding; National Archery in the Schools Program kit for Iola School District — $1,000 plus $3,000 in partner funds; forest stand improvement on Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area — $2,500 plus $2,500 in partner funding; riparian forest stand improvement on Jamestown Wildlife Area — $4,000 plus $1,790 in partner funding; grassland restoration on Glen Elder Wildlife Area — $2,500 plus $10,000 in partner funding; purchase of a fire plow to establish firebreaks for prescribed burning in northcentral Kansas — $3,365 plus $4,320 from partners; spring WIHA program in central and southern Kansas — $5,000 plus $5,000 in partner funding; Kansas Eco-Meet scholarships — $1,800 plus $4,125 in partner funding; support of 36 Kansas youth to compete in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational — $1,000 plus $30,600 in partner funding; JAKES shooting trailer — $6,725 plus $6,500 matching funds; Regional Biologist Program support —$5,000 per year for three years plus $95,000 in partner funding annually; and youth coordinator position — $2,500 plus $77,678.

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Sept. 14, 2012 Alerts lifted for Milford Reservoir and two Johnson County lakes TOPEKA — On Sept. 13, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae. Milford Reservoir, Deanna Rose Farmstead Lake, and South Park Lake (both in Johnson County) have been removed from the Warning and Advisory lists. Central Park Lake in Shawnee County has been moved from the Warning list to the less serious Advisory list. These are the only changes from last week’s testing results.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Centralia Lake — Nemaha County Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County Hiawatha City Lake — Brown County Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Harvey County West Park Lake — Harvey County Logan City Lake — Phillips County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County Central Park Lake — Shawnee County (downgraded from a Warning)

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McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County Lake Scott State Park — Scott County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

NOTE: As a result of the statewide drought, some Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering. KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website. -30-

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Sept. 14, 2012 Federal funding will help improve trails, enhance ecotourism TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced today that Kansas’ recreational trails program will receive $2 million under the federal Transportation Bill passed by Congress this summer.

“One of our highest priorities is to enhance ecotourism in Kansas, which includes developing a good trail system," said Robin Jennison, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), which manages the trails program. “This level of funding will allow us to make great strides in the number and quality of trails across our state.”

The federal dollars go first to KDOT, which will then transfer an allocation to KDWPT for the trails program. MAP-21, the federal Transportation Program, had specified $1.3 million for the trails program, but a decision was made to increase the allocation in accordance with new flexibility provisions in the program.

“KDOT and KDWPT worked to come up with a way to prioritize the amount of money that should be applied to recreational trails and determined that $2 million is the appropriate level,” said Transportation Secretary Mike King. “This will help move ecotourism forward in Kansas.”

Kansas has more than 650 trails totaling more than 2,100 miles. KDWPT directly manages trails located on state park, wildlife area, or state fishing lake properties. Others are managed by local governments or non-governmental organizations. To locate trails, go online to maps.kansasgis.org/recfinder/public/index.cfm.

Earlier this month, Kansas exercised a provision in the federal Transportation Bill to “opt out” of the recreational trails program. Exercising that provision simply gave the state maximum flexibility to prioritize the funding. It didn’t eliminate state support for the recreational trails program, which has received about $1.3 million annually in recent years. To have that flexibility option, the state had to “opt out” by Sept. 1.

KDWPT and KDOT are awaiting final guidance from the Federal Highway Administration regarding eligible types of trail projects and procedures for administering the trail funds. As a result, no decisions have been made about specific projects or project funding. -30-

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Sept. 20, 2012

Fall events scheduled; Pleasant weather makes camping enjoyable

PRATT — Labor Day marks the end of camping season for many, but don’t stop yet. Kansas outdoors enthusiasts who venture out now can see the year’s best color while enjoying mild weather. And Kansas state parks continue to provide opportunities of special interest for those who visit public lands.

Todd Lovin, Tuttle Creek State Park Manager, reminds football fans that Tuttle Creek State Park is a great place to camp with quick access to K-State home football games. Motel rooms can be hard to find on game weekends, even in outlying cities. Located just a few miles from the stadium, the state park offers a nifty alternative, especially with the new online reservation system that allows one to check availability and reserve a place for desired dates. KU fans have the same opportunity at Clinton State Park near Lawrence.

Fall River State Park southeast of Eureka hosts its annual Fall River Rendezvous on September 29, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the Fredonia Bay Area. This event is a living history encampment of Mountain Men and American Indians from the early 1800s era. Demonstrations include blacksmithing, flint knapping, Dutch oven cooking, weaving, black powder shooting, tomahawk throwing, and archery. The event also celebrates National Public Lands Day and allows free entrance to Fall River State Park. Events are planned for all ages. Call the park office at 620-637-2213 for more information.

Meade State Park and its friends group will host the Second Annual Car and Bike Show, Saturday, Sept. 29, 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m., in the parking lot of the Meade Lake Visitor Center. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., with a $25 fee for the first vehicle and $10 for additional entries. Registration fees include a park permit, one meal ticket, a dashboard plaque, and a T-shirt.

Awards for antique and modern cars and bikes will be awarded for Best of Show, People’s Choice, and Longest Distance for participation. Friends of Meade State Park will also present a Friend’s Choice cash award, with the winning car and bike used in advertising for next year’s show.

All spectators will have free park entrance for this event. A meal will be provided at the cost of $7 for exhibitors and $8 for spectators. For more information call the park office at 620-873-2572.

A National Public Lands Day-Fish Habitat Project is scheduled on Sept. 28-29 near Hillsdale State Park north of Paola. Volunteers are needed to assist with anchoring trees and placing brush in shoreline zones that are critical fish habitat. Low lake levels provide an ideal time for this construction, which should improve fishing at Hillsdale Lake. Call Corps of Engineers Park Ranger Jim Bell at 913-783-4366 for more information.

Milford State Park will host its annual “Monster Myths By Moonlight” on October 13 at the Milford State Park office from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. This popular event, themed for Halloween, features a hayrack ride, a trail walk with various live animal presentations, and park staff dressed in costumes. Refreshments are served. The event draws up to 1,000 people annually and is sponsored by Milford Nature Center, Milford State Park, and the Milford State Park Friends Group.

Event admission is free, though a state park vehicle permit is necessary to enter the park. Youngsters are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes. For more information, call the state park office at 785-238-3014.

Rounding out the fall season, Kanopolis State Park hosts its 33rd Prairie Long Rifles Fall Rendezvous, October 28 at Mulberry Campground. Admission to the event is free, but a vehicle entrance permit is required to enter the park. Camping and shooting events are planned. Merchants and craftsmen in character will display skills, and share goods for sale or barter. Information is available at www.prairielongrifles.com Also at Kanopolis, a North American Trail Ride Conference competitive trail ride will be held October 26- October 29, at Rockin’K Campground, Multi-Use Trails and Rockin’K Shelter. For more information, visit online at www.natrc.org.

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Sept. 20, 2012

Nearly 300 Kansas special hunts are available by drawing for fall 2012; October 1 deadline

PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Special Hunts Program offers a variety of limited hunts, many designed to introduce youth and novices to hunting in an uncrowded setting with opportunity for success. About 300 special hunts are available.

The application period for November, December, and January special hunts runs through 9 a.m. on Oct. 1, with drawing results emailed by Oct. 5. Special hunts will be conducted in all regions of the state on both public and private land. The hunts are located on KDWPT managed lands, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed lands and some WIHA properties.

Not all special hunts are for youth or novices. Many are open to all hunters, and each special hunt targets specific game species, including doves, upland game, waterfowl, and deer. Hunts on public lands are typically on refuges and state parks where access is limited to a few opportunities each year.

Specifically, there are three categories of hunts: open, youth, and mentor. Open hunts are available to all hunters. Youth hunts require parties to include at least one youth 15 or younger who must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. Some youth hunts may have more specific age requirements, and adults may not hunt. Mentor hunts are open to both youth and/or inexperienced hunters who are supervised by a licensed adult 18 or older (mentor). A mentor is a licensed hunter 18 years or older who supervises and/or participates in a hunt restricted to youth or novice hunters. Some hunts require the supervising adult to be 21 years or older.

Many veteran hunters find new satisfaction in serving as mentors, introducing a relative, friend, or neighbor to the wonder of the hunt in a wildlife-rich setting. Parents or grandparents may take children or grandchildren who have never hunted but show an interest. Mentors and novices do not have to be related.

Hunter Education is not required for youth 15 and younger accompanied by an adult 18 or older. However, persons 16 and older who do not have hunter education may purchase a one-time-deferral apprentice hunting license, which exempts them from the hunter education requirement through the calendar year in which it is purchased. All hunters 16 and older need a valid Kansas hunting license.

For more detailed information or to apply, go online to ksoutdoors.com. Click "Hunting/Special Hunts." Those who do not have computer access may apply by telephone at 620-672-0791.

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Sept. 20, 2012

Extreme drought causes early onset of fall color; resource damage expected

IOLA — The Kansas drought is impacting all native habitat elements, including those normally most resistant – trees. Currently, more than 88 percent of the state falls into “extreme” or “exceptional” drought, causing visible damage and unusual conditions in timber resources. Onset of fall color is at least a month early, and many weakened trees may die over the next few years.

Katie Dhungel, District Forester based in Iola for the Kansas State Forest Service, is receiving numerous calls about residential and forest trees. “The color we’re seeing right now is an indication that trees are suffering. It’s actually somewhat muted compared to real fall color. Some trees are simply scorched with leaves turning brown. In others, drought has caused an abnormal early shutdown, so that secondary leaf pigments are simulating fall color.”

Making matters worse, recent rains have reversed this confused growth cycle in some locations, so that new leaves are actually shooting out. New growth may not have time to mature and harden against coming cold weather, which will further weaken the trees.

A return to more normal precipitation will help, but drought-damaged trees will be vulnerable to insect and disease problems. Tree mortality will certainly occur, with native trees like hackberry, maples, and oaks on sunny, exposed hillsides most at risk. Should the drought continue, tree damage will be worse.

“I expect a lot of calls early next year,” says Dhungel. The worst drought-stricken trees will probably try to leaf out and then die in early summer.”

All of Kansas is affected, though current tree problems are most noticeable in the state’s eastern third, where trees are abundant. Hardest- hit areas are the southern half of this region, with slightly-better soil moisture conditions occurring north and east.

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September 20, 2012

Popular state fishing lake latest to be infested with aquatic nuisance species

EMPORIA – Officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism have confirmed the presence of zebra mussels at Chase State Fishing Lake located in Chase County, 2 ½ miles west of Cottonwood Falls. In regular testing, biologists identified zebra mussel larvae, called veligers, last week. After a thorough search, fisheries biologists found adult zebra mussels. The pristine 109-acre state lake is a popular fishing spot located in the scenic Flint Hills.

This latest discovery highlights the need for anglers and boaters to be aware of new bait regulations and the dangers of moving live baitfish and water between water bodies. On Jan. 1, 2012, new regulations designed to prevent further spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) require anglers to use wild-caught baitfish only in the lakes or streams where they were caught. In addition, livewells and bilges of boats must be drained prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway. And anglers may not transport live fish from any ANS- designated water. Chase State Lake is now an ANS-designated water.

Zebra mussels are bean-sized, bi-valve mollusks with striped shells. They are native to the Black and Caspian seas of western Asia and eastern Europe and have been spread across the world via shipping. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River in 1988. Zebra mussels quickly spread through out the Great Lakes and to many inland rivers including the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas and Hudson. They first appeared in Kansas in 2003 when they were discovered in El Dorado Reservoir. Public education programs were designed to inform boaters about the dangers of zebra mussels in our waters and ways to prevent spreading them. However, zebra mussels have been confirmed in more than a dozen Kansas lakes in the past nine years. Moving water in boats and bait buckets was identified as a likely vector.

Although related, zebra mussels differ from our native mussels in several important categories. Perhaps the most important is their ability to produce very large populations in a short time. Unlike native mussels, zebra mussels do not require a host fish to reproduce. A large female zebra mussel is capable of producing 1 million eggs during the reproductive season. Once fertilized, eggs develop into microscopic veligers. These veligers cannot be seen by the naked eye and thousands can survive in very small quantities of water. Veligers passively float within the water for up to two weeks before they settle out as young mussels. These young mussels quickly grow to adult size and reproduce during their first summer of life, thus adding to the problem of extremely dense populations.

After settling, zebra mussels develop byssal threads that allow the shells to attach to hard surfaces such as rocks, piers, and flooded timber. They also attach themselves to pipes, water intake structures, boat hulls, propellers, and lower units of out board motors. As populations continue to increase in these areas, they can clog intake pipes and prevent water treatment plants and electrical generating plants from drawing water. In 2012, two Kansas communities, Council Grove and Osage City, experienced water shortages because of zebra mussel infestations before water intake structures could be cleaned up. Removing large quantities of zebra mussels to ensure adequate water supplies can be labor-intensive and costly.

Zebra mussels are just one of the non-native aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. Boaters and anglers must remember to follow regulations and precautions that will prevent the spread:

• Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment between uses

• Use wild-caught bait only in the lake or pool where it was caught

• Do not move live fish from waters infested with zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species

• Drain livewells and bilges and remove drain plugs from all vessels prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway.

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For more information on stopping aquatic nuisance species in Kansas, visit ProtectKSWaters.org

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Sept. 20, 2012

One local lake downgraded to an Advisory status; others remain unchanged

TOPEKA — On Sept. 20, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae. Harvey County West Park Lake in Harvey County has been moved from the Warning list to the less serious Advisory list. This is the only change from last week’s testing results.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Centralia Lake — Nemaha County Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County Hiawatha City Lake — Brown County Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Logan City Lake — Phillips County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County Central Park Lake — Shawnee County Harvey County West Park Lake — Harvey County (downgraded from a Warning)

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McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County Lake Scott State Park — Scott County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

NOTE: As a result of the statewide drought, some Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering. KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website. -30-

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September 27, 2012

New record blue cat betters old record by more than 8 pounds

PRATT—After the required 30-day waiting period, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has officially recognized a 102.8-pound blue catfish as a new state record. Rob Stanley, of Olathe, caught the fish, which bests the former state record blue by more than 8 pounds.

When Stanley hooked into a blue catfish while fishing the Missouri River on August 11, he was pretty sure it was bigger than most he’d caught. Stanley had taken a 70-pounder from the Kansas River earlier in the summer, and this fish was showing his heavy tackle surprising power as it bulldogged in the big river’s muddy current.

After a 40-minute battle that required pulling anchor to follow the fish downstream and prevent it from taking all of Stanley’s 80-pound-test line from his reel, Stanley and his boat partner, Brad Kilpatrick, realized the fish wouldn’t fit in their over-sized net. They wrestled the monster fish into the boat and immediately weighed it on a digital scale. When it “bottomed-out” the 100-pound scale, Stanley and Kilpatrick knew they had a special fish.

After calling KDWPT fisheries biologist Andy Jansen, Stanley kept the big cat in an aerated tank near the river. After weighing the fish on certified scales and species confirmation by Jansen, Stanley released the fish back to the Missouri River.

Stanley caught the new state record blue catfish at 5 a.m. using cut bait (Asian carp caught from the river). The fish was 56.75 inches long and had a girth of 39 inches.

Blue catfish are native to eastern Kansas rivers, and there are historical records of fish weighing more than 100 pounds. However, interest in catching blue catfish has been growing in recent years after Kansas biologists began stocking them into reservoirs. Milford Reservoir, near Junction City, received its first blue catfish stocking in 1990 and has gained a reputation for producing blue cats weighing more than 50 pounds. Some anglers believe the next state record is already swimming in Milford. Other reservoirs stocked with blue catfish include Tuttle Creek, El Dorado, Clinton, Perry, Melvern, Wilson, Cheney, John Redmond, Kanopolis, Lovewell and Glen Elder. It’s too early to tell if blue cats will thrive and grow in other reservoirs the way they have in Milford, but if they do, anglers better hang on to their rods.

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Sept. 27, 2012

Hunter survey input helps guide area management

GLEN ELDER – In 2009, as part of a program to provide beginning hunters special hunting opportunities, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism designated a portion of Glen Elder Wildlife Area as a Mentor-Novice Hunting Area. The West Walnut Creek portion (1,000 acres) of the wildlife area surrounding Glen Elder Reservoir in Mitchell County was set aside for Mentor-Novice hunts. However, as a result of information gathered through hunter survey cards, changes are being made to the program.

Although novice hunters who participated in the special hunting opportunities provided on the West Walnut Creek Area were generally pleased, the survey cards showed that participation was lower than desired. As a result, KDWPT staff are making some changes while continuing to provide young hunters with high-quality, low-pressure public land opportunities.

The biggest and most important change is that the Walnut Creek Area is no longer designated as a youth hunting area. The Granite Creek Refuge on the north shore between Cawker City and the Granite Creek Bridge will now be designated as a youth hunting area, opening more than 450 acres of land to young hunters. Managers hope the convenience of the Granite Creek area, located adjacent to U.S. Highway 24, will encourage more use. The water portion of Granite Creek Refuge will remain a waterfowl refuge with boat traffic prohibited from Nov. 1-Jan. 31. The Walnut Creek Area will be open to the public year-round with no additional restrictions.

In another change to past programs, the Granite Creek area will be designated as a Youth-Mentor Area, rather than Mentor-Novice. Youth must be 17 or younger and the adult mentor must be 18 or older, and mentors WILL be allowed to hunt with the youth. Each hunting mentor must be accompanied by at least one youth who is actively hunting. Older, experienced youth hunters who have completed hunter education are not required to be accompanied by an adult mentor.

The Granite Creek area will be open to Youth-Mentor hunting Oct. 1, 2012 through Jan. 31, 2013. All game species may be hunted during the appropriate seasons, including waterfowl. However, waterfowl shoreline or field hunting locations will have to be accessed by foot from the north or west. No boat traffic will be allowed. Kansas hunting regulations must be followed, and all hunters are required to fill out the free permit and survey cards before and after their hunts. The Granite Creek area will still be open to all users from February-September, no permits required, just has it has been in the past.

The goal of this access plan is to give youth hunters and their mentors easy access and good hunting prospects without impacting waterfowl populations using the area. For more information, contact area manager Chris Lecuyer at the Glen Elder Area office, 785-545- 3345.

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September 27, 2012

Chance for Thanksgiving wild turkey dinner

PRATT—The fall turkey season doesn’t have the tradition or build-up that surrounds the spring turkey season but only because it’s overshadowed by deer, waterfowl and upland bird hunting seasons. Kansas fall turkey hunters enjoy unsurpassed opportunities, in terms of season length, generous bag limits and odds of success.

The fall turkey season opens Oct. 1 and runs through Jan. 31, 2013, closing during firearm deer seasons. Hunters may hunt with shotguns, 20 gauge or larger using shot size No. 2 or smaller, and archery equipment. There are six Turkey Management Units established for the 2012-2013 season. In the past, the state was divided into four units; however biologists felt that new unit boundaries would allow more precise turkey population management and enhanced hunting opportunities. Unit 4 (southwest) is closed to fall turkey hunting. Hunters may obtain one turkey permit, valid in Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, and hunters who possess a turkey permit may also purchase up to three turkey game tags, which are valid in Units 2, 3, 5 and 6. The turkey permit and turkey game tags each allow the harvest of one hen or tom turkey. Consult the 2012 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary for more information, as well as a map showing the new Turkey Management Units.

Last fall, just more than 8,000 hunters pursued turkeys in Kansas, and more than 30 percent of them took at least one turkey. All units provide excellent hunting opportunities, and the good news is that after several years of poor production and declining numbers, the population in southeast Kansas is rebounding. Many public lands managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, as well as Walk-In Hunting Access lands hold turkeys, so hunters have a variety of choices.

Hunters also have several choices when it comes to the way they hunt fall turkeys. In the spring, only tom turkeys are legal, and most birds are taken when they respond to hunters’ calls imitating a hen. In the fall, there is no breeding activity, so hunters usually stalk birds or set up a point of ambush and hunt from a blind. However, calling can be effective in the fall. A popular hunting technique in regions with more fall turkey hunting tradition is to use a dog to scatter turkey flocks. Once dispersed, the hunter and dog hide quietly for a time. There is safety in numbers for turkeys, and the urge to re-flock is strong. Birds will use a “kee-kee-run” call to regroup, and the hiding hunter can imitate this call to bring a bird within shotgun or bow range. Dogs are not allowed during the spring season.

Whatever the technique, fall turkey hunting can be a break from the more traditional fall pursuits, as well as an exciting adventure. And those who’ve tried it will testify that roasted wild turkey is a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving table.

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September 27, 2012

Kansas boating law administrator recognized by national organization

LEXINGTON, Ky. – On Sept. 12, Major Dan Hesket, boating law administrator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, received the Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) President’s Award. NASBLA president Capt. Mike Fields presented Hesket with the award at the association’s 53rd annual conference held in Mobile, Ala. Hesket was recognized for helping the organization achieve greater uniformity in vessel identification, registration and titling.

Hesket has been a passionate chair of NASBLA’s Vessel Identification, Registration and Titling (VIRT) Committee since 2009. With his trademark unique sense of humor, he led the committee through a number of significant projects including:

Passage of the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act with National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws and then adoption of the act as NASBLA’s official model act on titling; Implementation of the NPRM / Final Rule for Standard Numbering System, the Vessel Identification System and the Boating Accident Report Database; And publication of the Third Edition of the National Vessel Numbering & Titling Manual

NSABLA is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. NASBLA offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, the organization affects the lives of over 83 million American boaters.

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Sept. 28, 2012

List of Warnings and Advisories unchanged from last week

TOPEKA — On Sept. 27, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae. There have been no changes since last week’s results, and the list of lakes on the Warning and Advisory remains unchanged.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Centralia Lake — Nemaha County Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County Hiawatha City Lake — Brown County Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Logan City Lake — Phillips County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County Central Park Lake — Shawnee County Harvey County West Park Lake — Harvey County

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McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County Lake Scott State Park — Scott County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

NOTE: As a result of the statewide drought, some Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering. KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website. -30-

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Oct. 4, 2012

Commission to hear wide range of regulation recommendations at evening’s public hearing

PRATT--The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, Oct. 18, at Flint Oak, 2639 Quail Rd., Fall River. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics: Secretary’s remarks about agency and state fiscal status, 2013 legislature, Tourism Division briefing, camping and utility fees, fall turkey, deer regulations, and antelope and elk regulations.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations: falconry, big game, and agritourism.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for a public hearing on the following regulations: KAR 115-1-1: Definitions (artificial lures); KAR 115-18-18: Hand fishing permit, requirements, restrictions and permit duration; KAR 115-25-14: Fishing, creel limit, size limit, possession limit, and open season; KAR 115-7-3: Fish, taking and use of baitfish or minnows; KAR 115-7-10: Fishing, special provisions, fishing tournaments; KAR 115-2-2: Motor vehicle permit fees; KAR 115-8-19: Personal conduct on department lands and waters, provisions, restrictions and penalties (alcohol); KAR 115-4-15: Restitution scoring system, white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, antelope; KAR 115-8-1: Department lands and waters, hunting, furharvesting, and discharge of firearms; KAR 115-25-6: Turkey, spring season, bag limit, permits, and game tags; KAR 115-2-1: Amount of fees, resident senior hunting license; and KAR 115-18-22: Senior pass valid for hunting and fishing, requirements, restrictions, and permit duration.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., Oct. 19, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2013 in El Dorado.

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October 4, 2012

Anglers and fish, alike, enjoy respite from summer heat

PRATT—There may not be a better way to enjoy the cool fall weather than by casting a line in your favorite farm pond, state fishing lake or reservoir. For anglers, it was a long, hot summer, and the fall weather is a welcome relief. For fish, the cool water temperature signals a move to shallower water and a feeding binge before winter sets in.

Cold-blooded fish are affected by water temperature, and as much as warm temperatures push them deep and discourage activity, cooler temperatures do just the opposite. The feeding urge is strong as fish eat to build up winter reserves. While baitfish populations are also abundant this time of year, anglers can easily take advantage of the increased feeding activity by being in the right place with the right lure.

On a small lake or farm pond, small minnows and sunfish are on the diets of bass and crappie. The young-of-the-year baitfish have grown all summer, so anglers should match this hatch and use larger lures. Shallow-running crankbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic swimbaits, and jig- and-pig combos are good bets for largemouth bass. For crappie, it’s hard to beat an eighth-ounce jig dressed with white marabou or a white plastic curly-tailed grub. For both species, fish near weeds and woody cover.

Kansas reservoirs can provide outstanding white bass and wiper fishing in the fall. These open-water species are hunting for gizzard shad along main-lake points, underwater humps, and creek channel edges. Trolling silver, white or chartreuse crankbaits over structure is a good way to find fish. Or you can watch the birds. Gulls will flock and dive over the water where whites and wipers are feeding, picking up the scraps from the frenzied attacks. Boaters should approach the melees carefully to avoid spooking the shallow fish, then cast jigs, topwater plugs and spoons. Strikes are usually immediate, and the action can last for a few minutes or much longer, depending on the sizes of the schools.

Shoreline anglers can enjoy excellent fishing this time of year by casting jigs and spoons on the windy side of the lake. The wave action provides excellent feeding conditions, concentrating shad and making them easy marks. A good method is to wade out on long, main-lake points or rip-rapped piers and cast into the wind. A 7-foot spinning rod with a light super line will allow long casts even in a stiff wind. This type of fishing can be very productive.

Reservoir crappie can be caught from now through winter as they gather around standing trees and man-made brushpiles. KDWPT fisheries biologists spend a good portion of their time each winter and summer building fish-holding brushpiles. The weighted trees are often marked with buoys, but biologists will also provide GPS coordinates for those that aren’t. Crappie anglers search out brush in 15-25 feet of water and fish jigs and minnows vertically just over the top or even in the brush. A light wind and stationary boat will be necessary to avoid snags, but big crappie fat from eating gizzard shad will be worth the trouble.

When you add the pleasant weather, cooperative fish and low angler numbers together, it adds up to a great outdoor experience. Enjoy Kansas fall fishing.

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Oct. 4, 2012

Special youth seasons offer great opportunities and lifetime memories

PRATT--Three young hunters all took their first limits of ducks on Saturday, Sept. 29, and they saw hundreds of ducks. The hunting was great, and they nearly had the pool they were hunting at Jamestown Wildlife Area to themselves. After the evening hunt, they roasted hot dogs on an open fire then crawled into sleeping bags to dream of the morning hunt on Sunday. The three enthusiastic hunters were lucky enough to have an adult mentor take them hunting during the youth waterfowl season in the Low Plains Early Duck Zone.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Pass It On program offers a variety of special youth hunting seasons designed to encourage adult mentors to take kids hunting. The first youth season of the fall was the youth deer season, which was Sept. 8-16. Many young deer hunters also had great success. At the Anthony Youth Deer Hunt, sponsored by the community of Anthony, Harper County landowners and KDWPT, 11 of the 12 youngsters took at least one deer, hunting just an evening and a morning.

All special youth seasons are scheduled before the regular season to give youngsters first chance. Hunting pressure during the special seasons is light, and public lands provide outstanding opportunities for the youth season as mentors and youth often have areas to themselves. The early-fall seasons are usually marked with mild weather and allow adult hunters a chance to mentor youth without giving up their own hunting time.

The youth season for the Low Plains Late Duck Zone is Oct. 20-21, and the youth-only season for the Southeast Duck Zone is Nov. 3-4. During youth waterfowl seasons, youth 15 and younger may hunt with a supervising adult 18 or older. The adult may not hunt. Resident youth do not need licenses or stamps. Ducks and geese may be hunted, and daily bag limits are the same as during the regular duck and goose seasons.

The last youth season of the fall is the youth pheasant and quail season, Nov. 3-4. Youth 16 and younger may hunt with an adult 18 or older. The adult may not hunt. Young hunters are allowed daily bag limits half of that allowed during the regular season, 2 rooster pheasants and 4 quail.

All persons born on or after July 1, 1957 must complete an approved hunter education course before hunting in Kansas, except that youth 15 and younger may hunt without hunter education while under direct adult supervision.

Take advantage of these great opportunities to pass on our hunting heritage. You’ll likely give a young hunter experiences he or she will never forget, and you may spark a flame in them that will burn the rest of their lives. Those three young duck hunters mentioned earlier are still talking nonstop about their hunting experience. Never underestimate the power of passing it on.

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October 4, 2012

BLUE RAPIDS--The actions of a thoughtless thief or thieves could have dire impacts on the duck hunting prospects for Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Black Vermillion Marsh on the Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area. Early on Thursday morning, KDWPT staff discovered that a diesel engine and 300-gallon fuel tank mounted on a trailer were missing. The equipment was being used to pump water and flood marshes on the wildlife area.

The severe drought has left marshes dry, and the water level at Tuttle Creek Reservoir is the second lowest on record. Projections are that if substantial rain does not fall in the basin this fall, the lake may reach a new record low sometime this winter. The only bright spot is that lower water levels during the summer allowed vegetation to grow and create exceptional food resources for waterfowl. However, unless that vegetation can be flooded, neither the ducks nor the hunters will be able to take advantage of it.

Wildlife area staff had been periodically pumping water over the past 45 days, flooding vegetation to improve conditions for ducks and hunters. The stolen equipment is easily recognizable as the black 300-gallon fuel tank and red Case diesel engine are both mounted on a large black fifth-wheel, tandem-axle trailer. KDWPT officials are asking anyone with information that could lead to recovery of this stolen property to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 785-562-3141 or the KDWPT office at 785-363-7316

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October 5, 2012

Free Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® now available for Android and as mobile website

TOPEKA -- The free Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® is now available to more users – just in time for enjoying Kansas outdoors in the fall. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has announced that its popular Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® is now available for Android and as a mobile website. Previously only available for iPhones, this newest release puts information about Kansas’ state parks in the hands of Android, Blackberry, and feature-phone users. The release also includes the addition of GPS state park trail data.

Linda Craghead, KDWPT Assistant Secretary for Parks and Tourism noted that the mobile app has been downloaded more than 2,700 times since it was launched in May 2012. “The Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® app and mobile website are designed to provide information and technology to guide and enhance our visitors’ state park experiences, and to provide added safety and enjoyment for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts at all of Kansas’ 26 state parks. It’s a fabulous tool,” she added.

Park visitors can now take advantage of state-supplied GPS trail data. Paper maps are a thing of the past with the Pocket Ranger® app’s interactive GPS and GIS Map technology for tracking trails, distance traveled and time elapsed. Marking waypoints and locating landmarks also is easy with these features. Post your accomplishments to Facebook or Twitter when you are done. Users can locate friends within parks using the Friend Finder feature. The Alert feature supplies GPS coordinates to designated contacts in case of an emergency. Guests can also cache park maps in advance so they can navigate the event of lost mobile reception. There is even a tool to help users learn about fish and wildlife game species.

The Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® app and mobile website have other tools that make exploring the great outdoors a breeze. Visitors can search for a park using a list of activities or search within a particular region. The Calendar of Events is updated in real time so users can learn about upcoming events for each park, and park rules and regulations are a click away. Reserving a state park campsite or cabin is easy with a few quick clicks using the Pocket Ranger® to secure overnight reservations – more than 340 reservations have been made so far using the Pocket Ranger®.

According to Richard Dubi, CEO, ParksByNature, “ParksByNature continues to strive to deliver the best mobile apps to enhance the user experience. Pocket Ranger apps are free and very easy to use. The safety features and GPS & mapping functions makes this a vitally important tool for all park goers.”

Visit the KDWPT website home page at ksoutdoors.com to download the free app or access the Kansas State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile website. The app is available on iTunes, Android Market and PocketRanger.com. The Pocket Ranger Mobile Tour Guide tutorial is available at www.youtube.com/user/PocketRangerApp.

For more about Pocket Ranger®: www.pocketranger.com

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October 11, 2012

First statistically-valid lesser prairie chicken survey completed

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – The lesser prairie chicken is an iconic grassland grouse species native to parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. However, long-term population declines have brought state and federal agencies together in an attempt to better manage lesser prairie chickens and their habitats. Through a multi-state collaborative effort, the first statistically-valid, range-wide population estimate for the lesser prairie chicken has been produced, according to the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (WAFWA) Grassland Initiative. The range-wide lesser prairie chicken population is estimated at 37,170 individuals.

The WAFWA Grassland Initiative collaborated with the Lesser Prairie Chicken Interstate Working Group, which is composed of biologists from state fish and wildlife departments within the range of the species, the Bureau of Land Management, and West Ecosystems, Inc. of Laramie, Wyo., to conduct a large-scale, helicopter-based survey of lesser prairie chicken leks across all five states. Leks are sites that the birds go to every spring for breeding. These surveys occurred from March-May and encompassed more than 300,000 square miles.

Survey results will be the baseline for a range-wide lesser prairie chicken management plan currently being developed by the five state wildlife agencies in collaboration with the WAFWA Grassland Initiative. This plan is expected to be completed by March 2013, and could influence the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) decision on whether or not to designate the lesser prairie chicken as a federally threatened or endangered species. The lesser prairie chicken has been considered a candidate under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1998, and the Service expects to release a proposed rule on the status of the bird under the ESA in November 2012.

While the lesser prairie chicken population estimate may appear low, biologists are encouraged by what they found. The surveys this spring detected several previously unknown leks, despite severe drought conditions across the region last year. They also discovered leks in Kansas beyond what was thought to be the northern limit of the historic range of the species. Lesser prairie chicken numbers have been largely increasing in Kansas for the last 15 years, while populations have declined in parts of the southern portion of the range. Biologists believe this expansion may represent a northward shift in the population of the species caused by climatic conditions associated with changing precipitation patterns.

“Historically, we saw habitat conditions like we are observing now in the 1930s, and we thought the species went extinct”, said Bill Van Pelt, WAFWA Grassland Coordinator. “However, with habitat conservation programs being implemented through various Farm Bill programs and Candidate Conservation Agreements under the Endangered Species Act, we are seeing lesser prairie chickens maintaining themselves and even expanding into new areas in some parts of their range. This definitely boosts our confidence in coming up with a plan to maintain this species”, concludes Van Pelt.

The final survey report is available at http://www.wafwa.org/html/aerial_surveys.shtml. Media Contact: Bill Van Pelt (602-717-5066) -30-

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October 11, 2012

Applications for Jeffrey Energy Center youth deer hunt due Nov. 2

ST. MARYS -- Westar Energy Green Team wills host rifle deer hunts for youth and their mentors who don't have deer hunting experience. The Green Team’s annual youth deer hunts are designed to encourage youth who are interested in learning more about hunting to give it a try. The hunts provide safe and fun hunting experiences where the odds of success are high.

Youth 12 and older are invited to apply. Hunts will be conducted at Jeffrey Energy Center just north of St. Marys during both the early and late firearm deer seasons, Nov. 28-Dec. 9 and Jan. 1-13.

A limited number of slots will be awarded to applicants first-come, first-served. Each young hunter must be accompanied by an adult mentor to participate. Hunting will be done from blinds, and mentor/youth pairs will be guided by experienced Westar Energy employees who are volunteering their time. Hunters are encouraged to bring their own rifle, but one can provide if necessary.

An orientation session will be held on Saturday, November 17, when organizers will go over safety, deer biology, and assist youth with sighting in rifles.

Hunts will be held in early morning or late afternoon. Deer are very abundant in this area, and success rates have always been high. Every hunter must have a Unit 9 deer permit from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Hunters 16 and older must also possess a hunting license and hunter education certificate.

Applications will be accepted through November 2, and successful hunters will be notified by November 7. To apply, contact Barb Cornelius at 785-575-8125. -30-

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October 12, 2012

Brown County State Fishing Lake and Lake Scott among lakes taken off lists TOPEKA — On Oct. 11, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae. The health advisory has been lifted at Brown County State Fishing Lake; Central Park Lake, Shawnee County; Centralia Lake, Nemaha County; Chisholm Creek Park Lake North, Sedgwick County; and Lake Scott State Park, Scott County. One lake, Hiawatha Lake in Brown County, has been downgraded from a Warning to an Advisory status.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

• Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County • Logan City Lake — Phillips County • Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. • Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. • Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. • Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. • If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

• Harvey County West Park Lake — Harvey County • Hiawatha Lake — Brown County (downgraded from a Warning) • McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. • Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. • Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. • If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

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Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

NOTE: As a result of the statewide drought, some Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering. KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website. -30-

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October 18, 2012

Milford’s “Gathering Pond” will switch to winter hours on Nov. 1

PRATT— The Milford Hatchery Supply Lake, known locally as the Gathering Pond, below Milford Reservoir Dam reopened last March, and was open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Beginning Nov. 1, the supply lake will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except for holidays and during inclement weather.

When zebra mussels were discovered in Milford Reservoir in 2009, the supply lake was closed to public access to protect the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Milford Fish Hatchery. If zebra mussels infested the supply lake, they could easily clog hatchery waterlines and filters, and cause serious damage to hatchery facilities. KDWPT officials began planning hatchery enhancements that would prevent zebra mussels from entering if the supply lake was ever infested

Since the lake is a popular fishing spot, KDWPT worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop preventative procedures, so the lake could be reopened. The procedures included staffed entry gates, limited access and prohibiting boats and live bait other than worms. Beginning last March, KDWPT staffed the entrance gates and allowed public access from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., seven days a week. Gate staff informed anglers about the new restrictions and provided information on how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species.

The measures have been effective, and zebra mussels have not been transferred to the supply lake. Hatchery staff will complete Phase 1 of water intake modifications this winter. Phase 2 of the hatchery project, including installation of filtration equipment that will exclude all life stages of zebra and quagga mussels, will be completed next year.

Staff will be present at the entrance gates during winter hours except for holidays and during inclement weather. The winter hours will be in effect through Feb. 28, 2013.

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October 18, 2012 KANSAS QUAIL INITIATIVE IN THE RUNNING FOR GRANT Votes for the Kansas Quail Initiative could bring $25,000 grant to program You can help Kansas bobwhite quail with just the click of your mouse. Sportdog Brand, a company that produces electronic dog training equipment, is asking the public to help select conservation projects that they can support with additional funding.

Sportdog’s Future Forward Fund contest is a spin-off from their Conservation Fund program, which supports grassroots organizations that work with state, federal, and private wildlife and land management agencies to conserve wild game populations and critical wildlife habitat. The Future Forward Fund contest accepted conservation project proposals from around the country before selecting a top seven. The Kansas Quail Initiative (KQI), nominated by Quail Forever, made the cut. Voting is open now through Nov. 30, 2012. You can vote for the KQI on Sportdog’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SportDOGBrand, Twitter feed www.twitter.com/SportDOGBrand, Sportdog’s website www.sportdog.com or the email address [email protected].

The project with the most votes will receive a $25,000 grant. The second place vote-getter will receive $5,000. KQI is a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism project designed to reverse declining bobwhite quail populations at a landscape level. The project includes the designation of two large quail management focus areas in the eastern half of the state where landowners will receive 100 percent cost-share to improve habitat on their land. The goal is to increase quail numbers by 50 percent and to increase suitable quail habitat by 5 percent in each focus area. Additional support for KQI is provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Quail Forever, Safari Club International, Kansas Wildlife Federation, and the Nature Conservancy. Kansas biologists have joined forces with biologists in other states to form the National Bobwhite Technical Committee with a goal of improving quail habitat across its range through a National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative. -30-

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October 18, 2012

Fisheries biologists sample lakes to learn about sport fish populations

PRATT—Kansas bass anglers can get a sneak peek of where the best fishing hot spots are this year. The 2013 Kansas Fishing Forecast won’t be available until next March, but this fall’s test data on largemouth bass is already in. Each fall, Kansas fisheries biologists work long hours to sample sport fish populations in the lakes they manage. Using a variety of sampling methods, including netting and electroshocking, biologists record data, which include the number of fish taken within a unit of sampling effort, as well as the size of those fish. The information gathered helps the biologists determine the health of their fisheries, set regulations such as creel limits and length limits, and make stocking requests. Another important product of this work is the fishing forecast.

To help anglers find the kind of fishing opportunities they desire, the forecast establishes criteria for each species of sport fish. For largemouth bass, the Density Rating is the number of bass 12 inches long or longer per unit of sampling. The Preferred Rating is the number of bass in that sample longer than 15 inches, and the Lunker Rating is the number of bass longer than 20 inches. The final category based on sampling is the largest fish sampled. Using the forecast, anglers can locate lakes with high numbers of bass that will provide fast action. Or the angler may target lakes that have lower bass densities but higher numbers of lunker-sized fish.

After the 2012 sampling data was entered, the following lakes, impoundments between 10-1,200 acres in size, made the top five for largemouth bass density: 1. Miami State Fishing Lake (SFL); 2. McPherson SFL; 3. Plainville Lake; 4. Pleasanton – West Lake; and 5. Sedan – Old City Lake. Plainville Lake had the largest number of bass sampled in the Preferred Rating, and McPherson was tops with bass in the Lunker Rating. A 6.57-pound bass collected at McPherson was the largest among the top five.

For reservoirs, which are impoundments larger than 1,200 acres, the top five largemouth bass reservoirs include: 1. Keith Sebelius; 2. La Cygne; 3. Wilson; 4. Perry; and 5. Big Hill. La Cygne Reservoir, which is located in northeastern Linn County, produced the highest number of bass in the Preferred Rating, the Lunker Rating and an 8.9-pound bass caught there was easily the biggest fish collected among water- body types.

The complete 2013 Kansas Fishing Forecast, which includes all sport fish, will be produced early next year. The brochure will be available on the KDWPT website, in brochure form, and will appear in the March/April issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine. -30-

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October 18, 2012

First year for new trout season opening day

PRATT—The 2012 trout season opens Nov. 1 when select waters across the state will be stocked with trout for the popular winter fishing activity. The trout season has traditionally opened Oct. 15 and closed April 15. However, in recent years, stockings in some waters were delayed because of warm weather. To avoid angler confusion, loss of trout and maintain efficient stocking schedules, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commission approved a Nov. 1 opening day beginning in 2012.

There are two types of trout waters in Kansas; Type 1 requires all anglers age 16 and older fishing during the trout season to have a trout permit; Type 2 waters require anglers 16 and older who are fishing for or in possession of trout to have a trout permit. Anglers 15 and younger can fish for trout without a trout permit, but they may only keep two trout per day. The daily creel limit for anglers with a trout permit is five per day unless posted otherwise.

More than 30 small lakes and several streams will receive trout stockings periodically between Nov. 1 and April 15. Log on to ksoutdoors.com and click on “Trout Program” on the Fishing Quick Links menu on the Fishing Page to see stocking schedules and learn more about trout fishing in Kansas. -30-

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October 19, 2012

McPherson State Fishing Lake remains on Advisory list

TOPEKA — On Oct. 19, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae. The health advisory has been lifted at Harvey County West Park Lake and Harvey County East Park Lake has been downgraded to an Advisory level. McPherson State Fishing Lake, McPherson County, will stay on the Advisory list.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Logan City Lake — Phillips County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

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Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County (downgraded from a Warning) Hiawatha Lake — Brown County McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

NOTE: As a result of the statewide drought, some Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering. KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website. -30-

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October 19, 2012

Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commission approves hunting, fishing and park regulations

FALL RIVER—The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KWPT) commission conducted a public hearing at Flint Oak, Fall River on Thursday, October 18. In the public hearing portion of the meeting, the Commission acted on a variety of regulations.

The first portion of the hearing was devoted to fishing regulations, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2013. In response to angler feedback, the commission approved a department recommendation to amend regulations concerning the use and movement of live baitfish. To control the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS), regulations established in 2011 prohibited anglers from using wild-caught baitfish in any impoundment or pool other than where they were caught. On Thursday, the commission approved a change that will allow anglers to catch bluegill and green sunfish from non-ANS designated waters and use them for bait in other waters.

Other fishing regulation changes include:

• the definition of an artificial lure will be “a man-made fish-catching device used to mimic a single prey item” (an umbrella-type device, such as the Alabama rig, may only contain two lures with hooks);

• Hand fishing permit holders will no longer be required to return a questionnaire after the season;

• several new creel/length limits for specific Kansas waters, including a 20-fish daily creel limit for crappie at Glen Elder Reservoir (anglers should be sure to consult the “What’s New For 2013” section in the 2013 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary available in January for a list of length and creel limits);

• Chase State Fishing Lake was added to the list of ANS-designated waters due to the recent discovery of zebra mussels;

• a permit was established that will allow tournament anglers to move live fish from ANS designated waters to a weigh-in site; and

• anglers who purchase baitfish from commercial bait dealers shall possess the receipt while fishing with the live baitfish.

Kansas state park motor vehicle permit fees were amended as a result of legislation that established an annual state park “easy pass.” Beginning in 2013, state park patrons will be able to purchase Easy Pass Annual Motor Vehicle permits when they register their vehicles. The easy pass will be valid for one year after purchase and will cost $15. Annual Motor Vehicle permits valid for a calendar year will still be available through KDWPT offices for $22.50 (plus $2.50 vendor and issuance fees). Daily motor vehicle permit pricing was set at $3.50 (plus $2.50 vendor and issuance fees) and a senior/disabled annual motor vehicle permit fee of $11.25 (plus $2.50 vendor and issuance fees) was approved.

2012 legislation established a formula to determine restitution values for poached trophy-sized white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and antelope. On Thursday, the KWPT commission approved a regulation to adopt the Boone and Crockett Club’s gross scoring system for use in the formula. For white-tailed deer, the minimum Boone and Crockett score is 125, and the restitution value would equal the gross score minus 100, squared, then multiplied by $2. For example, a whitetail with antlers that scored 150 would be valued at $5,000 for restitution purposes (150 – 100 = 50 x 50 x $2 = $5,000). Each big game species has a minimum score and a similar formula to determine restitution value.

The Commission approved a regulation that will allow alcoholic liquor on KDWPT-managed land, which was made possible by recent legislative action. Current regulations only allow only 3.2 percent beer. Public land regulations can still prohibit alcohol use on specific areas.

Changes approved in the spring turkey regulations include amending the management units to coincide with the six units established for the 2012 fall season, increasing the bag limit in Unit 1 (northwest Kansas) to 2 birds and allowing hunters who draw one of the limited Unit 4 permits to use that permit in adjacent units.

In final action, the commission approved pricing recommendations and regulations establishing the senior lifetime combination hunting/fishing pass, and senior annual fishing, hunting licenses. With the passage of House Bill 314, hunting and fishing license exemptions for Kansans age 65-74 were eliminated. The commission approved recommendations for fees of $40 (plus $2.50 vendor and issuance fees) for the senior lifetime hunting/fishing combination pass, $9 (plus $2.50 vendor and issuance fees) for an annual senior fishing or hunting license and $18 (plus $2.50 vendor and issuance fees) for an annual senior hunt/fish combination license.

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The next KWPT commission meeting is Jan. 10, 2013 in El Dorado.

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October 25, 2012

Kansas deer-vehicle collisions peak in mid-November

TOPEKA — Deer can be spotted near our roadways any time of the year. However, in the fall, motorists should be especially vigilant for deer crossing the highways. Deer breeding season peaks in mid- November, and this marks the period when deer- vehicle collisions are highest. That’s why the Kansas Depart?ment of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) are working together to raise awareness and help drivers avoid collisions with deer.

According to KDWPT biologist Lloyd Fox, the increase in deer-vehicle crashes is strongly influenced by the deer mating season, called “rut.” During rut, deer focus on mating; they travel more than in other seasons and pay less attention to hazards such as vehicles. Also during the fall, many deer move to new locations as crops are harvested and leaves fall from trees and shrubs.

Not only are deer more active during the fall, shorter days mean dusk and dawn — when deer are more likely to be on the move — occur when commuter traffic is highest. According to KDOT spokesperson Steve Swartz, there were 9,199 deer-vehicle collisions reported to KDOT in 2011, killing two people and injuring 297 others. Deer-vehicle collisions occur in every Kansas county, but counties with high human populations and high traffic volumes usually record the most deer-vehicle crashes; Sedgwick County recorded the most with 354, followed by Johnson County with 339 and Butler County with 250.

Motorists should observe the following tips to avoid deer collisions:

Be especially watchful at dawn and dusk when deer are particularly active; Watch for more than one deer. They seldom travel alone, so if one crosses the road, others may follow; Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces such as parks or golf courses and near water sources such as streams or ponds; Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer – the most serious accidents occur when motorists swerve and collide with another vehicle or run off the road and hit an obstacle; Heed deer crossing signs; Always wear a seat belt; and Use bright lights and slow down whenever the reflective eyes of deer are spotted.

According to KHP Lieutenant Josh Kellerman, if you hit a deer, slow down and pull onto the shoulder, turn on your emergency flashers, and watch for traffic if you have to exit your vehicle. If you have a cell phone and are on a Kansas highway, dial *47 (*HP) for a highway patrol dispatcher or *582 (*KTA) for assistance on the Kansas Turnpike, or dial 911.

Anyone involved in a vehicle-deer crash resulting in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the crash to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to report any traffic crash is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges. A salvage tag is required to remove a deer carcass from an accident site. Tags can be issued by KHP troopers, sheriff’s deputies, or KDWPT natural resource officers.

If you are involved in a non-injury crash on an interstate, U.S. highway, or any divided or multi-lane road in the state of Kansas, and if you are not transporting hazardous materials, you are required by law to move your vehicle out of the lane of traffic. This law is intended to help keep drivers and passengers safe by getting them out of the lane of traffic and away from oncoming vehicles. Make sure you and your passengers are buckled up and are using the appropriate child safety seats, which are the best ways to prevent injuries or death should you be involved in a crash. -30- http://ksoutdoors.com/...T-Info/News/News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/10-25-12/MOTORISTS-BEWARE-DEER-ON-THE-MOVE-NOW[1/16/2018 4:26:13 PM] PUBLIC INVITED TO COMMENT ON LESSER PRAIRIE CHIICKEN PLAN / 10-25-12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT ...

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October 25, 2012

Public meetings scheduled for comments and input on management plan

PRATT--The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is participating in a five-state effort to develop a range-wide conservation plan to address the decline of the lesser prairie chicken in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado. The conservation plan is intended to benefit the wildlife resources, people, and economies of these states by providing a framework for effective lesser prairie chicken management and habitat improvement that will increase the range-wide population of lesser prairie chickens. The plan will emphasize incentives and tools that encourage landowners to partner with agencies in conservation efforts while achieving their land use needs. More information about the planning process can be found at the project website: http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/p.aspx?tabid=275

KDWPT has contracted with the Ecosystem Management Research Institute (www.emri.org) to prepare the lesser prairie chicken conservation plan for Kansas. Planners are now consulting with landowners, stakeholders, the general public, agency managers and scientists in developing the plan. Public input is important.

Public meetings will be held in the southwest Kansas communities listed below on Nov. 13-15, 2012. Planners will present information about lesser prairie chicken population and habitat goals for Kansas and propose areas in the state where conservation efforts will be focused. A primary purpose of each community meeting will be to discuss the best ways to encourage landowners, industry and others to voluntarily partner with state and federal management agencies to improve habitat for lesser prairie chickens, while also achieving their land use and development needs. Draft planning products will be posted on the project website in advance of the meetings.

The public meeting schedule is:

November 13: Ness City, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Ness County Historical Bank Building, 106 W Main (corner Pennsylvania and Main).

November 14: Ulysses, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., 4-H Building at Civic Center Complex, 1000 W Patterson.

November 15: Greensburg, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Community Center (by fairgrounds), 720 N Bay

Written comments regarding the lesser prairie chicken conservation plan for Kansas are also welcome. Comments will be accepted through Friday, December 14 via email to [email protected] or mail to Jan Caulfield, 114 S. Franklin St., Ste. 203, Juneau, AK 99801

To receive updates during the planning process, please email Jan Caulfield at [email protected] with your contact information, including name, organization (if applicable), address, phone, and email address.

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October 25, 2012

Simple precautions can prevent tragic injuries

PRATT—The deer archery season is in full swing, and as the rut approaches, increased deer activity has bowhunters anticipating the best hunting of the fall. But it is important they remember a few simple treestand safety rules.

Because most bow shots are less than 20 yards, many hunters utilize treestands. Deer rarely look up for danger, and the elevated position can allow a bowhunter to draw the bow undetected. Treestands are also popular with firearm hunters, providing similar advantages and a commanding view of the area. Unfortunately, a surprising number of treestand hunters fall from treestands each fall, some suffering serious injury or death.

According to Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) assistant Hunter Education Program coordinator Monica Bickerstaff, it is estimated that every year there are 1,400-1,500 treestand incidents nationally. Treestand incidents aren’t required to be reported the way firearm-related hunting incidents are, but when they are reported and investigated, a common theme appears: the hunter was not wearing a fall-restraint system.

Call it whatever you want, a fall-arrest system, restraint harness, or safety belt, wearing a harness that connects the hunter to the tree is the single most important thing a treestand hunter can do to stay safe. Here are some recommendations to make hunting from a treestand safer:

• Wear a full-body harness approved by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association (TMA) attached to the tree. Don’t wear single-strap waist or chest belts.

• Never carry equipment while climbing. Use a haul line to raise gear, including bow (with broadheads covered) or unloaded gun.

• Use a climbing belt.

• Avoid using homemade stands. Wood quickly weakens and nails work loose.

• Hunt from healthy, living trees and never put all your weight on a single branch.

• Follow the three-point rule – always have three points of contact to the steps or ladder while climbing up or down.

• Always tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return.

• Carry a cell phone.

“The few minutes it takes to strap on a fall arrest system and become connected to the tree are inconsequential when you consider the total number of hours spent hunting during a lifetime,” Bickerstaff said. “Taking the time to be safe can literally be the difference between life, debilitating injury or death.”

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Update, November. 7, 2012 - The Amendment Passed!

October 25, 2012

Amending state constitution would let lawmakers change how watercraft are classified, taxed

TOPEKA – On November 6, Kansans will have an opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that would allow the Kansas Legislature to change the way watercraft are taxed. For tax purposes, a watercraft is any boat powered by gasoline, diesel, electric, oars or sail, including sailboards, personal watercraft (jet skis), kayaks, and canoes.

The amendment would allow lawmakers – after January 2013 – to classify and tax watercraft on a basis different from other property. The amendment would not directly change how watercraft are taxed; rather, it is a required first step before legislators can make changes in the future.

A YES vote for the proposition would allow the legislature to separately classify and tax watercraft or to exempt watercraft from property taxes. A NO vote on the proposition would not change the way watercraft are taxed.

For county property tax purposes, watercraft are taxed using a formula that multiplies 30 percent of a vessel’s value by the county mill levy, resulting in a tax rate higher than in many other states. The watercraft tax formula is set by the Kansas constitution, which is why an amendment is necessary to allow lawmakers to consider classification and tax rate changes. Three neighboring states – Oklahoma, Nebraska and Missouri – do not have a property tax on watercraft, and neither do Texas and Iowa.

Watercraft powered by gasoline, diesel, electric, or sail must be registered with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). Registrations and renewals cost $32.50 each, and are valid for three years from the registration date. Registering a watercraft isn’t the same as paying county property taxes on it; however, KDWPT annually sends the list of registered watercraft to county appraisers.

To lower their property tax burden, some owners unlawfully register their vessels in neighboring states. The only way county appraisers know if a resident owns a watercraft is for the owner to declare it for property tax purposes or through watercraft registration records provided by KDWPT. When owners go out of state to register their boats and avoid paying property taxes, the state loses registration revenue and the counties lose property tax revenue. An estimated 10,000 Kansas residents register their boats in other states to avoid paying higher property taxes in Kansas. There are about 85,000 watercraft registered with KDWPT.

KDWPT does not receive the property tax revenues. Each county is responsible for how it uses its portion of the property tax receipts. KDWPT uses registration revenues along with matching federal funds – the amount of which is determined by the number of registered watercraft – to support boating-related programs such as: developing, improving, and maintaining docks, boat ramps, toilet facilities; inspecting marinas; enforcing vessel operation, sanitation, sound muffling and boating under the influence laws; investigating boating accidents and marine thefts; officer training; search and rescue operations; administering boating education and water safety programs; publishing boating information; and appearing at fairs and boat shows.

Boating registration information is available on the KDWPT website at ksoutdoors.com/Boating -30-

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October 26, 2012

McPherson State Fishing Lake still on Advisory list, one lake left on Warning list

TOPEKA — On Oct. 25, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae. Memorial/Veterans Lake in Great Bend has been downgraded from a Warning to an Advisory level. McPherson State Fishing Lake, McPherson County, will stay on the Advisory list.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

Logan City Lake — Phillips County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County Hiawatha Lake — Brown County McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County (downgraded from a Warning)

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts.

http://ksoutdoors.com/...s/News-Archive/2012-Weekly-News/Blue-green-Algae-10-26-12/BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE-NOTICES-FOR-OCT.-26[1/16/2018 4:27:37 PM] BLUE-GREEN ALGAE NOTICES FOR OCT. 26 / Blue-green Algae 10-26-12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT Info / KDWPT - KDWPT

Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to- date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

NOTE: As a result of the statewide drought, some Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering. KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website. -30-

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November 1, 2012

Wyandotte County Lake the latest to be infested with invasive species

EMPORIA—During regular monitoring efforts, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) officials discovered zebra mussel veligers (larval stage) in Wyandotte County Lake, which is located at Leavenworth Rd. and 92nd St. in Kansas City. Adult zebra mussels were found upon further investigation.

This latest casualty brings the total of Kansas reservoirs and lakes infested with non-native zebra mussels to 17 and highlights the need for anglers and boaters to be aware of the dangers of moving water and baitfish between lakes. New regulations designed to prevent further spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) require anglers to use wild-caught baitfish only in the lakes or streams where they were caught, except that live green sunfish and bluegill may be moved from waters not on the ANS-designated list. In addition, livewells and bilges of boats must be drained prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway. And anglers may not transport live fish from any ANS- designated water. The 407-acre Wyandotte County Lake, which is owned by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, is now an ANS-designated water. A complete list of ANS-designated waters is included on the ANS page of the KDWPT website (ProtectKSWaters.org) and will be in the 2013 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary.

Zebra mussels are bean-sized, bi-valve mollusks with striped shells. They are native to the Black and Caspian seas of western Asia and eastern Europe and have been spread across the world via cargo ships. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River in 1988. Zebra mussels quickly spread throughout the Great Lakes and to many inland rivers including the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas and Hudson. They first appeared in Kansas in 2003 when they were discovered in El Dorado Reservoir. Public education programs were used to inform boaters about the dangers of zebra mussels in our waters and ways to prevent spreading them. However, zebra mussels continue to show up in new lakes every year. Moving water in boats and bait buckets was identified as a likely vector.

Although related, zebra mussels differ from our native mussels in several important categories. Perhaps the most important is the zebra mussels’ ability to produce very large populations in a short time. Unlike native mussels, zebra mussels do not require a host fish to reproduce. A large female zebra mussel is capable of producing 1 million eggs during the reproductive season. Once fertilized, eggs develop into microscopic veligers. These veligers cannot be seen by the naked eye and thousands can survive in small quantities of water. Veligers passively float within the water for up to two weeks before they settle out as young mussels. These young mussels quickly grow to adult size and reproduce during their first summer of life, thus adding to the problem of extremely dense populations.

After settling, zebra mussels develop byssal threads that allow the shells to attach to hard surfaces such as rocks, piers, and flooded timber. They also attach themselves to pipes, water intake structures, boat hulls, propellers, and lower units of outboard motors. As populations increase in these areas, they can clog intake pipes and prevent water treatment plants and electrical generating plants from drawing water. In 2012, two Kansas communities, Council Grove and Osage City, experienced water shortages because of zebra mussel infestations before water intake structures could be cleaned up. Removing large quantities of zebra mussels to ensure adequate water supplies can be labor-intensive and costly.

Zebra mussels are just one of the non-native aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. Boaters and anglers must remember to follow regulations and precautions that will prevent the spread:

• Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment between uses

• Use wild-caught bait only in the lake or pool where it was caught

• Do not move live fish from waters infested with zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species

• Drain livewells and bilges and remove drain plugs from all vessels prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway.

For more information on stopping aquatic nuisance species in Kansas, visit ProtectKSWaters.org

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November 1, 2012

Ruggedly scenic shore of Wilson Reservoir perfect mountain bike trail setting

PRATT—The Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail at Wilson State Park was recently given an “Epic Award” from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) at the organization’s World Summit in Santa Fe, N.M. According to IMBA’s website, “Switchgrass Trail: With over 20 miles of twisting trails, this destination has something for everyone, from beginners to hammerheads.”

Wilson State Park is located on the shores of Wilson Reservoir 20 miles east of Russell. The park and surrounding landscape features rugged prairie and sandstone outcroppings; a perfect place for challenging mountain bike trails. The Switchgrass Bike Trail begins at the trailhead in the Switchgrass parking lot of the Hell Creek State Park area. The trail winds for about 24 miles through the pristine grasslands along the shores of one of Kansas’ most scenic lakes. Novice riders will enjoy an easy, but beautiful ride of just more than 5 miles.

The Switchgrass Trail is the product of an all-volunteer effort by local mountain bike enthusiasts and the Kansas Trail Council (KTC). It started in 1994 as a 6-mile loop built by a group of local mountain bikers from Great Bend. Since 2004, it has been one of 17 trails coordinated and maintained by the KTC. In 2006, a Federal Recreational Trails Program grant was used to extend the Switchgrass Trail and purchase equipment.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit educational association with a mission to create, enhance and preserve great mountain biking experiences. The Kansas Trails Council is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the development and enjoyment of Kansas trails.

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November 1, 2012

Surplus animals from display herd to be auctioned

PRATT—Have you ever wanted your very own pet buffalo? Actually they don’t make good pets because they’re cantankerous and really difficult to house train. However, if you’ve ever thought about owning or eating a buffalo, more correctly called bison, here’s your chance. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will auction off surplus buffalo at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 beginning at 11 a.m.

The annual auction usually draws a wide range of spectators and buyers from all over the country. Attendees get a chance to see one of the icons of the Great Plains up close and personal. Interest in bison ranching has grown over the years, and the meat is lean and flavorful. Prices paid per animal range from several hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on market demand, condition, sex and age of the animal.

Ninety-eight buffalo from the KDWPT display herd at Maxwell will be sold. Surplus bison from this and other display herds are sold each fall as available habitat can support only a finite number of animals. The 2012 auction ticket will include 25 adult cows, 8 yearling heifers, 19 heifer calves, 12 yearling bulls, 12 2-year-old bulls and 22 bull calves. Bison over 1-year-old will be brucellosis and tuberculosis tested and accompanied by a health certificate. Heifer calves will be vaccinated for brucellosis and certificates issued.

The sale will take place rain or shine. The corrals are located 6 miles north and 1¼ miles west of Canton. The Friends of Maxwell will have food and drink concessions available.

Cash and personal checks (if accompanied by a notarized authorization letter from the issuing bank) will be accepted. KDWPT reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Buyers must pick up the bison the day of the sale or make arrangements with the refuge manager prior to the sale. Animals become the buyer’s responsibility upon settlement on sale day. Load-out assistance is available until dusk the day of the sale. Stock racks and trailers should be covered or lined because bison transport best in dark conditions.

For more information about the sale, contact Maxwell Wildlife Refuge manager Cliff Peterson at (620) 628-4592, or KDWPT’s Region 4 Office in Wichita at (316) 683-8069.

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November 1, 2012

Young hunters get chance to hunt before regular pheasant and quail season opens

PRATT—Those of us who’ve hunted pheasants and quail for years have the second Saturday in November indelibly marked on our mind’s calendar. That’s the traditional opening day of Kansas’ pheasant and quail seasons, and rain or shine, good bird populations or not, we’ll honor our bird hunting heritage and get out in the fields on opening day. However, the weekend before opening day is perhaps even more important to our youth and our hunting traditions.

November 3-4 are reserved for youth 16 and younger to hunt pheasants and quail under adult supervision. The youth season was established as part of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Pass It On program, which is designed to recruit and retain hunters. The youth season provides young hunters and their mentors the opportunity to be in the field before the crowds of opening day. Adults may not hunt. Public lands and Walk-In Hunting Access lands are open, and hunting pressure is usually light. Adult mentors can pass on their hunting knowledge to youth without giving up their own opening day traditions.

Resident youth 15 and younger do not need anything other than an adult supervisor to hunt during the youth season. Hunter education certification is recommended but not necessary as long as the youth hunts under adult supervision. Sixteen-year-old hunters need a hunting license and hunter education is required to purchase a hunting license, unless they opt for the apprentice license. Anyone 16 or older who has not completed an approved hunter education course may purchase an apprentice license, which is a one-time deferral of the hunter education requirement. Adult supervision is required at all times for an apprentice license holder, even during the regular season.

Daily bag limits during the youth pheasant and quail season are half those of the regular season; 2 rooster pheasants and 4 quail.

An annual resident hunting license is $20.50. However, resident youth age 16-21 qualify for a multi-year hunting license, which is valid through the year they turn 21. It’s a bargain at $42.50 for the hunting license and $72.50 for the combination hunting/fishing license.

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November 1, 2012

Deer, elk, antelope permits available for fund raising

PRATT—The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commission will draw the names of seven lucky wildlife conservation organization chapters at its January public meeting. Those chapters will receive a big game permit voucher, which they can sell to the highest bidder to raise money for their conservation efforts. Applications are being accepted now.

Any Kansas-based nonprofit organization that actively promotes wildlife conservation and the hunting and fishing heritage is eligible to apply. Only one permit per organization will be awarded; however, individual chapters of the same organization may receive permits. A chapter or organization is eligible to receive only one Commission Big Game permit in a three-year period.

Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commissioners will conduct the drawing on January 10, 2013 at Butler County Community College in El Dorado. Applications must be received no later than Jan. 1, 2013.

To apply, organizations must submit an application that includes a copy of their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, articles of incorporation, and mission statement, as well as the organization’s preference for an elk, antelope or deer permit. Applications can be downloaded from KDWPT’s website, www.ksoutdoors.com; enter “2013 Commission Big Game Permit” in the search box. Mail applications to Sheila Kemmis, Commission Secretary, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124.

Seven permits will be issued, which may include one elk, one antelope and up to seven deer, depending upon the preferences of the drawn organizations. Organizations that draw a permit must pay KDWPT the permit fee, and they will be issued a voucher. The final recipient of the voucher then remits the voucher to KDWPT’s licensing section for the actual big game permit. Permits may be issued to resident or nonresident hunters and are valid in management units and seasons listed on the permits.

Once an organization sells a permit, not less than 85 percent of the amount is returned to KDWPT to be spent on mutually agreed-upon projects. The remaining 15 percent can be spent at the organization’s discretion. (If Kansas Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KFHFH) receives a permit, not less than 15 percent of the funds raised is remitted to KDWPT with 85 percent staying with KFHFH.)

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November 2, 2012

Board slated to review project proposals; applications due Nov. 30

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Trails Advisory Board will hold a public meeting at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th Street N, Wichita, Kansas, for the purpose of hearing and discussing projects submitted for funding under the Recreational Trails Fund Act. Signs on the premises will direct visitors to the meeting room. Grant applications are due November 30, 2012. Grant information can be found on the KDWPT website at www.ksoutdoors.com/news/State-Parks/Grants.

Persons interested in commenting on projects should attend this meeting. Grant applicants are encouraged to attend and discuss their proposals. Time for comments will be limited. Final decisions about proposals will not be made at this meeting.

For more information, contact Kathy Pritchett, Trail Grant Coordinator, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 512 SE 25th Avenue, Pratt, Kansas 67124, or call 620-672-5911. If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the TDD Service at 1-800-766-3777. An individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting Kathy Pritchett at 620-672-5911.

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November 8, 2012

Kansas’ bird hunting tradition continues

PRATT—Much of Kansas is still in the grips of a stifling drought, and even though the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) pheasant hunting forecasts aren’t optimistic, upland bird hunting traditions will be honored this month. Pheasant and quail seasons open Nov. 10 statewide and remain open through Jan. 31, 2013. Annual Kansas pheasant and quail harvests usually rank among the top two or three states, and even though harvests will be down this year, Kansas will still rank high.

Two years of drought and extreme summertime temperatures have reduced pheasant and quail numbers, especially in the southwest portion of the state. Pheasant numbers are better in the northwest and northcentral regions, and quail numbers have remained stable or increased in the northeast, Flint Hills and southeast regions.

Kansas has long been a bird-hunting destination for hunters, who spend money on lodging, gas, food and other services while they’re here. Hunters provide many rural communities with an important economic boost each year. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation,” hunters spend more than $400 million annually in Kansas. Hunting trip-related expenses alone total nearly $150 million each year. Hunting is big business and important to the state economy.

Good pheasant and quail populations are important to attract hunters, but in the end, bird hunting is only part of the reason hunters anticipate opening day. Many avid bird hunters hunt each fall to renew friendships with other hunters and landowners and maintain family traditions. Many also return because of a connection with the land they’ve hunted for years. There is much more to the hunting tradition than killing birds.

So even though the forecast is less than stellar this year, hunters willing to travel and work for birds can find success. The best advice is to use the 2012 Upland Bird Forecast to locate a region with the type of hunting you’re looking for. Then pick up or download a copy of the 2012 Kansas Hunting Atlas, which includes maps featuring all public hunting lands, as well as more than 1 million acres enrolled in the Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program. WIHA lands are privately owned and leased for public hunting. The atlas will provide information including location, size, dates open and primary hunting opportunities for each tract enrolled.

Officials with KDWPT remind hunters that landowner permission is required before hunting on private land, whether the land is posted or not. Land posted with purple paint on fence posts is the same as land posted with “Hunting By Written Permission Only” signs and both types require written permission before hunting. With conditions this dry, hunters need to also be aware of fire danger. Avoid driving vehicles in tall grass and never smoke in the field. -30-

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November 8, 2012

Registration number allows hunters to process deer in the field

PRATT — Nearly 100,000 hunters will pursue deer in Kansas this fall, and those numbers will peak from now through early December. The archery season is open, and November is the most popular month with bowhunters. The regular firearm season is Nov. 28- Dec. 9. One important regulation hunters should be aware of is deer must be tagged before being moved from the site of the kill. Unless a hunter has an either- sex permit, the head must remain attached to the carcass while in transit to a residence or place of commercial processing or preservation. However, the agency does offer a voluntary option for transporting harvested deer that allows hunters to register their deer through the Internet, using photos taken at the harvest site. Once registered, the hunter may then transport the carcass without the head attached. If Internet access is unavailable at the kill site, the hunter can retain the photographs while in transit and a registration number can be obtained later. To access the electronic deer check-in, go online to the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com, and click “Hunting/Big Game/Deer/Deer Check-in.”

This is not a telephone registration system and it is not required.

The hunter is walked through the registration process and given the necessary instructions. The registration process requires the hunter to submit two digital photographs — one close-up clearly showing the completed tag attached to the deer and a second showing the entire body of the deer with the head still attached. Once logged on to the KDWPT website, a hunter must submit the photos and enter the KDWPT number from their permit, time and date of the kill and the county where the deer was taken. A confirmation number will be issued by email when the photos and data are successfully received. This confirmation number must be retained during transportation.

Once these steps are completed, the deer head may be removed and the carcass prepared for transportation. The system allows KDWPT staff to see the deer and the hunter’s completed tag without the time and expense of maintaining a check station. This flexibility is a benefit to both the hunter and KDWPT.

This option was developed to address two important issues regarding deer carcass transportation. The first concern is about the movement of any material from a deer that may contribute to the transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD). It is believed that spread of CWD could be diminished if certain body parts affected by the disease are not moved from the site where the deer is taken. Because CWD affects the brain and central nervous system, the transportation of a deer head and skeleton from one location to another is considered a likely means for the disease to spread. The new registration system allows a hunter to leave these items at the kill site, minimizing the possibility of spreading CWD.

The second concern is directly related to the first. Many states have adopted strict regulations to prevent the spread of CWD. Typically, these regulations do not allow the transportation of a deer head with brain tissue from a state with confirmed CWD cases. Hunters have been cited in other states and their deer confiscated for not complying with the transportation laws of that state. The new registration system allows a hunter to properly dispose of the head and legally transport the boned meat, as well as the cleaned skull cap and antlers, to the hunter’s home.

More information on CWD and transportation laws may be found on the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com under “Hunting/Big Game/Chronic Wasting Disease.” -30-

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November 8, 2012

Data from survey will benefit lesser and greater prairie chicken management strategies.

PRATT — Kansas boasts healthy populations of both lesser and greater prairie chickens. In fact, it’s probably the only place in the world where a hunter could harvest a greater prairie chicken, a lesser prairie chicken, a ring-necked pheasant and a bobwhite quail in the same general area. While Kansas pheasant and quail hunting traditions, which kick off November 10, overshadow prairie chicken hunting, a loyal cadre of bird hunters will open the regular prairie chicken season on November 17.

Traditionally, Kansas bird hunters needed only a Kansas hunting license, unless they were exempt by law. However, in 2012 a prairie chicken hunting permit is required for anyone who hunts lesser or greater prairie chickens. The permit is $2.50 and is available online or wherever licenses are sold. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will see no revenue from this permit, and the fee is the minimum charge for vendor and automated service fees.

The purpose of the permit is to allow KDWPT to learn more about prairie chicken hunters, harvest numbers and distribution. A random sample of permit holders will be sent a survey after the season to gather data, which will be used for future management decisions.

The lesser prairie chicken is being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). This is despite an increase of both species in population and range in western Kansas over the last 15 years, largely due to voluntary landowner enrollment programs included in the federal Farm Bill, primarily the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). KDWPT opposes the proposed listing and is concerned about landowner participation in future conservation programs, which benefit prairie chickens and other grassland wildlife should they get listed.

“Collecting this data will provide us with the best chance to continue hunting lesser prairie chickens in the face of pending threatened or endangered species listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Jim Pitman, KDWPT small game program coordinator. “The greater prairie chicken is not currently a candidate for federal listing, but we included them in the permit requirement because in parts of Kansas, their populations are struggling much more than those of their smaller cousin. We are being proactive and are attempting to avert a similar situation to the one we face now with lesser prairie chickens.”

Season dates for the regular season in the Northwest and East units are Nov. 17-Jan. 31, 2013. The daily bag limit is two birds, in single species or combination. The Southwest Unit season runs Nov. 17-Dec. 31, 2012 and the daily bag limit is one.

The prairie chicken boundary units have been modified slightly for this season, so hunters should consult the 2012 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary for further details. A map of prairie chicken units is available online on the KDWPT web site at http://www.ksoutdoors.com/news/Hunting/Hunting-Regulations/Maps/Prairie-Chicken-Unit-Map.

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November 9, 2012

Five lakes will stay on Warning or Advisory List

TOPEKA — On Nov. 8, 2012, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported that it has ceased blue-green algae sampling efforts for the remainder of 2012. The sampling season typically runs from April 1 to October 31. Five Kansas lakes will remain on its official Warning or Advisory lists until sampling resumes next year.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. According to KDHE, during the 2012 season, 207 samples were taken from 40 Kansas lakes across 17 counties. KDHE issued public health advisories or warnings for 24 lakes over the course of the season. Two human illnesses related to blue-green algae were confirmed in 2012.

The following Warnings and Advisories will remain in place until next year’s blue-green algae season, or until further notice:

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

• Logan City Lake — Phillips County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water. • Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing. • Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. • Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae. • If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

• Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County • Hiawatha Lake — Brown County • McPherson County State Fishing Lake — McPherson County • Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County (downgraded from a Warning)

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water. • Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. • Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae. • If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

“Though the conditions for harmful algal blooms—hot weather and minimal water releases from reservoirs, among other conditions—have fallen off, the latest sampling results from this season demonstrate that people who may have water contact (anglers or hunters) should remain aware and take the proper precautions at these impoundments,” said Tom Langer, Director for KDHE’s Bureau of Environmental Health.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. More information on

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algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

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November 15, 2012

More than 100 Kansas students compete in state ECO-Meet

PRATT--The 14th Annual Kansas State ECO-Meet Finals competition was held at Camp Webster Conference Center in Salina on Thursday, November 1. It was a perfect weather day for early November, and the competition proved to be an exciting, hard-fought contest. ECO-Meets pit teams of high school students in a competition to see which can score the highest on quizzes about wildlife habitat, knowledge of wildlife, and interpretation/communication of ideas.

In the overall team event, St. Mary’s-Colgan High School (Pittsburg) Team A placed first and won $300 student scholarships. Members included Hannah Maus, C.J. Russell, Ben Cortes, Nathan Flood and team coach Donna Maus. The Shawnee Mission South High School team consisting of members Lauren Brannan, Teagan Fitzpatrick, Joshua Ford, Neil Johnson and team coach P.J. Born placed second and won $200 student scholarships. Third Place went to Blue Valley CAPS team members Piper Bold, Madison Crowl, Dani Roberts, Melissa Parcell and team coach Eric Kessler who won $100 student scholarships.

In the individual Ornithology event, Stephen DeHart, who attends Olathe South High School, placed first and won a $200 scholarship. Mary Freelove from Salina Central High School won a $100 scholarship for second place.

In the individual Shortgrass Prairie event, Ben Cortes of St. Mary’s-Colgan High School placed first and won a $200 scholarship. Kris Super from Maize High School took second and received a $100 scholarship.

Twenty-six teams consisting of 100 students from 23 high schools competed at this year’s event. An additional ten students qualified as individuals from nine other schools in the two test events. Nine regional qualifying competitions were held to see who got the honor of representing their location at state. Those regional locations were: Wilson Lake; the Sternberg Museum, Hays; Milford Nature Center, Junction City; Lakewood Discovery Center, Salina; Great Plains Nature Center, Wichita; Dillon Nature Center, Hutchinson; Prairie Park Nature Center, Lawrence; the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center at Greenbush; and Ernie Miller Nature Center, Olathe. The Kansas ECO-meet committee is considering at least two new locations for 2013 to host regionals, so there is potential for continued growth of this program.

The Kansas ECO-Meet wouldn’t take place without sponsors. They include the Kansas Wildscape Foundation, the Kansas Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Simpson Farm Enterprises of Ransom, Barton Community College, Salina Convention and Visitor Center, Kansas Wesleyan University, Lakewood Discovery Center, Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms, Camp Wood YMCA, Friends of Milford Nature Center, Mid-America Awards, Goodwin Sporting Goods, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’ Education Section in Pratt.

If you wish to view the results from all regional events and the state competition or have questions about Kansas ECO-Meets, visit the web site: www.kansasecomeet.org or contact Mike Rader of KDWPT: [email protected] or (620) 672-0708. -30-

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November 15, 2012

Boating during the winter requires added precautions to ensure safety

Following basic safe boating rules is necessary whenever you’re on the water, but it takes on a new level of importance when the water is cold. As a rule of thumb, if the sum of the air and water temperatures added together equals less than 100 degrees and you fall into the water, you could be looking at a hypothermic situation.

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and cold water robs the body of heat 25 times faster than cold air. When your core body temperature drops below normal (98.6 degrees F), you become hypothermic. Your preparation and how you handle yourself following a fall into cold water will determine your odds of survival.

Remember the “1-10-1” rule. If you fall overboard, you usually have one minute to get your breathing under control. An involuntary gasp occurs when your body encounters the cold water, and this can cause you to breathe in a large amount of water, which can lead to drowning. After the initial shock, you will experience about one minute of deep and uncontrolled breathing. Calming yourself will be easier if you're wearing a life jacket because it will keep your head above the water line and help you avoid breathing in mouthfuls of water.

Over the next ten minutes, your blood flow will start to move away from your hands and feet in order to keep your body’s core warm. The body instinctively attempts to keep vital organs warm and functioning. This affects nerves and muscles farther away from your core, limiting their ability to function. It is during this crucial time that any attempt at self rescue should be made. Get out of the water. Even if your boat is capsized and upside down, crawling onto the part of the boat that is still above water will increase your odds of survival. If you are not wearing a life jacket and can’t get out of the water, you will eventually lose the ability to tread water or swim due to the lack of response from your arms and legs.

Keeping your core protected can help keep you conscious longer, and using the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) will keep your core warmer longer. Wearing a life jacket makes the HELP position easier; you just pull your legs up to your chest and hug your knees. This keeps your body compact and surrounds your chest with protection. If you are in the water with other people, you can huddle together and share warmth. Most people will lose consciousness in one hour, but if you are wearing a life jacket, your face will be above the water and you will still be able to breathe even if you start to fade.

Always dress for the weather by wearing layers that can be removed if the weather warms, and avoid cotton clothing. Cotton will keep the water trapped by your body instead of wicking it away, and it takes a long time to dry. But if you do end up soaking wet, never remove your clothing and shoes unless you have a dry set to change into. Even though the clothes are cold and wet, they provide insulation to your body and will actually keep you warmer. By understanding how hypothermia affects your body and the 1-10-1 rule -- one minute to control your breathing, 10 minutes to rescue yourself and one hour before you lose consciousness -- you can increase your chance for survival if you run into problems while boating in cold water. Of course, wearing life jacket is always the smart choice while boating during any time of the year. -30-

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November 15, 2012

Enrolled private waters can benefit from fish stocking and habitat management

PRATT--The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s F.I.S.H. Program, which stands for Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitats, was patterned after the very successful Walk-In Hunting Access Program with a goal of increasing public fishing opportunities in Kansas. First introduced to Kansas anglers and landowners in 1998, F.I.S.H. leases private waters from landowners for public fishing. Landowners participating in F.I.S.H. receive payments, and F.I.S.H. provides anglers with a place to fish while leaving the land in private ownership. The deadline for landowners to enroll for 2013 is December 15, 2012.

Special regulations are in place for F.I.S.H. properties, and KDWPT officials periodically patrol the areas. Violators will be ticketed or arrested for vandalism, littering or failing to comply with fishing regulations. Access is limited to foot traffic, except on roads designated by the landowner in the case of very large tracts of land. Additionally, under this program some landowners are eligible for fish stocking, habitat management, fence crossers, cattle guards, rock boat ramps, or rocked parking areas.

Each year, KDWPT publishes a fishing atlas featuring maps that show each body of water enrolled in the program, boating allowance, and fish species available. F.I.S.H. sites are open for public access from March 1 to October 31 or year-round. Landowners allowing year-round access receive a 10 percent lease increase.

Pond Leasing The program leases privately-owned ponds for public access by the acre. Base lease rates range from $75-$125 per/acre/year, depending on where the pond is located in. Boating allowance bonuses are available as well. Ponds allowing carry-in boats only will receive an additional $10/acre/year and properties allowing all boats access (adequate launching site must be present) will receive an additional $25/acre/year.

Stream Leasing Another focus of the F.I.S.H. program is to increase access to streams for fishing and paddlesports. Depending on the quality of the stream's fishery, annual lease rates for fishing access range from $500 to $1,500/mile. Stream stretches that allow paddlesport access could receive an additional annual payment of $500-$750/mile. To be eligible for the additional paddlesports payment, the stream stretch must be at least one-mile, with put-in and take-out spots (bonus applies only between put-in and take-out spots), and signed up for a long-term lease (minimum five years).

Big River Access Leasing The Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri Rivers are considered navigable waters and are open to public access. However, public land access points are limited. To increase public access to these rivers, the F.I.S.H. program leases access sites from willing landowners. Landowners with adequate launch facilities, can annually receive $1,500/site. If the site is within 10 river miles of any other public access site a landowner can annually receive $2,000/site.

For more information about enrolling your water in the F.I.S.H. program contact your nearest KDWPT office, or the Operations office in Pratt, 620-672-5911. You can also learn more about F.I.S.H. at www.ksoutdoors.com.

This program is made possible by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Act, the sale of fishing licenses, and the Farm Bill. -30-

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November 16, 2012

Ninth Kansas mountain lion confirmed in modern times

EMPORIA—A deer hunter who was using a remote trail camera to scout for deer in Stafford County was surprised recently when he plugged the SD card in and found the image of a mountain lion. He hadn’t checked the camera for several weeks, and the photo was taken in October, but there was no doubt about the identification. A Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism wildlife biologist visited the site Nov. 16 and confirmed the photo’s validity. This is the first report documented in Kansas since last January when tracks of a mountain lion were found in Washington County.

The Stafford County lion is the ninth to be officially confirmed in Kansas since 2007. While there have been many sightings reported, KDWPT staff investigate if evidence, such as tracks, a photo, or cached kill, is present. According to ongoing research by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, dispersing mountain lions, which are primarily young males, feed mostly on medium-sized animals such as raccoons, raptors, , and turkeys. They feed on deer less frequently, which take days to consume and likely hinder their movement across the landscape as they search of the opposite sex and an area in which to establish a permanent home range. There is no evidence of a resident population of mountain lions in Kansas. The use of remote, motion-triggered cameras by deer hunters to monitor deer in their hunting areas has become common in recent years. These cameras have been responsible for five of the nine Kansas mountain lion confirmations. -30-

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November 21, 2012

Twelve-day season provides opportunities for hunters to put venison in the freezer

PRATT—Kansas deer hunters will hit the field on Nov. 28 with hopes of putting venison in the freezer or getting a chance at a trophy-size buck. The regular firearm season runs through Dec. 9. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Any unfilled permit is valid during the firearm season; however, either-species, nonresident and some antlerless permits are restricted to the deer management units listed on the permit. In addition to their deer permit, all hunters, unless exempt by law, must also have a Kansas hunting license.

Resident permits may be purchased wherever licenses are sold and online. Hunters must possess a permit that allows the harvest of a buck before they are eligible to purchase antlerless permits. Nonresident deer permits are limited and awarded through a lottery draw, which was held in May. Permits left over after the drawing were available on a first-come, first-served basis, and those were sold out.

All legal equipment types are allowed during the firearm season; however, hunters with archery permits must use archery equipment and hunters with muzzleloader permits must use muzzleloaders, crossbows are archery equipment. All hunters hunting deer during the firearm season must wear hunter orange clothing consisting of an orange hat and an orange vest that shows 100 square inches from the front and 100 square inches from the back. Camouflage orange clothing is legal if the number of square inches of orange is visible.

Hunters should remember that all deer must be tagged before moving the carcass from the kill site. Certain permits, such as an antlerless whitetail permit, require that the head remain attached to the carcass during transport for sex identification. However, KDWPT offers a voluntary option that allows hunters to register their deer through the Internet, using photos taken at the harvest site. Once registered, the hunter may then transport the carcass without the head attached. If Internet access is unavailable at the kill site, the hunter can retain the photographs while in transit and a registration number can be obtained later. To access the electronic deer check-in, go online to the KDWPT website, www.ksoutdoors.com, and click “Hunting/Big Game/Deer/Deer Check-in.”

To ensure everyone enjoys a safe deer hunt, hunters must remember basic firearm safety rules including knowing their target and what lies beyond it and always wearing the required hunter orange. Hunters must have permission to hunt on any private land, whether it is posted or not. The 2012 Kansas Hunting Atlas features maps showing all public and Walk-In Hunting Access areas is available wherever licenses are sold and online at www.ksoutdoors.com.

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November 21, 2012

Joint effort will check for drivers’ licenses and possession of wildlife

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and local law enforcement officials will conduct a joint checkpoint in southcentral Kansas in early December. The regular firearm deer season starts November 28, and upland game bird seasons are underway. The checkpoint is intended to help enforce state and federal wildlife laws, as well as the state’s driver’s licensing laws. Local law enforcement officers will operate the first stage of the checkpoint to be sure drivers are properly licensed to be driving. If a driver does not have a valid license, appropriate enforcement actions will be taken. Travelers should not expect major delays from this portion of the checkpoint.

Occupants of vehicles in the first check lane will be asked if they are hunters or are transporting wildlife. If yes in either case, drivers will be directed to a nearby check lane where KDWPT natural resource officers will check for required licenses and permits, count the game and gather biological, harvest, and hunter success information. This portion of the checkpoint should also cause minimal delay.

Additional wildlife checkpoints will occur around the state during the fall and winter hunting seasons. -30-

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November 21, 2012

Special hunt open to youth and women by application

PRATT--The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc. is sponsoring their annual pheasant hunting event for youth and women Dec. 8 at Waconda Lake, also known as Glen Elder Reservoir. The event will begin at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday with breakfast at the Hopewell Church basement in Glen Elder State Park. Breakfast will be followed by a pre-hunt safety talk before participants are divided into hunting groups. The hunters, guides, and mentors will then head out to various hunting areas around the lake. A noon meal will be provided by the Waconda Lake Association.

Women of any age and youth 11–16 are eligible and encouraged to apply for this hunt. This hunt is geared toward providing a comfortable and positive hunting environment for new or inexperienced hunters. Previous hunting experience is not required, and shotguns and ammunition can be provided. To apply, contact the Glen Elder Area Office at 785-545-3345 (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays) by December 3, 2012. Forty applicants will be selected to participate in the Saturday hunt. If there are more applicants, an additional hunt may be scheduled for Sunday morning, December 9.

A free trap shoot will also be offered on Saturday afternoon from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm. The trap shoot, which will be held just west of the KDWPT Glen Elder Area Office, is open to the public and is intended for new and beginning shooters.

Another unique aspect of this event is that each group of pheasant hunters will get to hunt alongside a special guest who has been invited to serve as a hunting mentor for their group. This list is currently being put together, but these individuals may be professional athletes, television personalities, or military personnel that have recently returned from deployment.

There will be a hunter’s banquet on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Hall in Downs. The banquet will include a meal, prizes for the hunters, and more opportunity for the hunters to interact with the special guests. All participants are invited to attend and will be asked to RSVP for the banquet when they sign up for the hunt.

For more information, contact Chris Lecuyer at the KDWPT Glen Elder Area Office 785-545-3345. -30-

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November 29, 2012

Conservation Achievement Program award nomination deadline Dec. 15

PRATT — If you know someone who has worked tirelessly for wildlife and natural resource conservation, the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s (KWF) has a perfect way to recognize their efforts. KWF’s Conservation Achievement Program (CAP) awards those who have devoted themselves to conserving the state's natural resources.

CAP award categories include Land and Soil Conservation, Youth Conservationist, Conservation Communicator, Conservation Educator, Wildlife Conservationist, Water Conservationist, Conservation Legislator, Conservation Farmer/Rancher, Forestry Conservationist, Stream Team Conservationist, Outdoor Skills Instructor, Conservation Organization, and Conservationist of the Year. Awards will be presented at KWF’s annual banquet, which is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2013 in Emporia.

Nominations are due Dec. 15. For more information, phone Ken Brunson at 620-672-7289 or email [email protected]. -30-

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November 29, 2012

Hunters, meat processors, food banks provide meals to poor

PRATT—During the 12-day Kansas firearm deer season, which opened Wednesday, Nov. 28, more than 50,000 deer may be harvested. In some areas of the state, hunters can obtain up to five whitetail antlerless deer permits, in addition to their either-sex permit. And while additional harvest helps stabilize and control the deer population, many hunters don’t want or need more than one or two deer in the freezer. That is where Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KSHFH) comes into the picture. KSHFH is a nonprofit organization that is the conduit for hunters to donate deer and provide food for hungry Kansans. With the help of hunters, meat processors, and private donors, KSHFH annually provides thousands of meals to those in need. Just one deer can feed nearly 200 hungry people in the state. In 2011, 1,038 deer were donated through KSHFH, providing nearly 225,000 meals through 100 food banks across the state.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism makes supporting this program easy. When outdoorsmen and women buy licenses, permits, or stamps, they can donate $2 to fund the program, which the agency collects for KSHFH. Contributions from hunters, businesses, churches, sportsmen’s clubs, organizations and other foundations help KSHFH pay butchers to process, package and freeze the donated venison for distribution by local food pantries. Volunteers help organize and coordinate the efforts of KSHFH in communities across the state by helping with fundraising, promotional gatherings, meat donation, meat distribution and much more.

KSHFH invites hunters to donate any legally harvested deer to one of the more than 40 participating meat processors around the state. To find one nearest you, go online to www.kshfh.org and click on "Lockers." It’s always a good idea to call ahead before taking your deer to a processor. There is no cost to donate your deer as long as the KSHFH organization has sufficient funding to cover the processing expense. Donated game must be field dressed and legally tagged. -30-

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November 29, 2012

Venison is healthy culinary treat if cared for properly

PRATT—Everyone has heard someone say they didn’t like deer meat because of the “gamey” taste. But what is gamey? The truth is, venison is a lean, healthy source of protein that is equally palatable if the proper steps are taken, beginning immediately after the shot.

There’s really no trick to good-tasting deer meat; a lot of it is common sense, but it does take some effort. The most important step list is cooling the meat, and that means field dressing, or gutting, the carcass promptly. This should be done in the field soon after the shot. Remove the entrails and prop open the ribcage, letting air circulate in the body cavity. After field dressing, be sure to sign, date and affix your deer tag to the carcass, and move it to a location for processing, taking care to keep the meat clean. If you plan to use a commercial butcher/processer, it’s a good idea to call ahead and make sure they are open and can get your deer into the cooler.

If you plan to process the meat yourself, you’ll need a cool, clean place to hang the carcass, which should be skinned as quickly as possible unless temperatures are very cool. Prompt skinning is another important step in cooling the meat when temperatures are mild.

Through every step in this process be vigilant to keep the meat clean of debris and hair. Don’t get in a hurry. There are instructional videos available to help you butcher your deer, and doing it yourself will give you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how the meat was cared for. Large commercial processors may mix your deer meat with that brought in by other hunters. Do it yourself and you can make custom cuts and package sizes suited for your family.

Once the meat is cooled, butchered, packaged and frozen, you can enjoy many great meals. Venison is very lean, so adding a strip of bacon to steaks or mixing beef tallow or sausage to the burger helps with flavor and cooking. The only “trick” to cooking tasty venison, is not overcooking it. Venison, and all wild game, should be carefully cooked to medium or medium rare. There is a fine line between just right and an overcooked, dry, livery-tasting (gamey) deer steak. When properly cared for and cooked correctly, venison can be as tasty and tender as beef. -30-

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November 29, 2012

Hunting and fishing license exemption age changed to 75

PRATT—Beginning January 1, 2013, Kansas resident hunters and anglers age 65-74 will be required to purchase hunting and fishing licenses. Before this law changed, residents 65 and older were exempt from fishing and hunting license requirements. However, hunters and anglers 65 and older are our fastest growing age group, and changes were necessary to ensure federal aid is not lost and to avoid future budget shortfalls.

Legislation that abolished the exemption provides bargain licenses for seniors. In fact, the best bargain is the Senior Lifetime Pass, a hunting/fishing combination license good for the rest of the holder’s life that will cost $42.50, including vendor and issuance fees. Residents 65 and older can also opt for an annual fishing or hunting license at half the regular price, $11.50, or an annual hunting/fishing combination license for $20.50. Residents 75 and older are still exempt.

The new senior licenses, along with all the 2013 licenses and permits will go on sale Dec. 14, and they are valid for the remainder of 2012 and all of 2013. They can be purchased at more than 600 vendors across the state or online at www.ksoutdoors.com. -30-

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November 29, 2012

Conservation Achievement Program award nomination deadline Dec. 15

PRATT — If you know someone who has worked tirelessly for wildlife and natural resource conservation, the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s (KWF) has a perfect way to recognize their efforts. KWF’s Conservation Achievement Program (CAP) awards those who have devoted themselves to conserving the state's natural resources.

CAP award categories include Land and Soil Conservation, Youth Conservationist, Conservation Communicator, Conservation Educator, Wildlife Conservationist, Water Conservationist, Conservation Legislator, Conservation Farmer/Rancher, Forestry Conservationist, Stream Team Conservationist, Outdoor Skills Instructor, Conservation Organization, and Conservationist of the Year. Awards will be presented at KWF’s annual banquet, which is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2013 in Emporia.

Nominations are due by Dec. 15. For more information, phone 620-672-7289 or email [email protected]. -30-

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November 29, 2013

Joint effort will check for drivers’ licenses and possession of wildlife

TOPEKA-- The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and local law enforcement officials will conduct a joint checkpoint in northeast Kansas in early December. The regular firearm deer season opened Nov. 28, and upland game bird seasons are underway. The checkpoint is intended to help enforce state and federal wildlife laws, as well as the state’s driver’s licensing laws.

Local law enforcement officers will operate the first stage of the checkpoint to be sure drivers are properly licensed to be driving. If a driver does not have a valid license, appropriate enforcement actions will be taken. Travelers should not expect major delays from this portion of the checkpoint.

Occupants of vehicles in the first check lane will be asked if they are hunters or are transporting wildlife. If yes in either case, drivers will be directed to a nearby check lane where KDWPT natural resource officers will check for required licenses and permits, count the game and gather biological, harvest and hunter success information. This portion of the checkpoint should also cause minimal delays.

Additional wildlife checkpoints will occur around the state during the fall and winter hunting seasons.

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November 29, 2012

Law doesn’t allow hunters to radio or phone the location of game animals

PRATT—You see a big buck moving in the direction of your buddy’s deer stand. You want him be ready, so you grab your cell phone and without thinking you send him a text: “Big buck coming your way!” Unfortunately, you’ve just broken the law. The law has been on the books for years, and many hunters are aware that two-way radios can’t be used to give the location of a game animal for the purpose of taking such animal. However, the law prohibits the use of “a radio or other mechanical device,” which includes cell phones. And a text is the same as a call. Don’t do it.

Other common violations that can be easily avoided include wearing the required amount of hunter orange, which is a vest with 100 square inches visible from the front and 100 square inches visible from the back and an orange hat. Remember to sign, date and affix your carcass tag to the deer before you move it from the site of the kill. And always have the proper permit and your hunting license on your person while hunting. -30-

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December 6, 2012

Kansas Ornithological Society Christmas Bird Count runs Dec. 9-Jan. 13, 2013

PRATT — The long tradition of Christmas bird counts provide people interested in birds opportunities to make new acquaintances, renew old friendships, and learn more about birds and birdwatching in Kansas. The counts also provide important information about bird migration and population trends.

Christmas bird counts have been conducted for more than 100 years, and more than 2,000 counts are held across the nation each year. Kansas averages 50 counts per year, with more than 40 scheduled so far this year and others yet to be announced. Many counts are concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the state, but in recent years, more have been conducted in western Kansas — such as Elkhart and Ulysses — providing additional opportunities to participate.

Christmas bird counts are conducted in circular census areas with a 7.5 mile radius. This is consistent from count-to-count and year-to- year, always surveying the same location, ensuring data collected is comparable for population trends over time.

Count events are easy to prepare for; the best tools being a pair of binoculars, a good field guide, and appropriate clothing and footwear for possible extreme weather. For those counting in an area with a lake, a good spotting scope can be extremely helpful in identifying birds at a distance. It’s also a good idea to study species expected in your location.

There are many count compilers in Kansas who send data to the Kansas Ornithological Society (KOS), and these counts are free. The KOS will accept data collected on counts conducted from Dec. 9 through Jan. 13, 2013. The official Audubon Christmas Bird Count period is Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 every year and this year, there is no longer a $5 fee for field participants.

Information about Kansas Christmas bird counts can be found at the KOS website, www.ksbirds.org. For details, just click “2012-2013 Kansas Christmas Bird Counts.” For more information about Audubon Christmas Bird Counts in Kansas, go to birds.audubon.org/christmas- bird-count. -30-

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December 6, 2012

Operation Game Thief provides safe, fast way for citizens to help catch poachers

PRATT — You see a blatant wildlife law violation and it makes you angry, but what can you do? You assume the local game warden is miles away and couldn’t get here in time. What can you do? You follow the laws and regulations and hunting ethics are important to you, but what can you do? The answer is Operation Game Thief. Operation Game Thief (OGT), 1-877-426-3843, is a program that provides a toll-free number for anyone witnessing wildlife-related violations to call immediately and make a report. All calls received through the OGT line are immediately relayed to the natural resource officer nearest the violation. The line is available anytime of day or night, every day of the year, and callers may remain anonymous.

Each year, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) game wardens check tens of thousands of hunters in the field, and about 96 percent of them are law-abiding. Unfortunately, many non-hunters don’t distinguish between the small percentage of those who break wildlife laws and the majority who hunt legally. KDWPT game wardens work long hours during the fall, but most have large territories to cover, and they are much more effective with help from hunters and landowners who witness illegal activity.

When reporting a wildlife crime, remember these two important reporting rules: • never confront suspects; and • provide as much specific information as possible, such as vehicle descriptions and license tag numbers, descriptions of people involved, locations, and the time and location the incident occurred.

OGT calls have resulted in arrests and convictions on violations ranging from public lands vandalism to deer poaching. In many cases, poachers have been arrested within minutes of the call. Even drug operations have been uncovered by alert hunters using this number. Remember, when you see someone violating wildlife laws, they are stealing from you and damaging the image of all hunters. Help bring them to justice by calling OGT at 1-877-426-3843. -30-

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December 6, 2012

Make the outdoor-lover on your list happy this year

PRATT – If you’re looking for a special gift for the outdoor persons on your list, look no further than the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). It can be a easy as going to www.ksoutdoors.com and shopping online, or you can visit one of KDWPT’s regional or state parks offices.

Perennial favorites include subscriptions to Kansas Wildlife & Parks and KANSAS! magazines. Kansas Wildlife & Parks is a bimonthly publication packed with the latest information on fishing, hunting, state parks, and wildlife watching, all highlighted by spectacular color photographs. A one-year subscription is $10 and may be purchased at KDWPT offices, online at www.ksoutdoors.com or by phoning toll- free 800-999-9718.

Award-winning KANSAS! magazine is published quarterly, and each issue tells a story through inspiring words and exceptional photography that captures the beauty and essence of the state. Features and photo galleries showcase a variety of topics—from the people and communities to the food and the striking scenery and unique landscapes that make Kansas a special place to live and visit. Purchasing a subscription for that someone on your list who loves Kansas is as easy as going to www.kansasmag.com or phoning toll-free 800-678- 6424. A one-year subscription to KANSAS! magazine is $18.

Another popular shopping spot is the KDWPT Outdoor Store. Visit the KDWPT website (www.ksoutdoors.com click "Other Services/Outdoor Store") to download the Outdoor Store order form. Using this form, shoppers can choose from a selection of 30 wildlife books, DVDs, T- shirts, hats, and other miscellaneous items.

The 2013 licenses and permits go on sale Dec. 14, and are valid for the remainder of 2012 and all of 2013, adding more than two weeks to their value. Most licenses and permits can be purchased online and will make your gift recipient happy all year.

For more information, go to the KDWPT website or phone 620-672-5911. Make this Christmas a special one for the outdoorsman or woman on your list. -30-

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December 7, 2012

Passport available to residents registering their vehicles

TOPEKA – Kansans who enjoy visiting the state parks can count on at least two annual rituals – renewing their vehicle registrations and buying their annual park permits. Currently, these tasks must be completed on separate occasions, at different buildings or online locations, and using separate transactions. That’s about to change, thanks to a partnership between the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR).

Beginning in 2013, Kansas motor vehicle owners will be able to buy an annual park vehicle permit as part of their vehicle registration process. The permit – called a Kansas State Parks Passport – will cost $15.00 (county treasurers can elect to add a $0.50 service fee). This lower-price, non-transferable permit will be available only during the vehicle registration process at a motor vehicle registration office, through the online vehicle registration site (www.kswebtags.org), or when registering by mail. The Kansas State Parks Passport will expire when the vehicle registration expires a year later.

During 2013, persons who would like to purchase an annual park permit before they register their vehicles can do so at any KDWPT office, KDWPT license vendor or through the KDWPT website, (www.ksoutdoors.com/License-Permits), and then request a pro-rated refund for the difference in cost. Refund forms will be available from KDWPT state park offices or through the KDWPT website at ksoutdoors.com.

Kansas residents (except seniors and persons with disabilities) and owners of vehicles not registered in Kansas who buy their park vehicle permits at a KDWPT office or vendor will have to pay the regular price for annual and daily permits. The regular annual park vehicle permit will cost $25.00, and the daily vehicle permit fee will be $5.00, including processing fees.

Starting in 2013, residents 65 years of age or older or persons with disabilities who display a special license plate or placard issued pursuant to state law can buy a park vehicle permit directly from a KDWPT office or vendor. Including processing fees, the cost will be $13.75 for annual vehicle park permits or $3.25 for regular daily permits. These lower-priced permits will not be available as part of the vehicle registration process.

KDWPT pushed for the new passport in the 2012 legislative session. Kansas state parks receive modest funding from the state general fund but the amount has dwindled in recent years, resulting in significant challenges for park operations and maintenance.

Robin Jennison, KDWPT Secretary, explained that the agency is striving to be less reliant on state general funds. “The new annual permit will provide a lower cost way for families and young people to visit our state parks. It also will help expand our customer base, and provide a more reliable, consistent revenue stream to stabilize the funding pool so we can more effectively operate our state parks. We deeply appreciate the help of the Department of Revenue to make this happen,” he said.

Linda Craghead, Assistant Secretary for Parks and Tourism, added, “The Kansas State Parks Passport will make it more convenient and affordable for Kansans to enjoy our 25 state parks. It will be a great way for families to reconnect with nature and each other, and help preserve the parks for future generations. Families can enjoy a whole year of adventure and outdoor activities for less than the cost of treating the family to a night at the movies.”

"We are pleased to partner with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to offer this customer service feature which will make it easier for all Kansans to visit our state parks," said KDOR Vehicles Director Donna Shelite.

Information about the new Kansas State Parks Passport will be included in the registration renewal notice sent to vehicle owners each year. --30--

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December 13, 2012

Trout season is in full swing, providing great winter fishing fun

PRATT – The Kansas state record rainbow trout weighed 15.43 pounds. That’s not a typo; the official state record really weighed more than 15 pounds. Nicole Wilson caught it last March while fishing at Lake Shawnee in Topeka. Kansas trout fishing is a wintertime activity. With one exception, the cold-water fish won’t survive a Kansas summer, but they do fine when stocked from November-April. There is a strip-mined lake on the Mined Land Wildlife Area in Cherokee County where cool spring flows allow trout to survive year-round. All other Kansas trout waters are stocked periodically throughout the trout season, Nov. 1-April 15, 2013.

Trout fishing is a great way to get out of the house on a warm winter day and enjoy some fishing. If you’re 16 or older, you’ll need a Trout Permit, which is $12.50 and valid through the calendar year. All resident anglers 16-75 (anglers 65-74 need a fishing license beginning Jan. 1, 2013) will also need a fishing license. Anglers 15 and younger may fish for trout without a trout stamp, but they may only keep two trout per day. An angler with a Trout Permit may keep five trout per day, unless a more restrictive creel limit is posted.

More than 30 waters are stocked with trout, and they are divided into two categories, listed in the Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary. All anglers 16 and older fishing on Type 1 Trout Waters must have a Trout Permit. On Type 2 waters, only anglers fishing for or possessing trout must have a Trout Permit.

Revenues from the sale of Trout Permits allow the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to purchase trout from contracting hatcheries for stocking. Contracts require catchable-sized trout along with a percentage of larger fish, so there is always the chance to catch a lunker. Most trout stocked are rainbows, but there are some brown trout stocked in the Kanopolis Seep Stream and Mined Land Unit No. 30.

Anglers use a variety of techniques to catch Kansas trout. Many still-fish commercial baits such as Berkley PowerBait, usually on or near the bottom. Others prefer to cast small spinners, spoons, or jigs on light tackle. And others choose to use fly tackle. Winter water is clear, so light line and ultra-light tackle is recommended. Even though these fish have been raised in hatcheries, they can be as finicky as their wild counterparts. Keep switching lures, flies and presentation until you find the combination that works. No matter how you catch them, winter trout are great fun and tasty when slow grilled or smoked fresh.

For more information on Kansas trout fishing, consult the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available wherever licenses are sold and online at www.ksoutdoors.com. A complete list of stocking schedules can be found online at: http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Trout-Fishing-Program. -30-

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December 15, 2012

Online reservation system allows reservations up to a year in advance

PRATT – If you’re making plans for next year’s state park fun, you can reserve your favorite campsite or cabin up to a year in advance, beginning AFTER 2:00 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 16. You can also purchase your 2013 permits and licenses beginning Friday, December 14, 2012, and all issuances will be valid through the rest of 2012 and all of 2013.

Camping and cabin reservations guarantee the holder their spot will be open and ready when they arrive at the park. All Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) 121 cabins can be reserved year-round. About half of each individual park’s sites may be reserved for the camping season which is April 1-Sept. 30, 2013.

It’s never been easier to reserve a cabin or campsite. Last spring, KDWPT unveiled its Outdoor Recreation Management System (ORMS), which provides reservation services and much more.

In addition to allowing customers to make reservations from the comfort of home, photos of each campsite and whether it’s available will be hosted online. In most cases, ORMS will save park users money through reduced service fees and more efficient management. The system also will allow staff to mark sites with problems — such as broken hydrants or electrical issues — until these issues can be fixed. ORMS data will show which sites are used the most, making management planning more efficient. ORMS will allow park staff to look within the system to see what sites are full and who is on that site, making emergency notifications much faster.

For those who still prefer using a phone, park staff can use ORMS to help callers with reservations.

Payment in full is required at the time a reservation is made. Reserving a cabin requires a non-refundable $14 reservation fee. Reserving a campsite requires a non-refundable $3 reservation fee per campsite. And remember the $15 Kansas State Parks Passport annual vehicle permit will be available during your vehicle registration process in 2013. It saves money and is convenient. Regular annual state parks vehicle permits for $25 are still available at KDWPT offices, and daily vehicle entrance permits are $5. Annual vehicle permits for seniors and persons with disabilities are still available through department offices for $13.75. -30-

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December 13, 2012

Permits help conservation groups raise money

PRATT – Seven numbers will be drawn by Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commissioners at their scheduled public meeting in January. The numbers will represent state conservation organizations that applied for the coveted Commission Big Game permits, which can be auctioned off to raise money for conservation projects.

Any Kansas-based nonprofit organization that actively promotes wildlife conservation and the hunting and fishing heritage is eligible to apply. Only one permit per organization will be awarded; however, individual chapters of the same organization may receive permits. A chapter or organization is eligible to receive only one Commission Big Game permit in a three-year period.

Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commissioners will conduct the drawing when they meet on January 10, 2013 at Butler County Community College in El Dorado. Applications must be received no later than Jan. 1, 2013.

To apply, organizations must submit an application that includes a copy of their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, articles of incorporation, and mission statement, as well as the organization’s preference for an elk, antelope or deer permit. Applications can be downloaded from KDWPT’s website, www.ksoutdoors.com; enter “2013 Commission Big Game Permit” in the search box. Mail applications to Sheila Kemmis, Commission Secretary, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124.

Seven permits will be issued, which may include one elk, one antelope and up to seven deer, depending upon the preferences of the drawn organizations. Organizations that draw a permit must pay KDWPT the permit fee, and they will be issued a voucher. The final recipient must remit the voucher to KDWPT’s licensing section to receive the big game permit. Permits may be issued to resident or nonresident hunters and are valid in management units and seasons listed on the permits.

Once an organization sells a permit, not less than 85 percent of the amount is returned to KDWPT to be spent on mutually agreed-upon projects. The remaining 15 percent can be spent at the organization’s discretion. (If Kansas Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KFHFH) receives a permit, not less than 15 percent of the funds raised is remitted to KDWPT with 85 percent staying with KFHFH.) -30-

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December 20, 2012

Six lucky youngsters will get turkey hunting opportunity

EL DORADO–The Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt, based in El Dorado, draws hunters from across the U.S. each spring to experience the great turkey hunting found in Kansas. However, since 2002, six lucky young hunters from Kansas have been selected to participate in the hunt as “Youth Celebrities.”

While organizers of the hunt strive to promote Kansas’ great hunting heritage, they also realize that hunting traditions must be passed down to our youth. To do that, they have developed an application and selection process to get young hunters involved. To be considered for selection, youth must be Kansas residents, have completed a hunter education course, be 12 to 18 years of age, have a parent or adult sponsor who will accompany and stay with them during the event, attend all events associated with the hunt, and submit an application, essay and photo by Jan. 8, 2013.

A selection committee will review the applications and essays, which should be about “Why I Should Be Considered For The Hunt,” or “Why Hunting Is Important To Me.” The committee will consider qualified applicants of all experience levels.

The lucky six will be considered youth hunters and will not be in competition for the Top Gun award, but each will be provided with the following: a hunting guide; hotel accommodations in El Dorado; tickets and passes to all the events for the parent/sponsor and youth; two turkey permits and licenses required; and the opportunity to participate in future events as volunteers.

This year’s hunt will take place April 11-13. Applicants may contact the Kansas Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt office during business hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 316-321-3835 with any questions concerning the youth program or other programs associated with the hunt. A celebrity youth program application can be downloaded here http://www.ksgovsturkeyhunt.com/. Any Kansas youth who meets the eligibility requirements is encouraged to apply for participation in the hunt. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a quality turkey hunting experience and the hospitality of the great folks in Butler County and El Dorado who conduct the hunt each year. The Kansas Governor’s Annual One Shot Turkey Hunt has become recognized throughout the U.S. as one of the finest of its kind in the nation.

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December 20, 2012

Study shows 80:1 return on investment from advertising campaign

TOPEKA–Some people think Kansas is a well-kept secret, but the Division of Tourism of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) doesn’t keep quiet about trumpeting the virtues of our state. According to an independent study, the state’s “There’s No Place Like Kansas” marketing campaign generated 133,400 additional visitors to Kansas and contributed $73.5 million to the Kansas economy, yet cost only $915,400 – a return on investment (ROI) of $80 for every dollar spent. The KDWPT Division of Tourism directed the campaign, and an independent research company, H2R Market Research, conducted the study.

The campaign ran between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. It used television, print, online and digital advertisements and reached 1.84 million people in seven states: Nebraska, Missouri (including St. Louis), Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Iowa. A sample of the television ads can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/travelks.

“This campaign focused on the unique and surprising experiences visitors can enjoy when they visit Kansas. The study shows that investing in tourism marketing pays big dividends and that tourism is an important part of the Kansas economy," said KDWPT Secretary Robin Jennison.The campaign did not spend state general taxes. Instead, it was funded with dollars from Economic Development Initiative Funds (EDIF) generated through the Kansas Lottery and eight community partners that contributed $20,000 each: Dodge City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB); Hutchinson CVB; Kansas City CVB; Lawrence CVB; Manhattan CVB; Visit Salina; Visit Topeka and Go Wichita.

“We believe it is essential to partner with statewide industry leaders to maximize the many and varied programs of the Kansas Tourism Division,” said Becky Blake, Kansas Tourism Director. “Our advertising partners help stretch our limited funds, enabling all of us to create excitement about Kansas far beyond the state’s borders.”

“Based on advertising effectiveness studies we have conducted over the last three years for state tourism offices and destination marketing organizations, Kansas’ ROI of 80:1 is well above the industry average,” said Jerry Henry, president of H2R and widely-respected expert with nearly 30 years of travel and leisure research.

The Kansas tourism industry employs one of every nine Kansas citizens in jobs that stay in the state and can’t be sent to another state or oversees. Tourism is the third largest private sector employer in Kansas. For more information or a summary of the report, visit www.TravelKS.com, or call 785-296-2009. Find Kansas on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TravelKS and on Twitter at @TravelKS. -30-

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December 20, 2012

State parks open for use but some park offices closed during holiday period

PRATT — All Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices will be closed for the Christmas holidays, Dec. 24-25, as well as Jan. 1, 2013 for New Year’s Day. However, park offices with schedules are as follows:

Western Kansas • — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013; • Glen Elder State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013; • Lovewell State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013; • Meade State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013; • Prairie Dog State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013; • Scott State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013; and • Webster State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013.

Central Kansas • Cheney State Park — closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2013; • El Dorado State Park – closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2013; • Kanopolis State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013; • Milford State Park — closed Dec. 24-28 and Jan. 1, 2013; and • Wilson State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013.

Eastern Kansas • Clinton State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 6, 2013; • Crawford State Park — closed Dec. 24-28 and Jan. 1, 2013; • — closed Dec. 24-28 and Jan. 1, 2013; • Fall River State Park – closed Dec. 24-28 and Jan. 1, 2013; • Hillsdale State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013; • – closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2013; • Eisenhower State Park — closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2013; • Elk City State Park — closed Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 2013; • Perry State Park – closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1, 2013; • Pomona State Park — closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013; • Prairie Spirit State Park — closed Dec. 25- and Jan. 1, 2013; and • Tuttle Creek State Park – closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2013. -30-

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December 20, 2012

Free program provides information and eagle viewing opportunities

MANHATTAN–The eagles are landing around Manhattan. With the arrival of winter, migratory bald eagles have been working their way south and passing through Kansas.

To offer the opportunity to see our national bird in its native habitat, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake has scheduled its annual Eagle Day for Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and run until approximately noon.

The program is free and open to the public. All participants should meet at 9 a.m. in the large assembly room at the Manhattan Fire Station, 2000 Denison. Dan Mulhern, biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will offer a short presentation about bald eagles migrating through and nesting in Kansas. Pat Silovsky, director of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Milford Nature Center, will feature several live raptors in her discussion of eagles and other birds of prey.

Following the presentations at the fire station, members of the Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society will lead participants on a bus tour through areas near Tuttle Creek Lake, with the goal of watching bald eagles in the wild.

Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, and everyone is encouraged to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras.

Tuttle Creek Lake’s Eagle Day 2013 is sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and the Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bus service and refreshments are sponsored by the Tuttle Creek Lake Association.

For more information, contact Steve Prockish at (785) 539-8511, extension 3167. -30-

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December 27, 2012

Annual hunt gets young and new hunters in the field

The 15th annual Youth, Women, and Celebrity Pheasant Hunt at Waconda Lake was held on December 8, 2012 and drew a large crowd of both youngsters and celebrities. Pheasant populations had declined in the area due to the heat and drought conditions, but that did not wither the participants’ excitement. The goal of the annual event is to provide new and inexperienced hunters with a positive and fun day where they have an opportunity to harvest a rooster pheasant or two. The hunt is organized by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Wichita-based Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc.

This year, 32 young hunters (5 girls and 27 boys) ranging in ages from 10 to 17 attended the pheasant hunt. Several were local kids from Cawker City, Jewell, Glen Elder, Beloit, and Downs. However, many others came from farther away, including Kansas City, Wichita, and Salina. Three women also enjoyed their first- or second-ever pheasant hunts.

Eighteen celebrities and armed forces heroes were in attendance and served as hunting role models. Celebrities were headlined by three generations of the Segui family. Diego Segui and his son David each had long Major League Baseball careers, and now David’s son Cory is attempting to work his way up through the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system. Brody (age 12) and Nolan Pope (age 14) from Harrisonville, Mo. also joined the festivities this year. Each of the brothers already has four National Go-cart Racing Championships to their credit. Other celebrities this year included former NFL players Mark Arneson and Jerry Holloway and former drag racer Guy Caster.

The event was also honored to have nine military heroes participate. These servicemen and women had various affiliations with the U.S. military from Fort Riley’s Warrior Transition Battalion and the Kansas National Guard. The majority of these heroes were “wounded warriors” who were fortunate to survive injuries suffered during deployments. One of the soldiers brought his three sons with him for the family’s first- ever hunt, and several others brought spouses or children who were also new to hunting. “Family hunting” turned out to be the theme of this year’s event.

The day started with a biscuits and gravy breakfast, a safety talk, then participants were divided into five different hunting groups by age and experience level. Each hunting group had celebrities, a hunt captain, and at least two bird dogs. With almost ideal weather conditions, the groups hunted in either Glen Elder State Park or in one of the refuge areas on Glen Elder Wildlife Area surrounding the lake where public hunting is generally not allowed.

Each group saw plenty of pheasants up close and almost all of the hunters got multiple shot opportunities at the tough birds. Only the youth, celebrities and heroes hunted in each group and each youth was “shadowed” by a parent or other adult mentor throughout the morning. The five groups managed to harvest a combined total of 16 roosters for the morning, and all but one of the groups managed to harvest at least one bird. Several hunters took their first bird.

The Waconda Lake Association sponsored a longest tail feather contest for the successful youth hunters. After lunch most of hunters took part in a trap shoot that was held near the Glen Elder Area Office. The majority of the celebrities also joined in for the afternoon fun of busting clay targets alongside the kids.

The day’s events concluded in the evening with a Hunter’s Banquet held at Memorial Hall in Downs where participants feasted on a barbeque brisket and pulled pork supper. After the meal each young hunter received a prize package and heard a few words about the importance of getting more kids involved for the future of hunting. They also had the chance to collect autographs and visit more with the celebrities, and a special award was presented to celebrity Guy Caster for his long time involvement with the event and his networking skills to invite new celebrity participants each year.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of over 30 different businesses and individuals that stepped up as sponsors from the communities around Waconda Lake. Their donations of prizes, food, services, and financial contributions continue to make the event a success every year. To learn more about this event or similar ones offered around Kansas visit ksoutdoors.com or http://ksoutdoors.com/...ly-News/12-27-12/GREAT-TURNOUT-FOR-WACONDA-LAKE-YOUTH-AND-WOMEN’S-PHEASANT-HUNT[1/16/2018 4:41:04 PM] GREAT TURNOUT FOR WACONDA LAKE YOUTH AND WOMEN’S PHEASANT HUNT / 12-27-12 / 2012 Weekly News / News Archive / News / KDWPT ...

outdoormentors.org or contact the Glen Elder Area Office at 785-545-3345.

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DECEMBER 27, 2012

Annual gathering of natural resource professionals January 24-25, 2013, Airport Hilton

WICHITA –The Kansas Natural Resource Conference (KNRC) will be held in Wichita January 24 and 25, 2013 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Airport. A unique opportunity for professionals dedicated to natural resource conservation to connect, this year marks the sixth year for the conference.

This year’s plenary session will feature speakers who will discuss the conference theme “Under Attack: Invasive Species in Kansas,” including the following:

“Invasive Species ? A National Perspective” by Chris Dionigi, deputy director of the National Invasive Species Council

“Invasive Pest Concerns Affecting Kansas” by Jeff Vogel, Plant Protection and Weed Control Program manager for the Kansas Department of Agriculture

“Bioenergy and Biodiversity” by Bill McGuire, president of Bill McGuire Conservation, LLC

“Emerald Ash Borer: Kicking Ash in North America” by Deborah G. McCullough, professor at Michigan State University

Interested individuals will find that conference speakers, concurrent sessions, and the tradeshow provide a variety of information about many natural resource topics, including the many aspects of invasive species. For more information, as well as registration details, go to www.kansasnrc.org, or follow KNRC on Facebook. Early registration continues through January 9, 2013.

According to Keith Harmoney, poster and paper presentation chairperson, “Professionals and students will be presenting at breakout sessions on the conference theme, as well as other natural resource-related topics of importance to Kansas and the region, which will make this an educational and informative conference.”

Nearly 70 posters and presentations will be available at the conference. Categories for this year's breakout sessions will include aquatics, careers, forestry, pasture, rangeland, riparian, wetlands, and wildlife. Detailed information about the presentations are available at www.kansasnrc.org.

“There is no better place for your organization to display your products or services,” said Harold Klaege (email [email protected]), chair of the tradeshow.” Professionals attending the conference can learn about your products or services, and then through their normal contacts with Kansas landowners and operators suggest your product or services.”

Conference brochure, registration form, concurrent session topics, tradeshow exhibiting information, committee chairs, and hotel information are available on online, by contacting Jessica Mounts at 316-683-8069 or emailing, [email protected].

The sponsors of the conference are the Kansas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Society of American Foresters, Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, the Great Plains Society of American Foresters, Kansas Chapter of the Wildlife Society, the Kansas Section of the Society of Range Management, and Kansas Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society.

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December 27, 2012

New laws take effect Jan. 1, 2013

PRATT–Kansas wildlife- and outdoor recreation- related activities are governed both by legislative statutes and commission-approved regulations. And the two governing bodies made some changes last year that hunters, anglers and campers should be familiar with.

The most controversial change involved legislative action that eliminated the hunting and fishing license exemption for Kansans age 65-74. Beginning in 2013, all Kansans age 16-74 will need a hunting or fishing license unless they are hunting or fishing on their own land. However, the legislation also mandated specially-priced “senior” licenses. Anyone 65 or older qualifies for a Senior Lifetime Pass, which is a hunting/fishing combination license valid for the rest of their life that will cost $42.50. They may also opt for a half-price annual hunting or fishing license ($11.50) or combination annual license ($20.50).

Hunters and anglers 65 and older are our fastest growing age group, and the old exemption would have created future funding shortfalls for wildlife and fishery programs. And the state was losing Wildlife and Sport Fishing Restoration (WSFR) funding that should have been coming to Kansas. WSFR allocates excise taxes collected on the sale of firearms, ammunition and fishing equipment to states based, in part, on the number of hunting and fishing licenses they sell. When Kansans seniors continued to hunt, fish and purchase equipment, but didn’t buy licenses, Kansas lost out on WSFR funding it should have received. This change is an important step to ensuring that critical wildlife and fishery programs are maintained and that the funding base remains stable.

Another state statute established a new permit and will save Kansans money. The legislature approved a bill that allowed KDWPT to create a new annual state park vehicle permit that can be purchased when residents renew their vehicle registrations. The Kansas State Parks Passport is an annual vehicle permit valid for one year after purchase that gets the vehicle into any of our 25 state parks. The price is $15.50, which is a savings of almost $10 compared to the regular state park annual vehicle permit. Regular annual vehicle permits ($25) and half-price senior and disability vehicle permits will still be available at KDWPT offices and online. But for most park users, the new Passport will be less expensive and convenient.

Spring turkey hunters will notice that there are six turkey management units this spring. Biologists added two more units to allow more precise management practices. Criteria were established to allow regulations to be amended each year in response to population changes, and smaller units allow management plans to be more flexible.

Legal equipment for the spring turkey season was also amended, making it consistent with the fall turkey and deer equipment regulations. In 2013, turkey hunters with a youth permit (16 or younger) and those 55 or older may hunt during the archery spring turkey season with a crossbow. Previously, crossbows were only legal equipment during the regular firearm season.

One year after making sweeping changes in the use of live baitfish to prevent further spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS), the commission approved amendments to those regulations. The original regulation required anglers to use wild-caught baitfish only in waters where they were caught. The amendment allows anglers to use green sunfish and bluegill for bait in waters other than where they were caught as long as they were not caught from an ANS-designated water. Another new regulation requires anglers who purchase baitfish from commercial bait dealers to keep the receipt for the purchase with them while fishing.

Fishermen should also be aware that the definition of an artificial lure has been amended. Anglers are limited to two rods (three with a three-pole permit) with no more than two baited hooks or artificial lures per line. The new regulation defines an artificial lure as a man-made fishing-catching device used to mimic a single prey item. Under this definition, umbrella or Alabama rigs may include only have two lures with hooks on them.

And finally, Kansas voters supported the ballot question last November that will allow the legislature to amend the constitution and change the way watercraft are taxed. With the current formula, watercraft in Kansas are taxed at a rate much higher than surrounding states. As a result, many Kansas owners register outside the state. The 2013 legislature is expected to hear proposals for a new watercraft taxation

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December 27, 2012

A New Year’s Day hike is a great way to welcome 2013

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has announced that five Kansas state parks will participate in the America’s State Parks “First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day 2013. Each guided hike will offer individuals and families opportunities to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on the first day of the year.

Events are free at all locations. Except for Kaw River State Park, all participating state parks will require an annual or daily park permit for entry to the park, which will be available at the park office before the hikes begin. For all hikes, participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring binoculars, camera, snacks and water bottle. State park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average 1 to 2 miles in length.

“I can’t think of a better way to start the New Year than hiking through one of our beautiful Kansas state parks,” said Linda Craghead, KDWPT Assistant Secretary for Parks and Tourism. “Hiking on one of the many maintained state park trails promotes a healthy lifestyle, is a great family activity and blends stunning winter landscapes with opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.”

Information about Kansas state parks is available online at ksoutdoors.com. The following hikes are scheduled:

Kaw River State Park, Topeka

A 1.5- to 2-mile hike of easy to moderate difficulty. The event begins at 1 p.m. Meet at the Region 2 Office of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, located at 300 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka (from the 6th Street/Wanamaker Road roundabout, proceed north on Wanamaker and follow the signs). The route will be on natural and gravel-surfaced trails through oak/hickory woodlands near the Kansas River. Hikers may see different types of small wildlife and habitats. Contact the park office at 785-271-7346 for information.

Tuttle Creek State Park, Tuttle Creek Reservoir, Manhattan

An easy 1.5-mile hike. The event begins at 1 p.m. Meet at the state park office. Visitors can expect to see waterfowl, and there’s a good chance to spot bald eagles, as well. Contact the park office at 785-539-7941 for information.

Eisenhower State Park, Melvern Reservoir, 30 miles south of Topeka, 3 miles west of US-75

A 2-mile hike of moderate difficulty along a loop of the Crooked Knee Horse Trail. Adventurous hikers can opt to walk the entire 17-mile trail. The event begins at 10 a.m. Meet at the Crooked Knee Trailhead, located west of the park office. The trail is not ADA accessible. Participants may see native and migratory wildlife, including waterfowl and deer. Park staff will serve hot soup to participants after the hike. Dogs are welcome at the event, but they must be kept on a lead no more than 10 feet long. Contact the park office at 785-528-4102 for information.

Cross Timbers State Park, Toronto Reservoir, 12 miles west of Yates Center, south of US-54

An easy 1.25-mile hike on Overlook Trail. The hike begins at 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Overlook Trailhead, on the east side of the dam. Hikers will have opportunities to see eagles, deer, lichens and discuss the Cross Timbers Ecosystem with the guide. Contact the park office at 620- 637-2213 for information.

Elk City State Park, Elk City Reservoir, 5 miles northwest of Independence

A 1-mile hike of easy to moderate difficulty along the Green Thumb Nature Trail. Hike begins at 1 p.m. Meet at the park office. Hikers may see small wildlife such as bald eagles, waterfowl and deer. Contact the park office at 620-331-6295 for information.

The guided First Day Hikes are sponsored by America’s State Parks. First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike at a state park. First Day Hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. There are 645 First Day Hikes scheduled across the United States. For more information on the America’s State Parks First Day Hikes, visit http://www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes.

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