AmmoLand.com

Seven permits to be sold to raise money for conservation projects.

Kansas DWPT Commission Awards Big Game Hunting Permits

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

SALINA, KS -–(Ammoland.com)- 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, jmcjunkin@nwtf.net, 785-396-4552;
• Ducks Unlimited (DU), Wichita Chapter No. 017 (antelope permit) — Roger Zettl, district chairman, rzettl@cox.net, 316-722-0951;
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Greater Wichita Chapter (deer permit) — Steve Bell, Kansas volunteer chair, sbell@bellmirrorandglass.com, 316-648-1993;
• Friends of the NRA, Pratt County No. KS-40 (deer permit) — Rick Chrisman, field representative, rchrisman@nrahq.org, 913-294-9956;
• DU Topeka (deer permit) — Jeff Neal, district chairman, jneal1998@yahoo.com, 785-221-6625;
• NWTF Iola (deer permit) — Jared McJunkin, west conservation field supervisor, jmcjunkin@nwtf.net, 785-396-4552; and
• Friends of the NRA, McPherson County No. KS-38 (deer permit) — Rick Chrisman, field representative, rchrisman@nrahq.org, 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. For a complete list of Free Park Entrance Days, visit www.kdpwt.state.ks.us.

Filed under: Hunting News by Ammoland No Comments »

Boys and girls hunt with celebrities and soldiers.

Kansas Waconda Lake Youth & Women Pheasant Hunt A Big Success

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

GLEN ELDER, KS -–(Ammoland.com)- “There were 18 happy and tired kids — both girls and boys — leaving the Waconda Lake [Glen Elder Reservoir] area and heading home on the night of Saturday, Dec. 10,” said Chris Lecuyer, Glen Elder Wildlife Area manager.

These new hunters had just wrapped up a full day of activities after participating in the 14th Annual 2011 Waconda Lake Youth, Women, and Celebrity Pheasant Hunt. The event is co-sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc., of Wichita.

“We began before sunrise with a biscuits and gravy breakfast served by the Waconda Struttin’ Dusters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation,” Lecuyer said. “The youngsters listened to a quick talk concerning regulations and safety, and then we introduced them to celebrities and heroes who would join them for the hunt.

Celebrities included John Gillotte, the 2010 National Youth Crappiemasters Champion; Wayne Hubbard, creator and host of Urban American Outdoors TV show; and Guy Caster, former professional drag race car driver. The youth were also joined by four true heroes, soldiers who had been wounded in action, including Colonel Phil McCune and Colonel Tom Kurlick from the Fort Riley Warrior Transition Battalion, and Captain Aaron Isaacson and Second Lieutenant Chad Blow from the Kansas National Guard of Topeka.

Near-perfect morning weather greeted the hunters after breakfast. They were divided into three groups to hunt for the rest of the morning. Several non-hunting adults, parents, and family members went with each group to serve as mentors for the inexperienced hunters. The groups hunted in portions of Glen Elder State Park and the refuges of Glen Elder Wildlife Area.

“Generally, public hunting is not allowed in these parts of the Waconda Lake property except for special events such as this,” Lecuyer explained. “The young hunters were definitely up to our challenge, and the groups managed to bag 16 roosters in just three hours of hunting. Many of the young hunters harvested their first-ever pheasants, and nearly everyone had the opportunity to take a shot or two at the tough birds. A couple of the kids actually harvested multiple birds, and even Colonel Kurlick got his first pheasant.”

A hamburger, hot dog, and chili lunch was served at noon by volunteers from the Waconda Lake Association. The association also sponsored a prize contest for the youth with the longest tail feather from their bird. Devin Basnatt’s 22 1/2 inch tail feather won by more than 1 inch.

After lunch, a trap shoot was held near the Glen Elder Area Office. Three shooting stations were available for the participants to hone their shooting skills. A few of the young hunters and their mentors decided to continue hunting during the afternoon at other locations on the wildlife area.

The day’s events concluded in the evening with a barbeque brisket supper at Memorial Hall in Downs. After the meal, each young hunter received a prize package and heard a few words and got autographs from the celebrities. Attendees also listened to information about youth and mentor hunting opportunities, the importance of recruiting new hunters, and the work of conservation organizations.

This year’s youth participants were Bryce Nichols – Beloit; Rhiley Kaser – Osborne; Bryce Griffin, Andrea Howard, Noah Bradley, Matt Parks, and Cole Sauber – Salina; Cody Heiland – Topeka; Ryan and Megan Richards – Stillwell; Marcus Florence – Olathe; Derek McCarthy – Kansas City, Brandon Regester, Dylan Brittain, Nick Miller, and Jakhai Adams – Wichita; and Devin Basnatt and Sabian Dolvig – Rose Hill.

“We couldn’t have done this without donations from of a host of local businesses,” Lecuyer said. “And a special thanks goes out to all the volunteers and mentors who gave their time to the kids. Almost 50 adults gave up a substantial portion of their day or weekend to help these young hunters.”

KDWPT and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors believe that offering youth opportunities such as the Waconda Lake Youth, Women, and Celebrity Pheasant Hunt is vitally important to ensure both the development of future hunting generations and well-rounded young people. For information about future special hunts at Glen Elder, phone (785) 545-3345.

Filed under: Hunting News by Ammoland No Comments »