Kansas State Parks Offer Off Season Bargains
October 21, 2008
Cabins, reduced prices, uncrowded conditions make parks attractive in fall and winter
PRATT — Summer is over, but for many outdoorsmen and women, that doesn’t mean the end of Kansas state park visitation. Many hunters and anglers — and even campers looking for a cool-season adventure — take advantage of the “off-season” in Kansas state parks. Lower prices during the off-season — Oct. 1-March 31 — make trips even more attractive.
Hunters and anglers probably use parks more than other visitors, and the growing number of cabins in parks makes stays more inviting. Cabins provide all the amenities of home and proximity to popular outdoor activities. Cabin rental fees vary depending on size, days of the week, and time of year.
Standard off-season state park permit fees are as follow:
- Daily Vehicle permit — $3.70 (senior/disabled, $2.60);
- Annual Vehicle permit — $19.70 (senior/disabled, $11.10);
- additional Annual Vehicle permit — $12.20 (senior/disabled, $7.35):
- Daily Camping permit — $7.50; and
- 14-Day Camping permit — $87.50.
Costs listed include applicable service fees, except online purchase convenience fee. Annual permits purchased in either the off-season or the prime season are valid for the remainder of the calendar year. 2009 permits go on sale Dec. 15.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ (KDWP) Parks Division operates a system of 25 parks and the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail. In addition to cabins, most state parks provide utilities and primitive camping and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Utility fees remain unchanged although some camping fees are cheaper if purchased in the off-season.
In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, trails, and a variety of other amenities. Parks also host numerous special events, such as concerts and festivals, throughout the year.
More information on state park fees is available at the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us
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Trout Season Opens in Kansas October 15; Some Stockings Delayed
October 13, 2008
Dry impoundments, late lake turnover may delay stocking at three sites
PRATT — The Kansas trout season begins Oct. 15 and runs through April 15. During this season, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) stocks rainbow trout in designated waters throughout the state. Some waters stocked with trout require a $12.50 trout permit for all anglers 16 or older, whether they are fishing for trout or not (Type 1 Waters). Other waters require a trout permit only for anglers fishing for or possessing trout (Type 2 Waters). Anglers 15 and younger do not need a permit.
Trout fishing at Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit #30 requires a trout permit year-round. Trout permits are valid for the calendar year, so permits purchased last January or later are valid through Dec. 31. All residents 16-64 years old and all nonresidents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license.
The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted (two trout for anglers 15 and younger who do not have a trout permit). The possession limit is three times the daily creel.
While most designated trout waters in the state will be stocked with trout in time for opening day, three impoundments may be delayed: the stilling basin below Cedar Bluff Reservoir, Smoky Gardens south of Goodland, and the Sand Sage Bison Range Pond in Garden City.
As of Oct. 3, the Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin had yet to experience fall turnover, which occurs as surface water cools. The cool surface water sinks, and warmer water near the bottom rises. When this happens, dissolved oxygen levels in the water plummet, and it takes some time for the system to recover and provide conditions that will support trout. Rather than risk a fish kill for newly stocked trout, biologists may delay the stocking. Conditions will be monitored, and if the basin is not ready by Oct. 15, the stocking will be delayed until Nov. 1 or later, if necessary.
Smoky Gardens and the Sand Sage Bison Range Pond are currently dry. Both must fill with rainwater before trout can be stocked.
For updated information regarding the Cedar Bluff stocking plans, as well as all other trout waters, contact the KDWP Hays Regional Office, or visit the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us, and type “trout stocking schedule” in the search box.
Trout permits are available at the KDWP website, at KDWP offices, and license vendors.
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National Wild Turkey Federation Announces Kansas Habitat Projects for 2009
September 29, 2008
$18,175 allocated for specific projects; another $30,000 for outreach and education
ALLEN — The Kansas State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently announced selection of the following Hunting Heritage Super Fund proposals for funding 2009 projects in the Sunflower State. These proposals had been evaluated and ranked earlier by the Kansas Super Fund Committee, as follow:
- Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), statewide, for additional acres of spring wild turkey Walk in Hunting Access — $5,000 approved.
- KDWP, Kaw Wildlife Area, for herbaceous woodland opening restoration — $1,000 approved.
- KDWP, Marion Wildlife Area, for native grassland restoration — $1,500 approved.
- KDWP, Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, for herbaceous woodland opening restoration — $1,250 approved.
- KDWP, Clinton Wildlife Area, for woodland openings and grassland restoration — $1,500 approved.
- Smith County Conservation District, to purchase prescribed burn equipment for newly-forming burn associations — $1,100 approved.
- Ness County Conservation District, to purchase prescribed burn equipment for newly-forming burn associations — $500 approved.
- Hillsdale Range and Training Facility, for construction of a new shooting range at Hillsdale Reservoir — $2,500 approved.
- NWTF/KDWP/Kansas Forest Service, to conduct a two-day forestry and wildlife workshop for natural resource professionals — $1,000 approved.
- Archery In the Schools Program, to provide archery kits for Phillipsburg and Logan high schools through the Western Kansas Chapter — $2,000 approved.
- KDWP/Nemaha County Sheriff, to purchase a robotic deer decoy for use in wildlife law enforcement operations — $825 approved.
These projects are in addition to more than $30,000 budgeted towards outreach and education designed to preserve the Kansas hunting heritage. These projects include 4-H Shooting Sports, JAKES (juniors), Wheelin’ Sportsmen (special needs), and Women in the Outdoors events.
Since 2002, the NWTF has funded more than $105,000 worth of habitat improvements on public land in Kansas. In addition, more than $36,000 has been spent on habitat and management equipment, and more than $20,000 has been spent on public hunting access to private lands (WIHA). Since 1985, NWTF has spent $157,000 on wild turkey research in Kansas. These project funds are generated by volunteers who organize and attend local NWTF banquets. For more information about these projects or to apply for funds, contact NWTF regional wildlife biologist Brandon Houck at 620-443-5906 or http://www.ksnwtf.org on the internet.
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Women’s Only Fishing Clinic October 4th in Fort Scott, Kansas
September 26, 2008
Limited to 35 participants, clinic to cover all aspects of Kansas fishing
FT. SCOTT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the city of Ft. Scott, and local merchants are sponsoring a women-only fishing clinic on Oct. 4 at the Ft. Scott City Lake rearing pond, located south of Ft. Scott and 3 miles west of U.S. Highway 69 on the east side of the lake. This event is for women 18 years and older and is designed to teach all aspects of fishing.
Instructors will cover fishing techniques and provide one-on-one training. Topics include application of basic fishing equipment, how to use different kinds of rods and reels, and what kinds of baits are best for certain fish. A casting contest will sharpen casting skills. There will be a segment on fish identification and explanation of where to find different species of fish. All participants will have the opportunity to catch fish, and lunch will be provided.
Women are encouraged to bring fishing equipment if they have it. For those who do not have equipment, it will be provided.
A $5 registration fee will cover the cost of the event, and each woman will go home with fishing equipment of her own. To pre-register, phone 620-672-5911 and ask for Stacy in Hunter Education. The clinic is limited to 35 women.
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Youth Shooting Clinic at Council Grove, Kansas on October 11
September 18, 2008
Special event designed to encourage youth participation in outdoor shooting sports
COUNCIL GROVE — Youth from Morris and surrounding counties are invited to a free shotgun, pellet rifle, and archery shooting and safety clinic on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Council Grove Reservoir. Sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), the Neosho Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited (QU), the Kansas Wildlife Officers Association, and Morris County hunter education instructors, this special event will provide participants with an opportunity to enhance firearm and archery shooting and safety skills. Controlled live fire instruction will teach safe and responsible shooting techniques.
Participants will be provided safety and shooting instruction by certified firearm and archery skills instructors. All gear and supplies, including shotguns, pellet rifles, ammunition, bows, arrows, targets, and eye and ear protection will be provided by KDWP’s “Pass It On” and Hunter Education programs. Participants should be breaking shotgun targets in the air by the end of the session.
Anyone ages 10 through 16 may participate. Participants are required to pre-register for the event. Students are not required to have completed a hunter education course, but it is preferred. The event will begin at 12 p.m. at the COE-managed area between Marina Cove and Neosho Park, approximately 1/4 mile west of the COE office at the west end of the dam. Check-in and free lunch will be provided by QU from noon to 12:30 p.m. Instruction will begin shortly after and will end at approximately 5 p.m.
Those interested are reminded to pre-register by Oct. 6. To register or learn more about this special event, phone KDWP wildlife area manager Brent Konen at 620-767-5900.
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Marion Reservoir Latest Zebra Mussel Victim In Kansas
August 4, 2008
Boater, angler precautions critical to contain further spread
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Marion Reservoir. An angler reported finding a single zebra mussel in the Cottonwood Point area of the reservoir during the past weekend. KDWP biologist Jason Goeckler investigated immediately and found two more juvenile mussels, indicating that reproduction of mussels has occurred at Marion.
“This is extremely frustrating because the spread of mussels can be prevented,” said Goeckler, aquatic nuisance species specialist for KDWP. “Other than downstream movement, zebra mussels can only be spread by human movement. All it takes is one irresponsible lake user to transport mussels from an infested lake to another water body. This occurrence is especially troubling because it means zebra mussels are now present in the Cottonwood River, a tributary of the Neosho River, where it had not been documented before.
“It is absolutely critical that all boaters and anglers take necessary precautions to contain any future infestation of zebra mussels,” Goeckler said.
Three simple steps – clean, drain, and dry — can help prevent the spread of mussels. Anglers and boaters must take these precautions to avoid transporting mussels from infested lakes to other waters:
- never move fish or water from one body of water to another;
- empty bait buckets on dry land, not into lakes;
- inspect boats, trailers, skis, anchors, and all other equipment and remove any visible organisms and vegetation; and
- wash equipment and boat with hot (140-degree) water, a 10 percent chlorine-and-water solution, or dry for at least five days to remove or kill species that are not visible.
Zebra mussel larvae are free-floating and microscopic, which enables aquatic users to unknowingly transport them between water bodies. Since they were first documented in El Dorado Reservoir in 2003, zebra mussels have spread to four other Kansas lakes, including Winfield City Lake, Cheney Reservoir, Perry Reservoir, and now Marion Reservoir.
A highly opportunistic mollusk, the zebra mussel reproduces rapidly. Once introduced, new populations can expand quickly and cause great damage both economically and environmentally. Populations may become quite dense, and can be a serious problem for boats and water control structures. Zebra mussels attach to hard surfaces such as rocks, piers, and flooded timber. They may also attach to pipes, water intake structures, boat hulls, and motor lower units often clogging them to the point of malfunction.
The potential impact of zebra mussels on fisheries can be profound. Zebra mussels eat by filtering microscopic food from the water. Young fish and native mussels rely on this same microscopic food to survive.
Economic impacts are as grim as ecosystem impacts. Due to zebra mussels in intake/discharge pipes, municipalities, utilities, and industries have incurred significant costs associated with monitoring, cleaning, and controlling infestations. According to a recent economic impact study, nationwide expenditures to control zebra mussels in water intake pipes, water filtration equipment, and electric generating plants are estimated at $1 billion per year. Power generation alone expends $145 million per year. Often, these costs are passed along to customers.
What’s more, zebra mussels also have very sharp shells that can cut the unprotected skin of people and animals. Federal legislation has been passed to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels. If an individual is caught transporting live zebra mussels into Kansas, they may face up to six months in jail and fines up to $5,000.
More information on zebra mussels and strategies to contain their spread is available at the KDWP website (www.kdwp.state.ks.us)
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Prairie Spirit Trail In Kansas Completes Final Leg
August 4, 2008
Final leg of trail complete; online video provides preview
PRATT — In May of 1992, title of the 50-mile stretch of railroad right-of-way from Ottawa to Iola was transferred to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), and the agency developed a three-phase plan to develop the trail and open it to the public. Phase One — from Richmond to Welda — opened on March 30, 1996. Phase Two — from Richmond to Ottawa — opened Sept. 1, 1998. After several years of construction, KDWP has announced that Phase Three — from Welda to Iola — is now open.
The trail’s hard-packed limestone surface is suitable for foot traffic, bicycles, and wheelchairs. Portions of the trail inside city limits are paved asphalt adorned with ornamental lighting and landscaping. For the safety of trail users, it is routinely patrolled by KDWP officers and local law enforcement.
The trail is open during daylight hours, and special permits may be obtained for group night rides or other events. Restrooms are spaced conveniently along the trail, and picnic areas are located at each trailhead. Camping is prohibited along the trail corridor, but North Lake Park in Garnett, which borders the trail, does allow camping. Fishing is allowed only in lakes at Garnett. Hunting and all firearm possession is prohibited along the trail corridor.
For several years, bicyclers, hikers, runners, bird watchers, and other nature lovers have enjoyed 33 miles of the Prairie Spirit Trail. With the addition of the Welda-to-Iola segment, visitors now have a full 50 miles of nature to explore. For more information, phone 785-448-6767. To view an online video of the trail, visit the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Click on “KDWP TV” at the top of the page.
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KDWP To Conduct Wingshooting Course August 5, 12, 19
July 28, 2008
Limited to 20 participants, course will teach basic to intermediate wingshooting
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will hold a three-session clinic entitled “Beginning Wingshooting” on Aug. 5, 12, and 19 at the Pratt Gun Club. The range is located one-half mile north of Pratt Community College, just east of Highway K-61 north of Pratt.
This training is designed to build wingshooting skills from basic to intermediate ability. The first session (Aug.5) will stress gun fit, proper gun mount, target focus, and live fire at incoming and outgoing straight-away shots. The second (Aug 12) and third (Aug 19) sessions will build on the skills learned in the first session and will introduce more challenging crossing and quartering shots. Each session will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Shotguns, ammunition, targets, and eye and ear protection will be provided for a fee of $20, due at the first session. Shooters need to be available for all three sessions. There will be no refunds or pro-rated fees.
Pre-registration is required. Contact the KDWP Hunter Education office at 620-672- 5911 to register. The course will be limited to 20 shooters.
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Kansas Wildlife & Parks Posts Scheduled Hunter Education Classes Online
July 21, 2008
Class required of all hunters born on or after July 1, 1957; youngsters may hunt under adult supervision without course until age 16
PRATT — For most hunters, mid-summer is the time when thoughts turn to fall hunting seasons, which begins with dove season Sept. 1. For first-time hunters, preparation usually means taking a hunter education course prior to going afield.
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,” for the same price as a regular hunting license. This license is valid only through the calendar year in which it is purchased, and the holder must be under direct supervision of a licensed adult 18 or older. 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.
The Kansas Department¬ of Wildlife and Parks has scheduled a number of hunter education courses to accommodate those who have not yet taken one. The following is a list of currently-scheduled courses. Others will be scheduled in the future. Most courses require pre-registration. Contact KDWP’s Pratt Operations Office, 620-672-5911, for names and numbers of coordinating instructors, or visit the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us, for updated course listings.
Region 1, northwest Kansas
City — Dates — Location
Hill City 8/5–8/10 Hill City Fair Building
Osborne 8/16–8/17 Sunflower Bank Basement
Phillipsburg 8/5–8/8 Fire Station
Salina 8/11–8/16 National Guard Training Center
Salina 9/15–9/20 National Guard Training Center
Salina 10/6–10/11 National Guard Training Center
Salina 10/2010/25 National Guard Training Center
Salina 11/3–11/5 National Guard Training Center
Region 2, northeast Kansas
City — Dates — Location
Abilene 8/16–8/17 Abilene Community Building
Abilene 10/11–10/12 Abilene Community Building
Atchison 9/26–9/27 National Guard Armory
Atchison 11/21–11/22 National Guard Armory
Kansas City 8/7–8/9 Cabela’s
Manhattan 9/9–9/16 Tuttle Creek State Park Office
Roeland Park 8/11–8/25 Roeland Park Walmart
Shawnee 7/19 Shawnee Civic Center (internet–assisted)
Shawnee 8/11–8/19 Shawnee Civic Center
Solomon 9/20–9/21 Solomon City Building
Region 3, southwest Kansas
City — Dates — Location
Great Bend 8/21–8/24 Parks and Recreation Office
Great Bend 10/16–10/19 Parks and Recreation Office
Great Bend 12/4–12/7 Parks and Recreation Office
Odin 8/19–8/20 Odin Store Meeting Room
Region 4, southcentral Kansas
City — Dates — Location
El Dorado 8/8–8/9 Butler County Extension Office
El Dorado 9/19–9/20 Butler County Extension Office
El Dorado 10/10–10/11 Butler County Extension Office
Oxford 7/19–7/20 Lions Club
Wichita 10/24–10/25 Gander Mountain
Wichita 11/28–11/29 Gander Mountain
Wichita 12/19–12/20 Gander Mountain
Wichita 8/22–8/23 Sportsman’s Warehouse
Wichita 9/12–9/13 Sportsman’s Warehouse
Wichita 11/14–11/15 Sportsman’s Warehouse
Region 5, southeast Kansas
City — Dates — Location
Columbus 8/23/08 Shawnee Creek Preserve (internet–assisted)
Garnett 10/12–10/19 Garnett Youth Building
Parsons 8/18–8/30 Arvon Phillips Recreation Center
Parsons 10/13–10/25 Arvon Phillips Recreation Center
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Furharvester Education Course August 2
July 21, 2008
Course offers basic methods of harvesting furbearers and the preparation and marketing of pelts
PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ (KDWP) Hunter Education section will offer a one-day furharvester education class on Saturday, Aug. 2. Students will gather at the KDWP Operations Office, 512 SE 25th Avenue, 2 miles east and 1 mile south of Pratt. The course will begin at 8 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
The course is designed to provide basic instruction concerning the ethical, safe, and selective hunting, trapping, and handling of furbearing animals and coyotes. The day will consist of both classroom and hands-on outside learning, including equipment preparation and furharvesting techniques. Students completing the course and final test will receive a Kansas furharvester education certificate.
Pre-registration is required by phoning the Hunter Education Section at 620-672-5911.
