Kansas Outdoors Guide | 2016

OFFICIAL

K A N S A S

GUIDE

OUTDOORS 2016

A mecca for gravel grinding rides

TURN THE PAGE NOW TO READ ABOUT: Perfect hikes Birdwatching Paddle boarding Waterfowl hunting Horseback riding Rv-ing And much more!

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM

KANSAS OUTDOORS

2016

PHOTOGRAPH: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

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LETTER

from the KDWPT Secretary

Many who drive through Kansas know only what they see from the highway. Unseen at highway speed in the vast and diverse landscape are outdoor opportunities rivaling any in the world. Kansas has a well-deserved reputation for great pheasant and quail hunting, trophy-class white-tailed deer, and some of the best wild turkey hunting in the Midwest. But there are other great outdoor stories here that even those familiar with Kansas may not be aware of.

Kansas’ top-notch birdwatching might be one of our best-kept secrets. Located in the middle of the Central Flyway, Kansas wetlands provide perfect stopovers for migrating birds.

Many species travel thousands of miles between nesting grounds in the far north and wintering

grounds as far away as South America. It’s critical they have quality roosting and feeding stops along the route, and Kansas wetlands surrounded by fertile farmland are just the ticket. Of the 472 bird species known to occur in Kansas, 347 have been documented at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, a 19,000-acre, state-owned wetland in the center of the state. Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the U.S. and was designated in 1988 as a “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. A spring or fall visit to Cheyenne Bottoms to see dozens of species of shorebirds and even rare whooping cranes should be on your bucket list.

If you’re a waterfowl hunter,

these same wetlands, along with reservoirs and rivers, attract untold numbers of ducks and geese during the fall, providing spectacular hunting opportunities.

Shallow wetlands are great places to hunt before a hard freeze, and the reservoirs and rivers offer great mallard hunting in mid- and late winter. Goose hunters have great success hunting in harvested grain fields throughout the fall and winter.

If you prefer to combine your love of the outdoors with a little exercise, explore some of the 500 miles of trails in Kansas, which provide a variety of off-road challenges with scenic backdrops. From a Kansas state park basecamp, hikers, bikers and riders can access trails that offer a relaxing walk or an intense mountain bike

trek. Bikers love the Switchgrass Trail at Wilson State Park, which is 25 miles long and includes easy to moderate stretches, as well as “black” stretches that will challenge experienced riders. It was awarded “Epic” status by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Most state parks have multiple trails, and some have campgrounds with pens and corrals to accommodate equestrians and their horses.

Forget what you think you know about the Kansas outdoors.

Get off the interstate—heck, get off the blacktop—and you’ll find a side of Kansas you never knew existed. Whether on horseback, foot, bike or boat, you’ll find that Kansas has more than meets the eye.

—ROBIN JENNISON

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KANSAS OUTDOORS

2016

CONTENTS

FEATURES 26 | The herd in Canton How one wildlife refuge is celebrating the buffalo

32 | The freedom of

horseback riding

A new perspective for wide open spaces

DEPARTMENTS 36 | Kansas, the new

gravel-grinding mecca

08 | To Travel

40 | Hunting waterfowl

10 | To Paddle

44 | Helping veterans heal,

one cast at a time

12 | To Adventure

Snapshot look at RVing in Kansas Stand up and paddle for a new view You’re never too old to go outside and play

PHOTOGRAPH Scott Bean

TravelKS.com

KANSAS OUTDOORS

Sam Brownback Governor

Robin Jennison

KDWPT Secretary

Linda Craghead

KDWPT Assistant Secretary

Keith Sexson

KDWPT Assistant Secretary

Todd Workman

KDWPT Assistant Secretary

Andrea Etzel Editor

WWW.SUNFLOWERPUB.COM LAWRENCE, KANSAS

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Katy Ibsen

General Manager

Shelly Bryant

Designer/Art Director OFFICIAL

K A N S A S

GUIDE

OUTDOORS 2016

A mecca for gravel grinding rides

Bert Hull

Director of Special Projects

Joanne Morgan Advertising Sales

TURN THE PAGE NOW TO READ ABOUT: Perfect hikes Birdwatching Paddle boarding Waterfowl hunting Horseback riding Rv-ing And much more!

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM

WWW.MCAPRINT.COM WICHITA, KANSAS

PRINTER

COVER PHOTO BY

Jason Ebberts

Cheryl Wells

Account Executive Kansas Outdoors (ISSN 0022-8435) is published by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

IN EVERY ISSUE

1020 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 296-3479 TTY Hearing Impaired: (785) 296-3487.

14 | To Bird

Find the season to spread your wings

19 | A Kansas Travel Trio

These three getaways promise to show off some of the very best Kansas has to offer

22 | Take a Hike

Two scenic trails worth the miles

04 16 48 53 54

| | | | |

Letter Ask a Ranger Resource Guide Hunting Seasons State Map

Periodical postage paid at Topeka, KS, and at additional mailing offices.

Please address publication inquiries to: Toll-free: (800) 678-6424 Kansas Outdoors, 1020 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612 Website: www.ksoutdoors.com Please mail all editorial inquiries to: Kansas Outdoors, 1020 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612 e-mail: ksmagazine@sunflowerpub.com The articles and photographs that appear in Kansas Outdoors may not be broadcast, published or otherwise reproduced without the express written consent of Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism or the appropriate copyright owner. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Additional restrictions may apply.

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KANSAS OUTDOORS

2016

TO T R AV E L

RVING

IN KANSAS SNAPSHOT LOOK AT RVING IN KANSAS

By Amy Conkling

TravelKS.com

HIT THE ROAD AND CRUISE THE HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS OF KANSAS IN AN RV. THIS TRAVEL TREND NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE AS TRAVELERS ARE THEIR OWN TOUR GUIDES ACROSS THE STATE.

Larry Olson, executive director of Kansas RV Parks & Travel, Inc., says the popularity of RVing continues to rise, thanks to a retiring generation of baby boomers. But in Kansas’ case, it helps that the state continues to build upscale parks that include improved amenities and better electrical voltage to accommodate the larger rigs.

“A number of retired folks are selling their homes and going full-time traveling,” Olson says. “I’ve heard many an RVer say, ‘It’s my lifestyle and I don’t intend to quit any time soon.’”

RVING VS. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES More and more travelers prefer RVing because it feels like a home away from home—on the road.

Olson claims travelers like the simplicity of not having to pack a suitcase or worry about finding a hotel. They can prepare their own meals or eat out when they desire.

Many also bring along the conveniences of home such as barbecue units, bicycles, or even small cars.

RVing has also become a family activity because it fosters togetherness and allows parents and children to enjoy the great outdoors, all while providing a flexible mode of travel.

KANSAS OUTDOORS

“RV parks and campgrounds have social bonds,” Olson says. “Birds of a feather flock together at RV parks.”

FOR THE TOURIST For the Tourist: Several RVers visit popular urban destinations like Dodge City, Hutchinson, Wichita, and Kansas City because of their tourist attractions, entertainment, museums and shopping. A city-by-city RV directory and listing can be found at Kansas RV Parks & Travel website, www.kansasrvparks.org.

Such parks include: • Gun Smoke RV Park (Dodge City) –

Minutes away from the popular Boot Hill Museum and casino • Air Capital RV Park (Wichita)

FOR THE RECREATION/OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS Others, meanwhile, want to enjoy the recreational side of traveling and visit Spring Lake RV Resort in Halstead, where there are fishing ponds, mini-golf, meals on weekends and a swimming pool.

Others enjoy 4 Mile RV Resort in Augusta, with a full golf course and horse boarding facilities.

PHOTOGRAPH Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism (KWDPT)

FOR THE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH TYPES:

Check out these smaller towns in Kansas for unique stop-overs.

• Sedan City Park – See the longest yellow brick road in the state • Hitchin’ Post in Yoder – Enjoy many Amish amenities, shops and restaurants • Prairie Wind RV Park in Montezuma – Visit the Gray County Wind Energy Farm • Mill Creek Park in Paxico – Stroll through the town’s historic antique district • T & S RV Park in Columbus – Come during Columbus Day weekend for the annual Columbus Day Festival and Hot Air Balloon Regatta

FOR MORE RV INFORMATION: VISIT Kansas RV Parks & Travel, Inc. www.kansasrvparks.org KAN-RVT is a non-profit organization that promotes tourism in Kansas and is the principle outreach for the RV industry in Kansas. KAN-RVT works with private parks as well as city, county, state and federal parks.

VISIT Kansas Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds www.ksrvparks.com/home.html

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KANSAS OUTDOORS

2016

TO PA D D L E

SPLISH

SPLASH

STAND UP AND PADDLE FOR A NEW VIEW

By Liz Weslander

TravelKS.com

IF EXPLORING KANSAS

BY CANOE OR KAYAK HAS NEVER OCCURRED TO YOU, PADDLE ENTHUSIAST MARCIA ROZELL MAKES A PRETTY GOOD CASE FOR WHY YOU SHOULD

PHOTOGRAPH KDWPT

GIVE IT A TRY.

“When I get away from my hectic, everyday life and get on a river, I’m not texting or emailing; I’m enjoying the outdoors and letting nature rejuvenate me,” says Rozell, board member of the Kansas Canoe and Kayak Association (KCKA). “We have beautiful water in Kansas. It’s tranquil, it’s peaceful and it can restore your soul.”

While there are more than 10,000 miles of rivers and streams in Kansas, many of them run through privately owned land and are not available to paddlers. However, Kansas’ three public rivers—the Kansas River, the Arkansas River, and the Missouri River—all offer great stretches of water for paddling. There are also a number of other rivers and streams that paddlers can access legally because they pass through public property.

Rozell suggests the book Paddling Kansas as a great resource for people wanting to learn more about the less obvious public sections of rivers and streams in the state. This comprehensive guide, written by long-time KCKA member Dave Murphy, includes more than 100 single- or multi-day trip ideas and provides locations for more than 200 public river access points.

The KCKA is a non-profit organization of canoeists and kayakers that works to educate and raise awareness about paddling in Kansas.

Members meet twice a year for a spring and fall rendezvous to paddle different sections of public rivers throughout the state.

“The great thing about a rendezvous is that if you have never done that stretch of the river,

KANSAS OUTDOORS

you’ll be with other people who have, which means you can get on and be safe,” says Rozell.

Kansas state parks provide some good opportunities for paddling as well, and there are often tributaries surrounding the lakes that make for fun paddling adventures.

“One of my favorite lakes in the state is Wilson Lake, and I also like Council Grove Lake,” says Rozell. “I can usually paddle up a creek or tributary that feeds in and I feel a little bit like I’m exploring. It’s a great way to see the state with fresh eyes.”

Those who enjoy spending time on lakes and ponds in Kansas also have the option of doing it via stand up paddleboard (SUP). Don and Monica McClure, owners of Flatwater Fitness & Fun in Augusta, have been offering SUP lessons, board rentals and SUP yoga and fitness classes since July 2014. They say that the more than 1,000 unique customers they served in 2015 are a testament to the growing popularity of the sport in Kansas.

The McClures teach students on Santa Fe Lake in Augusta and travel regularly, bringing boards and lessons to any body of water where people are interested in paddling.

Don encourages people who are intrigued by SUP to set aside any hesitation and give it a try.

“It’s not as intimidating as it looks; it’s just a matter of getting out there and trying,” Don says. They have worked with children as young as 6 all the way up to people in their 70s. “Most people are up and paddling in minutes.”

Historical Lecompton Civil War Birthplace Where slavery began to die

Proud Past – Brilliant Future 785-528-3714 (Osage City Hall) www.OsageCity.com

Visit Constitution Hall & Territorial Capital Museum 10-5 pm Wed-Sat • 1-5 pm Sun Tours (785) 887-6148 • www.lecomptonkansas.com

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KANSAS OUTDOORS

2016

TO A DV E N T U R E

UNEXPECTED

FUN

YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY

By Liz Weslander

TravelKS.com

SAY THE WORDS “OUTDOOR ADVENTURE,” AND SOME PEOPLE ARE READY TO JUMP IN WITH BOTH FEET. OTHERS …

NOT SO MUCH. LUCKILY, THERE ARE TWO NEW KANSAS BUSINESSES THAT NOT ONLY PROVIDE AN OUTLET FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS BUT ALSO OFFER MORAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

PHOTOGRAPHS David Mayes

FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT.

A new option for adventure seekers in Kansas is Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park, a zip line course near Manhattan. Wildwood, which opened in July 2015, has a total of 7 zip lines that run above and among the trees just southeast of the city. Trained guides take groups of up to 10 people per group through the course, which includes hiking trails between zip lines.

Wildwood co-owners, Steve and Dan Springer, say they had originally planned to build houses on the land where Wildwood sits, but the idea for a zip line course came to them after enjoying a zip lining excursion with Steve’s daughter in Nashville.

“It’s hard to find things that three generations can do outdoors together and all have fun,” says Springer. “There’s an epidemic right now of kids who are not getting into nature. We are really about getting families and their children outside.”

The Wildwood course starts out “slow and low” and builds up to a final zip line that takes off from a 50-foot tower; at a quarter-mile long, it reaches a speed of 50 miles per hour.

While zip lining is an experience that is designed to bring people out of their comfort zones, Springer says that it is actually a very safe activity. Participants are fitted with a seat harness, a helmet, and two lanyards that have safety clips on them. All of Wildwood’s guides have had 40 hours of on-site training.

“It’s really about trusting the equipment and the people hooking you up,” says Springer. “We

KANSAS OUTDOORS

could literally put a small car up there on the line and it would be okay.”

Another option for adventure seekers is Dirty Girl Adventures, based in Oskaloosa.

The group organizes outdoor excursions that allow women of all ages and physical abilities to access nature in the company of a supportive and encouraging group.

Denise Selbee-Koch, an outdoor enthusiast who started the company in January 2014, says she came up with the idea for Dirty Girl Adventures after having numerous conversations with women who said they wanted to spend more time outside but were apprehensive about going out on their own.

“They were interested and intrigued, but intimidated about doing it by themselves,” says Selbee-Koch. “Some didn’t know where to go, or they were apprehensive about safety aspects such as being on trails by themselves.”

To date, Dirty Girl events have included kayaking various stretches of the Kansas River and hiking the trails at Perry and Clinton Lake.

While the group was designed with women in mind, Dirty Girl events are also open to “Dirty Dudes” and “Dirty Kids.” The only requirement for participation in Dirty Girl events (aside from the participation fee) is the willingness to come out.

“I’ve watched people bloom from having never kayaked before, to owning their own kayak and going out on their own,” says Selbee-Koch. “I feel like the group is very empowering.”

GET OUT THERE! Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park www.wildwoodoutdooradventurepark.com Dirty Girl Adventures www.dirtygirladventures.net Adventure Zip (Bonner Springs) www.zipkc.com

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KANSAS OUTDOORS

2016

TO B I R D

UNDER THE

FLYWAY FIND THE SEASON TO SPREAD YOUR WINGS

By Amy Conkling

TravelKS.com

BIRDERS, REJOICE. KANSAS IS FILLED WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF BIRD WATCHING DESTINATIONS— FROM THE WESTERN FLATLANDS TO THE EASTERN ROLLING FLINT HILLS TO MANY BEAUTIFUL SPOTS IN BETWEEN.

“Birders actively pursue birding as a hobby,” says Carol Morgan with the Topeka Audubon Society.

“In a larger sense, we also recognize that conservation or habitat management of outdoor resources, and protection of the environment, are necessary so future generations will also enjoy this hobby.”

Veteran birders have the highest accolades for two large wetlands in central Kansas: Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, and the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, in eastern Kansas, is also popular.

QUIVIRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – STAFFORD Birders can enjoy a wide range of species yearround, however Quivira National Wildlife Refuge experts say fall and spring bring the best views and abundance of birds coming through the area.

More than 800,000 Canada geese and ducks pass through Quivira from September to December. Other migratory birds, including sandhill cranes, shorebirds, and even the endangered whooping cranes can be seen during this migration time as well. Birders can see the majestic bald and golden eagles from November until March, while springtime migration in March and April showcases more than 200,000 ducks and geese.

CHEYENNE BOTTOMS WILDLIFE AREA – GREAT BEND Spring and fall migration periods offer the best

KANSAS OUTDOORS

opportunity to view the largest variety of species at Cheyenne Bottoms. Spring migration boasts about 45 percent of the North American shorebird population, with more than 320 bird species recorded in the area.

Waterfowl and sandhill cranes arrive as early as February; herons and egrets arrive in March and April, and shorebirds arrive in late April to early May. In the fall, the peak time for duck viewing happens from early to mid-October, while wading birds and the great blue heron stick around until the marsh freezes. The breathtaking whooping cranes make a stopover in late October through early November.

MARAIS DES CYGNES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – PLEASANTON Birding in this mountain-prairie region is great in late spring and early summer, when more than 30 species of warblers migrate through the area. Bird species found on the refuge include warblers, red-shouldered hawk, various flycatchers, and Henslow’s sparrow.

LAKES, RIVERS AND RESERVOIRS When the summer crowds have left, birders are in for a treat in October through April as the reservoirs attract many bird species. One such location includes the High Plains’ Scott Lake State Park with its lake and thickly wooded canyon.

AT FIRST SIGHT PHOTOGRAPH KWDPT

Birding in Kansas is popular. Those new to the activity, as well as veterans, can contact their local Audubon chapter to learn more about group trips to many of the popular birding sites across Kansas, according to Ron Klataske with the Audubon Society of Kansas. Klataske also notes the Kansas Ornithological Society has spring and fall weekend gatherings.

LEARN MORE AT:

www.audubonofkansas.org & www.ksbirds.org

BLUFF CREEK hunting preserve

Offer guided field hunts by host, Mike Gammill.

Enjoy a relaxing day of guided game bird hunting for Quail, Pheasant and Chuckars.

ger 17 and youn hunter.

HUNT for ult 1 time FREE panied by paying ad m when acco 0 per gun 15 $ y 1/2 da 0 per gun huckars 25 $ y da ll C Fu , 12 Quail, 9 6 Pheasant ed if needed id ov Dogs Pr r gun t $100 pe or Boy Hun 1/2 day Po uded cl No dogs in or 8 Quail 4 pheasant

• YOUTH HUNTS • • CHURCH GROUPS • • ADULTS • • ONE DAY HUNTS •

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KANSAS OUTDOORS

2016

State Park Rangers Anthony Reitz and Michelle Campbell help keep campers safe every day. Here are a few tips from the professionals to make sure you and your family have a safe and enjoyable visit at any one of Kansas’ state parks.

Always leave your campsite cleaner than it was when you arrived.

Keep perishable goods secure in a cooler over night. Nocturnal animals love to find easy meals.

It is always a good idea to have a weather radio nearby.

Knowing where to go in the event of bad weather is a must.

It is important to have a plan in place if such cases arise.

If camping near water or participating in water-based activities, play it safe and have personal flotation devices readily available. It is imperative to keep your children and non-swimmers safe. “Wear It!” Be careful with fire. Only burn in designated fire rings and never leave a fire unattended.

Be courteous to others. You and others are there to relax and enjoy your natural resources. Know the rules and adhere to them.

Sometimes things break. Please let a park employee know if there are facility issues. We want you to enjoy your stay, but sometimes we experience breakdowns. The faster we are notified, the faster we can get it fixed for you.

We are public servants. Without you, we are without. Don’t hesitate to ask.

You are outdoors. Remember that you share the area with many animals and insects.

Share Our Sky of Wonder!

• Cedar Bluff State Park, Reservoir & Wildlife Area • Smoky Valley Scenic Byway • Halfway between Kansas City & Denver on 70 WaKeeney Travel & Tourism

877-962-7248 | www.WaKeeney.org Maryl Gottschalk

TravelKS.com

A KANSAS

PHOTOGRAPH KWDPT

TRAVEL TRIO

KANSAS OUTDOORS

THESE THREE GETAWAYS PROMISE TO SHOW OFF SOME OF THE VERY BEST KANSAS HAS TO OFFER.

By Seth Jones and Katy Ibsen

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KANSAS OUTDOORS

2016

CATFISHING IN KANSAS

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHICH DIRECTION YOU GO; KANSAS HAS OUTDOOR FUN IN ALL DIRECTIONS. JUST LOOK UP OR DOWN FOR THAT MATTER, FROM STARGAZING TO DEEPWATER CATFISH FISHING, OUR STATE WILL EASILY SATISFY ANY HUNGER FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE.

It’s no secret that Kansas offers great catfishing. The simplicity of fishing for catfish makes it one of the most popular fish to drop a line for.

“A rod and reel, hook and small weight are all that you need,” says Rick Dykstra, owner of Acorns Resort, which provides fishing guide services.

Catfish can be found in small farm ponds, creeks, major lakes and rivers and has remained a popular catch among anglers since the 1800s. Kansas is also known for its four catfish species: blue, channel, flathead and bullhead.

“If someone was to ask where in Kansas is the best place to catch catfish, I would say the closest body of water to your home,” says Dykstra.

It turns out the body of water doesn’t always matter when it comes to catfish; a fish from a farm pond set a current state record. But as Dykstra recommends, any anglers who want to fish for both numbers and size should go to one of the major lakes in Kansas.

“The Missouri River currently is the home of the Kansas Blue Catfish record at 102.8 pounds,” he adds.

So how can you reel in a record catfish? Follow Dykstra’s tips.

• Catfish feed more by taste than sight—use baits that have a strong odor.

• As for bait, it’s hard to beat cut shad—they are a bait the catfish know.

• Use the least amount of weight possible.

• Consider using circle hooks—these hooks will help you get better hook sets.

• Use rods that are between 7’ and 7’6” and are somewhat flexible. You will be able to control fish easier.

• If fishing on the bank, try to find areas where a river or creek channel swings close to the bank.

Don’t be afraid to fish in or near downed trees or logs.

• If you’re fishing from the bank for more than 15 minutes and have not caught a catfish, move.

• Learn about the habits of the catfish you want to catch. If you know when they will move shallow versus going deep, you will increase your catch.

TO FISH AT ACORNS RESORT WITH FISHING GUIDE SERVICES, CONTACT THE PROS AT (785) 463-4000 www.acornsresortkansas.com

TravelKS.com

KANSAS OUTDOORS

CABIN LIFE AT CROSS TIMBERS STATE PARK

PHOTOGRAPHS (FROM LEFT) Rick Dykstra, KWDPT (2)

ON THE RIVER AT CIMARRON NATIONAL GRASSLANDS Located in southwestern Kansas, the Cimarron National Grasslands is one of only 20 national grasslands in the nation and the largest area of public land in the state.

For Pete Lux and the Boy Scouts of Elkhart, it’s one of their top 10 places to go. Lux says they camp there almost monthly.

“It’s a real good facility, and you don’t have to camp in the camp area—anywhere along the river is great,” he says. “We do a lot of bird watching, hiking and fishing.”

Andy Chappell, wildlife biologist for the Cimarron National Grasslands, says it’s easy to have a good time there.

All you have to do is “show up and pay a fee,” he laughs. The spot is especially popular during hunting season. “It’s $7 a night, on the honor system. We have an established campground that accommodates trailers and tents, running water and toilets, but we also provide the opportunity for dispersed camping.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE GRASSLANDS, VISIT www.fs.usda.gov/main/psicc/home

If you’re short on camping gear but still want to enjoy the outdoors, look no farther than the cabins operated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism at Cross Timbers State Park near Toronto.

Keith Sexson, assistant secretary for the Kansas Department of Fish and Wildlife, admits he’s biased for the park—he enjoys having a great time with his four grandchildren at the cabins.

“It’s family-friendly, everything you need is right there,” he says.

“It’s just a pleasant getaway from home, an outdoor experience but with a cabin to still give those people-pleasures of a place to sleep, cook and eat.”

Kim Jones, park manager for Cross Timbers State Park, advises that the four cabins book quickly on weekends during hunting season. Weekdays, she says, are much quieter, and visitors can get their pick of days. The four cabins are all around 10 years old, and the newest one is ADA-compliant with a dishwasher.

“We provide everything but the linens,” Jones says. “The cabins sit on the lake and have access to trails, playgrounds, kayaks … we even provide firewood.”

Sexson took his grandchildren—who were junior high age at the time—canoeing in the coves. They also went cycling and geocaching.

“I’d recommend [the cabins], particularly for families that want to get away but don’t have all the camping gear,” he says. “They’re well maintained, they’re right there on the lake, with a fire pit. It’s a great place to take kids.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CABINS, INCLUDING A VIDEO TOUR, VISIT

ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Cross-Timbers

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KANSAS OUTDOORS

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TAKE A

HIKE

TWO SCENIC TRAILS WORTH THE MILES

By Dave Zumbaugh

TravelKS.com

KANSAS OUTDOORS

KANSAS HAS NEITHER “FOURTEENERS” TO CLIMB NOR OCEAN BEACHES TO STROLL; HOWEVER, AN INLAND SEA OF GRASS INVITES YOU TO VISIT “WHERE THE DEER AND ANTELOPE PLAY.” MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR CAMERA TO CAPTURE SPECTACULAR SUNSETS WHILE YOU HIKE AN EXTENSIVE VARIETY OF TRAILS THAT CAN SATISFY THE

PHOTOGRAPHS Scott Bean

MOST ADVENTUROUS SPIRITS.

MOUNT MITCHELL HERITAGE PRAIRIE Many Kansans love the scenic Flint Hills, though few have ever stepped foot in this tallgrass paradise. Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie offers 45 acres of tallgrass prairie, multihued wildflowers and characteristic big bluestem grass taller than your head. At the summit, where there is always a breeze, you can view the memorial to the Freestate Beecher Bible and Rifle Colony, a historic abolitionist settlement. Named after Captain William Mitchell, one of the colony’s leaders, and given to the people of Kansas by his son in 1953, the park is among the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The park is owned by Audubon of Kansas and managed and operated by local residents known as the Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards. There are improved parking areas, groomed paths, and interpretive signage depicting the area’s Native-American legacy, early European exploration, settlement and natural history.

The trails are suitable for children and those less mobile, but there are a few tricky, loose gravel slopes. It’s easy to find shady picnic tables, perfect for a fresh summer lunch, or you can just traverse the various loops to enjoy magnificent vistas in all directions.

There are no restroom facilities or available water. The property is located six miles north of Interstate 70 on Kansas Highway 99, and Wamego is the nearest town.

LEARN MORE AT:

www.mountmitchellprairie.org

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TravelKS.com

KANSAS OUTDOORS

PHOTOGRAPHS Kevin Anderson

PHOTOGRAPHS: Kevin Anderson

GARY L. HALLER NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL Taking a walk on this paved trail integral to Mill Creek Streamway Park is the perfect way to enjoy an invigorating outdoor experience within an urban setting. This linear trail originates at the Kansas River and extends 17 miles south. It is adjacent to the Mill Creek watershed, runs through Shawnee and Lenexa and concludes in Olathe. With eight access points accessible via city streets, you have no excuses; lace up your hiking boots or jogging shoes and earn some miles on them. The U.S. Secretary of the Interior designated the path a National Recreation Trail in 2010, making it an immediate regional attraction.

Additional draws are nearby shelters, picnic areas, playgrounds, streams, lakes and athletic fields. For those wanting to get off the pavement, the side trails in Shawnee Mission Park will allow you to get some dirt on your soles. There are several steep hills, but overall the trek is suitable for most able people. Dogs shall be leashed and you must share the right-of-way with bicyclists, baby strollers, skaters and wildlife. Deer, squirrels, rabbits and even snakes might be encountered, even though you are just at the edge of metropolitan Kansas City.

Restrooms, benches and water fountains are located at frequent intervals along the route (in season) and in some locations you are near shopping, restaurants and public infrastructure.

LEARN MORE AT:

www.jcprd.com

Dogs welcome at lodging facilities

Sherman County Convention & Visitors Bureau

cvb@goodlandnet.com www.visitgoodland.com 785-890-3515 or 888-824-4222

Come to Sherman County for a quality upland bird hunt.

Hunt turkey, deer, antelope and more.

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KANSAS OUTDOORS

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THE

Herd in Canton HOW ONE WILDLIFE REFUGE IS CELEBRATING THE BUFFALO

By Julie Tollefson

Photography by Jim Griggs

TravelKS.com

“THIS WAS THE LAND OF THE BUFFALO. ONE DAY A HERD CAME IN OUR DIRECTION LIKE A GREAT BLACK CLOUD, A THREATENING MOVING MOUNTAIN, ADVANCING TOWARDS US VERY SWIFTLY AND WITH WILD SNORTS, NOSES ALMOST TO THE GROUND AND TAILS FLYING IN MIDAIR.” —“A Woman’s Trip Across the Plains in 1849”

by Catherine Haun in Women’s Diaries of the Westward Journey by Lillian Schlissel

I

n a 4.5-square-miles parcel of land near Canton, 200-plus head of bison dot the mixed-grass prairie of the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Though a fraction of the number of the enormous beasts that once roamed the Great Plains, the herd is evidence of what the combination of private support and public wildlife conservation efforts can accomplish.

Cliff Peterson, manager of the refuge for 31 years, traces his interest in wildlife management and conservation to his youth on a farm in Labette County, where he saw firsthand the effects of human actions on wildlife.

“We alter a lot of landscapes, a lot of natural habitats,” he says. “Wildlife a lot of times is on the losing end of the deal.”

Bison (also referred to as buffalo), hunted nearly to extinction in the 1800s, are a conservation success story and now number 450,00–475,000 in North America, according to Peterson. In Kansas, Maxwell and the Konza Prairie Biological Station near Manhattan have the largest public herds of buffalo. Smaller herds can be found in the Sandsage Bison Range near Garden City, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Chase County, and the Mined Land Wildlife Area near Pittsburg.

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The Maxwell refuge wouldn’t exist were it not for the generosity of the Maxwell family: a couple who homesteaded in Kansas in the 1860s and their two sons, who envisioned a piece of unplowed prairie, preserved and restocked with buffalo and elk so future generations could experience a bit of what pre-settlement Kansas was like. The tract’s ample grasses and springs made it a likely choice to reintroduce the buffalo and elk that had once been so plentiful on the Great Plains.

Today, the buffalo and elk wander in the company of bobcats, coyotes, possums, snakes, lizards, and small rodents, among other diverse wildlife species, each one important to the health of the prairie.

“It’s a refuge for diversity,” Peterson says. “We want amphibians to find what they need here in the wet areas. We want the groundnesting birds to have the cover they need. We want the whole array of animals.”

Take the regal fritillary, a butterfly species Peterson sees in abundance at the refuge.

“I get people calling from hundreds of miles away wanting to know when to come see and photograph them because they don’t have them in their area any more.”

Friends of Maxwell, a group of volunteers that supports the refuge, hosts tours and events throughout the year that attract visitors from around the world. Spring and fall mountain man rendezvous—where visitors can learn skills such as fire starting, crafting arrowheads and spear tips from flint, and constructing clothing from animal skins—are popular as are trail rides for horse enthusiasts. Wildflower tours take place at the peak of blooms in May or June and again in the fall, when a completely different set of wildflowers come into their own.

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And of course, opportunities to see the buffalo and elk herds abound. Visitors are welcome to view wildlife from the road or from an observation tower in the middle of the refuge at any time. For a more structured outing, contact the Friends of Maxwell to schedule a guided tram tour.

McPherson-based photographer Jim Griggs leads photography tours at the refuge. Involved in conservation efforts since the 1970s, Griggs first encountered the Maxwell refuge when he moved to the area 22 years ago.

“I’m the eternal tourist,” he says. “I found out about Maxwell and sort of made myself at home.”

Now, he’s an advocate of both the refuge and of the personal approach to conservation efforts afforded by visiting natural areas, whether local or far from home.

“It took a trip to Tanzania for me to realize what the Great Plains used to be,” he says.

There, he recalls, he crested a hill to see hundreds of thousands of wildebeest spread across the valley below. This, he thought, is what Kansas used to look like when bison numbered in the millions.

That experience shaped his thinking about conservation.

“I could sit here and talk to you all day long about the Serengeti, but if I take you there, then all of a sudden you’re excited about it,” he says. “You discover that there’s something worth saving.”

A book to be released in February 2016, Conservation Photography Handbook: How to Save the World One Photo at a Time by Boyd Norton, features commentary by Griggs in which he focuses on the value of very localized projects, such as the photo trips he leads through the refuge. The benefits, he says, are twofold. These projects raise money for conservation and increase public awareness of natural resource treasures close to home.

Plus, participants just might experience something exceptional.

One winter morning, Griggs led three trams full of photographers on what he calls an FYBO—freeze your buns off—tour. At first light, with the temperature hovering just above zero, photographers boarded the trams and set off in search of elk on the refuge. Their reward? As the sun rose, the group beheld a ridge lined with elk, the animals silhouetted against a yellow and red sky. Fantastic light. Beautiful wildlife. Everything a photographer could want.

And the kind of experience that connects people to nature on a personal, local level and fosters support for wildlife conservation.

Friends of Maxwell maxwellwildliferefuge.com

An annual membership includes the quarterly BisonTracks newsletter with informative, seasonally pertinent articles and list of upcoming special events.

Tour Reservations: (620) 628-4455

wildlife conservation

on private land

Public conservation programs, like those that have restored buffalo to the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and other public lands, make up one part of Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism wildlife management efforts. Private programs, though not as visible, are just as vital.

“Kansas is about 97 percent privately owned, so when you’re talking about managing the wildlife resources of the state, working with private landowners is extremely important,” says Jake George, who coordinates the department’s private land programs, including the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program.

Through this program, wildlife biologists help landowners develop land management plans that are beneficial to wildlife, provide native grass seed mixes and equipment loans, and match landowners with relevant federal programs.

Every year, 75 to 150 landowners across the state get direct assistance from the program, and many more consult biologists more informally. Biologists are collecting data to measure how beneficial the programs are, especially current quail and pheasant initiatives.

Though biologists like to work with big blocks of property, the voluntary nature of the private land programs means that’s not always possible. Still, there’s no size restriction on property, and small pieces are as eligible as larger tracts.

“Our biologists are more than willing to work with anybody,” George says.

George says a common misconception is that landowners must allow public access to their property to participate in the department’s programs, but that is not so. He estimates 60 percent of those who receive assistance do not have public access.

The department is confident the work, whether on large or small tracts, private or public, has lasting benefits for local wildlife.

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THE FREEDOM OF

HORSEBACK

RIDING

By Amy Bickel Photography by Mickey Shannon

A new perspective for wide open spaces

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or Amy Waggoner, Sand Hills State Park is her sanctuary on horseback. And it is easy to see why.

On this evening, the bluestem grasses glisten. The leaves are changing colors, and the wind sings through the cottonwood trees. There is no one else around at the park north of Hutchinson, except for fellow rider Linda Cole. Soaking in the scenery, the two walk their horses along a sand hills trail.

Some days, they see deer and turkeys, along with other wildlife. “I love how the light sparkles on the grass,” she says as she and her horse, Summer, pass through a field of sunflowers mixed with little bluestem. “It’s peaceful. I love watching as nature unfolds.”

Sand Hills State Park is just one of the hidden gems along the Kansas prairie. In fact, the state is home to an immense network of picturesque trails, arenas, teaching and training centers and boarding facilities, along with many enthusiastic horse lovers.

Recreational possibilities for the equestrian are bountiful, if you know where to look.

“It’s a hidden treasure.

There are a lot of people who have horses who don’t go to the state parks. They just don’t know.”

– Frank Robinson, horseback riding enthusiast

JUST LIKE A COWBOY Kansas has plenty of blue skies and open range for riders and their trusty steeds. Privately owned cattle ranches and other operations throughout Kansas invite horseback riders to experience the great outdoors by either bringing their own horses or chartering ranch-owned horses.

KANSAS OUTDOORS

One of the state’s oldest ranches offering trail rides is in the heart of Kansas’ Gypsum Hills. Longtime rancher Bob Larson revels in the expanse of unending, rolling red-dirt prairie, where, amid the little bluestem and cedars, he is intent on sharing a part of his life with strangers.

“The only house you’ll ever see is the house I live in,” the 84-year-old says. “There is not another area like the Gyp Hills.”

Larson, his son Robert and his family operate Gypsum Hills Trail Rides on the family’s more than 130-year-old Gant-Larson Ranch, located just west of Medicine Lodge on Highway 160. Equestrians bring their horses from across the country to ride the unique, rugged terrain marked with red bluffs and buttes.

The ranch doesn’t charter horses, but those horseless can backpack and hike the countryside where 150 head of cattle graze. Like pioneers, riders experience a western setting that hasn’t changed much since Larson’s wife’s greatgrandfather first settled the land in 1882. Moreover, there is no sound of traffic—just that of nature and livestock— whether it is a bawling calf or the howl of a coyote.

The Larsons started the trail rides in 1972 as a community project with the Medicine Lodge Chamber of Commerce and the area Resource Conservation and Development Program. Today the family operates the business privately on the ranch that encompasses more than 10,000 acres.

For $10 a day, individuals can ride their horses, hike and camp in a designated camping area, as well as use a shower house. Several organized trail rides are offered throughout the year, including an all-women’s ride in May. Larson recommends a trip to the top of Dick’s Peak for more experienced riders, where they will see for miles across the Gyp Hills.

In describing the wide open spaces, Larson says, “You don’t have to go on a marked trail through the trees. You can go in any direction you want to go.”

STATE PARK TREASURES Auburn resident Frank Robinson calls the state parks Kansas’ best-kept secret.

Kansas state parks have scenic routes and camping opportunities for novice and expert horseback riders. With

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26 parks across the state, riding enthusiasts often don’t have to travel far.

“Where else are you going to ride a horse in the open? Where you have so much territory away from houses and traffic?” asks Robinson.

Robinson often joins family for a relaxing weekend on horseback, typically at Eisenhower State Park or on occasion at Kanopolis State Park in Ellsworth County.

Here in the Smoky Hills, riders can take in more than 27 miles of trails that go by sandstone bluffs, through rocky Horsethief Canyon and by Kanopolis Lake.

“We love Kanopolis—it’s cool up there,” says Robinson. “The terrain is more extreme. Every Memorial Day weekend, we go to Kanopolis, stay out there and ride our horses all weekend.”

The best part is the time with family on horseback, he says. Moreover, he enjoys the Kansas scenery. “We’re all hooked,” Robinson says of his family.

Hutchinson’s Waggoner found her state park trail, too, by happenstance. She was riding down the road near her house when she came upon a back entrance for Sand Hills State Park.

“I love riding out in nature and seeing these little surprises,” says Waggoner. “I take my camera with me and I take pictures and watch everything change from one week to the next.”

Riding the range Saddle up around the state Milford State Park Eagle Ridge Trail at Milford is an eightmile trail that passes by scenic and diverse areas near the lake.

The campground offers hitching posts, five covered corrals and a wash bay for horses.

Riders can also take the River Walk Trail, a 4.8-mile trail that winds along the Republican River from the Milford Dam to Fort Riley. The trail is a partnership between Junction City, Fort Riley and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Kanopolis State Park Kanopolis offers more than 27 miles of trails, which are open to horseback riders. The trails loop through canyons, prairie and towering bluffs.

Some trails are challenging, including the orange Horsethief Canyon Trail, which is one of the most difficult in the trail system. The trail has water crossings and gets narrow in spots, going in and out of rocky canyons.

Northern loops include the Alum Creek trails, an 8.3-mile loop across pastures, through canyons and trees and along creeks. Meanwhile, Kanopolis’ Prairie Trails connect Horsethief Canyon Trails to the Alum Creek Trails. These trails take riders by Red Rocks Canyon, which is lined with red sandstone.

The Rockin’ K Horse Campground offers electric and water hookups, corrals, wash bays, tie posts, a shower house, and a group shelter house.

Clinton State Park This state park has 35 miles of trails, which run along the south shore of Clinton Lake.

Clinton Lake features steep bluffs and wooded shorelines.

Hillsdale Hillsdale State Park is located in the rolling hills of Miami County.

Riders start at the Saddle Ridge Horse Camp. The trails cover 49 miles and take riders

by Hillsdale Reservoir, woodlands, native grass and wildflower prairies and wetland habitat.

Sand Hills State Park Located north of Hutchinson in Reno County, Sand Hills State Park offers a 1,100-acre natural area preserved for its native sand hills and woodlands.

There are eight trails in the park.

Roughly 14 miles of trails weave between the 10- to 40-feet-high sand dunes, through grasslands, across bridges and around ponds.

Open ranchland Chase County’s Flying W Ranch, a working cattle ranch nestled on 7,000 acre in the heart of the Flint Hills, offers guests an authentic cowboy experience with several cattle drives and leisure rides throughout the year.

Rock n’ Rose Ranch near Randolph offers riders access to more than 100 acres of grasslands near Tuttle Creek Reservoir. Meanwhile, Cowboy Way Ranch, a thousandacre working ranch near Westmoreland, also offers trail rides, allowing visitors to rent a working cattle horse or bring their own to ride.

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by M ICH E LE B E R E N DSE N

p h o t o g r a p h y b y JAS O N E B B E R TS

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T

here is a form of cycling becoming very popular across Kansas. It is an endurance sport that takes place on the gravel roads, away from hightraffic, paved thoroughfares. Most cyclists who participate log 20 to 100 miles each ride and race distances that generally range from 50 to 200 miles and require the cyclist to spend five or more hours in the saddle.

Some call this phenomenon “gravel riding” or “gravel grinding” while cyclist Justin Eddings, from Eudora, simply refers to it as “riding my bike.”

The term for this type of cycling is up for discussion, but the fact that Kansas is host to a growing number of these events is not, according to both riders and race promoters. “There are so many gravel events now. Five years ago, there were probably two, and today, there are a dozen or more in the state,” says Mike Johnson, gravel rider and creator of 100-Mile Wicked Wilson race in Wilson.

TRENDING What fuels the gravel-riding trend in the Sunflower State?

Availability is one contributing factor.

With over 47,000 miles of gravel roads in Kansas, the state is the perfect location for gravel-riding journeys.

Eddings relishes the fact that riding on gravel allows him to see the natural wonders others forget about or don’t have the opportunity to encounter. The unique and breathtaking Flint Hills, river valleys, plains and rolling hills of

Kansas keep Eddings and his fellow cyclists cranking out the gravel miles.

Safety is always a top concern for cyclists. The fact that traffic is lighter on gravel roads is one of the many reasons Kristi Mohn, gravel rider and co-organizer of the 200-mile Dirty Kanza race in Emporia, is partial to the sport.

“Many women say to me gravel is dangerous, but the truth is you can ride gravel that is tame without many distracted drivers,” Mohn says.

The pioneering spirit—like that of the Kansans who came before us —is prevalent in gravel riders. Gravel roads often lead cyclists away from civilization, cars pass less frequently, gas stations aren’t located at every intersection and cell phone service can be spotty. This can be intimidating to some, but it is exactly what attracts Vincent Rodriguez, gravel rider and owner of Velo+ bike shop.

“It is my time to ride my bike.

It is an adventure. You are on your own, self-sustaining and you have to fix whatever problem you have,” says Rodriguez, of Lenexa.

It doesn’t seem to matter if riders are out to enjoy the beauty of rural Kansas or compete for a place on the winner’s podium, there seems to be an open-arms policy within the gravel-riding community.

Mohn rejoices in the fact that gravel riding is accessible for people from all walks of life.

“I like that you look at the starting line [at the Dirty Kanza] and

“EVERYBODY SHOULD TRY GRAVEL BECAUSE IT IS A GREAT WAY TO RIDE AT A PACE YOU WANT AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL. IT IS A GREAT EXPERIENCE.” –Justin Eddings

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DISCOVER MORE ABOUT GRAVEL GRINDING

BY ATTENDING AN UPCOMING EVENT OR JOINING A GROUP RIDE. The Dirty Kanza 200 dirtykanza200.com Gravel Cyclist gravelcyclist.com Kansas Cyclists kansascyclist.com Riding Gravel ridinggravel.com

there is a variety of people there,” she says. “There are different shapes, sizes and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is the hardcore folks who are there to win and others are there to celebrate or to have a good time.”

Rodriguez embodies this open-arms policy and encourages beginners to try the sport he loves. As for the first rides, he suggests taking a 12 to 20-mile ride with a friend. He also stresses that prior to leaving, the best course of action is to create a route and communicate it to someone else because cell phones often are unreliable in rural areas.

Rodriguez reminds new riders not to leave home without basic bicycle tools, food, water and lights. “Basically, just be a Boy Scout,” he adds.

Eddings says that “everybody should try gravel because it is a great way to ride at a pace you want and it is beautiful. It is a great experience.”

The one catch for cycling on gravel is having proper tires. As far as what type of bicycle to take on gravel, Eddings recommends, “Anything with round wheels. Any bicycle that rolls can ride gravel.”

WHERE TO RIDE Eddings often rides from Eudora to Lawrence and then north towards Oskaloosa. This is his go-to because of the hills and the scenery.

Johnson, of Great Bend, chooses to ride in Sedan or Russell areas because of beauty and the challenging terrain.

Mohn, Emporia, loves cycling around Lake Kahola in the Flint Hills.

She also enjoys cycling in Emporia because the citizens treat cyclists well.

Rodriguez finds that cycling south from Johnson County in the direction of Spring Hill, Paola and Louisburg is an easy way for him to complete a 60-mile loop.

GRAVEL-RIDING RESOURCES There are a variety of gravelriding resources in Kansas communities, on social media and online. For people beginning their journey, local bike shops or bicycle clubs can be good starting points.

Most of the major Kansas races have pages that offer riding tips, photos and race information.

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HUNTING WAT E R F O W L

By Dave Zumbaugh

TravelKS.com

K

ansas has long been a popular destination for migrating waterfowl, but only recently has the national spotlight been aimed in this direction.

Birds from the Hudson Bay to the east, from the prairies, boreal forests and arctic tundra to the north, and from as far as Russia to the west migrate through the Sunflower State, which is situated in the Central Flyway, a migratory path that extends from Canada, through the Great Plains, to the Gulf of Mexico.

More than 20 species of ducks and five species of geese are commonly harvested in the state. Additionally, sandhill cranes, snipes and rails have special seasons based on a sustainable plan. It is estimated that 10 million ducks pass through on their way to preferred wintering grounds. Great flocks of geese numbering in the thousands have their favorite stopover locations in Kansas, usually near large bodies of water adjacent to agricultural plots.

Nature must provide three things for a successful waterfowl-hunting season in Kansas—adequate moisture in the marshes during autumn, fortifying and appealing habitat, and delayed freeze-up—to keep birds within state boundaries.

McPherson Valley Wetlands). Considering the 25 federal reservoirs, Kaw and Missouri River access, and state lakes (hunting where allowed), Kansas offers diverse venues from swamp, lake, stream and field hunts to jump shooting farm ponds. And this is just on public property.

Outfitters across Kansas offer day hunts for those who lack experience, proper gear or knowledge of the sport. These enterprises can offer a range of services, including lodging, transportation, expert calling, decoys and even exuberant retrieving dogs.

About 30,000 state waterfowl stamps are sold each year, with nonresidents making up less than half of these purchases. Youth participation has increased since an early season was established, and young folks are also encouraged by unique mentored-hunting opportunities.

To bolster participation, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism has partnered with various conservation organizations to restore wetland acres to increase population of waterfowl. Recent projects were focused on the Jamestown Wildlife Area near Concordia and the McPherson Valley Wetlands.

TODAY Kansans are rediscovering plentiful waterfowling prospects, and word is spreading to out-of-state sportsmen, who are learning of the abundance and diverse landscape of acres on which to hunt.

Traditional “hot spots” are the open areas of National Wildlife Refuges (Quivira, Flint Hills, Marais des Cygnes and Kirwin), while state-managed wildlife areas and marshes can also be very productive (Neosho, Cheyenne Bottoms, Jamestown, and the

HISTORY Kansas has a rich, celebrated waterfowling heritage. Native Americans likely capitalized on migrating fowl in prehistory. In the 1500s, Coronado was probably the first European explorer to hunt the great prairie sink, now called Cheyenne Bottoms.

The abundance of wild game sustained pioneers, but the seemingly endless resource spurred market gunning, whereby wildlife was slaughtered by the thousands for consumption in

CLEAN YOUR

BIRD

PHOTOGRAPH KWDPT

KANSAS OUTDOORS

For example, the Best Western Angus Inn, Great Bend, is close to shopping and restaurants. The hotel offers hunters bird-cleaning facilities and a hot tub for warming chilled bones. This community is the

For those of a successful hunt, friendly small-town residents and businesses cater to hunters and those in search of cleaning stations.

gateway to Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

The Super 8 near Beloit also has a bird-cleaning room with a freezer, which gets considerable use when late season mallards

are buzzing Waconda Lake or snow geese gather nearby during the spring conservation season.

Traditional lodging and a variety of other options are available in cities across the state.

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restaurants in eastern cities. Public outcry inspired the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918, which effectively ended the depredation by outlawing the sale, purchase, or barter of migratory birds.

In 1934 the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (duck stamp) was passed, and hunters have been financing wetlands conservation ever since. After commercial hunting was banned, privately managed marshes (“duck clubs”) were established throughout the state. A group of these clubs was purchased to form the 23,135acre Quivira National Wildlife Reserve near Great Bend in 1955. Flood-control reservoirs constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers after WWII resulted in permanent water on the prairies, and waterfowl began to congregate in fall and winter.

THE HUNT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with other agencies, sets season dates and bag limits.

Since 1995 the Adaptive Harvest Management program has authorized “liberal” regulations for Kansas, allowing for long seasons and generous limit quotas based on waterfowl population surveys. Kansas has an early teal season in September and a conservation season on white geese lasting into April.

The most frequently harvested ducks are pintail, teal and gadwall, but mallards make up 50 percent of the total. Annual duck harvest averages around 200,000 birds while geese make up about 180,000. In prolific years these totals can be significantly higher.

So, with a little cooperation from Mother Nature, the grander days of waterfowl hunting have returned to the Sunflower State.

Kansas provides thousands of acres of access for walk-in and boat hunters and offers plentiful opportunities to harvest the most popular waterfowl species.

Where to skeet shoot The game of skeet shooting was invented in the 1920s as practice for hunting birds on the wing. Shooters try to break 25 clay targets, which are launched from two traps on opposite sides of a semi-circle field.

Participants progress around eight different shooting stations on the field, and depending on the station position, one may see incoming, outgoing or crossing patterns. Skeet is a challenging and addictive sport, and there are competitions in Kansas as well as a national championship.

Sporadically, skeet shooting has been an Olympic sport.

Popular skeet venues in Kansas include Powder Creek Shooting Park, Shawnee Capital City Gun Club, Topeka Hays City Sportsmen’s Club, Hays Liberal Gun Club, Liberal Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth have fields open to the public.

For additional ranges visit www.wheretoshoot.org

Out-of-state licensing for all seasons Kansas offers the best value on hunting licenses for out-of-state hunters.

Small game licenses, popular for pheasant purists, are only $97.50.

For waterfowl, hunters need a small game license plus the Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification, state stamp and federal duck stamp.

Nonresident spring turkey hunters can get a permit for $62.50 and a second game tag for $32.50. A

combo permit tag is $87.50.

The preceding license options are available in stores or online and include a convenience fee.

Deer licensing gets a bit more complicated via a drawing process.

Applications have an April deadline and must be completed online or by phone. You must choose geographic units and a season, such as archery or firearms. A venison pass will cost $400.00.

Pronghorn antelope licenses are

also via draw and are only available for archery hunters ($300.00).

Youth hunters are not exempt from license requirements but pay lower fees. If you are not successful in the big game draws, a preference point system is in place to increase your chances for future attempts.

Be advised some hunting properties also require a check-in process via iSportsman.

For more information visit www.ksoutdoors.com

PHOTOGRAPH KWDPT

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one cast at a time Founded by a Kansas Army vet, Patriot Outdoors Adventures takes groups of veterans out to fish, hunt and most important, heal

By Seth Jones

T

his is the first time in four years that Delbert Bennett has felt relaxed—the first time in four years that he’s been able to be himself, as well as be around people who can relate to what he’s been through.

It was four years ago that Bennett, a Haysville resident and a United States Army veteran, was thrown from his vehicle after it ran over an improvised explosive device (IED).

He injured his back and sustained a severe concussion. Since then, he has been struggling with memory loss and constant pain.

But today he’s on a fishing trip to the gulf coast of Texas with a Kansas-based group called Patriot Outdoors Adventures. It’s this trip that has given him a rare feeling of peace, and it has nothing to do with the fishing.

The non-profit organization, founded by U.S. Army veteran Mark Spencer, regularly gathers groups of veterans and takes them on hunting and fishing trips around the U.S. The groups are small,

from six to 12 people, and aim to help veterans who are struggling with their post-war life.

“A lot of this [trip] is just camaraderie,” Bennett says. “These people have welcomed me with open arms. It gives me the absolutely phenomenal feeling that I’m not alone.”

LIFE-SAVING BEGINNINGS As the saying goes, a bad day fishing is better than a good day working, Bennett laughs.

Since Bennett came home wounded, he’s had more bad days than good. He’s divorced, with two adult children, and is proud to have recently become a grandpa.

But when he got back to Kansas, he felt “like nobody was there.”

“It was to the point I felt like I was forgotten,” Bennett says. “Like nobody cared— like I was just another number.”

It’s those feelings of loneliness and despair that inspired Army veteran Mark Spencer to

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create Patriot Outdoors Adventures. To say the organization has humble beginnings would be an understatement because when the organization had no money, no name and a staff of only one, it still was able to save a life.

“A friend of mine called me up, and he was basically saying goodbye—talking about committing suicide,” Spencer says of the phone call he received in 2008 that would inspire him to create the organization. “I went and dragged him out of his house, and we spent three days at Kanopolis Lake, talking, fishing. I talked him into getting some counseling, and it ended up turning him around.”

It has been small steps since then, Spencer says. This year is the first year Patriot Outdoors Adventures hasn’t been funded out of his own wallet, thanks to “some generous individuals.” Yet somehow last year he still took 400 veterans hunting or fishing in places like Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas.

He hopes to expand that number by seeking not just monetary donations but also donations in the form of access to land for hunting and fishing. Spencer hopes people who want to help will reach out via Patriot Outdoors Adventures’ Facebook page.

ONGOING SUPPORT What drives Spencer to want to do more?

Though he’s clearly a generous individual, Spencer says Patriot Outdoors Adventures doesn’t just help the people he brings with him. It also helps him.

Spencer spent nearly 20 years in the U.S. Army, fighting in Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Operation Enduring Freedom.

After injuring his back, he was given a medical discharge.

Back at home in Hutchinson, the Sterling native was struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and separation anxiety. By helping his fellow veterans with Patriot Outdoors Adventures, “I was able to help myself,” he says. “Helping my fellow vets was what I needed.”

His organization now partners with 150 different organizations to help veterans. That might be to help the veterans get housing, or maybe a service dog. Most important, Spencer says, is even though the trip must end, the connections do not.

“It’s not, ‘let’s go catch some fish,’ and then we never talk to them again,” Spencer says.

“We keep track of the guys when they get back home, to continue the healing process.”

LIFETIME FRIENDSHIPS Army veteran Mack Cole is a Texas native, but he spent quite a few years in Kansas while stationed at Fort Riley. In his humble opinion, Tuttle Creek in Manhattan has some of the best blue catfish fishing in the country.

Cole doesn’t talk about how he sustained his injuries, but they are severe. He’s in a wheelchair and because of that, rarely leaves his home in Houston.

Unless Mark Spencer calls, that is.

“I’m always ready to go fishing,” he says.

“As soon as Mark met me, he made sure I had something going on. He’ll call me and say, ‘Hey, you’re getting out of the house, even if I have to come get you myself.’”

While Cole enjoys the fishing, it’s the unique group of people he finds most valuable.

“The general public doesn’t understand,” he says. “They can’t see my wounds unless I have my shirt off … and my wounds go deep within me and they control a lot of what I can and can’t do with my life.

“Being around people who are my peers, who understand what you’re going through, means a lot,” Cole continues. “They understand and aren’t judgmental. This goes beyond camaraderie, the new friends that are created from a trip like this last forever.”

One of those new friends is Bennett, who, thanks to the company of men like Cole and Spencer, is at ease while getting outdoors.

Seeing a stingray in person for the first time was a highlight of day one of the three-day trip, Bennett says. Catching a black drum in the saltwater was fun. But most of all, it is camaraderie, friendship, that has brought him this feeling.

“I’m in constant pain. When I see the struggle that others are going through and we share that common ground … you feel like you’re back with your brothers,” Bennett says.

“To be able to talk to someone who has been through what you’ve been through, to see what you’ve seen, and done what you’ve done, you suddenly don’t feel isolated. You don’t feel alone. And it gives you hope.”

www.facebook.com/PatriotOutdoorsAdventures

48

KANSAS OUTDOORS

RESOURCE GUIDE

2016

STATEWIDE RESOURCES

Shawnee Boat and Ski Club (Topeka) www.shawneeboatandskiclub.com

Concordia Travel Information Center 130 E Sixth St., Concordia (785) 243-4303

Discover Boating www.discoverboating.com The Discover Boating Program is a service of the recreational boating industry, spearheaded by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, with the goal to “help people become boaters.”

Pratt Operations Office 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt (620) 672-5911

Dodge City Convention & Visitors Bureau 400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City (620) 225-8186

Friends of the Kaw Kansas River Keepers, float trips and rentals www.kansasriver.org

States Organization for Boating Access www.sobaus.org

Emporia Research and Survey Office 1830 Merchant, P.O. Box 1525, Emporia (620) 342-0658

Franklin County Visitors Center 2011 E. Logan, Ottawa (785) 242-1411

Kansas City White Water Club www.kcwc.org

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Office of the Secretary 1020 S. Kansas, Room 200, Topeka (785) 296-2281

Kansas City District Office 8304 Hedge Lane Terrace, Shawnee (913) 422-1314 Regional Offices Region 1 Rt. 2, Hays (785) 628-8614 The northwest quarter of Kansas that includes 26 counties.

Region 2 300 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka (785) 273-6740 The northeast quarter of Kansas that includes 20 counties.

Region 3 1001 McArtor Drive, Dodge City (620) 227-8609 The southwest quarter of Kansas that includes 28 counties.

Region 4 6232 E. 29th St. North, Wichita (316) 683-8069 The south central region of Kansas that includes 13 counties.

Region 5 1500 W. Seventh St., Chanute (620) 431-0380 The southeastern quarter of Kansas that includes 18 counties.

State-Owned Travel Information Centers Belle Plaine Travel Information Center 770 N. I-35, Belle Plaine (620) 326-5123 Located on I-35 Kansas Turnpike at Milepost 26. Accessible from both northbound and southbound lanes.

Goodland Travel Information Center I-70 East Milepost 7, Goodland (785) 899-6695 Located on I-70 at Milepost 7, accessible from eastbound lanes only.

Community Travel Information Centers Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau 201 N.W. Second, Abilene (785) 263-2231 Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce 200 S. 10th, Atchison (913) 367-2427 Belleville Travel Information Center 702 12th St. Belleville (785) 527-2883 Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum 31639 US Hwy 77, Arkansas City (620) 442-6750

Colby Visitors Center 350 S. Range #10, Colby (785) 460-7643

Garden City Travel Plaza 1265 Solar Ave., Garden City (620) 276-3264 Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau 3007 10th St., Great Bend (620) 792-2750 Kansas Originals Market 233 Hwy 232, Wilson (785) 658-2602 Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau 2700 Vine St., Hays (800) 569-4505 Lawrence Visitor Information Center 402 N. Second, Lawrence (785) 856-3040 Liberal Travel Information Center 1 Yellow Brick Road, Liberal (620) 626-017 Lindsborg Travel Information Center 114 N Main (Covered Kiosk), Lindsborg (785) 227-8687 Olathe Mahaffie Stage Coach stop & Farm Historic Site 1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe (913) 971-5111 Wyldewood Cellars Winery 22936 Grapevine Road, Paxico (785) 636-8466

VISITOR SERVICES Watersports 100th Meridian Initiative www.100thmeridian.org The 100th Meridian Initiative is a cooperative effort among state, provincial and federal agencies to prevent the westward spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species in North America.

Adventure Sports Shawnee (913) 962-2323 www.adventuresportskc.com Arkansas City Kayaks Arkansas City (620) 660-3250 www.arkcitykayakrentals.com Boat US www.boatus.com Boat Owners Association of the United States

Kansas Canoe & Kayak Association www.kansascanoe.org Kansas River Canoe Co. Lawrence (785) 842-3877 www.campjellystone.com Kansas River Trail www.KSRiverTrail.com Kansas State Boating www.ksoutdoors.com/Boating Kansas Whitewater Association www.kansaswhitewater.org KC Water Sports Paola (913) 783-4300 www.kcwatersports.com Lake Adventures Racing Milford (785) 307-1901 www.adventureracekansas.com Mid Kansas Marine Wichita, (316) 733-9889 Hutchinson, (620) 665-0396 www.midkansasmarine.com Mud Kat Kayaking Manhattan (620) 430-6754 National Water Safety Congress www.watersafetycongress.org A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting recreational water safety in the United States, the National Water Safety Congress was organized in 1951 in response-to a growing number of recreation related drownings. The Congress promotes two basic approaches to reduce water-recreation fatalities, injuries and property damage— education and enforcement.

Ninnescah Sailing Association Cheney Park www.ninnescah.org Pomona Lake Ski Club www.skipomona.com Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating and thereby increase public awareness and appreciation of the need for protecting, conserving and restoring this nation’s aquatic natural resources. www.rbff.org Safe Boating Council www.safeboatingcouncil.org

Sitzmark Sports Kansas City, Kansas 66101 (913) 341-5330 www.sitzmarksports.com

Up a Creek Canoe and Kayak Rental Lawrence www.upacreek.biz US Army Corps of Engineers www.usace.army.mil US Coast Guard www.uscg.mil US Coast Guard Auxiliary www.cgaux.org US Power Squadrons www.usps.org United State Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety www.uscgboating.org Wichita Area Paddlers www.wichitapaddler.com Biking Clubs Central Kansas Mountain Bike Club www.ckmbc.com Coasters Bicycle Club (Wichita) www.locojoe.com/coasters Earthriders Mountain Bike Club www.earthriders.com

Kansas City Bicycle Club www.kcbc.org

The Pathfinder Manhattan (785) 539-5639 www.thepathfinder.net Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Lawrence (785) 843-5000 www.sunfloweroutdoorandbike.com Big Poppi Bikes Manhattan (785) 537-3737 www.bigpoppibikes.com Hiking Trails Kansas Trails Council www.kansastrailscouncil.org Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy www.kanzatrails.org Equestrian Trails Kansas Horse Council www.kansashorsecouncil.com Bluestem Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Boulder Bluff Horse Trail El Dorado State Park Trail is a scenic stroll through the Flint Hills along the shoreline of El Dorado Lake. An equestrian campground is available in Boulder Bluff Area 1.

Cottonwood Trail At Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Crystal Trail Milford State Park Open year-round Dune Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round

Kaw Valley Bicycle Club Topeka www.kvbc.org

Eagle Ridge Trail Milford State Park Open year-round

Lawrence Mountain Bike Club www.lawrencemountainbikeclub.org

Equestrian Trails Perry State Park The trails start and end in Perry State Park, but some of the trail traverses across the COE Rock Creek public-use area.

Lawrence Bicycle Club www.lawrencebicycleclub.org Oz Bicycle Club (Wichita) www.ozbikeclub.com Biking Outfitters Bicycle X-Change Shops Wichita (316) 264-6427 www.bicyclex-change.com Harley’s Bicycles Hutchinson (620) 663-4321 www.harleysbicycles.com Tailwind Cyclists Pittsburg (620) 231-2212 www.tailwindcyclists.com Tom Sawyer Bicycle Shop Inc Wichita, Kansas 67211 (316) 264-3693 www.tomsawyerbicycleshop.com Turner’s Cycling & Fitness Overland Park (913) 381-5298 www.turnersbikes.com

Horse Trail Eisenhower State Park Open year-round Kanopolis Multi-use Trails at Kanopolis State Park Access from Trailheads A,B,C, D Alum Creek Trails These two trails form an 8.3-mile loop across pastures, through canyons, trees and along creeks.

There are two minor water crossings.

Open February 1-October 31 Horsethief Canyon Trails Two sections of the trail system, referred to as the Horsethief Canyon trails, connect the Rockin’ K Trails to the Prairie Trails. These crossings can be very deep.

Prairie Trails Two trails, which are referred to as the Prairie Trails, connect the Horsethief Canyon Trails to the Alum Creek Trails.

Open February 1-October 31

RESOURCE GUIDE Rockin’ K Trails (Access from trailhead A, D) Two 2-mile sections of the trail system are called the Rockin’ K Trails. These are relatively easy trails.

Pipeline Trail Milford State Park Open year-round Pond Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Prairie Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Randolph Equestrian Trail Tuttle Creek State Park Encompasses a wide variety of terrain offering views of the Flint Hills, the lake and wildlife.

Rock Creek Horse Trail Clinton Wildlife Area Horse trail is open seasonally, trailhead is in Rockhaven Park.

Saddle Ridge Trails Hillsdale State Park Four different loops of trail systems: NW blue trail, SE red trail, SW red trail and the Outlet loop. Vehicle permits are required for entry.

Tallgrass Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Woodland Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round

HUNTING Hunting Associations KS Sport Hunting Association www.huntkansas.org Mid American Deer Hunting Association www.mahadeer.com Mid America Hunting Association‎ www.magba.com Prairie Wind Hunting Club www.prairiewindhunting.com Hunting Outfitters Bass Pro Shop 12051 Bass Pro Drive, Olathe (913) 254-5200 www.basspro.com Bell Wildlife Specialties 155 West Oak, Harveyville (785) 589-2321 www.bellwildlife.com The Beyer Ranch 652 8th Road SW, Gridley (620) 836-5080 Buster’s Outfitters PO Box 143, Sun City (620) 248-3777 Byron Walker Wildlife Area 8685 W Hwy 54, Kingman (620) 532-3242 www.ksoutdoors.com Cabela’s 10300 Cabela Drive, Kansas City (913) 328-0322 www.cabelas.com

TravelKS.com Carters Big Island Hunt Club 108 Sr. Joseph St. St. Paul (620) 232-4829 www.cbihuntclub.com CatDaddy’s Catfishin Adventures 1308 NW Logan, Topeka (785) 357-0934 www.catdaddyguideservices.com Cecil’s Trails End Hunting 12803 108 Road, Minneola (620) 430-0663 hunttrailsend.com Cimarron Crossing Motel Cimarron (620) 855-2225 www.cimarronmotel.com Clay’s Guide Service 27303 B St., Haviland (620) 546-4149 www.claysguideservice.com Crooked Creek Hunting Ranch 25048 15 Road, Meade (620) 873-7189 Flint Hills Hunts PO Box 838, Winfield (620) 221-3767 www.kansashunts.com

Kansas Trophy Hunts 134 E. Main, Sedan (620) 725-4011

Prairie Stars Enterprises 408 S First St Sterling (620) 278-3255

Kansas Trophy Whitetails 640 Northeast 190th St., Hudson (620) 793-6878 www.kansas-trophy-whitetails.com

Poore Farms Labradors LLC 1515 30th Road, Woodston (785) 994-6566 www.PooreFarm.com

LaSada Sporting Clays & Guide Service 3721 183rd St., Russell (785) 483-3758 www.lasada.com

Rebel Ridge Outfitters 602 E. Ave. C, Syracuse (620) 384-7700

Lazy J Hunting Service 400 Orth St., Sublette (620) 675-2338 Lone Pine Game Birds 444 90th Road, Toronto (620) 637-2967 www.huntlonepine.com The Loft 122 N. Main, Syracuse (620) 384-7700 rebelridgeoutfitters.com/ Accomodations.html Long Branch Creek Outfitters 107 N Marks, Oberlin (785) 475-3439

River Bluff Hunting Company 521 W Eighth St., Concordia (785) 335-2809 www.riverbluffhunting.com Riverview Ringnecks R2, PO Box, Webber (402) 984-3028 Rock and Rose Ranch 16400 Axelton Hill Road, Randolph (785) 410-7747 Rocking K Ranch Hunting 313 NE 150th Ave., Stafford (620) 234-6908 www.ks-hunting-land.com Saline River Hunting Lodge & Guide Service 20015 260 Ave., WaKeeney (785) 743-5878 www.salinelodge.com

Flying W Pheasant Ranch 6199 4 Road, Plains (620) 563-6100

McClaskey Hunting Preserve 1641 S Webb, Geuda Springs (620) 442-0878

Golden Prairie Hunting Service 607 W Gwinn Court, Sublette (620) 675-8490

McNeil Game Farm and Outfitting 1816 18th Road, Clay Center (785) 632-2541

Sand Wells Outdoors 902 Road S, Hugoton (620) 453-1125 www.sandwellsoutdoors.com

Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt 200 S. Main St. El Dorado (316) 321-3835 www.ksgovoneshotturkeyhunt.com

McPherson Valley Wetlands 967 Mohawk Road, McPherson (620) 241-7669 www.kdwp.state.ks.us

Shawnee Creek Preserve 2733 NE Center Star Road, Columbus (620) 674-8563

Guide Lines Guide Service 3608 Hackberry Drive, Topeka (785) 267-0065 www.clydetheguide.com

Mill Creek Outfitters 35040 Old K-10 Road, Alma (785) 499-2980

Show Me Birds Hunting Resort 6186 SE 20th St., Baxter Springs (620) 674-8863 www.showmebirds.com

Hanke’s Hunts 1510 3rd Road, Waterville (785) 562-7157 hankeshunts.com Hays City Sportsman’s Club 5810 230th Ave., Hays (785) 628-1646 Hickory Creek Lodge 1230 W 570th McCune (620) 632-4998 www.hickorycreekoutfitter.com HT Gamebirds Inc 805 22nd Road, Lyons (620) 257-8488 www.htgamebirds.com Jeff’s Guide Service & Taxidermy 100 Lakeview Lane Ellis (785) 726-4099 www.jeffsguide.com JL Bar Ranch 1720 Seneca, Winona (785) 751-4426 K & K Outfitters 317 N 250th, Mulberry (620) 764-3615 www.duckandbuck.com KAMO Midwest Outdoor Expo Off Hwy 171, Pittsburg (417) 483-4058 Kansas Hunting Adventures 112 E. Hazelwood, Waterville (785) 363-2327 www.kansashuntingadventures.com

Mined Land Wildlife Area 507 E 560th, Pittsburg (620) 231-3173 Monster Bucks of Kansas 664 3 Road, Bremen (785) 337-2396 www.kansashunter.com Muddy Creek Game Birds Muddy Creek Whitetails 8721 NE Brown Road, Meriden 785-484-2325 www.muddycreekwhitetails.com Murphy’s Landing 22030 Hwy 39, Stark www.murphysatstark.com NorthBridge Outdoor Adventures 22259 183 Highway, Greensburg (620) 338-1047 www.huntnorthbridge.com Oasis Hunting R1, Box 110, Deerfield (620) 426-6291 www.oasishunting.com Odyssey Hunts 109 Albert St., Lakin (620) 355-6301 Prairie Outfitters & Excursions 5001 E. Ninth Ave., Winfield (620) 222-8870 www.PrairieOutfittersandExcursions. com

Solomon Valley Outfitters LLC 110 N McKnight, Stockton (785) 425-6294 Sterbenz Farms 6420 NE 20th St., El Dorado (316) 321-2943 www.sterbenzfarms.com Steve Lloyd Wetlands Area Rt 837, Wakefield (785) 632-6701 www.cckansas.org Timber Hills Lake Hunting & Fishing Adventures 1369 Valley Road, Mapleton (620) 743-4114 www.timberhillslake.com

KANSAS OUTDOORS

Wild Horse Canyon Bed and Breakfast & The Shady Porch 255 N Longhorn Road, Dighton (620) 397-5914 Wolf River Outfitters, LLC PO Box 195, Hiawatha (785) 741-3000 www.wolfriveroutfitters.com Wyrick Farms 22429 49th St., Haviland (620) 338-6701 www.huntwyrickfarms.com

HUNTING/FISHING LODGING Abilene Outdoor Adventures 3158 Epic Lane, Abilene (785) 280-2564 www.abileneoutdooradventures.com Acorns Resort 3710 Farnum Creek Road, Milford (785) 463-4000 www.acornsresortkansas.com Arrow B Hunting Lodge 1115 Hwy 24, Stockton (785) 425-5030 Ash Creek Upland Game Hunting 269 Pawnee Road, Windom (620) 489-9411 www.ashcreekhunting.com The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn 14910 Bluemound Road, Valley Falls (785) 945-3225 www.thebarnbb.com Barrel Springs Hunt Club 416 Railroad Ave. Horace (620) 376-2701 www.barrelspringshuntclub.com Beaver Creek Ranch and Hunting Lodge R1, Box 37A, Atwood (785) 538-2363 www.atwoodkansas.com/bcranch.html Big Hill Lodge 415 S Liberty, Cherryvale (620) 336-2255, (877) 244-4455 www.bighilllodge.com Blue River Whitetails, LLC 416 N Denver Ave., Hanover (785) 337-2530 www.blueriverwhitetails.com Bluestem Hunting Preserve, Inc. 2301 N Hwy 14, Kingman (620) 532-6361 www.bluestemhunting.com Bruiser Whitetail, LLC 670 Warpole Road, Olsburg (785) 468-3640 www.bruiserwhitetail.com

Uhlik Hunting 1548 17th Road, Washington (785) 325-2747 www.uhlikhunting.com

Bucks Limited 1703 Belmont, Parsons (620) 423-3994 www.terraworld.net/btpwnsen

Uncle Jack’s Bar & Grill 104 N Pennsylvania, Independence (620) 331-5225 www.unclejacks.net

Buckshot Inn 117 W. Hwy 36, Smith Center (785) 282-6644 www.buckshotinn.com

USI RV Park 2920 E 33rd St., Wichita (316) 838-8699 www.usirvpark.com

C&W Ranch 4000 S Halstead Road, Smolan (785) 668-2352 www.cwranch.com

Upland Inn 407 S Walnut, Greensburg (316) 200-0134 www.uplandinnhunts.com

Camelot Inn 933 N. First, Osborne (785) 346-5413 www.discoverosborne.com

49

RESOURCE GUIDE Cecil’s Trails End Hunting 12803 108 Road, Minneola (620) 430-0663 http://hunttrailsend.com Claythorne Lodge 1329 NW 100 Road, Columbus (620) 597-2568 www.claythorne.com CocklerBur Creek Hunting Service 1456 O Road, Larned (620) 285-5099 www.cockleburcreek.com The Country Cabins 2534 Kestrel Road, Hiawatha (785) 742-4320

Kuhrt Ranch Ringneck Resort 2735 Road 75, Edson (785) 899-5306 www.adventurehunting.com

Cowboy Way Ranch & Vacations 10075 Shanuk Lane, Westmoreland (785) 844-0457 www.cowboywayranchandvacations.com

Lazy D Outfitters, Inc. 3330 DD Road, Madison (620) 343-4300 www.lazydoutfitters.com

Cressler Creek Log Cabin 1302 North Road 80 East, Hoxie (785) 675-1295 www.cresslercreeklogcabin.com

Lil’ Toledo Lodge 10600 170th Road, Chanute (620) 244-5668 www.liltoledo.com

Dairy Barn Lodge RR 1 Box 20, Atwood (785) 626-3743

The Lodge 250 S. Main St., Hoisington (620) 653-4771 www.purpleprairie.net

Double E Pheasant Ranch 2038 15th St., McPherson (620) 242-5430 Doyle Creek Ranch Bunkhouse 510 Main St., Florence (620) 878-4567 http://doylecreekangus.com Eckman Hunting Preserve 988 E. 1800 Road, Baldwin City www.eckmanhuntingpreserve.com (785) 830-0034 Evergreen Lodge 805 E. Broadway, Jewell (785) 428-3569 Farmyard Lodge 1281 Vale Road, Concordia (785) 243-7336 Flint Hills Adventures, Inc. 1439 Road 29, Elk City (620) 673-4066 www.flinthillsadventures.com Flint Oak 2639 Quail Road, Fall River (620) 658-4401 www.flintoak.com

785-373-4835 WWW.RINGNECKRANCH.NET

TIPTON, KANSAS

Kansas Creek Inn 1330 Union Road., Concordia (785) 243-9988 www.kbba.com

Covert Creek Lodge LLC 1982 Co 671 Ave., Waldo (785) 942-3245 www.covertlodge.com

Double Arrow C Ranch 1209 P Road, Eureka (620) 583-7271 www.doublearrowc.com

Q

Kansas Creek Gamebirds 1055 Young Road, Concordia (785) 335-2381 www.kansascreekgamebirds.com

Kansas Trophy Whitetail 1537 Indian Road, Morrowville (785) 265-3360 www.kansastrophywhitetails.com

Don’s Guide Service, LLC 308 N Hobart, Glen Elder (785) 545-3551 www.kansashunting.net

HUNTING SINCE 1983!

Iron Gate Lodge 12104 Udall Road, Oswego (620) 795-8945 www.irongatelodge.com

Country Lodgings 4062 O Road, Smith Center (785) 389-6281

Davis Farm 3127 W Road, Hill City (785) 421-5478 www.davischarolais.com

QUALITY UPLAND GAME BIRD

Gasper Farms Hunting 1326 W. 160th Drive, Osborne (785) 346-2697

Flying W Ranch LLC R1, Box 11, Cedar Point (620) 274-4357 www.flying-w-ranch.net

Midwest Outfitters, Inc. 1275 Heritage Road, Washington (785) 325-2577 www.midwestoutfittersinc.com Mickey’s Quality Hunting 829 N Cedar., Stockton (785) 425-7082 www.mikeysoutfitting.com Mom’s House County Hunting Lodge 610 Road 25, Bird City (785) 734-2549 Morris Gun Dogs & Guided Hunts 2104 Browning Ave., Manhattan (785) 539-1622 www.morrisgundogsandguidedhunts.com Murphy’s at Stark Main St., Stark (620) 754-3222 www.murphysatstark.com Pheasant Hunters Paradise 15068 Road 17, Kismet (620) 629-1342 www.swkansaspheasanthunting.com Pheasant Runn Hunting Club HC 1 Box 39, Collyer (785) 628-2642 www.pheasantrunn.com Pilgrim Ranch Retreat RR1, Box 53, Cottonwood Falls (620) 344-5991 www.pilgrimranch.com Posusta Lodging 20436 Beatty Road, Lucas (785) 526-7767 Prairie Wings Gamebirds RR1 Box 43, Webber (785) 753-4871

RESOURCE GUIDE

TravelKS.com

Rancho Milagro Ranch 2316 Hwy 140, Brookville (785) 472-4666 www.ranchomilagrokansas.com

T&C Wildlife Hunt Club 2461 Arrowhead Road, Arcadia (620) 638-4300 www.time2hunt.com

Fall River State Park 144 Hwy 105, Toronto (620) 637-2213 Includes campsites

Ravenwood Lodge 10147 SW 61st St. Topeka (785) 256-6444 www.ravenwoodlodge.com

The Farm House 22035 160 Ave, WaKeeney (785) 769-5351

Glen Elder State Park 2131 180 Road, Glen Elder (785) 545-3345 Includes campsites

Rim Rock Ranch 2254 Antler, Longton (620) 642-6402 www.huntrimrockranch.com Ringneck County 2098 Rd 80, Goodland (785) 899-5882 www.ringneckcountry.net

Ringneck Ranch 655 Solomon Lane, Tipton (785) 373-4835 www.ringneckranch.net Rooster Palace PO Box 511, 303 Buffalo St., Jewell (785) 428-7272 www.roosterpalace.com Saline River Hunting Lodge & Guide Service 20015 260 Ave., WaKeeney (785) 743-5878 www.salinelodge.com Sappa Creek Lodge R2, Oberlin (785) 475-3720 www.sappacreeklodge.com Shaps Beaver Creek Ranch 6404 Rd 23, Goodland (785) 899-5942 www.shapsranch.com Slate Creek Lodge 411 South West Road., Wellington (620) 717-1655

The Fin and Feather Lodge 200 E. Kansas, Glen Elder (308) 390-9370 www.thefinandfeatherlodge.com Thunder Valley Trophy Hunts & Lodge 906 - 240th St., Hiawatha (785) 742-2008 www.thundervalleyhunts.com Timber Creek Lodge 1960 W 7th Road, Mankato (785) 428-3601 Twin Fork Outfitters 7385 NW 40th St., Penalosa, (620) 532-3559 www.twinforkoutfitters.com West Lake Inn 259 West Hwy 24, Downs (785) 454-3345 www.downsks.net Wheatland Hunting Lodge 2589 Hwy K-148, Agenda (785) 732-6498 Whitehouse Hunting Lodge RR 1 WaKeeney (785) 743-2454 www.whitehouselodge.net Wolf Creek Outfitters 20050 Mellard Road, Lucas (785) 525-6200 www.lucaskansas.com

STATE PARKS/FISHING LAKES

Smoky River Rendezvous 115 Belleview., Winona (785) 846-7785 http://smokyriverrend.com

Cedar Bluff State Park 32001 147 Hwy, Ellis (785) 726-3212 Includes cabins and campsites

Solomon Valley Outfitters 110 N McKnight., Stockton (785) 425-6294

Cheney State Park 16000 NE 50th, Cheney (316) 542-3664 Includes cabins and campsites

Spearpoint Ranch 1890 N 215th Road, Barnard (785) 524-5330 www.spearpointranch.com Special T Hunting R3 Box 87, Beloit (785) 529-4081 http://www.specialthunting.com Spillman Creek Lodge 1125 E Pike Drive, Sylvan Grove (785) 277-3424 Sportsmens Lodge 2523 Ave. E., Wilson (785) 658-2424 Spring Creek Outfitters, Inc. 1001 Russell Ave., WaKeeney (785) 743-5423 www.springcreekoutfitters.net Sunflower Inn 102 Clifton St., Clifton (785) 455-3770 Swinging G Lodge & Hunts 2155 W 100th Drive, Osborne (785) 346-2404 www.SwingingG.com

Clinton State Park 798 N. 1415 Road, Lawrence (785) 842-8562 Includes cabins and campsites Crawford State Park 1 Lake Road, Farlington (620) 362-3671 Includes cabins and campsites

Hillsdale State Park 26001 W. 255th St., Paola (913) 783-4507 Includes RV camping Kanopolis State Park 200 Horsethief Road, Marquette (785) 546-2565 Includes cabins and campsites Kaw River State Park 300 Southwest Wanamaker Road, Topeka (785) 273-6740 No camping

Logan State Fishing Lake 1.5 mile north and 3 miles west of Russell Springs (785) 726-3212 Ottawa State Fishing Lake Located about 25 miles north of Salina on US-81, and 8 miles east on KS-106.

(785) 658-2465 Ext. 3 Rooks State Fishing Lake 1140 10 Road, Stockton (785) 425-6775 Saline State Fishing Lake North from I-70 exit 249 to Watkins Road, then east 1 mile to Gerard Road, then north ½ mile to entrance.

(785) 546-2279 Sheridan State Fishing Lake Located 12 miles east and ¾ mile north of Hoxie.

Meade State Park 13051 V Road, Meade (620) 873-2572 Includes camping

Sherman Wildlife Area Located 7 miles south, 2 miles west of Goodland.

(785) 726-3212

Milford State Park 3612 State Park Road, Milford (785) 283-3014 Includes cabins and campsites

State Fishing Lakes: Region 2

Mushroom Rock State Park 200 Horsethief Road, Marquette (785) 546-2565 No camping Perry State Park 5441 Westlake Road, Ozawkie (785) 246-3449 Includes cabins and campsites Pomona State Park 22900 S. Hwy 368, Vassar (785) 828-4933 Includes cabins and campsites Prairie Dog State Park 13037 State Hwy 261, Norton (785) 877-2953 Includes cabins and campsites Prairie Spirit Trail State Park 419 South Oak, Garnett (785) 448-6767 No camping Sand Hills State Park 4207 East 56th, Hutchinson Campsites coming in 2014 Scott State Park 101 West Scott Lake Drive, Scott City (620) 872-2061 Includes campsites

Eisenhower State Park 29810 S. Fairlawn Road, Osage City (785) 528-4102 Includes cabins and campsites

Tuttle Creek State Park 5800 A River Pond Road, Manhattan (785) 539-7941 Includes cabins and campsites

Elk City State Park 4825 Squaw Creek Road, Independence (620) 331-6295 Includes campsites

Jewell State Fishing Lake 2131 180 Road, Glen Elder (785) 545-3345

Lovewell State Park 2446 250 Road, Webber (785) 753-4971 Includes cabins and campsites

Cross Timbers State Park 144 Hwy 105, Toronto (620) 637-2213 Includes campsites

El Dorado State Park 618 NE Bluestem Road, El Dorado (316) 321-7180 Includes cabins and campsites

State Fishing Lakes: Region 1

Webster State Park 1210 Nine Road, Stockton (785) 425-6775 Includes campsites Wilson State Park No. 3 State Park Road, Sylvan Grove (785) 658-2465 Includes cabins and campsites

Atchison State Fishing Lake Atchison (913) 367-7811 Brown State Fishing Lake Robinson (913) 367-7811

KANSAS OUTDOORS

Clark State Fishing Lake Kingsdown (620) 227-8609 Concannon State Fishing Lake Garden City (620) 276-8886 Finney State Fishing Lake Garden City (620) 276-8886 Ford State Fishing Lake Dodge City (620) 895-6446 Goodman State Fishing Lake Ness City (620) 276-8886 Hain State Fishing Lake Spearville (620) 895-6446 Hamilton State Fishing Lake Syracuse (620) 276-8886 Hodgeman State Fishing Lake Jetmore (620) 276-8886 Kiowa State Fishing Lake Greensburg (620) 895-6446 Meade State Fishing Lake Meade (620) 227-8609 Scott State Fishing Lake 520 W. Scott Lake Drive, Scott City (620) 872-2061 State Fishing Lakes: Region 4

Douglas State Fishing Lake Baldwin City (913) 845-2665

Black Kettle State Fishing Lake Moundridge (620) 628-4592

Geary State Fishing Lake Junction City (785) 461-5402

Butler State Fishing Lake Latham (620) 876-5730

Leavenworth State Fishing Lake 24421 Parallel Road, Tonganoxie (913) 845-2665

Chase State Fishing Lake 1130 Lake Road, Council Grove (620) 767-5900

Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake Louisburg (913) 783-4507

Cowley State Fishing Lake 20467 U.S. Hwy 166, Dexter (620) 876-5730

Miami State Fishing Lake Fontana (913) 783-4507 Nebo State Fishing Lake Holton (913) 367-7811 Pottawatomie Lake No. 1 and No. 2 State Fishing Lakes Manhattan (785) 539-9999 Rocky Ford State Fishing Lake Manhattan (785) 539-9999 Shawnee State Fishing Lake Silver Lake (913) 845-2665 Washington State Fishing Lake Washington (785) 461-5402 State Fishing Lakes: Region 3 Barber State Fishing Lake Medicine Lodge (620) 895-6446

Kingman State Fishing Lake 8685 W. Hwy 54, Cunningham (620) 532-3242 McPherson State Fishing Lake 2450 Pueblo Road, Canton (620) 628-4592 State Fishing Lakes: Region 5 Bourbon State Fishing Lake 10 miles south of Moran on Hwy 59 to Elsmore, then east 4 miles (620)-449-2539 Crawford State Fishing Lake 9 miles north, 1 mile east of Girard (620) 362-3671 Lyon State Fishing Lake 2272 Road 250, Reading (620) 699-3372 Montgomery State Fishing Lake Independence (620) 331-6820 Neosho State Fishing Lake Saint Paul (620) 449-2539

51

52

RESOURCE GUIDE

2016

KANSAS OUTDOORS Osage State Fishing Lake Carbondale (620) 699-3372

State Fishing Reservoirs: Region 5

Wilson State Fishing Lake Buffalo (620) 637-2748

Elk City Reservoir Independence

Woodson State Fishing Lake Toronto (620) 637-2748 State Fishing Reservoirs: Region 1 Cedar Bluff Reservoir 13 miles south of I-70 Ogallah Interchange (exit 135) on K-147 (785) 726-3212 Glen Elder Reservoir 2131 180 Road, Glen Elder Kanopolis Reservoir 33 miles SW of Salina on K-149 and K141 US, Kanopolis (785) 546-2294 Keith Sebelius Reservoir Located at 4 miles west and 1 mile south from Norton

Bluff Creek Hunting Preserve 755 NW 80 Ave., Harper (620) 254-7773

John Redmond Reservoir ½ mile south and 1 mile west of New Strawn (620) 364-8613

Cloud County Tourism 130 E. Sixth St., Concordia (785) 243-4303 www.cloudcountytourism.com

La Cygne Reservoir Southeast of La Cygne (913) 795-2218

Colby CVB 350 S. Range, Suite 10, Colby (785) 460-7643 www.oasisontheplains.com

Melvern Reservoir 35 miles south of Topeka on US-75 (785) 549-3318 Toronto Reservoir 15 miles southwest of Yates Center, Fall River (620) 583-6783 Rivers and Streams: Region 1 Saline River Low-water dam at Lincoln

Webster Reservoir 1210 9 Road, Stockton

Saline River Wilson Reservoir Wildlife Area

Wilson Reservoir Sylvan Grove (785) 658-2551

Smoky Hill River Kanopolis Reservoir Wildlife Area

State Fishing Reservoirs: Region 2

Smoky Hill River Salina

Clinton Reservoir 5 miles west of Lawrence

Solomon River Beloit

Hillsdale Reservoir Paola

Solomon River (north fork) Glen Elder Reservoir Wildlife Area

Milford Reservoir 5 miles northwest of Junction City on US-77

Solomon River (south fork) Glen Elder Reservoir Wildlife Area

Perry Reservoir Perry

Arkansas River Oxford

State Fishing Reservoirs: Region 4

Council Grove Reservoir 1 mile north of Council Grove El Dorado Reservoir El Dorado

Solomon River Low-water dam at Minneapolis Rivers and Streams: Region 4

Tuttle Creek Reservoir Manhattan

BlackJack Kennels 23800 Douglas Road, Chanute (620) 431-7242 www.blackjackkennels.com

Fall River Reservoir Fall River

Lovewell Reservoir Webber

Cheney Reservoir Wichita

ADVERTISERS

Marion Reservoir Hillsboro

Rivers and Streams: Region 5 Neosho River at Chetopa Dam Chepota *Community Lake resources can be found at www.ksoutdoors.com/ news/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-inKansas

Crawford County CVB 117 West Fourth St. Pittsburg (620) 231-1212 www.visitcrawfordcounty.com Dodge City CVB 400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City (620) 225-8186 www.visitdodgecity.org

Kansas Bed & Breakfast Association 1675 West Patterson Ave., Ulysses (888) 572-2632 www.kbba.com Kansas Turnpike Authority www.ksturnpike.com

Rolling Hills Zoo 625 Hedville Road, Salina (785) 827-9488 rollinghillszoo.org

Labette County Tourism 112 South 17th St., Parsons (800) 280-6401 www.visitlabette.com

Shawnee County Parks & Recreation (785) 291-2658 www.snco.us

Lecompton Historical Society 319 Elmore St., Lecompton (785) 887-6520

Sherman County CVB 925 Main St, Goodland (785) 890-3515

Manhattan CVB 501 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan (785) 776-8829 www.manhattancvb.org

Vanderbilt’s www.vanderbilts.com

Marion County 200 S. Third St., Suite 104, Marion (620) 382-2185 www.marioncoks.net McPherson CVB www.visitmcpherson.com

Emporia Area Chamber & CVB 719 Commercial St., Emporia (620) 342-1600 www.emporiakschamber.org

Norton Chamber of Commerce 205 S. Slate St., Norton (785) 877-2501 www.discovernorton.com

Finney County Convention & Visitors Bureau 1513 E. Fulton Terrace, Garden City (620) 276-0607 www.finneycountycvb.com

Oakley Area Tourism 209 Hudson Ave., Oakley (785) 671-1000 www.discoveroakley.com

Flint Oak Hunting Lodge 2639 Quail Rd, Fall River (620) 658-4401 www.flintoak.com Fort Scott Area Chamber & Tourism 231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott (620) 223-3566 www.fortscott.com Hays CVB 2700 Vine St., Hays (785) 628-8202 www.haysusa.net

Ringneck Ranch 655 Solomon Ln, Tipton (785) 373-4835

Visit Salina 120 West Ash, Salina (785) 827-9310 www.salinakansas.org Visit Topeka 618 S. Kansas Ave, Topeka (785) 234-1030 www.visittopeka.com Visit Wichita 515 S Main St, Wichita (316) 265-2800 WaKeeney Travel & Tourism (877) 962-7248 www.wakeeney.org

Osage City 201 South 5th, Osage City (785) 528-3714 www.osagecity.com Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 8909 West 179th, Overland Park (913) 685-3604 www.opkansas.org Prairie Band Casino & Resort 12305 150th Road, Mayetta (785) 966-7764 www.prairieband.com Ravenwood Lodge 10147 SW 61st St., Topeka (785) 256-6444 www.ravenwoodlodge.com

I-70 Association www.kansasI70.com Independence Convention & Visitors Bureau (800) 882-3606 http://indkschamber.org

Retire to the Flint Hills 501 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan (785) 776-8829 www.retiretotheflinthills.com

America’s Premier Shooting Resort

Featuring Field Hunts, European Driven Shoots, Duck Hunts, 5-Star Shooting Sports. Luxury accommodations and fine dining Memberships available Flint Oak, Fall River, KS

620-658-4401

www.flintoak.com

• Over 30,000 acres for all-season hunting • Year-round fishing: bass, saugeye, wiper & more • Unique shopping & attractions • Family entertainment • Delicious Dining • Over 90 rooms available

Roxy Lang

t n e m o m s i h t e z Sei

www.discovernorton.com

Roxy Lang

2016-2017

TravelKS.com

HUNTING

SEASONS

DEER Youth and disabled hunters: Muzzleloader: Archery: Regular Firearm:

Sept. 3-11, 2016 Sept. 12-25, 2016 Sept. 12-Dec. 31, 2016 Nov. 30-Dec.11, 2016

SPRING TURKEY • Regular Season (firearm/archery): April 13 - May 31, 2016 • Archery-Only Season : April 4 - 12, 2016 • Youth/Disabled Season : April 1 - 12, 2016 • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

• Legal Equipment: long, recurve, or compound bows, crossbows and shotguns and muzzleloading shotguns using shot sizes 2 through 9.

• Limit: One bearded turkey per permit or game tag.

• Any individual who has purchased a spring turkey permit is eligible for one second turkey game tag.

Spring game tags are valid for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

FALL TURKEY • Season: Oct. 1 – Nov. 29 and Dec. 12, 2016 - Jan. 31, 2017 • Fall Turkey Permits in Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 and game tags for UNIT 2 ONLY may be purchased over the counter at any license vendor or online.

• No permits authorized in Unit 4.

• Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

• Legal Equipment: Shotguns and muzzleloading shotguns using shot sizes 2-9; long, recurve or compound bows and crossbows. Dogs may be used while hunting turkeys during the fall turkey season.

• Limit: One turkey of either sex per permit or game tag.

• Fall turkey permits may be purchased over-thecounter or online, and are valid in Units 1,2,3,5 and 6.

• Any individual with a fall turkey permit may purchase as many as three turkey game tags VALID IN UNIT 2 ONLY. PHEASANT • Regular Season: Nov. 12, 2016–Jan. 31, 2017 • Youth Season: Nov. 5-6, 2016 • Area Open: Statewide • Daily Bag Limit: 4 cocks in regular season, 2 cocks in youth season • Possession Limit: 16 during regular season; 4 in youth season • NOTE: Pheasants in possession for transportation must retain intact a foot, plumage, or some part that will determine sex.

QUAIL • Regular Season: Nov. 12, 2016-Jan. 31, 2017 • Youth Season: Nov. 5-6, 2016 • Area Open: Statewide • Daily Bag Limit: 8 in regular season, 4 in youth season • Possession Limit: 32 in regular season; 8 in youth season GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN (Permit required) • Early Season (Greater Prairie Chicken Unit): Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2016 • Regular Season (Greater Prairie Chicken Unit): Nov. 19, 2016 - Jan. 31, 2017 • Daily Bag Limit: 2 • Possession Limit: 8 • Southwest Unit closed to all prairie chicken hunting SQUIRREL • Season: June 1, 2016 - Feb. 29, 2017 • Area Open: Statewide • Daily bag limit: 5 • Possession limit: 20 RABBITS (Cottontail & Jackrabbit) • Season: All year • Area Open: Statewide • Daily bag limit: 10 • Possession limit: 30 CROW • Regular: Nov.10, 2016 - March 10, 2017 • Area Open: Statewide • No Limit FURBEARERS (Hunting and trapping) • Season (statewide): Nov. 16, 2016 - Feb. 15, 2017 • No limit • Species: badger, bobcat, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, swift fox, red fox, gray fox, striped skunk, weasel.

• NOTE: All furbearer hunting, trapping, and running seasons begin at 12 noon on opening day and close at midnight of closing day.

BEAVER AND OTTER TRAPPING • Season (statewide): Nov. 16, 2016 - March 31, 2017 • No limit on beavers. Two (2) per season limit on otters.

• Each otter trapped shall be presented to KDWPT for tagging within seven days of the close of the trapping season. The lower canine teeth shall be surrendered to KDWPT at that time.

• NO OPEN TRAPPING OR HUNTING SEASON ON ANY OTHER FURBEARERS

KANSAS OUTDOORS

53

For information on seasons not listed here, go to www.ksoutdoors.com.

COYOTES HUNTING & TRAPPING • Season (statewide): All year • No limit.

• No closed season for trapping or hunting coyotes.

Motor vehicles and radios in vehicles may be used to hunt coyotes only. Furharvester license required to trap and sell; hunting license required to hunt.

DOVE (Mourning , white-winged, Eurasian collared, and ringed turtle doves) • Season: Sept.1 - Oct. 31 and Nov. 5-13, 2016 • Area open: Statewide • Daily bag limit: 15 (The daily bag limit applies to mourning and white-winged doves, single species or in combination. There is no limit on Eurasian collared and ringed turtle dove, but any taken in addition to a limit of mourning and white-winged doves must have a fully-feathered wing attached during transport.)

• Possession limit: 45 EXOTIC DOVE (Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves only) • Season: Nov. 20, 2016 - Feb. 28, 2017 • Area open: Statewide • No limit • All Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves must retain a fully feathered wing during transport RAIL (Sora and Virginia) • Season: Sept. 1 - Nov 9, 2016 • Area open: Statewide • Daily bag limit: 25 • Possession limit: 75 COMMON SNIPE • Season: Sept. 1 - Dec. 16, 2016 • Area open: Statewide • Daily bag limit: 8 • Possession limit: 24 WOODCOCK • Season: Oct. 15 - Nov. 28, 2016 • Area open: Statewide • Daily bag limit: • Possession limit: 9 SANDHILL CRANE • Season: Nov. 9 2016 - Jan. 5, 2017 • Daily bag limit: 3 • Possession limit: 9

51

27

Elkhart

MORTON

STANTON

160

51

270

56

70

270

STEVENS

Hugoton

51

4

83

54

160

Sublette HASKELL SEWARD

144

83

GRAHAM

9

383

40

TREGO

24

23

23

96

FORD

MEADE

283

283

283

54

34

34

154

183

Ashland

154

56

Jetmore

283

Ness City

147

Wakeeney

Hill City

160

60

183

Philipsburg

383

Hays

KIOWA

50

183 156

1

19

4

19

PRATT

156

64

281

8

54

281

42

61

50

ST. John

Medicine Lodge

Pratt

232

BARTON

Great Bend

281

281

STAFFORD

Larned

96

18

281

181

24

RUSSELL

Russel

281

281

Osborne

COMANCHE BARBER

Coldwater

160

Greensburg

183

9

281

Smith Center

OSBORNE

SMITH

8

Wilson

EDWARDS

Kinsley

PAWNEE

36

PHILLIPS

Webster 183

La Crosse

RUSH

ELLIS

70

18

24

Stockton

ROOKS

Prairie Dog

CLARK

Dodge City

HODGEMAN

156

NESS

Meade

Meade

23

98

Dighton

283

Norton

NORTON

Cedar Bluff

Cimarron

GRAY

Hoxie

23

SHERIDAN

123

36

DECATUR

Gove

83

Oberlin

LANE

GOVE

FINNEY

156

Liberal 83

190

160

83

50 Garden City

83

Scott City

83

117

56

28

141

4

SALINE

140

96

61

61

17

HARPER

14

2

Anthony

179

14

Kingman

42

49

177

166

149

77

57

BUTLER

15 15

38

COWLEY

16

9

96

Eureka

170

57

54

LYON

159

OSAGE

470

75

31 Lyndon

99

96 39

Fredonia

99

Sedan

68

57

75

50

39

Iola

166

52

7

65

31

169

146 Erie

7

7

26

69

66

103

57

166

66

96

57

160 Pittsburg 126

54 Fort Scott

239

52

68

150

435

7 69

31

52

135

Columbus 69 CHEROKEE

126

Girard CRAWFORD

3

39

54

BOURBON

3

Mound City

Oswego 59

59

57

LABETTE

101

Parsons

NEOSHO

47

Paola

7

Crawford ALLEN Chanute

169

59

LINN

169

MIAMI

Prairie Spirit Trail ANDERSON

169

68

JOHNSON

69

Hillsdale

35 33

Olathe

Clinton

32 Lawrence 10 DOUGLAS

59

31 Garnet

57

Atchison

73 7 192 Leavenworth 92 59 LEAVENOskaloosaWORTH 635 WYANDOTTE 5 16 24 Kansas 40 City

FRANKLIN

96

160

37

169

MONTGOMERY Coffeyville

96

47

75

4

Ottawa 268

56

Topeka

Burlington

Independence

Elk City

160

Howard

39

WILSON

Yates Center

COFFEY WOODSON

92

Perry

75

4

9

36

DONIPHAN

120 Troy 20

7

73

JEFFERSON

Cross Timbers

ELK CHAUTAUQUA

166

20

159

Holton 116 ATCHISON

75

Hiawatha

73

Pomona

31

4

159 BROWN

SHAWNEE

Kaw

JACKSON

Emporia

Fall River

El Dorado

160 Winfield

77

54

Arkansas City

77

254

62

Seneca

75

Eisenhower

56

GREENWOOD

35

Cottonwood Falls

50

99

63

70

WABAUNSEE

Alma

18

Manhattan

Westmoreland

POTTAWATOMIE

187

NEMAHA

63

Tuttle Creek

Council Grove 177

177

87

99

MARSHALL

13

GEARY

4

CHASE

150

MORRIS

77

113

24

16

9

36

177 40 Junction City 57

177

77

Marysville

77

El Dorado

MARION

196

82

56

Marion

43

18

82

24

RILEY

15

WWW.TRAVELKS.COM

81

81

160

55

53

15

35W

35

235

Wichita

Wellington

49

296

96

81

15

15

Abilene

SEDGWICK

50

56

4

Clay Center

15

CLAY DICKINSON

9

148

WASHINGTON

Washington

15

Milford

Newton

HARVEY

SUMNER

44

Hutchinson

Cheney

14

81

104

McPHERSON 35W Mc Pherson

Kanopolis Lyons

Salina

OTTAWA

Mushroom Rock

70

CLOUD

Belleville

Concordia

81

106

Minneapolis

Sand Hills

KINGMAN

RENO

RICE

2

14 ELLSWORTH

Ellsworth

14

156

Lincoln

LINCOLN

181

36

81

Lovewell

REPUBLIC

Glen Elder

9

JEWELL

Beloit

MITCHELL

128

14

Mankato

28

2016

WWW.KSOUTDOORS.COM

25

270

GRANT

190

KEARNY

25

SCOTT

383

Oakley

Scott

LOGAN

25

Colby

25

THOMAS

Ulysses

25

Atwood

RAWLINS

Lakin

WICHITA

Leoti

Goodland

Sharon Springs

27

Tribune

27

270

27

Johnson

HAMILTON

Syracuse

50

GREELEY

96

WALLACE

40

SHERMAN

24

CHEYENNE

36

ST. Francis

25

www.ksoutdoors.com and www.travelks.com for more information on state parks, outdoor activities, events and more.

VISIT

161

KANSAS OUTDOORS

27

54 STATE MAP