MWM | Vol 4 No 2 | THE GREAT OUTDOORS

MWM

MY WILDLIFE MAGAZINE VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2 / MWMKS.COM

A NATIVE PERSPECTIVE OF RURAL LIFE ON THE GREAT PLAINS

HOMEGROWN

THE GREAT OUTDOORS issue KS Wildlife | Recreational Properties | Habitat | Hunting Tips

WILSON LAKE RETREAT P R O P E R TY W IL S ON L AK E H OM E & 71+ AC RE S O F F ER ED A T $1, 399, 000 CO N T A C T N i c k R h o d e s | Br o k e r Ni c k @M yW i l dl i f e P r o p e r t y . c o m | ( 785) 695-2999 vi e w al l p ro p e r t i e s : M y W i l d l i f e P r o p e r t y . c o m Br e a thta king v i e w s o f W i l so n Lake an d the ro l l i ng S mo k y H i l l s p ra i ri e . T hi s i s t rul y a “ o nc e i n a l i f t e t im e” oppor tunity to p u r ch ase a b e au ti fu l h o m e in a d d i t i o n t o c o ve t e d a c re a ge . L a nd a ro und Wi l s o n L a k e i s eit her owne d by the g o v e r n m e n t o r al r e ad y b e e n d e ve l o p e d o n s ma l l a c re a ge l o t s o f 3 a c re s o r l e s s . T he l a nd lays lite r a lly a “s ton e ’ s th r o w ” fr o m th e san d y sh o re s o f Wi l s o n L a k e . T hi s Wi l s o n L a k e re a l e s t a t e o f f e ri ng inc ludes m or e tha n 70 acr e s o f p r i sti n e l an d w i th r o om f o r a d d i t i o na l d e ve l o p me nt o r s i mp l y e nj o y b e i ng t he e xc lus ive o w n e r o f p r i v ate acr e ag e n o t a va i l a b l e e l s e w he re a t Ka ns a s ’ Cl e a re s t L a k e .

785-695-2999 MyWildlifeProperty.com

HIST O RI C , C ONSERVATION, C O U N TR Y H O M E S , F AR M & R AN CH R E AL E S T A T E

4 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

DOWNS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WELCOME HOME.

The Chamber has been serving businesses in Downs since 1920. Our goal is to continuously improve the business climate and build opportunities for growth in Downs and our region. We accomplish this through economic development, events and direct services to our members.

Please visit north central Kansas and

discover more about Downs!

BRUSH ART CORPORATION 343 W. Hwy 24 785-454-3383

GOLDEN LIVING CENTER 1218 Kansas St. 785-454-3321

SHOES ETC. & STONZ JEWELRY 818 N. Morgan Ave. 785-454-6272

CROSSROADS BAR & GRILL 618 Morgan Ave. 785-454-3630

LOST TRADITIONS BARBER SHOP 804 Morgan Ave. 785-454-3317

STATE BANK OF DOWNS 800 & 900 N. Morgan Ave. 785-454-3323

DOMONEY FURNITURE 817 N. Morgan Ave. 785-454-3325

MYERS SPORTING Hwy. 24 785-454-3520

WEST LAKE INN 259 W. Hwy 24 785-454-3345

CUNNINGHAM TELEPHONE & CABLE P.O Box. 108 • Glen Elder, KS 800-287-8495

REMUS PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR 1319 3rd Ave. 785-454-6600

P.O. Box 172 • Downs, KS 67437 • 785-454-6670 See all businesses at www.downschamber.com

K

A

N

S

A

S

Come visit us in person or like us on Facebook! #smallerisbetter MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 5

MWM

16

THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015

Features

11 Local HUNTING

Pair Design is introducing a line of graphic tees just in time for cool-weather layering; Wichita resident Betty Morgan is capturing the colors of Kansas; getting to know the familiar Osage Orange Tree; adult beverages for chilly evenings on the prairie; Aster House Design shares their top picks for Fall.

20 THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Kansas wildlife, range maps, and hunting tips; where the trophies are coming from and MWM’s 5 Best Hunting Counties in Kansas; premier recreational properties; 10 questions with Kansas boy Clay Pickel.

43 Real Estate

Greek revival, traditional charmer and restored stone mansion - a peek at three grand homes; Kansas Real Estate Guide.

11

55 FOOD, Etc.

The lost art of recipe sharing and mid-century, seasonal sweet treats; artistic JELLO desserts like Under The Sea Salad will bring a bit of vintage charm to your holiday table.

63 GALLERY

Upcoming exhibits of KBR; Crossing Borders to explore the state of Wyoming; Documenting the late-summer cowboy buzz of Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo in Phillipsburg.

14

ON OUR COVER CLAY PICKEL photographed by KBR in Smith County. Homegrown Kansas boy and long-time friend Clay PIckel is a a true ambassador for youth hunting and promoting responsible outdoor enjoyment in Kansas.

20

SPRING 2014

55

18

48

32 MWM

is an idea about how to live - how to live and thrive in a life that is more engaged with the land, the wildlife, the traditions, the food and the authenticity that has shaped the rural way of life. It is about truly appreciating the richness of the Midwest and knowing how that can enrich one’s life and translate beyond Kansas geography. Thank you for reading! ~ Nick & Kaley (and baby Arrow!) Rhodes FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @MYWILDLIFEPROPERTY | @KBRGALLERY MY WILDLIFE MAGAZINE VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2 THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 EDITOR Nick Rhodes CREATIVE EDITOR & DESIGN Kaley Rhodes | KBR Studio ADVERTISING SALES Nick Rhodes Learn more at MWMKS.com CONTACT US Contact@MWMKS.com 2016 EDITORIAL CALENDAR MARCH | THE ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN ISSUE JUNE | THE ART & PHOTOGRAPHY ISSUE SEPTEMBER | THE GREAT OUTDOORS ISSUE NOVEMBER | THE FEASTING ISSUE

If you would like to subscribe to or advertise in MWM you may visit us online at MWMKS.com or email: Contact@MWMKS.com. Let our advertisers know you saw them in MWM!

10 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

pg

14 Profile

|

pg

18 Design

LOCAL HUNTING RURAL ROUTE STYLE FALL DRESSING IN KANSAS MEANS LAYERS OF COMFORTABLE BASICS THAT WORK WITH YOU - NOT AGAINST YOU. KANSAS DESIGN DUO PAIR DESIGN IS ROLLING OUT THEIR NEW LINE OF GRAPHIC TEES JUST IN TIME TO STAY STYLISH THROUGH THE SEASONS.

MWMKM S .WC MO MK S .|C O MV O |L U MVEO 4L UNMUEM 4B ENRU M2 :B EH RU N2T: I NT HG E& G TRHE EA TG RO EU AT TD OO OU RT SD O2O0R1S5 2 |0 1 51 1| 1 1

STYLE

Kansas Darlin’s Donielle and Charisse of Pair Design are expanding their house of style. Late this summer the twin sisters released image teasers of what promised to be some clearly cool, Kansas-proud graphic tees and basics. Born and raised on the high plains of western Kansas, these creative siblings attracted a loyal following with their hand-made jewelry and blog posts covering everything from hair trends and styling your authentic look to defining the perfect brow. Good clothes news spreads fast: their most popular Kansas Grown Darlin’ tee sells quickly when in stock, so follow them on instagram, facebook and twitter to keep up!

Visit their Etsy shop, where they sell jewelry, clothing and accept custom orders for graphic design projects.

8th & Washington in Junction City Central National Bank is proud of its long tradition of service to the farmers and ranchers who make the Midwest one of the strongest ag production regions in the United States. Central National Bank has experienced and knowledgeable ag lending staff ready to provide customized plans for farmers and ranchers. Please call or stop in to see us today!

Locations in 22 Kansas and Nebraska Communities!

We Also Offer: Checking & Savings Commercial Loans • Home Loans Treasury Management

Aren’t these images incredible? Product photos were taken by York Photography of Kingman Kansas. Visit them at yorkphotography.org

FACEBOOK: Pair Design TWITTER: Pair_Design INSTAGRAM: @pairdesigntwins PAIRDESIGN.BLOGSPOT.COM Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

Scan the QR code below to shop the Etsy store

We have solutions for all of your financial needs!

Insurance

Wealth Management & Trust Services Please Note that Investment and Insurance products:

Are NOT FDIC Insured Are NOT Guaranteed by the Bank SPRIN G 2 014 May lose value

PROFILE

BETTY MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHER

”We all can glimpse a bit of heaven on earth if we focus on worldly complexity in all its possibilities.”

W

ichita photographer Betty Morgan enjoys sharing her view of familiar subjects, such as sunflowers, sunsets, the Kansas landscape, St. John Island, and all things old. Some of her most recent landscape images focus on her central Kansas roots and can be viewed in Wichita at Limage in Towne East Square as well as the gift shops at Carriage Factory Gallery in Newton and Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita.

The photographer, signature Kansas sunflowers and seasonal colors of the Flint Hills.

Scan the QR code to view and order prints of your favorite Kansas scene or follow her on facebook: Betty J. Morgan Images

“Caretaker sums up my adult life. Whether health care professional, mom, or as current property owner/manager, my work has always involved bettering others’ lives. My photography is no different. I see something of interest and I shoot with intention. I capture a moment in a way that will convey beauty, well-being, hope, a memory. Ultimately that’s why I share the image- to maybe inspire a new way of looking at something or simply evoke positive emotion. Instead of just taking a shot, a little improvement each day has become paramount. For the past couple years, photography became healing. As health changes entered my life and the life of a loved one, it was through the lens I could lose myself and see that all is well. A sanctuary. Only through the help, encouragement, and opportunities from others, though, has this learning process ensued.”

14 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

big time fun!

small town charm

More Living.

Less Waiting.

Living in Hays means spending more time doing the things you want instead of waiting in traffic, commuting to and from the office, and dealing with the headaches of big city life.

Life in Ellis County gives you all the amenities of a large city with a small town atmosphere. We have nationally recognized schools, some of the lowest crime rates in the state, great job opportunities and top-notch medical facilities. Add in one of the strongest economies in the state and you have a great place to live.

Hays. Where we live more and wait less.

www.haysusa.net • 800.569.4505

LOCAL HUNTING

LOCAL HUNTING

s tat e f l o r a

HARD WORKING OSAGE ORANGE Osage Orange Trees are a common sight on the Great Plains today, although they were not a widespread member of the prairie community originally.

F

ound primarily in a limited area centered on the Red River valley in southern Oklahoma and northern Texas, they were planted as living fences - or hedges along the boundaries of farms, and have spread widely from these restricted, linear beginnings. The trees are easily recognized by their glossy, lance-shaped leaves and their short, stout thorns.

The name of the tree comes from the Osage tribe, which lived near the home range of the tree, and the aroma of the fruit after it is ripe. (Find one of the fruit that has been sitting in the sun on a balmy Indian Summer day and notice the pleasant, orange-peel smell of the skin.) Not all of the trees will have fruit because Osage Orange are either male

or female, and only the females will bear fruit. Before the invention of barbed wire in the 1880’s, many thousands of miles of hedge were constructed by planting young Osage Orange trees closely together in a line. The saplings were aggressively pruned to promote bushy growth. After barbed wire made hedge fences obsolete, the trees still found use as a source of unbeatable fence posts.

The wood is strong and so dense that it will neither rot nor succumb to the attacks of termites or other insects for decades. The trees also found use as an effective component of windbreaks and shelterbelts. The remaining hedgerows on the Great Plains are habitat islands for those creatures that prefer the forest to the prairie. Along with the gallery

16 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

forest found next to streams and rivers, hedgerows provide a place to live for many kinds of wildlife that would not otherwise be found on the prairie. In areas that have been converted to agriculture, hedgerows may be the only winter shelter available for wildlife.

Osage Orange trees are the backbone of most of those hedgerows and are a distinctive member of the flora of the Great Plains.

The fruit of the Osage Orange - the so-called “hedge apple” - stands out vividly in an autumn treeline. It is a large, dense, green wrinkled ball up to 6” in diameter that often persists on the tree after the leaves have fallen off.

They have a sticky, white juice within them.

Many people believe that the fruit of the Osage Orange will keep insects out of the house. They will gather and place them around basement windows and other likely locations to discourage entry by crickets and other insects. Other people say this only works as long as the fruit is green. Research at Iowa State University has shown that there are chemical compounds in the fruit that repel cockroaches, although the fruit itself does not.

We placed the above milk crate full of hedge apples on our front porch, and although the results are not scientific, we did awake to three different occassions where spiders curled up next to it, not dead, but more “dazed”. - KALEY RHODES

Toast To The

SEASON

ADULT BEVERAGES TO GET YOU THROUGH CHILLY EVENINGS ON THE PRAIRIE.

DRUNKIN’ PUMPKIN

1 C. brewed coffee 1 Tbsp sugar 1/8 tsp cinnamon 2 Tbsp pumpkin pie vodka 1/4 C. Rumchata liquor 1/4 C. milk

Mix sugar & cinnamon into hot coffee & dissolve. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Serve warm or over ice.

CARAMEL APPLE HOT TODDY 1 1/2 C. caramel vodka 1/4 - 1/2 C. bourbon 1/2 gallon apple cider 2-3 cinnamon sticks

Combine all ingredients in stove-top pan; slowly heat over medium until you are ready to serve.

FALL BEER COCKTAIL

Candied walnuts, crushed (optional) 1/2 oz. honey whiskey (Wild Turkey American Honey) 4 oz. pumpkin ale 4 oz. Angry Orchard Apple Ginger Cider

HOT BUTTERED RUM

1 lb. unsalted butter 1 lb. brown sugar 1 quart heavy whipping cream 1 tsp nutmeg 2 tsp cinnamon 1 quart dark rum 1/2 gallon boiling water

In a saucepan melt butter, add brown sugar and powdered sugar, whisking until syrup-like. Let cool then whisk in heavy cream. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg until well blended. Refrigerate a few hours. Using a large mug, add 6-8 ounces of the creamy buter mixture and top it with 2 or 3 shots of rum. Pour in 1 cup of hot water.

BLIZZARD COCKTAIL

1 1/2 oz. Irish Whiskey or rum 1/2 oz. Irish Cream liquer hot coffee

In a coffee mug add the whiskey or rum, hazelnut liquer, irish cream and stir. Add coffee and top with whipped cream.

Grand Marnier whipped cream: 1 C. heavy cream, whipped 1 oz. orange liquer Grand Marnier

Rim a beer goblet with crushed candied walnuts; add ice and the remaining ingredients.

In a small bowl, stir together and keep refrigerated until ready to use.

HOT APPLE CIDER

PEPPERMINT PATTY

2 quarts apple cider 1/2 C. orange juice 1 C. high proof bourbon 2 Tbsp sugar 2 tsp whole cloves 1 tsp nutmeg 4 cinnamon sticks

Mix all ingredients together in a large pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain, stir in bourbon and pour into mugs. Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks and an orange slice.

Hot chocolate Peppermint schnapps or Creme de Menthe You will need milk and hot chocolate mix plus your liquer of choice. You can also use your own homemade hot chocolate recipe, in which case you wouldn’t need the extra milk. Heat milk, add powdered cocoa mix, add peppermint schnapps or creme de menthe to your personal taste, stir and top with whipped cream.

DESIGN AMANDA PURDOM & ERYN SMITH Aster House Design asterhousedesign.com

M A N H AT TA N

Manhattan interior designers Amanda Purdom and Eryn Smith collaborate with clients to create spaces that are tangible representations of the client’s lifestyles, tastes and visions. “Real, inviting, fresh and layered”, their designs are full of light, color, texture, and are not only unique, but will stand the test of time. For contemporary styling ideas and unique decor needs, the Aster House Boutique is now open in the Keats Schoolhouse! Visit the showroom Tuesday through Friday, 10-4 for endless design inspiration and previews of their new fall looks and products; be sure to use the west entrance.

DESIGNER PICKS FOR FALL

7300 ANDERSON AVE.; MANHATTAN, KS 66503 | PH: 785.587.0202

1

1. Bold Color and Pattern

2. Mix It Up

3. Be Sea-Inspired

”This fall, add a feeling of freshness with bold patterns and crisp colors like Cadmium Orange and Stormy Weather Blue. Pillows, throws, rugs and stand out pieces like a vase are a easy way to introduce seasonal colors.”

”To polish your look, mix up your materials – add a little something shimmery to a vignette. We love these pieces in our entry because the natural textures of the wooden table and live plants are beautifully accentuated with gold, silver, and bronze.”

”Sea-inspired pieces are stylish, but timeless. The color and texture of coral goes with just about anything and adds a worldly twist to your room. Mixed here with books, a shimmery plate, and a texture-based lamp; the coral adds a nice shape and texture.”

THIS PAGE: Pillows are by Lacefield Designs and Surya; Rug is Surya; OPPOSITE: Mirror is Uttermost; Tables are Artistic; Other items are vintage 18 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

2

3

4. Earthy Neutrals The grainy texture and caramel color of wood creates a cozy, organic environment. Mirrors, side tables, and even art in natural colors like Oak Buff and Rattan help to bring the outdoors in.

4

Elk | Antelope | Whitetail Deer | Mule Deer | Upland Bird | Waterfowl | Turkey

THE GREAT

pg

26 Habitat

|

pg

28 Wildlife

|

pg

34 Premier Sporting Properties

OUTDOORS pg

39 10 Questions

MWMKS.COM |

with

Clay

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 21

HABITAT PROJECTS

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: ANNUAL COVER: Using �cane� and other annual plantings can offer season cover and food source opportunities for wildlife on your land. The dense, tall cover makes an ideal natural screen adding privacy and security to your property from casual passers-by. WATERING STATIONS: moisture collection stations provide wildlife with water, a critical component to balanced habitat especially in Western and Plains states. TREE & SHRUB PLANTINGS: Trees and shrubs, espcecially fruit or mast-producing varieties, are an excellent way to add food and cover to your land when building habitat. TREE HINGING: Hinging, or cutting partially through a live tree while leaving a portion of the living tree connected to the stump, is a great way to encourage new growth in timber and brush stands. The new growth brings leafy greens down to brousing level for deer and other wildlife. The stacked and fallen portions of the old trees offer cover for ground nesting birds and small mammals from raptors and other avian predators. Deer will also bed-down in and around the fallen trees as they feel safe and protected from the elements.

UPLAND BIRD The ring-necked pheasant may be the most popular game bird in the state of Kansas, with between 110,000 and 150,000 hunters pursuing the species each season. Estimated annual harvests have ranged from a low of 425,000 to a high of 824,000 cocks since 1990, typically placing Kansas in the top 3 or 4 pheasant hunting states in the U.S.

KEY MANEUVER When you work pheasant cover, always work toward a distinct end point, be it an irrigation ditch, road, creek, or open field. The birds will eventually figure they can’t outrun you. As you and your dog approach that end point, the birds will flush.

R ing-Ne Pheacked san t

THE SLOWER THE BETTER If you are hunting pheasants without a dog, go super-slow.

Walking slowly and stopping frequently will make the birds nervous and can key a flush when they’re holding tight and waiting for you to walk past.

WATERING HOLES Like four-legged critters, pheasants need a water source to thrive. In dry months in the fall, work cover near watering holes late in the afternoon to find birds.

WHEN RINGNECKS SIT TIGHT Despite their reputation for being track stars, running ahead of the dogs and hunters, pheasants are capable of making themselves invisible and sitting tight when they feel pressured enough. They can hide in the smallest slump of grass, letting you walk right past them.

HUNTING TIPS AFTER THE SEASON OPENS... Hunting pheasants on opening day and then a week later will seem like the difference between night and day. The pheasant’s ”disappearing act” after opening day is one of th emost remarkable in all upland bird hunting.

HUNT IT AGAIN Don’t hesitate to hunt a productive piece of pheasant cover once in the morning and again late in the day. Often, more birds will move into the prime habitat throughout the day.

2015 FORECAST

Ring-necks were first introduced in Kansas with the release of 3,000 birds in 84 counties in the spring of 1906. The species adapted well to Kansas conditions and populations gradually increased in response to the excellent interspersion of grain fields with permanent habitats and to the relatively primitive agricultural practices of the time. The first pheasant season in Kansas was opened statewide from December 1st to 15th in 1917.

Increased production in 2014 led to significant increases in the breeding population in all six pheasant regions this spring. While 2014 moisture was too late for pheasants to realize the full benefits, the timeliness of spring rains this year created excellent conditions entering the nesting season.

Rainfall in eastern regions was extremely heavy and limited brood survival but overall increased precipitation had a positive impact on production, which combined for a statewide 51 percent increase in the summer brood counts compared to 2014.

This increase should offer an improved hunting season this fall, particularly in areas where birds were found last fall. However, given populations were at modern-day lows after three years of drought, Kansas overall pheasant harvest this fall will likely remain below average. Even though additional good production years will be required for range-wide recovery, Kansas has one of the best pheasant populations in the nation and the fall harvest will again be among the best. Top areas this year will likely be in the Northern High Plains (northwest) and Smoky Hills (northcentral) regions.

MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 25

UPLAND BIRD Kansas currently harbors two species of prairie grouse. The greater prairie chicken is much more abundant than the lesser prairie chicken. Prairie chickens may be best known for their unique spring breeding behavior. Early in spring, groups of males assemble on communal mating grounds known to biologists as leks. The low, booming sounds produced by greater prairie chicken cocks accounts for the common reference to their leks as ”booming grounds.” Similarly, the higher-pitched, bubbly sounds made by lesser prairie chicken cocks has conferred the term ”gobbling grounds” to their leks. On a quiet spring morning, these sounds can carry as much as two miles across the open prairie, serving as an audible beacon to prairie chicken hens

Prairie Chicken GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKENS

LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKENS

ARE INDEED A BIT SMALLER THAN THEIR GREATER COUNTERPARTS. THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ADDED THE LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN TO THE THREATENED SPECIES LIST IN 2014, SO PRAIRIE CHICKEN HUNTING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE SOUTHWEST UNIT. KANSAS CURRENTLY HARBORS THE MOST EXTENSIVE REMAINING RANGE AND LARGEST POPULATION OF THE LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN.

CURRENTLY OCCUR IN PARTS OF 10 STATES, BUT BY FAR THE LARGEST POPULATIONS OCCUR IN KANSAS AND NEBRASKA. THE TRADITIONAL STRONGHOLD OF GREATERS IN KANSAS IS THE FLINT HILLS, A ROUGHLY 50-MILEWIDE BAND OF TALLGRASS PRAIRIE THAT EXTENDS FROM THE OKLAHOMA BORDER NORTHWARD NEARLY TO THE NEBRASKA LINE IN THE EASTERN THIRD OF THE STATE. STRONG GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN POPULATIONS ALSO EXIST IN THE MIXED PRAIRIES OF THE SMOKY HILLS IN NORTHCENTRAL KANSAS. SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS OF GREATERS CAN BE FOUND AS WELL IN THE GRASSLAND BREAKS THAT PARALLEL THE STREAMS OF NORTHWEST AND WEST-CENTRAL KANSAS.

Although classified as a migratory bird, there are four species of doves legal to hunt in Kansas: mourning dove, Eurasian collared-dove, ringed turtle-dove, and white-winged dove.

e v o D

”POWER LINE” DOVES When you see doves sitting on power lines, you’re not going to stop your truck and start blazing away. The sight is, however, a true indicator that doves are using fields in the area. Keep a close watch as the afternoon progresses and see if you can spot the fields they are using and the routes to and from resting areas and waterholes.

2015 FORECAST

Number Two on the upland bird draw is the bobwhite quail. And Kansas generally ranks within the top three states in quail harvest. While quail can be found statewide, populations are generally better in the east.

The southeast region of the state is usually the top quail producer. And the northeast generally runs a close second. Numbers can be good locally in the northcentral, southcentral and southwest regions, where good pheasant/ quail hunts are an attraction. During years of favorable weather, the Red Hills region can provide very good quail hunting amid a beautiful setting. In the far southwestern corner of the state, scaled, or blue, quail are found in in addition to bobwhites.

COLD FRONT MOVING IN = GREAT QUAIL HUNTING There’s nothing quite like being in the field in an afternoon when low clouds are scudding about, it’s starting to spit juts a bit of snow or icy rain, and the temperature has been dropping sharply. Quail will be feeding like there’s no tomorrow, leaving strong trails of scent your dogs can easily find.

The statewide breeding population index for quail increased again this year by 41 percent compared to 2014. With the later nesting chronology of quail compared to pheasant and tenacious renesting behavior exhibited by quail, summer precipitation in 2014 provided ideal conditions for production. Last year’s mild winter also contributed to the breeding population increase. Conditions were again good for production across much of the state this year, although heavy rainfall likely limited production in eastern regions. Roadside surveys showed a statewide increase of 48 percent compared to 2014. Kansas maintains one of the best quail populations and the fall harvest will again be among the best in the country. While populations in portions of the central and western part of the state have not fully recovered from the drought, two consecutive seasons with good conditions have increased regional population indices to above average. Opportunities should be good throughout most of the state this year, with the best opportunities found in the Flint Hills and Southcentral Prairies regions.

Quail MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 27

WATERFOWL | turkey Nine populations of geese occur in Kansas, with all but one being at, or above, their population objective. Kansas is located within the Central Flyway and shares its goose resources with the other states of that Flyway, Canada, and to a lesser extent the Mississippi Flyway.

The primary goose populations occurring in Kansas originate from the Arctic regions of Canada and east tier states of the Central Flyway (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas itself).

Geese

Tur

key

SNOW GEESE: PLAYING THE NUMBERS GAME Those large flocks of snow geese weaving across the horizon, clamoring constantly, are hard to pull into normal decoy spreads of just two or three dozen birds. The flying geese can see great distances, and they are looking for big groups of feeding birds. Savvy hunters have learned to cope with this by putting out decoys by the hundreds, if necessary, and to do this they’ll use all the silhouettes they can haul to the site, plus whater ”rag-type” decoys they scan fashion themselves from things like baby diapers and white garbage bags attached to a stake.

Wild turkeys were reintroduced into Kansas in the 1960s, and the program has been a great success. Today, huntable populations of turkeys exist in nearly every county. The Rio Grande subspecies dominates the western two-thirds of the state.

Low numbers in the southwest provide only limited hunting.

Hybrid Rio Grande/Eastern birds are found in the northcentral region. The Eastern subspecies is common in the northeast and far southeast regions, where numbers have grown tremendously in recent years.

Duck WATERFOWL HUNTING’S MOST IMPORTANT TIP You won’t bag any ducks or geese unless you’re hunting where (choose one, or all) they’re flying, feeding, or resting. Today! If you don’t see birds in the fields, in the water, or in the air, you’ll have to set up at a spot where you’ve seen them before and hope for the best.

The five most common ducks observed in Kansas include the mallard, northern pintail, green-winged teal, gadwall and blue-winged teal. Kansas is about half way down the Central Flyway’s eastern tier of states, an area crossed by some of the major migration routes of ducks. Of the five most common ducks, blue-winged teal are the first to arrive, peaking in September and early October. The next major influx of migrants occurs in late October and early November. Northern pintail begin a major buildup in late October, with green-winged teal and gadwall arriving and peaking during the first half of November. Mallards are the last of the top five to arrive, peaking in late December. The mallard is king in our state, with numbers observed commonly reaching 300,000 during the second half of December.

MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 29

ELK | ANTELOPE CALLING ADVICE Calling elk in areas of heavy hunting pressure may be counterproductive. Bugling will draw other hunters, and bulls that have been called in and spooked wise up quickly.

It is better to simply spot the bulls, then stalk them.

FIND FEEDING ELK IN WET MEADOWS Pay close attention to wet meadows when looking for feeding elk. These small, moist clearings are rich in forbs and sedges, forage elk prefer. Wet meadows surrounded by thick timber are best; elk feeding in them will feel more secure when such cover is available, and will often feed later in the morning than they might in less accommodating terrain.

ROADED VS. ROADLESS AREAS Roadless areas may harbor twice the number of bulls than roaded terrain holds. Where roads are open, few bulls live to maturity and hardly any past five years. But when roads are closed, 15 percent may live to maturity. Roadless areas are even better, often boasting a population of 30 percent mature bulls. Hunt a mile from open roads; half a mile from closed roads.

Elk were another big game species that were common in pre-settlement Kansas. They were also extirpated at the turn of the century. Today, elk are primarily hunted on and around Ft. Riley, but individual elk or small herds may be found at other locations around the state, and hunting is permitted everywhere except Morton County.

About 900 applications are received for the 20 or so permits allotted each year, and they are divided among military personnel and Kansas residents.

Elk HOT WEATHER HOT SPOT When the weather is hot, look for elk taking shelter in forests of mature evergreens that have few low branches. The forest canopy protects the animals from direct sunlight, while the open understory lets in cool breezes.

The antelope, or more accurately, the pronghorn, is a unique species to North America. Historically pronghorn ranged throughout the western three-fourths of Kansas and were considered nearly as numerous as bison. But by the late 1800s and early 1900s, unregulated harvest reduced pronghorn to the western border of the state. The western Kansas reintroductions were successful. There are about 2,000 pronghorn in the westernmost two to three tiers of counties. A few pronghorn roam Barber County, and 50 or so remain in the Flint Hills, which was the eastern edge of the historic pronghorn range in the U.S. None remain in Ellsworth and Saline counties. As the landscape becomes more intensely developed and modified, it becomes more and more difficult to find space for larger animals like pronghorn, and landscape changes such as the loss of native prairie (to agriculture, urbanization, and tree growth resulting from fire suppression) have not been favorable for pronghorn.

GIVE YOUR BLIND TIME If you plan to hunt from a blind overlooking a water source, make sure the blind has been in place for a few days before you plan to sit in it. Pronghorns will be wary of this new addition to the landscape after it first appears; you want to hunt from it after they grow comfortable enough with its presence to wander within bow range.

ON THE RUN Antelope have been clocked at speeds exceeding 55 miles per hour.

HOW BIG IS THAT BUCK? It’s tough to gauge the size of an antelope buck from a half-mile away, but if you can detect an especially pronounced black spot on the side of his head, you can bet he’s worth a stalk.

Ant

elop

MWMKS.COM |

e

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 31

WHITETAIL & MULE DEER Two deer species thrive in Kansas: the mule deer and the white-tailed deer. Mule deer are restricted to the western one-third of the state, primarily on the High Plains, Smoky Hills, and Red Hills regions. As you travel west to east, mule deer are less abundant, and whitetail numbers increase. Whitetailed deer numbers have increased dramatically in the last 20 years, and they can be found virtually statewide wherever suitable habitat exists. Highest whitetail densities are in the eastern one-third of the state. Whitetails have adapted well to Kansas’ modern landscape, finding cover in natural woodlands, shelterbelts, old homesteads and grasslands, and abundant food in cropfields. The selective management program has created a healthy deer herd, with excellent potential for trophy-sized bucks in all regions.

HUNTING TIPS THE PRIME LOCATION FOR BIG BUCKS Don’t give up on a hunting spot when you learn a big whitetail has been taken there. If it was a dominant buck, a host of suitors for this vacated territory will soon move in. The sudden void may dramatically increase other bucks’ activity. If you can hunt where another hunter has already bagged a big buck, do it!

DON’T SHOOT BUCKS THAT LOOK INSECURE When you first see a buck, take a moment to check its posture. Dominant bucks hold their heads high and walk loosely with their tails held straight out. A subordinate buck walks with stiff legs and a hunched back, and keeps its tail between its legs. If you see a good buck in a subordinate posture, consider holding your shot.

It could mean there’s a real monster in the area.

WATCH THE DOE’S EARS When you encounter a single doe near your stand during the rut, watch her ears. if she’s walking, unalarmed, and has one ear cupped backward and the other pointing forward, chances are good that she’s keeping tabs on a buck following her back trail.

HUNT ALL THREE PHASES OF THE RUT Good deer hunters know there is not just one rut, but three. The first, called the pre-rut, occurs in early October, when mature, four and five year old does first come into estrus. The second, known as peak or primary rut, runs from late October to the last week of November, and is when the majority of female deer come into heat. The third, called the post-rut or late rut, takes place twenty-eight days after the end of the primary rut, as does that were not bred during October and November come back into estrus. These pre and post-rut phases do not last long. Look for a sudden explosion of fresh buck sign, then hunt hard for several days using techniques, such as rattling, that take advantage of the increased aggression triggered by competition for a limited number of willing does.

CALL STARTLED BUCKS BY RATTLING YOUR ANTLERS Rattling can be a good way to pique the curiosity of bucks that you’ve inadvertently startled. If you see a white flag or hear a deer snort, pull out your antlers and clack them together for a few seconds. If the deer you’ve startled did not smell or otherwise recognize you, it may assume that the motion was made by another deer, and could return to investigate, Be ready.

SKIP THE DINER ON OPENING MORNING If you’re planning to meet your hunting buddies before heading out into the woods on opening day, don’t meet in a roadside diner. Food and tobacco odors are very strong in restaurants, and these can quickly contaminate your clothing, making it much easier for deer to scent you.

USE DIFFERENT ROUTES TO YOUR DEER STAND AT SUNRISE AND SUNSET Never walk through a crop field in the early morning when approaching a deer stand set up near its edge. Deer are likely feeding in this field under cover of darkness - you will startle them if you don’t take a back route to your stand. The opposite is true when you’re approaching the same stand during the afternoon or evening hours. Deer are likely bedded in the cover you used to hide your approach in the morning, waiting for the sun to go down before moving out to feed. You should approach your stand through the field at this time of the day.

FLUSH BIG BUCKS FROM BENEATH DOWNED TREES When hunting through mature forest during hot weather, keep your eyes peeled for large trees that have been uprooted recently by storms. The maze of shade and cover offered by the fallen limbs and branches provides one of the best hiding places in the forest, and big bucks will often bed down deep within their embrace to escape the heat of the day. Experienced animals feel very secuire in such cover and may not flush unless you get extremely close to them. Approach every such tree you can find.

DON’T STORE YOUR GEAR DIRECTLY BENEATH YOUR STAND Always pile eequipment you’re not bringing up into your tree stand (or are bringing up by rope after you climb up yourself, such as your gun or bow) on the opposite side of the tree from where you’re climbing. You won’t land on it if you’re unlucky enough to fall during your climb.

HUNT OVER DEW DURING DROUGHT A great place to hunt during dry, hot, early season conditions is on the edge of a meadow where there’s lots of bright, green grass. Deer don’t just drink water from ponds and rivers. They’ll also lick dew off vegetation, especially when there’s been a drought in your area, so these meadows will attract lots of thirsty animals.

LUNCH-TIME BUCKS Catch wary peak-season bucks off guard during lunch. Because of increased pressure during the rut, mature bucks will often change their patterns to avoid hunter activity. Many will become nocturnal, but a significant number instead spend more time searching for does during the middle of the day, when most hunters are back at camp taking naps and eating lunch. Try sitting in your stand during the hours before and after noon to catch these deer off guard.

MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 33

records

*RANKED BASED ON NUMBER OF TROPHIES PER COUNTY ACCORDING TO KDWPT

WHITETAIL

REPUBLIC RILEY GEARY RENO PHILLIPS

MULE DEER GOVE NORTON CHEYENNE GRAHAM DECATUR

ELK

REPUBLIC RILEY GEARY RENO PHILLIPS

ANTELOPE WALLACE LOGAN GOVE SHERMAN HAMILTON

4 4 4 3 3

6 6 6 5 5

4 4 4 3 3

10 3 2 2 2

UPLAND BIRD GRAHAM SHERMAN TREGO THOMAS RUSSELL

WATERFOWL STAFFORD BARTON PHILLIPS MITCHELL NORTON

3 3 3 3 3

3 3 2 2 1

TURKEY

POTTAWATOMIE 5 NEMAHA 3 LEAVENWORTH 3 WABAUNSEE 3 CRAWFORD 3

PREMIER SPORTING PROPERTIES OFFERED BY WILDLIFE PROPERTIES LAND CO.

TOP 5 HUNTING COUNTIES IN KANSAS BASED ON NUMBER OF TROPHIES HARVESTED, TROPHY CATEGORIES, TOTAL TROPHY CATEGORIES, STAFF PICKS AND PUBLIC HUNTING OPPORTUNITies *IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

GRAHAM GOVE NORTON RILEY RUSSELL MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 35

PREMIER SPORTING PROPERTIES SPORTING POND PARADISE

WEBSTER LAKE WHITETAILS

DESIGNED FOR ENTERTAINING & ADVENTURE 35+/- ACRES EXECUTIVE RETREAT - Smith County, KS

A TRUE SPORTING & CONSERVATION PROPERTY WITH CRP INCOME - Rooks County, KS

Whether you’re looking for an executive retreat, private residence or a unique property to establish a hunting club this versatile property has it all…plus more. Offering includes developed wildlife acreage, stocked and spring-fed fishing pond plus some awesome facilities designed for work and play.

The true highlight of this property is the spring-fed stocked pond. The pond was designed and created by the owner to create a unique fishing experience with crystal clear clean water, aeration fountain, fish feeder, duck boxes and a small dock.

Includes a Bunk House, Shop with Living Quarters, Red Barn Cleaning Station & Kennel, Entertaining Lodge, 2 Additional Over-Sized Car Ports.

Located in Rooks County Kansas, at the north edge of Webster Lake and the state managed Wildlife Area.

Whether it’s chasing trophy whitetail and mule deer, turkey or phenomenal upland hunting this property has an abundance of wildlife like almost no other property we’ve seen in Kansas. Large spans of native tall grasses littered with deer beds and trails, grassy south-facing slopes and just the right mix of riparian timber and brush cover with critical watering holes gives this property more than everything necessary to grow and hold an abundance of wildlife. In addition, the neighboring crop fields offer an ideal mix of food for deer almost guaranteeing they never have to leave the property.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PROPERTIES LISTED HERE VISIT

MYWILDLIFEPROPERTY.COM

BIRD HUNTING PRAIRIE

ULTIMATE WATER RETREAT

460 ACRES OF PRODUCTIVE PRAIRIE PASTURE NEXT TO THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

ACREAGE & RESIDENCE IS A ”STONE’S THROW” FROM THE SANDY SHORES OF WILSON LAKE

A very productive Smoky Hills prairie pasture tract located in North Central Kansas includes two seasonal ponds, two rural water hydrants, crossed fenced with good access to the property via all-weather rock roads. There is a significant amount of productive soil that could be converted to farmland if the buyer wished to have more diversity and/or income with the property. The offering brokerage has contacts with local farm and ranch tenants who would be eager to rent the property at competitive rates. Owner financing is available.

Breathtaking views of Wilson Lake and the rolling Smoky Hills prairie. This is truly a “once in a liftetime” opportunity to purchase a beautiful home in addition to coveted acreage. Land around Wilson Lake is either owned by the government or already been developed on small acreage lots of 3 acres or less. This Wilson Lake real estate offering includes more than 70 acres of pristine land with room for additional development or simply enjoy being the exclusive owner of private acreage not available elsewhere at Kansas’ Clearest Lake.

Located minutes from Kirwin Reservoir and Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, home to some the best fishing and waterfowl hunting in the Midwest.

Land Overview: 71 +/- acres of pristine prairie Pristine Prairie Grasses Native Sandstone Rock Outcroppings Hunting & Fishing Opportunities abound No Restrictive Covenants or Use Restrictions Private Well

MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 37

10

questions with clay On the hunt since the age of five, Clay Pickel is a homegrown Kansas sportsman and skilled hunter - harvesting dream deer, encouraging youth hunters and driving dirt roads (and fields) like a pro.

”hunting isn’t so much about killing as it is about getting close with nature and experiencing it...”

CLAY PICKEL age: 21 occupation: Lineman homeTOWN: Smith Center, Kansas first hunt: With my dad at age 5. dream hunt: Shooting a trophy red stag with the bow.

most memorable hunt: Hunting with

the kids from St. Judes Hospital. best hunting advice: Don’t be afraid to learn from nature...it is the best teacher when it comes to hunting. kansas love: The state of Kansas has the best wildlife: for hunting, watching and discovering.

why youth should be more active outdoors: Kids should experience

life in the outdoors so they learn to respect the land and wildlife that comes with the land: hunting isn’t so much about killing as it is about getting close with nature and experiencing it.

why growing up in a small town is best: Kids in a small town learn to respect what’s around them - everybody knows everybody and watches out for each other... it’s one big family out here in the heartland.

pg

44 Greek Revival Showstopper |

pg

46 The Warren House

REAL ESTATE pg

46 Classic Kansas Beauty

REAL ESTATE

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Grand columns welcome visitors into the magnificent facade. A rear porch and entry into the kitchen. The showstopping entry and stairs leading to the second floor.

GREEK REVIVAL IN NCKS

STATELY SHOWSTOPPER 3023 SQ. FT. 4 BEDROOMS 4 BATH LIBRARY OFFICE HARDWOOD FLOORS 2-CAR ATTACHED GARAGE 2-CAR DETACHED GARAGE $225,000

This 1921 Greek Revival home with its signature white columns and cafe balcony, is a stunning stately residence with a fantastic location. This home is situated on a large shaded lot with mature trees and across from the well manicured Smith Center City Park and the historic Dutch Mill. The local rural community pool is located just steps beyond the property offering a more than ideal location for a family.

Inside the stately residence, a dramatic entry and stairway opens to the second floor.

Elegant hardwood floors lead you into either of the main floor rooms. Enter to your right, where the parlor is anchored by an ornate

tile fireplace and features an attached library.

To the left, a formal dining space with enough room for a large table and easy entertaining, is just off the spacious kitchen.

The kitchen, with Corian countertops and a large center island, opens to an eat-in breakfast room with a beveled glass pantry and electric fireplace that add cozy details and addtional living space. Tend to house plants or garden pots in the large solarium porch that leads to the attached 2 car garage. The property also features a detached 2 car garage for additional storage or studio space. Private and stately, the residence sits back from Third Street and is home to many mature trees.

44 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 45

REAL LOCALESTATE HUNTING

MAPLE HILL

The Warren House Recent and extensive restoration of this grand Flint Hills estate honors the historic architectural features of the home to meet modern living conveniences. All 33 windows were completely rebuilt, as well as all original wood floors refinished. A comprehensive restoration of the stone exterior, including lintels, sills and all stonework ensure the new owners a move-in-ready piece of Kansas history. Curated selection of antiques and furniture are included. View the property video and browse interior images of this magnificent estate by visiting MyWildlifeProperty.com.

2752 SQ. FT. 3 BEDROOMS 2.5 BATH BUILT IN 1874 HARDWOOD FLOORS SECURITY SYSTEM 3-CAR DETACHED GARAGE PRICE INCLUSIVE OF ANTIQUES & FURNISHINGS $650,000

SMITH CENTER

CLASSIC KANSAS BEAUTY This updated family home is located on a shaded corner lot in the north central Kansas community of Smith Center.

The prestigious home combines old world finishes like original wood floors, oak trim and baseboards, with modern upgrades and room for a growing family.

A beautifully remodeled kitchen features new hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, custom quarter sawn oak cabinets and quartz countertops. An updated mud room features spacious laundering and plentiful storage with access to the rear entry and finished basement. The residence is located on a corner lot and has new stonework, siding and guttering, with an updated boiler and detached, 2 car garage.

3800 SQ. FT. 5 BEDROOMS 3 BATH UPDATED LAUNDRY ROOM HARDWOOD FLOORS REMODELED KITCHEN 2-CAR DETACHED GARAGE $175,000

46 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

KANSAS

REAL ESTATE

GUIDE

SMOKY HILLS

FLINT HILLS HIGH PLAINS

EASTERN KS

LOWLANDS

FLINT HILLS

Historic Warren Mansion

SMOKY HILLS

Serenity Among The Hills

Maple Hill, KS

Wilson Lake, KS

Recent and extensive restoration of this grand Flint Hills estate honors the historic architectural features of the home to meet modern living conveniences. A comprehensive restoration of the stone exterior, including lintels, sills and all stonework ensure the new owners a move-in-ready piece of Kansas history.

Breathtaking views of Wilson Lake and the rolling Smoky Hills prairie. This is truly a “once in a liftetime” opportunity to purchase a beautiful home in addition to coveted acreage.

Land around Wilson Lake is either owned by the government or already been developed on small acreage lots of 3 acres or less.

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 47

KANSAS REAL ESTATE GUIDE SMOKY HILLS

SMOKY HILLS

Waterfront Brick Ranch on Private Lake

Huddle Restaurant Business For Sale

Ellsworth County, KS

Osborne, KS

A magnificent waterfront brick ranch country home. Located in rural Ellsworth County, KS just 1.5 miles east of Kanopolis Lake. This country home real estate offering comes with acreage on a private lake, fully furnished and well landscaped.

Turn-key hometown restaurant for sale with updated equipment and inventory. Specializing in hometown eats and atmosphere the Huddle restaurant on US Highway 281 in downtown Osborne, KS is favorite gathering spot whether its for a quick lunch or to celebrate after the hometown game.

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com

HIGH PLAINS

SMOKY HILLS

Boot Hill Bed & Breakfast

460 Acres Grass Land

Dodge City, KS

Smith County, KS

Situated at the peak of Boot Hill in the famous Old West Town of Dodge City, KS is an enchanting Dutch Colonial mansion known as the Boot Hill Bed & Breakfast. So close to history that you can almost smell the Gunsmoke as it permeates from across the road at the Boot Hill Museum!

A very productive Smoky Hills mixed-grass prairie pasture tract located in North Central Kansas includes two seasonal ponds, two rural water hydrants, crossed fenced with good access to the property via all-weather rock roads.

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com

M W M K S . C O M // 4 8

KANSAS REAL ESTATE GUIDE SMOKY HILLS

Country Home at Kanopolis Lake

SMOKY HILLS

Lion Heart Inn Lodge & Cabins

Ellsworth County, KS

Downs, KS

A modern country home for sale located along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway in central Kansas’ Smoky Hills region. The major draw to this area is Kanopolis Lake and the unique sandstone rock formations know as Mushroom Rocks.

Central KS Lodge & Cabin Operation For Sale!

The Lion Heart Inn is a nine-unit cabin and lodging complex servicing Waconda Lake / Glen Elder Reservoir (8 miles) and the surrounding area.

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com

SMOKY HILLS

SMOKY HILLS

Webster Lake Whitetails

Fairview Farm - 76 Acres

Rooks County, KS

A true sporting and conservation property with CRP income on the north edge of Webster Lake and the state managed Wildlife Area. Whether it’s chasing trophy whitetail and mule deer, turkey or phenomenal upland hunting this property has an abundance of wildlife like almost no other property we’ve seen in Kansas.

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com

Sumner County, KS

Situated on Oak Creek just before it merges with White Rock Creek, this property is a productive mixed-used farmland tract with income and hunting opportunities. Farm land rental income and income from a Walk-In Hunting lease make this an attractive investment opportunity for the buyer looking to diversify their portfolio while being able to enjoy the use of your investment.

Wildlife Properties Land Company nick@mywildlifeproperty.com (785)695-2999 | MyWildlifeProperty.com MWMKS.COM /

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 1: ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN 2015

/ 49

PROMOTION

SHOP the GREAT PLAINS INTRODUCING MWM MERCANTILE Shop products proudly made in the prairies of the great plains and inspired by the pages of MWM. From culinary enhusiasts to design-savvy shoppers and sportsmen, we are cultivating a collection that is uniquely modern country.

MWM MERCANTILE a market by MWM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

MWM MERCANTILE

Contemporary, Stackable Accents for the Modern Fashionista

Mill Creek Antiques: Pull Over at Paxico

Inspired by current jewelry trends, twin sisters Charisse and Donielle started experimenting in making their own jewelry. The journey expanded when peers and retailers couldn’t get enough of the colorful, easy-wearing pieces. A larger production of signature designs were tested on Etsy; and now the line is sold in five locations throughout Kansas and Colorado.

Whatever the season, a stroll through the small town of Paxico is an opportunity to spend the day shopping and discovering world-class antiques. For over 41 years Mill Creek Antiques has been buying, selling, and trading unique and rare antiques of the highest quality. Steve Hund Jr., owner, specializes in the restoration of antique parlor stoves, potbelly stoves and cook stoves, with great names like Round Oak and Great Western.

www.pairdesign.blogspot.com

www.paxicomerchants.com

Luxurious Fur Accessories & Hand Painted Artistry at Prairie Wyndes Trading Post

Elderslie Berry Farm offers the freshest fruits, vegetables and you-pick blackberries

Tina Michel discovered her passion for drawing and painting at an early age. Combine that with a lifelong love for animals and hunting, and you have the unique artistry on display at Prairie Wyndes Trading Post. Luxurious fur pelts, custom fur hats, hand painted skulls, turtle pouches and accessories showcase the unique craftmanship and fine detailing in all of Tina’s works.

Find our vegetables at the 21st & Ridge Farmers’ Market and select Green Acres Markets through the season. Also offering gourmet farm-to-table dinners, characterized by local cuisine made with farm fresh ingredients grown right here in our community. The menu is unique to what is coming off the vine our out of the dirt that week here on the farm.

www.prairiewyndes.com

berry.eldersliefarm.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

MWM MERCANTILE

Elderslie Sawmill & Fine Woodworks: Lumber, Milling, Drying & Fine Woodwork We are driven by a historic and natural aesthetic. We strive to honor and reference classical and historic elements in our design while incorporating fresh and vivid elements inspired by each client’s specific desires and the natural world around us here in Central Kansas.

sawmill.eldersliefarm.com

KBR Gallery: Modern, Unique Artwork KBR is a Midwestern-based contemporary visual artist with roots in the great plains of rural Kansas and the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. Abstracts, painted views and rare projects that include fashion, architecture and surreal, dream-like subjects can be found in corporate collections, restaurants and private residences from Hollywood to New York and Canada to Dubai. www.kbrgallery.com

CRAFTSMEN, ARTISANS, ARTISTS & MERCHANTS: MWM Gallery Coordinating the management of imagery featured throughout the MWM publications and offering for sale limited and open edition prints and originals of the artwork exhibited in the galleries of each issue.

www.mwmgallery.com

Build Your Brand with MWM MERCANTILE Showcase your handmade goods, services and small town stops HERE! Email Contact@MWMKS.com or visit MWMKS.com for pricing and details

Mill Creek Antiques AUTHENTIC ANTIQUE STOVES

ANTIQUE STOVE RESTORATION

FINE ANTIQUES

109 NEWBURY AVE. PAXICO, KS MillCreekAntiques.com

785-636-5520

Mon.-Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 11am-4pm

pg

56 Nostalgic JELL-O Recipes

FOOD, ETC. pg

58 Vintage Seasonal Sweets

V I N TA G E D E S I G N

The Lost Art Of RECIPE SHARING A recent discovery of old family recipes has brought on a bit of nostalgic baking and with it a yearning for the time before instant access, when hand-written recipes were mailed and shared, just in time for the holiday baking season. Revisit these classic mid-century holiday recipes and mail (not email) one to someone you love this season!

Above, the December 1966 recipe postcard received by my grandmother from a sister-in-law in Colorado

FOOD, ETC.

V I N TA G E J E L L- O

CROWN JEWEL DESSERT A spectacular dessert that fits busy schedules - the gelatin for cubes may be made one day, remainder of dessert can wait until the next day.

1 package (3 oz.) Jell-O Orange, Cherry & Lime Gelatins 3 cups boiling water 2 cups cold water 1 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup sugar 1 package (3 oz.) Jell-O Lemon Gelatin 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup melted butter or margarine 2 envelopes Dream Whip Dessert Topping Mix or 2 cups whipping cream Prepare the three flavors of gelatin separately, using 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water for each. Pour each flavor into an 8-inch square pan. Chill until firm, or overnight. Mix pineapple juice and sugar, heat until sugar is dissolved and remove from heat. Dissolve lemon gelatin in the hot juice; then add 1/2 cup cold water. Chill until slightly thickened. Meanwhile, mix crumbs and butter; press into bottom of 9-inch spring-form pan. Cut the firm gelatins into 1/2-inch

cubes. Prepare dessert topping mix as directed on package or whip the cream; blend with lemon gelatin. Fold in gelatin cubes, pour into pan.

Chill at least 5 hours, or overnight. Run knife or spatula between sides of dessert and pan, and remove sides of pan before serving. If desired, spread additional prepared dessert topping or whipped cream on top and sides. Makes 16 servings.

Shown above, Crown Jewel Dessert as a mold, a pie, and a spring-form pan dessert.

56 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

UNDER-THE-SEA SALAD Pears and cream cheese lie beneath a clear sea-green layer after unmolding.

1 package (3 oz.) Jell-O Lime or Lemon-Lime Gelatin 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup boiling water 1 can (1 lb.) pear halves 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 packages (3 oz. each) cream cheese 1/8 tsp. ginger Dissolve Jell-O Gelatin and salt in boiling water. Drain pears, measuring 3/4 cup syrup; add water, if necessary. Dice pears and set aside. Add pear syrup and lemon juice to gelatin. Measure 1 1/4 cups into a 1-quart mold. Chill until set, but not firm.

Meanwhile, soften cheese until creamy. Gradually add remaining gelatin, blending until smooth. Add ginger. Chill until very thick.

Fold in pears. Spoon into mold. Chill until firm. Unmold on crisp lettuce. makes about 4 cups, or 8 side salads.

MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 57

FOOD, ETC.

CHRISTMAS BALLS 6 Tbsp margarine 1 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1 cup pitted dates 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups Rice Krispies 2 cups sweetened coconut 1 Melt margarine and brown sugar over medium heat , whisk in egg and let cool.

2 To the egg-sugar mixture, add 1 cup pitted dates and heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the dates are dissolved.

3 Add vanilla and Rice Krispies, stir to combine.

4 When cool enough to handle, shape mixture into walnut-sized balls and roll in coconut to coat.

ORANGE BALLS 1/2 lb (2 sticks) margarine 1 lb. powdered sugar 1 lb. vanilla wafer crumbs 1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice, thawed 2 cups sweetened coconut 1 Melt margarine over medium heat, remove from heat and stir in sugar, wafer crumbs and orange juice.

2 Once combined, shape into walnut-sized balls and roll in coconut to coat.

M W M K S . C O M // 5 8

ANITA'S FAVORITE PIE 15 big marshmallows 1/2 cup milk 5 Hershey chocolate candy bars 1 cup whipped cream (or Cool Whip) 1/2 tsp. almond flavoring graham cracker crust, prepared 1 Heat marshmallows, milk and candy bars over a double boiler till melted, stir until smooth and let cool.

2 To the chocolate mixture, fold in 1 cup of whipped cream (or Cool Whip) and almond flavoring.

3 Pour into a graham cracker crust, cover and put into the freezer until set.

APPLE RAISIN COOKIES 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 2 eggs 1/4 cup milk 2 cups sifted flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. cloves 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1 1/2 cups apples, chopped 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1 Cream together brown sugar and butter.

Add eggs and milk and beat well.

2 Mix sifted flour, baking powder, salt and spices, Stir into creamed mixture.

3 Stir in apples, raisins and nuts.

4 Drop by the teaspoon onto cookies sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

NEVER-FAIL FUDGE 1/3 cup butter 4 1/2 cups sugar 1 can (14.5 oz) evaporated milk 1 cup marshmallow creme 1 (13 oz.) bar milk chocolate, chopped 2 (12 oz) packages semi sweet chocolate chips 2 tsp. vanilla 2 cups walnuts, chopped 1 Combine butter, sugar and milk over medium heat, boil 5 1/2 minutes.

2 Remove from heat and add the remaining ingredients except the walnuts. Beat until well mixed, stir in the chopped walnuts.

3 Spoon mixture into a buttered 9x13 pan 4 Cool until firm and cut into squares. Makes five pounds of fudge.

�We call this fudge Merry Christmas Candy because we have so many holiday requests for this big recipe.�

MWMKS.COM /

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 1: ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN 2015

/ 59

FOOD, ETC.

60 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

CARAMELS 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 cup milk 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick) 2 tsp. vanilla 1 Mix all ingredients except vanilla in a saucepan over medium high heat.

2 Boil until a candy thermometer reads 246 degrees, or soft ball stage.

3 Remove from heat, stir in vanilla 4 Pour into an 8”x8” pan that has been lined with wax paper. When set, lift the caramels out of the pan and cut into squares.

CRUNCH DROP COOKIES 2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 cup coconut 2 cups quick oats 2 cups Rice Krispies 1 tsp. vanilla 1 Cream the shortening and sugars together. Add in the eggs and vanilla, beat well.

2 Add flour, soda and salt, mix until combined 3 Stir in coconut, oats and cereal.

4 Drop by the teaspoon onto a baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes.

BLUE RIBBON PUMPKIN PIE

half into a disc about 5 inches wide.

5 Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until ready to use.

1 1/2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin 1/4 cup light corn syrup 2 eggs 1/2 cup evaporated milk 2 Tbsp butter 1/2 cup hot milk 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ginger 1 unbaked 9” pie crust

HAPPY TIMES PUNCH 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup water 4 cups cranberry juice 1 cup orange juice 1 cup lemon juice 1 quart ginger ale

1 Whisk all ingredients together and pour into the pie shell. Lightly tap on your work surface to release any air bubbles 2 Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.

3 After 15 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking the pie until just set in the middle, another 30-40 minutes, 4 A paring knife inserted into the filling, 1 inch from the crust, should come out clean. Allow to cool completely before serving.

EASY PIE CRUST 2 1/2 cups flour 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1 inch pieces 1/2 tsp. salt 7 Tbsp ice water 1 Tbsp cider vinegar 1 Combine flour, salt, and butter in a food processor. Pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 10 1-second pulses.

2 Stir water and vinegar in a small bowl.

3 Pour half the ice water and vinegar mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Pulse to combine, about 3 (1-second) pulses. Pour in remaining ice water and vinegar mixture. Pulse until mixture just starts to come together, about 8 (1-second) pulses.

4 Turn dough out onto a wooden surface, pat into round shape and divide in half. Form each

MWMKS.COM |

1 Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cool.

2 Add fruit juices, mix well and chill.

3 When ready to serve, pour juice mixture over ice in a punch bowl and gently pour ginger ale down the side of the bowl.

COCONUT BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 cup coconut 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 2 Tbsp light corn syrup dash salt 1 Tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in 3/4 cup evaporated milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1 Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add coconut and saute until golden brown. Lift coconut out with a fork; set aside.

2 To butter left in saucepan add sugar, corn syrup and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Have cornstarch dissolved in milk and gradually stir this into sugar mixture.

Simmer over low heat about 2 minutes longer, continuing to stir.

3 Remove from heat; add sauteed coconut and vanilla.

4 Serve warm or cold as a topping for ice cream sundaes, puddings or cakes. Makes about 1 - 1 1/2 cups rich, butterscotch sauce.

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 61

”Lovely B&B In A Convenient Location For Dodge City Attractions” ”SPECTACULAR!” ”AWESOME” ”Excellent B&B With Great Location” ”Great Hospitality In Kansas!”

”GREAT Breakfasts & Warm Hosts!”

”Best Place To Stay In Dodge!”

t o o B Hill Bed & Breakfast "Best Breakfast in the West" Relive the old west at the Boothill Museum, located just across the street Walk the Trail of Fame in Downtown Dodge Catch a show at the Depot Theater Co. Dinner Theater located in the Historic Sante Fe Depot

603 West Spruce Street, Dodge City | (620) 225-0111 | BootHillDodgeCity.com

pg

64 Upcoming Exhibitions

|

pg

67 Travels: Crossing Borders

GALLERY pg

74 A Thing Called Rodeo

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

DEBUT

ECLECTIC CURATION Artist and MWM creative director KBR is debuting an eclectic series of collections before the end of 2015.

Showcasing a broad range of artistic subjects, styles and mediums, the five collections are a direct look at the evolving and revolving personal style of the artist. All were specially selected to show the obscure, un-related and somewhat chaotic nature of KBR art.

Abstracts and surreal rare projects, traditional landscape portraits and strong black and white photography; the style is random, but authentic to the artist’s lifestyle and surroundings.

“These final online exhibits are an honest look at KBR as a whole, and an ending to a chapter - ready to start fresh in 2016 with new ideas and experimentation in mediums.” Learn more about KBR and all upcoming exhibitions at KBRgallery.com 11/01 |PAINTED VIEWS: EARLY FALL An obscure and local perspective of life, these unique digital paintings combine personal, daily photography taken by the

artist, with digital composition and painting, creating artwork that is part photo, part modern art. In-the-moment imagery is raw and authentic and creates even more of an abstract viewpoint with the finishing process. Ongoing series.

11/08 |THE WYOMING EXPERIENCE; PART I Documenting a Fall road trip through northern Colorado and Wyoming, including Yellowstone National Park. Black and white photography along with digital paintings create an adventurous, crossing borders collection. See it also in this issue’s featured gallery. Part 1 of 2.

11/16 |RAW CANVAS WORKS Works created on raw canvas, with acrylics and oils, in 2011 and 2012. Unlike other projects that may involve imagery and layered composition, the abstract works are about the luxury of purely painting.

Utilizing the power of stroke, color and line, painting deliberately from nothing and allowing images, subjects and ideas to emerge unintentionally. The process is in no way analytical, but instead exposes an

64 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Across The Track; Leaning Abstract; Contrasting Sky II; New York Minute I; pieces are from the upcoming Well Dressed Rendevous, Side Views: Early Fall, and Raw Canvas Works Collections.

internal dialogue through an abstract portrait of the moment Each work is intuitively formed, moment by moment, until all the right moments and their movements, strokes, scrapes and details are captured on the painting surface. >>

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Canary Diaries; The Chase; Yellowstone Tower; On The Trail; New Moves; pieces are from the upcoming Well Dressed Rendevous, A Thing Called Rodeo, The Wyoming Experience: Part I, and Raw Canvas Works Collections.

layers of photography, collage and digital painting create a one-of-a-kind collection.

11/24 |A WELL DRESSED RENDEVOUS Digital impressions and interpretations of urban and rural environments with surreal, dream like subjects in fashion and architecture. Rare projects that include

12/01 |A THING CALLED RODEO Documenting Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo on a warm Saturday night in August.

Black and white photography and vibrant digital paintings reflect the late-summer buzz you can only get from a dust-kickin, cowboy-fueled, bronc-riding atmosphere that the lucky few get to experience.

66 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

CROSSING BORDERS The Wyoming Experience: Part I VINTAGE VACATION - DOCUMENTING A FALL ROAD TRIP THROUGH NORTHERN COLORADO AND WYOMING, INCLUDING YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK.

68 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 69

72 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

A THING CALLED

Rodeo Catch the cowboy buzz at Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo in Phillipsburg. KBR offers a glimspe of the electric atmosphere on a warm Saturday night in August.

M W M K S . C O M // 7 6

78 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

MWMKS.COM |

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2: THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2015 | 79

80 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

Down The Kansas Road, 2015, Black & White Photography

MWM IS A NATIVE PERSPECTIVE ON RURAL LIFE, LAND, ART, CULTURE, FOOD, PEOPLE AND PLACES OF THE GREAT PLAINS Contact@MWMKS.com | Art@MWMgallery.com

82 | TWITTER: @EXPLORENCKS - FACEBOOK: MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE - INSTAGRAM: MWM_KS_MAGAZINE

MWMKS.COM /

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 1: ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN 2015

/ 83

SPORTING POND PARADISE PR O PERTY STOC KED S P O R T F I S H I NG P O ND , E N T E RT AIN IN G L OD G E , BU N K H OU S E , G AM E C L E AN IN G S T A T I O N & KENNE L, SHOP W I TH PR I V A TE L I V I NG Q UAR T E R S & M ORE . . . S IT U AT E D ON 35+ AC R E S - S m i t h C o u n t y , KS O F F ER ED A T $725, 000 CO N TA C T N i c k R h o d e s | Br o k e r Ni c k @M yW i l d l i f e P r o p e r t y . c o m | ( 785) 695-2999 vi e w al l p ro p e r t i e s : M y W i l d l i f e P r o p e r t y . c o m Whethe r you’r e l o o k i n g fo r th at e xe cu ti v e r e tr e a t , p ri va t e re s i d e nc e o r a uni q ue p ro p e rt y t o e s t a b l i s h a h unt ing clu b this ve r s a tile p r o p e r ty h as i t al l …p l u s m o r e. Of f e ri ng i nc l ud e s d e ve l o p e d w i l d l i f e a c re a ge , s t o c k e d a nd s pr ing fe d fis hing pond p l u s so m e aw e so m e faci l i ti es d e s i gne d f o r w o rk a nd p l a y. T he t rue hi ghl i ght o f t hi s p roper t y is the s pr ing-fe d sto cke d p o n d . Th e p o n d w a s d e s i gne d a nd c re a t e d b y t he o w ne r t o c re a t e a uni q ue f i shing e x per ie nce w i th cr y stal cl e ar cl e an w ate r , a e ra t i o n f o unt a i n, f i s h f e e d e r, d uc k b o x e s a nd a s ma l l d o ck .

785-695-2999 MyWildlifeProperty.com

HIST O RI C , C ONSERVATION, C O U N TR Y H O M E S , F AR M & R AN CH R E AL E S T A T E