By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend
Hunting regulations are a balancing act between what is good for nature, hunters, and the economy. The Kansas Wildlife Parks and Commission will vote on a significant change at its April 27 meeting. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner said the biggest change involves turkeys.
"The commission is looking at a removal of the fall turkey season," he said. "Our turkey population has been in a slump for several years now, so we're looking at a series of turkey regulations and doing away with the fall turkey season."
A KDWP press release ahead of Thursday's noon meeting stated the number of fall turkey hunters statewide has decreased substantially over the past eight years. For the 2020 season, the fall turkey season dates were changed from Oct. 1 through Jan. 31, to Oct. 1 through Nov. 10. The organization estimates less than 500 birds are harvested each year, but the harvesting of hens, especially, can be difficult on turkey populations.
KDWP is also voting on a reduction of non-resident hunters. A draw system would reduce out-of-state hunters by approximately 25 percent for the spring turkey season.
"We're kind of a destination place for turkey hunters," Wagner said, "and we feel by reducing the non-resident numbers, that would alleviate some of the pressure on the turkeys."
Other changes for the spring would include reducing the turkey bag limit from two birds to one bird in Units 1 and 2 in northwest and northcentral Kansas. Unit 2 includes the northern three-quarters of Barton County, including the Bottoms.
Wagner encouraged hunters with concerns about the proposed changes to contact the commission or attend Thursday's meeting. The meeting will be held at the Wyandotte County Historical Museum in Bonner Springs, but will also be available online through Zoom.
Read more about Thursday's meeting, and find a link to the noon commission meeting by CLICKING HERE.