Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Grant to Improve Food Assistance Benefits

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Federal grant awarded to improve efficiency and access to Kansas Food Assistance program

TOPEKA – The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program has announced the awarding of a Process and Technology Improvement grant of $706,550 to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). The grant will enhance the digital system that accepts SNAP, known as Food Assistance in Kansas, applications.

“Our main goal is to reduce status wait times, improve data accuracy, and enhance the overall client experience,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard shared. “This will result in Kansans receiving Food Assistance benefits in a timely manner and ensuring that Food Assistance continues to effectively serve as the primary defense against hunger.”

The FNS Process and Technology Improvement grants supports efforts by state agencies and their community-based and faith-based partners to develop and implement projects that use technology to improve the quality and efficiency of SNAP application and eligibility determination systems.

DCF will automate manual Food Assistance administrative tasks using BOT automation. Using this technology, the agency will be able to register cases, enter data, and create workflow tasks for caseworkers all without human intervention. Workers will receive notification of an issue with an application and then will follow-up with the Kansan to ask questions or get additional details.

In FY 2022, DCF received 147,224 Food Assistance applications. Currently, the state has 95,047 Food Assistance cases that are made up of 106,699 adults and 84,343 children. DCF is working in partnership with Accenture, the technology business manager of the data management system used by the agency for the benefit programs.

The teams will begin working immediately on the upgrades and have up to three years to complete the project using the funding from the FNS grant.

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USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through a suite of more than 16 nutrition assistance programs, such as the school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC and SNAP. Together, these programs serve 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year, promoting consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential to optimal health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through the co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FNS’s report, “Leveraging the White House Conference to Promote and Elevate Nutrition Security: The Role of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service,” highlights ways the agency will support the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. To learn more about FNS, visit www.fns.usda.gov and follow @USDANutrition.

Government, Kansas

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.  In addition to the project list is Administrative Modification #1 for narrative updates in the STIP.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Nov. 1. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

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Business, Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Radio Station Recognized by Kansas Dept. of Commerce

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Tim and Deb McKenney at the recent awards ceremony. Submitted photo.

A local business was recognized during the recent ceremony by The Kansas Department of Commerce held in Wichita on Oct. 12.

To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes businesses across the state for the valuable contributions they make to the Kansas economy and to the well-being of their communities, according to https://www.kansascommerce.gov/kansasbusinessawards/.

Fort Scott Broadcasting Co. Inc was recognized as the Southeast Kansas Regional Winner in Retail and Service. Tim and Deb McKenney are the owners of the business.

The award plaque was received by the McKenney’s. Submitted photo.

“Deb submitted the information,” Tim McKenney said.  “It was really just a statement about the station’s 70th birthday under the same family ownership and management coming up next year.  She mentioned some of our programs we air regularly such as the city, county, and school talk shows to keep folks in tune with current happenings in the area.”

“The award was for 69 years of community service to our community,” Deb said.

 

The order of the awards at the ceremony. Submitted photo.

The categories were:

  • AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
  • Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
  • Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
  • Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
  • Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
  • Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
  • Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State.

Businesses and individuals from across the state were honored for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state’s economy at the ceremony, according to a press release.

Governor Laura Kelly announced at the ceremony that Atwood-based SurePoint Ag Systems has won the 2023 Governor’s Award of Excellence and Tank Connection in Parsons earned the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, according to the press release.

A record 297 businesses, organizations and individuals were nominated in nine categories for this year’s To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards, according to the release. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria such as business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investments, and support of local community events. A total of 245 Merit Awards and 43 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

To view the list of award winners: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/kansasbusinessawards/#h-merit-award-winners

In the regional award winners division for retail/ service across the state, the winners were:

From the Southeast section of the state,  the regional winner was Fort Scott Broadcasting All Hit 103.9 fm, 98.3 fm, and 1600 am.

East Central
JT’s Grill

Northwest
Shores Napa Auto Parts

Northeast
Lumber House True Value

South Central
Country at Heart

Southwest
Jetmore Veterinary Service

 

Government, Kansas

KS Flags Are Half-Staff In Honor of Judge Malcolm

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Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Magistrate Judge William Malcolm


TOPEKA— Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol Complex and all court buildings and facilities until Monday, October 23, 2023, to honor 21st District Magistrate Judge William Malcolm, who died from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this month.

“Judge Malcolm was a dedicated public servant who, for nearly two decades, worked hard to ensure justice for the citizens of Clay and Riley counties,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “On behalf of the State of Kansas, I thank him for his service. My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones.”

Judge Malcolm passed away on October 15, 2023. A public visitation will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit:  https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.  

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Kansas, Youth

Child Support Services Impacted by Kansas Court’s Network Security Issue

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CORRECTED: Child Support Services Impacted by Kansas Court’s Network Security Issue

TOPEKA – Due to the network security issue announced by the Kansas Judicial Branch last week, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is informing Kansans of delays that will occur to those working with the agency’s Child Support Services.

DCF works daily with Kansas courts to process child support court orders and payments on behalf of Kansas families. With the efiling and electronic court records system offline, Kansans should expect delays on returned filings, court hearings and orders being entered. Child support payments that are awaiting court orders or direction from DCF, Court Trustees, and county clerks will be delayed. Any orders filed prior to the week of Oct. 9 should continue to process properly.

DCF and its contracted partners of YoungWilliams and Maximus will continue to provide full-service operations through paper and fax filings. Johnson County is not impacted by this as the county operates on an efiling and case management system used only by the county.

Individuals with cases in process should consult the Child Support Services customer hotline at 1-888-757-2445 with questions or status information. Updates will be provided at the Kansas Payment Center website www.KSPayCenter.com.

Area News, Government, Kansas

Wild Game and Foraged Food Cooking Competition on Nov. 19 in Lawrence

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KDWP to Host Cooking Competition Featuring Wild Game, Foraged Foods

SHAWNEE – Whether grilled, smoked, poached, canned or dehydrated – wild foods procured from the Kansas outdoors will be on showcase at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ first-ever cooking competition in Lawrence on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Whether you’re new to the culinary world, a seasoned home cook or a classically-trained chef, KDWP invites you to compete at this free community partnership event hosted by KDWP, Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center, Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Haskell University.

The competition will be held at Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center, 1365 N 1250 Rd, in Lawrence from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Competitors may submit entries in any of the following categories: Wild game, wild fish, wild plants, wild mushrooms, wild sweets (fruit, berries, dessert, etc.) and wild invasive/nuisance species. Entries will be judged by a panel of local expert foragers, with prizes awarded to the top entrant in each category, as well as a special prize for the “Community Favorite” entry.

Interested parties may register for the competition HERE or by visiting programs.ksoutdoors.com/Wild-Foods-Cook-Off.

In addition to the wild foods cook-off, the day’s activities will also include mini workshops on native lands habitat restoration, foraging, and plant and insect identification. A formal land acknowledgement, and presentation on Baker Wetlands history, will also be provided before cook-off winners are formally announced. The day’s events, including the cooking competition, are offered at no cost to the public; and, attendees do not need to register a dish in order to taste entries and/or participate in the day’s workshops.

For questions, contact event organizer and KDWP Education specialist Amy Bousman at [email protected].

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Government, Health Care, Kansas

Walking and Biking To School Program Is Accepting Applications

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KDOT Safe Routes to School program accepting grant applications for 2023-2024 school year
Applications are being accepted for the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program for its first year of Planning and Programming (P&P) grants.

Safe Routes to School is a national program that promotes walking and bicycling to school through infrastructure improvements, enforcement, tools and safety education. Applications for this 2023-2024 grant cycle are due to KDOT by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17.

There are two types of P&P grants. The first is Planning grants, which will help develop SRTS plans to study existing conditions, public outreach and finding potential infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions. Up to five Planning grants will be awarded.

The second is Kick Start grants, which support initial programs, events or projects to help build the program in the future. Up to 10 Kick Start grants will be awarded, and each grant will be up to $1,500.

Examples of eligible Kick Start projects could include:

  • Creation and reproduction of promotional and educational materials.
  • Bicycle and pedestrian safety curricula, materials and trainers.
  • Training workshops for school and for community members.
  • Data gathering, analysis and evaluation reporting for local projects.
  • Additional law enforcement or equipment needed for enforcement activities at schools.
  • Supplies for demonstration projects.
  • Traffic gardens.

All communities, school districts, organizations and/or individuals can apply. More information on the P&P grant program, the application, webinars, project descriptions or to sign up for a quarterly e-newsletter is at https://www.kansassrts.org/resources.

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Government, Kansas

Two Protected Mussel Species Released Back into Kansas Rivers

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KDWP Successfully Stocks Two Protected Species Back into Kansas Waters


Freshwater mussels – essentially clams that have adapted to live in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes – reach their greatest diversity in North America. Nearly 300 species of mussels occur in the U.S., 40 of which reside in Kansas. Of those in Kansas, nearly 60 percent have some level of conservation concern and most have disappeared from part of their historical range.

PRATT – Fisheries and Ecological Services staff at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are taking action to bolster some of the state’s most at-risk aquatic species. Via the Department’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program and Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center, located at the Farlington Fish Hatchery, staff work together to propagate, grow, and stock vulnerable aquatic species back into their former habitats; and this fall, that included two protected freshwater mussel species.

Fatmucket Mussels in Marmaton River

KDWP first released 7,175 Fatmucket mussels – ranging in age from 1-3 years old – into the Marmaton River to bolster local populations. These were the first mussels ever released from the KABC, which opened its doors in 2018. And while Fatmuckets occur throughout central North America, they are considered a Species in Need of Conservation in Kansas.

“We chose the Marmaton River as the release site due to historical data and current observations that indicate the species is native to this drainage,” said Seth Lundgren, KDWP district fisheries biologist. “It also helped that the parental stock came from a shared tributary of the Marais Des Cygnes River, ensuring the correct genetics were also released into the drainage.”

Lundgren added that, prior to stocking, each of the offspring were marked with a unique “glue dot” that can be used by researchers for future identification.

Neosho Mucket Mussels in Neosho River

The second successful stocking of a protected species occurred later in the same week when approximately 1,374 federally-endangered Neosho Mucket mussels were released into the Neosho River. The offspring were the result of populations housed at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery and Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium. The Neosho Mucket occurs in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma but no longer occurs in 62 percent of its historical range.

“This stocking was the first of its kind conducted under KDWP’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program,” said Trevor Starks, KDWP species recovery coordinator. “Landowner agreements signed under this program seek to reestablish self-sustaining populations of imperiled fish and mussel species in order to recover, delist, and deregulate those populations. These agreements provide regulatory protections to landowners who wish to partner with the agency to allow species releases and monitoring on their property.”

More Conservation Stockings to Come

Staff at KDWP have several additional conservation stockings like these planned for 2024, including 18,000 mussels set to be released in southeastern Kansas as soon as drought conditions improve. The KABC has also been working to rear Plains Minnows, classified as a state-threatened species, for release back into their historic range in areas where they have since disappeared.

Landowners interested in helping recover imperiled species through the Kansas Aquatic Species Recovery Program are encouraged to contact Starks at [email protected].

For more information on threatened, endangered, and SINC species in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Services/Threatened-and-Endangered-Wildlife.

Government, Kansas

Help Identify Areas of Need for High Speed Internet

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Governor Kelly Invites Public Input on Volume 2
of Broadband Plan

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the release of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 2. As part of the planning process, the public is invited to submit their comments on the planning document. Together with the BEAD 5-Year Action Plan, Volumes 1 and 2 will help identify areas of need for high-speed internet buildout across the state and outline requirements for applicants to access grant funding.

“Our vision for Kansas is one where every resident, regardless of their location, has access to affordable, reliable internet,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Volume 2 planning document sets a clear path to achieving that goal. I encourage all Kansans to be involved in the public comment process.”

Volume 2 outlines defined objectives for broadband infrastructure projects, transparent subgrantee selection processes, and the active participation of eligible entities, all aimed at providing affordable broadband service options to residents.

Additional components of Volume 2 include:

  • Plans for equipping the workforce with the necessary skills and resources to support broadband infrastructure development
  • Initiatives to promote the inclusion of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in broadband projects
  • Strategies for identifying and mitigating cost-related barriers to broadband deployment
  • Consideration of the environmental impact of broadband projects and efforts to minimize their carbon footprint
  • An outline of the regulatory approach to be taken by eligible entities in support of broadband infrastructure development

“As we continue to support and invest in broadband infrastructure, we’re not just connecting people; we’re creating opportunities,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “High-speed broadband promotes access to telehealth, remote work, distance learning and entrepreneurship, which enrich our communities and create pathways to prosperity for Kansans.”

The BEAD program, established by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, has allocated more than $451 million to Kansas for the development of broadband networks.

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development remains committed to its mission of closing the digital divide and looks forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders to bring high-speed broadband connectivity to all communities across the state.

“This planning document is key to guiding a historic level of investment into broadband infrastructure,” Kansas Office of Broadband Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “Our office is committed to an open and fair granting process that ensures the best use of public funds.”

Public comments on Volume 2 can be submitted online here until November 12, 2023.

Learn more about the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Plan here.

Government, Kansas

June 19 is Declared a Kansas Holiday

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Governor Kelly Announces Juneteenth to be Observed as a State Holiday

~~Kansas Joins 28 Other States Including Texas, Missouri, and Nebraska~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas will designate Juneteenth as a state holiday, joining 28 other states and the District of Columbia.

“Juneteenth marks a significant point our nation’s history and has long been celebrated in Kansas and across the United States,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday provides Kansans an opportunity to celebrate our state’s diversity and honor the ongoing struggles for racial equality.”

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day the last enslaved Americans received word that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery more than 2 years after the end of the Civil War. Governor Kelly has issued proclamations recognizing Juneteenth every year since 2020.

“I am thrilled that Juneteenth will be a state holiday,” said Stacey Knoell, Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. “This day is a perfect example of the importance of learning the full picture of history, not to cast blame but to find reasons for acknowledging resilience. I hope this day can become one where Kansans can unite in celebration.”

In 2021, Juneteenth became the first federal holiday created in more than 40 years. Since then, Kansas’ neighboring states of Nebraska, Missouri, and Colorado have also established Juneteenth as a state holiday. The holiday will apply to Executive Branch employees under Governor Kelly’s jurisdiction.

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Government, Kansas

KS Three-Year Research Project of Bald Eagles Has Ended

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KDWP Expands Three-year Research Study of Bald Eagles in Kansas

PRATT – In the spring of 2021, a research study on the ecology of Kansas-hatched bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) began with just 13 birds and plans of field work lasting three years. This year – thanks to voluntary contributions made to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park’s nongame species donation program, Chickadee Checkoff – that research project has been extended; and, the total number of birds studied has increased to nearly 30 bald eagles.

KDWP and a team of partners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Conservation Science Global, Evergy, and private landowners are confident data derived from the study will help wildlife managers and developers better address potential conflicts between bald eagles and development infrastructure, as well as further the scientific community’s understanding of bald eagle ecology in the central Great Plains.

Background
Research on Kansas bald eagle populations began in 1989 with the first contemporary documentation of an active bald eagle nest at Clinton Reservoir in Douglas County. Since then, approximately 299 nesting territories have been reported to the USFWS and Kansas Biological Survey. And, new nesting territories are reported each winter and spring, indicating good population prospects for the species in Kansas.

“For 34 years, conservationists have done outstanding work documenting breeding activity and population expansion across the state,” said KDWP terrestrial ecologist Zac Eddy. “Having said that, little-to-no research has been completed on the ecology of the species. So, we still know very little about eaglet survival, seasonal range size, landscape and airspace use, and response to anthropogenic development or man-made structures in our state. With this research study, we aim to change that.”

Current Day
Most recently, researchers affixed identification bands and GPS telemetry backpacks on an additional 15 bald eagle nestlings hatched this year in Barton, Stafford, Kingman, Reno, Chase, Morris, Geary, and Pottawatomie counties. The process to complete this field work includes:

  • Identifying successful nests, which will have eaglets aged 7 to 9 weeks old at the time of capture. Nests are accessed by experienced tree climbers or by use of bucket trucks.
  • Capturing the eaglets in their nests and lowering them to the ground.
  • Taking morphometric measurements – or measurements of the bird’s size, shape, and length – to estimate age and sex of the birds
  • Attaching identifying leg bands to each leg
  • Obtaining blood and feather samples for genetic and environmental contaminant testing
  • And, fitting GPS telemetry backpacks to each bird before returning them to their nests.

The GPS telemetry units – powered by onboard solar panels and lithium-ion batteries – began collecting data as soon as the nestlings left their natal nests.

“The units collect timestamped data points documenting location, altitude, heading, and speed at intervals of 3-5 seconds in flight and 15 minutes at roost,” added Eddy.

Continued data collection will offer researchers a robust assessment of juvenile eagles’ seasonal ranges and airspace use in the context of topography, weather, land cover, and energy infrastructure, while potentially allowing conservationists to document their movements from the time of fledging through establishing nesting territories of their own.

For information on how you can support Chickadee Checkoff and research projects like this, visit chickadeecheckoff.com.

For more on other protected species in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Wildlife-Habitats/Wildlife-Conservation.

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Kansas

2023 Kansas Upland Bird Hunting Forecast Now Available

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PRATT – Bird hunters – the wait is over! The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park’s 2023 Kansas Upland Game Bird Forecast is now available online and soon in printed form.

Produced annually by KDWP’s Wildlife Division, the 2023 Kansas Upland Game Bird Forecast is compiled from data collected during the Department’s spring calling surveys for pheasants (crow counts), quail (whistle counts), and prairie chickens (lek counts), as well as late-summer roadside surveys for pheasants and quail.

Here’s a preview of what hunters will find in this year’s Forecast, available online at ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds and at most KDWP offices.

Quail

Kansas continues to support above-average quail populations with spring densities similar to last year, including significant increases in portions of the western regions of the state this spring.

Rains beginning in early summer and continuing through much of the nesting season greatly improved habitat conditions across the state. Given the high spring densities and improved summer conditions, staff expected to see increased production on the brood surveys this year.

Despite these conditions, brood detections were decreased. This may be attributed, in part, by the abundant habitat available during the survey.

Still, Kansas maintains one of the strongest quail populations in the country and, given the abundant access, harvest will again be among the highest in the country. The best opportunities will be in the central regions of the state into the Flint Hills, with quality hunting opportunities scattered throughout the remaining regions.

Pheasants

Intense drought conditions throughout 2022 reduced pheasant populations and the available nesting cover for 2023. Precipitation across most of the primary range this summer greatly improved habitat conditions for chicks. This should have improved the survival of broods that were hatched and could result in some localized improvements where nesting cover was maintained. However, lack of nesting cover and low populations across most of the state prevented any major improvements in densities this summer.

The High Plains region of the western third of the state saw some areas of improvement but remain low after sharp declines in 2022. The North Central Smoky Hills region remained good last year in spite of the drought but dropped to levels similar to the remaining pheasant regions.

The statewide pheasant index is similar to the previous drought cycle. Recovery from these declines will likely take longer as habitat has declined with the declines in CRP enrollment (again this year, acres enrolled in CRP were released to be used for emergency forage for cattle across most of the state). This will likely impact hunter success in 2023 as well as the amount of nesting cover for pheasants again next year. While hunting opportunities still exist where habitat was maintained, hunters will find challenging conditions and should be prepared to work for birds.

Prairie Chickens

Kansas is home to both greater and lesser prairie chickens. Both species require a landscape of predominately native grass and benefit from a few interspersed grain fields. Greater prairie chickens are found primarily in the tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies that occur in the eastern third and northern half of the state. Greater prairie-chickens have recently expanded in numbers and range in the Northwestern portion of the state while declining in the eastern regions.

Drought conditions are likely to have impacted production some, but prairie chickens are typically less volatile than other upland bird species and production is harder to estimate.

Hunting opportunities will be best in the Smoky Hills Regions this fall where populations have been stable and public access is more abundant.

The Southwest Prairie Chicken Unit, where lesser prairie chickens are found, will remain closed to hunting this year.

Note, all prairie chicken hunters are required to purchase a $2.50 Prairie Chicken Permit, available at gooutdoorskansas.com.

Regardless of preferred upland bird species, upland hunters can be as mobile as needed when utilizing Kansas’ combined 1.7 million acres of lands open to public hunting. KDWP’s Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) and iWIHA programs ­– which account for 1.07 million of those acres open to hunting – occur throughout much of the state’s main pheasant range. Through iWIHA, hunters can reserve hunting access on private lands with limited access. For more information on WIHA and iWIHA, or to view maps of lands open to public hunting, visit ksoutdoors.com.

Pheasant, quail and greater prairie chicken seasons run through Jan. 31, 2024, in Kansas, so there’s plenty of time to plan. In the meantime, grab a license at gooutdoorskansas.com, through KDWP’s mobile app, GoOutdoors Kansas, or a license vendor nearest you (ksoutdoors.com/License-Permits/Locations-to-Buy-License-Permits).

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