Guiding on public lands, possible new walleye program to be discussed in Topeka
Topics involving fins, fur and feathers are slated for discussion at Thursday’s Kansas Wildlife, Park and Tourism Commission meeting in Topeka, and one of the hottest topics could involve guides taking clients on properties owned or managed by the department.
“I think this could be the meeting where we really start some discussions in earnest,” Wildlife and Parks information chief Mike Miller said. “Over the years we’ve heard some complaints. At the last few commission meetings we’ve heard more. Right now we have no proposals for the commission, but I wouldn’t be surprised if (commissioners) ask for one.”
Miller said many of the complaints have been about guides at places like Cheyenne Bottoms, making it tougher for the general public to have a good experience at the marsh. At a past meeting hunters complained of guides reserving good spots. Others said they’d had bad experiences of birds being scared as guides and clients come and go with large boats. At several past meetings, some residents complained of guides putting deer hunting clients on already crowded public areas.
Other topics for Thursday include:
Whitetail regulations mostly unchanged, mule deer opportunities decreased – Discussions are scheduled per regulations and permits for upcoming deer seasons. Whitetail seasons and limits will largely mirror last fall and winter. That includes no sizable increases in non-resident deer permits. Last year about 3,000 non-residents who applied did not draw a permit.
“That says nothing has changed but in a way it’s like a decrease because the demand keeps increasing,” Miller said, “but I think the agency feels we’re still dealing with some things like the drought issues and EHD.”
Miller said opportunities for non-residents to hunt mule deer will decrease in some parts of western Kansas. For the first time in years, there will be no permits authorized specifically for shooting mule deer does in western Kansas. Several members of the public, and some commissioners, have expressed alarm at falling mule deer populations in parts of western Kansas. Drought, and changing habitat, are largely to blame.
Waterfowl details for discussion – By federal mandate, Wildlife and Parks must submit their requests for waterfowls seasons and limits to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after their April meeting in Wichita. In the past, the department had through their August meeting to gather opinions, data and make recommendations. Miller said regulations for the upcoming season will be covered and discussed, though there are no major changes from last season.
Walleye management may change – Miller said improvements in stocking programs and results of several angling surveys, has the department considering possible changes for length and creel limits, and other management plans at some walleye lakes in Kansas.
Thursday’s meeting is at the Kansas Historial Society History Center, in Topeka. The afternoon’s session is scheduled for 1-5 p.m., with an evening session 6:30 p.m. until completion.
More information, and live coverage of the meeting, can be found at ksoutdoors.com.
This story was originally published March 19, 2016 at 2:40 PM with the headline "Guiding on public lands, possible new walleye program to be discussed in Topeka."