Biologists consider significant changes to walleye limits

Kansas anglers may have their choice of quality or quantity when it comes to walleye in future years. Fisheries biologists explained their new walleye initiative to the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commission Thursday in Topeka.

Chris Tymeson, agency attorney, said Friday the department is wanting to have lakes that have conservative limits, such as no more than two per day 21 inches or over, and liberal limits, such as five fish per day, 15 inches or longer, within about 90 miles of most Kansas anglers. They’re also considering a conservative length limit of 24 inches the first several months of the year to protect spawning fish on some waters.

Tymeson said the concept comes from angler surveys, and considers biological and sociological implications. The topic will be debated at upcoming commission meetings before voted on in October. Other developments at the meeting:

Guiding on public lands – Tymeson said the commission is progressing with legal action that would make it illegal for guides to take hunters on lands managed by Wildlife and Parks.

Deer seasons, limits – Lloyd Fox, Wildlife and Parks big-game program coordinator, said there will be no major changes in deer seasons and limits for most of Kansas this fall and winter. Fox told commissioners there would be no increase in non-resident permits for whitetails. Residents and non-residents will be applying for fewer permits that allow mule deer to be killed. Permits specifically for mule deer does in western Kansas have been eliminated because of concerns for the population, mostly due to recent drought and loss of habitat.

Waterfowl seasons, limits – Tom Bidrowski, Wildlife and Parks waterfowl biologist, said this year’s seasons and limits will closely mirror those from a year ago. A recent change in federal regulations says states must request their seasons and limits in late April, before spring and summer waterfowl populations are complete. In the past, such requests were made in late August.

The next meeting is April 21 at the Great Plains Nature Center. For more information, go to ksoutdoors.com, or call 620-672-5911.

This story was originally published March 26, 2016 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Biologists consider significant changes to walleye limits."