Courtesy of Kansas WIldlife and Parks
WICHITA — The votes are in, the judging complete, and the final design and layout completed for the Great Plains Nature Center’s (GNPC) second “Kansas Critters” book. On Saturday, Aug. 23, GNPC will honor the 223 young artists and authors grades K-8 whose 238 art and text entries comprise the second book in the series, Kansas Critters: A Wildlife Book Written and Illustrated by Kansas Kids. Four book receptions will be staged throughout the day to individually acknowledge each artist and author.

“This book is a result of Kansas kids learning about 26 kinds of birds,” says GPNC director Bob Gress. “Kids throughout Kansas accepted our challenge to research and then draw, paint, or write about their favorite birds. We received more than 3,200 entries and are proud to showcase this collection.”

Beginning Monday, Aug. 25, complimentary copies of Kansas Critters: A Wildlife Book Written and Illustrated by Kansas Kids will be available free in the Owl’s Nest Gift shop at the GPNC, 6232 E. 29th Street North in Wichita. For more information, phone 316-683-5499

Courtesy of Kansas Wildlife and Parks

Printed copies of the 2008 Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary will be available at Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) offices and license vendors around the state soon, but hunters can view or download the summary now from the KDWP website.

This year’s booklet contains several changes, in both format and new regulations. A few of the more significant new regulations include the following:

• Annual hunting and fishing licenses are available at no cost to honorably discharged resident veterans with certified service-related disabilities of 30 percent or more, effective Jan.1, 2009.
• A season for Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves will run Nov.20 through Feb.28.
• Resident Any-Season Whitetail permits will be valid statewide during any season with equipment legal for that season.
• Resident Either-species/Either-sex Archery permits will be valid statewide.
• No big game permit may be transferred to another person.
• Big game or turkey permits for residents younger than 16 are half-price.
• Special Hunt-Own-Land deer permits may be issued to a landowner’s or tenant’s siblings and lineal family members and spouses, regardless of residency.
• Nonresident deer hunters are restricted to two adjacent deer management units.
• Nonresident hunters are required to select one season (archery, muzzleloader, or firearms) at the time of application.
• Scopes are allowed for early muzzleloader deer season.
• Knapped broad heads allowed during the archery deer season.
• Crossbows are allowed for deer hunting in the firearm season.

The most significant change in format this year involves the way the public hunting areas section is presented. Each KDWP-owned or operated property is listed, including size, directions to the area, and special regulations that apply to that area.

As always, most season dates have changed to some degree, and other regulations are covered in this indispensable booklet. Printed copies of the 2008 Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary will be available in September at department offices and license vendors around the state.

Six-day camp teaches youngsters outdoor skills

and just plain fun

PRATT — The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) and the K-State Cooperative Extension Service are sponsoring the annual Outdoor Adventure Camp (OAC) June 8-13 at the Camp WaShunGa area of Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City. Youngsters who enjoy the outdoors and want to learn more about it are encouraged to attend.

Kansas youth ages 10 through 12 will spend mornings exploring the grounds at Rock Springs with instructors, experiencing Kansas animals and plants close-up. Session subjects include insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, fish management, wildlife management, wetlands, birds, and stream ecology.

Afternoons will be spent learning about birds of prey, skins and skulls, bats, streams, and more general topics, including ecology, wetlands, riparian areas, and watersheds. Instructors from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas State University, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, county conservation districts, the Riley County Fish and Game, 4-H clubs, and other organizations will be on hand.

Depending on the evening, participants may prowl for owls, star-gaze, or watch bats hunt bugs. Evening swims will be followed by campfire stories and snacks. One evening will feature a friendly fishing competition.

Other activities include scavenger hunts; swimming and canoeing; fishing; rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, archery, and pellet gun shooting; arts and crafts; and horseback riding. A day-trip to the Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery will occupy one day.

Participants should bring a swimsuit, sleeping gear, and clothes for a week. Sunscreen, insect repellent, a cap, a fishing pole, and a water bottle are also recommended. Food, instruction, and lodging are all included in the $225 price of the six-day camp. Sportsman’s clubs offer Outdoor Adventure Camp scholarships. KWF and the Outdoor Writers of Kansas offer scholarships in cooperation with Kansas Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Space is limited, and the registration deadline is June 4.

For applications, camp, or scholarship information, write Outdoor Adventure Camp, Theresa Berger, 406 S. New York Ave, Sylvan Grove, KS 67481; phone 785-526-7466; or e-mail bergkwf@wtciweb.com.

Youth artists to be honored at State-Fish Art Expo July 19-20

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Wildlife Forever has announced Kansas winners of the group’s 2008 State-Fish Art Contest. In the 7th- through 9th-grade category, Evan Pflugradt of Olathe took first place. Audra Miller, of Halstead, won Kansas honors in the 10th- through 12th-grade category.

In addition to having their artwork displayed online at www.statefishart.com, these winners will join young artists from across the country at the State-Fish Art Expo July 19-20 at Mall of America’s Central Rotunda in Bloomington, Minn. All winning artwork will be on display, and an awards ceremony will recognize the winners before a large mall crowd. Each winning artist who attends the expo will receive a blue ribbon, fishing rod and reel, a gift certificate for art supplies, and other prizes.

National awards to be announced at the expo include Best of Show honors for the top three pieces of artwork in each grade category from across the United States. The national Best of Show winner in grades 10-12 will receive a $2,500 scholarship to The Art Institutes International Minnesota. The first runner-up in grades 10-12 will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college.

One outstanding piece of artwork will win the Art of Conservation Stamp Award and be reproduced as a conservation stamp. Proceeds from the stamp will be used to fund conservation education and aquatic restoration projects across America.

Expo participants will enjoy a Saturday fishing event at Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge. The winning artists and their families will also receive free entry to the July 20 Minnesota Twins game and participate in a special pre-game recognition ceremony on the playing field of the Metrodome before the Twins face the Texas Rangers.

For more information, visit the State-Fish Art Contest website, www.statefishart.com, phone Pat Conzemius at 763-253-0222, or email pconzemius@wildlifeforever.org.
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