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PRATT -- Many Kansas hunters are looking forward to the opportunity to take additional deer in the state^s extended season, which runs Jan. 1-14. However, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reminds hunters that only white-tailed antlerless deer may be taken during this season.
In addition, whitetail antlerless-only deer game tags -- $10.50 tags that may be purchased over the counter in addition to other permits obtained during the regular seasons -- are not valid on lands managed by the Department of Wildlife and Parks. (Note: This restriction does not apply to Walk-In Hunting Areas.)
The 14-day antlerless-only season follows a similar 10-day season held last year. During the extended season, all unfilled permits will revert to whitetail antlerless-only permits. This includes statewide archery, unit archery, firearms, muzzleloader, leftover, hunt-own-land, and the $10.50 deer game tags. While all legal firearm, archery, and muzzleloader equipment may be used during the special season, all hunters will be required to wear blaze orange. Permits will also retain their unit restrictions, if any.
"Like last year^s extended season, this January hunt will focus on the most effective means of population control -- the use of firearms to harvest antlerless deer," says KDWP Secretary Steve Williams.
In response to growing white-tailed deer numbers in Kansas, the Department of Wildlife and Parks has dramatically increased the number of deer hunting permits the past six years. Including permits issued in the drawings, over-the-counter issues such as statewide archery permits, deer game tags, and hunt-own-land permits, the total number of deer permits and tags issued this year may total as many as 190,000.
Hunters are expected to harvest more than 108,000 deer in Kansas this year.
The focus of this increase in permits is on whitetail does, which are key to controlling the deer herd. Whitetail antlerless-only deer game tags will be available over the counter through Jan. 13. Beginning Jan. 1, no primary permit will be required to purchase game tags.
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ICE FISHING FUN, BUT CAUTION ADVISED
PRATT -- Unusually cold temperatures and frigid wind chills may mark December of 2000 as one of the coldest on record. While this weather has driven many people indoors, there is a handful of rabid outdoorsmen who are delighted. Why? Once winter gets here and lakes freeze over, ice fishing gets hot. Augers and tackle, sleds and heavy winter clothing are piled in vehicles as anglers take to heavy sheets of ice across the state.
Ice fishing can provide some of the best fishing to be found at anytime of year, but it can be dangerous. This means that caution is the first rule of order when preparing for this exciting winter activity.
Caution first means paying close attention to the weather. The temperature needs to stay extremely cold for at least a week before the ice on reservoirs hardens enough that it will support a person^s weight. To form good ice, the temperature needs to fall to at least single digits overnight, every night for at least a week. Daytime temperatures must go no higher than the teens.
Only after several days of these conditions will the ice be ready for testing. Before fishing any frozen body of water, an ice auger should be used to drill test holes. It is recommended that at least 4 inches of good clear ice be present before walking on it. A fall into near-freezing water can be fatal in only a few short minutes, so never venture onto marginally-frozen ice.
It is also best to fish in groups and carry ropes, life preservers, and extra clothing.
Another problem that could arise while ice fishing is frostbite -- the freezing of body tissue. Frostbite occurs most frequently on exposed areas of the body. Fingers, ears, cheeks, and the nose are usually the targets of frostbite. Toes are also common targets.
The prevention of frostbite is relatively simple. Dress according to the weather. Clothing should be dry and layered, with warm, loose gloves and footwear. Tight, restrictive clothing should be avoided. Exposed flesh should be protected from the wind. Face masks, stocking hats, hoods, and earmuffs are beneficial in cold conditions. Avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, all of which inhibit the body^s ability to stay warm, as well as physical and mental capabilities.
For those hardy souls who endure the cold, icy chill of winter, icefishing can be a rewarding pastime. However, if there is any question about the safety of ice, stay away.
Uploaded: 12/21/2000
Uploaded: 12/21/2000