Conservation Groups Draw Kansas Commissioner Big Game Permits

PRATT, Kan. -(Ammoland.com)- At the Jan. 11 Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KWPT) Commission meeting in Milford, seven lucky conservation organizations drew Commissioner Big Game Permits as part of a unique program that raises funding for conservation.

The Commission Big Game Permit program allows local chapters of nonprofit organizations based or operating in Kansas that actively promote wildlife conservation and the hunting and fishing heritage to apply for big game permits.

Once drawn, organizations can then sell the permits to raise funds.

The following organizations were drawn for 2018 Commission Big Game Permits:

Deer (6):

• National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) – Dickinson County Beard Busters, Hope
• NWTF – Ford County, Dodge City
• NWTF – Golden Plains, Ellinwood
• Friends of NRA – Heartland No. KS-1 Chapter
• Ducks Unlimited – Atchison Chapter No. 2
• Pheasants Forever – Waconda Ringnecks Chapter No. 586

Elk (1):

• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – Greater Kansas City Chapter

The Commission Big Game Permit program began in 2006, and since that first year, nearly $500,000 has been raised. Seven permits, one elk, one antelope or up to seven deer, are issued each year, depending on applicant preference. Winning groups are issued a voucher, which they can sell or auction to the highest bidder.

The cost of the permit and 15 percent of the total price is subtracted and kept by the group, and the rest is remitted to KDWPT with a proposal for a conservation project.

Once the project is approved, the money is returned to the group to complete the project. An exception to this procedure would occur if Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KHFH) is drawn. In that case, KHFH keeps 85 percent of the funds to help pay for processing donated deer.

Following the drawing, the Commission heard Secretary’s Orders on Free Park Entrance and Free Fishing Days – which will be promoted at a later date – and voted on regulations covering threatened and endangered species special permits, enforcement actions, and recovery plan procedures.

A video recording of the meeting can be downloaded here.

The next KWPT Commission meeting is scheduled for March 22, 2018 at the Kansas Historical Society in Topeka.

For more information on the Commission Big Game Permit program, visit their website or contact the Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

About KDWPT:

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. The commission conducts business during regular public sessions.

KDWPT employs approximately 460 full-time employees in five divisions: Executive Services, Administrative Services, Fisheries and Wildlife, Law Enforcement, Parks and Tourism.

Department History:

• 1905 – Fish and game laws were organized under the Kansas Fish and Game Department and implementation of a state law requiring a license to hunt.
• 1911 – The State Fish and Game Department was placed under the supervision of the University of Kansas Board of Regents
• 1925 – The Fish and Game Department was reorganized as the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission with three board members appointed by the Governor.
• 1927 – Commission was reorganized and was given approval to organize a warden service. Fishing licenses required of men 18-70.
• 1939 – Commission’s three-member board was abolished by the legislature and replaced by a six-member bipartisan commission appointed by the Governor
• 1943 – Legislature gives the commission full authority to set seasons and dates
• 1955 – The legislature and Gov. Fred Hall create the State Park and Resources Authority.
• 1960 – First Kansas boating laws enacted
• 1987 – Gov. Mike Hayden signs executive order merging the State Park and Resources Authority and Fish and Game Commission to create the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
• 2011 – Gov. Sam Brownback signs executive order moving the Division of Tourism from the Department of Commerce to the newly renamed Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

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