GLEN ELDER , Kan. -(Ammoland.com)- The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and sponsoring partners will conduct the 2017 Youth and Women’s Celebrity Pheasant Hunt at Waconda Lake on Saturday, Dec. 9.
The event will begin at 7:15 a.m. with breakfast in the Hopewell Church basement at Glen Elder State Park, followed by a pre-hunt safety program. Hunters, guides, and mentors will then spend the remainder of the morning and early afternoon hunting various limited-access refuge areas around Waconda Lake. Lunch will be provided by the Waconda Lake Association.
Youth ages 11-16 and women are eligible to apply for this hunt, which is designed to provide comfortable and positive hunting experiences for new or beginning hunters. Previous hunting experience is not required, and some shotguns and ammunition can be provided for those without equipment. Hunters must apply no later than Nov. 30 by calling the Glen Elder Area Office at (785) 545-3345 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Forty spots will be available.
A unique aspect of this event is that participants will interact with and hunt alongside a few Hero-Celebrities invited to serve as hunting mentors. Past mentors include former professional athletes, television personalities, and military personnel who have recently returned from deployment.
Participants can practice at wingshooting stations that will be set up west of the KDWPT Glen Elder Area Office. From 1:30 – 4 p.m., the public is welcome to enjoy shooting at the stations.
All participants will receive a commemorative item from the event, as well as additional prizes provided by sponsors.
To conclude the event, a hunters’ banquet and dinner will be held Saturday night. All event participants are invited to attend and will be asked to RSVP for the banquet when they sign up for the hunt.
For more information on this event, or to serve as a volunteer mentor, contact Chris Lecuyer at (785) 545-3345.
About KDWPT Department Structure:
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