Fall/winter Special Hunt Applications Deadline Sept. 30

Eligible hunters can choose from nearly 640 special hunts during this second drawing

Hunters have until Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 at 9 a.m. to apply for the 2013 fall/winter special hunts drawing. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Special Hunts Program offers hunters the opportunity to hunt areas with little to no traffic, often making it an ideal setting for first time or novice hunters. This year, 641 special hunts and over 1,000 permits are available for draw.

2013 fall/winter special hunts will take place in November through January. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30 at 9 a.m., with drawing results published on the special hunts webpage at ksoutdoors.comapproximately five days after the drawing has closed. Special hunts are conducted on both public and private land, with some hunts located on KDWPT-managed lands, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed lands and several on Walk-In Hunting Area properties.

Hunters can apply for a hunt in one of three categories: open, youth, and mentor. Open hunts are available to all hunters. Youth hunts require parties to include at least one youth 15 or younger who must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. Some youth hunts may have more specific age requirements, and adults may not hunt.Mentor hunts are open to both youth and/or inexperienced hunters who are supervised by a licensed adult 18 or older (mentor). A mentor is a licensed hunter 18 years or older who supervises and/or participates in a hunt restricted to youth or novice hunters. Some hunts require the supervising adult to be 21 years or older.

Hunter Education is not required for youth 15 and younger accompanied by an adult 18 or older. However, persons 16 and older who do not have hunter education may purchase a one-time-deferral apprentice hunting license, which exempts them from the hunter education requirement through the calendar year in which it is purchased. All hunters 16 and older need a valid Kansas hunting license.

For more information, visit ksoutdoors.com and click "Hunting/Special Hunts,” or contact program coordinator Mike Nyhoff at (785) 628-8614 or by e-mail at mike.nyhoff@ksoutdoors.com.