Governor pleads to conserve Ogallala

By Mike Corn

Hays Daily News

Conserving water and extending the life of the Ogallala Aquifer is a "moral responsibility," Hoxie Feedyard manager Scott Foote told irrigators.

"If we do nothing, we know exactly where we're going," he said. "It's our moral responsibility, and we owe it to our families. We need to do something."

Foote's message came in the final moments of the first of two meetings on the future of the Ogallala, gatherings organized by Governor Sam Brownback as part of his initiative on conserving and extending the life of the aquifer, the driving force behind the economy in the western third of the state.

The meeting in Scott City was the most direct push for conservation in the year since Brownback called a summit in Colby to talk about water use from the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation.

It's likely Foote's words will carry weight.

He and other water users in western Sheridan County are asking to voluntarily cut water use by approximately 20 percent through a new program OK'd by the Kansas Legislature this year. The first of two hearings on that request will be Sept. 13 in Hoxie.

As well, Hoxie Feedyard is perhaps the biggest driving force of the Sheridan County economy, and Foote's family now owns Lane County Feeders, located north of Dighton, and Pioneer Feedyard in Oakley, buying corn and feed from area farmers.

"We hope you do something too," he said of conserving water.

Foote's comments came after Brownback was asked if the state would force irrigators to conserve if they don't take it upon themselves.

"I don't have a plan to take it from you," Gov. Sam Brownback said of water rights held by irrigators. "We don't have the money to buy it."

He did, however, offer state resources -- in terms of computer modeling or economic analysis -- so farmers can see what the future might hold if they conserve.

"We can provide the technical expertise," Brownback said.

Kansas Geological Survey groundwater guru Brownie Wilson showed a model suggesting the life of wells could be extended by more than 20 years simply by reducing water use by 30 percent.

Marienthal irrigator Greg Graff -- president of the Scott City-based Groundwater Management District No. 1 and a member of the Ogallala Aquifer Advisory Committee -- said farmers can do nothing.

"We'll get to the point where we'll still have drinking water, but most of the irrigation will be gone," Graff said. "The question is how quickly do you want to do that?"

Graff said the district he heads up is watching closely the conservation plan now under way in Sheridan County and is looking at similar scenarios in its district, either across the entire GMD or in particular areas.

Water, Brownback said, will be worth more in 20 years than it is now.

"That's why we're pleading with you, start the process," he said of conserving water. "Take all the time you need. It's a moral obligation. I'm not going to do it. It's a local issue."

Brownback said the meeting and the push for conservation has been prompted by past experience.

"The path we're on ends poorly," he said. "And we know it."

Wild Turkey Federation State Youth Camp Sept. 15-16

At two-day event, kids can camp out and learn archery, shotgun shooting, crafts, more

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will hold its 2012 NWTF Kansas State JAKES Camp for youth on Sept. 15-16 at Camp Alexander, near Emporia. JAKES stand for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship, and the acronym is also a common name for young male wild turkeys.

The cost of this event is $20 for JAKES members, $30 for non-JAKES members, and $20 for adults. Youth 17 years old and younger get to select from 15 activities in which to participate, including fishing, first aid in the field, air rifle, small game animals, arts and crafts, nature hikes and birding, firearms handling and safety, shotgun live fire, turkey calling, archery, sporting dogs, GPS, JAKES Take Aim range, and game calling.

Ralph Duren, two-time Grand National turkey calling champion, will present "Calls of the Wild" and will entertain campers later around the campfire Saturday night. Youth attending can participate in the 3rd Annual NWTFKansas State youth turkey calling contest Saturday evening.

Attendees may choose to tent camp Saturday night or commute. Top-notch meals will be provided both days. Last year's Kansas State JAKES Camp was awarded the NWTF "Best State JAKES Event" at this year's NWTF National Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

For more information or a registration form, contact Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012.

20th Annual Kinsley Gun Club Kids Klassic Sept. 15

Awards await young shooters; registration deadline Sept. 10

On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Kinsley Gun Club will host its 19th Annual Kids Klassic trap shooting tournament for young shooters. Each youngster will fire at 100 targets. A $25 entry fee will include a custom T-shirt, lunch, and a chance to win a door prize, including three guns. The entry fee does not include shells.

This event is open to all youngsters through high school. Shooters will compete for trophies, Olympic-style medals, shotgun shells, and other prizes in four age groups for individuals and five-person teams. Ten $100 savings bonds will be awarded by drawing, so everyone has a chance to win. Other awards include 29 flats of shotgun shells and 36 trophies for four age groups, with special awards to 4-H members. The top three five-shooter teams earn trophies and shells. A trophy and prize will be reserved for the top girl shooter, as well.

The shoot starts at the Dodge City Gun club with 50 16-yard targets, then moves to Kinsley for lunch, 50 handicap targets, and the prize presentation.

While everyone high school age and younger is welcome to attend, participants who enter must be strong enough to handle a shotgun safely and are expected to know the basic rules and etiquette of trapshooting. The shoot is not for beginners.

The registration deadline for the event is Sept. 10. Entries (including T-shirt sizes and number of adults for lunch) should be provided in advance. To enter, receive an official program, receive more information, or find out where to practice close to home, phone toll free at 1-888-324-5445, email franko@gbta.net, or write to Frank O’Brien, 115 Sunnyside Drive, Lewis, KS 67552.

Poacher Sentenced for Illegal Killing of Eagle

Golden eagle killed in Trego County

The poacher of a golden eagle in Trego County was sentenced Aug. 21 after pleading guilty to killing the immature raptor in 2011. Chad Irvin, Lacrosse, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. He killed the eagle with a 12-gauge shotgun from a vehicle while hunting with family members.

Irvin was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and restitution of $3,000; placed on supervised probation for three years, during which time he may not hunt, fish or trap; required to complete 50 hours of community service; and ordered to forfeit the shotgun used to kill the eagle.

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent investigated the crime in conjunction with Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism natural resource officers.

Golden eagles are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The killing of any eagle constitutes a violation of those acts. For more information on golden eagles, go online to fws.gov/migratorybirds/baldeagle.htm.

Jamestown Wildlife Area Waterfowl Tour Sept. 6

Day to feature field seminar and question and answer session

On Sept. 6, Jamestown Wildlife Area managers will hold the traditional Jamestown Waterfowl Information night, with a twist. Instead of meeting in a classroom with presentations, pictures, graphs, and tables on current habitat conditions, interested hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to Jamestown Wildlife Area to see the conditions first hand.

Jamestown Wildlife Area is 12 miles northwest of Concordia, near Jamestown. From Jamestown, go 2.5 miles north on Cloud County Road 765, turn west on Wagon Road for one mile, turn north on 30 Road for one mile, then turn west on Republic Road for another mile and follow the road north around the curve for about a mile to the intersection of Marsh Trail and 30 Road to 299 Marsh Trail.

A driving tour will begin at 6 p.m. from the area headquarters and return at 7:30 p.m. for a short presentation and question and answer session.

Attendees will see the challenges of management in 2012, how water is moved and held in various pools, and the habitat conditions expected for this upcoming season. This will be an excellent opportunity for the public to get a sneak peak before the teal season opener on Sept. 8. Managers will discuss expected waterfowl numbers and Central Flyway habitat conditions, as well as 2012-2013 season dates and bag limits.

For more information, phone the area office at 785-439-6243.

To view a slideshow of the Jamestown Wildlife Area click on the Photo Gallery in the side menu of the KWF website.

Kansan Brent Chapman Takes Angler of the Year Title

Maybe Brent Chapman will let up now. The man many regard as the most focused, single-minded angler of the 2012 Bassmaster Elite Series has accomplished exactly what he set out to do at the beginning of the season.

Saturday, Chapman of Lake Quivira, Kan., was crowned 2012 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, the sport's MVP award. The title comes with a $100,000 prize.

"This is what we all strive for," Chapman said as he accepted the trophy in front of a crowd at The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, where the Bassmaster Elite Series is holding its final two weigh-ins of the regular season.

"I feel like a huge weight has been taken off my back," Chapman said. "To achieve a lifetime goal - well, I've never done that before. It's probably going to take several days before it sinks in. It's truly unbelievable."

The newly crowned Angler of the Year triumphed in the most hotly contested race of many years. He took the lead in points after the third event. One of his closest friends and his traveling buddy, Randy Howell, was often one of his strongest threats. Howell even took the lead from Chapman at one point (but they remain friends to this day). Todd Faircloth and, after him, Ott DeFoe stepped up and turned up the heat.

Coming into the final event on Oneida Lake, Chapman was 13 points ahead of DeFoe, and 20 points in front of Faircloth. Others, such as Terry Scroggins, could have made a run on Chapman by shining at Oneida and walking through a door Chapman opened if he had made mistakes.

It would have taken both that open door and a stellar performance at the New Yorkevent to catch Chapman. He remained focused, he worked on his tackle until the wee hours each day, and he slept when he could. He was always forthright about the state of his nerves - up, then settled, then keyed high, then easier again. Even under the extra pressure, he remained gracious - and all along was a contender for the Ramada Championship title.

Saturday, he added to his Day 1 and Day 2 catch of 30 1/2 pounds by putting about 13 pounds in his livewell by 9:30 a.m. Only then, he said, did he begin to believe the AOY crown might be his. But he still didn't know what DeFoe had caught, so Chapman was not confident. Back at the weigh-in site, he waited in the wings offstage for his turn to weigh his fish and find out if he won.

"People were already congratulating me," he said. "But I'm like, 'I haven't got it yet. Until they hand me the trophy, I haven't got it.' "

Chapman's AOY triumph put an end to the reign of Kevin VanDam, who had a four-year command of the title from 2008 through 2011, and has won seven crowns so far in his career.

"It's been a good run," VanDam said. "I was trying to make it five. A lot of these guys have stepped up their game, and that's what great about this sport."

Just one year ago, as the 2011 season wrapped, and VanDam collected his fourth consecutive and seventh AOY trophy, Chapman was in a low spot in his career. He had to struggle for a 2012 Bassmaster Classic qualification. He got in at 27th place, saving the day through a 23rd-place finish at the season finale on Wheeler Lake.

At that point, Chapman said, he knew he had to make some changes. He resolved to become more organized, to anticipate needs, to act more quickly to take care of details that had distracted him from fishing. He began an exercise and sports therapy regimen that he says has made him the fittest he's been in his life. His approaching 40th birthday in July added to his motivation to not settle for anything but the best he could do.

And the reinvented Brent Chapman began to win tournaments. His first of 2012 came at the Open level in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Lake Lewisville,Texas, in February. His second win was at the Elite level on Toledo Bend Reservoir out of Many, La., in June. In between, Chapman achieved three more Top 12s, and only once failed to make the first cut.

Where will he keep his newest trophy?

"Right up on my desk, next to the other two trophies of the year," he said.

Chapman made the Top 12 cut to return Sunday to Oneida Lake for a run at the event title -- and another $100,000. Even with the crown secured, he was up for it.

"I look forward to the day; I'm just going fishing," he said.

A reporter pointed out he was about 4 pounds behind the leader, his buddy Randy Howell.

"I gotta root for Randy," Chapman smiled. "I am going to do everything in my power to help him win this thing. But if I go catch a 20-pound bag, who knows what could happen?"
2012 Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, MinnKota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

"KittyCam" Reveals High Levels of Wildlife Being Killed by Outdoor Cats

A new study of house cats allowed to roam outdoors finds that nearly one-third succeeded in capturing and killing animals. The cats, which wore special video cameras around their necks that recorded their outdoor activities, killed an average of 2.1 animals every week they were outside, but brought less than one of every four of their kills home. Of particular interest, bird kills constituted about 13 percent of the total wildlife kills. Based on these results, American Bird Conservancy and The Wildlife Society estimate that house cats kill far more than the previous estimate of a billion birds and other animals each year.

            The study was carried out by scientists from the University of Georgia and the National Geographic Society's Crittercam program.

            “The results were certainly surprising, if not startling,” said Kerrie Anne Loyd of theUniversity of Georgia, who was the lead author of the study. “In Athens-Clarke County, we found that about 30 percent of the sampled cats were successful in capturing and killing prey, and that those cats averaged about one kill for every 17 hours outdoors or 2.1 kills per week. It was also surprising to learn that cats only brought 23 percent of their kills back to a residence.  We found that house cats will kill a wide variety of animals, including: lizards, voles, chipmunks, birds, frogs, and small snakes.”

            Loyd and her colleagues attached small video cameras (dubbed Crittercams or KittyCams) to 60 outdoor house cats in the city of Athens Georgia, and recorded their outdoor activities during all four seasons.  Loyd said the cats were outside for an average of 5-6 hours every day.

            “If we extrapolate the results of this study across the country and include feral cats, we find that cats are likely killing more than 4 billion animals per year, including at least 500 million birds. Cat predation is one of the reasons why one in three American bird species are in decline,” said Dr. George Fenwick, President of American Bird Conservancy, the only organization exclusively conserving birds throughout the Americas.

            “I think it will be impossible to deny the ongoing slaughter of wildlife by outdoor cats given the videotape documentation and the scientific credibility that this study brings,” said Michael Hutchins, Executive Director/CEO of The Wildlife Society, the leading organization for wildlife professionals in the United States. “There is a huge environmental price that we are paying every single day that we turn our backs on our native wildlife in favor of protecting non-native predatory cats at all cost while ignoring the inconvenient truth about the mortality they inflict.”

            Volunteer cat owners were recruited through advertisements in local newspapers, and all selected cats were given a free health screening. Each cat owner downloaded the footage from the camera at the end of each recording day.

            The new study does not include the animals killed by feral cats that have no owners. A University of Nebraska study released last year found that feral cats were responsible for the extinction of 33 species of birds worldwide, that even well fed cats in so-called “managed” cat colonies will kill, that feral cats prey more on native wildlife than on other invasive creatures, and that most feral cats (between 62 and 80 percent) tested positive for toxoplasmosis (a disease with serious implications for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems).

            This study was collaboration between Kerrie Anne Loyd and Dr. Sonia Hernandez from the University of Georgia, and Greg Marshall, Kyler Abernathy, and Barrett Foster of National Geographic’s Remote Imaging Department and was funded in part by the Kenneth Scott Charitable Foundation. For further information, please contact either kloyd@uga.eduor shernz@uga.edu.

            View video and photos from the KittyCam at the University of Georgia's website

http://www.kittycams.uga.edu/photovideo.html.

Largest Snake ever Recorded in Florida Captured - with 87 Eggs

Researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey in Florida have captured a 17-foot-7-inch-long, 164.5-pound Burmese python in Everglades National Park, a record for the state. Scientists found out later that the snake also contained a state record, 87 eggs.

            The animal was brought to the Florida Museum of Natural History for examination as part of a long-term project with the U.S. Department of the Interior to research methods for managing the state’s invasive Burmese python problem. Burmese pythons are known to prey on native birds, posing an additional and growing threat to some populations already in trouble.  They have also been recorded preying on deer, bobcats, alligators, and other large animals.

            Between 2003 and 2008, scientists from the Smithsonian Institution, South Florida NaturalResources Center and the University of Florida examined the snake’s predation of the area’s birds.

            The scientists collected 343 Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park. Eighty-five of these snakes had bird remains in their intestinal tracts. From these remains the team identified 25 species of birds by comparing feathers and bone fragments with specimens in the Smithsonian’s collection. The results reflected a wide variety of species, from the 5-inch-long House Wren to the 4-foot-long Great Blue Heron. Four of the species identified (Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, White Ibis and Limpkin) are listed as “species of special concern” by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The team also identified the remains of a Wood Stork, which is a federally endangered species.

            “This new record snake demonstrates dramatically how well these animals have adapted to theEverglades and the danger they pose to birds and other native wildlife,” said George Wallace, Vice-President of American Bird Conservancy.

            Florida has the world’s worst invasive reptile and amphibian problem.  A 20-year study published in September 2011 in the journal Zootaxa showed 137 non-native species were introduced to Floridabetween 1863 and 2010. The Burmese python was one of 56 non-native species determined to be reproducing and established in the state.

            Native to Southeast Asia, the Burmese python is one of the deadliest and most competitive predators in South Florida. This and other exotic snakes found in the region are the result of pet owners accidentally or intentionally releasing them into the wild. The first python was found in the Everglades in 1979, and with no known natural predators and vast areas of available habitat that facilitates their spread and makes eradication extremely difficult, the population has grown dramatically. The Burmese python was determined to be an established species in 2000, and today, population estimates today range from the thousands to hundreds of thousands.

            A USGS study published in January 2012 revealed drastic declines in the number of mid-sized mammals in the Everglades that may be associated with the rise in the invasive snake population. The most severe declines, including a nearly complete disappearance of raccoons, rabbits, and opossums, have occurred in the remote southernmost regions of the park, where pythons have been established the longest.

            Everglades National Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are partnering with other agencies to address the increasing snake populations. State law now prohibit people from owning Burmese pythons as pets, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has made it illegal to transport Burmese pythons and three other species of snake (the yellow anaconda, and the northern and southern African pythons) across state lines without a federal permit. Florida residents also may obtain permits to hunt pythons in certain wildlife management areas during established seasons.

            Previous records for Burmese pythons captured in the wild were 16.8 feet long and 85 eggs. Following scientific investigation, the new record snake will be mounted for exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History for about five years, and then returned for exhibition at Everglades National Park.

Status of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in Kansas

The attached map shows where deer have been tested and the status of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in Kansas. EHD is a hemorrhagic disease caused by a virus and spread by the bite of a midge or small fly, usually during the late summer or early fall, when the midge becomes active.

This virus is not transmissible to humans. The virus is not known to be transmissible from an infected deer to other deer through individual contact.

There are several forms of EHD. Some forms of EHD kill deer quickly while others simply make the deer sick for a while before recovering. The virus can lead to high fever, causing infected deer to seek water to cool off. Dead deer usually are found in or near water. In most cases, infected deer are in good body condition because the disease usually runs its course and kills the animal quickly. EHD is not a threat to humans.

          The public should report any sick deer or deer that are acting abnormal to their local Natural Resource Officer or Regional Office. A listing of the 5 KDWPT Regional Offices is available online athttp://www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Services/Law-Enforcement/Who-do-I-call.

2012 Kansas Hunting Regulations Summary Online

Printed copies available in early September

Printed copies of the 2012 Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary will be available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices and license vendors around the state about the first of September, but hunters can view or download the summary beginning Aug. 24 at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. Type “Hunting Regulations” in the search box or click on “Hunting” then “Hunting Regulations.”

As always, this year's booklet contains several new regulations. In addition to changes in season dates, significant new regulations include the following:

Big game animals

Crossbows may be used during the archery season by hunters who possess a youth big game permit valid during the archery season and hunters 55 and older who possess a big game permit valid during the archery season.

In a two-year pilot project, any person with an archery or any season deer permit valid in deer management units 1, 12, 15, and 19 may use a crossbow during deer archery season, regardless of age or disability. Each person age 16 through 54 shall obtain a free crossbow hunter survey number from the KDWPT website before hunting with a crossbow during archery season.

Migratory birds

Doves shall only be taken while in flight.

Legal shooting hours for sandhill cranes are from sunrise to sunset throughout the season.

2013 Senior license exemption

On Jan. 1, 2013, hunters age 65-74 will be required to have a hunting license. A reduced-price lifetime combination hunting/fishing license or a half-price annual fishing, annual hunting, or combination annual license will be available.

Upland game

The Southwest Prairie Chicken Unit now includes that area west of U.S. Highway 281 and south of Hwy 96. The Northwest Unit includes that area west of U.S. Highway 281 and north of Highway 96 and will offer an early season, Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

Prairie chicken hunters must purchase a $2.50 prairie chicken permit before harvesting a bird this fall.

Public lands (including WIHA)

Commercial guides must have a permit, available on the KDPWT website, to guide on public lands. The permit is free and must be specific to the land where guiding takes place.

Baiting while hunting or preparing to hunt is illegal on public lands.

Only two portable blinds or tree stands are allowed per hunter.

Portable blinds may not be left unattended overnight.

Tree stands and portable blinds must be marked with the owner’s name and address or KDWPT number.

Decoys may not be left unattended overnight.

Turkey

Management units for fall turkey hunting have changed to six units.

Other regulations are covered in this indispensable booklet. Download a copy as soon as it’s available or pick up a printed copy in early September.

Blue-green Algae Notices for Aug. 23

One lake downgraded to Advisory; one lake lifted from list

On Aug. 23, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae, and alerts for two lakes have changed. As a result of this week’s water sampling, the health advisory has been lifted at AntiochPark Lake (South), Johnson County, and McPherson County State Fishing Lake has been moved from a Warning to an Advisory level. These are the only changes from last week’s testing results.

When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water because conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

Current Public Health Warnings

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Warning” status:

♦ Central Park Lake — Shawnee County 
♦ Centralia Lake — Nemaha County
♦ Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County
♦ Harvey County West Park Lake, — Harvey County
♦ Logan City Lake — Phillips County
♦ Memorial/Veterans Lake — Great Bend, Barton County
♦ South Lake Park — Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets, and livestock drink untreated lake water.

• Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing.

• Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts.

• Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae.

• If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible.

• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Current Public Health Advisories

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets, and livestock. These Kansas public waters are currently under “Advisory” status:

♦ Brown County State Fishing Lake — Brown County

♦ Chisholm Creek Park Lake North — Sedgwick County

♦ Deanna Rose Farmstead — Johnson County

♦ McPherson County SFL — McPherson County (Downgraded from Warning)

♦ Riggs Park Lake — Sedgwick County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water.

• Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts.

• Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae.

• If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible.

• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online atkdheks.gov/algae-illness.

KDHE has also issued a stream notice this week. As a result of the statewide drought,Kansas streams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering.

KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to initially screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website.

Additionally, KDHE has noticed a number of pooled streams having high bacteria concentrations, presenting a risk to anyone using those pools for recreation. KDHE advises citizens to be aware of recreation activities at and above stagnant pools in streams. Those pools may contain high levels of bacteria levels. Use of public water bodies, particularly lakes and reservoirs, continues to be the best opportunity for low-risk water recreation and is encouraged.

KWPT Commission Approves Duck and Goose Seasons

Low Plains Southeast Zone duck season to open Nov. 15

The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission approved season dates for the 2012-2013 duck and goose seasons at a public hearing conducted at the Kansas Wetlands EducationCenter near Great Bend on Aug. 23. Duck seasons are as follows: High Plains Unit – Oct. 6-Dec. 30 and Jan. 19-27, 2013; Low Plains Early Zone – Oct. 6-Dec. 2 and Dec. 15-30, 2012; Low Plains Late Zone – Oct. 27-Dec. 30 and Jan. 19-27, 2013; Low Plains Southeast Zone – Nov. 15, 2012-Jan. 27, 2013.

The 2012-2013 goose seasons are as follows: White-fronted geese – Oct. 27-Dec. 30 and Feb. 2-10, 2013; Canada and brant geese – Oct. 27-Nov. 4 and Nov. 7, 2012-Feb. 10, 2013; Light geese (Ross’ and snow) – Oct. 27-Nov. 4 and Nov. 7, 2012-Feb. 10, 2013; Light geese conservation order – Feb. 11-April 30, 2013.

Shooting hours for duck and goose hunting are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit for ducks is 6 ducks with species and sex restrictions as follows: 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be hens), 3 wood ducks, 2 pintails, 2 redheads and 1 canvasback. Daily bag limit for mergansers is 5 (only 2 of which may be hooded). Daily bag limit for coots is 15. Daily bag limits for geese are as follows: 3 Canada geese, 2 white-fronted geese, and 20 light geese. Possession limit for ducks and geese is twice the daily bag limit, except there is no possession limit for light geese. During the conservation order for light geese, there is no daily bag or possession limit.

Special youth waterfowl seasons allow youth 15 and younger to hunt under the supervision of an adult 18 years old or older. The adult may not hunt. Shooting hours and bag limits are the same as during the regular duck and goose seasons. Youth seasons are as follows: High Plains Unit and Low Plains Early Zone – Sept. 29-30; Low Plains Late Zone – Oct. 20-21; and Low Plains Southeast Zone – Nov. 3-4.

The Commission also approved changes to the falconry regulations, which bring Kansasstate regulations in compliance with federal requirements and allows falconers to operate under a state-managed system with federal oversight.

Changes were approved to rehabilitation permit regulations as a result of changes in the falconry regulations related to the possession requirements for treatment of injured animals.

The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will meet next on October 18 at Flint Oak,Fall River.

Sixty-five Prairie Dogs Relocated to Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

For the full report visit http://audubonofkansas.org/2012/08/22/sixty-five-prairie-dogs-relocated-to-hutton-niobrara-ranch-wildlife-sanctuary/

This is a report on the status of our project that involves transferring prairie dogs from the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge to the 5,000-acre Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary in order to establish a new colony.  Please be sure to view the extensive photo gallery with detailed descriptions on our website. Click here to visit the gallery. We are hoping that the experience and information obtained will help to encourage and/or prove useful to other landowners and managers who want to establish new and/or maintain existing prairie dog colonies-and also benefit many of the associated wildlife species (including Burrowing Owls, Swift Foxes, Ferruginous Hawks, Golden Eagles and Ornate Box Turtles).  In particular, success with fencing may prove useful for landowners who want to include it along with other techniques, such as vegetative barriers, to discourage dispersal from existing prairie dog colonies to adjacent areas where they are not wanted.

Fishing Legend Videos Available to Support KeepAmericaFishing

Legendary professional anglers from across the country recently gathered at the 2012 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, to show their support for KeepAmericaFishing, the American Sportfishing Association's (ASA) angler advocacy campaign.

Fishing legends such as Kevin VanDam, Mike Iaconelli, Chris Lane, Shaw Grigsby, Lefty Kreh and Mark Sosin share what fishing means to them and how supporting KeepAmericaFishing helps ensure that our nation's waters remain open, clean and abundant with fish.

KeepAmericaFishing is working hard on behalf of all anglers, from novice to professional, to support fisheries conservation and keep our public waters open to recreational fishing. Together, we can ensure the future of recreational fishing for generations to come, and keep America fishing.

Videos are available at http://www.keepamericafishing.org/ambassadors.html or athttp://www.youtube.com/keepamericafishing.

7th Annual Darrell Brown Memorial Youth Upland Hunt Oct. 27

Hunt for youth ages 12 through 18

Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever No. 424, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), Pheasant Runn Controlled Shooting Area, and the Hunting Heritage Group, Inc., will host the 7th Annual Darrell Brown Youth Upland Hunt, in memory of former volunteer Darrell Brown, on Oct. 27. The event will be held at Hays City Sportsman Club, ¼ mile north of I-70 off Exit 157 near Hays.

The hunt is for youth ages 12 through 18 years old. Each youth hunter will have the opportunity to harvest at least four birds while hunting over pointing dogs.

Participants will hunt and be mentored on a variety of related subjects, including how to hunt with pointing dogs, field safety, how hunting dogs are trained, gun handling, how to clean and prepare harvested birds, and what type of habitat to look for when hunting upland birds. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is also incorporated into the event.

Special hunts like this are part of KDWPT’s Hunter Recruitment and Retention Program, called PASS IT ON. This program recruits new hunters and helps retain existing hunters to ensure the future of hunting and wildlife conservation.

To register for the hunt, contact Shayne Wilson at 785-628-1415, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no charge for the event.

El Dorado State Park Named Top "Waterpark"

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation lists eight best parks

El Dorado State Park has been voted by fans of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Take Me Fishing campaign as one of eight best “waterparks” in the country. This summer, RBFF fans visited the organization’s Facebook page to participate in Nature’s Waterpark Showdown. Each fan was invited to help determine the top eight natural “waterparks,” or state parks, for boating and fishing inAmerica. Participants could also register to win the grand prize, a vacation to a state park for a family of four.

El Dorado State Park, in Butler County, was voted one of the top eight state parks in America based on fishing, boating, and “family fun.”

The list of eight stretched from New Hampshire to Kansas, including these parks:

♦ Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma

♦ Itasca State Park, Minnesota

♦ Blue Spring State Park, Florida

♦ El Dorado State Park, Kansas

♦ Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania

♦ Cave Lake State Park, Nevada

♦ Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

♦ Wellington State Park, New Hampshire

El Dorado Reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was completed in June of 1981. The lake consists of approximately 8,000 surface acres of water, 4,500 acres of state park lands, and 3,500 acres of wildlife area. The park consists of four primary campgrounds offering a full service marina, a sailing club, approximately 1,000 campsites, picnic shelters, rental cabins, trails (horse, hiking, and bicycling), swim beaches, shower houses and restrooms, ADA playgrounds, boat ramps, and a laundry facility. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism manages the park and the reservoir resources.

For more information on the Nature’s Waterpark Showdown winners visit the Take Me Fishing™ Facebook page at facebook.com/takemefishing. The parks showcased in the campaign are just a fraction of the many outdoor recreation spots available throughout the nation. For more information on boating and fishing and a full list of places to participate in the sports, visit TakeMeFishing.org.

Visit the El Dorado State Park website at http://www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/El-Dorado