November marks the beginning of several hunting seasons in Kansas
PRATT – For most people, Christmas comes on Dec. 25, but for hunters and anglers, the best gifts arrive one month earlier. November marks the start of four hunting and fishing seasons that are a must-do in the Sunflower State, and if you’ve never partaken in these fall festivities, you may want to reconsider your plans this upcoming month.
TROUT FISHING: NOV. 1 – APRIL 15
From Nov. 1, 2014-April 15, 2015, anglers can enjoy some of the best fishing opportunities in the state as nearly 30 public fishing areas will be stocked periodically with this special species.
Special permits apply, so consult the 2014 Fishing Regulations Summary for complete details on your favorite waters.
To view a complete trout stocking schedule for a specific location, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing / Special Fishing Programs for You / Trout Fishing Program.”
GOOSE HUNTING
If wild turkeys aren’t your idea of a hardy holiday bird, consider bagging a goose this season. Hunters can pursue geese during the following seasons:
Canada Geese
Season: Nov. 1-9, 2014 AND Nov. 12, 2014-Feb. 15, 2015
Daily bag limit: 6 (including Brant). Possession limit: 18.
White-Fronted Geese
- Season: Nov. 1-Dec. 14, 2014 AND Jan. 17-Feb. 15, 2015
- Daily bag limit: 2. Possession limit: 6.
Light Geese
- Season: Nov. 1-9, 2014 AND Nov. 12, 2014-Feb. 15, 2015
- Daily bag limit: 50. No possession limit.
PHEASANT AND QUAIL SEASON
Recent rains leading to increased brood-rearing habitat across the state have several areas harboring more birds this year. Consider taking a peek at the 2014 Upland Bird Forecast on ksoutdoors.com to locate your next hunting honey pot.
Pheasant
- Regular Season: November 8, 2014 – January 31, 2015
- Youth Season: November 1-2, 2014
- Daily Bag Limit: 4 cocks in regular season, 2 cocks in youth season.
- NOTE: Pheasants in possession for transportation must retain intact a foot, plumage, or some part that will determine sex.
Quail
- Regular Season: November 8, 2014 – January 31, 2015
- Youth Season: November 1-2, 2014
- Daily Bag Limit: 8 in regular season, 4 in youth season.
SANDHILL CRANES
Although not as widely sought-after as geese and ducks, sandhill cranes are a challenging quarry to hunt. Consider experiencing this unique season this year.
- Season: Nov. 5 2014-Jan 1, 2015
- Daily bag limit: 3. Possession limit: 9.
All sandhill crane hunters must take an online crane identification test each year before obtaining the required federal permit to hunt. The test can be found by visiting ksoutdoors.com and clicking “Hunting / Migratory Birds / Sandhill Crane.”
Quivira and Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge are closed to crane hunting.
Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
