Kansas pheasant and quail seasons open November 14, honoring an opening-day tradition that draws hunters to Kansas from all parts of the country and from all walks of life. The second Saturday in November is marked on bird hunters’ calendars and holds the same excitement for them that Christmas Day holds for youngsters.
The seasons are Nov. 14, 2015-Jan. 31, 2016. The daily bag limit for pheasants is four roosters per day, and the possession limit 16 on and after the fourth day. The daily bag limit on quail is eight, and the possession limit is 32 on and after the fourth day. Pheasants must retain proof of sex while in transit. Unless exempt by law, resident hunters age 16-74 must have a resident hunting license and all nonresident hunters must have a nonresident hunting license. Hunter education certification is required except for youth under 16 hunting under the direct supervision of an adult. Hunters must carry the hunter education certificate while hunting until they reach 28 years of age. Hunters 16 and older without hunter education certification may purchase an apprentice license and hunt with adult supervision.
Pheasant populations have rebounded nicely in many parts of the state as drought conditions, which persisted from 2011 through 2013, have abated. Hunting prospects are much better this year than they have been in more than three years although the overall pheasant harvest may be below average. Bobwhite quail numbers have rebounded even better and in many areas will provide excellent hunting opportunities. With a return to more normal rainfall amounts, habitat conditions are good in most regions.
The Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA) program has more than 1 million acres enrolled this year, much of it in prime pheasant country. Printed versions of the2015 Kansas Hunting Atlas, which includes maps of all WIHA tracts, as well as all state and federal public hunting areas, can be picked up at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices and wherever licenses are sold.
For more information about regulations, license fees, and other season dates, consult the 2015 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary, available at KDWPT offices and wherever licenses are sold. The regulations pamphlet and hunting atlas are also available online at www.ksoutdoors.com.
Photo credit: Kev Chapman
