Kansas, known for its rich hunting heritage, offers a diverse range of hunting seasons, regulated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT). From deer to waterfowl, these Kansas hunting seasons provide ample opportunities for hunters to enjoy the state’s natural resources while contributing to wildlife management and conservation. Understanding the specific seasons, licensing, and regulations is essential for an enjoyable and responsible hunting experience in Kansas.
When does Kansas hunting season begin?
In Kansas, there are many different hunting opportunities available. This state has healthy numbers of whitetail and mule deer, and it uses a draw method to distribute hunting licenses. Duck hunting is particularly well-liked in December and January since there are 27 different species of duck. Goose hunting is also fairly popular in Kansas since there are nine distinct subspecies of waterfowl there. Pheasants and bobwhite quail are common game birds, and there are two Kansas hunting seasons for turkeys: spring and fall.
Sandhill Cranes, Crows, Woodcocks, Snipes, Doves, Greater Prairie Chickens, Mergansers, Coots, Rails, Teal, Bull Frogs, and Antelope are among the other game species. The complete list of Kansas hunting seasons for 2023–2024 is provided below for hunters who want more detailed information on individual species and dates for hunting.
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
| Antelope – Early Archery See Regulations for Units. | Sep 23, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 |
| Antelope – Muzzleloader See Regulations for Units. | Oct 2, 2023 | Oct 9, 2023 |
| Antelope – Firearm See Regulations for Units. | Oct 6, 2023 | Oct 9, 2023 |
| Coyote There is no closed season for trapping or hunting coyotes. Motor vehicles and radios in vehicles may be used to hunt coyotes only. A fur harvester license is required to trap and sell; a hunting license is required to hunt and sell. | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2023 |
| Coyote – Night Vision Permit Season Artificial light, scopes, and equipment that amplify visible light, and thermal imaging scopes and thermal imaging equipment may be used to hunt coyotes from Jan. 1 thru March 31 (use of this equipment is not permitted on department lands and waters, including WIHA, and may not be used in conjunction with the use of a vehicle) | Jan 1, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 |
| Sandhill Crane – West Zone Sandhill Crane. Daily bag limit is 3. | Oct 21, 2023 | Dec 17, 2023 |
| Sandhill Crane – Central Zone Sandhill Crane. Daily bag limit is 3. | Nov 8, 2023 | Jan 4, 2024 |
| Deer – Special Extended Archery Valid in DMU 19, 10A (Fort Leavenworth) | Jan 23, 2023 | Jan 31, 2023 |
| Deer – Youth and Disability Statewide | Sep 2, 2023 | Sep 10, 2023 |
| Deer – Archery Statewide | Sep 11, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Deer – Muzzleloader Statewide | Sep 12, 2023 | Sep 24, 2023 |
| Deer – Pre-rut Whitetail Antlerless Statewide | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 9, 2023 |
| Deer – Regular Firearm Statewide | Nov 29, 2023 | Dec 10, 2023 |
| Deer – Extended Firearms 1 Antlerless Whitetail only. Valid in Units 6, 8, 9, 10 and 17 | Jan 1, 2024 | Jan 7, 2024 |
| Deer – Extended Firearms 2 Antlerless Whitetail only. Units 10A, 12, 13, 15 and 19 only. | Jan 1, 2024 | Jan 21, 2024 |
| Deer – Extended Firearms 3 Antlerless Whitetail only in Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 14 and 16 | Jan 1, 2024 | Jan 14, 2024 |
| Dove – Exotic Dove Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves only. | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Dove – Migratory Dove Mourning and whitewing. Bag limit 15 per day. | Sep 2, 2023 | Nov 29, 2023 |
| Duck – Teal Low Plains Bag limit: 6. Area open: East of Hwy. U. S. 283 | Sep 9, 2023 | Sep 24, 2023 |
| Duck – Teal High Plains Daily bag limit: 6 Area open: West of Hwy. U. S. 283 | Sep 16, 2023 | Sep 24, 2023 |
| Duck – High Plains Youth Waterfowl High Plains Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 |
| Duck – Low Plains Youth Waterfowl (Early) Low Plaines Early. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. (low plains early) | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 |
| Duck – High Plains Segment 1 High Plains Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Oct 7, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Duck – Low Plains Early Zone Segment 1 Early Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Oct 7, 2023 | Dec 3, 2023 |
| Duck – Low Plains Youth Waterfowl (Late) Low Plaines Late. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Oct 21, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Duck – Late Low Plains 1 Late Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Oct 28, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Duck – Southeast Zone Youth Waterfowl Southeast Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 5, 2023 |
| Duck – Low Plains Southeast – Segment 1 Southeast Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Nov 11, 2023 | Jan 7, 2024 |
| Duck – Early Low Plains Zone Segment 2 Early Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Dec 23, 2023 | Jan 7, 2024 |
| Duck – Low Plains Southeast – Segment 2 Southeast Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Jan 13, 2024 | Jan 28, 2024 |
| Duck – High Plains Segment 2 High Plains Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Jan 19, 2024 | Jan 28, 2024 |
| Duck – Late Low Plains 2 Late Zone. Bag limit: 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one pintail. | Jan 20, 2024 | Jan 28, 2024 |
| Elk – Regular Firearm Third Segment Statewide except Fort Riley, Subunit 2a, and Unit 1. | Jan 1, 2023 | Mar 15, 2023 |
| Elk – Regular Firearm Third Segment Statewide except Fort Riley, Subunit 2a, and Unit 1. | Jan 1, 2023 | Mar 15, 2023 |
| Fox – Red, Gray, & Swift Statewide. All furbearer hunting, trapping, and running seasons begin at 12:00 a.m. on opening day and close at midnight of closing day. | Nov 15, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Geese 1 Statewide. Bag limit 6 per day. | Oct 28, 2023 | Oct 29, 2023 |
| Goose – White-Fronted Geese 1 Statewide. Bag limit 2 per day. | Oct 28, 2023 | Dec 31, 2024 |
| Goose – Light Geese 1 Statewide. Bag limit 50 per day. | Oct 28, 2023 | Oct 29, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Geese 2 Statewide. Bag limit 6 per day. | Nov 1, 2023 | Feb 11, 2024 |
| Goose – Light Geese 2 Statewide. Bag limit 50 per day. | Nov 1, 2023 | Feb 11, 2024 |
| Goose – White-Fronted Geese 2 Statewide. Bag limit 2 per day. | Jan 20, 2024 | Feb 11, 2024 |
| Goose – Conservation Order Light Geese. No limit. During the Conservation Order, unplugged shotguns and electronic calls may be used. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. | Feb 12, 2024 | Apr 30, 2024 |
| Greater Prairie Chicken Regular Season Greater Prairie Chicken Unit Bag Limit: 2 | Sep 15, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Pheasant – Youth Season Bag Limit: 4 cocks per day. | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 5, 2023 |
| Pheasant Bag limit 4 per day. | Nov 11, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Quail – Youth Season Bag limit 8 per day. | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 5, 2023 |
| Quail – Regular Season Bag limit 8 per day. | Nov 11, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Rabbit – Cottontail and Jackrabbit Daily bag limit: 10 | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Turkey – Spring Youth/Disabled Unit listed on permit. | Apr 1, 2023 | Apr 11, 2023 |
| Turkey – Spring Archery Unit listed on permit. | Apr 3, 2023 | Apr 11, 2023 |
| Turkey – Spring Regular Unit listed on permit. Firearm/Archery | Apr 12, 2023 | May 31, 2023 |
Hunting rules in Kansas
- Bait and weapons cannot be used to hunt large wildlife like deer or elk.
- The minimum amount of daylight neon orange required for hunting during the rifle deer and turkey seasons is 400 square inches.
- It is required to report every deer and turkey kill within 24 hours.
- Using a flashlight or any other artificial light to hunt at night is prohibited by law.
- The use of electronic calls is only authorized while hunting turkeys.
- Sundays are off-limits to hunting, with a few exceptions for birds and animals.
- To hunt in Kansas while visiting or traveling, you must have a non-resident hunting license.
- No matter their age, all hunters must have a valid hunting license.
- Hunting is not permitted from or while using a vehicle.
- All hunters must always have their hunting licenses and identification on them.
- Without the owner’s consent, hunting is prohibited within 100 yards of a house or another occupied structure.
- Without the owner’s express consent, hunting is not permitted on private land.
- During the bowhunting season, crossbow usage is not permitted.
- It is illegal to hunt migrating birds without a federal duck stamp.
- Without the right permission or license, hunting is not permitted on federal, state, or local lands.
- Using a shotgun with more than three rounds is prohibited while hunting game birds other than the turkey.
- When a bow’s draw weight is under 40 pounds, hunting is not allowed.
- Using a weapon that requires more than one person to transport and wield while hunting is against the law.
- Hunting with a weapon devoid of a safety mechanism is prohibited by law.
- During certain times of the year, it is illegal to go on a big game hunt, such as one for deer or elk.
- Except for the turkey, game bird hunting is prohibited during closed seasons.
- It is forbidden to use a bow or crossbow to hunt deer or turkey during the restricted seasons.
- Using a rifle or handgun to hunt deer or turkeys during their restricted seasons is against the law.
- It is a major crime to hunt a deer or turkey using bait or an electronic call during a restricted season.
- If a license or tag is missing, deer and turkey hunting is not permitted during closed seasons.
- Hunting for large game species like elk and deer need a current license or tag.
- Except for the turkey, it is illegal to hunt game birds without a valid license or stamp.
- If neither a stamp nor a license is present, hunting migrating birds is forbidden.
- Elk and deer hunting are both prohibited without having completed the required hunter education course.
- Except for the turkey, no hunter may legally pursue any other game bird without first completing the required hunter education training.
- If you wish to go after ducks, you must finish a hunter safety course.
- Elk and deer hunting are both prohibited without having completed the required hunter education course.
- Except for the turkey, no hunter may legally pursue any other game bird without first completing the required hunter education training.
- Shooting migrating birds is prohibited for anybody who has not completed a hunter safety course that has been approved by the state.
- Elk and deer hunting are both prohibited without having completed the required hunter education course.
- Hunting game birds (other than the turkey) without first completing a state-approved hunter education course is against the law.
Hunting Licenses and Other Requirements
Unless they qualify for a particular exception, all Kansas residents between the ages of 16 and 74 who want to shoot deer must acquire a resident hunting license. There are licenses available with yearly or five-year expiration dates. Senior and youth permits are subsidized for residents aged 65 and older. Also available are multiyear licensing options for seniors and minors.
Any nonresident who wants to shoot deer in Kansas must acquire a Kansas nonresident license, regardless of age. Both residents and non-residents can purchase combination licenses that provide them access to both hunting and fishing.
Residents may also purchase lifetime combo licenses. Additionally, licenses may be acquired via license agents like Walmart or other sporting goods shops or at any KDWP office.
Permits for Deer Season
Hunting licenses and deer permits must be purchased separately by deer hunters. There are several deer permits available in Kansas for both citizens and non-residents. Some are always accessible, while others have a limited supply and are given out via a drawing and application procedure. Each permit specifies the deer species, deer sex, and units for which it is valid. A summary of each permission is given below:
Resident White-tailed Deer, Any Season
Only residents are eligible to acquire this permit, which may be ordered at any time through December 31. The right to take one white-tailed doe, buck, or fawn is valid at any time of year. The gear that hunters use must be allowed throughout the hunting season.
Local Firearm Either Species/Either Sex
This permit is only accessible to residents through an online application and is only given out by drawing. Early June marks the closing date for submissions for this license. One whitetail or mule deer doe, buck, or fawn may only be harvested in the East Zone or West Zone units. Additionally, you may only utilize it during the legal season for carrying firearms. Of course, you have to utilize weaponry appropriate for that time of year.
Residents alone may obtain the Resident Muzzleloader Either Species/Either Sex permit at any time through December 31. It is legal to take one mule or white-tailed deer doe, buck, or fawn with muzzleloading or archery equipment only during the normal firearms and muzzleloader-only season in the East zone or West zone units.
Nonresident Muzzleloader White – Tailed Deer Combo Permit
This nonresident permit is only available through an online application and is given out by drawing. Late April is the application deadline for this permit. During the normal firearms and muzzleloader-only season, it is legal to take one whitetail doe, buck, or fawn and one white-tailed antlerless deer in each of the two units listed on the permit.
Non-residents may also apply for a small number of Mule Deer Stamps if this authorization is granted in certain units. Permits change into nonresident Muzzleloaders when they are won. One mule or one white-tailed deer doe, buck, or fawn may be taken under an Either Species/Either Sex permit in each of the two neighboring units specified on the permit. The permit may only be used to shoot white-tailed deer if the prospective hunter selects a non-mule deer unit.
Nonresident Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer Combo Permit
This permit is comparable to the previously mentioned Nonresident Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer Combo permit. However, this permit is valid while using archery equipment throughout the archery season.
Nonresident Firearm White-tailed Deer Combo Permit
This nonresident permit is only available through an online application and is given out by drawing. Late April is the application deadline for this permit. It is valid in both the unit next to it on the permit’s back and one on the front. During the firearms season, you are permitted to take one whitetail doe, buck, or fawn as well as one antlerless deer.
Hunt-Own Land
This permit is only accessible on property that is owned and used only for agricultural purposes, and only while employing equipment that is legal for that particular season. Only nonresident landowners, landowners, renters, and family members who live with the tenant or landowner are eligible to hunt on it. This license is valid for one doe, buck, or fawn of a whitetail or mule deer.
Special Hunt-Own land
In contrast to the Hunt-Own land above, this permission is only available to the landowner’s siblings, lineal descendants, or their spouses. It is only legitimate on the property owned by the owner or a renter, and only one permit may be issued for every 80 acres of land.
White-tail Antlerless Only
Both residents and nonresidents who hold a permit enabling the taking of an antlerless deer are eligible for this permit. You are allowed to buy up to five of them at any time. Except for DMU 18, the first one purchased is good in any unit. Any season is appropriate for using this permit.
Youth Permits
For child hunters who are 15 years old or younger, this permit is offered at a discounted rate. It is legitimate for the permitted season as well as the September Youth season. 16 and 17-year-old hunters are allowed to hunt during this season, however, they are not qualified for this discounted young permit.
Hunter Education Course Requirements
Before going hunting in Kansas, hunters who were born on or after July 1, 1957, have to satisfactorily finish a hunter education course. A Kansas hunter education card must be carried at all times by underage hunters. If they have successfully finished the training, juvenile hunters between the ages of 12 and 15 may hunt without adult supervision, with the exception of the youth season.
In this age category, young hunters who have not finished the training may hunt under parental supervision. A hunter education course is not required to buy an apprentice hunting license, therefore anybody aged 16 or older who wants to attempt hunting can do so.
The apprentice hunter is permitted to hunt with this license, which has a one-year expiration date, if they are directly supervised by a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old. Only two of these licenses may be obtained by a hunter in their lifetime.
Anyone 11 years of age or older in Kansas may enroll in one of two forms for the hunter education course. The conventional course is delivered in-person by a teacher in a classroom. An online instruction course is followed by an in-person field day in the Internet-assisted course.
Types of Deer Seasons
There are many deer seasons in Kansas during which various tools may be employed. The three most common season kinds are firearm, muzzleloader, and archery. The seasons might only be available in a few units and might only be for antlerless deer.
The first Saturday in September marks the start of the youth/disabled season, which lasts for eight days. The next day, the muzzleloader season begins and lasts for 14 days. The day after the Youth/Disabled season ends to December 31st, archery season also begins. A three-day Pre-rut White-tail Antlerless Firearms Season begins on the second Saturday in October. On the last day of November, the Regular Firearm Season begins and lasts for 12 days.
In certain areas, January offers a number of extended White-tail Antlerless-Only Firearm and Archery Seasons.
Regulations for Different Seasons
Each deer season allows for the use of particular gear. The permitted weapons for each season, together with any other special rules that could be relevant, are listed here.
Archery Season
Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows are all acceptable forms of archery equipment during the archery season. Any electrical gadget that manages the arrow’s trajectory is prohibited. Broadheads that are at least 34 of an inch in diameter when completely extended must be used as arrow tips. No drugs or chemicals are permitted to be used as arrow tips.
Non-broadhead arrows are legal for hunters to have while out hunting, but they cannot be used to kill deer. Luminous nocks, lit pin, dot, or holographic sights, rangefinders, video recorders, radio-frequency positioning devices on arrows, and draw-lock systems on bows are among permitted accessories. The season for archery prohibits the use of firearms.
Muzzleloader Season
During this time, muzzleloading guns are permitted. Bullets may only be put into rifles, pistols, or muskets through the firing chamber’s front. Cartridge-firing modern guns are prohibited.
Bullets used by muzzleloaders must be hard-cast solid lead, conical lead, saboted, or tumble-on-impact, and muzzleloaders must be at least.40 caliber.
Firearm Season
During this time of year, modern weaponry like shotguns, rifles, and pistols are permitted. Centerfire cartridges and expanding, hard-cast solid lead, soft point, hollow point, or tumble-on-impact bullets are required for usage in pistols and rifles. It is forbidden to own automatic-firing firearms. Any shotgun gauge may be used with slug ammo. During this time, muzzleloading weapons and archery are both permitted.
Youth/Disabled Season
Youth hunters who have valid deer licenses and are 17 or under are eligible for this season. The permit specifies the permitted equipment as being either an archery bow, muzzleloader, or weapon. Youth hunters must be directly supervised by an adult who is at least 18 years old. During this season, hunters with handicapped hunting permits are also permitted to hunt.
Extended Firearm Whitetail Antlerless Seasons
There are normally four seasons available in January for the exclusive harvest of antlerless whitetail deer. During this time of year, antlerless deer may not have antlers that are clearly visible on their skulls. Depending on the unit, these seasons may also include a firearms or archery season. Check the most recent dates and season types because these seasons might change annually.
Other Important Regulations
There are important guidelines and standards that hunters should be aware of and abide by when deer hunting in Kansas. This is a condensed list of a few of the noteworthy ones. Hunters should evaluate all of the rules to see how they could apply to their circumstance as this is not an exhaustive list.
The time for shooting is from a one half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sundown. When any weapon or muzzleloader season is open, all hunters and anybody accompanying them must wear blaze orange. It is necessary to wear a headgear and an upper body garment with at least 200 square inches of blazing orange. Both the front and the rear must have a minimum viewable area of 100 square inches each. Orange camouflage patterns are acceptable as long as they adhere to the square-inch specifications.
On private property, hunting and shooting are prohibited without the landowner’s consent. You need the railroad’s permission to hunt on railroad rights of way. On state or federally owned roadways, hunting is prohibited.
The sale of wild game meat is prohibited. Deer may not be pursued or taken from a motor vehicle, aircraft, boat, or any other sort of motorized vehicle unless the hunter is in possession of a current handicapped hunting permit. It is not permitted to hunt, pursue, or communicate the position of deer using two-way radios or cell phones.
Live decoys cannot be used. It is prohibited to shoot deer with electronic calls. Using a spotlight or any other artificial light to detect or locate deer on a road, in a field, on grassland, or in a forest is also prohibited. Possession of any archery equipment or guns is also prohibited. It is prohibited to use a drone to discover or locate deer when hunting.
Hunters are required to look for any deer they may have killed or crippled. You must also gather all meat that is edible. There are laws against throwing away meat.
Tagging and Transporting
You must complete your deer tag after taking a deer and before moving it from the harvest site. For hunters who bought a paper permit and tag, the document needs to be signed before going on the hunt. The tag needs to be visible and fastened to the harvested deer with the required information. Put the paper tag in a plastic bag, secure it to the deer with a zip tie, and it will be shielded from harm.
It is possible to field dress and transport the deer after the tag has been secured to it. The deer tag must remain on the animal during transportation and be preserved with the meat up until it is eaten or disposed of.
If you want to debone your deer’s flesh while it’s still in the field, you can submit a voluntary harvest report online. The permit and tag are kept on the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app for hunters who selected e-tags when they bought their license.
Open the app after harvesting a deer and follow the directions for the relevant e-tag. Hunters may be requested to submit online harvest questionnaires at the conclusion of the hunting season. A arbitrary sample of hunters will be contacted, and state law mandates that they respond to the survey.
Illegal Activities
The following activities are prohibited:
- employing broadhead arrows with medications, chemicals, or any other chemical agent to capture wildlife;
- Except when hunting ducks from a boat with the motor turned off or the sails furled and the movement stopped, it is illegal to fire at, kill, or pursue game from a motorboat, airplane, car, or other water, air, or ground vehicle. Coyotes might be chased down by a car;
- employing two-way radios or mobile phones in any way to pursue, chase, or hunt game animals or furbearers, or to communicate information about the whereabouts of large game through radio or other mechanical means;
- use real decoys;
- except when hunt coyotes, furbearers, rabbits, hares, squirrels, crows, or light geese under the conservation order, utilizing electronic calls;
- when carrying any archery, firearms, or other tool that could be used to take down wildlife, unless you hunt coyotes, it is illegal to shine a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light on a highway, roadway, field, grassland, woodland, or forest in order to spot, locate, or take any wildlife species. You can utilize hat lamps, portable lanterns, or battery-operated flashlights with.17 and.22 rimfire rifles, as well as pistols, to rescue coyotes, bears, or bears that have been caught by dogs;
- shooting at turkeys unless they are on the ground or in flight; shooting at migrating doves, quail, pheasants, and prairie birds unless they are in flight; and
- utilizing a drone for hunting, tracking down animal that has been shot or killed, or for fishing. On property that KDWP does not own or control, a drone may be deployed for reconnaissance. However, hunting is prohibited the day when aerial scouting takes place.
Potential Fines and Other Punishments
In Kansas, stealing a deer can result in penalties, the loss of hunting rights, and perhaps even jail time. The minimum penalty and compensation for illegally taking a trophy buck is $5000. This excludes any potential further court costs and attorney fees.
Three persons admitted using weapons and archery to take deer out of season in 2022. Additionally, some deer were taken without licenses. The first person had to pay $45,000 in penalties and restitution in addition to having his hunting licenses revoked for ten years. The second person was penalized with a $750 fine, $1,688 in court costs, and a two-year ban from hunting. The third person had to surrender a gun and forego hunting rights for a year in addition to being required to pay $5,800 in penalties and reparations.
In Kansas, breaking the law on animals can have dire repercussions. Before each season, all hunters should study and comprehend the rules and guidelines.
Where are the public hunting areas in Kansas?
| Location | Acres | Zip | Game |
| Strong City | 10,894 | 66869 | Whitetail Deer, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| Scott City | 1,280 | 67871 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotics |
| Sedgwick | 1,123 | 67025 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Exotics |
| Norton | 6,400 | 67654 | Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Turkey, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| Jefferson | 11,000 | 66070 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Duck, Exotics |
| Geary | 19,000 | 66514 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Quail, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| Jewell | 2,215 | 66970 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Quail, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| Topeka | 76 | 66606 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotics |
| Meade | 360 | 67864 | Whitetail Deer, Dove, Predator, Exotics |
| McPherson | 4,180 | 67464 | Turkey, Dove, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
Best Public Hunting Land Kansas:
Kansas’ hunting properties offer excellent amenities for hunters, such as campsites, toilets, and restrooms that are well-furnished. In addition, hunters in Kansas must be at least 18 years old to hunt, and a license is not necessary at this age. However, when they are hunting animals, an adult should keep a close eye on them. People with physical disabilities can readily hunt their selected animals thanks to dedicated zones designated on hunting grounds.
Additionally, Kansas law permits hunters to bring their dogs onto hunting grounds, but only if they are leashed and have recent proof of immunization. Dogs are permitted on the hunting grounds, but they shouldn’t be employed for deer and elk shooting. Dogs can, however, be employed to locate injured deer and elk. Additionally, it is forbidden to use narcotics and drink alcohol on hunting grounds. Additionally, Kansas permits hunters to camp on hunting leases for a maximum of 21 consecutive days.
Kansas Hunting:
Public hunting properties in Kansas provide some of the most varied hunting possibilities. Whitetail and mule deer, Rio Grande and Eastern turkeys, as well as upland and waterfowl hunting, are all available in the state. Both the Rio Grande turkey and the Eastern turkey are available in Kansas’ western, central, and eastern regions. Many hunters are prepared to go to a Kansas hunting area in search of better hunting opportunities. Mule deer hunting is excellent in the western third of the state; in fact, we believe it makes up for the difficulties in getting a non-resident mule deer permit. You may anticipate a hunt to remember if you do draw a tag (available for muzzleloaders only).
Additionally, Kansas upland game hunting has a solid reputation. In the wonderful state of Kansas, ring neck pheasants and bobwhite quail frequently share the same habitat. After harvesting your magnificent deer, bring a bird dog on a hunt to make the most of your Kansas hunting property. Public hunting land in Kansas can be just what you’re searching for if you want to go deer hunting.
Kansas Hunting Land:
There are 420,000 acres total accessible for hunting in this state, including both public hunting areas and hunting leases. This is roughly 0.8% of the state’s total area. Kansas hunting grounds offer excellent amenities for hunters, including camp areas, clean restrooms, toilets, fresh drinking water, security, and tuck shops. In addition, hunters in Kansas must be at least 18 years old to hunt, and a license is not necessary at this age. However, when they are hunting animals, an adult should keep a close eye on them.
Public Hunting Land in Southeast Kansas:
More than 60,000 hunters come to Southeast Kansas each year to hunt big and small game, which helps the state’s economy and sparks interest in people for hunting, which is regarded as one of the best outdoor activities in the country.
Chronic Wasting Disease in Kansas
Deer, elk, moose, and other members of the cervid family are susceptible to the neurological, infectious condition known as Chronic Wasting condition (CWD), which damages the nerve system. It is brought on by the aberrant proteins known as prions clumping together in the neurological system. The brain is harmed as a result of the death of neurons.
Weight loss, odd behavior, increased salivation, and a lack of typical body processes are all signs of an infected deer. In many cases, predators kill these animals before hunters see them. The majority of CWD-positive deer are taken by hunters looking normal since symptoms of the disease typically do not manifest for years after infection.
Direct contact with an infected deer or exposure to environmental prions are considered to be the two main ways that deer get the disease. Deer are more likely to congregate in one place when they are baited and fed, which might hasten the spread of the disease. The prions are excreted by sick deer in their saliva, feces, and urine. The prions are environmentally stable and may stay anywhere for a very long time.
The first CWD cases were found in Kansas in 2001, and subsequent positive cases have grown significantly. 190 positive cases were found in 2021, predominantly in the state’s western regions. In every region of the state, the KDWP tests deer slain by hunters that are at least 1.5 years old. Taxidermists, dead animals found on the road, and sick or suspicious deer all provide samples.
The KDWP CWD monitoring program offers free testing for deer that have been harvested by hunters and are 1.5 years old or older. Hunters are instructed to bone out the meat from any deer taken in an area where CWD has been found in order to prevent spreading the prions to unaffected territory.
There is no proof that CWD may be transferred from animals to people. However, it is advised against consuming meat from diseased deer. The boiling of the meat does not kill the prions since they are exceedingly robust. Avoid approaching a deer that appears unwell or is behaving oddly.
Use rubber or latex gloves and handle the deer’s organs sparingly when field dressing it, especially the brain and spinal cord. Don’t field dress deer using everyday cooking tools. Utilize certain instruments. Consider testing your deer for CWD very seriously. To avoid mixing the meat from different deer, if you have your deer commercially prepared, request that it be handled separately. After handling or preparing deer meat, always wash your hands and your equipment thoroughly.
FAQs
1. In Kansas, is nighttime coyote hunting possible?
You’re in luck if you want to go hunting at night. In Kansas, it is legal to shoot coyotes at night, but using artificial lights, such as optics that project or enhance light, is not.
2. When do the deer seasons start in Kansas?
In Kansas, the standard deer hunting season lasts from September through January, however the exact start and finish dates may change depending on the area and the particular species being hunted.
3. When is Kansas’s pheasant hunting season?
The Kansas pheasant season runs from January 31 to December 31, 2023.
4. What rules govern how the game may be played in Kansas?
Yes, it is against the law to use bait when hunting in Kansas. Furthermore, no artificial lighting of any type is allowed to be used when hunting.
5. Is it OK to hunt without a license in Kansas?
In Kansas, a current hunting license is necessary for every hunter. In some situations, non-residents may require special nonresident authorisation.
6. What time of year is hunting season in Kansas?
In Kansas, there are open seasons for grouse, exotic dove, cottontail and jackrabbit, and coyote.
7. In Kansas, is it legal to hunt on private property?
Before entering a property for the purpose of hunting in Kansas, sportsmen must get the landowner’s legal permission.