KDWP To Soon Offer Durable License Cards
PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is launching a new licensing system in the coming weeks, Go Outdoors Kansas, that will improve the customer experience for all outdoor recreationalists in the Sunflower State. As part of the enhanced system, outdoor-goers will have the ability to purchase a durable license card upgrade that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. These collectible cards resemble the style of a credit card and will be optional for every customer to purchase for an additional $6.
Each card will include the customer’s information and current licenses at the time of purchase. The hard cards may be purchased anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold and will be mailed within one week of purchase.
Two design options will be available for purchase, both featuring artwork created by local illustrator and graphic designer, Dustin Teasley of Pratt, KS. Purchasers can select between a crappie and a pheasant, or purchase both designs. Purchasers must simply have a current fishing or hunting license on file.
For more on when these cards will be available for purchase, visit ksoutdoors.com
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Emporia State University Partner to Provide New
Fishing Opportunity
Posted: 25 Apr 2022 06:18 PM PDT
For Immediate Release:
April 25, 2022
Contacts:
Nadia Reimer CMP®, Chief of Public Affairs
(785) 338-3036
[email protected]
Gwendolynne Larson, Director of Media Relations
(620) 341-5528
[email protected]
(Photo courtesy Emporia State University)
EMPORIA – King Lake, on the northern edge of Emporia State University (ESU) and I-35, will soon be Kansas’ newest waterbody open to the public for fishing, thanks to an ongoing partnership between ESU and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Positioned in front of ESU’s newly constructed Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, King Lake’s fishery will be managed by ESU students enrolled in Fish Ecology and Fisheries Management courses, with the guidance of KDWP Fisheries biologists.
“This arrangement is going to allow students at ESU the opportunity to get hands-on experience managing a fishery, while affording Emporia-area anglers another location to wet a line,” said Ben Neely, KDWP Fisheries biologist. “We’re excited to see this fishery grow and to see more anglers out there enjoying what this lake has to offer.”
An initial survey of the lake was conducted by students in Dr. Rachel Bowes’ Fish Ecology class in November 2021. Working alongside KDWP Fisheries biologists, students sampled 12 fish species, including good numbers of bluegill, largemouth bass, and white crappie. Students also identified management strategies moving forward, which will include supplemental stockings of channel catfish and largemouth bass to help achieve a balanced food web and increase angling opportunities. Additionally, winter stocking of rainbow trout is being considered to provide winter angling opportunities in the area.
“Emporia State University is proud of our long-standing partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks,” said Dr. Brent Thomas, dean of Emporia State’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The presence of a public fishing lake on our campus that is collaboratively managed by our students and the agency will provide unique applied-learning opportunities to our Fisheries and Wildlife students.”
Anglers can access King Lake via the I-35 underpass off Highland Street, east of the KDWP Research and Survey office and ESU soccer field. Currently, fishing regulations for King Lake follow statewide regulations; however, regulations may be adapted as additional surveys are conducted (https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Regulations).
When fishing at King Lake, a current fishing license is required (unless exempt); and, anglers may keep the following:
Species Minimum length Daily creel limit
Channel Catfish NA 10
Crappie NA 50
Largemouth Bass 15 inches 5
For more on fishing in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Fishing.
For more on ESU’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, visit https://www.emporia.edu/about-emporia-state-university/campus-organizations-and-attractions/prophet-aquatic-research-outreach-center/.
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