Outdoor Adventures
Phil Taunton
Originally published 02:11 p.m., May 30, 2008
Updated 02:11 p.m., May 30, 2008
Memorial Day weekend found me down at the cabin on Council Grove City Lake with family.
I once prayed for strength to raise my kids, and now I’m looking for energy just to keep up with the grandkids!
Were we that rambunctious when we were young? I’m sure proud they have a thirst for our natural world and are wide-eyed with wonder. I better get to jogging and taking my vitamins. I have been told I will be hosting ‘Camp Papa’ at the end of June!
Crappie and channel cat kept our angling efforts rewarded to say the least. Minnows off the dock were the ticket for us.
“Papa, take the pole. It’s too big and pulling too hard.” That’s one fish we will remember for a long time!
Several fishermen drifting the flats were picking up walleye here and there using bottom bouncers and assorted jig and worm combinations. Now until the end of June is prime time to drift the flats for these post-spawn walleye.
Sean Stuck, owner of The Tackle Box, 28 S. Commercial St., would be the person to talk to if you need an up-to-date fishing report concerning Lyon County and surrounding areas. He also can be reached at 342-2829. I stopped in on Thursday for a tip or two concerning catching Mr. Whiskers and couldn’t believe how great the fishing is and has been around Emporia. A number of big yellow cats have been taken at Soden’s on the Cottonwood and nice channel cats are being caught at Lyon County State Fishing Lake. Nightcrawlers have been producing well. Sean said fishing in the Eagle Creek area west of John Redmond was great for crappie this spring. Guides Needed
A couple of weeks ago I did a story concerning the Governor’s Cup fishing tournament. Since then, I spoke with Charlie Black, the executive director of Kansas Wildscape, and does he have a deal for you!
Junction City and Milford Reservoir, in conjunction with Kansas Wildscape, will be hosting the 12th Annual Governor’s Golf and Fishing Classic. This event is still in need of guides. “Guides” don’t have to be professional guides — although those canny pros are more than welcome — but anyone with a fishing boat, tackle for two fishing partners and a little fishing savvy can sign up as a guide and join with a couple of contestants the day of the event. Guides receive free entrance into the tournament (a savings of $200), a gas card, plus a number of nice gifts donated by Wildscape’s sponsors and generous businesses around the Junction City area. That’s a good deal this day and age by anyone’s standards. Cash and prizes also will be awarded to the winning teams in four categories: Walleye, Wiper, Catfish and most fish in all species.
Charlie also asked that you or an organization you are affiliated with might consider sponsoring a soldier to compete in the event. This is your chance to show your appreciation to our men and women in uniform. For more information, please contact Mary Lee Norris, Kansas Wildscape, at marylee@sunflower.com or (785) 843-9453. More information can be found at http://www.kansaswildscape.org.
The Kansas Wildscape Foundation is a non-profit organization. Its purpose is to create and promote outdoor opportunities in Kansas. The Foundation encourages conservation and responsible use of natural resources by promoting positive Kansas outdoor ethics and hope to accomplish these goals through education efforts and awareness programs primarily focused on Kansas’ youth.
Outdoor Adventure Camp
Once the grandkids get older, I might just have an ace in the hole …
The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) and the K-State Cooperative Extension Service are sponsoring their annual Outdoor Adventure Camp (OAC) June 8-13 at the Camp WaShunGa area of Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City. Youngsters who enjoy being outdoors are encouraged to attend.
Kids ages 10 through 12 will spend mornings exploring the grounds at Rock Springs with instructors, experiencing Kansas animals and plants close up.
Learning sessions include insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, fish management, wildlife management, wetlands, birds and stream ecology.
Afternoons are spent learning about birds of prey, skins and skulls, bats and stream ecology. Instructors from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas State University, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, county conservation districts, the Riley County Fish and Game, 4-H clubs and other organizations will be on hand to educate the kids and show them a good time.
If the weather cooperates, evening swims will be followed by campfire stories and snacks. A friendly fishing competition also is planned.
Other activities include scavenger hunts, basic canoeing, riflery, shotgunning and archery. Horseback riding also will be available, along with a field trip to the Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery.
Participants should bring a swimsuit, sleeping gear and clothes for a week. Sunscreen, insect repellent, a cap, a fishing pole and a water bottle also are recommended. Food, instruction and lodging are all included in the $225 price of the six-day camp.
Several Kansas sportsmen’s clubs offer Outdoor Adventure Camp scholarships. KWF and the Outdoor Writers of Kansas offer scholarships in cooperation with Kansas Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Space is limited and the registration deadline is Wednesday.
For applications or camp or scholarship information, call Theresa Berger at (785) 526-7466 or e-mail her at gkwf@wtciweb.com.