Outdoor Adventures
Phil Taunton
Friday, January 2, 2009
Deer, oh deer, what can the matter be? Or is there a problem?
Thoughts of “Goodness gracious, Wifeus done mooned the Governor” came to mind when I was first introduced to our former governor and current Secretary of Kansas Wildlife and Parks, Mike Hayden, at a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting in Topeka several years ago.
With a chuckle, I flashed back to the late ’80s and a blustery spring afternoon when I was suppose to be guarding the door of a one-hole portable privy Wifeus was using on the grounds of Cedar Crest, the governor’s mansion. We were attending an awards ceremony for high school seniors at the time when the strong Kansas wind blew the latch out of my hand, swinging the door wide open just as Governor Hayden was walking by. Wifeus, grabbing for the door and her drawers at the same time became flustered and quite embarrassed and, of course, I was accused of falling asleep at the switch once again! It took a while for her to get over this minor indiscretion, I guarantee you!
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is a cabinet-level agency whose secretary is appointed by the governor. The seven-member bipartisan commission is also appointed by the governor and acts in a capacity to advise the secretary and approve regulations governing outdoor recreation and the many natural wildlife resources enjoyed by all outdoorsmen.
I went to my first Commission meeting in 2002 just to see where public sentiment might lie concerning the scarcity of upland game birds in our state for the last several years and what could be done to ensure more game for me, the dogs and for future generations of hunters. Another reason I went was because of my concern for all wildlife, society’s concept of our natural world, and current issues and trends the department faces in our state. One thing we teach in hunter education is for everyone to be safe, knowledgeable and have a concern for the wise use of our natural resources, whether they ever plan to hunt. Attending one of these meetings is a good place to start.
With the din of coffee-shop clamor still ringing in my ears, demanding the shortening of the bird season next year and/or reducing daily bag limits of pheasant, quail and prairie chickens, an elderly gentleman from the Silver Lake area came forward to voice a concern during the afternoon’s public comment segment on non-agenda items. During this part of every meeting, a person can stand in front of the commission, ask questions and say whatever is on their mind. This fellow asked if the department could do something to bring jackrabbits back to eastern Kansas and would prefer it be done during his lifetime. After all, turkey has been restocked, and deer have been managed to the extent that both species flourish, so why not the jackrabbit, whose memory he held dear to his heart since he was a child.
He had a point. I remember when I was a kid there were no turkey, or deer either, for that matter. But there were jackrabbits. It really doesn’t seen that long ago, but I hadn’t seen a jackrabbit in years or given it much thought until I heard this plea for their return.
Like in most January meetings, big-game management, permits and harvest will probably be a hot topic this year, and this meeting is where the commissioners lay the groundwork for future seasons. I’m here to tell you, a lot goes on at one of these meetings and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some cuts in spending by the Department due to the present state of our economy being addressed. All outdoorsmen and lovers of wildlife should attend a commission meeting when the opportunity presents itself. Sort of a speak-now-or-forever-hold-your-peace type of deal, lest you be caught with your pants down expecting someone else to guard the door! Wildlife belongs to all of us. Recommendations and discussions carried on at these meetings will play an important role in its well being. The Jan. 8 KDWP Commission meeting in Emporia will be held at Best Western, 3021 W. Highway 50. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m.
The evening session begins at 7 p.m.
Following the workshop session, the commission will hold a public hearing to announce 2009 Free Park Entrance Days and Free Fishing Days.
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