‘Pass it on’ programs important for future of hunting
Phil Taunton, Special to the Gazette
Friday, March 20, 2009
Several years ago, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks adopted various “Pass it On” programs designed to reverse a declining trend in hunter participation. Because of their busy lifestyles, some kids just don’t get the opportunity to go hunting or enjoy all the pleasures the Great Outdoors has to offer.
A lot of the Pass it On programs that benefit young and old alike are funded by conservation and sporting organizations, whose volunteers and mentors are dedicated to keeping the heritage and tradition of hunting alive. Every outdoor person should be aware funds raised across the country by these organizations play an important role in wildlife management. Donations go into the ground in the form of food plots, warm season grasses, along with mast producing trees and shrubs to increase and preserve habitats for all forms of wildlife. New wetlands are also created and old ones preserved. These habitat improvements benefit huntable and non-huntable wildlife species alike. Even non-hunters get to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Above all, the organizations in our area, such as Quail Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation inspire outdoor-loving people to support and become involved in these programs. Their efforts help to ensure the future of waterfowl, gamebirds and the animals they cherish.
The Flint Hills Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will hold its annual banquet on March 27 at the Best Western Hospitality House, 3021 W. Highway 50. For this organization, conservation today means more wetlands and waterfowl for tomorrow.
The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and a live auction will be held at 8 p.m. Duck- and goose-hunting opportunities will be part of the auction, along with choice wildlife prints and select firearms. For more information, contact James Godfrey at (620) 341-7686 or Brandon Mendoza at (620) 344-2705.
During last year’s banquet, Tom Mais of Emporia bought a waterfowl hunt sponsored by the chapter and guided by chapter members. Tom was an avid waterfowl hunter in the past, but because of other interests, he just doesn’t get out as much now as he would like to.
Mendoza, chairman of the Flint Hills chapter of Ducks Unlimited, and committee member Rick Clark guided Tom on his hunt and were assisted by their black labs, Nikki and Emma. Friends Bill West and Trent Siegle rounded out the hunting party.
After an estimated 1,500 ducks and geese left a large pond, the hunters set 30 Bigfoot floater decoys out on the water and another 30 Avery FFD field decoys out on the bank. Two hay bale blinds concealed the hunters and the retrievers. A lone Canada goose came in about 10 minutes after shooting time, and Tom was able to harvest the bird.
To make things more sporting, the hunters took turns shooting at the geese, and what a sight it must have been to have flocks of up to 30 birds working the decoys at any one time. Some excellent shots were made. The easier ones that were missed only made the hunt much more entertaining. What a great time the hunters had!
At about 10:45, Tom harvested the last goose, giving the hunters a full limit of 15 Canada geese. A memorable experience was had by all. I know such a hunt would be a delight to Wifeus and several of her golfing friends who wish there was an open goose season year-round on several of their favorite golf courses!
Dog of the Year
contest update
Dave White, a member of the Kansas City chapter of Quail Unlimited, sent me a picture of Liberty, a white and orange Brittany who will be 2 years old on April 1. Dave mentioned that her owner had lost his job and his house. Liberty is looking for a new home because the apartment her owner is moving into doesn’t allow pets. With the economy the way it is, I’m afraid many pet owners find themselves in a similar situation.
With grand sires in Liberty’s pedigree, such as national champions Beans Blaze and Shambo’s Dark Shadow — dogs well-known in the world of Brittanys — we wish her the best, along with any pet whose owners are facing hard times.
Pedigrees and a kennel’s name always catch my eye, but they don’t necessarily make the dog.
My father’s middle name was Encico. We chose to use it when we registered our pointers because the name is rather unique, and only heaven knows where it came from. Encico’s Barshoe Sue is rapidly making her way to the top of the Dog of the Year contest after having her picture in major circulation last January and placing in a field trial a couple of weeks ago near Overbrook. I’m fortunate to still have Sue.
Wifeus introduced her as “Psycho Sue” to a gentleman from Texas when she sprang out of the dog box at the Bass Pro Shop in Oklahoma City and took off over the hill. Wifeus isn’t much of a salesperson, I guarantee you. That was the end of that, and the buyer decided on a dog named Bess.