Kansas Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Kansas Hunting

The hunting scenery in Kansas consists of games like deer, turkey, elks, and other small game animals. The state also helps hunters with several programs such as Kansas Sportsmen Assisting Disabled Sportsmen program that help disabled hunters by pairing them up with other hunters.

Another opportunity for hunters is the Walk-in Access hunting program where private landowners in the state will grant access to hunters to take various games within their property.

Then there is the hunter referral program for deer hunters where private landowners that have abundant deer on their property will open the land for hunting.

Kansas Hunting Regulations

Hunting in Kansas is heavily regulated with laws and requirements that hunters must compulsorily abide by. Some of the most important hunting regulations in Kansas include the following:

Trespassing

It is a prohibition to hunt, trap, shoot or attempt to do these activities on lands owned by private owners without consent from the owner or the person put in charge of the land.

Also, if you are to hunt from public roads in the state, and there is private land adjacent to the roadside, you are still required to seek the permission of the landowner before hunting.

But hunting is prohibited on federal and state highways of Kansas. For lands that have a post requesting written permission for hunting and trapping, it is illegal to enter them without getting a permit.

Furthermore, it is a prohibition to erect blinds on poles and treestands for hunting, regardless of if they have been abandoned.

Collecting and Giving Games

Any game that is given or gifted to another person must carry the details of the hunter that offered the gift. The details must include the following:

Hunter’s name
Hunter’s permit number or transaction number
Hunter’s license details
Hunter’s address
The date the hunter gifted the game
Hunter’s signature.

Selling Games

It is a prohibition to sell game carcasses or meat taken in Kansas. Also, you cannot sell games at charitable events.

Wasting Games

It is a prohibition to waste games in Kansas when a game has been injured, crippled, or killed, it is the responsibility of the hunter to find the games and retrieve them. Hunters are obligated to keep retrieved games until they are either consumed, processed, or given away to take to the hunter’s home.

Prohibited Activities While Hunting in Kansas

Some of the unlawful activities that are prohibited for Kansas hunting include the following:

It is a prohibition to make use of drugs, coated arrows, chemicals, or any other substance that can incapacitate a game animal while trying to hunt the animal.
It is a prohibition to shoot a firearm at a game, hunt, or pursue game animals with vehicles such as motorboats, airplanes, land vehicles, etc. Exceptions are allowed for the hunting of waterfowl games with a motorboat that is powered off, or whose sailing has ceased, you can also pursue coyotes with vehicles. Also, hunters with disabled permits can hunt with vehicles.
It is a prohibition to make use of a two-way communication device or a mobile cell phone to aid in the hunting, pursuing locating of big game animals and fur-bearing animals. Any mechanical means of communication is also prohibited by this regulation.
It is a prohibition to make use of live decoys while hunting in Kansas.
It is a prohibition to draw game animals out with electronic calls. However, exceptions are allowed for coyote hunting, furbearers hunting, crows hunting, and geese hunting during conservation order.
It is a prohibition to cast spotlights or make use of headlights and any other type of artificial light for hunting or taking games in regions of the state like grasslands, woodlands, forested areas, highways with the aid of hunting weapons such as firearms, archery, etc. However, there is an exception to this prohibition that allows the use of light sources like, battery flashlights, handheld lanterns, and lamps with firearms such as .17 and .22 rimfire rifles to take trapped games such as furbearers, coyotes, etc.
It is a prohibition to shoot at migratory bird games like quail, pheasants, doves, etc. unless they are in flight. Exceptions are allowed for the shooting of turkeys in flight and on land.

Non-Toxic Shots

Non-toxic shots are approved for the hunting of games such as geese, coots, ducks, rails, moorhens, etc. You can make use of nontoxic shots for shotgun hunting in some of the Kansas wildlife refuges. It is the responsibility of a hunter to find out if nontoxic shots are allowed in a wildlife refuge before hunting.

Use of Tags

Big game animals or turkeys that are found dead in Kansas can only be possessed after tagging them with the state KDWPT salvage tag. You are not allowed to cut off antlers or possess their skulls without having the salvage tag. For other dead game animals, you can possess them in their specific seasons with their valid Kansas license and the required bag limits.

Checking Hunters

It is the duty of Kansas law enforcement officers to enter lands and hunting fields and request the licenses of hunters or check their bag limits. For this reason, hunters must compulsorily be in possession of their hunting license whenever they are out to hunt.

Furthermore, hunters are obligated to allow a law enforcement officer to complete the required check and inspection of their license, permits, tags, and any game animals they have taken.

Prairie Dogs Hunting Kansas

Before you can hunt prairie dogs in Kansas, you must have a valid state hunting license to hunt with the dog. Kansas issued a prairie dog hunting license for residents and non-residents. Hunting of prairie dogs is allowed throughout the state, and there are no bag limits or closed seasons for the game. However, since most prairie dog hunting in Kansas takes place on lands owned by private owners, they are required to obtain a permit from landowners before hunting on their property.

Open Carry While Hunting in Kansas

You can open carry while hunting in Kansas except when you are bow hunting, in which case you can only conceal carry. You are also not allowed to make use of your firearm arm during an archery hunting session.

According to the state’s gun law, harassment of hunters during a legal activity is not allowed. Nobody shall deliberately interfere or disturb a hunting activity permitted by adequate authority. This includes fur harvesting and fishing.

Kansas Hunting License, Permits, and Tags

Kansas issues hunting licenses based on age, residency, and validity periods. Some of the most important hunting licenses in the state include the following:

Residents Annual Hunting License

This license is only available to residents of Kansas who want to hunt in the state. It is valid for one year and costs $27.5.

Residents Hunting and Fishing Combination License

This license is available for residents to hunt and fish in Kansas water bodies. It is valid for one year and costs $47.5.

Residents with a 5-year Years license

This license will be valid for 5 years, and residents can use it to hunt within this period. It will expire 1825 days after you purchase it. It costs $102.5.

Residents with a 5-year Years Hunting and fishing license

This license will be valid for 5 years, and residents can use it to hunt and fish within this period. It will expire 1825 days after you purchase it. It costs $182.5.

Non-resident hunting license

This license is only available to non-residents who want to hunt in Kansas. It is valid for one year and costs $97.5.

Non-resident hunting and fishing combination license

This license is available for non-residents to hunt and fish in Kansas water bodies. It is valid for one year and costs $137.5.

Non-resident youth hunting license

This license is available to non-residents who are youths. The age requirement to apply for the license is at most 15 years old. It costs $42.5.

Residents Multi-Year Youth Hunting License

This license is available for residents of Kansas who are youths. The age requirement to apply for the license is between the ages of 16 and 21 years old. The license will expire when the holder reaches 21 years old. It costs $72.5.

Senior Hunting Annual License

This license is available for senior residents of Kansas and is valid for a year. The age requirement for the license is between the ages of 65 and 74 years old. It costs $15.

Senior Hunting and Fishing Combination License

This license is available for senior residents of Kansas for hunting and fishing within the state water bodies and is valid for a year. The age requirement for the license is between the ages of 65 and 74 years old. It costs $25.

Lifetime Residents License

Lifetime hunting licenses available in Kansas include the following:

Hunting, fur harvesting, and fishing license

Lifetime hunting licenses are available for residents of Kansas to either hunt, fish, or harvest furs. A license for either of these three activities would cost $502.5. And you will be required to pay an additional $50 on a quarterly basis.

Hunting and Fishing Lifetime Licenses

This license will allow residents to take part in hunting and fishing in Kansa. It will be valid throughout their lifetime. It costs $962.5, with an additional $89.5 paid on a quarterly basis.

Senior Hunting and Fishing Combination Lifetime License

Seniors in Kansas who want to go hunting or fishing in the state can purchase a lifetime combo license. This license requires you to be between the ages of 65 and 74, and it costs $42.5.

Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Kansas

Kansas fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Fishing License for Senior Citizens

This license is good for a year and is offered to elderly citizens who want to fish in Kansas. The license is only available to people between the ages of 65 and 74. It is priced at $15.

1 Day Resident Fishing License

This license is only available to locals and is only good for one day. It is $8.50.

Annual Fishing License for Residents

This license is only accessible to Kansas residents who wish to fish in the state. It has a one-year validity period and costs $27.5.

Residents who have a five-year fishing license

This license will be valid for 5 years, and citizens will be able to use it to fish in state water bodies throughout that time. It will be valid for 1825 days after you buy it. It is $102.5.

Residents are entitled to a lifetime fishing license.

This license is available to Kansas citizens and is valid for life. It is $502.5.

Lifetime Combination Hunting and Fishing License

This is a lifetime license that allows Kansas residents to participate in state hunting and fishing. It is $962.5.

Annual fishing license for non-residents

Non-residents who want to fish in Kansas must obtain this license. It has a one-year validity period and costs $52.5.

Non-residents: A 5-day fishing license is required.

Non-residents who want to fish in Kansas must obtain this license. It has a 5-day validity period and costs $27.5.

1 Day Non-Resident Fishing License

This license is only available to non-residents and is only good for one day. It is priced at $14.5.

Permit to Fish for Trout

These permits are available to anyone who wants to harvest trout in Kansas. It is priced at $14.5.

Permit for Paddle Fishing

These permits are available to anyone who wants to collect paddlefish in Kansas. It is $12.50.

Permit for Youth Paddle Fishing

This is offered to Kansas youth who want to catch paddlefish. The permit requires that you be 15 years old or younger. It is $7.5.

Permit for Hand Fishing

A hand fishing permit is required in Kansas to catch fish with your bare hands. This is mostly used in the state for catfish harvesting. A permit for hand fishing costs $27.5.

Bass Passage

A bass pass is a Kansas permit that allows anglers to weigh up to five fish that are at least 15 inches long. The Bass Pass is $14.5.

Permits for Three Poles

Anglers require three poles to spread their baits over a larger region of the water. In Kansas, you must obtain a permit to use three poles. It is $8.50.

Kansas Licenses and Permits Duplicate

If your permit is lost or stolen, you must obtain a Kansas duplicate permit or license. All fishing and hunting permits in Kansas cost $2.5 to duplicate.

Hunting season in Kansas

Hunting seasons in Kansas vary depending on the game and the technique of capture. Hunters must be aware of the start and end dates for the individual game season they wish to go deer hunting in Kansas. SAS’s shooting season for various species in 2020–21 includes the following:

Kansas hunting seasons for deer

Archery Hunting Season (September 14th to December 31st)
General Youth and Disabled Hunting Season (September 9th to September 15th)
Muzzleloader Hunting Season (September 14th to September 27th)
Pre-Rut Antlerless Deer Hunting Season (10th-12th of October)
General Firearms Hunting Season (December 2nd to December 13th)

The season length for whitetail deer hunting in Kansas varies per hunting unit. There are also various deer seasons for military personnel, which may vary in length. Hunters interested in learning about deer hunting in Kansas may contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.

Elk Hunting Season in Kansas

General Hunting Season (September 1st to March 15th)
Permit-based extended hunting season (1st October to 31st December)
Elk hunting in Kansas differs according to zone. The extended season is sepAntelope hunting in Kansas, and only hunters with a Kansas elk license will be permitted to participate.
Seasons for hunting antelope in Kansas
Seasons for archery hunting are September 19th to September 27th and October 10th to October 31st.
Firearms Hunting Seasons (OctobTurkey Hunting in Kansasder Hunting Season (September 28th to October 5th))

Seasons for hunting turkey in Kansas

Fall Hunting Season (October 1st to November 10th)
Seasons for Small Game Hunting in Kansas
Bullfrog hunting season runs from July 1st to October 31st.
Crow Hunting Season (November 10th to March 10th)
Open Season for Rabbit Hunting
Squirrel Hunting Season (June 1st to February 28th)

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Tourism, and Parks is in control of hunting season restrictions and bag limits. For certain games in different sections of the state, hunting restrictions, special seasons, and bag limits will vary. Before going out to hunt, hunters should gather all relevant information.

Wildlife, game, and fish hunting

The following are some of the most popular hunting games in Kansas:

Kansas deer hunting

Kansas is home to two deer species: the white-tailed deer and the mule deer. Mule deer are more frequent in the western half of the state, where they live in habitats such as red hills, smoky hills, and high plains. However, as you drive further east in Kansas, the number of mule deer decreases and white-tailed deer becomes more numerous.

Kansas Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting is popular in Kansas, and it is one of three states in the country with excellent turkey hunting possibilities. Most Kansas public hunting sites are ideal for turkey hunting, but the most popular include Milford, Toronto WMAs, Tuttle Creek, the Fort Riley military hunting area, and a number of others.

Kansas Antelope Hunting

Antelope hunting in Kansas is quite good, with approximately 3000 games located in state parks and wildlife. They are more widespread in western Kansas, particularly in Wallace and Greeley counties, thanks to transplanting efforts that began in these counties around 1964, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Tourism, and Parks.

Kansas Elk Hunting

Elk hunting in Kansas is mostly concentrated in the Ft. Riley wildlife area. Personal elk hunting or small elk herds are permitted in several sites throughout the state. Except for Morton County, elk hunting is legal in all of Kansas with a valid license.

Rabbit hunting in Kansas

The swamp rabbit and cottontail rabbit are two of the most common rabbit species in Kansas. The swamp rabbit is found in southeast Kansas, and as the name suggests, it prefers swampy areas and river borders. Because they are semi-aquatic games, they thrive in wetlands and shrublands. The cotton-tailed rabbit, on the other hand, lives largely in cities and suburbs in the United States. However, they are widely distributed throughout Kansas. They also have distinguishing physical characteristics, such as a brown upper body and a white belly.

Duck hunting in Kansas

Duck hunting is popular in Kansas’ wetland areas, where they prefer to remain away from human habitation. They can be found in shallow areas of water bodies, such as lakes and ponds.

Crow hunting in Kansas

Kansas can be found in the state’s forest areas, particularly around rivers, streams, and agriculture areas. They also live in the state’s suburbs and orchards.

Public Shooting Range in Kansas

The following shooting ranges are open to the general public in Kansas:

Ark Valley Rifle Club
Bone Creek Sporting and Hunting Club
Shooting Range at Cheney Lake
Range of Fancy Creek
The Fish and Game Association of Geary County
Range of the Glen Elder Wildlife Area
Sporting Clays in Gypsum Valley
Capitol Gun Club, Hay
Range of the Hollister Wildlife Area
Kinsley Rifle Club

Hunting Lands in Kansas for Sale and Lease

Kansas hunting lands for sale include the following:

Minneapolis, Kansas (Ottawa County), has a total area of 160 acres.
170 acres in Valley Falls, Kansas (Jefferson County).
320 acres in Greensburg, Kansas (Kiowa County).
40 acres in Elk City, Kansas (Elk County).
37 acres in Lane, Kansas (Miami County).
80 acres in Independence, Kansas (Montgomery County).
157 acres in Blue Mound, Kansas (Linn County).
80 acres in Oswego, Kansas (Labette County).
160 acres in Alta Vista, Kansas (Wabaunsee County).
560 acres in Hunter, Kansas (Mitchell County).

Kansas hunting lands for lease include the following:

Cowley County, Kansas, hunting lease available, 18000 acres
Reni County, 2000 acres, is looking for a Rifle Hunter.
1 acre campers for hunting in Linn and Bourbon County.
Campers are offered in Bourbon County, 1 acre, in a fantastic hunting location for deer, turkey, quail, and dove.