A shift in Kansas’ elk hunting season dates and management units will address local landowner concerns of crop damage caused by elk. At a recent gathering, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) commissioners voted in favor of moving the harvest season opener from September 1 to August 1 and reducing the size of Unit 2 – the unit that includes and provides a protective buffer around Fort Riley – to provide landowners with more options for controlling elk numbers on their land.
“Several landowners expressed concern about the number of elk staying north of Highway 24 and south of 22nd Road within the Fort Riley buffer area,” said KDWPT wildlife research biologist Matt Peek. “While the buffer was intended to provide additional protection for elk residing on Fort Riley, these elk were permanently residing on private land miles from the Fort.”
Go here for additional information including elk season dates and regulations.
(Photo source: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism)