Looking for First Kansas Hunting opportunity

F

findthatbird

New member
Gents -

I'm an experienced, respectful bird hunter with an old dog who is looking to try Kansas for the first time. My spots in IA just aren't producing anymore! So...I'm searching for some land to hunt and am willing to pay a reasonable access fee. I'm more interested in hunting than shooting but a couple of fair shots per day or better is what I'm looking for.
Thanks.
 
I'm thinking that guys are probably going to be a little tight-lipped this year because we expect the bird numbers to be very low. But you seem to have a good attitude and I imagine you could get access to hunt. Everybody's concern is whether or not there will be any birds in the fields. Still, if you're looking for a road trip and a chance to run your dog in another state, I'm sure you could find that here. Maybe even get a shot if you are lucky.

Best of luck to you.
 
Findthatbird, from your post it sounds to me like you're someone who favors hunting either solo or in very small groups. If you tend to be a solo hunter most of the time, then my suggestion is that you consider the cumulative expense of driving to and from Kansas. Don't forget to include license, food and possibly lodging costs.

If your intention is simply to enjoy a bit of exercise walking through cover for a few hours in order to put your old dog into some birds, and with you getting a few shots at birds, then a more cost-effective solution might be to visit one of your state's Controlled Shooting Areas right there in Iowa (assuming Iowa allows private shooting preserves).

Not trying to discourage you from visiting Kansas; that's not my aim. Indeed, once you acquire the booklet from Wildlife & Parks that shows the locations of our state's Walk-In Hunting Areas you're then free to come here and try any that look good upon your arrival. Chances are, though, you'll do a lot of driving around while evaluating which walk-ins to try. But that's cool.

What you want to do sounds like a personal sight-seeing tour as much as a hunting trip, so if you've been through here before but never got off the Interstate to see Kansas like it really is, prepare yourself for a pleasant surprise. Lot of pretty country down here, one end to the other.

Think: "Gravel roads at 20mph" and you won't go wrong.
 
findthatbird said:
Gents -

I'm an experienced, respectful bird hunter with an old dog who is looking to try Kansas for the first time. My spots in IA just aren't producing anymore! So...I'm searching for some land to hunt and am willing to pay a reasonable access fee. I'm more interested in hunting than shooting but a couple of fair shots per day or better is what I'm looking for.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

KS has lots of walk-in -- private land open to the public, resident and non-resident alike, from opening day. Go to the KDWPT website to down load the walk-in hunting atlas. I believe that GPS coordinates are also available. Lots of drought in KS this year with a predicted adverse impact on bird population. Have a great hunting season and post your stories about it. If you want to pay hunt, try Kansas Creek Gamebirds which has a website.
 
Thanks - advice on lodging? Norton Area?

Thanks guys for the replies. I think I'll try the Hill City, Norton area for a few days in December. Can anyone recommend a motel that caters to hunters?
 
findthatbird said:
Thanks guys for the replies. I think I'll try the Hill City, Norton area for a few days in December. Can anyone recommend a motel that caters to hunters?
Click to expand...

I have stayed at the Hillcrest there in Norton a few time. Dog freindly.
It is an older motel and fairly Spartan.

There a some others there, but I have not stayed in them.
 
findthatbird said:
Thanks guys for the replies. I think I'll try the Hill City, Norton area for a few days in December. Can anyone recommend a motel that caters to hunters?
Click to expand...

They all cater to hunters except the Sweitzer Hotel in Hill City which is a real hotel, not a motel.
 
i would stay in Wakeeney, eats and lodging, Hill City has a gas station, last time i was there. Norton is OK as well.
 
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