I have been hunting, Kansas included, for over 70 years. I believe I can say that the cost of a license and killing out all the birds are not related. There are, unfortunately, residents and non-, that are not ethical and should have trouble sleeping at night. If an extra fee would make the habitat better, the numbers increase, and all the other things that make us enjoy our sport I think most of us would be all for it. I have long advocated that there are a few who must look at our game as their enemy. They seem to feel like the only satisfaction is "I killed my limit, man, we slaughtered them" discourse is what makes them happy. How tragic. If you don't have a sense of sportsmanship, companionship, an appreciation for the great outdoors, love of the thrill of watching your favorite dog working, the smell of the fresh air, and the overall anticipation of the upcoming season then my sympathy to you. If you want meat go to the market. If you just want to kill birds, go to the game farms. In the long run it is cheaper anyway and you can really put some notches in your gun. These are the guys that ride with their window down, try to crowd you out in the WIHAs, are driving slow at sundown hoping to get another shot in the ditch, and want to go to the cafe and talk loud about their success. They don't look for crippled birds and if it flies, or better yet sits or runs, it is fair game.
These guys won't shoot out a covey unless they catch it huddled under a bush because they are too lazy or shoot to badly to wipe out a covey. In Texas they have done a lengthy study on quail population with all types of variables imaginable. Conclusion, RAIN AND BIRD NUMBERS are the big deal. If you think about the far reaching impact it makes a lot of sense. Moisture, at the right time and amounts is the magic part of that equation. We need to all do our part in supporting the preservation of habitat and sensible laws regarding our game birds. Sensible regulations are a necessity but bag limits are just a small part as to bird number control. Support your landowners, obey the rules,
be safe, and take a kid hunting.