An annual program offered by the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks is offering more than 350 individual “Special Hunt” opportunities this fall and winter. The application deadline is now open through July 28.
The program offers exclusive access to land not normally open to hunting and the chance at above-average success rates, state officials said. There is no charge for these opportunities – but you must apply and be selected.
This year, these hunts will be assigned through one draw as opposed to multiple draws in previous years. Hunting opportunities include limited access to public and private lands, including select refuge areas, for deer, upland game, waterfowl, doves, turkey, and furbearers.
KDWP’s Special Hunts program offers huntingAvailable hunts can be viewed and applications submitted at https://programs.ksoutdoors.com/Programs/Special-Hunts/2024-Fall-Winter-Hunts, and a random drawing will determine who is selected.
Resident and nonresident hunters may apply, though some hunts are restricted to residents only. When applying online, hunters will select hunts by species, date, and category, which include “Open,” “Youth,” or “Mentored” hunts. All applicants can apply for Open Hunts, regardless of age or hunting experience. Youth Hunts require parties to include at least one hunter age 17 or younger, accompanied by an adult age 21 or older (who may not hunt). Mentored Hunts are open to youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor age 21 or older (who may also hunt, unless otherwise specified). (Continue story below ads.)
Email notifications will be sent to both successful and unsuccessful applicants in mid-August. Successful applicants will also be emailed their hunt permit and other pertinent information. Hunters are responsible for purchasing necessary licenses and permits required by law. Nonresident deer hunters must have drawn a Kansas deer permit this spring to be eligible for Special Hunts for deer.
For more information on KDWP’s Special Hunts program, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information.