By Trish Svoboda

This fall and winter, KDWP is offering over 350 individual “Special Hunt” opportunities through a single draw, unlike previous years with multiple draws. The application period is open now through July 28, 2024.

The KDWP’s Special Hunts program provides hunting opportunities with limited access to both public and private lands, including select refuge areas, for deer, upland game, waterfowl, doves, turkey, and furbearers.

Both resident and nonresident hunters can 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 aged 17 or younger, accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older (who may not hunt). Mentored Hunts are open to youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor aged 21 or older (who may also hunt, unless otherwise specified).

Email notifications will be sent to both successful and unsuccessful applicants in mid-August. Successful applicants will also receive their hunt permit and other relevant information via email. Hunters are responsible for purchasing the necessary licenses and permits as required by law. Nonresident deer hunters must have drawn a Kansas deer permit this spring to be eligible for Special Hunts for deer.

Available 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.