By STEVE GILLILAND
Explore Kansas Outdoors
Here are several changes / updates to hunting and fishing regulations that will take effect September 12, 2025.
Expanded senior license options and a longer coyote season are among key changes.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced several regulation updates taking effect September 12, including new discounted licenses for Kansas seniors and an extended season for night vision coyote hunting.
New 5-Year Senior Licenses
Kansas residents ages 65–74 will soon have access to three new multi-year license options:
· 5-Year Hunting License – $50
· 5-Year Fishing License – $50
· 5-Year Combination Hunting & Fishing License – $90
One-year senior licenses remain available at half the standard adult rate.
“We introduced these new options after our authority to offer the deeply discounted 10-year senior licenses—commonly known as the senior lifetime license—expired,” said KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “While we’re still working to bring back the 10-year license, these five-year options give seniors more choices right now.”
Longer Night Vision Coyote Season
Hunters using night vision equipment will now have a longer season to pursue coyotes. The updated season runs from September 1 to March 31, excluding firearm deer seasons. Due to the timing of the regulation change, the 2025–2026 season will only include:
· September 29–December 2, 2025
· December 15–31, 2025
· January 1–March 31, 2026
Other Regulation Updates
· Trout Permit Fee Increase: Raised from $12 to $17.50 to cover rising stocking costs.
· Mussel Fees Removed: Mussel fishing and dealer fees were eliminated because commercial mussel harvesting was banned in 2022.
· Muzzleloader Ammunition Update: Hunters may now use either lead or non-lead (nontoxic) shot when hunting big game with muzzleloaders—a type of firearm loaded from the front of the barrel.
· Deer Permit Adjustments:
· More whitetail antlerless deer tags will be available in southeastern and central Kansas.
· Fewer whitetail antlerless deer tags will be available in northwestern Kansas due to declining deer populations.
· Extended firearm season dates were added for southeastern deer management units.
· 2025-2026 dates for Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range were set to support military access while respecting Department of Defense operations.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism maintains a very good and informative website, so go to www.ksoutdoors.gov to stay informed of further changes, updates and for more valuable information to help you continue to enjoy Kansas Outdoors.
Steve can be contacted by email at [email protected].