KDWP
PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host three public meetings in March to gather feedback on the night vision coyote hunting season. These open forum meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts with KDWP staff, which KDWP will use to assess season dates.
Meeting schedule:
• March 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. El Dorado State Park Shooting Facility2980 NE Shady Creek Access Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
• March 24 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sportsman’s Acres3922 Highway K-244 Spur, Junction City, KS 66441
• March 25 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. Brief Space219 W 10th St, Hays, KS 67601
“Coyotes are classified as a nongame species in Kansas,” says Dr. Jon Beckmann, assistant director of the wildlife division at KDWP, “but they are regulated and managed like a furbearer species. They range throughout Kansas in both rural and urban landscapes, and approximately 30,000 people hunt coyotes each year.”
The night vision coyote hunting season, introduced in 2021, runs annually from Jan. 1 through March 31. During this season, hunters may use artificial light, night vision, and thermal-imaging equipment to hunt coyotes with a $2.50 Night Vision Equipment Permit and the appropriate hunting license. In addition to the night vision season, Kansas maintains a year-round coyote hunting and furharvesting season with no limit on the number of coyotes that can be taken.
“We have not proposed any changes to the coyote night vision season,” explained KDWP Acting Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “We have heard from many members of the public with varying opinions and scheduled these meetings to ensure we are listening and considering the views of all Kansans.”
The night vision coyote season will also be discussed at upcoming Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meetings, including the next meeting on March 27 at the Topeka & Shawnee County Library. Members of the public are welcome to attend and voice their opinions during the meeting’s two public comment sessions.
Those unable to attend a meeting can provide input by filling out the “Contact All Commissioners” form at ksoutdoors.com/commission.
For more information on coyote hunting in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Coyote.