Hunting

[Jesse]

Looks like kansas gate does not have much activity!  I just moved here this summer.  Just got done with hunter saftey course but wasnt considering airgun hunting when i took the course.  Looks like small game like rabbits, and squirrels are ok for airguns but I see nothing on airguns for larger game.  i hope something gets passed so we can!  Unless i missed something!

[dmeguy]

I sent this request to KDWPT in April of 2015:

I would like to request that KDWPT consider adding air guns to the list of legal equipment for taking of more game.

Currently, the only wildlife that I can see that can be legally hunted in Kansas with an airgun are squirrels, rabbits and other wildlife. I believe at one time coyotes were also on the list but no longer appear to be.

A few states have begun to acknowledge the newer technologies that have been introduced in the world of airguns. Recently Missouri added airguns to the legal equipment for taking of deer. Arizona also has a very good and well-planned airgun hunting program http://www.azgfd.gov/regs/mainregs.pdf

I would like to see airguns added to the legal equipment for coyote and deer, with minimum specifications for both. Personally I would recommend a minimum of .25 caliber for coyote and .357 for deer. I also think it would be reasonable to add air rifles to the muzzle loader big game seasons. Many states allow the taking of some types of grouse and doves with air guns as well.

I believe in the ethical and humane taking of all wildlife and would not make this request if it was not responsible.

 I have included a list of resources below:

http://www.quackenbushairguns.com/
http://www.airforceairguns.com/The-Texan-by-AirForce-Airguns-s/118.htm
http://www.extremebigboreairrifles.com/
http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/newshound/2008/02/air-rifles-deer
http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/hunting/2014/08/the-travelling-airgun-hunter-know-the-laws-and-the-people/
http://hog-blog.com/more-on-airguns-two-more-states-legalize-airguns-for-hunting/

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Garry Nichols

This was the response that I received:

Garry,

Thank you for the information.

The regulations for the 2015 deer seasons have already been completed. The earliest time that we could consider changes in KAR 115-4-4 (Big game; legal equipment and taking methods) starts next fall for the 2016 seasons. That regulations was reviewed and changed in 2012. At that time we briefly considered the big game air rifles. At that time there was no public support for them.  I'm sure that they will be discussed again the next time the regulation is reviewed.


I encourage you to watch the KDWPT Commission Meeting agendas and provide your input when this topic is open for discussion.


Sincerely,
--


Lloyd Fox, Ph.D.
Big Game Program Coordinator, KDWPT
PO Box 1525
Emporia, KS  66801
Lloyd.Fox@ksoutdoors.com 
620-342-0658 ext 207     

I plan on pursuing this further but wanted to wait until I actually own a bigbore. The newest regulations seem to open up the use of airguns for coyotes again but nothing new on big game.

[Jesse]

Oh wow, well done!  I will draft a similar letter to add to the interest shown!  I will definitely try to make some meetings if i see them coming up!