PRATT – During their virtual public meeting last month, Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners drew the names of seven lucky conservation organizations that will receive Kansas’ highly-coveted Commission Big Game Permits. The program – which began in 2006 – allows Kansas chapters of eligible non-profit organizations to apply for one of seven big game permits, which can then be sold to raise funds for pre-approved conservation projects in Kansas.

One elk, one antelope or up to seven deer permits are issued each year, depending on applicant preference. The permits are either-species/either-sex and are valid statewide during any season with legal equipment for that season; and, they do not count against other big game permits the license holder is eligible for.

Once the permit is sold, 15 percent of the total sale price is kept by the organization. The remainder raised is then remitted to KDWP to be utilized on a jointly determined conservation project. Organizations drawn may receive just one Commission Big Game Permit in a three-year period.

Seven deer permits were awarded to the following conservation groups for 2022:

Ducks Unlimited – Independence Chapter KS-034: Chris Young, Regional Director, 13934 W 120th St, Olathe, KS 66062, cyoung@ducks.org, 913-333-2922

National Wild Turkey Federation – Central Kansas #16115: Brandon Wilmoth, Regional Director, 290 W 20th North Ave, Mayfield, KS 67103, bwilmoth@nwtf.net, 620-230-0929

Ducks Unlimited – Leavenworth Chapter KS-012: Chris Young, Regional Director, 13934 W 120th St, Olathe, KS 66062, cyoung@ducks.org, 913-333-2922 

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – National Chapter #16000: Jordan Brown, Regional Director, 5705 Grant Creek Rd, Missoula, MT 59808, jbrown@rmef.org, 785-219-9445

Pheasants Forever – McPherson Chapter #51: Chris Blackledge, Regional Rep, 503 Ravine Dr., Council Grove KS 66846, cblackledge@pheasantsforever.org, 620-767-2121

Ducks Unlimited – Upper Republican Chapter KS-049: Josh Williams, Regional Director - West, 1609 E 7th St, Concordia, KS 66901, jwilliams@ducks.org, 785-810-8000

Safari Club International – Kansas City: Rodney Heinsohn, Secretary, 8820 NE 108th, Kansas City, MO 64157, rodney.heinsohn@dignitymemorial.com, 913-515-2249

Members of the public may contact the representatives listed above to learn when and where these permits may be auctioned or raffled in the future.

NOTE: At the time of the January 13 public meeting, the Safari Club International – Kansas City Chapter received it’s first choice preference for an elk permit. However, following the drawing, the organization opted to “switch” to it’s second choice preference of a deer permit, as deer permits have historically garnered more interest in past raffles. 

This change was made possible by the fact that KDWP does not formally issue these permits until July (when all other big game tags are issued). Once a permit is formally issued, it becomes non-transferrable.

For more information on this program, visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/Commission or contact Commission secretary Sheila Kemmis at (620) 672-0702.