The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved staff recommendations to initiate a lottery draw system for distribution of non-resident turkey permits set to begin in 2024.
The recommendation was introduced as part of a larger strategy to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest in Kansas in response to declining turkey populations nationwide.
In a 7-0 vote, Commissioners passed amendments to K.A.R. 115-4-11, which will implement an application period for non-resident turkey hunters to apply for a specific hunt unit (Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6) in early January thru mid-February. Similar to Kansas’ lottery draw for non-resident deer permits, any leftover non-resident turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Staff first recommended to Commissioners a lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits in September 2022, after which time it remained a regular public meeting agenda item until voted on by the Commission on June 22nd, 2023 – the group’s sixth meeting to discuss the recommendation.
