2006 Kansas Code - 32-965

      32-965.   Big game control; permits; public information, access and dissemination . (a) As used in this section, terms have the meanings provided by K.S.A. 32-701 and amendments thereto.

      (b)   It shall be a goal of the department to manage big game populations in the state at levels consistent with existing habitat and landowner and community tolerance. For this purpose, the secretary is authorized to issue big game control permits, in addition to big game permits and game tags issued during regularly designated hunting seasons.

      (c)   For each big game control permit issued, the secretary may designate the period of time, the location and the number and type of big game that may be harvested. Use of any big game control permit shall require the permission of the landowner or tenant of the property where it is to be used.

      (d)   The secretary shall consult with representatives of farming and ranching organizations, county and city government associations and hunting organizations in the development, modification and implementation of a big game control permit program.

      (e)   The secretary, in accordance with K.S.A. 32-805 and amendments thereto, may adopt such rules and regulations as necessary to implement to the provisions of this section. Such rules and regulations shall not require an applicant for a big game control permit to attempt to alleviate a problem with big game using any means other than hunting during the regular firearms season for the appropriate species of big game animal.

      (f)   The secretary shall establish a toll-free telephone number for landowners and tenants to report property damage caused by big game, request information regarding big game control permits and obtain information regarding any other programs that assist in reduction of high local big game populations, including, but not limited to, programs that refer landowners and tenants to hunters willing to hunt on a landowner's or tenant's land and programs that provide for departmental lease of lands for public hunting.

      The provisions of this subsection shall expire on June 30, 2004.

      (g)   The secretary shall cause to be published quarterly, in newspapers having general circulation in areas experiencing high deer populations, information regarding big game control permits and programs that assist in reduction of high local deer populations, including, but not limited to, programs that refer landowners and tenants to hunters willing to hunt on a landowner's or tenant's land and programs that provide for departmental lease of lands for public hunting. Such information shall be published in a manner calculated to give actual notice to the public and shall be placed in a section other than the classified advertising section of the newspaper.

      The provisions of this subsection shall expire on June 30, 2004.

      History:   L. 1999, ch. 98, § 3; L. 2000, ch. 104, § 2; Apr. 27.