PRATT - Although the spring turkey season is a little more than a month away - April 13-May 31 - turkey hunters across the state are perfecting their calling skills and patterning their shotguns or practicing with their bows. Soon, they will be able to obtain two critical tools needed before going afield - a hunting license and a turkey permit - right on the internet.

For those hunters who find it difficult to stop by a local sporting goods store or Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) office, the agency will offer spring turkey permits online through their website. Beginning the first week in March, hunters can buy spring turkey permits and hunting licenses 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the convenience of their homes.

This service may be particularly handy for those participating in the early youth season - April 8-10 - which is open to anyone 16 years old or younger. New for this year, kids younger than 16 will not need to have hunter education in order to hunt, but they must be supervised by a person 18 or older. Persons between the ages of 12 and 15 must have hunter education to hunt without adult supervision. Hunters younger than 14 must have bowhunter education to hunt turkey with archery equipment.

Turkey hunting is one of the fastest growing types of hunting in Kansas. With birds being abundant in most areas of the state and a long season that runs from April 13 through May 31, there is ample opportunity to bag one of the state's eastern, Rio Grande, or hybrid toms.

Online license and permit sales are available HERE on the KDWP website.