Permits available to nonprofit organizations as fundraisers for conservation projects
PRATT — By state law, the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission is authorized to issue as many as seven Commission Big Game Permits per calendar year. Of these, one may be an elk permit, one may be an antelope permit, and the remaining may be Either-Species/Either-Sex Deer permits.

These permits are only available to nonprofit organizations that actively promote wildlife conservation and the hunting and fishing heritage. Only one Commission Big Game permit may be issued to a qualified organization, but this limitation does not preclude more than one chapter of the same organization from being issued permits. Organizations are not eligible to receive a Commission Big Game permit more than once in a three-year period. Organizations that oppose hunting and fishing are not eligible for these permits.

Organizations must provide a copy of their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, articles of incorporation, and their mission statement with application. Further documentation may be required to confirm qualifying status.

Organizations receiving Commission Big Game permits must market the permit to the public in order to receive the maximum financial benefit available to both the organization and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Organizations awarded permits by random draw must pay KDWP the price established by rules and regulations for the highest value for the type of permit awarded. If the organization is Kansas Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, at least 15 percent of the amount retained by the organization must be remitted to the department for use on jointly-approved projects. For any other organization, at least 85 percent must be remitted to the department for use on jointly-approved projects. The remainder may be spent at the organization’s discretion.

The application deadline for Commission Big Game Permits is Jan. 1, 2011. To apply, write Sheila Kemmis, Commission Secretary, KDWP, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124.

On Jan. 6, the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will conduct a random drawing from the pool of organizations that have applied. The drawing will held at the Dole Institute in Lawrence.

Permits and prices are as follow:

• deer — Either-Species/Either-Sex permit, available to resident or nonresident, valid statewide during any season with legal equipment at a cost of $322.50;
• elk — Either-Species/Either-Sex Elk permit, available to resident or nonresident and valid anywhere within elk management units during any season with legal equipment, including Fort Riley during seasons and restrictions established by Fort Riley, at a cost of $252.50; and
• antelope — Either-Species/Either-Sex Antelope permit, available to resident or nonresident and valid anywhere in antelope management units during any season with legal equipment at a cost of $202.50.

Successful applicants will be issued a voucher signifying the type of permit awarded. Recipients must then return the voucher to KDWP’s Licensing Section, and a permit will be issued in the final recipient’s name. After a Commission Big Game permit is issued in the name of the final recipient, it may not be transferred to any other individual for any reason. Any Commission Big Game permit is subject to the restrictions of the season, sex, equipment type, or hunt units issued on the permit.

For more information, phone 620-672-5911, ext. 102.
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