St. Francis Wildlife Area
The St. Francis Wildlife Area is located three miles west and two miles south of St. Francis. The area is bisected by the Republican River, and is a mixture of grasslands, crop fields and riparian timber. The grasslands are occasionally grazed or burned in the spring to increase range health. Food plots are planted, and many consist of wheat, corn, milo, sunflower, and alfalfa.
WILDLIFE
White-tailed deer, Mule deer and Rio Grande turkeys are transient visitors moving on and off the area throughout the year. Spring turkey hunting has been known to produce some exciting action! Pheasant, quail and prairie chickens can be found on the area and offer some good upland hunting for the dedicated hunter. Waterfowl numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on the availability of water. The area can produce a good duck hunt when there is water present in the river bottom. During busier seasons wildlife may be driven off the area from pressure.
FISHING
Two sandpits are located on the St. Francis Wildlife Area, one on each side of the river. These pits are stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass and bluegill. Quality fishing opportunities are limited due to the pressure these ponds receive. The North Pit is open to walk-in fishing only, while the South pit provides easy vehicle access to the shoreline.
Manager: Luke Winge
Located 3 miles West and 2 miles South from St. Francis, KS. One mile West of St. Francis on US Hwy 36, turn south on River Road. River Road (blacktop) curves Southwest after approximately .5 miles. Continue on River Road 2.75 miles and turn north on County Rd. 11. Continue North .5 miles to the parking area.
Saint Francis has good waterfowl hunting opportunities this year. With water down in the riverbed waterfowl have been flying to this spot. This provides some opportunities for waterfowl hunters to explore a little area with lots of birds. Upland birds are in the area for hunters who like to walk to unknown places and who like a good but challenging hunt. The wildlife are susceptible to hunting pressure, so they are easily pushed off the small property.
- Vehicles are restricted to maintained roads and parking areas.
- People using the areas must take their own trash out with them.
- No drinking water is available on the areas.
- Restrooms are not available on the areas.
- Consult the annual hunting, fishing and furharvesting regulations for more complete rules and regulations that apply to Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism areas.
- Wildlife Areas are a necessary and vital natural resource for maintaining successful wildlife populations and to provide a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Litter inhibits the recreation experience for others, so please take all trash with you when you leave.
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
The Saint Francis Wildlife Area is 480 acres of public land located 4 miles Southwest of St. Francis. The Republican River flows through the property and provides some excellent habitat and a diverse population of wildlife. This area is mainly upland with riparian timber along the river and food plots strategically placed throughout. It offers a great opportunity for all kinds of outdoor recreation.
- Type of Facility: Information Center
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: 39.734938 -101.862200
- Click for more information
- Type of Facility: Information Center
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: 39.742016 -101.880430
- Click for more information
- Type of Facility: Parking Area
- Location of Facility: 39.740092 -101.862117
- Type of Facility: Parking Area
- Location of Facility: 39.734938 -101.862200