Topeka, Kansas – The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will convene its next public meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Robert B. Docking State Office Building, located at 915 SW Harrison Street in Topeka. Scheduled to begin at noon, the session will address several key conservation matters, including proposed updates to fishing regulations, waterfowl seasons, and various hunting policies on public lands.
The commission, a seven-member bipartisan board, plays a vital advisory role to the Governor and Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Appointed through a process involving the Governor, legislative leaders, and the Attorney General, the current members include Chair Whitney Damron of Topeka, along with Representatives Will Carpenter, Emerick Cross, Warren Gfeller, Delia Lister, Keith Mark, and Bruce Riedl. This group holds public hearings on rules and regulations proposed by the KDWP Secretary, voting to approve, modify, or reject them while upholding constitutional rights to hunt, fish, and trap wildlife.
A highlight of the agenda is a public hearing and final vote on amendments to several fishing-related regulations. These include sections 115-7-1 (fishing equipment and methods), 115-7-4 (fish processing and possession), 115-7-10 (special fishing provisions), and 115-18-8 (retrieval and possession of game animals, sport fish, and migratory game birds). The proposed changes would empower KDWP to authorize snagging of nonsport fish and prohibited species, but only in specifically posted locations and during designated time periods. This targeted flexibility supports management objectives without opening general snagging opportunities. Updates for clarity and consistency are also incorporated across these sections. Bryan Sowards will present these items during the hearing.
The commission will also vote on the 2026-27 waterfowl seasons, including bag and possession limits, with presentation by Tom Bidrowski. Consensus voting applies to these season dates.
Informational updates from KDWP staff will cover critical wildlife management topics. In a workshop session, Levi Jaster will discuss 115-25-9a, pertaining to 2026 deer seasons on military units. Stuart Schrag will address 115-8-1 on nonresident waterfowl hunting on public lands and 115-8-25 regarding trail cameras on public lands. Additional discussions include fall turkey seasons (115-25-5 and 115-25-6) by Jake George and nonresident waterfowl stamp fees under 115-2-1.
The meeting agenda further includes approval of prior minutes, department reports, the 2026 legislative agenda presented by Martin de Boer, Secretary’s remarks by Christopher Kennedy, general public comments (limited to 10 minutes per presenter, with possible five-minute extensions), and planning for future meetings. Regulations like night vision hunting fees and park fees are noted as progressing toward later votes.
Public participation is encouraged both in person and virtually. Virtual options include Zoom registration, call-in at 1-877-853-5257 (meeting ID 848 9980 1958), and live streaming. Two public comment periods allow speakers to approach the microphone without pre-sign-up, or comments can be submitted via an online form. Accommodations for disabilities are available by contacting KDWP at (785) 294-2645, and hearing-impaired interpreters through the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698.
These proceedings reflect KDWP’s broad responsibilities in managing Kansas’s natural resources. The department oversees 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. It also handles threatened species management, law enforcement, and habitat programs, ensuring benefits for current and future generations.
Following the April 9 meeting, the commission is set for June 18, 2026, in Lindsborg. A complete agenda and proposed regulation details are accessible online via the KDWP commission page.
For more information, visit Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.