The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and sponsoring partners will be holding their 2019 Youth and Women’s Celebrity Pheasant Hunt at Waconda Lake on Saturday, November 23.  The event will begin in the morning at 9:00 am at Glen Elder State Park.  We’ll start with a pre-hunt safety talk and participants will be divided into hunting groups.  The hunters, guides, and mentors will then head out to various refuge areas (where only a very limited amount of hunting is allowed) around Glen Elder Reservoir and hunt for the remainder of the morning and early afternoon.  A noon meal will be provided for all participants by the Waconda Lake Association.

Women of any age and youth ages 11 – 16 are eligible and encouraged to apply for this hunt.  This hunt is geared toward providing a comfortable and positive hunting environment for new or inexperienced hunters. Previous hunting experience is not required, and some shotguns and ammunition can be provided to applicants who do not have access to their own equipment.  Applications should be made by contacting the Glen Elder Area Office at 785-545-3345 (8:00 – 4:30 weekdays) starting November 4th and ending Friday, November 20, 2018. Up to 40 applicants will be selected to participate in the hunt. 

Participants will be divided into different groups based on their hunting experience and skill levels.  The most inexperienced hunters will start their activities with some basic field safety exercises and trap shooting, and progress towards live hunting later in the day.  The participants that have some prior pheasant hunting experience will spend more of their time in the field pursuing wild roosters through typical thick, birdy cover.

Extra volunteers will be needed for the event to serve as hunting and instructional mentors.  For further questions concerning the event or if you would like to be involved, please contact Chris Lecuyer at the KDWPT Glen Elder Area Office 785-545-3345.