WHERE DO I GET A HUNTING LICENSE & HIP STAMP?

Annual Hunting License - All resident hunters age 16 through 74 must have a resident hunting license unless exempt by Kansas Law. You can purchase a license online, on the KS Outdoors app, or at local stores such as Cabela’s, WalMart, or KDWPT office. A HIP Stamp (Harvest Information Program) must be purchased as well.  All waterfowl hunters over 16 years old must have a Federal Waterfowl Stamp and State Waterfowl Stamp

All of these items can be purchased at once on the KDWPT website.

Seasons & Open Areas

Kansas has roughly 30 species of migratory waterfowl that visit. Bluewing teal are the first to arrive in August/September and the last to arrive are mallards and Canada geese. 

Kansas is divided into Zones for waterfowl hunting to maximize migration patterns and these can be different for ducks and geese. Special attention should be paid to regulations as it can be confusing.  

Early teal-only seasons start in September and are 2-3 weeks long.  Additional seasons are open in various zones from October through the end of January.

Waterfowl hunting

Plenty of public opportunity for waterfowl hunting in Kansas with several major wetland complexes such as Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, as well as other state and federal areas. 

Boats are allowed in some areas and beneficial, but not necessary.-Areas can be crowded on opening days, but pressure tapers off.  -Be courteous of other hunters and don’t set up too close.

Private land and marshes are also available to those who ask, or have leases.  

Most duck hunting takes place over water, while most goose hunting takes place on land.  There are exceptions to both of these rules. 

Duck hunting

Most popular puddle ducks early in the season are bluewing and greenwing teal, gadwall, widgeon, pintails and northern shovelers.  Diving ducks include redheads, goldeneyes, scaup and canvasback.    

Decoys on land or water are used.  Typically a dozen or two, to 5-6 dozen depending on the number of hunters and location.  Most are set up in a J or Hook pattern leaving spot for ducks to land.

Ducks land into the wind so set up with wind at your back.

Most decoys are mallard decoys, but some hunters mix species.Spinning wing decoys are beneficial.  

Concealment is key with camouflage, natural vegetation, and no movement.  

Calling is better, and there is no need to be a world-class duck caller.  Simple quacks and sounds work.  However, you will have more success with better calling and that takes practice and experience.

Goose hunting

Most popular species pursued is the Canada goose and they’re found statewide.  However, snow goose hunting and white-fronted geese are also popular in some areas of Kansas.

Decoys on land or water are used.  On land they are shells or full-bodied.  On water they are obviously floaters and most are Canada goose decoys in both situations.  .  

Decoys are placed in “family” groups with opening in front of hunters with space to land. Spinning wing decoys are NOT typically beneficial.  However, some hunters use flagging techniques to increase success.

Geese land into the wind so set up with wind at your back.  

Calling is better and simple honks and clucks work.  Success is increased with better calling.

firearms & Ammo

20 gauge or 12 gauge, with the latter more popular.

Non-toxic shells are required for all waterfowl hunting statewide.  

Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than 3 shells.  

Lethality studies show that #3 shot is most lethal for duck hunting while BBB is the most effective shot size for geese. 

table fare

Waterfowl get a bad rap for poor taste but that’s not accurate.  

Ducks, particularly teal, are incredibly tender and flavorful.  

Popular method is to remove the meat and cut in chunks, place in favorite marinade and wrap in bacon with a slice of fresh or canned jalapeno.

Geese are often used to make jerky, or placed in a crock pot for sandwiches, etc., much like a beef roast.  Corned goose is another favorite.