Pratt ? Kansas’ most popular hunting event – the opening of quail and pheasant seasons – is under way.

Hunters throughout the country visit the most challenging hunts in the state.

Kansas has more prairie chickens than any other state, and it has two species – lesser and greater. The largest concentration of greaters is in the Flint Hills, while lessers can be found in the sand sage prairies of southcentral, southwest and northwest Kansas.

The regular prairie chicken season is divided into three zones. The northwestern zone – bounded by K-96 on the south and U.S. 281 on the east – has a season running Nov. 2-Jan. 31 and a daily bag limit of two.

The eastern zone – divided by U.S. 281 on the west – encompasses more that half the state. Primarily greater prairie chicken country, the season here is also Nov. 2-Jan. 31 with a daily bag limit of two. (This zone also had a Sept. 15-Oct. 15 season.)

The southwestern zone – bounded by K-96 on the north and U.S. 281 on the east – is primarily lesser prairie chickens, and the daily bag limit is one.

As with pheasant and quail, the possession limit on prairie chickens is twice the daily bag limit.

A valid Kansas resident hunting license ($18.50), is required of all residents ages 16 through 64. Non-residents 16 and older must purchase a $70.50 hunting license, but non-residents younger than 16 may purchase a youth license for $35.50.

Kansas hunting licenses run the calendar year, so a 2003 license is required after Dec. 31. The 2003 license will go on sale Dec. 14 and will be valid for the remainder of 2002 and all of 2003.