Late waterfowl hunts should be bountiful

Early January moisture over most of Kansas combined with a wet summer and fall and a late January duck season have waterfowl hunters anticipating good hunting this winter.

Currently, the top three areas for geese are Quivira NWR with 350,000, Norton Reservoir with 41,500 and Cheyenne Bottoms with 30,000. The top three areas for ducks are Quivira NWR with 14,000, Neosho WA with 12,000 and Milford Reservoir with 10,000.

Duck seasons closed Jan. 2, but will reopen Jan. 22-30 in both the Late and High Plains zones.

Canada goose season will run through Feb. 6. White-fronted goose season runs through Jan. 28.

A federal conservation order extends light goose hunting through April 30.

Free park entrance will vary in 2005

Wildlife and Parks has changed its annual free park entrance days program. Instead of establishing a blanket weekend for free entry, each state park manager will tailor free days to particular attractions.

Milford State Park will be the first, granting free entrance during Eagle Days Jan. 15-16. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at the Milford Nature Center.

Commission meeting set Jan. 20 in Topeka

Wildlife and Parks commissioners will meet Jan. 20 at the Memorial Hall Auditorium in Topeka. Public sessions are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will include discussion of the fiscal year 2006 budget.