Hunting and Fishing Opportunities at Kansas Preserves

Throughout Kansas's history, conservation, fishing and hunting have been intertwined, with these activities serving as a bridge between people and the state's prairies, wetlands and wildlife. For many families, time spent outdoors during hunting and fishing season is a tradition that spans generations and fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world.

As time passes and landscapes in Kansas continue to change, access to quality wildlife habitat has become more limited. Intact natural areas that support wildlife populations are becoming increasingly rare, and gaining access to private lands for hunting can be challenging. At the same time, hunting remains an important management tool. Without many natural predators and active population management, deer populations can become out of balance, increasing the risk of disease and causing ecological and economic damage.

Healthy wildlife populations and access to outdoor recreation also play an important role in funding conservation. Through the purchase of licenses, outdoor equipment and the associated federal match, hunters and anglers are a primary source of funding for conservation efforts on private and public lands throughout Kansas. However, if wildlife populations are low and individuals are unable to access lands, fewer licenses are purchased, less outdoor equipment is sold and less funding is generated.

The Nature Conservancy recognizes the important role hunters and anglers play in supporting healthy ecosystems. Since beginning work in Kansas in 1966, TNC has helped protect around 181,000 acres and restore important prairie, wetland and river ecosystems across the state. These conservation efforts benefit game and nongame species alike while ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy Kansas’s outdoor traditions.

Several TNC properties in Kansas provide walk-in hunting opportunities (no vehicles allowed). Site-specific restrictions apply.

Open to Legal Public Hunting

Several TNC preserves in Kansas are open to public hunting through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' Interactive Walk-In Hunting Access (iWIHA) program. All properties are walk-in access only, require the use of non-toxic shot and are subject to all applicable Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and iWIHA regulations, including limits on group size and daily hunter access.

Access the iWIHA website here.

• Smoky Valley Ranch (Logan County)
  Smoky Valley Ranch offers three tracts totaling 697 acres open to all legal hunting seasons and equipment from September 1 through January 31. An additional tract at Smoky Valley Ranch is available for novice and mentor deer hunts through KDWP's Special Hunts program.
  
• Cheyenne Bottoms (Barton County)
  Cheyenne Bottoms offers two tracts. A 320-acre tract, including waterfowl hunting opportunities, is open from September 1 through May 31. A 1,114-acre tract at Cheyenne Bottoms is open from November 1 through January 31. During these periods, hunting is limited to legal archery and shotshell equipment.
• Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (Greenwood County)
  Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie Preserve has 2,188 acres open to all legal hunting seasons and equipment from September 1 through January 31.
• Skyline Preserve (Wabaunsee County)
  Skyline Preserve has 717 acres open to all legal hunting seasons and equipment from October 1 through January 31.
• Anderson County Prairies (Anderson County) 
  Anderson County Prairies has 882 acres open to all legal hunting seasons and equipment from November 1 through January 31.
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (Chase County)
  A 2,733-acre portion of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve east of Highway 177 is open to archery deer hunting only during designated periods between September 1 and January 31.
• Sandhills Ranch (Kiowa County)
  The southern 7,000-acre portion of Sandhills Ranch is open to all legal hunting seasons and equipment from November 1 through January 31.

Open to Legal Public Fishing

• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (Chase County)
  Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is available through KDWP’s Walk-In Fishing Access Program and includes approximately 4.6 miles of fishing along Fox Creek and three ponds. Open year round.

^{Disclaimer: Hunters and anglers should consult current Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks regulations and iWIHA maps before planning a visit to Smoky Valley Ranch, Cheyenne Bottoms, Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Skyline Preserve, Anderson County Prairies, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve or Sandhills Ranch, as access dates, boundaries and requirements may change.}