March 5, 2010 Cabin fever is near epidemic proportions in this area. It's been a longer than usual Winter that is taking it's toll on the minds and attitudes of local anglers.
If you judge the length of our Winter by ice fishing, it has been much longer than normal. Fishermen were drilling holes the first week of December at some lakes. Today, almost 3 months later, we had reports of ice fishing this past week.
Normally we have about 4 to 6 weeks of good ice but some years it has been even less. The last time that I can remember ice lasting into March was back in the late 70's.
The ice is pretty much history at this point...but that is what I wrote a month ago.
The Saugeye-Walleye fever is high right now and some reports of fish being caught at area lakes are beginning to come in. As the weather warms up even more it should get better.
March weather is always sporadic witch makes planning a trip more than a day or two ahead almost impossible. When the good weather hits, you almost have to get with the program and go fishing or miss out entirely.
Turkey hunters start getting fired up in March with scouting and calling practice. April 1 is the opening of the youth and disabled season. Archery season also opens at the same time. April 14 is the opening day for regular season.
Kansas Wildlife and Parks is offering a real bargain for those buying their Turkey permits early this year. Buy a resident combo permit/game tag before March 31 and save $7.50.
KWP is hoping to increase both the number of Turkey hunters and the harvest with this special offer and from first indications, hunters are responding.
Anyone who has spent much time in the country recently knows that there's plenty of Turkeys. Some say that there are more landowner complaints about Turkeys than Deer these days.
As the weather warms in the next few weeks, the birds will be breaking up into smaller groups and traveling.
Don't run into many folks who pursue it, but the extended Snow Goose season can offer some great hunting. As these birds wing their way back up north, huge flocks can build up on some of our reservoirs. During this special conservation season, hunters can use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls. No limits on the number of Snow Geese during this time.