The Kansas House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2268, which aims to regulate nonresident waterfowl hunting in the state. The bill has garnered significant support from local hunters who argue that the influx of nonresident hunters is overwhelming Kansas' limited public hunting grounds.

Mike Castelli, a Kansas resident and waterfowl hunter, was a prominent voice in favor of the bill. He highlighted the overcrowding of wetlands, stating that many local hunters feel pushed out by nonresidents who travel from states like Louisiana and Texas. Castelli noted that Kansas ranks 49th out of 50 states in public land availability, with less than 1% of land designated as public. He emphasized the need for balance, arguing that the current situation degrades the hunting experience for residents and puts undue pressure on local wildlife.

Castelli pointed out that other states, such as South Dakota and Arkansas, have implemented similar restrictions on nonresident hunters, suggesting that Kansas would not be setting a precedent. He expressed concern over the impact of nonresident hunting on local bird populations, stating that increased hunting pressure forces birds to migrate or become nocturnal, further diminishing the hunting experience for residents.

The committee also heard from several written proponents of the bill, including citizens and former wildlife commissioners, who echoed Castelli's sentiments. However, opposition was voiced by Representative Dale Hellwig, who argued that the bill addresses a localized issue and imposes a blanket solution across the state.

The discussion surrounding HB 2268 reflects ongoing tensions between resident and nonresident hunters in Kansas, as well as broader concerns about wildlife management and public land access. The committee's decision on the bill could have significant implications for the state's hunting regulations and the experiences of local hunters.