Committee hears HB 2268 to restrict nonresident waterfowl hunting, raise habitat-stamp fees

A Kansas House committee opened a hearing on House Bill 2,268 on March 18 to consider a package of changes that would limit nonresident hunters’ access to many public wetlands and raise migratory-waterfowl habitat-stamp fees.

The bill, presented by reviser Kyle Hamilton, would define “nonresident” as someone who has not been a bona fide Kansas resident for the preceding 60 days, prohibit nonresidents from hunting migratory waterfowl on many Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) lands and certain federal properties except on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays during established seasons, and raise the statutory maximum for the state migratory-waterfowl habitat stamp from $8 to a higher maximum (the bill text sets a $20 cap for residents and a $100 cap for nonresidents). Section 1 of the bill also excludes walk-in hunting access areas, navigable waters in Kansas, and the conservation order for light geese from the hunting restriction. The bill would take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Why it matters: KDWP and multiple resident hunters told the committee that a rapid rise in nonresident participation on limited public wetland acres has reduced hunting opportunities and increased pressure on the resources. KDWP Deputy Secretary of Operations Stuart Schrag said the agency’s data showed…