Committee hears bill to create upland game bird stamp to fund youth stocking and a 10‑day youth season

At a Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources hearing, legislators heard testimony on House Bill 2547, which would require hunters to purchase an upland game bird stamp before taking grouse, partridge, pheasant, prairie chicken or quail on public land and create a fee fund to pay vendors to procure and release birds for a 10‑day youth season.

The bill, summarized by presenter Kyle, would define the stamp as an annual permit valid until July 1, require the stamp‑holder to sign the stamp, cap fees at $15 for residents and $25 for nonresidents, and deposit fees into an Upland Game Bird Restoration Fee Fund established in section 3. Section 4 would establish a restoration program under which the secretary would enter into service contracts—procured under the state's competitive‑bid statutes—to buy and release mature upland game birds. The bill also authorizes the secretary to adopt implementing rules through the wildlife commission review process (KSA 32‑805). Kyle said exemptions include people not required to hold a hunting license under KSA 32‑9,19 and lifetime license holders.

Supporters: youth access and a fee‑funded model

Representative Sean…