Kansas Klips

Trail cams prohibited on KDWP-managed land in response to public concerns

PRATT—Over the past several years, staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have fielded an ever-increasing amount of public concerns regarding using trail or game cameras on public lands. Concerns cited by the public commonly included the issues of theft, and privacy concerns. After much deliberation—including seven public meetings held over the course of two years—Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners voted this year to prohibit trail cameras on department lands and waters, including Walk-In Hunting Access and iWIHA properties (private lands leased by KDWP for public hunting access). “As the number of trail cameras on the landscape increased, so did the number of reports made by constituents citing camera theft and misuse,” said Ryan Stucky, KDWP Public Lands Assistant Director. “There were also concerns about trail camera users disturbing wildlife with frequent visits to check on those cameras.” As a result, department staff and commissioners agreed on the regulation change—which is now in effect— should state that no person shall place, maintain, or use a trail or game camera on department lands, or use any images or video from a trail or game camera including location, time, or date, for any purpose of KDWP lands and waters. KDWP defines trail or game cameras as any remote motion-activated or infrared camera in which the shutter is activated by sound triggers, proximity sensation, radio transmitters, or a self-timer built into the game camera. While using images of wildlife produced by or transmitted from a satellite to aid in taking or locating wildlife on department lands and waters is prohibited, using mapping systems or programs remains a legal activity. (Hays Post)

Pickup almost hit Kansas Deputy in run from traffic stop

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a weekend chase. On Saturday, August 19th, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 1996 Ford Ranger in the 1500 block of Susank Road, north of Hoisington, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The deputy contacted the driver, identified as 67-year-old Murle Amador of St. John. Amador was the only occupant of the vehicle. During the traffic stop, the deputy became suspicious of illegal drug activity, and Barton County Sheriff’s Officer K9 Maxx was deployed. Maxx indicated the odor of controlled substances emanating from the vehicle. When deputies told Amador to exit the vehicle, he started the truck and sped away, nearly striking the deputy. Sheriff’s deputies pursued Amador north into Russell County. After pursuing the suspect vehicle for several miles, Amador returned to Barton County. While chasing Amador, deputies observed suspected methamphetamine falling from the vehicle. It was later discoveredAmador was dropping bags through a hole in the floorboard. Amador then attempted to turn into the driveway at a residence in Susnak, where he was blocked by a deputy and taken into custody. Amador was arrested without incident and transported to the Barton County Jail. During the investigation, more suspected methamphetamine was found in the vehicle. Amador’s being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He’s being held in lieu of a $100,000.00 bond. (Hays Post)

Suspect arrested after standoff at NW Kansas home

SHERMAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a standoff at a northwest Kansas home. On Wednesday, August 16th, just before 6:00 p.m., police responded to a report of shots fired at a home in the 800 blockof Harrison in Goodland, according to a media release. Officers heard active gunfire inside the house. The suspect refused law enforcement commands to exit the residence. Police evacuated nearby homes and secured the area. Just after 7:30 p.m., police resolved the situation and made an arrest. There were no injuries. Police did not release the name of the suspect or possible charges. (Hays Post)

Chief’s Super Bowl Trophy will be at Kansas State Fair

HUTCHINSON—Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz let the Hutch Post know that there will be something special at the Kansas State Fair this year. “We have the Lombardi Trophy coming to the Kansas State Fair on the Kansas Lottery’s Chief Red Friday,” Schulz said. “People will be able to come out there, get their picture taken with the Super Bowl Trophy from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the last Friday of the Fair. “This is going to be huge. They only go to certain places. When they said they wanted to bring it, we were, thumbs up, let’s get it done.” (Hays Post)