Our new website is live, but you may see a few areas in transition as we continue organizing and updating content. Site search will be limited at first while Google updates its index, but results will improve over time. If you’re looking for a quick starting point, try the How Do I… section on the home page to jump straight to common actions.
The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Governor and Secretary in formulating policies and plans of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The commission facilitates public hearings on rules and regulations proposed by the Secretary, ultimately voting to approve, modify, or reject those proposed rules and regulations. The Commission is a seven-member, non-partisan board with four members appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one appointed by the President of the Senate, and one appointed by the Attorney General. The Commission is required by state law to preserve the right to hunt, fish, and trap wildlife, which is established in section 21 of the the Kansas Constitution's Bill of Rights.
All Commission meetings are accessible and open to the public, and each meeting includes two opportunities for public comment. No sign-up is needed, simply approach the microphone when invited. You can also submit public comment without attending Commission meeting by using the Contact Us form.
Chair
Whitney Damron
Topeka, KS
785-224-6666
Term expires June 30, 2028
Representative Will Carpenter
El Dorado, KS
316-541-2932
Term expires June 30, 2026
Emerick Cross
Kansas City, KS
913-424-6767
Term expires June 30, 2027
Warren Gfeller
Russel, KS
913-221-1173
Term expires June 30, 2027
Delia Lister
Pittsburg, KS
620-235-4805
Term expires June 30, 2026
Keith Mark
Basehor, KS
816-803-2893
Term expires June 30, 2026
Bruce Riedl
Ellinwood, KS
620-566-7263
Term expires June 30, 2026
The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissions holds public meetings several times a year, at locations across the state. Select the events for details about upcoming meetings.
Attendees can participate in-person or virtually.
You can watch a live video/audio stream of the meeting without registering. Get more information under Watch Meetings.
View the Commission meeting on YouTube
In Person
Robert B. Docking State Office Building
915 SW Harrison Street, Room 360
Topeka, KS 66612
If notified in advance, KDWP will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission of Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting KDWP at 785-294-2645.
Virtual - By Zoom
Call In
Watch a live video and audio stream of the meeting without registering at https://ksoutdoors.com/commission-meeting.
I. Call to Order at 12:00 P.M.
II. Introduction of Commissioners and Guests
III. Additions and Deletions of Agenda Items
IV. Approval of November 2025 Meeting Minutes
V. Department Report
a) Public Hearing** (Administrative Rules and Regulations, Pursuant to K.S.A. 77-421)
• 115-7-1 — Fishing, legal equipment, methods of taking, and other provisions — Bryan Sowards
• 115-7-4 — Fish; processing and possession — Bryan Sowards
• 115-7-10 — Fishing; special provisions — Bryan Sowards
• 115-18-8 — Retrieval and Possession of Game Animals, Sport Fish, and Migratory Game Birds — Bryan Sowards
• 2026-27 Waterfowl Season Dates, Bag, and Possession Limits (consensus vote only) — Tom Bidrowski
b) Regulations in Promulgation — Kurtis Wiard
• 115-2-1 — Night Vision Hunting and Duplicate Boat Decals Fees —
Completed promulgation, will be voted on at June 18, 2026 meeting
• 115-2-2; 2-3 — Park Fees — Completed promulgation; statutory ratification in process
c) 2026 Legislative Agenda — Martin de Boer
VI. General Public Comment*
VII. Secretary's Remarks — Secretary Christopher Kennedy
VIII. Informational Items
IX. General Discussion
a) 115-25-5; 115-25-6 — Turkey Fall Season — Jake George
X. Workshop Session
a) 115 -25-9a — 2026 Deer Seasons on Military Units — Levi Jaster
b) 115-8-1 — Nonresident Waterfowl Hunting on Public Lands — Stuart Schrag
c) 115-8-25 — Trail Cameras on Public Lands — Stuart Schrag
XI. General Public Comment*
XII. Old Business
XIII. Other Business
a) Future Meeting Dates and Locations
XIV. Adjournment
* All public comments are limited to ten minutes per presenter. Presenters who need additional time to speak may request up to an additional five minutes from the Chair.
Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.
