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Jimmy Dean
Topeka, KS, February 18, 2024 – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is at the center of a legislative controversy that could result in a significant reduction in its budget. The proposed cuts are linked to a dispute over the practice of deer baiting, which involves luring deer with food to increase hunting opportunities. The issue has gained attention following a bill introduced in the Kansas Legislature that could see the agency lose up to $7 million annually.
The bill, which recently passed the Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget committee, mandates refunds to nonresident hunters who do not receive a white-tailed deer hunting permit. Secretary Brad Loveless warned that this move could dramatically impact the department’s fish and wildlife programs. Critics, including local hunters, see the bill as retaliation against KDWP for considering restrictions on deer baiting to combat the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).