CLAY COUNTY (KSNT) - State wildlife officials took action against several hunters who shot and killed migrating pelicans in a central Kansas wetlands area earlier this fall.
KSNT 27 News reached out to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) after its Game Wardens branch posted to social media on Sept. 17 that several American white pelicans were shot and killed at the Smith Bottom Wetland Area in Clay and Dickinson Counties. The birds, protected at the federal level, were killed during the Low Plains Teal season opener in Kansas.
The KDWP issued several citations to the hunters involved in the incident after getting tips from others who witnessed the shootings. Director of Law Enforcement at the KDWP Colonel Greg Kyser said situations like this are an unusual occurrence in Kansas.
“Hunters do occasionally misidentify birds, particularly ducks, grebes, and coots, across the state," Kyser said. "The incident at Smith Bottom was isolated and a more egregious violation but fortunately not common to that location.”
American white pelicans are protected in both the U.S. and Canada under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This makes it illegal for people to take or possess any migratory bird unless they are given special permits by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
"There are 1,106 bird species that are afforded protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act," Tom Bidrowski, KDWP migratory game bird specialist said. "Over 483 bird species have been documented in Kansas, of which around 451 would be considered migratory birds."
Shooting and killing migratory birds can come with heavy fines. Waterfowl hunters were warned last year by the KDWP to avoid harming endangered whooping cranes which is considered a federal offense punishable by a $100,000 fine.
"Protecting migrating bird species is crucial as they play a vital role in ecosystem functions and have economic, intrinsic, and cultural value," Bidrowski said. "KDWP’s mission is to conserve and enhance Kansas' wildlife and its habitats, ensuring current and future generations appreciate and enjoy these living resources and associated recreation."
For more information on what animals you can hunt for in Kansas, click here.
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