State park permit changes include fee increases for vehicle permits, overnight camping, and utilities, along with the elimination of the annual camping permit. For the hunting rules, beginning with the fall 2026 seasons, nonresidents hunting waterfowl (including coot), rail, or snipe on KDWP-managed public lands and waters must stop hunting before noon and leave department lands by 1 p.m. These limits do not apply to the September teal season, light geese hunting under the light goose conservation order, Walk-In Hunting Access areas when nonresidents are hunting other species, or KDWP Special Hunts programs and events.
The commission also approved re-establishing the fall turkey hunting season for Kansas residents. The season will run Oct. 31 through Jan. 31, 2027 with permits valid for one bearded (male) turkey and a 12-day closure beginning the Wednesday following Thanksgiving. Additional approved changes include restoring a repeatable season date structure for deer hunting in Deer Management Units on military properties.
After publication in the Kansas Register, the regulations will become effective 15 days later, except for the state parks fee changes, which take effect Nov. 1.