Newsletter

December 2025 / January 2026

What You'll Find in this Newsletter

Advocacy: Become a Voice for Wild Kansas

Conservation: What good is hunting?

Education: Partnering to Connect Youth with Nature

Upcoming Events: Christmas Bird Counts continue...

Philanthropy Corner: Help make Kansas Lek Treks 2026 possible!

Chapter Spotlight: Kansas Audubon Chapters Feature

A Quick Scheduling Update:

You may notice a change in when you receive this newsletter. Starting in 2026, this newsletter will shift to a beginning-of-the-month publication schedule, typically landing in your inbox around the first of the month.

Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, KS; Creative Commons photo by Tony Webster

Statehouse Environmental Advocacy Network Updates

AOK is excited to host biweekly advocacy updates during the Kansas legislative session. These informal discussions will provide timely updates on environmental legislation under consideration at the Statehouse, with guest speakers from organizations across Kansas sharing insights on priority issues.

The first meeting is scheduled for January 16 and will include an overview of how to be an effective advocate. Sessions will take place at 12:30 PM every other week through the end of March on the following dates: January 16 & 30; February 13 & 27; and March 13 & 27.

Sign up for AOK’s Advocacy Alerts to receive updates on how to join these discussions and stay informed about key legislation.

Greater White-fronted Goose by AOK

What good is hunting?

Hunting was historically the opposite of conservation. In fact, over-hunting caused the extinction of Passenger Pigeon and Heath Hen (a unique subspecies of Greater Prairie-Chicken), and the near extinction bison. However, that over-hunting sparked conservation efforts as concerned citizens witnessed species declines and advocated for the protection of species. We even have over-hunting to thank for the formation of the National Audubon Society, which formed to advocate for the cessation of over-hunting egrets and other species used to make lady’s hats that were in fashion at the time.

Although hunting was the downfall of many species as Europeans colonized the America’s, hunting groups have led conservation efforts for the last 100 years. In 1937, the Pittman-Robertson created a tax on firearms and ammunition to support wildlife restoration. Today, this act still supplies a large portion of the revenue that supports state Wildlife Agencies. A few years ago, a study came out which estimated that there are 3 billion fewer birds in North America since 1970. Although most groups of birds declined, waterfowl showed an increase. That increase can be attributed to protection of habitat through 1966 National Wildlife Refuge System Act, but also by all the good conservation work conducted by hunting organizations like Ducks Unlimited.

So, what good is hunting? Today, populations of deer are becoming overpopulated as their native predators have been removed from the landscape. Too many deer result in degradation of forest health, low recruitment of native plants and an increase in invasive plants, increase in spread of disease through the deer herd, and many other negative outcomes. Hunting provides a humane method for controlling deer populations.

Along with taxes on fishing supplies, hunting is providing large amounts of funding for conservation today. However, the numbers of hunters have been declining for decades. It is time for those who enjoy nature through non-consumptive means (bird watching, hiking, paddling, etc.) to step up and support conservation. Besides supporting nonprofits like Audubon of Kansas, nature and outdoor enthusiasts should advocate for legislation which supports conservation of non-game wildlife and give to nongame wildlife funds like Chickadee Checkoff or wildlife license plates.

Adult mentor, Jonathan Schale, works with a youth mentee (Jacob) in a blind during a hunt at the Connie Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm

Partnering to Connect Youth with Nature

To say there are “too many deer” in an area is likely to spark lively conversation amongst conservationists, land managers, and hunters alike. It is a subjective comment that can only be given proper context when evaluated alongside management objectives. One thing all these folks may agree on, though, is that respect and appreciation for nature is commonly the result of personal interactions with a landscape - whether that be birdwatching, hiking, photography, or, in this case, hunting. 

While many native species have suffered losses as a result of human-driven development, alteration, and fragmentation of the Kansas landscape, white-tailed deer are one that have largely benefitted from this new, edgier, crop-ridden terrain. Generally, a high concentration of deer in an area has a detrimental effect on ecosystem function, inhibiting regeneration in the forest understory, significantly decreasing forb diversity across grasslands, and creating conditions for invasive species to readily exploit. 

Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors, a non-profit based out of Wichita, KS, works throughout the state, and around the region, to create opportunities for hunting education and engagement for youth participants. With the help of committed adult volunteers and youth mentees, AOK is wrapping up its second year of partnership with Outdoor Mentors who have hosted a series of deer hunts at the Connie Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm in Lincoln County, Kansas.

Forming connections with like-minded conservation groups in Kansas is a cornerstone of AOK's initiatives. Working together, AOK and Outdoor Mentors are able to support each other's mission in creating healthier, more diverse landscapes to be shared and enjoyed by generations of future conservationists. 

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS

HAPPENING IN JANUARY

Jan 7: Hmm... The Buzz about Hummingbirds 

Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium 101A

1515 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS

7:00-8:30pm

Only found in North and South America, hummingbirds include the smallest birds on the planet. Their unique method of flying and small size invokes a sense of wonder. Dr. Jackie Augustine, Executive Director for Audubon of Kansas, will discuss the unique biology of hummingbirds with a focus on Kansas species.

SAVE THE DATE

Registration opens Tuesday, January 6

Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chicken by Amy Jones

Are you interested in sponsoring Kansas Lek Treks?

Contact giving@audubonofkansas.org by March 1, 2026.