The Kansas BHA Podcast

Marshal & Kurt recap the most recent KDWP commission meeting and weigh in on a few issues.  There is a lot going on right now in the commission.  Kansas hunters and anglers need to be paying attention and weighing in with their opinions!

In this episode, we sit down with Connor O'Flannagan, Director of Kansas State Parks with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), to explore the current state and future direction of Kansas's park system.  Whether you're a frequent camper, a hunter or angler, or just someone who values Kansas's public lands, this discussion offers a clear look at where state parks are headed and how le...

In this episode, I sit down with acclaimed Kansas author and outdoorsman George Frazier to discuss two of his most influential works, The Last Wild Places of Kansas and Riverines . Our conversation explores the hidden landscapes, rivers, prairies, and wild corners of Kansas that many people never see, along with the stories, history, and conservation efforts that have helped shape them. George sha...

Today Kurt, Marshal, and Kyle are joined by Chris Selle.  Chris is a board member of the MoKan chapter of Trout Unlimited.  Chris helps walk us through some of the basics of fly fishing and some of the gear to consider if you want to dive into the world of fly fishing. You might not think of Kansas as a fly fishing state, but Chris opens our eyes to the ability to use fly gear for any type of fish...

Marshal, Jeff, and Kurt had the honor of chatting with Ted Koch. Ted is the Executive Director of the North American Grouse Partnership.  We discuss grasslands, prairie chickens, and much more! Welda Prairie Workday-March 28th KDA Grasslands Report Lesser Prairie Chicken Landowner Alliance North American Grouse Partnership

We sit down with Jeff Prendergast, Small Game Specialist, of the KDWP and discuss how the upland season went across the state, what it looks like for the future, and lots of other stuff. 

Kurt and Jeff do a rundown of current legislative bills from the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session.  Ducks, drones, fees, and river access are all on the menu.  We also talk about receding hair lines.  There is some major stuff going on at your statehouse so have a listen, decide for yourself, and make a difference by calling your legislator and telling them how you feel.

Everything you ever wanted to know about water in Kansas.  Well almost...we need another episode to go deep on some topics.  We visit with Burke Griggs, Professor at Washburn Law School, and one of the most knowledgeable people in the country on water law, particulary Kansas water law.  Professor Burke provides a great rundown on everything outdoors people should know about waters of the United St...

If you think facts are better than fiction on the topic of CWD you need to listen to this episode. We talked to Dr. Krysten Schuler, a Wildlife Disease Ecologist with Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, about CWD.   Dr. Schuler is the foremost expert on CWD, having studied the disease since 2002, her entire career.   She's presented expert testimony on CWD to the U.S. House Commit...

In this episode, we sit down with Wes Sowards of KDWP And get an update on the walk-in hunting access program.

In this episode of the Kansas BHA Podcast, we explore the first year of a hunting dog's life with Ron Boehme of The Hunting Dog Podcast and Jeff Hancock of Hickory Hollow Llewellin Setters. From crate training to first bird contact, we break down the key milestones, mistakes to avoid, and tips for building a reliable hunting companion

  Kansas BHA board members Marshal Loftus and Kurt Ratzlaff break down the most recent KDWP commission meeting from June 2025.  We have time stamps listed below for referencing the YouTube meeting recordings. If you want to skip our banter at the beginning and get right into the content, skip ahead to the 14:30 Mark.   JUNE KDWP COMMISSION MEETING YOUTUBE LINK   21min Waterfowl History 31min Trout...

In this episode, host Chad Woods sits down with Dr. Clair—veterinarian, hunter, and owner of Paradigm Sporting Dog. They dive into hunting dog health, nutrition, field safety, and injury prevention, plus what to pack in your field and truck kits. Clair also shares insights on puppy development, caring for aging dogs, and how to be best prepared in the field. Don't miss the details on her upcoming...

This episode is a quick Action Alert episode to let our listeners know about a very real threat of the sale of 2-3 MILLION acres of our public land.  This process is moving quickly, so quick action is needed on our part.  Lets take a stand and tell congress we oppose the sale of our public land!   Links below to Learn and Take Action BHA Take Action Link Your Mountain Podcast-3 Mil Acres of Public...

Kansas BHA board members Marshal Loftus and Kurt Ratzlaff break down the most recent KDWP commission meetings from March & April 2025.  We have time stamps listed below for referencing the YouTube meeting recordings.  March Commission Meeting Recording Time Stamps For referencing Commission Meeting Recording 1hr 20min Coyote NIght Hunting 2hr 55min Waterfowl season Process 3hr 10min Kansas Elk 3hr...

Kansas BHA board members Marshal Loftus and Kurt Ratzlaff break down the most recent KDWP commission meeting on January 30, 2025.  This was an interesting meeting to say the least!  We have time stamps listed below for referencing the recording.  If you want to skip our banter at the beginning of this episode, skip to the 8:50 mark. KDWP Jan 30 Commission Meeting Youtube link Time Stamps For refer...

Kansas BHA board members Marshal Loftus, Kyle Pokorny, and Kurt Ratzlaff sit down with BHA's North American Board Chair & Meateater's Director of Conservation Ryan Callaghan.  We were short on time but we discussed a wide range of topics around BHA, keeping a positive attitude while hunting, and much more!

Kansas BHA board members Marshal Loftus, Chad Woods, & Kurt Ratzlaff sit down today to discuss Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever and the upcoming Pheasant Fest Event in Kansas City with Bob St. Pierre.  Bob is the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for PF/QF. We hope to see you at Pheasant Fest!   Pheasant Fest 2025- Kansas City Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever

Kansas BHA board members Marshal Loftus and Kurt Ratzlaff sit down with Jamie Howater and Shawn Harding from the Kansas Bowhunters Association to discuss a new alliance of "Hook & Bullet" groups here in Kansas. Kansas Outdoor Heritage Alliance is a group of 14 (and growing) hunting and fishing based groups.  The goal of KOHA is to make the voice of average hunters and anglers heard in Kansas both...

This one is a little unique. KS BHA Board Members Marshal Loftus and Kyle Pokorny sit down to talk about their recent hunting trip to New Mexico.  This isn't just a hunting story though.  We wanted to provide a little perspective on taking kids along on a Western/Out-of-State hunt.  It's not easy but we highly recommend taking your kids along any time it is possible. Enjoy! Check Out Our Events Pa...

Kansas BHA Board Chair Marshal Loftus and Kansas BHA Legislative Chair Kurt Ratzlaff breakdown and summarize the most recent KDWP Commission meeting.  These meetings can be long and exhaustive so we are summarizing these to keep our members and listeners engaged!  If you want to jump past our rambling and story telling at the beginning, go to the 11 minute mark. KDWP Commission Meetings can be fou...

Today Marshal Loftus and Kurt Ratzlaff sit down with National Deer Association Director of Policy Catherine Appling-Pooler .  NDA does a great job of monitoring wildlife legislation in each state and letting their members know what is going on.  Catherine is a wealth of knowledge on wildlife commission issues and policy issues regarding wildlife. She has written some great articles which are linke...

Kansas BHA Board Chair Marshal Loftus and Kansas BHA Legislative Chair Kurt Ratzlaff breakdown and summarize the most recent KDWP Commission meeting.  These meetings can be long and exhaustive so we thought this might be a good way to keep our members and listeners engaged! KDWP Commission Meetings can be found HERE  

Kansas BHA Chair Marshal Loftus sits down with Jeff Prendergast from KDWP, former KS BHA board member Jeff Hancock, and KS BHA board member Chad Woods.  We discuss habitat conditions, and the forecast for hunting Pheasants, Quail, and Prairie Chickens in 2024/2025.  Don't tell anyone, but it is looking pretty dang good folks! The Official KDWP 2024 Upland Forecast is now live as well! 2024 KDWP Up...

Kansas BHA board members Marshal Loftus, Kyle Pokorny, and Kurt Ratzlaff sit down with former KDWP Commission member Lauren Queal Sill.  We discuss all things commission related including: How the commission works, misconceptions, rumors, changes to the commission, and much more!