Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Kansas? Rules, Permits, and Restrictions by City

Kansas may be one of the most agricultural states in the country, but that doesn’t mean you can automatically keep chickens in your backyard — especially if you live in a city or suburb. Local ordinances vary dramatically from one municipality to the next, and what’s perfectly legal in one neighborhood may earn you a […]

Kansas Dove Season Guide: Dates, Bag Limits, Licenses, and Hunting Areas

Kansas offers some of the most productive dove hunting opportunities in the central United States, with abundant populations of mourning doves and growing numbers of Eurasian collared doves. The state’s diverse agricultural landscape, combined with well-managed public hunting areas, creates ideal conditions for both resident and non-resident hunters. Understanding the regulations that govern dove season […]

8 Invasive Insects Attacking Kansas Gardens, Crops, and Trees

Kansas ash trees are dying at an alarming rate—not from disease or drought, but from tiny metallic-green beetles that arrived from Asia. Since 2012, these invaders have spread to 18 counties, and they’re just one of several non-native insects reshaping the state’s agricultural and natural landscapes. From backyard gardens to commercial farms and urban forests, […]

Kansas Pheasant Season 2025-26: Dates, Limits, and License Requirements

Kansas ranks among the top pheasant hunting destinations in the United States, with over 700,000 acres of public hunting land and a thriving wild bird population. The 2025-26 season offers hunters multiple opportunities to pursue ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) across diverse habitats, from CRP grasslands to managed wildlife areas. Understanding the regulations, license requirements, and […]

Roadkill Laws in Kansas: What You Need to Know for Safe & Legal Collection

You’re driving through Kansas when a deer jumps in front of your car. After the collision, you wonder if you can legally take the animal home instead of leaving it on the roadside. In Kansas, you can legally claim roadkill, but you need to follow specific rules and obtain proper documentation through a salvage tag […]

8 Largest Spiders Found in Kansas (With Identification Tips)

Kansas’s prairies, grasslands, and diverse ecosystems harbor some surprisingly large spiders that often startle residents unfamiliar with the state’s arachnid inhabitants. From massive tarantulas crossing roads during autumn mating season to hand-sized wolf spiders prowling through basements, the Sunflower State supports several spider species that measure 2 inches or more in total length. Most people […]

Red Birds in Kansas: 12 Species You’ll Actually See in Your Backyard

You glance out your kitchen window and spot a flash of crimson at the feeder—but which red bird just visited? Kansas hosts an impressive variety of red-plumaged birds throughout the year, from the familiar Northern Cardinal that brightens winter landscapes to rare seasonal visitors that make birdwatchers’ hearts race. Whether you’re setting up your first […]

Hunting Laws in Kansas: Essential Rules, Licenses, and Safe Access for Hunters

Kansas hunting laws set clear rules about when you can hunt, what permits you need, and where you can legally pursue game. The state manages these regulations through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, which updates rules each year based on wildlife populations and conservation needs. Whether you’re planning your first hunt or you’ve […]

17 Types of Frogs in Kansas: Your ID Guide With Calls & Habitat Maps

When you’re exploring Kansas wetlands in spring, one of the first signals of emerging wildlife is sound—hundreds of frogs calling across ponds and marshes. Kansas hosts an impressive diversity of amphibians, with 22 species of native frogs representing everything from massive bullfrogs to tiny tree frogs barely an inch long. Whether you’re a naturalist wanting […]

32 Caterpillars in Kansas You Need to Know (Including 5 Dangerous Ones)

Kansas is home to an incredible diversity of caterpillars, from the iconic monarch to the dangerous puss caterpillar that can send you to the hospital. Whether you’re exploring the tallgrass prairies or your backyard garden, you’ll encounter dozens of fascinating species that transform into some of North America’s most beautiful butterflies and moths. Understanding which […]