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HERPING IN KANSAS: The Law and the Herper
Everyone has heard the old saying that ignorance of the law is no excuse, and that old saying is the reason for this
short article. Kansas has a number of wildlife laws that directly affect the animals that people such as those involved with
the Kansas Herpetological Society enjoy observing, photographing, pursuing, and sometimes actually collecting. Following
is a very brief summary of some of the laws that many herpetologists may not be aware.
First, all native amphibians, reptiles, and turtles in Kansas are protected by one or more Kansas statutes. Non-native
animals such as Italian Wall lizards and Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are another issue. The laws do not seem to be clear
as to their protection.
The collecting, handling, and keeping of native amphibians, reptiles, and turtles in Kansas requires one or more of the
following types of permits depending on the species in question: valid Kansas hunting license for residents 16 years of age
or older, valid Kansas fishing license for residents 16 years of age or older, and/or a Kansas scientific collecting permit.
Residents 65 years of age or older do not need either a Kansas hunting or fishing license, but do need a scientific collecting
permit for some of the species found in Kansas. All non-residents, regardless of age, must have the proper license.
These are general guidelines taken from information at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website. Anyone with
specific questions should contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks with those questions.
Larry L. Miller
26 January 2007
 
NORTHERN HILLS JUNIOR HIGH
SCHOOL became the new SEAMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL at the end of the 2007-08 school
year. The photos and information
at this website and related links are now history. Also, Mr. Miller retired from the Seaman District at the end
of the school year. His old USD
email address is no longer valid.
He can now be contacted at wakarusa@mac.com.
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