Kansas wildlife officials halt sale of lifetime hunting and fishing passes for older adults

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas wildlife officials are putting a stop to further sales of a lifetime pass for hunting and fishing marketed specifically for older adults this week.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife (KDWP) announced on Oct. 18 that it is halting sales of its combination hunting and fishing license for state residents who are between the ages of 65 and 74. The reason given is that officials found the statute which authorizes the KDWP to sell these licenses at a reduced rate has expired.

KDWP spokeswoman Laura Clawson said the Senior Lifetime Pass was first established by the Kansas Legislature in 2012 along with numerous other discounted licenses for older adults. Legislators made the other discounted hunting and fishing licenses permanent with House Bill 2039 in 2023.

“When we discovered the authorization for the Senior Lifetime Pass had lapsed, I instructed staff to stop selling them,” said KDWP Acting Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “All licenses were sold in good faith, and the Senior Lifetime Passes already issued will remain valid. While we must stop selling this pass, we are exploring regulatory and statutory options to offer additional discounted rates for seniors in the future.”

Clawson said annual senior licenses for Kansas residents between the ages of 65 to 74 remain open at significantly discounted rates. The Resident Senior Annual Hunting License and the Resident Senior Annual Fishing License are both $15 while the Resident Senior Annual Combo License for hunting and fishing is $25. You can purchase a license by clicking here or by calling 1-833-587-2164.

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