Kanopolis Lake offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals. Pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel can be found in huntable populations. Fur harvesters may also find coyote, bobcat, beaver, muskrat, mink, raccoon and opossum to pursue.
The Corps of Engineers manages approximately 11,000 acres of land open to Public Hunting. The majority of this acreage is located at the upper end of the lake along the Smoky Hill River. 4,000 thousand acres have also been licensed to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for management as a waterfowl refuge. Land management practices such as prescribed burning, tree and grass planting, food plot establishment and timber stand improvement are performed to enhance wildlife habitat. One of the Corps' most important wildlife management tools is the agricultural lease program. Tracts of public land are leased to farmers who incorporate specific wildlife management practices into their farming operation. Public access is available to a majority of these lands, but vehicles are restricted to existing roads. Nearly all Federally owned land is open to hunting, with the exception of the developed parks and portions of the waterfowl refuge. We encourage all hunters to visit the Project Office for further information and guidance.
All Federal and state hunting regulations are enforced. Sportsmanship and safety should be considered at all times. Kansas law requires that any hunter born after 1 July 1957 must complete a Hunter Education course before they can obtain a Kansas hunting license.