I explored the southern aspects of the recreation area, getting passed by wheeled vehicles as I would stop to drink in the vastness of the land. Running parallel to the paved road, there are tank trails often within 50 yards distance away. Tank treads will do a number on asphalt paving, especially when it is over 95 degrees as it was this day.
Driving west towards the main N/S road of the training area (Old Hiway 81) I traveled along the only zone closed to recreational access. Daily check-ins are required to make sure that one knows which areas are open for usage, and regularly posted signs are a reminder of the potential danger. And it is possible to be in an area that might have troops on training, but would still be permitted for recreation, with the rule being that there is a 200 yard buffer zone to be allotted to all troops in training.
Driving towards Lake Milford on the west, I catch up to US 81 highway and with both side of the road being on post, I keep thinking to myself, look at all that deer/elk habitat. Oftentimes the largest bull taken off the post comes off the western areas, but these areas are also off limits to recreationists for long stretches of time.
As I continue north, I reach the area that has critter and human proof fencing, with barbed wire stretching over the top. This area is the gunnery complex, which is never open to non military activities. The highway finally reaches the north end of the post, and bends directly east towards the town of Riley. Several access points on the north end are explored, looking for good jumping off spots. Driving back towards Manhattan I start getting into familiar looking areas on the outskirts of town, and finally get to Manhattan itself.
Taking a trip down memory lane, I drive past the three houses that my family lived in while my dad was on the vet school staff. I sent photos of the homes, and sort of sadly, my mom failed to recognize any of the homes. It is move in week at KState, and there are tons of mom/dad/kid shopping at WalMart. The storage and furniture aisles are as bare as a Christmas Eve toy aisle.
I now face a decision. Do I call it a day now, or should I explore more access and maybe get to a high spot and watch for elk to come out as the sun sets? I decide to carry on exploring. Driving back towards the post, I drive past old places that have been repurposed. Wedding venues, and winery/restaurants are late afternoon surprises. I venture up the hill to find a fancy venue/restaurant/winery and decide that Mrs kansasdad needs to tell me if the wine is any good. A bottle of white, one of red, and a 4 pack of cider for me.
Watching the GPS and the map, I drove along the road that I have thinking about hunting off of ever since that marvelous day in July when I heard I get to hunt elk in Kansas. An interactive map of the post shows where there are food plots, and whether they are active or not. I parked alongside the road, put my car permit on the front dash and pushed through the woods towards my desired spotting area. Inside the woods I came across some rock walls from some lone ago abandoned structures. Those folks using stone to build their homes and barns are 1000 times tougher than I will be.
Probably a woodrat domicile.
Driving west towards the main N/S road of the training area (Old Hiway 81) I traveled along the only zone closed to recreational access. Daily check-ins are required to make sure that one knows which areas are open for usage, and regularly posted signs are a reminder of the potential danger. And it is possible to be in an area that might have troops on training, but would still be permitted for recreation, with the rule being that there is a 200 yard buffer zone to be allotted to all troops in training.
Driving towards Lake Milford on the west, I catch up to US 81 highway and with both side of the road being on post, I keep thinking to myself, look at all that deer/elk habitat. Oftentimes the largest bull taken off the post comes off the western areas, but these areas are also off limits to recreationists for long stretches of time.
As I continue north, I reach the area that has critter and human proof fencing, with barbed wire stretching over the top. This area is the gunnery complex, which is never open to non military activities. The highway finally reaches the north end of the post, and bends directly east towards the town of Riley. Several access points on the north end are explored, looking for good jumping off spots. Driving back towards Manhattan I start getting into familiar looking areas on the outskirts of town, and finally get to Manhattan itself.
Taking a trip down memory lane, I drive past the three houses that my family lived in while my dad was on the vet school staff. I sent photos of the homes, and sort of sadly, my mom failed to recognize any of the homes. It is move in week at KState, and there are tons of mom/dad/kid shopping at WalMart. The storage and furniture aisles are as bare as a Christmas Eve toy aisle.
I now face a decision. Do I call it a day now, or should I explore more access and maybe get to a high spot and watch for elk to come out as the sun sets? I decide to carry on exploring. Driving back towards the post, I drive past old places that have been repurposed. Wedding venues, and winery/restaurants are late afternoon surprises. I venture up the hill to find a fancy venue/restaurant/winery and decide that Mrs kansasdad needs to tell me if the wine is any good. A bottle of white, one of red, and a 4 pack of cider for me.
Watching the GPS and the map, I drove along the road that I have thinking about hunting off of ever since that marvelous day in July when I heard I get to hunt elk in Kansas. An interactive map of the post shows where there are food plots, and whether they are active or not. I parked alongside the road, put my car permit on the front dash and pushed through the woods towards my desired spotting area. Inside the woods I came across some rock walls from some lone ago abandoned structures. Those folks using stone to build their homes and barns are 1000 times tougher than I will be.
Probably a woodrat domicile.
and if that's the case, the unique hunt and adventure is just beginning!!!
