Below is a list of the official dates for deer season this year…we hope you can make it out!

• Youth and Disability: Sept.10 – Sept. 18, 2011
• Muzzleloader: Sept. 19 – Oct. 2, 2011
• Archery: Sept. 19 – Dec. 31, 2011
• Early Firearm (DMU 19 only): Oct. 8 – Oct.16, 2011
• Regular Firearm: Nov. 30 – Dec. 11, 2011
• Extended Firearms Whitetail Antlerless-Only: Jan.1 – Jan.8, 2012
• Extended Archery Whitetail Antlerless-Only (DMU 19): Jan. 9 – Jan. 31, 2012
• Special Extended Firearm Whitetail Antlerless-Only: Jan.9- Jan.15, 2012 (Open for units 7, 8 and 15 only)
• Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

For applications and fees visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks at their website:  http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/Applications-and-Fees

• Regular (firearm/archery): April 11 – May 31, 2012
• Archery-Only : April 1 – 10, 2012
• Youth/Disabled : April 1 – 10, 2012
• Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Legal Equipment: long, recurve or compound bows and shotguns and muzzleloading shotguns 20 gauge or larger using shot sizes 2 through 9. Crossbows are legal during April 11 – May 31 season only.
• Limit: Any individual who has purchased a spring turkey permit is eligible for one second turkey game tag. Spring game tags are valid for Units 2 and 3 ONLY.

Visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks web page for permits applications, fee schedules and deadlines.  http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/Applications-and-Fees/Turkey

Lake Perry is known for its Crappie!  Come out and enjoy the fishing!

We have been seeing this beautiful Indigo Bunting at our jelly feeder as well as an Orchard Oriole or two!

Whether you sail or power boat, you will love Lake Perry!

We have 10 deer stands (4 of which are mobile), 2 – 4’X8’ blinds for deer or turkey, and other natural blinds strategically placed on the property.  Stay on our land and hunt for a fee or walk onto Perry wildlife area for free hunting.

Click here to see our hunting rates.

Remember ALL hunters must have a valid Kansas hunting license and any additional permits or tags.  Visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website for all the necessary information and applications.  http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/Applications-and-Fees You can also see the Kansas hunting regulations here.  http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/Hunting-Regulations

Deer:

The highest whitetail densities are in the eastern one-third of Kansas. Whitetails have adapted well to Kansas’ modern landscape, finding cover in natural woodlands, shelterbelts, old homesteads and grasslands, and abundant food in cropfields. The management program has created excellent potential for trophy-sized bucks in this region.

Deer Season dates for 2011:

• Youth and Disability: Sept.10 – Sept. 18, 2011
• Muzzleloader: Sept. 19 – Oct. 2, 2011
• Archery: Sept. 19 – Dec. 31, 2011
• Early Firearm (DMU 19 only): Oct. 8 – Oct.16, 2011
• Regular Firearm: Nov. 30 – Dec. 11, 2011
• Extended Firearms Whitetail Antlerless-Only: Jan.1 – Jan.8, 2012
• Extended Archery Whitetail Antlerless-Only (DMU 19): Jan. 9 – Jan. 31, 2012
• Special Extended Firearm Whitetail Antlerless-Only: Jan.9- Jan.15, 2012 (Open for units 7, 8 and 15 only)
• Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks web page for permit applications, fee schedules and deadlines. http://kdwp.state.ks.us/Hunting/Applications-and-Fees/Deer#schedulea

Wild Turkey:

Wild turkeys were reintroduced into Kansas in the 1960s, and the program has been a great success.  The Eastern subspecies is common in the northeast.

2012 SPRING TURKEY:

• Regular (firearm/archery): April 11 – May 31, 2012
• Archery-Only : April 1 – 10, 2012
• Youth/Disabled : April 1 – 10, 2012
• Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Legal Equipment: long, recurve or compound bows and shotguns and muzzleloading shotguns 20 gauge or larger using shot sizes 2 through 9. Crossbows are legal during April 11 – May 31 season only.
• Limit: Any individual who has purchased a spring turkey permit is eligible for one second turkey game tag. Spring game tags are valid for Units 2 and 3 ONLY.

Visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks web page for permits applications, fee schedules and deadlines.  http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/Applications-and-Fees/Turkey

Indigo Bunting - Image by David Seibel

Kansas has been called a bird-watcher’s paradise…and for good reason!  With a very large year-round population of resident birds, and the added benefit of being in the migratory bird corridor (Central Flyway) for the Northern Hemisphere, Kansas is an excellent state for the bird watcher.

As a result of a broad spectrum of habitats, including deciduous forest, grassland, sagebrush, and important wetlands, Kansas attracts most of the eastern bird fauna and many of the western and southern species, as well as those northern birds that either winter here or pass through during migration.  More than 470 avian species have been documented within the State which puts Kansas among the top five birding states in the country.  With everything from Painted Buntings to Hudsonian Godwits, birders are sure to be rewarded richly every time they take to the field.

Bird Watching at Apple Valley Farm

Apple Valley Farm is located in Jefferson County, Kansas which has reported sightings of approximately 325 different bird species.  Apple Valley and the immediate surrounding area is a place where you will see many if not all of them!  Apple Valley  is surrounded by some very diverse habitat that attracts a plethora of birds.  In the woods surrounding the property you may lay eyes on the Brown Creeper, or maybe a Summer Tanager will show him or herself.

Perry Lake’s Delaware Marsh, located just about 8 miles South of Apple Valley, was created for the specific purpose of attracting a large variety of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.  A 1.75 mile hiking trail takes you around the marsh and includes a number of interpretive stations. A wildlife observation blind is located halfway on the trail for viewing of the wetland area.

The Perry Lake Marshland Refuge Areas are located about 8 miles north of Apple Valley. Make sure you bring a bird checklist when you come!  Shorebirds, waterfowl, and many other migratory birds stop here to rest, nest, and mate. Some species stay here year-round.

Click map to download full-size PDF

Perry Lake is abounding with trails of all varieties. Visitors from all over the world relish the hiking trails, mountain bike trail, and equestrian trails found throughout the lake area. The heavily wooded area is ideal for those wishing to enjoy the true outdoor experience. As always, remember to adhere to the hiker’s motto “pack out what you pack in”. Planning is an essential part of the trail experience so consider the following guidelines:

• Take plenty of water and food
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and use hiking boots
• Wear approved safety gear
• Wear appropriate sun protection

Perry Project staff constructed the Delaware Marsh in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. A low profile earthen fill levee was designed and built to catch natural runoff from the surrounding grasslands. Mounds of soil were placed in the middle of the wetland to provide nesting habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds.

Delaware Marsh Trail offers hikers a scenic hike through a wetlands ecosystem. The 1.75-mile self-guided hiking trail begins to the west of the parking area and migrates through interpretive stations along the way. Blue blazes mark the trail. Please click on the trail stops below for pictures of the trail!

The Perry Lake Hiking trail was one of the first National Recreation Trails in Kansas. Development of the trail was accomplished with guidance of the Kansas Trails Council and the council continues to provide volunteer labor for trail maintenance.

Trail length is approximately 30 miles, with several access points along the way. The trail begins at Slough Creek Park and extends in a continuous loop ending at Slough Creek Park. Hiking between Slough Creek Park and Longview Park is relatively flat. Segments between the Old Quarry Road and the Old Military Trail campground area offer more challenging terrain. Hikers are advised to take plenty of water, food, first aid supplies, toilet items, and most of all a camera for the gorgeous scenic overlooks. Click on the map below for topography and points of interest.

Thunder Ridge Trail is located in Slough Creek Park. The trail offers visitors a self-guided hike with thirty stations on its two and a half miles of trail. Thunder Ridge boasts a variety of ecosystems to view on the trail. Trail spurs offer easy access to several of the camping loops within Slough Creek Park.

White blazes designate the main trail and yellow spurs indicate the spur trails to the camping loops. A trail brochure is available by contacting the Information Center.

There are two trailheads for the Perry Lake Equestrian Trail. They are located at Horse Trail Campground (Perry State Park) and at Thompsonville Park (Corps of Engineers managed). Most of the trail is located within Perry State Park and Rock Creek Park. Nearly 25 miles of the trail extends in a continuous loop throughout the area. Development and maintenance of the trial has been accomplished through the efforts of several equestrian groups.

White or red flags serve to blaze the trail. Trails located in the State Park area are suitable for the average horse and rider. The trail located in adjacent Rock Creek Park covers extremely rough terrain and is recommended for experienced riders. Riders are encouraged to remember the following guidelines:

• Ride on the designated trail only
• No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail
• Do not ride on paved roads or shoulders of paved roads
• Horses are only allowed in the Horse Trail Campground and trailheads
• Please dispose of animal waste in provided cans when using Thompsonville Park Trailhead

The Perry Lake Mountain Bike Trail is located at Perry State Park. The trail was created for the purpose of having a competitive level bike trail in north east Kansas. Planning of the trail started in 1995 with the initial trail clearing beginning in the spring of 1996. Volunteers with the Kansas Trails Council accomplished all labor needed for establishing the trail.

The trail is a single tier stacked loop trail totaling 15 miles in length. Most of the trail is considered to be moderate to difficult. The trail consists of many hills, tight turns, off camber sections, fast trails and technical rocky sections. Individual sections of the trail are marked with names corresponding to the map and blazed in blue and white. The Blue sections are farther up hill from the lake and the White sections are closer to the water. In general, the White is more technical than the Blue. Some areas of the Blue are still considered difficult. Basic descriptions of each section should help users prepare themselves for their activity. It is the responsibility of the trail user to know where they are, and how to get back.

Skyline- Blue. Easy/Moderate. 3 mile loop starts and ends at trail head. This loop connects the 3 hill tops in the Delaware area of the State Park and accesses other sections of the trail.

Wild West - White. Easy/Moderate. 1 mile section connects trailhead to intersection of Great White and Skyline.

Great White – White. Difficult. 2 mile loop descends below skyline with many rocky steep sections.

Mad Mile – White. Difficult. 1 mile loop descends below Skyline. Long rocky decent and climb back to Skyline.

Blackfoot – Blue. Difficult. 2.5 mile section has several steep switch backs that make it more difficult than other blue sections, otherwise it is a moderate section. This section ends where the trail crosses a service road. Several unmarked trails that short cut downhill to Logan’s run.

Logan’s Run – White. Moderate/Difficult. 2 mile section runs parallel to Blackfoot but closer to shore. Mostly steep off camber section that ends at service road. Several unmarked trails short cut uphill to Blackfoot.

Twin Peaks – Blue. Moderate. 2 mile section between service road and abandoned asphalt camp road in Grasshopper Point camp ground. Rolling climbs some technical terrain.

Copper Head – White. Difficult 1.5 mile section between service road and abandoned asphalt camp road in Grasshopper Point camp ground. Lots of rocky off camber terrain.

Kid Rock – 1/4 mile self-contained, very easy loop for the kids, located at the trail head.

Please consider the following items when using the trail:

• Carry proper supplies for your ride
• Bring plenty of water, there is no water available on the trail
• Know your skill level
• Stay on marked trails only
• Pack out what you pack in
• Downhill riders should yield the right of way to uphill riders

The Perry Lake ATV and Motorcycle Trail encompasses over 140 acres of easy to difficult terrain. The Perry Lake ATV and Motorcycle Trail was officially recognized as a ride area in 1988 when a cooperative volunteer agreement was reached with the Kansas All Terrain Vehicle Association for maintenance and management of the trail area. Soon after, volunteers built unloading/loading ramps, accomplished tree plantings, and outlined the perimeter with fencing.

In 2002, a partnership agreement was reached between Hamm Companies, the Kansas ATV Association, and the US Army Corps of Engineers to renovate the ride area using a Recreational Trail Grant administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Recent renovation of the area included a parking area, establishment of a Children’s Ride Area, and a new vault toilet. Volunteers contributed nearly $24,000 of labor to improve trails, renovate the perimeter fence, and add benches around the parking area. In 2003, the partners welcomed the addition of a local motorcycle chapter to the partnership agreement. Riders will soon enjoy the addition of another vault toilet, a picnic shelter, creek crossings, and tree plantings around the parking area. A perimeter road will also be constructed for emergency and maintenance access. A sediment control structure will be constructed to reduce downstream sediment releases from the ride area.

The US Army Corps of Engineers has the following rules in effect for the ride area:

1. ATV’s & Motorcycles Only
2. An ATV is a motorized vehicle having a maximum width of 50 inches, designed for off road use, with handle bars for steering, and a seat that is straddled by the operator.
3. ATV’s & Motorcycles must have functioning brakes, muffler, & spark arrester.
4. Loading amp; unloading of ATV’s & motorcycles permitted only in the parking area.
5. Speed limit in the parking area is idle speed.
6. DOT approved helmets required for all riders & passengers.
7. One rider per ATV/Motorcycle.
8. Riding out of bounds, on maintained roadways/right-of-ways, in streams, and in other unauthorized areas is prohibited.
9. No alcoholic beverages or firearms in the riding area.
10. Operation of ATV’s/motorcycles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
11. No overnight parking or camping.
12. The riding & parking lot area is closed at dusk.
13. ATV area is subject to closure during wet conditions or special events.

Violation of the above rules may result in loss of riding privileges and/or fines.

NOTICE: ATV Trail will be closed during wet conditions.

Please visit the Daily Lake Information Link for current status of the Trail.

Perry Yacht and Marina and Rock Creek Marina provide fuel, mooring facilities, and other supplies.

Day-use fees are required for launching at all Corps operated boat ramps. A daily fee of $3.00 is charged to launch at the ramps. In lieu of the daily permit, an annual permit may be purchased for $30.00. The pass may be obtained at the Information Center or entrance stations and is honored at all Corps of Engineers facilities nationwide.

Water Safety is a primary concern, so please boat smart! Remember that drinking and boating do not mix. Be watchful for obstructions near the shoreline, always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket, stay alert for changing weather conditions, watch for swimmers and other boats, take spare supplies, and do not overload your boat.

Apple Valley Farm was originally an 1850’s homestead and has been a haven of happiness ever since.  With the appearance of Perry Lake, the valley farmhouse was transformed into a bait shop and grocery store for fishermen and campers, becoming one of the first commercial ventures on the new Lake.

When a local resident, Meredithe Day, began working at the store, she and former owner, Joe Stroup, came up with the idea of serving fried chicken and apple pie to the many visitors exploring this new vacation site.  Fine fried chicken served in a pleasant country atmosphere was the trademark of “The Farmhouse Restaurant” for all its years.  Unfortunately, this tradition ended in 2004 when it was closed and recently the building was torn down. “The Farmhouse Restaurant” will always be remembered in the community as one of the most successful businesses in the area!

The old horse barn was emptied of organic relics in the 70’s and converted into a theater featuring melodrama and vaudeville acts, keeping alive the tent-show tradition.  This heritage was started by Dale Easton and carried on by Ric Averill for years.  Seasoned veterans like Karen Hastings and newcomers like Dan Hurlbert also directed and performed at the Theater.  There have been several Bluegrass shows done over the years as well, and the local group “The Faris Family” were regulars and even ran the barn for a year.  The performances in the theater are no longer part of the routine, but the barn is still a site to see!

The local night spot for the complex has always been “The Grainery Saloon”.  The saloon is a converted barn that now houses “Chunkie Dunkers”, a top notch BBQ restaurant with the most awesome pulled pork and smoked chicken you will ever taste.  They have a full menu of sandwiches and meals and they also offer live music on occasion and have one of the best local followings with great service, cold drinks, and fabulous food!  “Chunkie Dunkers at The Grainery Saloon” promises to afford an evening of fun and frolic!

Apple Valley Farm continues to be a privately owned business.  Joe Stroup, the original owner of 15 years, passed the legacy on to Pegi and Terry Day who ran the business for 18 years.  Finally Jeff and Allison Blodig purchased the business in 2002 and still maintain ownership of the property.  The charm and beauty of Apple Valley Farm is still very much present and we invite you to come see us on the FARM!!