Fall 2013 My Wildlife Magazine

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MY WILDLIFE MAGAZINE FALL / WINTER 2013 MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

explore NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

BUYING THE FARM

MAKING TH HE CASE FOR R INVES STMENT IN FARMLAND

THE BUSINESS OF HUNTING

ON THE MARKET: NCKS PROPERTIES

FAVORITE FALL RECIPES

Take a look at the hunting operation thriving in NCKS

Use your new-found knowledge of investing to invest in the dream

New additions to your holiday table and crave-worthy bites

PLUS Good Hunting: A New Soda Fountain in Beloit; Local Artisans of Osborne County; Stopping Points & Must-Try Restaurants

&

REVISITING HISTORY

A RENOVATED HIGLEY CABIN INVITES VISITORS TO LEARN THE HISTORY OF THE STATE SONG


EARLY WINTER 2012

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MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 3


SEP PTEM MBER R MONDAY

TUESDAY

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*Dove season opens

Labor Day

Burn or disk warm-season grass stands to increase plant diversity

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown

Harvest last of summer herbs for drying

Kansas high school football begins! Support your local team!

Rid the house of summer allergens: dust all hardwoods and baseboards

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Grandparents Day remember your loved ones!

Pickle and preserve the last of the garden cucumbers

Remove faded annuals from flower beds

Patriots Day

Pick jalapenos and peppers from garden for jelly

Yom Kippur begins at sundown

Harvest late produce for preserving or weekend dishes

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Aerate and reseed lawn

Deer Season (archery & muzzleloader) opens

Leave a few rows of standing crop next to dense, woody cover to benefit quail during winter

Make salsa with last crop of tomatoes

Plant fall arugula, peas & spinach

Transplant perennials

Peace Day

Barbeque with family and friends

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Explore the Hwy 36 treasure hunt

SATURDAY

Bricks, Broncs & BBQ in downtown Russell

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Autumn begins

Look for the Fall 2013 MWM issue at your local advertisers!

Inspect chimney and furnace before colder weather

Prepare & freeze family favorite casseroles for busy Fall nights

Native American Day - plan a trip to the Pawnee Indian Museum

Organize closets: make room for fall jackets, sweaters & boots

Harvest gourds and arrange on the front porch

Hazelnuts, acorns and hickory nuts begin to fall

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Go for a walk & take the camera to capture Fall colors

Wash & prepare outdoor furniture for winter storage

HWY 36 TREASURE HUNT Start planning your three day adventure across Kansas! For the 8th year, Hwy 36 will host the annual treasure hunt, which spans from Elwood in the East to St. Francis in the West! Travel 13 counties on the only highway in Kansas with 4 distinct geological regions. Discover treasures, antiques and one-of-a-kind relics; but most importantly, discover the beauty of the Wild West! The adventure begins September 20th and lasts 3 days. For vendors, maps and other information visit the website: ushwy36.com.

*Dove season: Sept. 1st-Oct. 31st; Nov. 2nd-10th

THE STATE FLOWER In 1903 the Kansas legislature named the Helianthus, or wild native sunflower, our state flower. The Helianthus annuus can grow to be ten feet tall, and flowers from July to September. Native Americans utilized the entire plant. The seeds are edible; the seeds and shells, if roasted, were used as a coee substitue; extracted oil was used for cooking and soap making; and yellow dyes have been made from the flowers and black dye from the seeds. Parts of the plant en used as silage for have been fo a dozen species of cattle. Look for brigh sunflowers in the beautiful, bright ansas. Kansas.

explore NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

SUNDAY


NOTEWORTHY DATES, HELPFUL TIPS & REMINDERS

OCT TOBE ER SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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Upload & organize summer pictures on computer

Wash summer garments to prevent dirt & residue while in storage

Store summer clothing

Start fall garden clean-up

*Duck season opens

Hays Oktoberfest

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Add compost to cleared garden to replenish nutrients for next year’s garden

Replace screens with storm windows and doors

Check fire extinguisher: recharge or replace if needed

Apply enzymatic cleaner to all drains for a healthy septic tank and sewer

Rake leaves: add to compost

Plant garlic

Hike the Francis Wachs Wildlife Area

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Clean gutters regularly as leaves are falling more frequently

Columbus Day

Prepare areas for edge feathering by spraying to kill grasses before felling trees

National Boss’s Day

Flush the garbage disposal with hot water and baking soda.

Celebrate the season: Invite friends over for hot apple cider and mulled wine

Empty and store terra cotta pots for next season

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Visit Granny Mae’s pumpkin patch in Dorrance

Prepare flower beds for planting alliums and tulips

Check water softener salt drum and replenish salt if necessary.

Scrub outdoor grills and store for Winter

United Nations Day

Buy pumpkins and carve! Try lighting your jack-o-lanterns with glow sticks!

*Goose season opens

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Cut & stack firewood for cozy nights!

Finalize costume; buy candy for trick-or-treaters

October is great for quail: population numbers peak, cover is plentiful & very few birds die

Inspect exterior caulking and replace any that is deteriorating

Happy Halloween!

Spray or disk areas for Spring shrub plantings

Drain & store garden hoses

*Ducks, low plains early zone: Oct. 5th-Dec. 1st; Dec. 21st-Jan. 5th *Duck, low plains late zone: Oct. 26th-Dec. 29th; Jan. 18th-Jan. 26th *Canada & Light Geese : Oct. 26th - Nov. 3rd, Nov. 6th-Feb. 9th *White Fronted Geese: Oct. 26th-Dec. 29th, Feb. 1st-9th

HOW TO LIGHT A PUMPKIN

Preserve Your Herbs After snipping or pulling your herbs and giving them a light wash, remove lower leaves from the stems and tie the bunch of herbs together close to the top of the stems. Ideally, a bunch should contain no more than 5 - 10 stems to facilitate ventilation.

Find a dry, warm (not humid), dark and well ventilated place that is out of the way of pedestrian traffic or constant rummaging. The ideal temperature for drying is around 68ºF/20ºC. If you do not have a dark spot in the house, you can try tying paper lunch bags over each bunch and piercing airholes in the bag. This has the added bonus of also keeping the dust off.

To illuminate a carved pumpkin, string lights are preferable to candles for most designs: Wrap a strand of 20 lights around a glass jar, and secure wires with tape. Cut a hole in the hollowed-out pumpkin for the cord, and place jar inside. Unplug lights before leaving the house or going to sleep. If using a candle, place it in a glass or votive holder, and cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin for ventilation (or leave the top off ). Battery-operated candles are another good alternative.

Leave the herbs to dry for 1 - 3 weeks. Check them every now and then to see how they are drying thicker stemmed herbs will take longer. When they crumble they are ready to be taken down. Remove the leaves and bottle them in airtight glass herb jars (or other jars you have around). You can keep the leaves whole, or crush them in your fingers. Label the jar and date it. Store the herbs for up to one year.

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NOV VEMB BER R SUNDAY

MONDAY

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WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

*Pheasant & Quail season: Nov. 9th-Jan. 31st

FRIDAY

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All Saints Day

Chop up Halloween pumpkins and add to compost

*Prairie Chicken season: Nov. 16th-Jan. 31st

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Daylight Savings Time ends, don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour!

Service & winterize cars, update the car emergency kit

Election Day! Get out and vote!

Begin planning Thanksgiving meal; order turkey if necessary

Clean your oven! Spills and black scars will make your holiday food taste bad!

Harvest collard greens, brussels sprouts, kale and carrots

*Pheasant & Quail Season opens

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Clean up vegetable garden and clear dead plants

Veterans Day

Invite friends & family for Thanksgiving dinner; finalize menu

Check closets for unwanted clothing or coats to donate to a local charity

Flush the garbage disposal with hot water and baking soda.

Burn warm-season grass stands to benefit native wildflowers

*Prairie Chicken Season opens

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Layer compost over cut back perennials to protect from cold weather

Clean out cabinets & check for expired spices and pantry items

Disk rank stands of cool-season grass after the first hard freeze to expose & kill the roots

Wash and iron all holiday linens

Begin chainsaw projects such as edge feathering & fencerow renovation

Leftovers night! Clean out the refrigerator, add a fresh box of baking soda and make room for holiday food!

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Create a list and finish grocery shopping early

Clean house; wash linens for overnight guests

Pick up some greenery and flowers in fall colors from your local florist

Hanukkah begins at sundown. Prepare cranberry salad and other sides that can be fixed ahead of time

Happy Thanksgiving! Black Friday

Small business Saturday

Arrange flowers for dining table and guest’s bedrooms

Prepare Turkey Florentine with all leftover turkey

Change smoke detector batteries

Set the table

Turkey and cranberry salad paninis

November Folklore November take flail; let ships no more sail. If trees show buds in November, the Winter will last until May. There is no better month in the year to cut wood than November. Ice in November brings mud in December.

Ingredients: •Jalepeños •Quail breasts •Cream cheese Method: Skin birds, then remove legs at hip joints and filet away breast meat. Soak the meat in lightly-salted water for about thirty minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Split jalapeño peppers in half, figuring one pepper for every two pieces of meat. Remove seeds and core from the inside of each pepper. Press cream cheese into cavity of each pepper and lay a strip of meat over the cheese; fasten with a toothpick. Lay poppers on a cookie sheet or baking dish, meat side up, and place into preheated oven. Bake approximately 20 minutes, or until the bottoms of the peppers turn brown. Serve with plenty of cold beer! For more visit themeateater.com

When in doubt, look to the Farmer’s Almanac; view the new-age version online at almanac.com

explore NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

TASTY LITTLE BIRDS; QUAIL POPPERS ARE A HUNTERS REWARD


NOTEWORTHY DATES, HELPFUL TIPS & REMINDERS

DEC CEMB BER SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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Unpack Christmas lights, check for bad bulbs; check wrapping supplies

Cyber Monday! Shop some great deals for Christmas gifts

Clean & organize closets; donate gently used items to charity

Package homemade pickles, salsas and jalapeno jelly for gifts

Deer season (regular firearm) opens: Dec. 4th-15th

Finalize Christmas cards and send

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

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Begin overseeding native wildflowers on top of newly fallen snow

Dogs to the groomer; wash dog bed covers & any fabric toys

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Citizenship Day

Make Christmas sugar cookies & decorate; give as gifts to neighbors

Purchase fresh evergreen boughs for a front door wreath

Flush the garbage disposal with hot water and baking soda.

First day of Winter

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Wrap last minute gifts, fill the stockings & set out the milk & cookies!

Merry Christmas!

Kwanzaa begins

Take down holiday decorations & decor; store safely; dust mantles and stair railings

Store instructions, warranties, and receipts from gifts in one spot

Fertilize indoor plants

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Order seed catalogues to plan next year’s garden in the long evenings.

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Bundle up & take the camera outdoors to get some Winter pictures

Organize holiday & Winter photos on the computer

Enjoy a safe and happy New Year’s Eve!

Prune hardy trees and shrubs now that you can see their winter framework

The empty calendar days are meant to serve as an extra reminder to slow down and welcome the season with a healthy body and mind. Make a point to carry disinfectant wipes or sanitizing lotion, wash your hands regularly, stay hydrated and balance all the goodies with extra fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Schedule in a massage and try to get in some valuable meditation daily. In order to feel your best you must rest and relax: if you run yourself ragged and don’t get a good night’s sleep, you risk getting ill just because you’ve worn down your body’s defenses.

KEEP PETS CALM DURING THE HOLIDAYS When holiday madness strikes, keep these tips in mind to minimize stress on your furry friend

Decorate with pets in mind. Set up your Christmas tree in a room that can be closed off - cats and dogs don’t understand that they shouldn’t climb the tree or gnaw on its branches. Keep ribbons, tinsel and garland away from pets. If your animal chews on them, it could choke or suffer an intestinal blockage. Don’t let them eat poinsettias, potpourri or holly, they can make it sick. Stick to a routine. During the holidays, you’re busy shopping, decorating and baking, but

your cat or dog will stress out if you don’t adhere to its normal schedule. Feed and groom them at the same time everyday, and play with them on a regular basis.

Segregate animals during parties. Loud gatherings make some pets skittish, so consider designating a room for your cat or dog. Stick a “do not disturb” note on the door. Put your pet’s food, water and litterbox (if you have a cat) inside. Turn on a radio or TV to drown out noise. Hire a sitter if you’re traveling. Your pet will probably be happiest at home. Boarding at a kennel can be scary because it’s an unfamiliar place, so ask your vet’s office for sitter recommendations. If you must bring your pet on your car trip, secure it in a roomy carrier. Are you flying? Call the airline ahead of time and ask how it ensures pets’ safety. Keep food out of reach. Don’t leave leftovers sitting out as certain foods are toxic to

cats and dogs. For example, they could choke on bones from a turkey, or if they ingest chocolate, it could cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased heart rate or seizures. And if they lick up any alcohol, they could suffer from decreased coordination, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, coma or even death.

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 7


FALL 2013

DEPARTMENTS

4 MWM’S MONTHS AHEAD Noteworthy dates, helpful tips & reminders

13 GOOD HUNTING A new, old fashioned soda fountain in Beloit, local artisans of Osborne County and other details on our radar

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35 FOOD, ETC. Fall favorites to keep you warm through the season

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 101 Making the case for investing in farmland.

47 KANSAS LAND Investing in farmland, what’s currently on the market and a unique property profile

67 SPORTING The Brittany, new crossbow laws in Kansas, and a look at Ringneck Ranch in Tipton

83 HISTORY Kansans protecting President Lincoln, visitng the renovated Higley Cabin

73 THE BUSINESS OF HUNTING The welcoming faces of a thriving NCKS

94 WILDLIFE EXCHANGE / GUIDE

operation: Ringneck Ranch.

@ExploreNCKS

@ExploreNCKS

MyWildlifeMagazine

The ultimate user’s guide and resource for visitors to north central Kansas.

ExploreNorthCentral Kansas

MY WILDLIFE MAGAZINE · Fall 2013 · North Central Kansas · PUBLISHER Pelican Publications EDITOR Nick Rhodes CREATIVE EDITOR & DESIGN Kaley Rhodes CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kelsey Orr ADVERTISING SALES Brandon Powers MY WILDLIFE MAGAZINE IS A PELICAN PUBLICATION Learn more at MyPelicanMagazine.com

FALL 2013

MWM / 8


big time fun!

small town charm

More Living. Less Waiting. Living in Hays means spending more time doing the things you want instead of waiting in traffic, commuting to and from the office, and dealing with the headaches of big city life. Life in Ellis County gives you all the amenities of a large city with a small town atmosphere. We have nationally recognized schools, some of the lowest crime rates in the state, great job opportunities andd top-notch medical facilities. Add in one of the strongest economies in the state and you have a great place to live. Hays. Where we live more and wait less.

XXX IBZTVTB OFU r



EDITORIAL EDITORIAL Welcome to our 2013 Fall issue!

On a simple banner hovering over 31 stars, the state seal of Kansas reads:

Ad Astra per Aspera

n a simple banner hovering over 31 stars, the state seal of Kansas reads “Ad Astra per Aspera.” The image of a beautiful sunrise casts light over the figures who defined the difficult challenges this early state faced. The motto is translated from Latin to mean “To the stars through difficulties”.

O

The phrase was a rally cry for the polarizing political issues of the time, notably the anti-slavery movement, and a sense of finding a more prosperous life in a seemingly unknown and unforgiving land. Kansans have experienced dificulty through the years. Today, that difficulty seems to be built around the perception that the state is somehow uninteresting, uninspired or behind the times. A recent publication pegged Kansas as the least beautiful state in the country. A truly difficult destinction based unfairly on the perceptions of people who have probably never been to Kansas. As ignorant as it may seem to anyone who has even accidently ventured through any part of the state, this summarizes the perception many Americans have. The difficulty for us is to understand how the sunflower state can be so misunderstood. Whether it is the lack of urbanization or the misguided perception that somehow people here prefer life a little slower, Kansas is rarely mentioned as a progressive or inspiring place, especially when it comes to jobs. This perception is inherently flawed. Many rural towns are waiting to be tapped and recolonized. A new movement is building where people from the cities are migrating to the country in search of a better quality of life and a more equitable and reliable work force. With technology

helping to shrink the gap between here and there, life is ready to be breathed into rural Kansas once more. Technology has allowed the innovators recolonizing Kansas to settle into rural locations without having to “leave the job”. The difficulty we face today is not that of keeping pace with urban trends. Difficulty lies in preserving and expanding this rural way of life while remaining true to the never-quit spirit that has always guided Kansans through difficult times. The small town way of life, strong people, endless prairie, nature and wildlife, history and the spirit that can only be captured by experiencing this place first-hand are all things which are NOT difficult to find in Kansas. This publication has helped us discover what makes North Central Kansas great! We hope the content and photography help you understand that it is not difficult to see how special this place really is. We hope something you find here will inspire you to invest in rural America and specifically invest in North Central Kansas!

NICK & KALEY RHODES NIC Publisher Pub



ON OUR RADAR

hunting good

FALL 2013

SHOPS

GRAY DRUG & FOUNTAIN High school sweethearts and life long residents of Beloit, Pat and Lindsay Gray have lovingly and painstakingly restored a sweet spot to call their own. 100 S. Mill, Beloit, KS. READ MORE >>

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 13


FALL 2013 / GOOD HUNTING

<< SHO OPS

All In The Family... Stop into the newly opened and beautifully restored Gray Drug

& Fountain to experience nostalgic appeal, charming service and soda fountain favorites. IT’S EVIDENT BY THE ICE CREAM SUNDAES LISTED ON THE MENU that family is the heart of this operation. Hudson, Dakota and Gunner are Pat and Lindsay Gray’s three children, and inspiration for the three popular ice cream sundaes that bear their name. The sundae names are just a few of the personal details in the new drugstore and soda fountain located in a three-story building in downtown Beloit. Pat and Lindsay restored the space themselves, putting in hard work and long days to get the details right. Original highlights like the wood floors, tin ceiling and unique architecture pop against bright turquoise accents; reminiscent of old-school soda fountains.

A

long, narrow loft above the main store space is planned to hold cherished Kansas University memorabilia from area donors; because, as even the youngest of the Gray children can tell you: KU rules in this space.

Above: A third-floor view of the expansive space; Dakota sneaking a taste; bar stools and seating provide a hang-out for kids and adults alike; signature sunglasses and the colorful menu board.


Lindsay Gray and daughter Dakota squeeze fresh grapefruit, orange and lime juices for their signature limeades.

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FALL 2013 / GOOD D HUNTING


DISCOVERIES

STOPPING POINTS

The Clearest Lake In Kansas Wilson Reservoir was formed by the construction of the Wilson Dam on the Saline River in 1964 with high hope of prventing area flooding. Today the area serves as a recreational oasis for boating, fishing, camping, and family fun! The beautiful blue water of Wilson Reservoir is also known for being the clearest lake in Kansas. The water is able to stay clear because of the salt content brought in by the Saline River. Wilson Reservoir is located eight miles North of I-70 on Highway K-232. There is approximately 100 miles of shoreline and 9,000 water surface acres. 1966 Kansas Legislature established the Wilson State Park to the South of the reservoir known as the Hell Creek Area. The park continued to grow with the addition of the Oteo Area in 1984. The reservoir and park have thrived with the growing selection of recreational activities like nature and hiking trails, a 13-mile mountain biking trail and a full service marina. The natural scenery surrounding Wilson Reservoir and Wilson State Park are unlike any other! The hills and buttes of red Dakota sandstone provide a beautiful backdrop for the clear water of the reservoir. A mixture of prairie grasses and wildflowers decorate the rolling grasslands surrounding the area. Overall, Wilson Reservoir is a treat for the senses and the soul. -- KELSEY ORR

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 17


FALL 2013 / GOOD HUNTING

DESIGN N REV VISIT

DESSIN FOURNIR The international luxury furnishings company comes home to Kansas

FOR THE PAST 19 YEARS Chuck Comeau and his hometown staff have been creating luxury furnishings for the likes of Oprah, Kelsey Grammar and Sir Elton John. Not a big deal - when any large design company headquartered in Paris, New York or London could surely claim the same. So how about a design powerhouse in the middle of Kansas? Where fields of grain, hard working oil pumps and a single downtown stoplight are daily surroundings; and contemporary buildings, redesigned by Comeau, dot a tired mainstreet. Yet in this small town, the modern facades and compound of revitalized store fronts offers creative inspiration and hints of a new idea in living and working. When it came down to it, lifelong Plainville, Kansas resident Comeau chose to return home and headquarter his growing firm in the sleepy town; where the area population stays right around 2,000. Since relocating to Kansas, Dessin Fournir has added or acquired seven lines, opened showrooms in Chicago and New York City, and worked with vendors in Thailand, India and across Europe. High style design comes in all forms: lighting, fabric, furniture & accessories all from Dessin Fournir collections.

In England, Rolls-Royce even sought out the rights to one of Comeau’s cashmere-blend fabrics for its automobile interiors. Chicago showroom manager Robert Brass might put it perfectly: “There’s no shortage of niceness in Kansas, people are very pleasant there, so that’s really helpful.”

CRAVE WO ORT RTHY HY

A Taste of Thai If you aren’t careful, you might just miss the tiny house-turnedrestaurant in downtown Osborne, opened in 2012 by the husband and wife team of Robert and Urai Greig. Urai, or ‘Gem’, is cooking up fresh entrees and appetizers that are drawing in hungry and curious customers from all over. Must try: how do we dare choose only a few favorites? Eggrolls, crab wontons and the pad thai are dishes that might have you going back the very next day. Don’t miss them: they vacation from November to mid-March, and while in Osborne are only opened Thursday through Sunday.



FALL 2013 / GOOD HUNTING

BOOKS KS

NEW AGE: KS LIBRARY CARDS The Kansas State Library is making it even easier to have a great book with you wherever you go and all you need is a Kansas State Library Card. Cards are available at your local library or school and are free to Kansas residents. Programs such as 3M Cloud Library or Freading allow cardholders to check out digitals onto their ereader, computer or smart phone. Can’t find the time to sit down with a book? Try checking out an audio book by downloading the OneClick Digital mobile app. With OneClick Digital cardholders can access the state’s collection of audiobooks, which ranges from classics to bestsellers. Find more information on digital and audio books from the Kansas State Library at http://www.kslib.info/digitalbooks.

Abraham Lincoln EXPLO ORIING G

THE STREETS OF

MANKATO

Located along Hwy 36, Mankato, Kansas offers a beautiful image of rural living. Historical buildings, beautiful homes and small businesses line the quiet brick streets, offering abundant photo opportunities. Our images focus on the artistic details unseen by those that travel the sidewalks everyday. Details precious to visitors who have never seen an empty street or a building older than their grandparents. A fantastic glimpse of town history mixed with modern day details that give the community of less than 900 its current small town charm. rm.

explore NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

”If I were to go West, I would go to Kansas”


start your personal NCKS art collection: cut these 8x10 fine art photos along the dotted line and fit in your favorite frame: curated by kbr gallery

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 21


FALL 2013 / GOOD HUNTING

LOCA CAL L ARTIS SANS S

A CREATIVE EYE

Two Osborne County women are creating completely different but equally beautiful works of art

SHABBY SHED, OSBORNE Shabby Shed is the North Central Kansas resource for all things ”shabby, dirty, dusty and crusty”, a junking boutique, your creative hot-spot, and has recently welcomed the vintage ”Duckwalls” department store building into the family. The Workbench by Shabby Shed opened in January of this year right across the brick street and is the workplace of Duane and Jayne Farritor. Their custom furniture pieces crafted from wood, rusty barn tin and authentic old hinges are known as the Kansas Homespun Gypsies collection. This ever changing business began in 2005 in a barn in Jewell County from one forward-thinking Interior Designer that saw the value in auction left overs that didn’t have a home. ”This furniture has a story. I don’t know exactly what that story is... but this shouldn’t be where it ends.” Gretchin Staples has transformed piece after piece using paint techniques perfected over time to create ”perfectly imperfect” results that customers fall in love with. This is a store you revisit time after time; to be inspired, to find that one piece you’ve been searching for, or to catch up with friends. Gretchin’s most important creative task is raising her two children, Madilyn 14 and Abraham 8, in Osborne County where she was raised on a farm South of Alton. Life has taken her from the farm to the city and back again to small town America where she lives near her business in Osborne.

Above: Gretchin Staples, designer and creative force behind Shabby Shed, and a selection of beautifully unique

PHOTOS BY JOSEY, PORTIS Born and raised a north central Kansas girl, Josey Hammer credits her love of photography and creative nature to her roots growing up on a farm. Hammer was first introduced to the art when she signed up for a 4H project, and since then has graduated from Kansas State University, gotten married, had a son and been swept away to a farm near Portis, where she has her studio. Photos By Josey was established in 2008, and in that time Josey has photographed over 100 weddings throughout Kansas and the U.S., elevating her passion for beautiful wedding and engagement photos. Magnificent imagery, fueled by a love for the rural lifestyle and great Kansas outdoors is alive and thriving in NCKS.

furniture and decor just as beautiful in pictures as they are in store thanks to photographer Josey Hammer. Below: a sampling of Photos By Josey images, and a family portrait of the artist with husband Jeff and son Hutch.


ON OUR RADAR

Shabby Shed / 126 W. Main / Osborne KS / 785-345-4240 / www.shabbyshedfurniture.com

Garden Party Friends. Wine. Cheesecake... and a cool, crisp, Kansas evening.

Photo by Josey Hammer / photosbyjosey.com

If you linger long enough you may even catch some live music from one of the guests. Shabby Shed in downtown Osborne has transformed a once overgrown patch of dirt into a charming outdoor courtyard and more than twice a year you will be invited to a customer appreciation event known as a Garden Party.

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 23


FALL 2013 / GOOD HUNTING

HWY 36 TREASURE HUNT

AUTUMN ACTIVITIES

1. Travel Hwy 36 across the state of Kansas for the annual treasure hunt and find a piece of gold you just can’t refuse. September 21st - 23rd.

OKTOBERFEST

2. Leave the traditional garb at home to enjoy a cold brew and the festivities of Oktoberfest in Hays on October 4th. Follow the crowd and head to the park. 3. Take the family to Dorrance for a visit to Granny Mae’s pumpkin patch. Shop for old fashioned candy, make an Autumn bouquet and go home with the perfect pumpkin.

DOW WNS

FALL WINE FIX

PICK YOUR OWN CROP

@

THE DEPOT MARKET

GRANNY MAE’S PUMPKIN PATCH

in Courtland &

CAIN CITY ORCHARD in Bushton

HAPPENINGS

GETTIN’ DOWN IN A SMALL TOWN

ESBONFEST A big celebration in a little town, Esbonfest is held every year in August. Proud citizens in the community of less than 100 gather for a city-sized party that includes a parade, food, crafts, horseshoes, a 5K run, sand volleyball, mud drags, dancing, live bands and alumni reunions. Make this sleepy farm town a stopping point next year and learn the secret to celebrating life, love and the pursuit of happiness with family and friends.

Connect With Us @ExploreNCKS

Use #ExploreNCKS to share your North Central Kansas photos! @ExploreNCKS

MyWildlifeMagazine

ExploreNorthCentral Kansas

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Shopping for wine can be intimidating, and shopping for a seasonal wine can be even more of a daunting task. When in doubt, stop by L&M Liquor in Downs; not only is the selection grand, but the service is outstanding and ready to help you find the perfect bottle of vino. Our latest loves, both purchased at L&M include a MontGras Quatro wine from Chile that blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec to create a rich, earthy red wine, and a 2010 Tilia Cabenet Sauvignon, a bit heavier and divine with a thick Kansas steak.


start your personal NCKS art collection: cut these 8x10 fine art photos along the dotted line and fit in your favorite frame: curated by kbr gallery


© Rose Cumming: Design Inspiration by Jeffrey Simpson, Rizzoli New York, 2012.

early twentieth century. Flavored by surrealism and suffused with drama, her interiors were a sumptuous mix of bold colors and patterns. Her own library had emerald-green walls, a peacock-blue satin sofa, and scarlet japanned chairs. Cumming’s famous New York decorating and antiques shop became a stopping point for celebrated personalities as diverse as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich and Babe Paley. She was an inspiration and mentor to a number of leading interior designers including the late Albert Hadley, late Mark Hampton as well as Mario Buatta, Thomas Britt and Bunny Williams.

BEAUTIFUL INSPIRATION “Every now and then someone comes along that goes beyond training, background, or whatever and they have this mysterious talent and that places them with ‘the best’…Some of them have an extra bite that makes them really special. It’s a sense of drama. Rose Cumming’s talent was like Garbo’s face.” – Jeremiah Goodman, Artist Rose Cumming was the most flamboyant and exciting of the so-called Great Lady Decorators who invented the field of professional decorating and interior design in the

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jeffrey Simpson was a contributing editor to Architectural Digest for thirty years and has written ten books, including American Elegy: A Family Memoir; The Accidental Architect; Chautauqua: An American Utopia; Officers and Gentlemen; The Hudson River 1850-1918; The Art of the Olmstead Landscape; and The American Family and The Way Life Was. An active lecturer, Simpson is a member of PEN, a trustee of The Chautauqua Institution, a member of the Preservation Committee of The Municipal Arts Society of New York, and was a 1969 winner of the Hopwood Award at the University of Michigan. Sarah Cumming Cecil is president and principal at the Rose Cumming interior design firm and continues the design tradition established by its eponymous founder, her great-aunt.

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BOOKS

ROSE CUMMING: DESIGN INSPIRATION, is the first book dedicated solely to the designer and a richly illustrated volume of a great American artist, whose influence is manifest in the ongoing production of Cumming-designed fabrics and wallpapers by the Plainville KS firm, Dessin Fournir Collections. ROSE CUMMING: DESIGN INSPIRATION will inspire the interior designer and home decorator, both professional and amateur alike.


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FALL 2013 / GOOD HUNTING

1 mile North if you are traveling

RESTAURANT REVISIT IT

I-70. Homemade honey raisin

HISTORICAL DINING

from the oven is an incredible welcome. If you don’t devour it all on the spot you can even take it home, or in most cases, finish it off in the car. Homemade salad

Built in 1916, the Old Bunker Hill Cafe’s stone homeplace was original-

dressing is creamy and fresh

ly a drugstore, before transforming into a cafe, and then pool hall, and

- try not to lick the bowl when

back to the cafe it is today. The native stone building is typical of the

your salad is done. Prime cuts

architecture from the era, and as the town of Bunker Hill slowly faded away, the stone cafe stood strong at its corner post, weathering the

of meat, including buffalo, sit next to made-from-scratch sides,

years. The character and history of the facade is evident immediately,

filling a dinner plate with enough food to feed two, but will no doubt be

although without a hard look visitors may just pass it by. The cozy

carefully guarded by the one who ordered. A true Kansas classic, the

atmosphere is one you might imagine the local saloon would have

warm atmosphere, food and people remind us why we live, work, play

100 years ago, with prized game mounted on the wall, a wood stove

and dine in this rural heartland. Make time for a trip to Bunker Hill, not

sitting amongst the tables and big double doors to the kitchen. The

just to savor the amazing food, but to take in the surroundings that

passionate staff, although found often in most Kansas restaurants, is

are rich with Kansas history, to relish in a slower pace and appreciate

a hard-pressed luxury to find in the city. Friendly, personable, helpful;

a different time. Make your reservations early as they are only open

you may as well be talking to your mother or sister about what to have

Thursday through Sunday, and spots fill fast. Located downtown,

for dinner that night. The food is worth the drive, or the minor detour

across from Smoky Hill Television, 785-483-6544.

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In a quiet town just off I-70, one historical building is home to a small restaurant serving up big portions of some of the area’s most tasty food.

bread, freshly made and warm


start your personal NCKS art collection: cut these 8x10 fine art photos along the dotted line and fit in your favorite frame: curated by kbr gallery


SPRING FALL 2013 2013 / GOOD / DESIGN HUNTING /

STOPPING G POIINTS

MUSHROOM ROCK STATE PARK These rocks are made of sandstone that was once along the edge of a seas that covered Kansas some 100 million years ago. Circulating ground water deposited limey cement between the grains of sand and formed ”concretions,” the part that forms the top of the mushrooms. The softer sandstone of the stems has been eroded faster creating the unusual mushroom shapes. The smallest state park in Kansas is located off Hwy 140, but travel at your own risk if weather conditions are questionable. THE CENTER OF THE U.S.A.

In 1940, the Smith County Engineer determined the exact center of the 48 states: the point was declared one mile west and one mile north of the town of Lebanon. Hoping to profit from the center, the Hub Club unveiled a limeston pyramid monument on the center on June 29, 1941. A Kansas historical marker was placed on the highway directing tourists and providing insight to the location. The quarter acre site became the Geological Center Park with plans for a shelter and picnic tables. Tourists by the thousands visited each year and signed the visitors’ registration book. Hoping to capitalize on the regular visitors, Lee Johnson from North Carolina built an eight-unit motel and coffee shop adjacent to the park. A souvenir shop sprag up for a time and by 1957 24,000 people had visited the center. Once Alaska and then Hawaii were added, Lebanon had lost it’s claim to fame. Unwilling to give in, the community added ”contiguous” to the title to state it was the ”geographical center of the contiguous 48 states.” New highways diverted heavy traffic from the area and the historical marker slipped into a ghost-town state. The motel still stands behind the park, which contains a tiny chapel, picnic tables and original stone monument. Get off the beaten path, get out the camera and appreciate the beauty and history of a national landmark.

Clockwise from top: View from the center; the small park that includes a tiny chapel, picnic tables and the limestone monument; the original 8 unit motel built in the 1950s; a closer look at the ”cap” of mushroom rock; the distinguishable natural wonder.

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NATURAL WONDERS


ON OUR RA RADAR ADAR AR A R

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FALL 2013 / GOOD HUNTING

EXH HIBITIONS S

GRASSROOTS ARTISTS

G

rassroots art is a term describing art made by people with no formal artistic training, usually of retirement age, using ordinary materialss iin an extraordinary way. This artistic nature creates a whole al artistic arrti t stic env environment vir i around themselves, effectively making them part of the artwork. Such work tends te to be difficult to classify because it falls outside the sphere of fine art as well as that of traditional folk art in which skills and patterns may be pass passed from one generation to another. The two artists featured below are only a few of the many that have work on display at the Grassroots Art Arrt Center, llocated at 213 South Main Street in Lucas. A

ERNIE PO P POE O Ernie Poe iss no stranger to barbed wire. He was a cattleman on the Kansas prairie for much of his life. But iit’s his work with barbed wire over the last decade that has made people take notice. Since th the age of 73, Poe has built more than 300 barbed wire sculptures. One of his most majestic ssculputres he has built is a full-size buffalo that took about 240 hours and more Clockwise from above: Ernie Poe’s incredible barbed wire buffalo; two pieces of John Scott’s metal sculptures.

than two miles of coiled antique barbed wire to complete. Poe’s sculptures range in size from small birds like a meadowlark, redbird, prairie chicken, a 6’ wing span balded eagle, to a lifesize roadrunner, roadrunner lizard, coyote, or full size horse or oxen.

JOHN SCOTT SCO Salvaging scrap metal pays the bills, but creating sculpture from that junk is what makes John Scott happy. M Most of John’s small sculptures are extremely detailed, whether it’s a Harley Davidson moto motorcycle, hand gun or an oil pumper unit. With patience, imagination and an arc

A ‘drifter’ w was talking with him at a bar about making something from the junk John had collected. Scott worked with the drifter for about a month, and then the man moved on. He was hooked on welding unrelated pieces of metal and prefers to sort through his junk to find just j t the right lo jus look rather than to manufacture a piece.

NEW WORK Smith County artist Kaley Rhodes is taking a break from contemporary abstracts to focus on the natural beauty of the MidWest. Inspired by images taken while driving the countryside of North Central Kansas and Eastern Colorado, Rhodes captures open fields, abandoned farmsteads and wildlife in her ongoing Kansas series. The large oil paintings, rich in detail, capture the familiar essence of open fields, grassy plains and quiet history. WWW.KBRGALLERY.COM

e x pe lxoprl eo rNeO RN TO HR TCHE NC TE RN AT LR AKLA NK SA AN SS A S

welder, he creat creates metal art from bits and pieces of scrap metal from the Russell County area.


start your personal NCKS art collection: cut these 8x10 fine art photos along the dotted line and fit in your favorite frame: curated by kbr gallery



GOOD EATS

food, etc. FALL 2013

Fall Favorites: Perfect For... TAILGATING FOOD FOR EVERY FAN NEW RECIPES FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE TRY SOMETHING NEW: INDIAN CHICKEN RECIPE WORKBOOK

French Onion Soup Perfection p. 36

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SPRING FALL 2013 2013 / FOOD, / DESIGN ETC. /

Perfectly Easy Egg Noodles

Note: You can let these noodles air-dry until completely dry and store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to a month. It’s strange but true that they keep much better this way than in the refrigerator!

My quest for homemade noodles started on a rainy Saturday, when the only thing on my mind was chicken and noodles, but I didn’t want to go to the store to pick up my standby package of Reames. The result was delicious noodles, with a process easier than I ever imagined. Eggs and flour are all you need to become an egg noodle master. You will need two eggs per one cup of flour. Make a well in your bowl of flour, crack in eggs, and slowly mix with your hands. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and pliable, adding flour to the board as necessary. Let rest for a while before rolling it out and then cutting into thin strips. Spread the pasta out to dry until ready to boil in heavily salted water. Figure one egg per person to determine how much to make. Example: Two eggs and one cup of flour would make enough pasta dough for a dinner for two. KALEY RHODES

A harvest of jalapenos too hot to use? Removing all the seeds and ribs and boiling them for 5-15 minutes removes most of the cough-inducing, eye burning heat, and allows you to savor the bounty of your garden. Taste a tiny corner after 5 minutes to make sure you don’t boil them bland.

SNACKS

Wrap It Up: The Amazing Pickle As a kid growing up in the country, having friends over on a Friday night meant riding the bus home and then fixing snacks to energize us through the rest of our mischief and exploring. We coined these tasty rollups ”pickle surprises”, thinking we were clever, and to this day friends and family still use the term. Easy, quick, low carb, finger-friendly and a great appetizer for the holidays, these might become your next favorite recipe. KBR 1 jar dill pickles 1 pkg lunch meat ham 1 tub spreadable cream cheese

Drain the pickles of their juice and dry them with a paper towel. Dry a piece of ham and spread with 1-2 Tbsp of cream cheese. Place the pickle on the ham and roll up. Once all rolls are completed, refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice pickles with a sharp knife and watch the pile disappear!

More Than Pretty Decor If you haven’t been to the Feathered Nest in downtown Belleville, put it at the top of your list immediately. The home decor and furniture store is a piece of design heaven, and with an espresso bar inside, there is really no need to ever leave. Our most recent trip led to the discovery of an exotic tea and spice collection that warms us up every morning and adds increbile spice to our cooking life. Check out their section that includes cookware, knives, sauces, spices and rubs.

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BELLEVILLE


PERFECTLY P PE ERF FECTL EC E CT TL LY COO COOKED C CO OO OK KE ED DC CHICKEN HIICK H IC CK KE EN N

mornings in the field

the holiday table cold Fall nights a sweet craving

happy hour Thanksgiving leftovers

tailgating

Fall Favorites Perfect For... Our editor’s have selected tried and true, standby recipes essential to living a full and satisfied life in Kansas. Sausage & Gravy Kolaches to take on early morning bird hunts, Turkey Florentine so good you will be hoarding Thanksgiving leftovers, and a Peanut Butter Pie piled high with meringue and filled with creamy perfection. MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM MYW MY M YW Y WILD WILD IL LD L DL LIIF LIF IFEM EMA E MA MAGAZ GA G AZ AZINE IN INE NE E.C .CO CO C COM OM / 3 37 7


FALL 2013 / GOOD HUNTING

sweet cravings...

Peanut Butter Pie happy hour...

Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms

*view these and more in our recipe workbook on pgs 44-45


RECIPE REVISIT: PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many. After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry, coarse meat and chinese delivery, the confidence is deflated. Well ring the dinner bell, invite friends over and get out your crock pot, because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours. THE PROCESS Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients, eliminating processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available. Simple eating begins with simple cooking, which is exactly why this chicken was introduced. There is no butter or oil in this recipe, so the natural juices of the bird can really come through, enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings. Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat,

a lot easier. Mix it in with mayo, celery, salt and peper and a squeeze of lemon juice; stuff it in a pita for lunch. Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot, adding in any onions you can find. Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks of celery, 2 minced cloves of garlic PERFECT CHICKEN Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone. Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads, casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it.

where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even

and remove. THE USES Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

of chicken stock, salt and pepper, a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano. Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade macaroni and cheese recipe. If you don’t have one follow this: boil 8 oz ma-

set the timer. It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch, baste, rotate

and add to the pot along with 4 cups

1 whole chicken, rinsed and patted dry 1 large onion, sliced 1 tbsp paprika 1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it) 1 tsp pepper 1.5 tbsp garlic powder 2 tbsp onion flakes

caroni and drain, meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp. butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour, whisk until thick and light brown, add in 2 C. half & half slowly, whisking until thick, remove from heat and add 2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese, stir until smooth. Mix 1 C. shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish, top with cheese sauce and mix to combine. Sprinkle top with 1/2 C.

Turn the slow cooker to High heat / Layer the onion slices in the bottom / Set the chicken on top, (breast down) / Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top / Cook on High for 1 hour, turn down to Low for 6-8 hours / After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if it’s coming off the bones yet, if not, let it go another hour or two. / If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker, increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

breadcrumbs and dot with butter; bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly. Chicken tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesday’s, and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil, parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favorite white wine. So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces.

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 39


the holiday table...

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Scalloped Cabbage


FALL FAVORITES: PERFECT FOR...

tailgating...

SECRET SANDWICH SAUCE Imperative to a good season is plenty of finger-licking food that’s easy to handle while giving high fives and enjoying a cold beer. An easy and affordable game staple is the classic hamburger. Already loved by young and old, we have an accessory to your bun that will elevate your average burger to one of winner status, securing your win as football food champion and satisfying even the most critical of tailgaters. Be sure to allow chilling time for this special sauce, and don’t let it sit outside more than 1 hour. If you have a group, double the recipe as this serving is about 3/4 of a cup, perfect for topping 6 - 8 burgers. Also a great dipping sauce, serve it with anything fried, cheesy or made of sausage. 1/2 C. real mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. prepared french dressing 4 tsp. sweet pickle relish 1 Tbsp. finely chopped onion 1 tsp. white vinegar 1 tsp. granulated sugar 1/8 tsp. salt Combine all ingredients and mix until smooth. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Slather on both top and bottom buns.

the holiday table...

FRESH CRANBERRY SALAD Ditch the can of molded gelatinous goo and upgrade your cranberry salad to a level worthy of side dish status. Fresh, fruity and nutty, you will want to make it everytime you have a bird on the table. This salad makes a large bowl; enough to serve 14 a generous portion, and requires 24 hours to set up, so don’t wait until the last minute. Still have leftovers? Eat it as a salad, or spread it on bread with your turkey sandwich. 12 oz bag fresh cranberries 2 pkg. red jello, your choice 2 C. boiling water 1 C. cold water 1.5 C. granulated sugar 1 orange, + 1/4 of the orange peel 3 apples, chopped 1/2 C. chopped walnuts or pecans 2 C. crushed pineapple, drained Dissolve the jello in boiling water, add cold water and refrigerate until it becomes thick and syrupy, but not solid. While the jello is setting, grind the cranberries, apples, orange and 1/4 C. orange rind. Stir together and add sugar; let this stand 5 minutes. Add chopped nuts and pineapple, stir. Combine the fruits and nuts mixture with the jello and refrigerate overnight.

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 41


TRY SOMETHING NEW All too often home cooks get caught in the same food rut; preparing meals based on family tastes, time restrictions and being comfortable with a recipe. Adopting new cultures and countries in your eating style is a great way to discover new spices, scents and flavors to fall in love with.

INDIAN CHICKEN

This recipe needs to be prefaced by saying the following chicken recipe is not authentic Indian cuisine: it has been modified so that all ingredients can be found locally, while keeping some of the familiar flavors traditional in Indian cooking. This “American-Indian” chicken dish is incredibly savory and also uses hints of cinnamon to create a unique cultural tasting for your mouth. Bonus! It cooks all afternoon in the slow cooker so you are free to do other things, although it may be hard to concentrate with the incredible smells filling the kitchen! 3-4 large boneless chicken breasts 1 can condensed tomato soup 1 C. sour cream 1/3 C. minced onion flakes 2 Tbsp. garlic powder 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp cumin 1/2 Tbsp paprika 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp salt 3/4 tsp pepper 1 tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes 2 bay leaves 1 C. heavy cream 1 C. water 2 tsp. lemon juice

1 Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. 2 Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour over the chicken, stirring to make sure all the chicken is covered with the sauce 3 Cook for 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low 4 Because every slow cooker is different, check the mixture every once in awhile to make sure it is not sticking to the bottom - just give it a quick stir. This chicken is divine over rice, or eaten with rice and black beans, rolled in a tortilla. Mix up this quick remoulade to enjoy with it: 1/2 C. mayo 2 Tbsp Sriracha (chili garlic sauce) 1 Tbsp lemon juice *mix until combined


FALL FAVORITES: PERFECT FOR...

the holiday dessert alternative...

Pumpkin Pie Crunch MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 43


RECIPE WORKBOOK Utilize this recipe workbook to create incredible dishes that will soon become your family’s favorites and earn a spot in your recipe collection.

for the holiday table... SCALLOPED CABBAGE

Creamy, crunchy goodness warms your heart and upgrades the vegetable dish; it’s so good they may not even realize they’re eating cabbage! approx. 8 servings 1 head green cabbage, chopped 8 Tbsp butter 4 Tbsp flour 3 C half & half 1 C. Velveeta, cubed 1 C. torn bread crumbs

3 Add the remaining 3 cups of flour and mix well. If it becomes to difficult to stir with a wooden spoon, just use your hands! Make sure all of the flour is well incorporated—the dough should be tacky to the touch but not overly sticky. If it appears too wet, sprinkle in a bit of extra flour, just a tablespoon or so at a time. Cover your bowl with a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm place to rise for 1 hour 4 Remove your dough from the bowl and knead in an additional ½ cup of flour. Knead 10 to 15 times, making sure the flour is well incorporated. 5 Divide the dough into three equal parts. You may either bake 3 loaves of bread, form the dough into rolls, or a combination of the two. Cover and place in warm place to rise for an additional hour, or until the dough doubles in size. 6 Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush tops with melted butter, and serve warm.

PUMPKIN PIE CRUNCH

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil the chopped cabbage in water 5 minutes, drain immediately and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.

This recipe may just take the place of traditional pumpkin pie. Beware, you will be tempted to throw it together more often than holiday time.

2 Melt 4 Tbsp of the butter over medium heat; when melted add in the flour, whisk until combined and a rich brown color. Slowly pour in the half & half, stirring constantly. When mixture starts to thicken, remove from heat.

1 (18 ounce) package butter cake mix 1 (16 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk 3 eggs 1 1/4 C. sugar 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1/2 tsp salt 1 C. pecans, chopped 1/2 C. butter, melted whipped topping

3 Add the cubed Velveeta and stir until smooth. 4 Combine the cabbage and cheese sauce, pour into a medium casserole dish. 4 Top with torn bread crumbs, dot with remaining 4 Tbsp. butter & bake at 350 degrees for 25 min. or until the top is slightly brown and crunchy.

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease the bottom of a 9x13x2 baking dish. 2 Mix the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, spice and salt in a bowl and pour into baking dish.

HAWAIIAN ROLLS

Put something different in the bread basket this year and watch them be devoured. 6 C. all-purpose flour, plus 1/2 C, divided 3 eggs 2 C. pineapple juice, room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp ginger 1 tsp vanilla 2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes yeast 1/2 C. (8 tablespoons) butter, melted

3 Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin mixture; top with chopped pecans and drizzle with 1/2 C. melted butter. 4 Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until golden brown check it after 45 min

for happy hour... SALAMI BITES

Fast and easy, these pack a lot of flavor!

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, beat your 3 eggs. Add the 2 cups pineapple juice, sugar, ginger, vanilla, and melted butter

Sliced salami Cream cheese 1 jar pepperocini peppers

2 Measure 3 cups of the flour into a large bowl. Stir in your egg mixture until well-combined. Sprinkle in the yeast packets, one at a time, mixing well.

1 Spoon 1 Tbsp of cream cheese into the center of salami, top with a pepper and fold over, adding another on top and securing with a toothpick.

KANSAS CHEESE DIP

Originally “Charleston Cheese Dip” from Trisha Yearwood, we modified it to our liking and named it for our great state. approx. 8 appetizer servings 1/2 C. real mayonnaise One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 1 C. grated Monterey Jack cheese 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese 3 green onions, finely chopped 1 dash cayenne pepper 20 butter crackers, crushed, such as Ritz 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Corn chips, crackers or bagel chips, for serving 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2 In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions and cayenne pepper. Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish, such as a 9-inch pie pan. Top the mixture with the cracker crumbs and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes. 3 Remove the pan from the oven and top with the bacon. Serve immediately with corn chips, crackers or bagel chips.

for tailgating... CHORIZO MUSHROOMS

Chorizo is a variety of heavily seasoned sausage, either cured or fresh, that is common in Spanish and Mexican cuisine. We use it to bump up a stuffed mushroom. approx. 20 appetizers 1 pkg, of Chorizo 20 large button mushroom caps, stems removed 10 of the mushroom stems, chopped finely 1 C. bread crumbs 1 C. Monterey Jack cheese 3 green onions 1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook the chorizo over medium-high heat until cooked through, 7-8 minutes. 2 Mix the cooked chorizo with chopped mushroom stems, cheese, bread crumbs and onions. Stuff into cavity of mushroom caps, allowing some to sit on top. 3 Cook for 20 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted.

SEVEN LAYER DIP - UPGRADED This popular, mexican-inspired appetizer has long been thrown together and scooped up with chips. Fresh ingredients elevate our dip to a new, and better, level. this makes an extra large plate of dip, serving approx. 20 as an appetizer 1 large can refried beans, or two 15 oz. cans 16 oz. container sour cream


D

1 pkg. taco seasoning 4-5 fresh tomatoes, chopped 4-5 ripe avocados 2 tsp fresh lime juice 2 cans olives, chopped 2 C. blended co-jack cheese

2 fresh thyme sprigs Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3/4 C. red wine 3 heaping Tbsp all-purpose flour 2 quarts beef broth 1 baguette, sliced 6 slices mozzarella, or white cheese of choice

1 Spread the refried beans onto your platter.

1 Melt the stick of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and salt and pepper and cook until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 25 minutes.

2 Combine the sour cream with taco seasoning and spread over the bean layer. 3 Mash the avocados with a fork and sprinkle with a dash of garlic powder, stir in the lime juice and spread over the sour cream mixture. 4 Add the chopped tomatoes and olives, top with cheese; serve with corn or tortilla chips.

for turkey leftovers... TURKEY FLORENTINE

A complete, one-dish meal that will serve a family of 4 several times over. 4-5 C. leftover turkey or chicken, chopped 2 (10 oz) boxes frozen, chopped spinach 1 box couscous, prepared as directed 2 (10 3/4-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 C. mayonnaise 1 C. sour cream 2 C. grated sharp Cheddar 1/2 C. dry white wine 1/2 C. freshly grated Parmesan 1/2 C. soft bread crumbs 6 Tbsp butter 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thaw and drain the frozen spinach. 2 Mix the turkey, spinach, couscous, soup, mayo, sour cream, Cheddar and white wine together; pour into a large, greased casserole dish. 3 Mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan; sprinkle over turkey mix. Dot with butter. 4 Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.

for cold nights... FRENCH ONION SOUP

Nothing warms the soul like a hot bowl of rich, earthy soup; the bread and cheese on top provide an all-in-one meal for a night by the fire. approx. 4-6 servings 1/2 C. unsalted butter 4 onions, sliced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 bay leaves

2 Add the wine, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the wine has evaporated and the onions are dry, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Dust the onions with the flour and give them a stir. Turn the heat down to medium low so the flour doesn’t burn, and cook for 10 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste 3 Add the beef broth, bring the soup back to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. 4 When you’re ready to eat, preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Top with cheese and broil until bubbly and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Ladle the soup in bowls and float several of the cheese croutons on top.

for mornings in the field... SAUSAGE GRAVY KOLACHES

These bundles of joy are easy to prepare the night before, reheat in the morning, wrap several in foil and take them with you: a complete hand-held meal! approx. 18 kolaches Rhodes’ frozen white roll dough (18 rolls) 1.5 lbs sausage 2 pkg. sausage gravy mix 3 C. milk 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thaw rolls according to package directions. 2 Cook the sausage over medium-high heat until cooked through. Sprinkle gravy mix over the meat and stir. Add milk, one cup at a time, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium and continue to stir until mixture is a very thick consistency. 3 Flatten each ball of dough and roll to 1/4” thickness. Pile 2 Tbsp. of filling into the center of each; pull up the sides and pinch together to create a nice secure package. 4 Grease a cookie sheet and bake the kolaches until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter and either enjoy immediately or let cool and wrap in foil for tomorrow’s breakfast-to-go. Remember to remove the foil before microwaving!

for sweet cravings & perfect endings... PEANUT BUTTER PIE

For a sweet tooth, nothing satisfies faster than a creamy, indulgent homemade pie. This one is an all-time favorite here at MWM. Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches) 3/4 C confectioners’ sugar 1/2 C. Creamy Peanut Butter, + 1/4 C. divided 2/3 C. sugar 3 Tbsp cornstarch 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour Dash salt 3 C. 2% milk 3 egg yolks 2 Tbsp butter 1 tsp vanilla extract MERINGUE: 3 egg whites Dash cream of tartar 1/4 cup sugar 1 Roll out pastry to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges. Line unpricked pastry with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Fill with dried beans, uncooked rice or pie weights. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil and weights; bake 5-7 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. 2 Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar and peanut butter until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Set aside. 3 In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt. Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. 4 Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir in butter, vanilla and 1/4 C. peanut butter. 5 Sprinkle 1 cup peanut butter mixture over crust. Pour hot filling over top. 6 In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. Sprinkle with remaining peanut butter mixture. 7 Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour



THE HEART OF THE NATION

kansas

land FALL 2013

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 101 REVISIT: ORGANIC FARMING PROPERTIES AVAILABLE IN NCKS

A Unique Property... p. 62


FALL 2013 / KANS SAS LAND

MODERN DAY

CASTLE


Built in 1926 as a service station by E.W. Norris, the Castle Lodge has been an icon of North Central Kansas for nearly a century. The architectural design was inspired by a castle that Norris observed in Luxemburg Germany while stationed in Europe during World War I. The property was added to the National Register of Historic properties in the late 70’s. Completely restored by Dan & Linda Winkel, the property is now a lodging operation that welcomes guests to the Glen Elder and Waconda Lake area. Built entirely of native limestone rock, the pilings are sunk 15 feet into the ground, and it is said that each stone was cut to fit. The structure stands today as a monument to a man who proudly served his country during WWI and returned to his hometown for the betterment of the community.


FALL 2013 / KANS SAS LAND


A UNIQUE PROPERTY

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 51


Farm Buying the


FACT: SINCE THE END OF WWII FARMLAND IN THE US HAS STEADILY RISEN IN VALUE FOR EVERY YEAR EXCEPT FOUR (1983, 1985, 1986, 1987)

Making the Case:

INVESTMENT IN FARMLAND Owning farmland or rural real estate is easier than most people think. Real estate, as an investment class, is much easier to research and understand than any stock or other kind of financial scheme. The land is real; you can touch it, you can live off it, it can make you money, it is a good hedge against inflation, and it can be utilized for just getting ”away to the country”. >>

BY NICK RHODES


4 FALL 2013 / KANS SAS LAND

reasons to invest now

The US agriculture sector provides 25% of the world’s food supply

4 REASONS TO INVEST NOW

1 OF 4 >

GROWING POPULATION Currently, farmland production yields food for a population of nearly 7 billion people. Over the next 30 years, the world population is expected to reach 9 billion and counting. The total amount of quality farmland to produce food is finite. As incomes rise, especially in the populous emerging markets, there will be greater demand for a better diet which means more meat. Meat production requires more grain in addition to direct human consumption of grain. Global demand for food is a fundamental variable that keeps the value of farmland rising year-after-year.


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 101

4 REASONS TO INVEST NOW

2 OF 4 >

FINANCIAL GROWTH & DIVERSIFICATION Farmland real estate lends itself to leveraged buying, where a small amount of cash can start the acquisition of a much larger asset typically via a mortgage. Farmland property generally appreciates in value while markets fluctuate, providing owners with some financial stability. Farmland is negatively correlated with most popular asset classes such as stocks and bonds, offering investors portfolio diversification and a hedge against inflation. Farmland ownership offers stability during volatile markets and almost always appreciates over time. In fact, since WWII farmland in the US has steadily risen in value for every year except four (1983, 1985, 1986, and 1987).


FALL 2013 / KANSAS LAND ·Tax benefits –

4 REASONS TO INVEST NOW

3 OF 4 >

SPACE & RECREATION

Between the 1920’s and 1960’s the United States witnessed a mass migration of its population from small rural farms to large urban centers. Many Americans traded in their plows and livestock for desk jobs and McDonalds but that sense of “getting away from it all” still exists. In a 2011 study conducted by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, it was estimated that Americans spent $145 billion (roughly 1 percent of gross domestic product) on hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. These figures demonstrate a demand class outside of crop or livestock production which contributes to the overall appeal of farmland ownership.


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 101

According to the US Census, there are appoximately 46 millions acres of farms in Kansas with the average size being roughly 705 acres.

4 REASONS TO INVEST NOW

4 OF 4 >

TAX BENEFITS In most cases, interest paid for a mortgage against farmland can be deducted for tax purposes. Certain types of farm lease arrangements and associated equipment purchases carry additional tax benefits and depreciation advantages for landowners. Some property improvements qualify for certain depreciation or deduction expenses. Every farm and each owner present unique tax scenarios so consult a tax professional or IRS publication 225 (Farmer’s Tax Guide) for more specific information as it applies to your situation.


FALL 2013 / KANS SAS LAND

BEFORE YOU BUY: CONSULT

PURPOSE

BUDGET

LOCATION

Always consult a broker who specializes in buying and selling farmland before making an investment purchase. Hire a buyer’s agent when purchasing and hire a seller’s agent when selling. They can save you time, money and resources

The most important factor in buying land is purpose; why are you buying? Whether you’re an investor looking for a specific rate of return or a hunter looking to grow and maintain wildlife the property should “fit” your purpose and needs. Having clear ownership goals will help you quickly identify the right property for your needs/wants.

Know how much you can afford to spend and stick to it. Having a budget will help you narrow your search for quality land and allow you to focus resources in the right direction. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you.

Understand the area where you are buying land. What are the relative values for property? Who will care for the property? Who are your neighbors? Is the property close enough to where you want to be?

Despite what many people think, listing agents do not represent a buyer’s interest because they have a fiduciary obligation to the seller. Buyers agents can often save you thousands of dollars and are usually paid by the listing side of the transaction


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 101

SOIL COMPOSITION

PRICE PER ACRE

CASH FLOW

CONSERVATION PLANS

Know what kind of crops are typically grown and what limiting factors the soil has. Some soils have been over-used and are essentially dead and some are ready to be cultivated for prosperity.

Land values can fluctuate significantly from one region to another. PPA is a means to help you analyze the relative value of a property but it won’t always tell you whether you’re getting a good buy or not. Remember, no two properties are created the same.

Different types of farms and ranches have different revenue streams including crops, livestock, hunting leases, marketable timber, water rights and mineral rights to name a few. Understanding what revenue streams are available and how the revenue and associated expenses flow can make or break a good investment.

Conservation plans are not only good for the sustainability of the property they can also be financially beneficial especially when converting less productive tillable ground into wildlife habitat and water filtration practices. There are a number of programs offered by the state and federal government which provide cost share and cash flow assistance for conservation practices. It is your duty as a landowner to ensure the land is available for future generations.

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 59


BUY INTO THE LAND INVESTMENT DREAM: these incredible properties are located in the golden plains of north central Kansas.


BUY INTO THE DREAM

You won’t find another Trophy Deer Hunting property in Kansas more naturally suited for holding and growing monster bucks as the Jewell Of Odessa. A pure sportsman’s property located in an area well known for producing trophy whitetail deer and phenomenal turkey hunting. In addition to being one of the best natural deer hunting properties in the Midwest, this tract provides good income. Secluded bottom-fields surrounded by elevating terrain and heavy walnut tree timber offer sanctuary for area deer. The property hunts well with different wind directions and is well balanced for multiple hunters without adding too much pressure. An old homestead sets on the eastern edge of the property with a unique old barn and utilities at the property...ready for a modest hunt camp or outdoor retreat of your dreams. Pictures and maps don’t do this property justice; you must see it to really appreicate it. Contact Nick Rhodes, Wildlife Properties; 785.620.7122; nick@mywildlifeproperty.com; mywildlifeproperty.com

JW

THE JEWEL OF

ODESSA

240 Acres in Jewell County PRICED BELOW THE COUNTY AVERAGE AT $672,000

NT

Prairie Home Ranch 22.1 +/- Acres in Norton County PRICED TO SELL AT $79,900 Quietly nestled in the rolling high plains, Prairie Home Ranch is a great little retreat built to suit sportsmen and equine lovers. The ranch feels like something out of a western novel, surrounded by big sky and endless landscapes. The property features a 1,106 square foot home, equine barn complete with stalls and tack room as well as an outdoor riding arena. Contact Nick Rhodes, Wildlife Properties; 785.620.7122; nick@mywildlifeproperty.com; mywildlifeproperty.com

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 61


BUY INTO THE LAND INVESTMENT DREAM: To inquire about these properties contact Nick Rhodes with Wildlife Properties: ph: 785.620.7122 e:Nick@MyWildlifeProperty.com w:MyWildlifeProperty.com

SM

Prairie Winds Motel Great Business Opportunity in Smith County OFFERED AT $149,900 Located in the heart of pheasant and whitetail deer country is the Prairie Winds Motel. A 17 room lodge business along US Highway 36, the motel is ideal for hunting parties and groups with 2 single rooms, 10 double rooms, 4 kitchenette suites and a large multi-room suite. This is an established lodging business with positive cash-flow and a capitalization rate above 15% in Smith Center.

JW

Investment Tract 145 +/- Acres in Jewell County CALL FOR PRICING DETAILS This property consists of 145+/- acres including 100 acres tillable and 25 acres enrolled in CRP. This tract has a portion of the Limestone Creek running through the western side of the property and there is a Quonset building on site to store your equipment out of the elements. Good income and hunting make this an ideal tract for investors with great access, located just off US Highway 36 east of Esbon, KS.

SM

SOLD

Certified Organic Farmland 262 Acres in Smith County PROPERTY SOLD 262 acres in two combined tracts (160 acres & 102 acres) located in north central Kansas. The organic industry has exhibited steady growth of 20% in North America per year over the last 25 years. The demand for organic grain translates to higher prices per bushel and more stable returns. Rates are usually double the price of conventional bushels on the open market. This is a productive and proven farm looking for a progressive investor.

RP

SOLD RP

Productive Tract 160 +/- Acres in Republic County PROPERTY SOLD A productive 160 +/- tract located 1 mile east of Scandia, KS in Republic County. This tract includes nearly 104 acres cultivated with the balance in pasture, timber and an old home site. A unique country barn stands as a symbol of an earlier time, surrounded by a modest fruit orchard. This is a great production tract or potential building site.

Lakeside Lodge An established business in Mitchell County OFFERED AT $180,000, CALL FOR DETAILS An established and turn-key hunting and fishing lodge business located on the west side of Waconda Lake. Located in the town of Cawker City with a very busy, high traffic location just off US Hwy 24. This is an excellent business with tons of potential and upside revenue potential from guiding services or other marketing additions!


BUY INTO THE DREAM

This page: The Jewel Of Odessa property images

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 63


FALL 2013 / KANSAS LAND

MWM REVISITS

GOING ORGANIC If we can produce just as much food, lower our input costs and subsequently make local farmers more profitable, all while reducing the environmental impact of farming practices; don’t we owe it to ourselves and future generations to consider organic practices? by Nick Rhodes Read this article in its entirety, as featured in our Spring ‘13 digital issue, at MyWildlifeMagazine.com

tant to define clearly what organic farming is. Organic farming is As a wildlife consultant I teach landowners the importance of biodefined as a form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop diversity and using what the land itself is capable of generating and rotation, compost, and biological pest control. Despite my original harvesting instead of trying to inject foreign practices or absurd gimassumptions organic farmers do use fertilizers and pesticides. They micks into the ecosystem. To sustain and improve habitat conditions however strictly excludes the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, on farms I recommend methods such as using the local landscape, insecticides, plant growth regulators or hormones, livestock antibionative vegetation, and components which nature has already offered. tics, food additives, and genetically modified organisms. This requiCurrent research focused on white tail deer has shown that they res that organic producers rely on natural ecological processes and will choose natural food plots comprised of native plants over biodiversity rather than the use of chemically altered inputs. These synthetic blends and exotic food plot mixes when offered a choice. chemically altered inputs raise expenses for farmers and have been This study demonstrates how much of a positive impact local vegeshown to cause adverse effects on the health of soil, livestock, wildtation can have on whitetail deer. To help explain this a little easier life populations and most importantly humans. Organic producers I would like to use an analogy. If you are used to eating burgers and utilize science, technology, and naturally occurring biological profries then go to another country where they eat something like bugs cesses to maintain soil quality and improve yields. chances are you may not be ready to eat the local cuisine. But, if you go long enough without a meal and d Current research focused on white tail deer has shown that start to starve you will probably change your view on they will choose natural food plots comprised of native what you are willing to eat to stay alive. This is whatt plants over synthetic blends and exotic food plot mixes... it may be like for a whitetail deer. They want to eatt their local food but due to landowners using genetically Since I have discussed organic farming I feel it is very important modified blends and exotic food plot mixes they are forced to settle to contrast this with conventional farming practices. Conventional and eat this rather than starve. farming practices are heavily dependent on pesticides. These same This has lead myself and many others to consider that if biodiverpesticides have been shown to be toxic to wildlife species, but more sity and naturally occurring ecosystems are more desirable to wildliimportantly these pesticides are toxic to humans. Researchers are fe when compared to synthetic blends and genetically modified food only now starting to study the effects of these toxins on the farmers plots, could that principle be applied on a larger scale to the crops who are exposed to them daily. They are also researching how thethat we plant? If this can be applied to a larger scale then is organic se toxins affect the general population and communities that drink farming better for wildlife than conventional farming? This ultimathe water and eat the food produced on these farms. It is alarming tely leads me to ask the question; could organic principles help farwhen you consider that the EPA has only required testing of less than mers become more profitable while making the food we eat better? 1% of all chemicals currently in use. Research has already shown I have to admit; when I first heard about organic farming I mostly water leaching from conventional farming systems more frequently shrugged it off as a fad. When researching organic farming, I found exceeds the legal limit for nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in drinking that there are very positive impacts on the environment and wildwater compared to organic systems. It is also a fact that rates of cerlife. These findings caused me to shift my mindset about organic tain types of cancer and other diseases are higher among agricultural farming. I seemed to have one of those “moments of clarity”. Then workers when compared to general populations. This may be a direct it became clear to me that the principles I apply to wildlife developresult of increased exposure to chemicals, solvents, fertilizers, fuels, ment also apply to the food we grow in the heartland. Before I expand on the topic of organic farming I feel it is imporand pesticides.


Clockwise from top left: 100 bushel per acre organic food grade quality milo; a record setting crop at the time, this field made 110 bushel per acre organic corn. Organic corn price was $9.50 a bushel, three times the conventional price in 2008; local organic farmer Rick Boller; a mature wheat field ready for harvest.

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 65


“I know what I am about to say sounds like a commercial, but I think it is true. The Ringneck Ranch provides the epitome of upland gamebird hunting experiences. Great accommodations, great food, great dogs, great people, excellent scenery, and plenty of birds. You couldn’t ask for more.” R.P. – Painted Post, New York

QUALITY UPLAND GAMEBIRD HUNTING SINCE 1983! TIPTON, KANSAS

785-373-4835

WWW.RINGNECKRANCH.NET


SOME OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY

sporting FALL 2013

GOOD BOY! / CROSSBOWS ALLOWED IN KANSAS / GETTING IT DONE: ROUTE 36 QUAIL FOREVER CHAPTER/

Who is Named Best Hunting in the Country? p. 70

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 67


FALL 2013 / SPOR RTING /

PROFILE

THE BRITTANY

THE ENERGETIC BRITTANY IS A VERSATILE FAMILY COMPANION WHO WORKS MORE CLOSELY TO THE HUNTER THAN OTHER POINTING BREEDS. ALERT AND EAGER, THEY ARE LOVED BY HUNTERS FOR THEIR EASE OF TRAINING AND HANDLING. THEY ARE IDEAL DOGS FOR HUNTING WOODCOCK, PARTRIDGE AND HARE.

T

The smallish companions are also known to have exceptional instin-

cts for water retrieval. Owners must be prepared for daily activity for both mind and body with this very active and untiring breed. Brittanys are named for the French provence where they originated. Bred as gundogs, they definitely have birds on the brain. Although

they’re often called Brittany Spaniels, the American Kennel Club dropped the word ”spaniel” from this pointing breed’s name in 1982. The history of the Brittany is unclear but “Brittany-type” dogs have been iidentified in paintings and tapestries dating back to the 17th


GOOD BOY!

century. The general description as listed by the American Kennel

Brittany is quick and curious, always on the lookout for birds or fun. It

Club, or AKC, is as follows: “A compact, closely knit dog of me-

loves to run, scout, hunt and play. It has an independent nature, befitting

dium size, a leggy dog having the appearance, as well as the agility,

any pointing breed, yet it is sensitive and very responsive to human

of a great ground coverer. Strong, vigorous, energetic and quick of

direction. The Brittany makes a good house pet, as long as it receives

movement. Ruggedness, without clumsiness, is a characteristic of

daily mental and physical exercise. If not given sufficient exercise, it can

the breed. He can be tailless or has a tail docked to approximately

become destructive. Grooming for Brittanys is minimal, requiring only

four inches.”

regular brushing and bathing when needed. Proper exercise and activity are the greatest concerns for Brittany owners because lack of exercise

A Brittany ranges between 30-40 pounds in weight and 17-21 inches

may cause hyperactivity and agitation. Brittanys have grown in popula-

in height. The Brittany’s expression is alert and eager, but soft.

rity in the past 50 years due to their talent in the field and in show, but

The eyes are protected from briars by a fairly heavy eyebrow. The

are known to many as great bird dogs and loving companions.

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 69


Route 36 Quail Forever Chapter A Pillar For Local Conservation & Youth

T KS TO ALLOW CROSSBOWS FOR DEER & BIG GAME ”A CHANGE MADE TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUNTERS” - CHRIS TYMESON, WILDLIFE & PARKS ATTORNEY Crossbows will be legal for hunters of all ages, during any big game season in Kansas this year. Last year only youth and those 55 and older, and hunters in four select deer management units, could use crossbows during archery deer seasons. Those hunting with a crossbow must possess a Crossbow Hunter Survey

Number, which are free and can be obtained at www.kdwpt.state. ks.us. Obtaining numbers allow the department to contact crossbow hunters after the 2013/2014 seasons for survey purposes. Those hunting without the number could be issued a citation and fined.

RUSSELL T

NAMED BEST HUNTING

he secret is out about the excellent hunting and fishing opportunities in north central Kansas. Outdoor Life magazine boasts Russell, KS at #18

in their list of the Top 35 Hunting & Fishing Towns in the United States. But that’s not all; Russell has also received love from the Pheasants Forever organization as #16 on its

COUNTY

IN THE COUNTRY list of 25 Best Pheasant Hunting Towns in America. Hays, KS ranked #18 on the Pheasant Forever list with 4 other Kansas towns being named over the last two years as well.

In addition, Kansas is well known for world-class trophy whitetail deer, excellent fishing and some of the best waterfowl hunting along the central flyway.

explore NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

NEWSWORTHY

he route 36 quail forever group, a joint initiative based out of Phillips and Smith Counties in north central Kansas, is making a significant impact in the lives of local youth and an even bigger impact on the conservation efforts for their area. Over the last four years the group has re-invested more than $88,000 to support 18 youth projects in addition to nearly 100 habitat projects. In all, the group has impacted more than 4,000 acres with critical habitat projects! The group has strong support with 175 adult members and 56 registered youth members. Nearly all the funds raised by the group go directly to the local area with only a small portion going to the National QF organization for administrative expenditures.


KANSAS SPORTING

MWM REVISITS

GOOD BOY! Our Spring issue profiled America’s most loved dog, the Labrador Retriever. Read about the companionship and field loyalty of man’s best friend by visiting www.mywildlifemagazine.com and downloading the Spring 2013 digital issue. MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 71



Hunting is good, and the business of hunting is even better. Take a closer look at the thriving NCKS operation:

Ringneck

Ranch

Keith Houghton has personally owned and professionally operated Ringneck Ranch on the families 5th generation homestead since its inception in 1983.

By KELSEY ORR PHOTOGRAPHS BY Nick Rhodes


SPRING 2013 / FE EATURE

Before arriving at Ringneck Ranch I had done my research. Their extensive website brought Ringneck Ranch to life with personal descriptions of the staff, quality photography of the landscape and probably more supportive testimonials than they know what to do with. I learned that the owners, Keith and Debra Houghton, have been attracting upland gamebird hunters to the area since 1983 but are the fifth generation of family members to inhabit the land. Today, the couple’s hunting operation covers 10,000 acres of land, which also includes over 5,000 acres of controlled shooting area. It is an upland game hunter’s paradise full of native pheasants, bobwhite quails, and prairie chickens. With twenty years of experience, Ringneck Ranch knows the importance of quality hunting dogs, top-notch staff and the finest habitat to provide an unforgettable experience. Walking into Ringneck Ranch, I knew the history, the features, and the reputation, but I was not prepared to feel so at home. There are things you cannot learn from a brochure or website; and while these things may give a basic understanding of what can be expected, it is our own experiences that tell the entire story.

I am not a hunter -and Keith Houghton probably saw that a mile away- but while interviewing Keith and Debra at Ringneck Ranch I was never chastised for my novice questions or made to feel silly. Instead I was treated like a friend, listening to stories of past hunts and the interesting characters the Houghton’s have come across in their many years of outfitting. During our interview I learned not only about the business but also experienced the hospitality and welcoming atmosphere that brings guests back year after year. We toured all of the facilities usually shadowed by one of the Houghton’s dogs and armed with a cold glass of iced tea. Whether guests are staying in the Hanger Suites, the Ranch House or any of the other accommodations, the layouts have been well thought out. Each area has multiple places for guests to get cleaned up after a long day of being in the fields and also a place to congregate while recapping the day’s events. The Ranch House Dinning Hall is equipped with long tables where all meals are served family style and is a short distance from the kitchen which is constantly bustling with activity. While it may be an odd choice, the mudroom just off the kitchen was my favorite room. There the walls are covered with the writing of guest and their reasoning as to why the bird got away, it is hard not to laugh and read a few out loud. >>


Opposite: The first stop for visitors and lodge guests, the oďŹƒce. This page: the personalized mudroom signed, dated and littered with hunting excuses add charm; the Blue Hill lodge is just one of many, and oers spectacular Kansas views.

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 75



MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 77


The barking of dogs leads us to the kennel where the light-hearted entertainment continued. Keith showed me one the many “tricks� that has kept him on his toes. One very smart dog could lift the metal pin holding his kennel door shut with one flick of his nose, and then would proceed to let all of his friends out of their kennels to join him. From the kennels we moved onto the bird processing area, where all birds are cleaned and packaged for guests to take home. I was amazed at the final product, which looks like it came from the shelves of the supermarket. The stories continue throughout the entire tour and range from the lifelong friends that have been made to the number of people needed to make the Ranch a success. During the busy months of October through February, the Ranch employs about 60 people for tasks such as housekeeping, food services, hunting guides and bird processing. Keith admits that while most people come to Ringneck Ranch for the birds first, the food is a close second. Starting at 4:00AM and ending around 9:30PM, there is constantly someone in the kitchen preparing for the days meals.

As the noon hour started to roll around I was invited to lunch, sitting down for an impromptu meal with employees, family members and whoever happened to be around. Conversation flows easily and more stories are told as we enjoy our meal. At lunch, I was also reminded of one of my favorite Midwest qualities: dessert is also served at lunch. For our last stop, we drive to The Blue Hills Lodge where the quaint ranch-style house sits amid the sprawling hills and looks onto a large pond. The view is spectacular and it is the picture of everything that makes Kansas unique. The wind whips the tall grass and blue sky is reflected in the pond. Keith stands back, no need for explanation or story telling. It is obvious why so many people rave about the hospitality, the hunting and the beauty. Ringneck Ranch has pulled together all the wonderful things about the area we live in and created a thriving business that is an industry standard worth striving for. The Houghton’s have shared the Ringneck Ranch experience with countless people from all over and they all leave with the same impression: There is no place like Kansas.


Opposite: The uncompromised views never become dull. This page: never go hungry with Kansas’ finest homestyle cooking & superior hospitality from Debra Houghton; a tour through the dining space with Keith.

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 79


Weddings at

Photo by Josey Hammer / photosbyjosey.com / ringneckranch.net

Ringneck Ranch It’s not all bird dogs and muddy boots, the incredible grounds and facilities at the Ranch provide an intimate and beautiful location for your friends and family to celebrate a special occasion. Dance under the light of Kansas stars and start life together surrounded by the grandeur of the Blue Hills. Contact the oďŹƒce to plan a Kansas prairie celebration.


TAKE NOTE: SPRING ACCESSORIES

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 81



REAP THE REWARDS OF PLANNING & PATIENCE

history FALL 2013

Protecting The President p. 84 HOME, HOME ON THE RANGE KANSAS INVENTOR

MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 83


FALL 2013 / HISTORY

PROTECT & SERVE

Kansas Frontier Guard Sparks idea for Secret Service Shortly after the Civil War began the safety of President Lincoln became a great concern as rumors circled of Southern sympathizers near Washington, D.C. Threats of overthrowing the government and kidnapping President Lincoln spread quickly. The Capitol city was left vulnerable without a militia or armory while tension between Northern and Southern sympathizers grew. One of Kansas’s first Senators, James Lane arrived in Washington to start his duties in the Senate but instead was greeted by a clash between sympathizers of both sides. In an attempt to disband the mob Senator Lane is said to have shouted that he had one hundred armed Kansas men that were ready to fight and that the next person to shout “mob” would be shot. After witnessing the obvious need for a militia, Senator Lane recruited 120 Kansas men for a volunteer militia known as the Frontier Guard. Within days of organizing their forces, the Frontier Guard was asked to report to the White House until Northern troops would arrive. The band of Kansas men took their honorable post in the East Room of the White House for two weeks. After the Civil War President Lincoln later formed the U.S. Secret Service for such purposes. The night of Lincoln’s assassination, the legislation was still sitting on his desk.

THIRST QUENCHER

HIST TORY Y LES SSON N

In the 19th century, lumber in large quantities was prohibitively expensive for most consumers to import to Kansas for fencing. How, then, was a pioneer farmer or rancher going to fence in his land? The solution for many settlers was a special kind of wire that could be stretched taut between fence posts to keep predators out, keep livestock in, and to signal to other homesteaders that this land was already taken.

Inventor Omar Kendlick of Barnes, Kansas, was looking for a quick way to make a cold treat for his ice cream shop that was lacking a soda fountain. To remedy his problem, Kendlick started freezing bottle of soda and serving them. After realizing his idea was a hit, Kendlick took his idea a step farther when he began experimenting with an old ice cream machine. Five years later, Kendlick had created the first ICEE machine! The ICEE machine went into mass production and is still quenching the thirst of many looking for an ice-cold treat!

Barbed wire was ideally suited to the wide-open spaces of Kansas lands. It was relatively inexpensive, would not rot, was practically unaffected by fire, was strong and long-lasting, and was easily erected. Introduced in the 1860s, it quickly became widely-used. Between 1875 and 1885, the national consumption of barbed wire jumped from 300 tons to 130,000 tons. To compete in this popular new business, all inventors had to do was devise different methods of attaching barbs, points, wheels, or blocks to the plain drawn wire that was manufactured in Eastern factories. As long as the design did not infringe on previous patents, inventors stood to ma make money and a name for themselves

explore NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

KANSAS AS INVENTORS RS


OH GIVE ME A HOME...

OH GIVE ME A HOME An extensive renovation revitalizes the original Athol homesite of Dr. Higley, shedding light on the surroundings and rural lifestyle that inspired the Kansas state song.

Dr. Brewster M. Higley wrote the original poem, “Home on the Range” in the early 1870s. Higley was an otolaryngologist who came to Smith County in 1871 under the Homestead Act and was so taken with his new home that he wrote his poem entitled, “My Western Home.” In 1873 the poem was published in the Smith County Pioneer, and music was soon added by Daniel E. Kelley, a friend of Higley. The song quickly became a favorite among pioneers and cowboys. It was later revised by David Guion, who is often given credit as the song’s composer. In 1933 President Franklin D. Roosevelt claimed it to be his favorite song. Because Higley had written the song while in Kansas, and because the song seemed to so fit the state, the Kansas Legislature chose it as the state song on June 30, 1947. Since then the song has been used in countless movies in shows, being sung by everyone from Willie Nelson to Porky Pig.

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VERSE 1 Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam, Where the deer and the antelope play, Where seldom is heard a discouraging word And the sky is not clouded all day

VERSE 2 Oh, give me the gale of the Solomon vale, Where life streams with buoyancy flow, On the banks of the Beaver, where seldom if ever Any poisonous herbage doth grow.

CHORUS: A home, a home where

VERSE 3 Oh, give me the land where the bright diamond sand Throws its light from the glittering stream Where glideth along the graceful white swan, Like a maid in a heavenly dream.

the deer and the antelope play,


From left; the new walking trail offers a personal view of Dr. Higley’s homestead; the new/old door retains the nostalgic detailing carefully regarded during the renovation; a West view of the cabin that holds the plaque and refrain of the poem-turned-state-song

VERSE 4 I love the wild flowers in this bright land of ours; I love too the wild curley’s scream, The bluffs and white rocks and antelope flocks That graze on the hillsides so green

VERSE 5 How often at night, when the heavens are bright With the light of the glittering stars, Have I stood here amazed and asked as I gazed If their glory exceeds this of ours.

VERSE 6 The air is so pure, the breezes so free, The zephyrs so balmy and light, I would not exchange my home here to range Forever in azure so bright.

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word, And the sky is not clouded all day. MYWILDLIFEMAGAZINE.COM / 87


SPRING 2013 / SP PORTING



The Higley Cabin is located North of Athol, Kansas. From Hwy 36,2013 travel/8SP miles West of SPRING PORTING Smith Center, or 22 miles East of Phillipsburg and turn North on Hwy 8; travel 8 miles North, keeping a lookout for the sign on the West side of the higway to cue you down the rock road

A record setting crop at the time, this field made 110 bushel per acre organic corn. Organic corn price was $9.50 a bushel, three times the conventional price in 2008.



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TO PLACE AN EXCHANGE AD, PLEASE CONTACT: BRANDON POWERS, 303-955-5036, BRANDON@MYPELICANMAGAZINE.COM

TO PLACE AN EXCHANGE AD, PLEASE CONTACT: BRANDON POWERS, 303-955-5036, BRANDON@MYPELICANMAGAZINE.COM

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Wildlife Exchange - A local marketplace for Kansas visitors. The ultimate resource for visitors to North Central Kansas. The Wildlife Exchange is a user’s guide that will help you create an authentic Kansas expeirence. From outfitters and dining to guide services and animal care, there is something for everyone. Make the connection and discover where North Central Kansas can take you.


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