Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

Department History 1905 - Fish and game laws were organized under the Kansas Fish and Game Department and implementation of a state law requiring a license to hunt. 1911 - The State Fish and Game Department was placed under the supervision of the University of Kansas Board of Regents 1925 - The Fish and Game Department was reorganized as the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission with three board members appointed by the Governor. 1927 - Commission was reorganized and was given approval to organize a warden service. Fishing licenses required of men 18-70. 1939 - Commission's three-member board was abolished by the legislature and replaced by a six-member bipartisan commission appointed by the Governor 1943 - Legislature gives the commission full authority to set seasons and dates 1955 - The legislature and Gov. Fred Hall create the State Park and Resources Authority. 1960 - First Kansas boating laws enacted 1987 - Gov. Mike Hayden signs executive order merging the State Park and Resources Authority and Fish and Game Commission to create the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks 2011 - Gov. Sam Brownback signs executive order moving the Division of Tourism from the Department of Commerce to the newly renamed Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism