WICHITA, Kans. (September 29, 2020) — The Kansas Wildlife Federation, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO), and the National Wildlife Federation heralded the release of new Spanish-language hunting and trapping regulations during National Hispanic Heritage Month and urged other states to follow the Sunflower State’s lead.

“The translation of the Kansas hunting regulations is a big step toward making the outdoors available to all,” said Laura Mendenhall, board president of the Kansas Wildlife Federation. “The Kansas Wildlife Federation is proud to support this effort and is committed to furthering the mission of ‘Outdoors for All.’ We thank Governor Kelly and Secretary Loveless for working to make hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation inclusive for all Kansans.”

“Whether it’s fishing, hunting, or spending time in nature, outdoor traditions connect us to our ancestors, and build upon the bond that many of us have with our family and community,” said Camilla Simon, executive director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). “By expanding language options for hunting and trapping regulations, we prioritize the accessibility of information, and set the standard that language barriers shouldn’t prevent access to the outdoors.”

“Kansas and the nation’s outdoor heritage requires that we ensure we keep outdoor recreation within reach for everyone — regardless of the language they speak at home. This important step by Kansas keeps faith with this simple, but critical idea, and should be an example for all states eager to grow thriving outdoor recreation economies,” said Steve Bender, director of conservation partnerships for the National Wildlife Federation.

The regulations, which the state developed in partnership with the Kansas Wildlife Federation, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, mirror those issued last month in English. The state plans to release Spanish-language fishing regulations in January alongside its English-language regulations.