When you own a waterfowl hunting outfitter in Central Kansas, you quickly realize that our success is tied to something much bigger than the ground we hunt.
For us, one of those resources is Cheyenne Bottoms.
Cheyenne Bottoms is one of the most important wetland systems in North America and an incredible resource for migratory birds traveling through the Central Flyway. Every spring and fall, massive numbers of birds rely on this area to rest, feed, and refuel during their migration. As a waterfowl outfitter located near the Bottoms, we see firsthand just how important that habitat is.
One thing that is important to understand is that guiding is not permitted on Kansas public wildlife areas, including Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. As an outfitter, we do not guide hunters on Cheyenne Bottoms.
But that doesn't mean the Bottoms aren't incredibly important to what we do.
The habitat provided by Cheyenne Bottoms helps attract and hold migrating birds in our area. Those birds move throughout the surrounding region to feed, loaf and roost, utilizing a mixture of wetlands, agricultural ground and other habitat.
For outfitters and landowners operating on private property throughout the area, having a wetland complex of this magnitude nearby is an incredible resource.
What Happens at the Bottoms Reaches Far Beyond the Bottoms
It's easy to look at Cheyenne Bottoms solely through the lens of wildlife conservation. And its importance to birds absolutely deserves to be celebrated.
But living and operating a business here gives you another perspective.
Cheyenne Bottoms also contributes to the economic health of the communities surrounding it. Every year, hunters, birdwatchers, photographers, conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts travel to Central Kansas because of the incredible natural resources found here.
Those visitors don't just visit the marsh and leave.
They stay in our hotels. They eat at our restaurants. They buy fuel at our gas stations. They stop at local stores. They purchase hunting supplies, groceries and other necessities. They support guides, outfitters, lodging operations and countless other businesses.
In a small community, those dollars matter.
A busy migration isn't only something we notice when we look toward the sky. You can see it in parking lots, restaurants, gas stations and businesses throughout town.
When you live here, it's easy to become accustomed to having a place like Cheyenne Bottoms in your backyard.
Then you watch thousands of birds lift off the marsh at once.
You meet someone who traveled across the country just to see a particular species. You talk with hunters who have dreamed about experiencing the Central Flyway in Kansas.
Or you walk into a local restaurant during migration and see nearly every table filled with people who traveled here because of the outdoor opportunities our area provides.
That's when you're reminded how special this place really is.
Cheyenne Bottoms isn't simply a place on a map.
It's habitat.
It's a migration stopover.
It's an economic driver.
It's part of the identity of Central Kansas.
And for those of us who own businesses, raise families and make our living in the communities surrounding it, it's a resource whose value extends far beyond the water's edge.
Protecting Cheyenne Bottoms and ensuring it remains healthy for future generations isn't only about protecting birds. It's about protecting one of the natural resources that helps make this corner of Kansas such a special place.
Chase White
Fowl Plains
