#Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

The unique Swedish heritage of Lindsborg is evident in architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Hunts for whitetail deer, bison, turkey, and other species are offered at Kansas Trophy Whitetails, near Hudson, KS.
Megan Hilbish calling turkeys. Jon Blumb photo

Year-round hunting and fishing abound with much public land and water.
Birders, hikers, bikers, paddlers and beachgoers will find top-notch fun here.

by David Zumbaugh

The Outdoor Communicators of Kansas discovered Lindsborg as the home base for the spring conference on May 4- 6, 2025. “Välkommen till Lindsborg” is the city motto and welcome us they did! The unique Swedish heritage of the small town, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions, was a delightful surprise. This tight-knit community promotes the art scene with small and large galleries, including the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery.

Lindsborg hosts several large festivals that celebrate its culture, art, and local businesses. The city’s website and Facebook page provide detailed descriptions of events, along with the dates for planning a visit. OCK was hosted for dinner by Holly Lofton, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, at the wonderful Sundstrom Conference Center (https://www.lindsborgcity.org/visitor-information).

Downtown Lindborg, Kansas. *Jon Blumb photo*

Jim Richardson, a National Geographic Photographer. *Jon Blumb photo*

A craft improvement seminar inspired the group to focus on taking enhanced pictures with cell phones. Jim Richardson, a National Geographic photographer, detailed settings on the camera mode on Apple and Android devices to get creative, professional results. He displayed images side by side on a big screen, comparing phone pictures with photos taken with the most expensive cameras. Differences could hardly be noticed! Jim and his wife, Kathy, run the Small World Gallery at 127 North Main Street, which features his work (www.smallworldgallery.net).

The magnificent Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery is worth a visit. Sandzén was born in Sweden in 1871 and studied art in Stockholm. He came to the USA in 1894 to teach at Bethany College in Lindsborg as the principal art instructor. He produced more than 3,000 paintings and 33,000 prints. His works are on display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri; the Brooklyn Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe; the Library of Congress; the Chicago Art Institute; the Denver Art Museum; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and the National Museum of Stockholm.

Mike Hartung is currently an active artist of Lindsborg known for his provocative and pointed satirical pieces. He creates giant-format paintings, produced in vivid colors with distorted figures to convey not-so-subtle government tributes. No politician, global or local, is safe from his commentary. Mike has established the Smoky Valley Arts & Folklife Center, a gallery and workshop at 114-1/2 South Main Street. Current exhibition and workshop information can be viewed on their website (www.smokyvalleyartsandfolklifecenter.org).

David Zumbaugh with his turkey. *Photo by Cody Waite*

The next several days found members fishing in the area waters, such as Kanapolis Lake. Unfortunately, even the liars couldn’t get many fish to the net. Others spent time trying to outsmart wily prairie turkeys, with only one put in the bag (by yours truly, with the help of guide Cody Waite). Calling from a high blind, other hunters observed many turkeys and deer, but were unable to get a close enough shot on a gobbler.

Highlighting the get-together was the lodging and hospitality offered by Stan Christiansen and his Kansas Trophy Whitetails operation, near Hudson, Kansas. Stan himself is an accomplished hunter and fisherman, having numerous world record animals from Africa and around the globe. Hunts for whitetail deer, bison, turkey, and other species are offered. Many Pope and Young, as well as Boone and Crockett-class, deer have been harvested on the lodge property (www.kansas-trophy-whitetails.com).

Central Kansas offers amenities that are attractive to all outdoor enthusiasts. Year-round hunting and fishing opportunities abound with much public land and water to explore. But birders, hikers, bikers, and paddlers can also find top-notch offers.

Trophy Room at Kansas Trophy Whitetails. *David Zumbaugh photo*

From birding hotspots like Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge to the miles of mountain bike and hiking trails at Wilson Lake, Kansas is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Kanapolis and Wilson Lakes have great waters for paddleboarders, kayakers, and beachgoers.

Plan a visit to Kansas to satisfy your outdoor passions.

You will be glad you made the trip.

For more information, visit: https://www.lindsborgcity.org/visitor-information; https://ksoutdoors.com/; https://travelkansas.com; www.kansas-trophy-whitetails.com; www.smokyvalleyartsandfolklifecenter.org; www.smallworldgallery.net.

Where hospitality and nature meet hunters and fishers.
Where walleye tournaments are common, smallmouth bass reach seven pounds, and bowfishing is fun after dark.
Wilson Lake is a favorite with campers, hikers, bikers, hunters, paddlers, and water sports enthusiasts.

By Jonathan Blumb and David Zumbaugh

**Secretary Brad Loveless of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks spoke to communicators.**

The Outdoor Communicators of Kansas held their spring conference in Wilson, Kansas – the Czech Capital of the state. Local introductions and hospitality were provided at the unforgettable Midland Railroad Hotel. The town of less than 1,000 is strategically located for hunters and fishers. Cheyenne Bottoms Marsh and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge are just South, and Lake Wilson is just to the North. This berg was settled in 1874 by Bohemian immigrants who came to the area to work on the railroad, establishing the town as the Kansas Center of Czech Culture.

This group of media professionals and freelance contributors to sporting publications does more than just have fun on their outings. Their charitable efforts support youth engagement in the outdoors, offer college scholarships, fund hunting licenses for veterans, and contribute to junior shotgun shooting sports. Since 1961, members have encouraged people to embrace outdoor activities and support various goodwill events to facilitate their mission.

**Lake conditions were clear with low water levels.**

Fishing guide Joe Bragg of Wakefield, Kansas, and local guides Dale Hines of Sylvan Grove and Wayne Loy of Lincoln graciously gave willing fishers a grand tour of the lake. Members Nick Neff and Mike Miller towed their boats along for big fish bragging rights contests. Mother Nature cooperated, offering beautiful, clear blue skies and mild breezes assisting angling endeavors. Some chose to fish off the shore, as Wilson offers many public access sites to reach deep water and big fish – without a boat.

Rods and reels got a workout as most anglers succeeded with walleye, bass, crappie, wipers, and drum brought to the net. While the bite was less than hot, no one complained because they got to fish Lake Wilson! The waters are renowned for giant stripers; some are even hooked through the ice in winter. Walleye tournaments are common, and smallmouth bass reach seven pounds. A bowfishing tournament, sponsored by Knotheads Bait Shop, was held concurrent with the OCK meeting, with participants from six states shooting huge carp and garfish in the backwater coves.

**Joe Bragg caught his first Lake Wilson crappie.**

This lake is a favorite with campers, hikers, bikers, hunters, paddlers, and water sports enthusiasts. The epic Switchgrass bike trail is a huge draw, which is not suggested for mountain biker beginners. There are several exceptional hiking trails for all levels of mobility. The Rock Town Trail is spectacular, with views of the lake and overhanging cliffs.

Nearby lodging is available in Russell and Lucas. Kansas Parks and Wildlife has cabins available at Wilson State Park. Several RV campgrounds are available. One is within walking distance of the dam spillway, which offers excellent fishing opportunities when the water is flowing.

Some members took a break from piscivorous pursuits to visit area attractions. One cannot visit Russell County without stopping in Lucas to be amazed at the bizarre Garden of Eden, take in the well-stocked art shops, and have a burger at the K-18 Café. Of course, you must pick up some brats at Brant’s Market to take home.

Attendees were treated to another natural outdoor festival. A fish fry was held at a Lake Wilson State Park cabin.

**A fish fry was held in the Hell Creek Area of Wilson State Park.**

Someone even Bar-B-Queued bobwhite quail procured from a recent pointer field trial for an over-the-top feast!

Of course, practiced lies were sheepishly spoken about the big one that got away and the snake that tried to get in a boat, but all was accepted in fun. As the evening waned, all were rewarded with a magnificent sunset, which decorated the surrounding hills with gorgeous spectral colors.

All photographs are courtesy of Jonathan Blumb. Additional photographs appear at the end of this story.

Resources:

Midland Railroad Hotel, 414 26th St, Wilson, KS; (785) 658-2284; www.midlandrailroadhotel.com

Knotheads Bait Shop, 132 E. Shoreline Rd., Sylvan Grove, KS; (785) 658-2166; 3knotheads@wtciweb.com; www.baitlady.com

Joe Bragg, Fishing Guide, (785) 408-3172; jbraggfishing@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/Slabnabber/

Dale Hines, Fishing Guide, Hines Guide Service; (620) 474-5388; www.hinesguideservice.com

David Zumbaugh and Laska fished from limestone outcroppings west of Minooka-Park