Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

About Us The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor. KDWP dates back to 1905 when fish and game laws were first organized under the Kansas Fish and Game Department and a new state law required a license to hunt. The agency has had many names over the years and has grown into a multi-faceted agency that touches the lives of every Kansan. At KDWP, we are dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. From hunters and anglers to birdwatchers and adventurers, KDWP offers sustainable outdoor recreation that fosters a deep connection between people and the natural world. KDWP employs approximately 460 full-time employees across multiple divisions including Licensing, Fisheries, Wildlife, Public Lands, Law Enforcement, and State Parks. Our Mission Our mission is to conserve and enhance Kansas' wildlife and its habitats, ensuring current and future generations appreciate and enjoy these living resources and associated recreation, while informing the public of the status of Kansas' natural resources, gaining understanding and support in achieving this mission. About the Secretary Christopher Kennedy was appointed Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks by Governor Laura Kelly in March 2024 and confirmed by the Kansas Senate in March 2025. Born in North St. Louis, Missouri, Kennedy was introduced to natural resources at a young age, having grown up shooting, hunting, boating, and fishing. He brings nearly three decades of experience in wildlife and natural resources, beginning with his first internship out of high school at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conducting water quality and quantity research projects across Arkansas, Kansas, and Louisiana. In 1996, Kennedy joined the Missouri Department of Conservation, where he remained until this appointment to to lead the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. His work including assisting private landowners, managing public waters, and facilitating public education programs. He is perhaps most well-known for his work researching and restoring aquatic species such as alligator gar while advancing opportunities for Missouri’s youth to work with resource professionals to better manage public resources. Kennedy has also been a guest on the National Geographic Channel's Monster Fish and Animal Planet’s River Monsters on episodes featuring the alligator gar. "The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has a sacred charge to ensure both current and future generations can enjoy our living resources," said Secretary Kennedy. "We can sometimes get bogged down in detailed regulations—and, yes, those are critically important—but our higher purpose is to help Kansans make those outdoor memories today and leave a legacy for those that come after us."