FLH News – July 17

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FLH News

July 17, 2025

Upcoming Events

Jul 19 – Work Day on Post (9am)

Jul 22 – Trail Ride on Post (weather dependent)

Jul 27 – LFA Annual Meeting (7pm at the Hunt Lodge)

Jul 29 – Trail Ride on Post

Aug 5 – Trail Ride on Post

Aug 12 – Trail Ride on Post

Like a Tropical Heat Wave...

Upon notification that hay was out at Staver's, a small crew of us was able to assemble at short notice and carry out an impromptu work day. Several trails were cleared and a plan was developed for a small kennel for hounds to hang out in the shade while we tailgate. Thanks to JC and his crew of little blonde girls, Nick, Jim, and also to Dawn for chauffeuring us to the overgrown trails we wouldn't have been able to find on our own.

There were four trail blazers who attended the first on-post trail ride and a larger group for the second. Unfortunately, the heat and humidity caused us to cancel this week's. After a couple days of reprieve, it looks like we'll have even hotter temps next week. We'll make a call on the ride NLT Monday.

Please bookmark our new calendar to keep up with FLH activities!

On-Post Work Day

This Saturday, July 19, starting at 9am, we will be working to revive the hunt arena building so that it can be used for social events. We will also clean up around the arena and cross-country jumps and clear some trails. Here is a more detailed list of "to-dos"

Arena Building: Remove items that are not used and store them in the Rod & Gun Club building. Sweep. Set up shelves from McGuire's. Repair/cover hole where varmints get in. General organization of what needs to stay in the building. Straighten building sign. Replace broken window.

Arena: Weed eat. Repair any loose boards. Potentially drag.

Cross-Country Area: Weed eat/clear around jumps (including overhead branches). Repair and/or clear away any broken boards/materials.

Kennel: Re-secure fence panels between runs and yard.

Trails: There are several trails that are overgrown or blocked by deadfall.

If you have them, please bring: Pole saws, chainsaws, weed eaters/string trimmers, loppers

Landowner Information

We have prepared a new landing page with information for landowners. This will be more convenient and comprehensive than sharing a social media post, giving enough details to help potential landowners decide if they're willing to entertain conversations about permitting access to their land. View the page here.

Kennel Update

Hounds are doing well. Given the heat, we have been keeping training sessions short.

Planning for the Season

We are tentatively planning to live hunt twice per month at the Settlers Acre (Beisel's) fixture in the Flint Hills and drag hunt twice per month at Stavers or a Winchester fixture.

In addition, we encourage members to plan to attend the North Hills Hunt Burwell event (October 2–5). Discussions are underway to hold the 2025 Kansas Hunt Week following that event (starting on Tuesday, 10/7), and FLH's opening at the Settlers Acre fixture on Saturday, October 11. We will also be pursuing group visits to other hunts in the region.

Committee Updates

Fixture Development

Staver's – East of Easton: We plan to do hound ex and drag hunting at this fixture. A second work day will be scheduled to clear trails.

Winchester Area: Acreage suitable for hound exercise and drag hunting is available (Hensleigh's). Potential for additional properties to be added. Help is needed to mow and prep the property.

Division – Flint Hills: Supportive of two hunts per season. One would be during Kansas Hunt Week.

Flint Hills Hunt: FLH members are welcome to join FHH Hunts anytime. We will plan to have FLH/FHH joint hunts twice per month.

Fort Leavenworth Installation: Mounted hound activity with hounds off leash is not allowed. Other riding activities are permitted.

Union County Bird Dog Ranch: Located in Thayer Iowa, 150 miles North of Kansas City. It is a mixed-use facility made up of row crops, hay fields, timber, and CRP with enough acreage for drag hunting. They host AKC Pointing Breed Field Trials and Hunt Tests, Upland Game Hunting, and Deer Hunting. We are following up.

KS Public Lands: Initial contact of POC has been made by Ted S.

Melvern Lake/Eisenhower State Park: Following up on potential for drag hunting.

Hiawatha Area: Initial contact has been made with landowners near Hiawatha.

Non-Hunt Activity and Membership/Recruitment

Brainstorming session was held. Working on calendar of events.

We are currently discussing the possibility of having a booth and, potentially, doing a demonstration at EquiFest in January.

Staff/Hound Training

Hound training has commenced. Trail rides to familiarize staff with the Flint Hills Hunt/Settlers Acre fixture, Stavers, and Winchester will be scheduled in the next couple months. An "Intro to Staffing" event will be scheduled in August.

Receive Recognition for FLH Volunteerism

As FLH is part of the Fort Leavenworth Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (FMWR) program, members of the Fort Leavenworth Hunt can record and receive recognition from Fort Leavenworth for volunteer hours spent supporting the hunt. Recording volunteer hours is an individual choice and not a requirement, but is strongly supported by the FLH Masters. Recording hours both allows for individual recognition by Fort Leavenworth FMWR and for Fort Leavenworth leadership to understand the significant time contributed by our members to make FLH successful as an organization. The guide to the right will take you through the process of registering, applying for positions, and recording your hours. Please contact FLH Master Candy Smith with any questions.

Kennel Needs

The kennel wishlist has been updated!

Let's make sure our kennel staff have everything they need to keep the hounds healthy and happy! View the Amazon Wish List here.

Take Advantage of Comms Resources

Looking for Something?

Looking for the season calendar? Don't feel like searching through emails for the latest weekly update? Please bookmark the Resources page and the FLH Events page of the FLH website! With the exception of last-minute schedule changes (which will go through Facebook, email, and GroupMe), you will find the most current FLH info on these pages.

LAC Information – Make It Easy to Get on Post!

A Local Access Credential (LAC) allows civilians to enter Fort Leavenworth without having to stop at the visitor center each time. Members needing to obtain or renew a LAC must complete the Applicant Information and Criminal History sections of the LAC application (click image to download) and submit it to Master Candy Smith. You may also email your info to Candy or provide it over the phone (913-948-0189) and she will complete the form for you. She will then submit it to the FMWR Director, who will sign it and forward it to the Visitor Center (VCC) for processing. Current processing time is 2.5–3 weeks.

For those who need only temporary access to Ft. Leavenworth (for the hunt ball, for example), please register for a one-day pass online. It's quick and easy!

GROUPME FLH Text Alerts

We use GROUPME Text Alerts for changes and cancellations due to weather or other circumstances. (Alerts for changes or cancellation of an event will continue to be posted on Facebook as well, and you can always call a Master.) To sign up for these text alerts, contact Jim Fain.

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