First get a WIHP map. Hays is a college town, not so small. Opening weekend of pheasant hunting (November 14th, 2015) is a big deal for Kansas families. There could be some reluctance to let a bunch of outsiders stir up the pheasants before gun season on some private land. There will be ample hunting opportunities. Great Bend, KS. had relatively good pheasant last year. See Cheyenne Bottoms if you get the chance. There's a nice wetland museum there. Go North (Plainville, Stockton) from Hays for prairie chicken. The biologists at KPW&T in Hays are helpful, the office is near Hays State campus. Find some college kids that like to hunt and they'll take you out. Professors steak house is a good place to eat in Hays.

-- Scott

PS. Don't be shocked to hear negative attitudes about raptors in Kansas. Residents blame them for kill upland game and many oldtimers shoot raptors or at least aren't shy about telling you they do.