Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area and Reservoir are in the Low Plains Late Duck Zone 

Contact Cedar Bluff Area Office 785-726-3212 for more information.

Water Refuge is in effect November 1- January 31

Land Refuge is in effect September 1 - January 31

No Hunting Allowed from the Dam

North Shore State Park is Closed to Hunting.

Youth / Mentor hunting is also available.

Zebra Mussels, Eurasian Milfoil, and Phragmites are present in Cedar Bluff Reservoir.  Please clean and dry all equipment, decoys and boats before hunting other bodies of water.

Granite Creek boat ramp is closed November 1 through January 31, 2021.

The following boat ramps are now UNUSABLE due to low water levels:  Granite Creek, North Fork River, Carr Creek, Schoen's Cove and Walnut Creek. 

Low Plains Early Duck Zone (North of Highway 24) season is CLOSED

Low Plains Late Duck Zone (South of Highway 24) season is CLOSED

Dark geese season is CLOSED

Whitefront season is CLOSED 

Light geese season is CLOSED.

Cawker City and Granite Creek Refuge closure dates are November 1st - January 31st.

The Youth/ Mentor hunting area is located in the Granite Creek Refuge and is in effect from October 1 - January 31. Waterfowl hunting from the shoreline area is allowed in the Youth-Mentor Area as long as EACH adult is hunting with a youth 17 years or younger. Boats of any sort are prohibited in the Granite Creek Refuge.

Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in Waconda Lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters.

Excellent moist soil production and abundant flooded vegetation. Gun Club West has very high abundance of cattails that have been sprayed. Expect those to brown up and break down throughout the fall.

Remember: NO ATV's are allowed on department lands and roads. THIS INCLUDES ARGO'S AND E-BIKES

There is a no trash policy: If you take it in with you, please bring it out.  This includes spent shotgun shells. THIS REGULATION WILL BE ENFORCED.

ALL vehicles must remain on designated roads and parking areas. 

Large crowd of hunters on opening day moved many teal out of the area. We will need some good north winds to get some fresh birds.

We had issues last season with reckless boating in the early morning hours. Please remember to be cautious while running the boat channels, as there is little to no room for more than one boat at a time. We have had several near collisions and mishaps. Also remember, ALL boating regulations will be enforced. Navigation lights (red and green bow lights along with an all around white stern light, light bars and headlamps do not qualify), life jackets, passenger capacities and boat registrations (even lay-out boats with a motor) ARE required. We have also had issues with hunters playing loud music while motoring out and setting up. Please remember to be courteous of other hunters on the area. Not everyone wants to hear it.

The MANDATORY electronic check  system can be found on the GoOutdoorsKS app. or by following the link below and using your licensing login credentials.

www.ksoutdoors.com/checkin

Waterfowl Seasons

Low Plains Early Teal Season: 9/14/24 - 9/29/24

Low Plains Youth, Veteran and Active Military Waterfowl Season: 10/5/24 - 10/6/24

Low Plains Early Duck Season (First Segment): 10/12/24 - 12/8/24

Low Plains Early Duck Season (Second Segment): 12/21/24 - 1/5/25

Canada Geese:  10/26/24 - 10/27/24 and 11/6/24 - 2/16/25

White-Fronted Geese: 10/26/24 - 12/26/24 and 1/25/25 - 2/16/25

Light Geese: 10/26/24 - 10/27/24 and 11/6/24 - 2/16/25

Light Geese Conservation Order: 2/17/25 - 4/30/25

Hunters are REQUIRED to check in AND OUT using the electronic permitting system.

Hunters need to check-in / check-out by going to https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. 

Hunters need to make sure they have all the appropriate licenses and stamps for hunting waterfowl.  The following are required:

Kansas hunting license

State waterfowl stamp

Federal waterfowl stamp

Kansas Harvest Information Program Stamp (HIP)

RINGNECK MARSH IS DESIGNATED FOR YOUTH AND MENTORS ONLY. EACH HUNTER 16 YEARS AND OLDER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY ONE OR MORE YOUTH UNDER 16 YEARS OLD.

Marsh Creek Marsh and the West Gamekeeper Marsh is for non-gasoline powered boats or paddle-in / Walk-in only, this includes electric motor boats and boats with no motors. Gasoline engines are prohibited.

Buffalo Creek & Pintail Marshes are for non-motorized boats and walk-in hunting only.

HUNTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO :

• MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN HUNTING PARTIES
• BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER HUNTERS
• KNOW THEIR TARGET AND WHAT LIES BEYOND IT
• FOLLOWING SAFE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HUNTING PUBLIC LANDS ENJOYS A HIGH QUALITY EXPERIENCE.

THE REFUGE IS OPEN

Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on!

POOR ON THE WILDLIFE AREA. WATERFOWL ARE USING THE WILDLIFE AREA TO ROOST.

DUCK AND DARK GOOSE SEASON OPENS STATURDAY, 9/14.

Be advised that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and avian cholera is usually present at the Norton Wildlife Area during peak migrations periods. Take proper precautions when handling waterfowl or other birds found dead or seemingly sick. 

Pressure from hunting is expected to be high. Expect to run into other waterfowl hunters. Lake surface is approximately 0% frozen. There are several areas that go from shallow to deeper suddenly and steep shorelines that may drop off into water deeper than waders very rapidly and also created deep mud that may pose a risk to people trying to cross it. 

Blinds may be used and must be constructed of natural herbaceous materials or woody debris that are present on the site.  Blinds constructed of non-natural materials must be removed from the property each day.  Please do not bring materials from off-site. 

DUCK SEASON DATES FOR 2024 - 2025

Teal Season: September 21 - 29, 2024

Youth Duck Season (17 and younger): October 5 - 6, 2024

Regular Duck Season:  October 12, 2024 - January 5, 2025 AND January 17 - 26, 2025

Canada Goose Season: October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

White-Fronted Goose Season: October 26 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

Light Goose Season: October 26 - 27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Conservation Season: February 17 - April 30, 2025

Sandhill Crane: October 19 - December 15,2023

REMINDERS:

The refuge is NO ACCESS. Geese that have been shot at and land in the refuge CAN NOT be retrieved. Please use common sense and choose shots that will not allow shot geese to land in the refuge.

Leaving dead birds laying in the field/parking lots is prohibited. Goose meat taste delicious - there are multiple recipes online that can teach you how to cook it. Leaving dead birds on the wildlife area because you do not know how to cook them is not allowed.

Pick up all your trash. Leaving candy wrappers, pop bottles, and EMPTY SHELLS is considered littering, and you will be ticketed.

 Remember:

- TALMO IS IN THE LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE 

TALMO IS IN THE CLOSED SANDHILL CRANE ZONE

Low Plains Late Zone Duck Season

 Teal: 9/14/24 - 9/29/24

Youth, Veteran and Active Military: 10/16/24 - 10/20/24

Duck: 10/26/24 - 1/05/25 & 1/18/25 - 1/26/25

Canada Geese: 10/26/24 - 10/27/24 & 11/06/25 - 2/16/25

White-Fronted Geese: 10/26/24 - 12/29/24 & 1/25/25 - 2/16/25

Light Geese: 10/26/24 - 10/27/24 & 11/6/24 - 2/16/25

Light Geese, Conservation Order: 2/17/25 - 4/30/25

- Hunters can Check-in / Check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials.

- No ATV's are allowed on Department land and maintained roads.

-ALL shotgun hunters must use NON-TOXIC shot

-No motorized boats allowed. Hunters wanting to utilize boats must carry/paddle them in.

-The area has a no trash policy.  If you take it in, please bring it back out with you.  This includes spent shotgun shells.

-ALL vehicles MUST remain on the roads and designated parking areas only.

Refuge and non-motorized boat area dates: Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Morel boat ramp is currently dry. The Rockpoint boat ramp within the State Park is accessible. Hunters need a park pass to access boat ramps in the state park. 

Hunting in or from the shoreline inside the State Park or along the face of the dam is prohibited. Please see the attached PDF and Google Earth file to see updated refuge boundaries and dates. Closed areas will be marked with buoys.

REMINDER: Camping is not permitted on the wildlife area, including in parking lots, except for in designated campgrounds. Ground fires are also not permitted except in provided fire rings within campgrounds.

Blue/Green Algae

There are currently no blue-green algae advisories for the lake.

Webster Reservoir currently does not have zebra mussels. Please be sure equipment is cleaned and dry before coming to Webster from other places.

Teal Season - Low Plains

September 14, 2024- September 29, 2024

Duck Season on Webster Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone    

October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 18-26, 2025

Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose

October 19-20, 2024

Goose Season on Webster Reservoir

CANADA GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

WHITE-FRONTED   October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

LIGHT GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Sandhill Crane Season on Webster Reservoir - Central Crane Zone

November 6, 2024 - January 2, 2025

LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

February 17 - April 30, 2025

 Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map

 Click here for PDF

Click here for Google Earth KMZ

Wetland Pools

Coblentz - All pools are currently dry; standing corn. Start pumping in October.

East Coblentz- Mostly dry, water on the North end.

Shadden-   Dry- filled by rainfall only.

Elk Creek- Elk Creek pools 1 & 2 have been pumped to less than 25% full; pool 3 is dry. The Refuge pool is full. Elk creek marsh pools are numbered West to East, with pool 1 next to boat ramp and parking lot.

Lake- Lake level is just above normal pool. There are many shallow areas of the lake that offer mudflats for waterfowl hunting opportunities.

The majority of teal observed have been on the shallow portions of the reservoir or dry ponds.

REFUGE CLOSED FROM OCTOBER 1ST TO JANUARY 15TH.

IMPORTANT! Clinton Wildlife Area is utilizing an electronic check-in system required of all hunters. To check-in / check-out, please go to https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials.   

Please remember that trapping is also allowed on the Wildlife Area.

Elk Creek (Wakarusa River) and Coon Creek (Lake) boat ramps are open. 

Rock Creek Boat ramp is closed; a gravel launch area for canoes and kayaks is available when lake is near normal pool.

Reminder - check-in / check-out is required for all hunting on Hillsdale Wildlife Area. This can be done here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. The information and harvest data collected, along with comments received are very useful in establishing future management goals for the Hillsdale State Wildlife Area.

https://www.ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Ducks for more information on seasons and limits.

Make-up Lake is closed to waterfowl hunting during waterfowl season. Boats are not allowed on Auxillary lake during waterfowl season.

Individuals wishing to hunt Unit #2 of the wildlife area must enter through the main gate and sign in at the guard house. Be sure to have a photo I.D. with you when checking in.

Hunters are required to drive maintained roads only. A map will be provided to all hunters showing open roads as well as parking areas. Vehicles are allowed to park in parking areas only.

Vegetation growth and seed production has been above average this year. Pockets of thick vegetation present in some wetlands that could result in difficulty finding down birds.

Lower Smith has a decent amount of water in the wetland.

ALL OTHER WETLANDS have no water being pumped at this time, due the drought and low water levels for the pumps to be functional.

No activities/hunting allowed in the Steve Lloyd Wetland/Refuge.

Motorized boats are only allowed in the Mall Creek wetland, electric motors are considered "motorized". All other public hunting wetlands are open to NON motorized boats and walk in hunting.

Low Plains Late Zone (Milford Wildlife Area) is closed from January 1, 2024 to January 19, 2024. 

Low Plains Late Zone (Milford Wildlife Area) re-opens from January 20, 2024 to January 28, 2024.

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Do NOT drive on dikes. Vehicles disrupt and discourage waterfowl from using the wetland areas. We have had several dikes being damaged due to unauthorized vehicles driving on them. Scouting is best done on foot to evaluate bird numbers and habitat conditions.

Please report any vehicles on dikes and anyone seen disturbing our pumps. Without the pumps in optimal condition we are unable to pump the wetlands to their greatest potential.

Do NOT block gates, and pay attention to No Parking signs in the wetland parking lots.

Hunter's need to be aware of their targets before shooting.

The area is a no trash policy, so if you take it in, please bring it back out with you.  This includes spent shotgun shells

Fires are not permitted anywhere on the wildlife area. Violators will be ticketed

Remember - Hunters can check-in / check-out here, https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com/. All hunters (youth included) must first register online. The information collected and comments received are very useful in establishing future management goals for the area.

https://www.ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Ducks for more information on seasons and limits.

Reminder: Gas powered boats are only allowed on the River, Lake, Sunset Ridge, Kyle East and West and Rucker wetland pools.  Electric powered boats are allowed in all marsh pools.

Kyle: West unit is full and launching boats should be no problem. Early summer flooding led to no mechanical pool disturbance, however it did allow the West unit to fill 100% full and the water was held. East unit currently has no water as we are allowing moist soil vegetation to establish before flooding. HCR-6

West River: Early summer flooding led to no mechanical pool disturbance and some water was held in the upper and lower units. Native moist soil vegetation is good with areas of river bullrush becoming fairly thick with no opportunity to get in and remove any this year. Pumping will begin closer to regular duck season. HCR-6

Upper Ferguson: This wetland grew mostly native smartweed and has little water currently. The water control structure is currently removed from the wetland and we do not have a timeline on when we will have the new one installed yet. The refuge is closed Oct 1st thru Jan 15th to ALL Activity HCR-6.

Lassiter: Late summer heavy rain allowed for some water to collect in both the East and West Units. Some of the wetland vegetation is fairly thick in this wetland as some disking was done very early spring, but then conditions didn't allow us to get back in this pool.  HCR-5

Northwest: This unit was managed for native moist soil this season. Moist soil vegetation did well and late summer rains allowed for collection of some water already. Pumping will begin closer to regular waterfowl season.   HCR-7

Headquarters: Corn was planted in this marsh and most of it on the South end flooded out and water was held. 75% of the remainder of the corn will be harvested when ready. HCR-5

Mitigation:  Minimal Water. Moist soil vegetation is very good in this unit and boards are in to hopefully collect more water as the season progresses. HCR-7

Hayward: Water was caught and held in this unit very early this spring, leading to minimal food available .  HCR-5

Reichart: Most of this wetland was planted to corn and once ready, 75% will be harvested and pumping will begin closer to regular duck season.   HCR-8. 

Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in the lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters.

Please remember to fill out the permit with accurate information. THIS INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA. FILL OUT ONLY YOUR INDIVIDUAL HARVEST EFFORTS, i.e., NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL.

ISPORTSMAN IS NO LONGER IN USE.  HUNTERS CAN CHECK IN VIA THE GOOUTDOORSKS APP OR THE WEBSITE https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx

ALL BOATS MUST BE OPERATED AT NO WAKE SPEEDS.  REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OR SCENERIO, ALL BOATS MUST BE OPERATED AT NO WAKE SPEEDS 100% OF THE TIME, NO EXCEPTIONS.

POOL 4A IS CLOSED AT 1 P.M. DAILY TO MOTORIZED BOATS.  ANY BOAT WITH A MOTOR ON IT MUST BE OUT OF THE WATER AT 1 P.M.  NO MOTORING OUT PRIOR TO 1 P.M. THEN ROWING OR DRAGGING BOAT BACK IN AFTER 1 P.M.

3A IS CLOSED TO MOTORIZED BOATS

MOTORIZED BOATS ALLOWED ONLY DURING OPEN WATERFOWL SEASON.  THIS MEANS NO SCOUTING FROM A MOTOR BOAT PRIOR TO SEASON. 

ALL WATERCRAFT ARE PROHIBITED FROM APRIL 15-AUGUST 15 TO PROTECT NESTING BIRDS ON THE WILDLIFE AREA.

DURING THE YOUTH/VETERANS/MILITARY WEEKEND, POOL 4B IS DESIGNATED AS A YOUTH ONLY POOL.

LEGAL SHOOTING HOURS ARE 30 MINUTES BEFORE SUNRISE TO SUNSET.

UNLAWFUL TO SHOOT FROM ROADS OR DIKES ON THE WILDLIFE AREA.

DO NOT PARK BLOCKING ROADS, GATES, BOAT RAMPS, FOOT CROSSINGS, ETC.

DO NOT LAUNCH TRAILERED BOATS FROM DIKES OR FOOT CROSSINGS.  ANY BOATS ON A TRAILER MUST USE DESIGNATED BOAT RAMPS.

NO TRASH POLICY ON THE WILDLIFE AREA.

CAMP IN DESIGNATED CAMPGROUND ONLY

Use footcrossings in Pools 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B as the ditches have been cleaned out and are very deep.

No Special Hunts for the 2023-2024 season due to dry conditions.

For waterfowl season dates, Cheyenne Bottoms is in the Low Plains Early Zone.

Teal Season (Low Plains Zone):  September 14-September 29, 2024

Youth, Veteran, Active Military Waterfowl (Low Plains Late Zone):  October 19-20, 2024

Ducks (Low Plains Late Zone):  October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 (first segment) and January 18 - January 26, 2025 (second segment)

Daily check-in and harvest reporting is required

Check-in/Check-out on The Web

1. Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin
2. Click the “Check-in/Check-out” link in the top menu

Check-in/Check-out on The App

1. Download “Go Outdoors KS” from the Apple or Google Play store
2. Click “Check-in/Check-out”
3. Select a location
4. Login with KDWP credentials
5. Complete and submit “Check-in" form 

Only non-toxic shot is allowed on Isabel Wetland Wildlife Area for all species.

Teal Season (Low Plains Zone):  9/14/24 - 9/29/24

Youth, Veteran, Active Military Waterfowl (Low Plains Early Zone):  10/5/24 - 10/6/24

Regular Ducks (Low Plains Early Zone):  10/12/24 - 12/8/24 and 12/21/24 -1/5/25

Daily check-in and harvest reporting is required

Check-in/Check-out on The Web

1. Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin
2. Click the “Check-in/Check-out” link in the top menu

Check-in/Check-out on The App

1. Download “Go Outdoors KS” from the Apple or Google Play store
2. Click “Check-in/Check-out”
3. Select a location
4. Login with KDWP credentials
5. Complete and submit “Check-in" form

Only non-toxic shot is allowed for all shotgun hunting at Texas Lake Wildlife Area.

 Poor 

There is ample food and habitat on the lakebed for waterfowl use. If we get rain for the lake level to come up it could be a great hunting season. However, if we keep missing the rains the hunting conditions will be similar to last season. There is currently no flooded vegetation and 50 yards or more between vegetation and water. The river is no longer connected to the reservoir, there is no water north of Sun City Road.  

Vehicles are not to be driven on the lakebed. This includes UTV, ATV, and E-Bikes.

Cheney Wildlife Area is located in the Low Plains Late Zone

Daily bag limit: 6

Six ducks is the daily bag limit, with species and sex restrictions as follows: 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, and 1 scaup. The daily bag may comprise six of any other duck, such as six teal, six gadwall, six merganser or six wigeon.

Possession limit: Three times the daily limit.

The refuge at Cheney Wildlife Area, located on the south side of Pretty Prairie Rd between Obee Rd and Kent Rd, extends out from the shoreline 100 yards into the water. What this means is that water along the shoreline of the refuge is included in the restricted access area and is off limits to hunting. Accessing the refuge by boat or hunting near the refuge shoreline is not permitted.

Remember Cheney Reservoir has ZEBRA MUSSELS. Make sure to Clean, Drain and Dry your equipment. Clean all visible vegetation and mud from decoys, bags, waders, etc. Drain water from decoy bags and boats. Allow equipment to Dry for a five day period before using it at another area, OR wash with high-pressure hot water.

Many of the roads around the reservoir can get very greasy after rain, or melting snow, please use good judgement about which roads you try to travel on. Area roads have been upgraded with gravel. Please keep vehicles on maintained road and parking areas. Off road vehicle use is strictly prohibited.

Please report all wildlife and public lands violations that you witness by calling the area headquarters at (620) 459-6922. Please leave a detailed message with violation specifics. In the event of an emergency, please call 911. 

Water levels in the lake decreased through out the spring and summer. Dry conditions have continued and prospects of any change in these conditions are not on the foreseeable horizon. The available water will not hold but 1 or 2 groups of hunters without conflict.  The oxbows and river may provide more space.    

TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE

Season: Sept. 14-29, 2024

Area open: East of Hwy. U. S. 283

Daily bag limit:6

Possession limit:18

Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Stamp, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp

DUCKS, LOW PLAINS SOUTHEAST ZONE

Season: November 09, 2024 - January 5, 2025, AND January 11-26, 2025

Area open: Southeast Zone (see map)

Daily bag limit:6

Possession limit: Three times the daily limit

The wetlands have received some beneficial rainfall this summer; however, we are a long way from being out of drought conditions.  Scouting will be critical in determining which wetlands have water, as the majority of the wetlands are still dry, and the few that have huntable water are scattered across all three units. 

Groundwater pumping efforts are currently underway in the Big Basin and Little Sinkhole units.  

Big Basin: Limited water in the wetlands that are open to public hunting, and very limited water in the south refuge.

Chain of Lakes:  This unit is almost completely dry.  Be aware that the vast majority of Steel's Pond on the east boundary is privately owned. 

Little Sinkhole Marshes:  Very limited water.

Slate Creek Wetland 

Hunters can check-in / check-out here, using your licensing login credentials.  https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com/

TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE

• Season: Sept. 14-29, 2024
• Area open: East of Hwy. U. S. 283
• Daily bag limit:6
• Possession limit:18
• Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Stamp, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp

DUCKS, LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE

• Season: Oct. 26, 2024-December 29, 2024, AND Jan. 18-26, 2025
• Area open: Late Zone (see map)
• Daily bag limit:6
• Possession limit: Three times the daily limit

Also, all shotgun hunters at Slate Creek Wetlands are required to use non-toxic shot for all hunting. This includes upland birds.

Moist soil food production was below average to average this growing season.  It was a little too wet early and then the summer heat and dry conditions had the cocklebur growing really well.  We have dedicated lots of time to controlling it, but hunters should expect it throughout the area. Army worms have devastated large areas on the Wildlife Area.  

A mix of millets were planted in A-East, F-West, F-South and C-North, but hasn't produced yet.  Most of it was wiped out by worms, a few areas have recovered.  Corn will be left in wide strips through C-South. 

Summer vegetation was good: F-East and A-North. There will be some large areas of cocklebur in the lower elevations of F-East.

Summer vegetation was fair: in F-South, and F-West

Summer vegetation was poor to fair:  Unit G

Summer vegetation was very poor in A-East. The entire unit was aerial seeded with Jap Millet and almost completely consumed by army worms.

If you like the habitat or water levels in wetlands, be sure to thank the following staff: Seasonal technicians: Cody, Simon, Ron, and Blake. Habitat Specialist: Sam or Assistant Manager: Joe.

If there's something you don't like on the area, be sure to tell the Area Manager, Jacob. 

Hope everyone has a great season.  Enjoy your time in the field!

Please report all banded waterfowl to the appropriate agencies.   

Gas motors are restricted to Unit G and the boat lane in Unit A-East. Outboards cannot be used in any other wetland units. Electric trolling motors are unrestricted.

Atv's of any kind are not allowed on the area (side by sides, utv's, amphibious vehicles, "argos", this also means no electric bicycles)

Campgrounds on the area are primitive. (No electric, No water) Take your trash with you!

Please remember to fill out the daily permit with accurate information. THIS INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA. FILL OUT ONLY YOUR INDIVIDUAL HARVEST EFFORTS, each individual hunter needs to check in/out and report his/her harvest totals. i.e., NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL.

Melvern Lake and the Wildlife Area fall within the Low Plains Late Zone.  

Currently Melvern staff is restricted to minimal pumping capabilities due to the reservoir being below pool level and very little inflows coming from the Marais des Cygnes River.

3 Duck Marsh- Dry, okay moist soil vegetation.

Willow Marsh- Some water, moderate moist soil vegetation.

Sundance Marsh- Dry, poor to moderate moist soil vegetation

Lowman's Cove- Water was left in these pools all summer. Poor moist soil production.

Shoveler Slough- Good shallow water for early migrants, still pumping. Good moist soil vegetation in much of the unit. The parking lot for this wetland is located at the intersection of 317th and S. Davis Rd. 

Price Marsh- Very little water in lowest elevations of the unit. Poor to moderate moist soil vegetation. The levee on Price has been significantly damaged in some areas by flood water. This will impact the amount of water held in the unit for this season. Please be patient while we work on solutions to the damage and ways to prevent damage in the future.  The parking lot for this wetland is at 309th & Crawford. NO DRIVING ON THE LEVEE.

Refuge-The refuge is on the west end of the lake and directly east of Willow Marsh. It produced moderate moist soil vegetation.  The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th.

All hunters utilizing Melvern Wildlife Area are required to obtain a free daily hunt permit through the new electronic permit system. Hunters can register now to begin using the electronic system at https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. Waterfowl hunters utilizing the main lake are only required to obtain a permit when hunting west of Hoch Road.

Please remember to fill out the permit with accurate information. THIS INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA. FILL OUT ONLY YOUR INDIVIDUAL HARVEST EFFORTS, i.e., NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL.

TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE

Season: 09/14/2024 - 09/29/2024

Area open: East of Hwy. U. S. 283

Daily bag limit: 6 teal (any combination of teal: blue-winged, green-winged or cinnamon teal)  

Possession limit: 18 teal in possession (any combination of teal: blue-winged, green-winged or cinnamon teal)

Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp

YOUTH, VETERAN AND ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL SEASONS

(Youth 17 and younger)

Low Plains Late Zone: 10/19/2024 - 10/20/2024

DUCKS, LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE

Season: 10/26/2023 - 12/29/2024 and 01/18/2024 - 01/26/2025

Area open: Late Zone (see map)

Daily bag limit: 6 (Limit Info)

Possession limit: Three times the daily limit

Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp

DUCK LIMITS

• 6 ducks, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup and one pintail.

CANADA GEESE

Season: 10/26/2024 - 10/27/2024 and 11/06/2024 - 02/16/2025

Area open: Statewide

Daily bag limit: 6 (including Brant)

Possession limit: 18

Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp

WHITE-FRONTED GEESE

Season: 10/26/2024 - 12/29/2024 and 01/25/2025 - 02/16/2025

Area open: Statewide

Daily bag limit: 2

Possession limit: 6

Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp

LIGHT GEESE

Season: 10/26/2024 - 10/27/2024 and 11/06/2024 - 02/16/2025

Area open: Statewide

Daily bag limit: 50

Possession limit: No limit

Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp

The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th.

Early Teal Season is CURRENTLY CLOSED will Sept. 14th to 29th

There is water in ditches and into some of the hunting pools.  

Habitat is looks extremely good, seed production for moist soil and row crops was good and the vegetation is tall and rank, so what water we have will be hard to see until vegetation begins to break down.  Pool elevations are good as can be expected for this time of year with 6"water in portions of pools.  Plants are still trying to finish up their growing cycle and we have pushed water as far as we can for now. 

Please see the area news page for a breakdown of habitat types within each pool. 

DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON PUBLIC LAND IN KANSAS

Please remember to fill out the permit with accurate information. THIS INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA. FILL OUT ONLY YOUR INDIVIDUAL HARVEST EFFORTS, each individual hunter needs to check in/out and report his/her harvest totals. i.e., NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL.