Milford Wildlife Area Waterfowl Report -
Waterfowl numbers

Waterfowl counts given on this report are based on what was observed on the day the report is updated. Waterfowl numbers vary greatly from day to day and weather conditions and hunting pressure will affect the numbers of waterfowl on the area.

The waterfowl survey this week resulted in an average number of waterfowl viewed at the specific points of the waterfowl survey. 

Throughout the week, a low number of waterfowl have been viewed due to no open water.

Lake level Current Lake Level is 1140.99 and Conservation Pool is 1144.4 The dam is releasing 50 CFS. The inflow into the lake is 130 CFS. 
Hunting conditions

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.

Expected hunting success Poor, very little water in the river and the lake is currently 3' below conservation pool.  All of the open water is frozen, including wetlands, lake and river.  Will take some good scouting for a successful hunt.
Comments
Waterfowl Season Split:

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.