| Waterfowl numbers | *** ENDANGERED WHOOPING CRANES COULD BE IN THE AREA *** Whooping cranes were again seen on the property on 12/22 and are likely still be in the area. Hunters are strongly encouraged to avoid going into areas that they see the birds using. Please do not attempt to disturb the birds in any fashion. --- ALL HUNTERS at Glen Elder WA are required to check-in AND check-out daily. Go to https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin or utilize the GoOutdoorsKS app and check-in using your licensing login credentials. It is YOUR responsibility to know a property's regulations, refuge(s) and duck zone boundaries, etc. BEFORE you hunt. Click here for a detailed map of the refuges, youth area, and State Park boundaries. Please be aware that the Low Plains Early Duck Zone and Low Plains Late Duck Zone boundary is HWY 24. This means Glen Elder WA North of Hwy 24 is in the Early Zone. The majority of the Glen Elder WA (South of HWY 24) is in the Late Zone. -- DUCK HUNTERS WITH BOATS- Please be aware the Boller Point Boat Ramp will not be available for use until possibly in February. Contractors are working to install a new boat ramp. At this time, the only useable ramps are in the State Park (NE corner of lake). --- 12/20/24 survey results= Duck and goose numbers are up from two weeks ago. Most of the ducks present are Mallards and the vast majority of geese are snows. Avian Flu has hit the snow geese again as in previous years, and there are large numbers of dead and dying geese around the lake. Do not touch these dead geese and it is encouraged to keep dogs away from them as well. Due to low lake levels, there are lots of shallow areas around the lake, and most of these areas will be locked up with ice most mornings. Numbers of all species may change dramatically day-to-day. Our next survey is not scheduled until early January. -- Mallard Migration Rank = 7 (10 is peak migration) ---
|
| Water level | Lake is currently 6.7 feet below conservation. Water levels have only increased by a couple inches with the latest round of rain and cover is still very far away from water everywhere on the property. |
| Hunting conditions | Very Poor with NO shoreline cover available. Hunters still need to be cautious of DANGEROUS MUD CONDITIONS on the river and creek areas. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor to fair. Field hunting may offer better chances. Extremely mild weather thus far in December has not brought any large numbers of ducks and dark geese south yet. They may be moving back north this week. |
| Comments | Granite Creek boat ramp is closed seasonally from November 1 through January 31st. The following boat ramps are currently 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 OPEN and will remain open thru January 5, 2025. Low Plains Late Duck Zone (South of Highway 24) season is OPEN until December 29, 2024 and will re-open January 18 - 26, 2025. Dark geese season is OPEN until February 16, 2025 Whitefront season is OPEN until December 29, 2024. Light geese season is OPEN until February 16, 2025. 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. |
