Migratory Birds
Shooting Hours: Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for all migratory bird seasons, except sandhill crane.
Use the map below to pick a region you would like to look at Waterfowl Reports.
CEDAR BLUFF - Last Updated: 2/13/2020 Print
| Approximately 20,000 ducks - Mostly Mallards - Pintail, Wigeon, Teal and Divers are also present 2000 Canada Geese and a few Whitefronts. DUCK season is CLOSED | |
| Water level | 10.2 ft low |
| Hunting conditions | Shorelines are flooded Phragmites Grass which will make shoreline and walk in hunting very difficult. Boat Ramp access due to ice varies daily with wind. |
| Expected hunting success | Good - Some goose pass shooting opportunities. Most goose hunting will occur on private land with permission. |
| Comments | Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area and Reservoir are in the Low Plains Late Duck Zone Duck Season Dates: Youth Season - Oct. 19-20, 2019. Regular Season - Oct. 26-Dec. 29, 2019 and Jan. 18-26, 2020. 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 North Shore State Park is Closed to Hunting. Youth / Mentor hunting is also available Zebra Mussels are present in Cedar Bluff Reservoir. Please clean and dry all equipment, decoys and boats before hunting other bodies of water. |
GLEN ELDER - Last Updated: 3/20/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | ALL HUNTERS at Glen Elder WA are required to check in and out daily. This regulation went into effect on September 1, 2017. Users are encouraged to utilize the ISportsman electronic daily hunting permit system, but may also use the phone system or the 3 paper card stations that are on the property. Go to https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ for more information. Snows - 600 Mallard Migration Index () |
| Water level | Conservation pool and increasing slightly. |
| Hunting conditions | Poor, cover is increasingly harder to find as the water goes down, lots of mudflats. No ice. |
| Expected hunting success | Duck season is closed. Fair. Only a few small flocks of snows are left on the area. |
| Comments | Granite Creek boat ramp is closed November 1 through January 31, 2020. Low Plains Early Duck Zone is closed. This zone includes the area north of Hwy 24. Low Plains Late Duck Zone is closed. This zone includes the area south of Hwy 24. Dark geese season is closed. Whitefront season is closed. Light geese Conservation Order season is open Feb. 17 - April 30, 2020. Both 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. |
JAMESTOWN WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 3/4/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | No snow geese using the area. 2,500 ducks REMEMBER: Hunters are REQUIRED to check in and check out using iSportsman electronic daily hunt permit system when they hunt the area. |
| Water levels | Buffalo Creek North Marsh is the only marsh still holding substantial water. However, there are many sheet water pockets on the area that have attracted small bunches of snow geese and a lot of ducks in the past week. All the other marshes are empty for repairs and spring projects. |
| Hunting conditions | Poor: With limited water and really warm temperatures, the snow geese are moving through pretty fast. Remember: NO ATV's are allowed on department lands and roads. ALL vehicles must remain on designated roads and parking areas. REMINDER: iSportsman is in use. ALL hunters are REQUIRED to check in and check out when they hunt the area. This important information gathered from hunt permits helps managers tailor management practices specific to an area and hunter preference. REFUGE IS OPEN |
| Expected hunting success | Will be dependent upon the migration and weather |
| Comments | Waterfowl Seasons Light Geese Conservation Order: 2/17/20 - 4/30/20 Hunters are REQUIRED to check in using the electronic permitting system. HUNTERS NEED TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT IN iSportsman BY GOING TO https://kdwpt.isportsman.net AND FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE DIRECTIONS:
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 is for non-gasoline powered boats 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 :
THE REFUGE IS CLOSED on the north half of Gamekeeper Marsh. REFUGE WILL BE CLOSED OCTOBER 1, 2019 - JANUARY 31, 2020 Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on! |
LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/10/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 5,000 ducks -500 Pintails, 500 teal, 3,500 mallards, and 300 diving ducks and other large ducks, 200 Canada and 100 - 1,000 light geese. Numbers of light geese have decreased significantly. Light goose migration concentration has moved north. 40 American bald eagles. |
| Mallard Migration Ranking | |
| Water level | Reservoir is at 1581.28 or 1.32 feet BELOW conservation pool (1582.6) or 89.5 % full. Reservoir inflows from the White Rock and other creeks are at 73.2 cfs. Outflows from the flood gates are at 45 cfs. The reservoir level is dropping slowly and releases will slow when the planned, winter level is reached soon. Summer irrigation Drawdown was later this season so not much vegetation on the bare mudflats. |
| Hunting condition | DUCK SEASON CLOSED JANUARY 26,2020. DARK AND REGULAR LIGHT GOOSE SEASON CLOSED FEBRAURY 16, 2020.SPRING CONSERVATION ORDER FOR LIGHT GEESE OPEN FEBRUARY 17-APRIL 30, 2020.. ALL boat ramps are open except Cedar Point in Lovewell State Park and White Rock Creek. Reservoir levels are close to the shoreline vegetation to conceal hunters. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor. |
| Comments | PARK PERMIT REQUIRED TO ENTER THE STATE PARK PARK. NO HUNTING IS ALLOWED FROM THE SHORELINE OF THE STATE PARK. NEW REFUGE REGULATIONS:THE LAND REFUGE CLOSED TO HUNTING YEAR ROUND. CLOSED TO OTHER ACTIVITIES SEPTEMBER 1 THROUGH MARCH 31. WATER REFUGE IN EFFECT NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH APRIL 15 on the NORTHEAST half of the reservoir and Wildlife Area from 1/8th mile west of the south end of the dam and following a buoy line northwest to the western boundary of the Cabin Area of the State Park. INLET CANAL CLOSED TO FISHING SEPTEMBER 15 THROUGH APRIL 15. BOAT RAMPS: WILDLIFE AREA BOATS RAMPS ARE OPEN. THE STAE PARK BOAT RAMP at Cedar Point, is CLOSED DUE TO ONGOING CONSTRUCTION. The State Park boat ramps require a Kansas State Park Permit. The Wildlife Area Boat Ramps are Pawnee Point, Oak Hill and White Rock Creek do not require a permit. White Rock Creek Area is closed until repairs to the area are completed later this winter. CAMPING CABINS are available in Lovewell State Park. Make reservations HERE HUNTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO :
FOLLOWING SAFE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HUNTING PUBLIC LANDS ENJOYS A HIGH QUALITY EXPERIENCE. FREE DAILY HUNT PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ALL HUNTING ON THE AREA. ELECTRONIC PERMITS NOW AVAILABLE. REGISTER AT THE i-SPORTSMAN LINK ON THE KDWPT WEBSITE. Follow this link to get registered. https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ PAPER PERMITS AVAILABLE ONLY AT THE LOVEWELL STATE PARK INFORMATION CENTER IN FRONT OF OR DIRECTLY WEST OF THE LOVEWELL OFFICE under the concrete shelter. We thank you for your patience. Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on! |
NORTON - Last Updated: 3/20/2020 Print
SMOKY HILL/KANOPOLIS - Last Updated: 1/24/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 1200-1500 ducks; 400 Canada geese |
| Water level | .5 ft below conservation pool; 1462.40 ft |
| Hunting conditions | Poor. No flooded vegetation. |
| Comments | Refuge is CLOSED to all access from September 1st through January 31st. Waterfowl Seasons: Teal (low plains): 9/14/19 - 9/29/19 Duck (low plains late zone): 10/26/19-12/29/19 & 01/18/19-01/26/19 Canada Geese: 10/26/19 - 10/27/19 & 11/6/19 - 2/16/20 White-Fronted Geese: 10/26/19 - 10/27/19 & 11/6/19 - 2/16/20 Light Geese: 10/26/19 - 10/27/19 & 11/6/19 - 2/16/20 Light Geese Conservation Order: 2/17/20 - 4/30/20 Click HERE for duck season, regulation, and research information. Additional information about hunting at Kanopolis Reservoir can be found HERE |
TALMO - Last Updated: 3/4/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | No snow geese on the area; 1,300 ducks REMINDER: ALL HUNTERS NEED TO CHECK IN TO HUNT USING iSPORTSMAN |
| Water level | All pools are full. |
| Hunting conditions | Good water levels but not much flooded food. Summer heavy rains and flooded conditions did not allow moist soil plants to grow. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair, depending on the migration Scouting is a must! |
| Comments | Remember: - TALMO IS IN THE LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE - Hunters MUST check in DAILY with iSportsman when doing any hunting on the area - 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. -ALL vehicles MUST remain on the roads and designated parking areas only. |
WEBSTER - Last Updated: 3/15/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 50 Canada Geese, 60 Snow Geese. 300 Ducks - mostly mallards with a few divers mixed in. |
| Water level | Currently .3 inches below conservation level. Inflow 140 cfs. Currently releasing 65 cfs. |
| Hunting conditions | Lake is totally ice free. Inflows in 2019 raised the reservoir to 7 1/2 feet above conservation level and releases were not made until October. Webster is presently releasing to match inflow thus keeping the reservoir at Conservation Pool level. Due to the high water levels earlier, most of the shoreline is bare mudflats and no cover. Because of the late summer drawdown, there is no vegetation along the shorelines for food or hunter concealment. The bare shorelines are attractive to as loafing areas for geese. The south road (N Road) is closed at the kiosk at the intersection of the south road and 258 Highway (Zurich Blacktop). County roads ( 9, 8, 7, and 6) coming in from the south from County Road P have been impassable most of the summer. The area from the southeast corner of the reservoir west to 9 Road is designated as "No Motorized Boats" and is intended for use by walk-in hunters. |
| Expected hunting success | Conservation Light Goose Season is open until April 30 but most light geese are gone. All other Seasons are Closed |
| Comments |
Refuge dates: Nov. 1 through Jan.31. The Refuge on the water ends on Jan. 31. However, hunting in or from the shoreline inside the State Park or along the face of the dam is prohibited. Blue/Green Algae The reservoir is NOT in any watch or warning. Teal Season Sept. 14-29, 2019 Duck Season on Webster Reservoir Duck Season Oct. 26-Dec. 29, 2019 and Jan. 18-26, 2020 Youth Weekend, Dusk and Goose Oct. 19-20, 2019 Goose Season on Webster Reservoir CANADA GEESE Oct. 26-27, 2019 and Nov. 6, 2019-Feb. 16, 2020 WHITE-FRONTED Oct. 26-Dec. 29, 2019 and Jan. 25-Feb. 16, 2020 LIGHT GEESE Oct. 26-27, 2019 and Nov. 6, 2019-Feb. 16, 2020 LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER Feb. 17 - April 30, 2020 ICE CONDITIONS 0%
Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map 
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WILSON - Last Updated: 2/20/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 12,000 ducks. Good variety of species. Approximately 500 geese, all of which are Canadas. |
| Water level | 1515.26; 3/4' below conservation and holding steady |
| Hunting conditions | Fair, but little vegetation to hide in. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor. No light geese are present on the lake. |
| Comments | Boat ramps: Cedar Creek boat ramp is frozen. Due to the lower water levels, the Cedar Creek boat ramp may be hard to use. Use caution around the Cedar Creek ramp as numerous trees were washed in during the flood and are now exposed as water levels drop. Elm Creek boat ramp is open. Reminders: Duck, dark goose, and white-fronted goose seasons are currently closed. The light goose spring conservation season runs from Feb. 17-Apr. 30, 2020. Zebra mussels are in Wilson Lake, so be sure to drain/dry/clean boats and equipment before moving to other areas. All access (including hunters, fishermen, and boating) is prohibited Sept. 1, 2019-Jan. 31, 2020 on the mid-lake refuge and the refuge located at the west end of the lake. Click HERE for Duck Season, Regulation, and Research information. Click HERE for hunting regulations in Lucas Park, Minooka Park, and Sylvan Park. |
This is a collection of all the Northeast Waterfowl Reports
BENEDICTINE WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/21/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Mallard Migration Rank: 3 (Estimate of potential mallard numbers. 1=lowest, 10=highest) |
| Water level | A map of our wetlands is now available under the Wetland Map tab to the right. Wetlands are full in addition to other flooded pools outside the levee. Ice is present as of Monday but may thaw as temperatures rise throughout the week. Waterfowl have been seen using the wildlife area in very small numbers. Refuge(NOT open to hunting) October 1 through March 31 the area can only be accessed with a special permit obtained through a drawing. The application and drawing will take place online only in 2017. Look for "Special Hunts" on our home page under "HUNTING". |
| Hunting conditions | Good quality wetland vegetation persists in all wetland complexes. Native vegetation such as annual smartweeds, barnyard grass, and arrow leaf are the most common vegetation. |
| Expected hunting success | Currently there are very few ducks using the wetland areas throughout the property that are open to hunting. Small groups of ducks spread throughout the wildlife area. |
| Comments | The majority of ducks seen on the wildlife area have been outside the levee. REFUGE IS NOT OPEN TO HUNTING |
CLINTON - Last Updated: 12/20/2019 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 12/20/19 Waterfowl numbers have increased again. Both puddle and diving ducks have been observed in the marshes and river, as well as the shoreline and open water of the reservoir. The following waterfowl were observed during the last waterfowl survey: Mallards, Goldeneye, Mergansers- both common and hooded, Canada Geese, Bufflehead, and Redhead. Several thousand Snow Geese have been moving through the area, though none reported On 12-20-19 over 3,000 Mallards and 4,000 Canada Geese were on or adjacent to Clinton Reservoir. |
| Lake level | 875.64 -0.14 feet above pool, releasing 7 c.f.s. The water level is back at normal pool. |
| Hunting conditions |
---ICE--- The marshes and shallow water on the reservoir are covered in ice. Warming forecast w/expected rain will open up the marshes. Coblentz & East Coblentz- There is very little water in the north pool of Coblentz; the parking lot is accessible. The three south pools and the East Coblentz pool are full. The road to East Coblentz (E100 rd.) is no longer flooded and the marsh parking lot is now accessible. The road beyond the parking lot is extremely muddy. Please beware of muddy or water covered roads and tread lightly on newly opened roads. The final phase of the wetland grant for Coblentz is nearly completed. We have placed an additional structure on the north pool to allow us the option to use an adjacent stream to fill the north and middle pools. This is in addition to the electric pump, which was completed in 2018. Shadden marsh (10 acres) is full and has good vegetation. It should provide hunting opportunity for a limited number of hunters. Elk Creek wetlands are open for hunting. The road to the wetlands (E100) was flooded for months, as well as all pools, dikes, and structures and parking lot. Please use caution when driving on muddy roads. Pool 1 and pool 3 are nearly half full, pool 2 is full. There are currently no plans to run the marsh pumps this fall due to the extensive flooding. The refuge marsh pool is CLOSED to all activities until January 16th. Ducks and Canada Geese were observed loafing in open water around the main body of the lake, as well as shallow floodwater in the upper reaches of the tributaries, and on harvested corn fields. Good numbers of geese have been seen on harvested grain fields as well as rocky shorelines, and on ice. As the weather warms, the amount of ice in marshes and on the reservoir will decrease, greatly increasing utilization by waterfowl and hunters alike. Breaking ice will likely stay open for several days. |
| Expected hunting success | Good |
| Comments | IMPORTANT! Clinton Wildlife Area is utilizing an electronic check-in system required of all hunters. To register, please go to https://kdwpt.isportsman.net. This will be mandatory for everyone hunting the wildlife area, not just waterfowl hunters. The card survey stations have been removed. Plan ahead and sign up for I-sportsman now. Please remember that trapping is also allowed on the Wildlife Area. BOTH Coon Creek and Elk Creek BOAT RAMPS ON THE WILDLIFE AREA ARE OPEN.
The REFUGE is currently CLOSED to all activities from Oct. 1st to Jan. 15th |
HILLSDALE - Last Updated: 3/19/2020 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | The Hillsdale Wildlife Area has experienced very high flood levels throughout the spring and summer. Because of the flooding, many of the wetlands and marshes remained submerged throughout the growing season. This has prevented the growth of moist soil vegetation as well as seed production. Some successful moist soil vegetation growth has occurred in the upper ends of the Youth-Mentor Wetland and the upper pool of Browns Wetland. This will provide some food for waterfowl but not at levels that could be expected in a normal water-level year.
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. Mallards, wood ducks, gadwalls, American wigeon, Northern shovelers, pintails, blue-winged teal, and green-winged teal have all been surveyed in the area this year. Most waterfowl have left the area. Small groups of Canada geese have been surveyed across the wildlife area. A few mallards and 30-50 northern shovelers have also been seen on the wildlife area. Large groups of coots have started to be surveyed this spring. Waterfowl were consistently harvested across all wetland pools throughout the season. Hunters also saw success on parts of the main lake. Filled bag limits have not been uncommon when conditions have been favorable. |
| Water Level | Antioch Wetland - 3/4 Browns Wetland, Upper pool - 1/2 with slowly dropping water level Browns Wetland, Lower pool - 1/2 Youth-Mentor Wetland - 1/2 and slowly dropping water level Wade Branch Wetlands - Full Hillsdale Lake - See Army Corps Daily Report ICE CONDITION - 0% ice cover |
| Comments | Reminder - an electronic permit/sign-in on Isportsman is required for all hunting on Hillsdale Wildlife Area. All hunters (youth included) must register online and create an individual account. Hunters can then check in using the I-sportsman system from any phone or internet device. This can be done immediately before the hunt or the night before the hunt. 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. |
JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER - Last Updated: 1/7/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Ducks: 200+ mixed ducks. Mixed bag of teal, scaup, goldeneye, and mallards. A reminder that no boats are allowed on Auxillary Lake during waterfowl season. Geese: 6,000 + snow geese are using the area and the surrounding private agricultural fields. |
| Water level | High |
| Hunting conditions | Fair |
| Expected hunting success | Fair |
| Comments | 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. |
MILFORD WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/23/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Duck season is open January 18-26. 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. Approximately 2,500 ducks and 300 Canada Geese were observed using the reservoir. All wetlands have been frozen with the temperature change.
For more information, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Ducks.
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| Lake level | Current Lake Level is 1141.55 and Conservation Pool is 1144.4 The dam is releasing 1,500 CFS. The inflow into the lake is unknown due to ice. |
| Hunting conditions | Vegetation growth and seed production was not permitted this year due to the extent and duration of flooding we've experienced this past year. The majority of the wetlands are still under water with little or no cover to provide favorable hunting conditions. This will be a very difficult waterfowl season at Milford Wildlife Area. Mall creek and Lower smith/Gatesville boat ramps are now open, most of the wildlife area roads are open, but use caution in some soft areas around the wildlife area due to silt and the ground moisture. Be mindful of the silt that has moved into many of the flooded areas. Even in areas where the water appears shallow the silt may be very soft and very deep. Use caution in these areas. No activites/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 | Average. |
| Comments | 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 drive on barricaded roadways. Remember - an electronic permit/sign-in on Isportsman is required for all hunting on Milford Wildlife Area. All hunters (youth included) must first register online by creating an account. Hunters can then check in using the I-sportsman system from any phone or internet device. 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. |
PERRY - Last Updated: 2/17/2020 Print
TUTTLE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 2/7/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 50 ducks 100 Canada Geese Mallard Migration Rank (0-10) =10 |
| Water level | The lake is currently at 1072 and holding. |
| Hunting conditions | Poor |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | A permit/survey is required to hunt the Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area. Due to the flooding expected success is very low due to the lack of food and cover. |
This is a collection of all the Southwest Waterfowl Report
CHEYENNE BOTTOMS - Last Updated: 6/25/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Few ducks, mostly wood ducks, mallards, and bluewings. Few Canada Geese If the report has not been updated in a few days, please assume that conditions and bird numbers are the same as the last update. |
| Water level | 1A-65", 1B-46", 1C-46", 2-9", 3A-dry, 3B-shallow trapped water, 4A-dry 4B-dry 5-dry. |
| Hunting conditions | 3A-all blind islands repaired, cattail control complete, 67 acres milo, 70 acres wheat, 534 acres millet. 3B-small areas of millet planted. All cattails in 4A were sprayed last year, burned 597 acres of dead cattails, remainder are 95% dead. 4B-24 acres milo, 24 acres millet, 120 acres disked. |
| Expected hunting success | Too soon to tell |
| Comments | Due to the volume of dump trucks and heavy machinery traveling wildlife area roads for silt removal, some of the roads are in poor shape. Once work is complete, roads will be repaired. Please be patient as work progresses. Use footcrossings in Pools 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B as the ditches have been cleaned out and are very deep. 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 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 1 DRAWN SPECIAL HUNT FOR 1 PARTY OF 3 YOUTH WILL BE HELD EACH SATURDAY MORNING OF REGULAR DUCK SEASON IN POOL 5. CHECK OUT KSOUTDOORS.COM TO APPLY AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL HUNTS PROGRAM. Teal - Sept. 12-27, 2020 Youth/Military/Veteran - Oct. 3-4, 2020 Ducks, Low Plains Early Zone - Oct. 10-Dec. 6 and Dec. 19- Jan. 3, 2021 Goose Seasons: Canada - Oct. 31- Nov. 1, 2020 and Nov.4, 2020-Feb. 14, 2021 Whitefront - Oct. 31-Jan. 3, 2021 and Jan. 23-Feb. 14, 2021 Light - Oct. 31- Nov. 1, 2020 and Nov.4, 2020-Feb. 14, 2021 Light goose conservation order - Feb. 15-April 30, 2021 iSportsman (electronic daily hunt permit system) will be required of all hunters this fall. There will not be any cards available this year, so please set up an iSportsman account prior to this hunting season. Hunters are required to use the electronic Daily Hunt Permit system. HUNTERS NEED TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT IN iSportsman BY GOING TO https://kdwpt.isportsman.net AND FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE DIRECTIONS: 1. Scroll down the left side of the page to the blue "register" button. 2. Provide hunter information. ONCE REGISTERED, HUNTERS WILL BE ABLE TO CALL OR LOG ONTO THE SYSTEM SEPTEMBER 1 AND GET THEIR PERMIT FOR THE DOVE OPENER. THEY CAN ALSO VISIT THE CHEYENNE BOTTOMS WILDLIFE AREA PAGE ON iSPORTSMAN AT https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/Locations/Cheyenne_Bottoms.aspx |
ISABEL - Last Updated: 2/5/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Approximately 2,000 geese - white-fronted and Canada. |
| Water level | The pool adjacent to Hwy. 42 is 75% full. The main lake is full. The pools South and East of the main lake have water. There is also standing water on other portions of the area that remain from heavy rains. |
| Hunting conditions | |
| Expected hunting success | |
| Comments | Teal Season (Low Plains Zone): September 14-29, 2019 Youth Waterfowl (Low Plains Late Zone): October 19-20, 2019 Ducks (Low Plains Late Zone): October 26 - December 29, 2019, and January 18-26, 2020 Canada Geese: October 26-27, 2019 and November 6, 2019 - February 16, 2020 White-Fronted Geese: October 26 - December 29, 2019 and January 25 - February 16, 2020 Light Geese: October 26-27, 2019 and November 6, 2019 - February 16, 2020 Hunters are encouraged to use the electronic Daily Hunt Permit system this year. KDWPT IMPLEMENTED AN ELECTRONIC PERMIT SYSTEM STARTING THE 2015-2016 HUNTING SEASONS HUNTERS NEED TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT IN iSportsman BY GOING TO https://kdwpt.isportsman.net AND FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE DIRECTIONS: 1. Scroll down the left side of the page to the blue "register" button. 2. Provide hunter information. ONCE REGISTERED, HUNTERS WILL BE ABLE TO CALL OR LOG ONTO THE SYSTEM SEPTEMBER 1 AND GET THEIR PERMIT FOR THE DOVE OPENER. PAPER PERMITS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE AT ISABEL WETLANDS. iSportsman WILL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY ON THIS AREA IN 2018-2019. Only non-toxic shot is allowed on Isabel Wetland Wildlife Area for all species. |
TEXAS LAKE - Last Updated: 12/27/2019 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | No waterfowl observed 12/27. |
| Water levels | Pools 1 and 2 are full. Pool 9 is approximately 25% full. Pool 6 has some water and there is water north of pool 6. Pool 3F is dry. |
| Hunting conditions | |
| Expected hunting success | |
| Comments | Teal Season (Low Plains Zone): 9/14/19 - 9/29/19 Youth Waterfowl (Low Plains Early Zone): 10/5/19 - 10/6/19 Regular Ducks (Low Plains Early Zone): 10/12/19 - 12/8/19 and 12/14/19 -12/29/19 Goose Seasons: Canada: 10/26/19 - 10/27/19 and 11/6/19 - 2/16/20 Whitefront: 10/26/19 - 12/29/19 and 1/25/20 - 2/16/20 Light: 10/26/19 - 10/27/19 and 11/6/19 - 2/16/20 KDWPT IS CONTINUING AN ELECTRONIC PERMIT SYSTEM FOR THE 2019-2020 HUNTING SEASONS HUNTERS NEED TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT IN iSportsman BY GOING TO https://kdwpt.isportsman.net AND FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE DIRECTIONS: 1. Scroll down the left side of the page to the blue "register" button. 2. Provide hunter information. ONCE REGISTERED, HUNTERS WILL BE ABLE TO CALL OR LOG ONTO THE SYSTEM SEPTEMBER 1 AND GET THEIR PERMIT FOR THE DOVE OPENER. PAPER PERMITS MAY STILL BE AVAILABLE AT SOME OF THE INFORMATION CENTERS, HOWEVER, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE THE iSPORTSMAN ELECTRONIC CHECK-IN SYSTEM AS IT WILL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY IN FOLLOWING YEARS. Only non-toxic shot is allowed for all shotgun hunting at Texas Lake Wildlife Area. |
This is a collection of all the South Central Waterfowl Reports
CHENEY - Last Updated: 2/13/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Around 500 geese observed 02/06. Large numbers of mallards, goldeneyes, mergansers. 10 Bald Eagles observed on the reservoir. Can change daily with weather conditions. |
| Water level | 0.49 feet below Conservation Pool on reservoir. Area ponds are mostly dry. |
| Hunting conditions | Fair. Water is present, but food is limited due to large flood event over summer months preventing annual food plants establishing along coves and shoreline, as well as damaging area crops. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | Cheney Wildlife Area is located in the Low Plains Late Zone Low Plains Late Zone Youth Season is Oct. 19-20. Low Plains Late Zone Duck Season is Oct. 26-Dec. 29, and Jan. 18-26, 2020. Daily bag limit: 6 Six ducks is the daily bag limit, which may include no more than two canvasbacks, two redheads, one pintail, three wood ducks, three scaup and five mallards (only two of which may be hens). The daily bag may comprise six of any other duck, such as six teal, six gadwall, 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 are in the process of being upgraded - please use caution as some gravel may not have been fully spread. 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 or extremely unsafe behavior, please call 911. |
BYRON WALKER - Last Updated: 2/10/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Welcome to 2019-2020 waterfowl! 80 geese on the area this morning. |
| Water level | Kingman State Fishing Lake is full. No millet was planted this year. All marshes were managed moist-soil. The 8 marshes on the north and west end of the lake have water. One of the three marshes south of highway 54 is full. NAWCA construction in those marshes was completed 10/21/19. Cover crops and grass was seeded on the denuded dikes yet this fall, so no flooding will be attempted in the west marsh this fall. |
| Hunting conditions | Good! Most ponds and marshes are not frozen over. Currently 11 marshes are flooded and the lake is full! WARNING-New rip rap has been added to the Kingman State Lake dam and until the metal has been removed, it poses a hazard to hunters, fishermen, and their dogs. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair. |
| Comments | Hunters! A new kayak/canoe launch has been installed on the dam just west of the refuge line to aid launching boats across the rip rap. The south part of the NAWCA project in the old Bison Marsh was not started in 2018 due to wet conditions, however, it started October 14, 2019 and was completed on 10/21. The west marsh will probably not be flooded in 2019/2020. The east marsh will be flooded as the construction project winds down if the dike side slopes are not exposed. |
COUNCIL GROVE - Last Updated: 3/5/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | No snow geese. Approximately 375 ducks (mixed species), 6 Canada geese, and 875 mergansers observed on 3/5/20. |
| Water levels | 1.4 feet below conservation elevation (1,274') on 3/5/20. |
| Hunting conditions | Full lake levels will provide waterfowl hunting opportunities and improved access, but hunters should be aware that food resources will be diminished within the wildlife area this year. Significant flooding (15.6' above conservation elevation) that began in May and persisted into August prevented the establishment of food producing plants along lake edges. In addition flooding prevented or removed planted crops throughout the wildlife area. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor. |
| Comments | Duck and Dark Goose seasons are CLOSED. Light Geese Conservation Order is open through April 30. |
EL DORADO - Last Updated: 2/6/2020 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | Approximately 170 Canada Geese observed on 02/06. |
| Water level | At 1339.26' approximately .26' above conservation elevation (1339') on 02/06. |
| Hunting conditions | Poor. Approximately 20% of the reservoir covered in Ice. Most of the summer the lake was above conservation pool allowing for very little food resources. 01/22 |
| Expected hunting success | Fair |
| Comments | NOTE: El Dorado Lake is located within the Low Plains Southeast Zone. Dark Geese Nov 6, 2019-Feb 16, 2020 White-fronted Geese Jan. 25-Feb 16, 2020 Light Geese Nov. 6 2019-Feb. 16, 2020 |
KAW WILDLIFE AREA. - Last Updated: 1/23/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | There are approximately 50 ducks using the river at this time. There also some geese flying around the area. |
| Water level | Little High |
| Hunting conditions | Poor/Fair |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE Season: Sept. 14-29, 2018 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 9, 2019 - January 5, 2020 AND January 11-26, 2020 Area open:Southeast Zone (see map) Daily bag limit:6 Possession limit:Three times the daily limit |
MCPHERSON VALLEY WETLANDS - Last Updated: 2/28/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | ATTENTION: i-Sportsman is REQUIRED to hunt this area. All hunters MUST use the electronic daily hunt permit system! Please check in, report your harvest, and check out using i-Sportsman for each and every hunt. Thursday, 28 February 2020: The northward migration is in full swing. Snow goose numbers climbed from a few hundred on Wednesday to near 7,000 Friday afternoon. There are still fair numbers of Canadas and Whitefronts here also, so be sure of your target. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions with warmer weather in the forecast. Goose numbers continue to be highly variable, and fluctuate depending on weather and time of day. See "Water Levels" below for more information. Remember that all activities in the refuge areas are prohibited. |
| Current Information | The roads were in decent shape at the time of this report. |
| Water levels | Big Basin: Most public hunting marshes have a huntable amount of water. Pool 14 will be kept dry during the 2019-2020 season for a renovation project in the spring of 2020, and the Kubin Marshes north of Mohawk Road will be kept dry to complete a current construction project at 9th and Navajo. Chain of Lakes: Other than Steel's Pond, this unit is now dry. Be mindful of the private property east of the wildlife area. The west unit of the Chain of Lakes will be kept dry during the 2019-2020 season for a major renovation project in the early spring of 2020. Little Sinkhole Unit: Most public hunting marshes have a huntable amount of water. |
| Hunting conditions | Late season geese can make for tough hunting, but new birds will be passing through with the strong south winds. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair |
| Comments | ATTENTION: MPWL has transitioned to a new daily permit system called Isportsman. Hunters will need to register with i-Sportsman prior to hunting at MPWL. Hunters will login (or call) each day prior to hunting to get a daily permit, and report harvest similar to the paper daily permits. Please visit https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ to register prior to hunting season. Kansas hunters should be aware that iSportsman Electronic Daily Hunt Permits are required on 25 wildlife areas, including McPherson Valley Wetlands (check the 2019 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary or kdwpt.isportsman.net for a list). iSportsman replaces the old paper permits and allows hunters to conveniently check in and out using a telephone, smartphone or home computer. As with the old paper system, information gathered helps area managers tailor management practices specific to an area and hunter preference. The paper system was inconvenient for hunters and labor intensive for managers. **THERE IS A "NO TRASH POLICY" IN EFFECT AT MCPHERSON VALLEY WETLANDS. PLEASE CARRY OUT WHATEVER YOU CARRY IN, INCLUDING EMPTY HULLS AND OTHER TRASH. PLEASE TRY TO LEAVE YOUR HUNTING SPOT AS CLEAN OR CLEANER THAN IT WAS WHEN YOU ARRIVED. THANKS!!! REFUGE AREAS: THE SOUTH REFUGE AREA IN THE BIG BASIN IS OFF-LIMITS TO ALL ACTIVITIES, AND THIS INCLUDES DUCK HUNTING. THERE IS NO HUNTING OR PUBLIC ACCESS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED IN THE REFUGE!! The Little Sinkhole/Farland Lake marsh unit is included in the EARLY low-plains duck zone (as is the rest of MPWL). All shotgun hunters at McPherson Wetlands are required to use non-toxic shot for all hunting. This includes upland birds. |
SLATE CREEK WETLAND - Last Updated: 1/23/2020 Print
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Waterfowl numbers | There are approximately 25 ducks present on the area at this time. Most of the ducks are mallards. |
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Water level | All pools have water in them. |
| Hunting conditions | Fair |
| Expected hunting success | Poor/Fair |
| Comments | SCWL is using a new daily permit system called Isportsman. Hunters will need to register prior to hunting at SCWL. Hunters will login (or call) each day prior to hunting to get a daily permit, and report back harvest similar to the paper daily permits. Please visit https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ to register prior to hunting season. TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE
DUCKS, LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE
Also, all shotgun hunters at Slate Creek Wetlands are required to use non-toxic shot for all hunting. This includes upland birds. Keep in mind, during and after rain events, area roads become very greasy. Please use caution and good judgment before entering these roadways. Please report all wildlife and public lands violations that you witness by calling the area headquarters at (620)-876-5730. Please leave a detailed message with violation specifics. |
MARION - Last Updated: 2/14/2020 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | Current waterfowl numbers are approximately 700, consisting of Canada geese, White-Fronted geese, Mallard, Wigeon, Gadwall, and Goldeneye. Numbers can change daily. |
| Mallard Migration Rating | Current Rating=3 The rank is subjective and is from (0= No Mallards, 1=Very few Mallards, 5=Moderate numbers, 10= Peak numbers). |
| Water level | Lake level is at 1350.64 (Conservation pool is 1350.50) |
| Hunting conditions | Fair. Lake levels have been above conservation pool for most of 2019. Some of the boat ramps are still closed. The reservoir was at or near max flood pool for several months this summer and much of the vegetation was flooded out. Now that the water has receded moist soil plants like yellow nut sedge and barnyard grass have come in on the flooded acres near the shore, however the shoreline and coves still lack cover. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair. |
| Comments | The refuge at Marion Wildlife area, located on the south west part of the reservoir along French creek, extends out from the shoreline 100 yards into the water. What this means is that approximately 110 acres of water along the shoreline of the refuge are included in the restricted access area, and are off limits to hunting. Accessing the refuge by boat or hunting near the refuge shoreline is not permitted. Remember Marion 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. |
This a collection of all the Southeast Waterfowl Reports.
ELK CITY RESERVOIR/WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 2/4/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 8,000-10,000 ducks have been seen on the reservoir and wildlife area. Around 5 thousand light geese using the reservoir. A few hundred Canada geese have been seen around the area as well but mostly on adjacent private ground. Duck season is closed. |
| Water level | The Wetlands are full. For current Reservoir levels visit http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ELKC.lakepage.html |
| Hunting conditions | ELK CITY RESERVOIR WAS FULL FOR OVER 60 DAYS THIS SUMMER. The lake edge is primarily mud bank now due to summer flooding and small elevation changes early this fall. Wetlands are in Fair to Good shape. See Comments Section. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair. REGULAR DUCK SEASON IS NOV. 9-JAN.5 AND JAN.11-26 |
| Comments | For updated waterfowl numbers and weather conditions call (620) 331-6820. Individuals utilizing the wildlife area need to be aware of the refuge boundaries. Maps can be obtained at the Fisheries & Wildlife office (below the dam) or at the State Park (on the lake side). Wetland water levels and vegetation vary greatly this year due to the duration and extent of the reservoir flood. Some wetlands were not drained at all and some were drained late to attempt to grow some moist soil vegetation. The wetlands that did not flood have good production but vegetation is thick and we were not able to do much mowing. Finding open areas may be difficult, especially in the early parts of the season. |
FALL RIVER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/21/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 2/21/20 Duck season is closed for the Low Plains Southeast Zone. Seasons for Canada and white-fronted geese, as well as the regular season for light geese, ended on Feb. 16. The Conservation Order Light Geese Season runs from Feb. 17 to April 30. Light geese are not commonly found in large numbers in the Fall River Reservoir area. |
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| Hunting conditions | |
| Expected hunting success | |
| Comments | Waterfowl reports are expected to continue next fall. A new report will normally be posted weekly during the fall and winter waterfowl seasons. For information pertaining to the Fall River Wildlife Area call 620-583-6783. |
JOHN REDMOND - Last Updated: 1/24/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 2,000 divers, 1,500 dark geese and 30,000 Light geese. |
| Water level | Current Level: 1043.1 Conservation Pool Level: 1041 |
| Hunting conditions | Teal ----Sept. 14-29. 2019 Youth Duck---- Nov. 2-3 2019 Duck---- Nov. 9, 2019- Jan. 5, 2020, and Jan. 11-26, 2020 Dark Geese- Oct. 26-27, 2019 and Nov. 6, 2019 through Feb. 12, 2020 Light Geese- Oct. 26-27, 2019 and Nov. 6, 2019 through Feb. 16, 2020 Due to extreme high water throughout much of the summer months, vegetation is exceedingly poor on the reservoir this year. Watch out for submerged timber and flood debris, throughout the lake. Edges and creeks are starting to ice, and conditions are changing daily, dependent on weather. Below Dam- Lower marsh is 85% full, and vegetation looks pretty good. Upper marsh is approx. 100% full, and also looks above average. The DU Marsh on the east corner, has been planted to millet, and wheat on upper edges. This areas is currently only 40% flooded. All department managed marshes are open for public waterfowl hunting, and are located below John Redmond Dam south of spillway. Beware, both the upper and lower marsh's contain some deep water in lower portions, well over 6 feet in depth. The large sedimentation basins located below damn are not open to public hunting and are under private ownership. The smaller ponds and watersheds around county are iced up, and reservoir is starting to stack up with birds. Birds are loafing and resting in rafts in middle of lake. |
| Expected hunting successFair | Fair To see real time John Redmond elevations please visit---- http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/JOHN.lakepage.html |
| Comments | For information on Flint Hills National Wildlife Area and the marshes on the upper end of the lake please contact FHNWR @ 620-392-5553. |
MARAIS DES CYGNES - Last Updated: 2/26/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | No snow geese. Report will not be updated unless significant numbers of snow geese are on the Wildlife Area. |
| Water levels | Adequate to abundant water in all units. |
| Hunting/ Habitat conditions | Vegetation = fair to good moist-soil (millet, smartweed, etc.) in most pools. Unit G is mostly open water due to summer flooding. |
| Hunting success | Season snow goose harvest: 3 snow geese. |
| Comments | NOTE: Legal shooting hours are 1/2-hour before sunrise to SUNSET. Late shooters (shooting after sunset) will be prosecuted. Road along the north side of Unit G will be closed just east of Queens Road to allow undisturbed hunting in the north end of the marsh. All hunters must check-in daily using iSportsman electronic check-in from a PC, smartphone, or by phone before hunting and check out at the end of the hunt regardless of harvest. We now have a zero tolerance policy on failure to comply with iSportsman and check station requirements. Please remember to fill out the check-out report 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. Go to: Outboard motors are restricted on this wildlife area and are allowed in Unit G and in the boat lane only in Unit A-East. Outboards are not allowed in any other wetland units. Electric trolling motors are unrestricted. Boats must be operated at wakeless speed. Boats must have sufficient PFDs for occupants. Go to MDCWA and click the "News" icon near the top for more information on general waterfowl habitat. Waterfowl report is updated only if there are significant changes in waterfowl numbers or hunting conditions. |
MELVERN LAKE/WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/24/2020 Print
| 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 number of waterfowl on the area. Mallard Migration Rank = 1 (0 = no mallards and 10 = peak migration) 1/24/2020 ( 11:00 a.m. )--- 3 Duck Marsh- Both units are pumped, approximately 2 Mallards and 2 Hooded mergansers were observed at the time of the survey. Willow Marsh- North and South units are pumped. Approximately 15 unidentified ducks observed at the time of the survey with one hunter present. Sundance Marsh- This unit is pumped, 7 Hooded mergansers and 2 Mallards were observed at the time of the survey. Lowman's Cove- All units are completely full. No waterfowl were observed at the time of the survey with one hunter present. Shoveler Slough- LOCATION: South parking lot for Shoveler Slough is at the intersection of W 317th St. & S Davies Rd. No waterfowl were observed at the time of the survey. (NOTE: Motorized boats are prohibited) Refuge- There were approximately 150 ducks and 50 Canada geese observed at the time of the survey. |
| Water level | Lake level = 1035.81; Conservation pool = 1036.00; Target goal for the lake is 1034.00. 60% Ice cover on Melvern Lake. |
| Hunting conditions | Due to the excessive amounts of rain and flooding, there is very little food in the managed units. The majority of impoundments held water all summer long not allowing for regrowth of vegetation, as the entire reservoir was above normal pool. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor to Fair. |
| Comments | 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://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ For more information (click here). 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. The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th. |
NEOSHO WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 2/14/2020 Print
TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/21/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 2/21/20 Duck season is closed for the Low Plains Southeast Zone. Seasons for Canada and white-fronted geese, as well as the regular season for light geese, ended on Feb. 16. The Conservation Order Light Geese Season runs from Feb. 17 to April 30, 2020. Light geese are not commonly found in large numbers in the Toronto Reservoir area. |
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| Expected hunting success | |
| Comments | Waterfowl reports are expected to continue next fall. A new report will normally be posted weekly during the fall and winter waterfowl seasons. For information pertaining to the Toronto Wildlife Area call 620-583-6783. |
Migratory Birds are birds protected by federal law as a result of treaties signed with other countries. Protected migratory birds are listed in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations, Section. 10.13. This list includes almost all birds found in the United States with the exception of the house sparrow, feral pigeon (commonly called rock dove), European starling, Eurasian collared-dove, mute swan, and upland game birds (which are protected by state laws).
All migratory birds are protected. However, a subset of migratory birds classified as migratory game birds and may be hunted in accordance with State and Federal regulations. The list of migratory game birds includes species of ducks, geese (including brant), swans, doves and pigeons, cranes, rails, coots, gallinules and moorhens, woodcock and snipe, if there is an open season.
Daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or combination (aggregate) of species permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during the open season in any one specified geographic area for which a daily bag limit is prescribed.
Aggregate daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during the open season when such person hunts in more than one specified geographic area and/or for more than one species for which a combined daily bag limit is prescribed. The aggregate daily bag limit is equal to, but shall not exceed, the largest daily bag limit prescribed for any one species or for any one specified geographic area in which taking occurs.
Possession limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or a combination of species permitted to be possessed by any one person when lawfully taken in the United States in any one specified geographic area for which a possession limit is prescribed.
Aggregate possession limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or combination of species taken in the United States permitted to be possessed by any one person when taking and possession occurs in more than one specified geographic area for which a possession limit is prescribed. The aggregate possession limit is equal to, but shall not exceed, the largest possession limit prescribed for any one of the species or specified geographic areas in which taking and possession occurs.
Personal abode means one’s principal or ordinary home or dwelling place, as distinguished from one’s temporary or transient place of abode or dwelling such as a hunting club, or any club house, cabin, tent or trailer house used as a hunting club, or any hotel, motel or rooming house used during a hunting, pleasure or business trip.
Migratory bird preservation facility means:
(1) Any person who, at their residence or place of business and for hire or other consideration; or
(2) Any taxidermist, cold-storage facility or locker plant which, for hire or other consideration; or
(3) Any hunting club which, in the normal course of operations; receives, possesses, or has in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person for purposes of picking, cleaning, freezing, processing, storage or shipment.
Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or post-harvest manipulation means a planting or harvesting undertaken for the purpose of producing and gathering a crop, or manipulation after such harvest and removal of grain, that is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Normal agricultural operation means a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, or agricultural practice that is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Normal soil stabilization practice means a planting for agricultural soil erosion control or post-mining land reclamation conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for agricultural soil erosion control.
Baited area means any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or other feed could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over areas where hunters are attempting to take them. Any such area will remain a baited area for ten days following the complete removal of all such salt, grain, or other feed.
Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.
Manipulation means the alteration of natural vegetation or agricultural crops by activities that include but are not limited to mowing, shredding, discing, rolling, chopping, trampling, flattening, burning, or herbicide treatments. The term manipulation does not include the distributing or scattering of grain, seed, or other feed after removal from or storage on the field where grown.
Natural vegetation means any non-agricultural, native, or naturalized plant species that grows at a site in response to planting or from existing seeds or other propagules. The term natural vegetation does not include planted millet. However, planted millet that grows on its own in subsequent years after the year of planting is considered natural vegetation.
No persons shall take migratory game birds:
- With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machinegun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive, or stupefying substance;
With a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells. This restriction does not apply during dates States haves selected under the Conservation Order for light geese (i.e. greater and lesser snow and Ross’s geese) or those selected for the control of resident Canada geese.
- From or by means, aid, or use of a sinkbox or any other type of low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water;
- From or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motor-driven land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind, except that paraplegics and persons missing one or both legs may take from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven land conveyance;
- From or by means of any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and its progress there from has ceased;
- By the use or aid of live birds as decoys; although not limited to, it shall be a violation of this paragraph for any person to take migratory waterfowl on an area where tame or captive live ducks or geese are present unless such birds are and have been for a period of 10 consecutive days prior to such taking, confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals such birds from the sight of wild migratory waterfowl;
By the use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds, or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds. This restriction does not apply during dates States haves selected under the Conservation Order for light geese (i.e. greater and lesser snow and Ross’s geese) or those selected for the control of resident Canada geese.
- By means or aid of any motor driven land, water, or air conveyance, or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migratory bird;
- By the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area, where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited.
It is legal to take migratory game birds including waterfowl, coots, and cranes, on or over the following lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas:
- Standing crops or flooded standing crops (including aquatics);
- Standing, flooded, or manipulated natural vegetation; flooded harvested croplands; or lands or areas where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as the result of a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation or normal soil stabilization practice;
- From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with natural vegetation;
- From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with vegetation from agricultural crops, as long as such camouflaging does not result in the exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of grain or other feed; or
- Standing or flooded standing agricultural crops where grain is inadvertently scattered solely as a result of a hunter entering or exiting a hunting area, placing decoys, or retrieving downed birds.
It is legal to take migratory game birds, except waterfowl, coots and cranes, on or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown, or solely as the result of a normal agricultural operation.
Wanton waste of migratory game birds No person shall kill or cripple any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird, and retain it in his actual custody, at the place where taken or between that place and either (a) his automobile or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.
Non-toxic Shot No person may take ducks, geese (including brant), or coots while possessing shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than approved non-toxic shot. For a list of approved non-toxic shot, see (http://fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/nontoxic.htm)
Opening Day of a Season No person on the opening day of the season shall possess any freshly killed migratory game birds in excess of the daily bag limit, or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies.
Field Possession Limit No person shall possess, have in custody, or transport more than the daily bag limit or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies, of migratory game birds, tagged or not tagged, at or between the place where taken and either (a) his automobile or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.
Tagging requirement No person shall put or leave any migratory game birds at any place (other than at his personal abode), or in the custody of another person for picking, cleaning, processing, shipping, transportation, or storage (including temporary storage), or for the purpose of having taxidermy services performed, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter, stating his address, the total number and species of birds, and the date such birds were killed. Migratory game birds being transported in any vehicle as the personal baggage of the possessor shall not be considered as being in storage or temporary storage.
Custody of birds of another No person shall receive or have in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged.
Termination of possession Subject to all other requirements of this part, the possession of birds taken by any hunter shall be deemed to have ceased when such birds have been delivered by him to another person as a gift; or have been delivered by him to a post office, a common carrier, or a migratory bird preservation facility and consigned for transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier to some person other than the hunter.
Gift of migratory game birds No person may receive, possess, or give to another, any freshly killed migratory game birds as a gift, except at the personal abodes of the donor or donee, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter who took the birds, stating such hunter's address, the total number and species of birds and the date such birds were taken.
Transportation of birds of another No person shall transport migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged.
Species identification requirement No person shall transport within the United States any migratory game birds, except doves and band-tailed pigeons, unless the head or one fully feathered wing remains attached to each such bird at all times while being transported from the place where taken until they have arrived at the personal abode of the possessor or a migratory bird preservation facility.
Marking package or container No person shall transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier migratory game birds unless the package or container in which such birds are transported has the name and address of the shipper and the consignee and an accurate statement of the numbers of each species of birds therein contained clearly and conspicuously marked on the outside thereof.
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp The law requires that each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age and older must carry on his person a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) that is validated by the hunter signing the stamp in ink across the face of the stamp.
More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges opened to public hunting. For additional information on refuge specific regulations see http://www.fws.gov/refuges/
This migratory bird information is being provided as a service to hunters. It has been prepared as a guide only and is not a complete list of regulations. For more detailed legal information, contact the KDWPT Law Enforcement Division, or complete regulations may also be viewed and printed on the KDWPT website.
Kansas Duck Hunting Zones
High Plains Unit: That portion of Kansas west of federal highway US-283
Low Plains Early Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the federal highway US-283 and state highway US-96 junction, then east on federal highway US-96 to its junction with federal highway US-183, then north on federal highway US-183 to its junction with federal highway US-24, then east on federal highway US-24 to its junction with federal highway US-281, then north on federal highway US-281 to its junction with federal highway US-36, then east on federal highway US-36 to its junction with state highway K-199, then south on state highway K-199 to its junction with Republic County 30th Road, then south on Republic County 30th Road to its junction with state highway K-148, then east on state highway K-148 to its junction with Republic County 50th Road, then south on Republic County 50th Road to its junction with Cloud County 40th Road, then south on Cloud County 40th Road to its junction with state highway K-9, then west on state highway K-9 to its junction with federal highway US-24, then west on federal highway US-24 to its junction with federal highway US-181, then south on federal highway US-181 to its junction with state highway K-18, then west on state highway K-18 to its junction with federal highway US-281, then south on federal highway US-281 to its junction with state highway K-4, then east on state highway K-4 to its junction with interstate highway I-135, then south on interstate highway I–135 to its junction with state highway K-61, then southwest on state highway K-61 to its junction with McPherson County 14th Avenue, then south on McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with McPherson County Arapaho Rd, then west on McPherson County Arapaho Rd to its junction with state highway K-61, then southwest on state highway K-61 to its junction with state highway K-96, then northwest on state highway K-96 to its junction with federal highway US-56, then southwest on federal highway US-56 to its junction with state highway K-19, then east on state highway K-19 to its junction with federal highway US-281, then south on federal highway US-281 to its junction with federal highway US-54, then west on federal highway US-54 to its junction with federal highway US-183, then north on federal highway US-183 to its junction with federal highway US-56, then southwest on federal highway US-56 to its junction with North Main Street in Spearville, Kansas, then south on North Main Street to Davis Street in Spearville, Kansas, then east on Davis Street to Ford County Road 126 (South Stafford Street in Spearville, Kansas), then south on Ford County Road 126 to Garnett Road, then east on Garnett Road to Ford County Road 126, then south on Ford County Road 126 to Ford Spearville Road, then west on Ford Spearville Road to its junction with federal highway US-400, then northwest on federal highway US-400 to its junction with federal highway US-283, and then north on federal highway US-283 to its junction with federal highway US-96.
Low Plains Late Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the federal highway US-283 and federal highway US-96 junction, then north on federal highway US-283 to the Kansas-Nebraska state line, then east along the Kansas-Nebraska state line to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri state line, then southeast along the Kansas-Missouri state line to its junction with state highway K-68, then west on state highway K-68 to its junction with interstate highway I-35, then southwest on interstate highway I-35 to its junction with Butler County NE 150th Street, then west on Butler County NE 150th Street to its junction with federal highway US-77, then south on federal highway US-77 to its junction with the Kansas-Oklahoma state line, then west along the Kansas-Oklahoma state line to its junction with federal highway US-283, then north on federal highway US-283 to its junction with federal highway US-400, then east on federal highway US-400 to its junction with Ford Spearville Road, then east on Ford Spearville Road to Ford County Road 126, then north on Ford County Road 126 to Garnett Road, then west on Garnett Road to Ford County Road 126, then north on Ford County Road 126 (South Stafford Street in Spearville, Kansas) to Davis Street in Spearville, Kansas, then west on Davis Street to North Main Street in Spearville, Kansas, then north on North Main Street to its junction with federal highway US-56, then east on federal highway US-56 to its junction with federal highway US-183, then south on federal highway US-183 to its junction with federal highway US-54, then east on federal highway US-54 to its junction with federal highway US-281, then north on federal highway US-281 to its junction with state highway K-19, then west on state highway K-19 to its junction with federal highway US-56, then east on federal highway US-56 to its junction with state highway K-96, then southeast on state highway K-96 to its junction with state highway K-61, then northeast on state highway K-61 to its junction with McPherson County Arapaho Road, then east on McPherson County Arapaho Road to its junction with McPherson County 14th Avenue, then north on McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with state highway K-61, then east on state highway K-61 to its junction with interstate highway I-135, then north on interstate highway I-135 to its junction with state highway K-4, then west on state highway K-4 to its junction with federal highway US-281, then north on federal highway US-281 to its junction with state highway K-18, then east on state highway K-18 to its junction with federal highway US-181, then north on federal highway US-181 to its junction with federal highway US-24, then east on federal highway US-24 to its junction with state highway K-9, then east on state highway K-9 to its junction with Cloud County 40th Road, then north on Cloud County 40th Road to its junction with Republic County 50th Road, then north on Republic County 50th Road to its junction with state highway K-148, then west on state highway K-148 to its junction with Republic County 30th Road, then north on Republic County 30th Road to its junction with state highway K-199, then north on state highway K-199 to its junction with federal highway US-36, then west on federal highway US-36 to its junction with federal highway US-281, then south on federal highway US-281 to its junction with federal highway US-24, then west on federal highway US-24 to its junction with federal highway US-183, then south on federal highway US-183 to its junction with federal highway US-96, and then west on federal highway US-96 to its junction with federal highway US-283.
Low Plains Southeast Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the Kansas-Missouri state line west on state highway K-68 to its junction with interstate highway I-35, then southwest on interstate highway I-35 to its junction with Butler County NE 150th Street, then west on Butler County NE 150th Street to its junction with federal highway US-77, then south on federal highway US-77 to the Kansas-Oklahoma State line, then east along the Kansas–Oklahoma state line to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri state line, and then north along the Kansas-Missouri state line to its junction with state highway K-68.
All waterfowl hunters 16 and older must have a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Waterfowl Stamp), and all hunters who are required to obtain a hunting license must also have a Kansas State Waterfowl Stamp and a Kansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp before hunting ducks, geese, or mergansers. (Those not required to have a Kansas hunting license include people hunting their own land, and residents 15 and younger)
Annual Hunting License - All resident hunters age 16 through 74 must have a resident hunting license unless exempt by Kansas Law. Nonresident hunters, regardless of age, must have a nonresident hunting license. Annual hunting licenses can be purchased online by clicking here or through all licensed agents, or Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices.
Waterfowl Stamps and Licence - All Waterfowl stamps and licenses can be bought at any licensed Agent , Pratt Operations Office , or online, EXCEPT for the Federal Waterfowl Stamp which is bought at a US Post Office, KDWPT Regional and Park Offices, and select license agents. All Waterfowl stamps are good through season.
- Kansas HIP Stamp: $2.50
- State Waterfowl Stamp: $10
- Federal Waterfowl Stamp: $26.50 - Purchased at any KDWPT office or at any US Post Office.
State stamps are available at any licensed agent, online , Pratt Operations Office or Regional office. Federal stamps are available at a US Post Office, Pratt Operations Office or Regional office . Federal stamps must be signed across the face of the stamp.
Waterfowl stamps are not required to hunt Coot, Dove, Rail, Snipe, Woodcock, or Sandhill Crane. HIP is required.
If hunting Sandhill Crane, in addition to a hunting license ( if required), a federal sandhill crane hunting permit issued through and validated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is required to hunt cranes. Crane permits obtained in other states are not valid in Kansas. The validated permit ($7.50 validation fee) is available at any licensed agent , online , Pratt Operations Office , or Regional office .
All Kansas sandhill crane hunters must pass the "Test for Sandhill Crane Hunters" before obtaining a sandhill crane hunting permit.
"Online Test for Sandhill Crane Hunters." Click this link to take an online test that provides information about identifying whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and look-alike species, as well as the hunter’s ability to choose safe shots. The test is both entertaining and informative and only takes a few minutes.
Avian influenza, or “bird flu” as it is commonly called, is a naturally-occurring disease in wild waterfowl caused by various strains of avian-type influenza. In the past, the disease in wild birds has been of little concern, because it usually causes either mild or no clinical signs in them. In domestic poultry flocks, however, some strains of avian influenza are deadly and are classified as “highly pathogenic.”
Some species of wild birds, such as mallards, can carry the highly pathogenic strains of influenza without becoming ill; whereas other species, such as swans, are sensitive to the virus and are more likely to sicken and die.
Kansas Dept. of Agriculture Avian Influenza Information
Kansas Dept. of Agriculture News Releases
Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment Avian Influenza Information
Centers for Disease Control Information on Avian Influenza
Mallards - photo Mike Blair
How is avian influenza detected in wild birds?
Various methods are used to detect avian influenza in wild birds. One method is to take samples from live or hunter-killed birds. The sampling procedure involves quick and simple swabs of the throat and cloaca (combine
Another method used to detect avian influenza in wild birds is through surveillance of waterfowl areas for suspicious deaths in sensitive species. When mortalities occur that are not due to commonon diseases, injury, or natural death, the appropriate samples are taken and submitted for laboratory testing. d genital/anal opening) which do not harm the live bird nor do they affect the edibility of the meat. After sampling, the live bird is returned to the wild, whereas bagged birds can be taken home and enjoyed for dinner. (The sampling procedure is not a test of food safety.) The swabs are then sent to a laboratory for diagnostic testing.
Should I be afraid of avian influenza?
The chances of a hunter encountering the virus are extremely low. Furthermore, in its current form, the virus is not easily contracted by humans.
Although the risk of encountering avian influenza is very low, should I be cautious?
Hunters should always take reasonable routine precautions when handling wild game. The following information provided by the USGS will also help protect you from other transmissible diseases such as tularemia.
How to kill the virus:
Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products if the hands are not visibly soiled) is a very effective method for inactivating influenza viruses. These viruses are also inactivated with many common disinfectants such as detergents, 10% household bleach, alcohol or other commercial disinfectants. The virus is more difficult to inactivate in organic material such as feces or soil.
Hunters should follow routine precautions when handling game:
- Do not handle or eat sick game.
- Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands as described above, and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals.
- All game should be thoroughly cooked (well done or 160° F).
The general public should observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. This protects you from possible exposure to pathogens and minimizes disturbance to the animal.
- Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife do not rub eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water as described above.
- Do not pick up diseased or dead wildlife. Contact your state, tribal or federal natural resource agency if a sick or dead animal is found.
CLICK HERE for US Fish & Wildlife Service annual reports on waterfowl, crane, dove and other migratory game bird populations, harvest and hunter activity