Sandhill Crane
Online Test for Sandhill Crane Hunters and Other Sandhill Crane Information
To buy your Sandhill Crane permit, CLICK HERE.
General Information
Sandhill Crane - photo by Mike Blair, KDWP
Sandhill cranes have been hunted in Kansas since 1993 and in the Central Flyway since 1961. Hunting is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in nine of the 10 states in the Central Flyway. Although crane hunting is opposed by some people, crane hunting is done on a sustainable basis under a population management plan approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sport hunting also is justified for maintaining reasonable distributions of sandhill cranes. If concentrations become too high in some areas, crop depredation can occur and risk of disease to cranes increases. Crane hunting is extremely challenging because cranes are very wary and crane meat is considered excellent table fare, probably the best of all migratory game birds.
The sandhill cranes that migrate through Kansas, and sometimes winter here, are part of the Mid-continent Population. This population is one of nine in North America and by far the largest with about 500,000 birds. The next largest populations number about 20-25,000 birds.
Hunting regulations have been formulated and contingency plans utilized to minimize the chance of endangered whooping cranes being accidentally shot by sandhill crane hunters. Although sandhill cranes start concentrating in huntable numbers during late October, the start of the hunting season was delayed to the Wednesday following the first Saturday in November to allow most of the whooping cranes to migrate through the state. Shooting hours for sandhill cranes begin at sunrise rather than one-half hour before sunrise to minimize the chance of a sandhill crane hunter mistakenly shooting a whooping crane due to low light conditions. (Kansas is the only state in the Central Flyway to have delayed shooting hours to protect whooping cranes.) The federal-state, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, and Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area contingency plans provide guidance as to what actions to take if whooping cranes are present during hunting seasons.
Whooping Crane - photo by Mike Blair, KDWP
Sandhill crane and waterfowl hunters need to be aware that whooping cranes are occurring more frequently in Kansas, especially in the Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira areas, and be able to identify whooping cranes. Whooping cranes and sandhill cranes are similar in size and shape, but whooping cranes are white with black wing tips. The penalty for shooting a whooping crane is a fine of up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in prison. For more information, go to:
Online Test for Sandhill Crane Hunters - This test is mandatory for all sandhill crane hunters. The test is 378k in size and will take a few minutes to download if you have a modem. Flash 6 is required, which most computers have. If yours doesn't, then you will be asked to download Flash 6.
Whooping Crane Brochure - Information on whooping cranes and how to distinguish them from species that look similar to them.
USFWS Information for Waterfowl and Sandhill Crane Hunters - The purpose of this web site is to provide waterfowl and sandhill crane hunters with information that will reduce the likelihood of shooting illegally at migratory birds that may look like sandhill cranes, but for which there is no open season and are protected by Federal law.
Dates: 10/09/2021 - 01/02/2022
- Area open: High Plains Zone (see map)
-
Daily bag limit: 6
Six ducks, 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. 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
Dates: 10/16/2021 - 12/12/2022
- Daily bag limit: 3
- Possession limit: 9
Dates: 10/30/2021 - 01/02/2022
- Area open: Low Plains Late Zone (see map)
-
Daily bag limit: 6
Six ducks, 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. 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
Dates: 11/06/2021 - 01/02/2022
- Area open: Southeast Zone (see map)
-
Daily bag limit: 6
Six ducks, 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. 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
Dates: 11/10/2021 - 01/06/2022
- Daily bag limit: 3
- Possession limit: 9
Dates: 01/15/2022 - 01/30/2022
- Area open: Southeast Zone (see map)
-
Daily bag limit: 6
Six ducks, 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. 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
Dates: 01/21/2022 - 01/30/2022
- Area open: High Plains Zone (see map)
-
Daily bag limit: 6
Six ducks, 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. 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
Doves - Management Unit, Hunting Season, Shooting Hours, and Bag and Possession Limits
Sandhill Crane - Management Unit, Hunting Season, Shooting Hours, and Bag and Possession Limits
Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program - Requirements, Exemptions.
Retrieval and possession of game animals and migratory game birds - Requirements
To purchase your HIP Stamp online, CLICK HERE.
Migratory Game Bird Hunters – Why is it important to be “HIP”?
If you hunt doves, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, coots, snipe, rail, or woodcock, you are required to participate in Harvest Information Program (HIP).
What is HIP?
Harvest Information Program (HIP) is a method by which state wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) use to provide reliable estimates of the number of migratory game bird hunters, hunter activity and migratory game bird harvest. These estimates provide information needed to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons, bag limits, and population management. HIP has been a federal requirement of those hunting migratory game birds since 1998.
Who needs to be HIP?
HIP, incorrectly, has become associated more closely with waterfowl hunters. HIP applies to all those who hunt any species of migratory game birds. This would include not only ducks and geese but also doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, moorhens, band-tailed pigeons, swans, brant, coots and gallinules, for which there is a set hunting season. If you are required to buy a Kansas hunting license and plan to hunt any migratory game birds in Kansas, you are required to acquire a Kansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit. Even if you hold a lifetime license, you still are required to acquire a HIP permit. Exemptions from HIP include those not required to have a Kansas hunting license such as people hunting their own land and residents 15 and younger and 75 and older. It is the hunter responsibility to fulfill their HIP requirement. Proof of HIP must be carried with the hunter in the field, and, like a hunting or fishing license, must be presented to a wildlife officer upon their request. Hunting migratory birds without HIP certification is like hunting without a license—you could be ticketed or fined. You must be HIP certified for each state for which you hunt migratory game birds. The HIP certification process varies from state to state. Please confer with your local wildlife agency regarding HIP in their state.
How does HIP work?
When you purchase your Kansas HIP permit, you first are identifying yourself as migratory game bird hunter. Secondly, the licensing vendor will ask you a series of short questions relating to your hunting experience during last year's season. These questions place you in a sampling stratum from which the USFWS selects small sample to complete a more detailed survey about this year’s upcoming hunting season. These short questions that you are asked about last year’s hunting experience when you become HIP-certified are not part of the survey, and are not used to compile harvest estimates, but are simply used to identify what types of birds you usually hunt. This allows the USFWS to target its surveys to the appropriate hunters. For example, most surveys about dove harvest are sent to hunters who usually hunt doves, while most waterfowl harvest surveys are sent to hunters who usually hunt ducks and/or geese. If you only hunt ducks and geese – no snipe or rails, no moorhens or gallinules – why is it that I have to answer questions about those species? The USFWS needs to be able to contact people who hunt various birds. This narrows the field and allows the USFWS to ask more detailed questions about what was harvested.
If your name is one of the few selected for the national harvest survey, you will receive a personal letter and a hunting record form and will be asked to voluntarily keep a record of the number of migratory birds you harvest during the season. You will be given an addressed, postage-paid envelope to return your hunting form at the end of the season. This survey provides the information used to develop nationwide harvest estimates for all migratory birds. A few select participants are asked to send in wings of migratory game birds they harvest to help determine species, age, sex, and other important harvest data. All HIP responses are kept strictly confidential and are not used for any other purpose. As soon as the survey is completed, the USFWS destroys all hunter names and address records.
As HIP information is gathered at the time a hunting license is purchased whether at a store or online. At the license counter, the license agent should ask the HIP questions as part of the licensing process; if they do not inquire, you should remind them of HIP’s requirement. Kansas charges a small fee to cover administrative costs. KDWPT or USFWS receives no income from this program. HIP is strictly to gather information and is not a means of raising money for conservation programs.
What do hunters gain from HIP?
An understandable question is ‘What does HIP mean to me, as an individual asked to participate in this annual series of inquiries?’ The vast majority of hunters who participate are doing so because they know it’s important and understand why it’s important as hunters. Hunters are not just people answering a survey but are partners in data collection that directly affects hunting opportunities. As the threats and concerns for migratory bird populations continue to mount, it is essential to gather the best information possible about the factors affecting these populations. It is in the hunter's best interest to have wildlife management decisions based on scientific evidence, not on opinions, philosophies, or politics. It only takes a few moments to give wildlife managers the information they need to ensure that our migratory bird resources--and hunting tradition--will be around for future generations to enjoy.
To Purchase Your Kansas HIP Permit Online: https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com/
For More Information
USFWS HIP: https://www.fws.gov/birds/surveys-and-data/harvest-surveys/harvest-information-program.php
USFWS Harvest and Hunter Survey Annual Reports: https://www.fws.gov/birds/surveys-and-data/reports-and-publications/hunting-activity-and-harvest.php
Explore Harvest Data visualization for your region: https://fws.gov/harvestsurvey/harvest-vis
Central Flyway Council: https://centralflyway.org/management/harvest-surveys/
Other Information
Whooping Crane Brochure - Information on whooping cranes and how to distinguish them from species that are similar in appearance.
http://migratorybirds.fws.gov/issues/SandhillCrane/SandhillCraneHunters.htm.
Use the map below to pick a region you would like to look at Waterfowl Reports.
CEDAR BLUFF - Last Updated: 12/3/2021 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | 8000-10,000 Ducks Mixed Species - 800 Canada Geese and a few Whitefronts and Snows. *****REVIEW Kansas Boating Regulations if you are using a boat to hunt. ***** NO ACCESS IN THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE LAND REFUGE SEPT. 1 - JAN. 31 NO ACCESS IN THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE WATER REFUGE NOV. 1 - JAN. 31 
|
| Water level | Reservoir Elevation - 2131.5 (12.5 ft. low) |
| Hunting conditions | Shoreline hunting is still difficult with flooded shoreline vegetation |
| Expected hunting success | Fair, Most of the Ducks are in the Refuge. Hunters accessing by boat should be more successful. |
| Comments | Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area and Reservoir are in the Low Plains Late Duck Zone Low Plains Late Duck Zone Season Dates Teal - Sept 11-26 Duck - Oct. 30-Jan. 2 and Jan. 22-30 Dark and Light Geese - Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 2-Feb 13 White-fronted Geese - Oct 30-Jan. 2 and Jan.22-Feb 13 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, 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. |
GLEN ELDER - Last Updated: 12/2/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | WHOOPING CRANES APPEAR TO HAVE MOVED OUT OF THE LOCAL AREA, but are still present in central parts of the state. 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. Go to https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ for more information. 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. Appears as though we got a few new birds at the beginning of this week and likely lost a few that we had previously. Estimating current Numbers at: 4 to 6,000 total ducks, mostly mallards and divers with a small mix of other puddlers. Numbers are especially variable from day-to-day at this time of year. 500 Canada Geese A few White Fronted Geese 15,000 Snow Geese Mallard Migration Index (3)
|
| Water level | 6 inches below conservation pool and stable. |
| Hunting conditions | Not great right now as there is virtually no flooded vegetation and mudflats in many places. Early Zone north of Hwy 24 closes on 12/5 for the season split. |
| Expected hunting success | Sounds like a broken record with the unseasonably mild weather we are experiencing. STILL WAITING FOR WEATHER TO BRING A BIG PUSH OF BIRDS. Scouting will be key to finding where the birds want to be. Harvest results remain unimpressive at an average of about 1 duck per hunter. |
| Comments | Granite Creek boat ramp is closed November 1 through January 31, 2021. The Carr Creek boat ramp may be challenging to utilize while water levels are low as there is a lot of silt buildup in that creek. Low Plains Early Zone season is open until 12/5/21 and re-opens 12/18/21 to 1/2/22. This zone includes the area NORTH of US Hwy 24. Low Plains Late Duck Zone season will be 10/30/21 to 1/2/22 and 1/22/22 to 1/30/22. This zone includes the area SOUTH of Hwy 24. Dark geese season will remain open thru 2/13/22. Whitefront season will be 10/30/21 to 1/2/22 and 1/22/22 thru 2/13/22 Light geese season will remain open thru 2/13/22. Conservation season will run 2/14/22 thru 4/30/22. 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: 12/4/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | REMINDER: THE LOW PLAINS EARLY ZONE DUCK SEASON WILL BE CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER17 FOR THE SPLIT. IT WILL OPEN BACK UP DECEMBER 18 - JANUARY 2 FOR THE SECOND SEGMENT. Duck numbers are poor. Mostly Mallards, Pintails and Green-Winged Teal. Some Canada Geese are migrating through the area. Birds are extremely nocturnal and getting very educated. Some cold weather would be very helpful. REMEMBER: Hunters are REQUIRED to check in and check out using iSportsman electronic daily hunt permit system when they hunt the area. This important information gathered from hunt permits helps managers tailor management practices specific to an area and hunter preference. |
| Water levels | The area has experienced an extremely dry summer and the managers moved water from storage so less than 60% of the area has huntable water. With that being said, marshes that are open to boats, have lower water levels than in years past. Hunters that plan to utilize boats (especially motorized boats) need to use extreme caution. Puddler Marsh: Dry Gamekeeper Marsh: 10% full with mostly sheet water with areas of one to four inches; Gun Club West Marsh: 60% full with an average depth of 10 inches. Boating will be difficult in spots until water levels increase; Gun Club East: 60% full at the same elevation as Gun Club West Marsh, average depth of 10 inches. Boating may be difficult in this marsh as well; Greenwing Marsh; 60% full with an average depth of 9"; Marsh Creek Marsh: 35% full as water was pumped out of this marsh to fill Buffalo Creek North Marsh. The creek channel itself is around six feet deep. Buffalo Creek Marshes: The north marsh is 40% full with an average depth of 8", The south Marsh is dry and we will need some rain to have sufficient water to fill; Pintail Marsh: Dry and will need significant rains to fill. All marshes have excellent moist soil habitat and cover. Several areas have been planted to millet, corn and milo during the summer to increase resources for waterfowl. |
| Hunting conditions | Moist soil conditions are excellent across the property. Managers were able to repair multiple levee breaches and damage from the flooding in 2019. Scouting will be a must to find birds and huntable water. Conditions are expected to improve throughout the fall, however some more rain would help. Remember: NO ATV's are allowed on department lands and roads. There is a no trash policy: If you take it in with you, please bring it out. This includes spent shotgun shells. ALL vehicles must remain on designated roads and parking areas. REFUGE IS CLOSED TO ALL ACTIVITY
|
| Expected hunting success | Poor, once again, the birds getting pressured as soon as they arrive on the area scouting is a must. |
| Comments | REMINDER - REFUGE BOUNDARY CHANGE FROM 2019 YEAR The NW corner of the Gamekeeper Marsh area that was open for hunting prior to 2020 will continue to be included as refuge this year. Puddler marsh was a youth/mentor marsh up until the fall of 2019 when managers opened it up to all hunting. That change, along with the additional 18 inch raise on Gamekeeper Dam will allow managers to move the youth mentor area to a special hunt area starting in the fall of 2021. The new refuge line is along Highway 148 from the marsh creek bridge, north and east to the east boundary of the Wildlife Area. Click here for pdf map of the new area. Waterfowl Seasons Low Plains Early Zone Duck Season 10/9/2021 - 12/5/2021 and 12/18/2021 - 01/02/2022 Canada Geese 10/30/2021 - 10/31/2021 and 11/03/2021 - 2/13/2022 White-Fronted Geese 10/30/2021 - 01/02/2022 and 01/22/2022 - 02/13/2022 Light Geese 10/30/2021 - 10/31/2021 and 11/03/2021 - 02/13/2022 Light Geese Conservation Order 02/14/2022 - 04/30/2022 Hunters are REQUIRED to check in AND OUT 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 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 :
THE REFUGE WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 - JANUARY 31, 2022 on the north half of Gamekeeper Marsh. REFUGE WILL CLOSE ON OCT. 1, 2021 AND REMAIN CLOSED THRU - JANUARY 31, 2022. The refuge boundary has shifted northwest to Highway 148. Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on! |
LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/30/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Several large groups of teal, with mallards, pintail, gadwall and groups of divers on the reservoir. A few Snow, Canada and White-fronted geese. |
| Mallard Migration Ranking | |
| Water level | Lovewell Reservoir is at 1580.83 or 1.77 feet below Conservation Pool, (85.9% full) and holding steady or slowly dropping due to evaporation. The BOR and Kansas Bostwick Irrigation have ceased bringing water into Guide Rock Diversion from the Republican River that was being used to refill the reservoir. |
| Hunting condition | Mudflats are ringing the entire reservoir and the water is a close to most shoreline and concealing vegetation. OPEN -LPLZ Duck OCT. 30, 2021 - JAN. 2, 2022 and JAN. 22 - 30, 2022 DARK GEESE (Canada, cackling, brant and all other geese except whitefronts) - OCT. 30 - 31, 2021 and NOV. 3, 2021 - FEB. 13, 2022 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE - OCT. 30, 2021 - JAN. 2, 2022 and JAN. 22 - FEB. 13, 2022 LIGHT GEESE ( White and Blue Phase and Ross' geese) - OCT30 -31, 2021 and NOV. 3, 2021 - FEB 13, 2022 Boat ramps OPEN and usable includes Lovewell State Park Marina and Cedar Point. All on the Wildlife Area at Oak Hill, Pawnee Point and White Rock Creek are usable at this elevation. Small boats only at White Rock Creek! |
| Expected hunting success | Fair. Some slight hunting pressure this week with hunters averaging 2 ducks per hunter, mostly green-winged teal but a couple of mallards and other puddle ducks and divers. |
| Comments | PARK PERMIT REQUIRED TO ENTER THE STATE PARK PARK. NO HUNTING IS ALLOWED FROM THE SHORELINE OF THE STATE PARK. REFUGE REGULATIONS: The land refuge closed to hunting and other activities year round. 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. This area open to fishing south and east of the buoy line from the north end of the dam to the Lovewell State Park Twin Coves trailer area. Inlet canal closed to fishing September 15 through April 15. BOAT RAMPS: SEE HUNTING CONDITION FOR BOAT RAMP STATUS. 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. 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 are REQUIRED for ALL HUNTING on the area. Electronic permits now available. Follow this link to get registered: https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ PAPER PERMITS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. Contact the office for other arrangements. We thank you for your patience. Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on! |
NORTON - Last Updated: 12/2/2021 Print
SMOKY HILL/KANOPOLIS - Last Updated: 11/30/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Overall waterfowl numbers are low and quality waterfowl hunting opportunities are limited. Report will be updated Dec 2nd |
| Water level | 1465.7 ft and steadily declining. Summer conservation level is 1467 ft. Winter conservation level is 1463 |
| Hunting conditions | |
| Comments | Refuge is CLOSED to all access from September 1st through January 31st. Waterfowl Seasons: Teal (low plains): September 11-26, 2021 Duck (low plains late zone): October 30, 2021 - January 2, 2022 and January 22-30, 2022 Dark Geese: October 30-31, 2021 and November 3, 2021 - February 13, 2022 White-Fronted Geese: October 30, 2021 - January 2, 2022 and January 22 - February 13, 2022 Light Geese: October 30-31, 2021 and November 3, 2021 - February 13, 2022 Light Geese Conservation Order: February 14 - April 30, 2022 Click HERE for duck season, regulation, and research information. Additional information about hunting at Kanopolis Reservoir can be found HERE |
TALMO - Last Updated: 12/4/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | No ducks on the area as it is dry REMINDER: ALL HUNTERS NEED TO CHECK IN TO HUNT USING iSPORTSMAN |
| Water level | All pools are dry, there is some sheet water present on the area, but no ducks have been observed using it. |
| Hunting conditions | Moist Soil Conditions are excellent, however all pools are dry. Bird use dependent upon water levels |
| Expected hunting success | Will depend upon rainfall. |
| Comments | Remember: - TALMO IS IN THE LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE Low Plains Late Zone Youth/Military Duck Season 10/23/2021 - 10/24/2021 Low Plains Late Zone Duck Season 10/30/2021 - 01/02/2022 and 01/22/2022 - 01/30/2022
- 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. -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. |
WEBSTER - Last Updated: 12/3/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Approximately 4,000-6,000 ducks; mostly mallards. 500-1,000 Canada geese and white-fronts. 10,000 - 20,000 snows |
| Water level | 1888.34'; 4.11' below conservation pool; water levels have been holding steady |
| Hunting conditions | Lowered lake level has resulted in large amounts of exposed shoreline and large expanses of mud. There is very little vegetation to conceal large groups of hunters or boats. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor to Fair; warm weather has kept bird movement to a minimum. Most birds are located on the refuge. |
| Comments | Refuge and non-motorized boat area dates: Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. An updated refuge map has been posted. There is a non-motorized boat area at Webster that is walk-in only that is intended for shore hunters. The area starts at the southeast corner of the reservoir and goes west to Morel boat ramp. This regulation is in effect from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. 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 September 11-26, 2021 Duck Season on Webster Reservoir October 30, 2021 - January 2, 2022 and January 22-30, 2022 Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose October 23-24, 2021 Goose Season on Webster Reservoir CANADA GEESE October 30 - October 31, 2021 and November 3, 2021 - February 13, 2022 WHITE-FRONTED October 30, 2021 - January 2, 2022 and January 22 - February 13, 2022 LIGHT GEESE October 30 - October 31, 2021 and November 3, 2021 - February 13, 2022 LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER February 14 - April 30, 2022 ICE CONDITIONS 0%
Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map |
WILSON - Last Updated: 12/2/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Overall waterfowl numbers are low. Small groups observed along shorelines on north side and near Horseshoe Bend |
| Water level | 1515.3 ft and steady; (Conservation pool is 1516.0 ft) |
| Hunting conditions | Cedar Creek and Elm Creek boat ramp both open |
| Expected hunting success | |
| Comments | Waterfowl Seasons: Low Plains Late Zone: October 30-January 2; January 22-30, 2022 Refuges are closed Sept 1-Jan 31 to all access except by special permit. Zebra mussels are in Wilson Lake, so be sure to drain/dry/clean boats and equipment before moving to other areas. 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: 11/30/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Mallard Migration Rank: 2 (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. The wetlands have great habitat, such as, Giant Foxtail, Annual Smartweed, and Barnyard Grass. The wetland southwest of the shop has open water, but is slowly receding. We have just started pumping the west wetland complex on the south, after compacting the the soil. All of the wetlands are having trouble holding water this year due to dry conditions and a low river. Refuge(NOT open to hunting) October 1 through March 31 the area can only be accessed with a special permit obtained through a drawing. Look for "Special Hunts" on our home page under "HUNTING". |
| Hunting conditions | Native vegetation such as annual smart weeds, barnyard grass, foxtail, and sunflowers are the most common vegetation. |
| Expected hunting success | About 1000 Mallard Ducks are using the refuge area. Cooler temperatures should increase duck numbers. |
| Comments | The wetlands have a good variety of vegetation. REFUGE IS CLOSED TO HUNTING. |
CLINTON - Last Updated: 11/24/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Updated 11/24/21 Waterfowl survey conducted on 11-24-21. Waterfowl survey results: Canada geese- 623 Mallard-436 Wood duck- 8 Bufflehead- 65 Gadwall- 45 Goldeneye- 4 Northern Shoveler- 6 Hooded Merganser- 180 --------- Clinton WA marshes I-Sportsman info from 10/30 to 11/24- 314 waterfowl hunter check-ins Average harvest is just over 1 bird per hunter. |
| Lake level | Lake level as of 11/24/21- 877.61, dropping slowly (conservation pool is 875.50)
|
| Hunting conditions | Lake- The current lake level is too high for shallow mudflat (dabbler) habitat. Large mixed-species rafts of geese and ducks have been using the open areas of the lake. Areas protected from the wind often hold small numbers of waterfowl. Coblentz & East Coblentz- All the Coblentz marsh pools have water, the middle and southwest pools are full, the north pool is 1/2 full and the southeast pool is 1/4 full. East Coblentz has lots of water on the north side, but is mostly dry for access to dredge holding pond and dike to improve wetland management. We will flood the marsh once the project is completed. KDWPT staff has completed 1st round of pumping at Coblentz for early-season food to be flooded. We will pump more water as the season and conditions progress. Shadden marsh is full. Elk Creek- All marsh pools have water. The marsh pump was operated to flood all of pool 1 and 75% of pool 2. Pool 3 is about 50% full. The pump is currently turned off and a second round of pumping will take place later in the season. KDWPT food plots throughout the complex will provide plenty of food and a variety of water levels. THE REFUGE AND REFUGE MARSH POOL ARE CLOSED TO HUNTING AND ALL OTHER ACTIVITIES The Elk Creek marsh pump is fully operational. Clinton contains miles of creeks, rivers and oxbows on the wildlife area; each of which has unique conditions and frequently hold waterfowl when weather and/or pressure pushes them from marsh pools. The refuge is CLOSED TO ALL ACTIVITIES until 1-16-2022.
|
| Expected hunting success | FAIR |
| 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 is 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. 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. |
HILLSDALE - Last Updated: 11/23/2021 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | The Hillsdale Wildlife Area has experienced a normal year in regards to water levels in 2021. The reservoir currently sits .8 feet above conservation pool, and rains have kept things moist. We have had some successful moist soil vegetation growth in all wetland pools this year. Japanese millet was also planted along side some milo in the Youth-Mentor Wetland and Antioch Wetland. The upper reaches of Brown's Wetland were planted into Japanese Millet. A fair amount of seed has been produced which should make good forage and cover for waterfowl this season. Pumping began in early September. All marshes will continue to be pumped and catch rain throughout the fall in order to provide the most ideal habitat, forage, and hunting opportunities possible. Pumping efforts have been successful on all marshes. 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. Weather has been very warm throughout the summer. With the beginning of fall, some cool weather has also swept through Hillsdale. Highs this week have been in the 50's-60's. Over the last week, a lot of the waterfowl have moved out of the area. This week's survey only showed a few big ducks in the area. There are still coots on the marsh pools. Groups of Canada Geese 50-60 birds strong have been seen throughout the wildlife area. We are starting to see Diving Ducks in the area for the first time this year. Smaller groups of 30-50 divers have been seen on the main body of the lake. There has also been a large influx of Gulls all across the lake. |
| Water Level | Antioch Wetland - Full Browns Wetland, Upper pool - Full Browns Wetland, Lower pool - Full Youth-Mentor Wetland - 3/4 Wade Branch Wetlands - Full, Full Hillsdale Lake - See Army Corps Daily Report ICE CONDITION - 0% ice cover on lake. 0% ice cover on wetlands |
| 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: 11/18/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Ducks: 250+ ducks observed on Auxillary lake. A mixed bag of gadwall, redhead, shoveler and some small groups of teal. Geese: 50 or so Canada geese are utilizing the area and <2,000 snow geese are utilizing the lake and surrounding private crop fields. |
| Water level | Normal |
| 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: 11/23/2021 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 numbers of waterfowl on the area. Throughout the week, around 2000 teal, 170 mallards, 20 shovelers were observed and also 130 Canada geese were observed.. |
| Lake level | Current Lake Level is 1145.54 and Conservation Pool is 1144.4 The dam is releasing 200 CFS. The inflow into the lake is 186 CFS. |
| Hunting conditions | Vegetation growth and seed production has been above average this year. We are working at getting the pumps (North Smith and Beichter) still repaired and going for the waterfowl season, due to flooding in the past years and ability to get parts for the pumps. Mall Creek and Lower Smith/Gatesville boat ramps are open. Wetlands that have water are Mall Creek, Sugarbowl, Lower Smith and Quimby. The pumps for Beichter/Martin and North Smith are in the process of getting fixed. Started pumping water at Zach Hudec on 11/1/2021, the first cell is starting to get a decent sheet of water on it and will continuing pumping. Youth/Mentor has a few water holes/pockets, river is little low for us to pump water. 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 | Poor, majority of birds observed were using the refuge due to hunting pressure. |
| 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. 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 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 WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 11/17/2021 Print
TUTTLE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 12/3/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 500 ducks Canada Geese Mallard Migration Rank (0-10) =0 |
| Water level | The lake is currently at 1080 and holding |
| Hunting conditions | Poor |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | A permit/survey is required to hunt the Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area. Most of the ducks seen were on the north end of the reservoir. |
This is a collection of all the Southwest Waterfowl Report
CHEYENNE BOTTOMS - Last Updated: 11/30/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | IF YOU ARE READING THIS, THAT MEANS THE WHOOPING CRANES ARE STILL PRESENT AND THERE ARE POOLS CLOSED DOWN. THERE IS NO NEED TO CALL THE OFFICE FOR AN UPDATE, AS WE ARE RECEIVING EXTREMELY HIGH CALL VOLUMES AND CAN NOT ANSWER EVERY CALL. WHEN THE WHOOPING CRANES LEAVE, THIS MESSAGE WILL BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE AREA COMPLETELY OPENS BACK UP. WHOOPING CRANES ARE IN POOL 4A. POOL 4A AND SURROUNDING UPLANDS ARE CLOSED TO ALL HUNTING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THEY HAVE BEEN FEEDING IN CROP FIELDS ON THE WILDLIFE AREA, SO ALL THE UPLANDS SURROUNDING POOL 4A IS CLOSED TO ALL HUNTING INCLUDING PHEASANT, DEER, SNIPE, ETC. NO SANDHILL CRANE HUNTING ON THE WILDLIFE AREA. ALSO, THE FIRING LINE/GOOSE HUNTING ZONES IS CLOSED TO LIGHT GOOSE HUNTING. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS ON THE PROPERTY MARKING AREAS CLOSED AS IT COULD QUICKLY CHANGE. ALL NOTIFICATIONS WILL ALSO BE ON ISPORTSMAN. POOLS WILL REOPEN 24 HOURS AFTER THE LAST SIGHTING ON THE WHOOPING CRANES. PLEASE NOTE NEW WILDLIFE AREA REGULATIONS BELOW FOR THE FALL 2021 SEASON. Still good number of ducks, but it is the stage of the migration that cold fronts push out more ducks than they move in. Duck numbers have been decreasing with the last couple fronts. Pintail and greenwing teal still make up the majority of ducks, but there is a mix of species including gadwall, wigeon, shovelers, divers, and increasing number of mallards. Most of the ducks know where the refuge or closed pools are and are utilizing them during daylight hours. The area is holding a lot of geese. Snows have moved in, but holding good numbers of whitefronts, and some Canadas. 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-18", 1B-10", 1C-10", 2-14", 3A-11" 3B-dry 4A-6". 4B-16" 5-15". Pool 3B will remain dry this fall and winter for cattail control. Water levels are slowly dropping with no way to replenish them. |
| Hunting conditions | Pool 2- lot of cattails, some holes sprayed and roller chopped, 428 acres of cattails sprayed on August 10th Pool 3A- some moist soil plants Pool 3B- lot of cattails, over half of the pool has been disked once, planted about 30 acres of wheat Pool 4A all cattails have been disked multiple times, 240 acres of millet planted however most dried up or never germinated due to dry weather, 251 acres mature wheat, some moist soil plants. Pool 4B- some moist soil plants Pool 5- some moist soil plants |
| Expected hunting success | Poor to fair. Success has been really spotty and birds are extremely stale and nocturnal. Hot dry weather took it's toll on stored water and habitat. Moist soil plants that looked good early on dried up and did not produce much seed. |
| Comments | SOME WILDLIFE AREA ROADS WILL BE CLOSED FOR 3-5 DAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER AND FALL DUE TO CONSTRUCTION WORK ON WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES. PLEASE BE PATIENT AS WORK CONTINUES. ALTHOUGH THERE WILL BE SOME SHORT TERM DISRUPTION TO THE WILDLIFE AREA, THE WORK CURRENTLY BEING DONE WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES OF THE WILDLIFE AREA FOR YEARS TO COME. 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 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B as the ditches have been cleaned out and are very deep. 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. 11, 2021 - Sept. 26,2021 Youth/Military/Veteran - Oct. 2 and 3, 2021 Ducks, Low Plains Early Zone - Oct. 9, 2021- Dec. 5, 2021 and Dec. 18, 2021- Jan. 2, 2022 Goose Seasons: Canada - Oct. 30 and 31, 2021, and Nov. 3, 2021-Feb. 13, 2022 Whitefront - Oct. 30, 2021 - January 2, 2022 and Jan. 22 - Feb. 13, 2022 Light - Oct. 30 and 31, 2021, and Nov. 3, 2021-Feb. 13, 2022 Light goose conservation order - 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: 12/1/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Less than 10 ducks. Mostly Mallard, 1 pintail and wood duck |
| Water level | The pool adjacent to Hwy. 42 is nearly full. The main lake is full and there is some water Northwest of the main lake. The pool south of the main lake is full. |
| Hunting conditions | High near 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. |
| Expected hunting success | |
| Comments | Teal Season (Low Plains Zone): September 11-September 26, 2021 Youth Waterfowl (Low Plains Late Zone): October 23-24, 2021 Ducks (Low Plains Late Zone): October 30, 2021 - January 2, (first segment) 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 2020-2021. Only non-toxic shot is allowed on Isabel Wetland Wildlife Area for all species. |
TEXAS LAKE - Last Updated: 12/2/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | No waterfowl observed using the area during daylight hours 12/2. |
| Water levels | Currently pools 1, 2, and 3B are full. Pools 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are nearly full. There is some water north of pool 6. |
| Hunting conditions | |
| Expected hunting success | THE FIRST SEGMENT OF THE LOW PLAINS EARLY DUCK SEASON ENDS ON 12/5/21 |
| Comments | Teal Season (Low Plains Zone): 9/11/20-9/26/20 Youth Waterfowl (Low Plains Early Zone): 10/2/21 - 10/3/21 Regular Ducks (Low Plains Early Zone): 10/9/21 - 12/5/21 and 12/18/21 -1/2/22 KDWPT IS CONTINUING AN ELECTRONIC PERMIT SYSTEM FOR THE 2020-2021 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: 2/9/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Large numbers of Canadian and Snow geese using reservoir and area crop fields. |
| Water level | 1.07 feet below Conservation Pool on reservoir. Area ponds are dry. |
| Hunting conditions | Poor The reservoir was at a nearly full level most of the summer, so very few native food producing plants were able to establish along the shoreline. The recent drop in water level has left a large stretch of bare ground between concealment cover and water around most of the wildlife area. Despite the lack of food plants, hunting should improve if the reservoir comes back up. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | Cheney Wildlife Area is located in the Low Plains Late Zone Low Plains Late Zone Youth/Veteran/Military Season is Oct. 24-25, 2020. Low Plains Late Zone Duck Season is Oct 31, 2020-Jan 3rd, 2021, and Jan 23-31, 2021. 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, 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, please call 911. |
BYRON WALKER - Last Updated: 12/2/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Welcome to 2021 waterfowl! We are now carrying around 150 ducks and geese on the area. |
| Water level | Kingman State Fishing Lake is full. Currently, 5 of the 8 marshes just north and west of the lake are full. The other 3 started receiving water 11/29/21 but will take some time to saturate and fill. |
| Hunting conditions | Hunting conditions should be excellent on the water that we have.
|
| Expected hunting success | Limited. |
| Comments |
COUNCIL GROVE - Last Updated: 12/3/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Approximately 60 ducks (primarily goldeneye), 45 mergansers, and 0 Canada geese observed on 12/3/21. |
| Water levels | 0.4 feet below conservation elevation (1,274') on 12/3/21. |
| Hunting conditions | Full lake levels persisted through the summer and prevented the establishment of food producing plants along lake edges. As such, food resources are diminished within lake environments. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor. |
| Comments | Low Plains Late Zone Duck Season is October 30 thru January 2 AND January 22 thru 30. |
EL DORADO - Last Updated: 12/3/2021 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | Approximately 150 ducks (mostly goldeneye and a few Mallards) and 630 Canada geese observed on 12/3/21. |
| Water level | At 1338.97' approximately .03' below conservation elevation (1339'). |
| Hunting conditions | Most of the summer the lake was at or slightly above conservation pool. Food producing plants in the reservoir were limited due to the higher water. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | NOTE: El Dorado Lake is located within the Low Plains Southeast Zone. DUCKS, LOW PLAINS SOUTHEAST ZONE Season: November 6, 2021 - January 2, 2022 AND January 15-30, 2022 |
KAW WILDLIFE AREA. - Last Updated: 12/3/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | There are approximately 25 ducks present at this time. |
| Water level | Normal |
| Hunting conditions | Poor |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE Season: Sept. 11-26, 2021 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 6, 2021 - January 2, 2022 AND January 15-30, 2022 Area open: Southeast Zone (see map) Daily bag limit:6 Possession limit: Three times the daily limit |
MCPHERSON VALLEY WETLANDS - Last Updated: 12/1/2021 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. WEDNESDAY, 01 December 2021: Waterfowl numbers have increased slightly over the last week. Approximately 5,000 ducks and 16,000 geese were observed on the property Wednesday. The majority of the ducks are mallards and green-winged teal, but there were many other species observed during the survey. Remember that all activities in the north and south refuges in the Big Basin are prohibited. |
| Current Information | Be aware of new regulations in effect for the 2021 season: The use of motorized boats is prohibited, and centerfire rifles and handguns are prohibited. |
| Water levels | The wetlands are in serious need of abundant rainfall! Water levels continue to decline, but all three units have at least some huntable water. Scouting will be critical in determining which wetlands have water. Pumping operations are currently suspended. The water allotment for 2021 is near completion. 25 acre-feet remain to be pumped in Pool 16 at the Little Sinkhole Unit, and 28 acre-feet remain to be pumped in the Big Basin Unit. Both of these will be pumped for the opener of the second split of duck season. Big Basin: Decent water in many of the wetlands that are open to public hunting, and good water in the refuge. Chain of Lakes: Water is very limited in this unit. Be aware that the majority of the pond on the east boundary is privately owned. Little Sinkhole Unit: Huntable water in a number of the wetlands. |
| Hunting conditions | We have treated approximately 500 acres of cattails, Lotus, and other undesirable vegetation this growing season. As the treated vegetation dies off and the desirable moist soil vegetation completes seed production, we will continue to roller chop / manipulate vegetation as the season moves forward. Waterfowl food production (native moist soil vegetation) has been fairly good across the area this year, and approximately 400 acres of millet was planted in various wetlands. The rain before teal season was a tremendous help, but the area needs more rain to hold water all season. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair to good if water levels stabilize. |
| 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 2020 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: 12/3/2021 Print
|
Waterfowl numbers | There are 8 ducks present on the area at this time. |
|
Water level | Low |
| Hunting conditions | Poor |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | Slate Creek Wetland Public Announcement Due to some erosion problems at the wetland, we will not be able to hold water for the 2021-22 waterfowl season. There will be some water in the pools, it will be just in the low-lying areas. But all of this will depend on rain fall. The low water levels will allow us time to get some valuable imagery/survey of the area. This will help us resolve current erosion issues and help us map the whole wetland system for future development. We thank you for your understanding and patience. 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. |
MARION - Last Updated: 12/2/2021 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | The reservoir has approximately 3000 Canada geese along with 40 snow geese and 50 Mallard. Numbers can change daily. |
| Mallard Migration Rating | Current Rating=2 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 1349.03(Conservation pool is 1350.50) |
| Hunting conditions | Fair. The reservoir was at or near conservation pool most of 2021. There was very little natural food production along the shoreline this year in the way of moist soil vegetation like barnyard grass and yellow nut sedge. Crops on the area look good. Water levels are dropping leaving behind exposed mud between the water and shoreline. |
| 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: 12/2/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Not much change in the duck numbers, still between 1-2 thousand ducks have been seen on the area. Mostly on the lake and in the refuge. Limited water and hunting pressure has kept duck numbers low on the wildlife area. There are more ducks using the area at night but most of them are dispersing off of the area during the day. The waterfowl numbers are expected to fluctuate with migration, hunting pressure, and changing habitat conditions. |
| Water level | The water levels in the marshes vary across the area. Some have huntable water and some are empty, but none of the marshes are full. We do not have the capability to pump any of the marshes on the wildlife area. Heavy rains will be required to get runoff to fill the marshes. Today, the reservoir is 0.07 ft above pool level. For current Reservoir levels visit http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ELKC.lakepage.html |
| Hunting conditions | There has been pretty good moist soil production this year. Heavy rain is still needed to improve hunting conditions. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair to poor. Opportunities are limited with the current conditions. REGULAR DUCK SEASON IS NOV. 6-JAN. 2 AND JAN. 15-30 |
| Comments | Individuals utilizing the wildlife area need to be aware of the refuge boundaries. Boats cannot drive through the refuge area on the water. Maps can be obtained at the Fisheries & Wildlife office (below the dam), at the State Park (on the lake side), and online at https://ksoutdoors.com/content/download/20944/140278/file/ELK%20CITY%20RES%20&%20WA.pdf Japanese Millet was planted around the area wetlands with good results, and there was a very good natural response of wild millet (barnyard grass) and smartweed in most wetlands. Overall, there should be plenty of food to attract waterfowl as long as we get some rain to fill the marshes. |
FALL RIVER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/16/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 11/16/21 There are a few groups of divers and puddle ducks around. Some small groups of geese on the front end of the migration. Birds are moving in and then out daily so scouting a day before any hunt would be advantageous. |
| Water level | Reservoir is at conservation pool. |
| Hunting conditions | Conditions remain mild. |
| Expected hunting success | Limited |
| Comments | Waterfowl reports will be updated on a bi-weekly basis during the fall and winter waterfowl seasons. Updates will be made when significant changes in waterfowl numbers are observed. For information pertaining to the Fall River Wildlife Area call 620-583-6783. |
JOHN REDMOND - Last Updated: 11/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 1200 mixed divers, 500 pudlers, 250 teal and handful of dark geese. |
| Water level | Current Level: 1042.5 Conservation Pool Level: 1041 |
| Hunting conditions | TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE
YOUTH, VETERAN AND ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL SEASONS (Youth 17 and younger) Southeast Zone: Oct. 30-31, 2021 DUCKS, LOW PLAINS SOUTHEAST ZONE
DUCK LIMITS 6 ducks, 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. Geese CANADA GEESE
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE
LIGHT GEESE
LIGHT GEESE, CONSERVATION ORDER
John Redmond and Otter Creek Wildlife Area Fall 2021 Conditions- I expect average habitat conditions this year for waterfowl on John Redmond Reservoir. Otter Creek Marshes, located below John Redmond Dam- Only the upper marsh will have water this year. It has excellent vegetation, and is currently full. The Sedimentation Basins located on west side, below dam, are not open for hunting, and are privately owned and operated. |
| Expected hunting success | I expect above average success for boat hunters out on the reservoir. |
| 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: 12/2/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Good number of ducks in the refuge units. Mostly mallards and teal. Decent number of white fronted geese, few Canada geese. Hunting success has been low with these mild weather conditions. Waterfowl are feeding heavily at night. |
| Water levels | Due to shorter vegetation height, hunters can expect to have slightly shallower water than previous years. Boats will be difficult to launch and use in the majority of units. Water levels are huntable in the following units: A-North, A-East, F-West, F-South, F-East, C-South (low to mid elevations) and Unit G. Stage ups will occur through out the remainder of the season. All refuge units have good water. Most smaller units that can be pumped, have been pumped. Unit E has very little water in it and will require a large rain event for that to change. With a little scouting, hunters should be able to find opportunities. |
| Hunting/ Habitat conditions | Early flooding and late droughts made for an adverse growing season. In addition, there were several cycles of army worms that destroyed hundreds of acres of desirable vegetation, with Unit G being hit the hardest. In spite of these factors, wetland food production across the area was only slightly below average. Hunters should expect shorter vegetation and more shallow water than typical. With the late season heat and drought, hunters may also have to deal with a little extra cocklebur. Japanese Millet was planted in a few small areas. Milo was planted in C-South and F-East. |
| Season Dates | SOUTHESAT LATE ZONE DUCK SEASON OPENS Nov. 6,2021 - Jan. 2, 2022 and Jan 15 - Jan. 30, 2022 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE OPENS Oct. 30,2021 - Jan 2, 2022 and Jan. 22 - Feb. 13, 2022 DARK GOOSE SEASON OPENS Oct. 30 - 31,2021 and Nov. 3 - Feb. 13, 2022 Light GOOSE SEASON OPENS Oct. 30 - 31,2021 and Nov. 3 - Feb. 13, 2022 Conservation Light Goose season is from February 14 - April , 2022 |
| Comments |
NOTE: Legal shooting hours are 1/2-hour before sunrise to SUNSET. Late shooters (shooting after sunset) will be prosecuted. 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 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. Waterfowl report is updated only if there are significant changes in waterfowl numbers or hunting conditions. |
MELVERN LAKE/WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 11/12/2021 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. 35 Unidentified Ducks Mallard Migration Rank = 0 (0 = no mallards and 10 = peak migration) |
| Water level | Lake level = 1037.60; Conservation pool = 1036.00; Target goal for the lake is 1037.50. 0% Ice cover on Melvern Lake. |
| Hunting conditions | 11/12/2021 3 Duck Marsh- The wetland is a mix of corn and moist-soil production. The east unit is 70% full and the west unit is 95% full. Willow Marsh- This wetland is full of moist soil vegetation and will provide excellent habitat. Currently the south unit is approximately 85% full and the north unit is 45% full. The retention ponds are full. Sundance Marsh- This wetland remained underwater until early August due to high lake levels. There was some response by moist soil vegetation and the wetland is 100% full. Lowman's Cove- Due to high rainfall totals this wetland remained full and produced little food within the marsh. There will be plenty of cover around the edges but lots of open water within the wetland. Shoveler Slough- This wetland is a mix of corn and moist-soil production. Habitat conditions are looking excellent. This wetland is currently 90% full. The parking lot for this wetland is located at the intersection of 317th and S. Davis Rd. Refuge-The refuge is on the west end of the lake and directly east of Willow Marsh. It produced good moist soil vegetation and will provide excellent habitat to hold waterfowl in the area as long as the lake level remains high. The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| 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: 11/24/2021 Print
TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/16/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 11/16/21 There are a few groups of divers and puddle ducks around. Some small groups of geese on the front end of the migration. Birds are moving in and then out daily so scouting a day before any hunt would be advantageous. |
| Water level | Lake is at conservation pool and all marshes in the area are full. |
| Hunting conditions | Conditions remain mild. |
| Expected hunting success | Limited |
| Comments | Waterfowl reports will be posted on a bi-weekly basis throughout the fall and winter waterfowl seasons. Updates will be made when a significant change in bird numbers is observed. For information pertaining to the Toronto Wildlife Area call 620-583-6783. |