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: 01/09/2021 - 01/31/2021
- Area open: Southeast Zone (see map)
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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: 01/22/2021 - 01/31/2021
- Area open: High Plains Zone (see map)
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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
Retrieval and possession of game animals and migratory game birds - Requirements
Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program - Requirements, Exemptions.
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
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: 1/21/2021 Print
GLEN ELDER - Last Updated: 1/20/2021 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. 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. There have been MANY problems with these issues this fall and winter. Survey was ran on 1/20 Still lots of mallards sticking to the Granite Creek and State Park refuge area. Rest of the ducks are really spread out around the lake with mild weather and no hunting pressure this week. Total ducks at about 17,000 (including 12,000 mallards, 2,000 other puddle ducks, 2,500 divers, and 500 mergansers) 80,000 snow geese (can vary a lot day-to-day) A few Canada geese have finally arrived. Observed about 2,500 on the survey. Mallard Migration Index (8) |
| Water level | 1 foot below conservation pool. Lots of exposed mudflats. |
| Hunting conditions | No ice on 1/20. Be prepared to deal with ice as weather dictates for the rest of the season. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair to Good. Low Plains Late Zone duck season will re-open on this Saturday 1-23-21. It will only re-open SOUTH of US Highway 24. |
| Comments | Granite Creek boat ramp is closed November 1 through January 31, 2021. Low Plains Early Duck Zone season is CLOSED until next fall. This zone includes the area north of Hwy 24. Low Plains Late Duck Zone season will re-open January 23-31, 2021. This zone includes the area south of Hwy 24. Dark geese season continues through February 14, 2021. Whitefront season will re-open January 23 - February 14, 2021. Light geese season continues through February 14, 2021. Conservation Order season is open Feb. 15 - April 30, 2021. 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: 1/15/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | ATTENTION: The Low Plains Early Zone Duck Season is CLOSED For The Year. 1,000 Ducks, Mostly Mallards; No dark geese observed; 2,500 light geese with numbers fluctuating daily (sometimes hourly) The refuge is CLOSED. White-Fronted Goose Season will open back up on January 23, 2021. 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 | All the major projects are finished and the area is holding good water levels for the upcoming waterfowl season. Gamekeeper Marsh is 98% full with an average water depth of 16 inches. Gun Club Marsh is 85% full with an average water depth of 12" to 14". Marsh Creek Marsh is 90% full. Buffalo Creek Marshes are 65% full with an average water depth of 12" with a lot of sheet water along the margins of the wetland units. Pintail Marsh is dry. Puddler and Bluewing marshes are dry. A rain or big snow would be beneficial. |
| Hunting conditions | Goose hunting pressure was been low. Moist soil production was excellent this growing season. A major flood event in late July eliminated much of the Japanese millet that was planted, however there are excellent stands of smart weed and wild millet. Managers were unable to mow decoy holes in some of the units, so hunters need to scout to find natural open holes in the moist soil. Gamekeeper Marsh dam raise is allowing managers to inundate an additional 490 acres in Gamekeeper Marsh, creating excellent habitat in the refuge. Buffalo Creek Marshes have been pumped and several Marsh Creek off storage pools will be pumped throughout teal season. 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
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| Expected hunting success | All pools are currently 100% ice free. However, goose numbers remain slim to none. The LPEZ duck season closes Jan. 3, 2021. |
| Comments | REFUGE BOUNDARY CHANGE STARTING OCT 1, 2020 The NW corner of the Gamekeeper Marsh area that was open for hunting will now be included as refuge starting October 1, 2020. 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 will be 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 12/19/2020 - 01/03/2021 Canada Geese 10/31/2020 - 11/01/2020 & 11/04/2020 - 02/14/2021 White-Fronted Geese 10/31/2020 - 01/3/2021 & 01/23/2021 - 02/14/2021 Light Geese 10/31/2020 - 11/01/2020 & 11/04/2020 - 02/14/2021 Light Geese Conservation Order 02/15/2021 - 04/30/2021 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 IS CLOSED on the north half of Gamekeeper Marsh. REFUGE WILL REMAIN CLOSED THRU - JANUARY 31, 2021. 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: 1/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 550 divers (mostly mergansers), 800 teal some gadwalls, wigeon, pintails and 11,000 mallards. 2,300 Canada, 110,000 light geese and 100 White-fronted geese |
| Mallard Migration Ranking | |
| Water level | Lovewell Reservoir is at 1581.24 or 1.36 feet below Conservation Pool, (88.9% full) and holding as the BOR and Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District have reached the winter target elevation of 2 foot below Conservation Pool elevation. Irrigation season releases ended 9/15/20. The Guide Rock Diversion canal inflows are at o.2 cfs from the Republican River and are being used to refill the reservoir. |
| Hunting condition | 5% ice main lake. Some ice in the backs of coves and a bit of shelf ice near shore. Mudflats are ringing the entire reservoir and the water is a closer to the shoreline and concealing vegetation. LOW PLAINS DUCK SEASON October 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021 and January 23-31, 2021 CANADA AND REGULAR LIGHT GOOSE SEASON October 31 - November 1, 2020 and November 4, 2020 - February 14, 2021 WHITE-FRONTED GOOS SEASON October 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021 and January 23 - February 14, 2021 SPRING CONSERVATION ORDER FOR LIGHT GEESE February 15 - April 30, 2021 ALL boat ramps are open. This includes Lovewell State Park and all on the Wildlife Area at Oak Hill, Pawnee Point and White Rock Creek. Reservoir levels are closer to the shoreline vegetation to conceal hunters and some mudflats are still visible. |
| Expected hunting success | Good for ducks and geese on the reservoir. |
| 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 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: 1/20/2021 Print
SMOKY HILL/KANOPOLIS - Last Updated: 1/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 450 ducks. Some mallards, teal and common goldeneyes. 140 Canada geese |
| Water level | 1462.82 ft and stable. Winter conservation level is 1463 ft |
| Hunting conditions | poor -low lake level result in no flooded vegetation |
| Comments | Refuge is CLOSED to all access from September 1st through January 31st. Waterfowl Seasons: Teal (low plains): September 12-27, 2020 Duck (low plains late zone): October 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021 and January 23-31, 2021 Canada Geese: October 31 - November 1, 2020 and November 4, 2020 - February 14, 2021 White-Fronted Geese: October 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021 and January 23 - February 14, 2021 Light Geese: October 31 - November 1, 2020 and November 4, 2020 - February 14, 2021 Light Geese Conservation Order: February 15 - April 30, 2021 Click HERE for duck season, regulation, and research information. Additional information about hunting at Kanopolis Reservoir can be found HERE |
TALMO - Last Updated: 1/15/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 550 Mallards; 14 No Dark Geese Observed REMINDER: ALL HUNTERS NEED TO CHECK IN TO HUNT USING iSPORTSMAN |
| Water level | All pools are at or near full and 100% ice covered |
| Hunting conditions | Bird use is dependent upon ice conditions |
| Expected hunting success | Fair to good, depending on the ice and hunting pressure |
| Comments | Remember: - TALMO IS IN THE LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE Duck Season (first segment) - 10/31/20 - 1/3/2021 CURRENTLY CLOSED Duck Season (second segment) - 1/23/2021 - 1/31/2021 - 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: 1/19/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 4,000-7,000 ducks. Mostly mallards with other species mixed in. 1,000 Canada geese. 100,000-125,000 snows. |
| Water level | 1890.90'; 1.55' below conservation pool; water levels have been slowly increasing |
| Hunting conditions | Lowered lake level has resulted in exposed shorelines with little vegetation; some mud flats present. Coves and shallow areas have been freezing and thawing depending on weather. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor to Fair. Birds are hanging out almost exclusively on the refuge. |
| Comments | Click HERE to download a PDF of the waterfowl area. Click HERE for a Google Earth map of the waterfowl area. Refuge and non-motorized boat area dates: Nov. 1 through Feb. 14. 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. See the attached PDF and Google Earth file for boundaries. This regulation is in effect from Nov. 1 through Feb. 14. 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. Be advised that the refuge will be closed to hunting until the end of dark goose season. Blue/Green Algae Webster is not currently on the blue-green algae watch/warning list. 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 12-27, 2020 Duck Season on Webster Reservoir October 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021 and January 23-31, 2021 Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose October 24-25, 2020 Goose Season on Webster Reservoir CANADA GEESE October 31 - November 1, 2020 and November 4, 2020 - February 14, 2021 WHITE-FRONTED October 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021 and January 23 - February 14, 2021 LIGHT GEESE October 31 - November 1, 2020 and November 4, 2020 - February 14, 2021 LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER February 15 - April 30, 2021 ICE CONDITIONS 0%
Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map 
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WILSON - Last Updated: 1/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 2000+ ducks. Majority Goldeneye, with Bufflehead and Mallards present as well. Canada geese present with flocks of snow geese traveling through the area on a more regular basis |
| Water level | 1515.43 ft and steady; lake is 1/2 foot low. (Conservation pool is 1516.0 ft) |
| Hunting conditions | *Season is currently closed, and will re-open 01/23/2021* Thin ice forms over night on Cedar Creek, Horseshoe Bend, and Spring Creek areas. Good diver hunting around most of the lake with mallards being more selective. Cedar Creek boat launch and creek has thin layer of ice along shorelines, and Elm Creek boat ramp was open as of Thursday, January 21 at 9 AM. More ice is expected to form over night, but may be gone by mid-day. |
| Expected hunting success | fair |
| Comments | Boat ramps: Cedar Creek and Elm Creek boat ramps are open. Low Plains Late: October 31-January 3; January 23-31, 2020 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
9PERRY WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 12/29/2020 Print
BENEDICTINE WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/4/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Mallard Migration Rank: 1 (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. Waterfowl have been seen using the wildlife area in moderation. The refuge wetlands are holding some waterfowl, mainly Mallards and Canada Geese. The large wetland west of the shop and refuge wetland are both holding good amounts of water. Minimal waterfowl activity is occurring at both sites, although numbers are increasing with the cold coming in. Snow and Canada Geese flocks are moving in greater numbers in the area and were seen on the refuge wetland last week. The smaller wetlands on the west end of the wildlife area are NOT being pumped at this time due to pump failure. This issue will more than likely not be resolved before the end of the waterfowl season. 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 | Very good wetland vegetation in all complexes. Native vegetation such as annual smart weeds, barnyard grass, and sunflowers are the most common vegetation. |
| Expected hunting success | Currently waterfowl numbers have been low. Some waterfowl have been using the large wetland southwest of the shop. |
| Comments | The wetlands have some of the best food source vegetation possible. REFUGE IS CLOSED TO HUNTING. |
CLINTON - Last Updated: 12/18/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Waterfowl numbers are down significantly as of 12-18-20, with fewer than 500 ducks and geese observed- including the wildlife area marshes. Waterfowl numbers appear to have dropped over the last week. Cold temps overnight are creating ice that isn't melting. Dry, windy conditions are causing shallow, waterfowl-friendly mudflats to evaporate. Both hunter participation and hunter success on Clinton WA marsh pools has been low recently. Waterfowl observed: Canada geese, Mallards, Northern shovelers, and Hooded Mergansers. _________ Last week's update, F.Y.I.- During the waterfowl survey 12-11-20, nearly 6,700 waterfowl of various species were observed on the reservoir and marshes, as well as ponds and harvested crop fields near Clinton Reservoir and Wildlife area. Survey results : Mallards- 1,276, Canada Geese- 3,214, White-fronted geese- 1,500, Goldeneye-128 Green Winged Teal- 70, Pintail- 18, Bufflehead- 98, Hooded Mergansers- 234, Shoveler-38, Coot-120. Most ducks and geese were observed on shallow areas of the reservoir or harvested crop fields near the lake, good numbers of ducks continue morning and evening use of Coblentz marsh. Groups of diving ducks, Canada geese, and coots were observed in open water on the reservoir. |
| Lake level | 874.72 elevation, releasing 7 c.f.s. The reservoir is .78 feet below normal pool. Some ice has started building up in marshes and small bodies of water, affecting waterfowl use. |
| Hunting conditions | We are unable to pump any more water this season. A fair amount of water (99 acre feet) has been pumped into the Coblentz complex. ALL water control structures have boards in them so no water can flow out. Lake- The lakeshore and shallow mudflats have produced decent food and habitat for much larger numbers of waterfowl. Canada geese, Coots, diving and puddle ducks have been regularly using many areas of Clinton Reservoir that are protected from the wind. Coblentz & East Coblentz- We have completed wetland pumping for 2020 unless lake and river levels rise. All water control structures have boards in them and will be holding water after a rainfall/runoff event. 4 of the 5 wetland pools in the Coblentz complex have SOME water in them. The smaller SW and SE pools have very little to none. majority of water was pumped into the middle pool, north, and East Coblentz. The corn in the North and East pools has been harvested(>10% left standing for waterfowl). There are strips of corn planted in the middle and southeast pools that remain standing. Shadden marsh is dry. Elk Creek- marsh is dry, filled only by rain and runoff. The extreme flooding in 2019 destroyed the marsh pump and we are in the process of replacing it. Until the pump is replaced, the only way to fill the pools is rainfall. *Construction contractors have begun work on new pump site.* At Elk Creek marshes- triticale, which is a wheat/rye hybrid, was planted in part of pools 2 and 4. This may provide an opportunity for hunters. Clinton Wildlife Area 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 marsh pool is CLOSED to ALL ACTIVITIES from October 1st to January 15th. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor to 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 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. The Coon Creek and Elk Creek/Wakarusa river BOAT RAMPS ON THE WILDLIFE AREA ARE OPEN. The REFUGE is closed to ANY AND ALL activities from Oct. 1st to Jan. 15th |
HILLSDALE - Last Updated: 1/20/2021 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | The Hillsdale Wildlife Area has experienced a much more normal year in regards to water levels in 2020 in comparison to 2019. All marshes were able to be gradually drained in order to provide a growing environment for moist soil vegetation throughout the year. A fair amount of natural moist soil vegetation has grown throughout all of the marshes on the Hillsdale Wildlife Area. Japanese millet and buckwheat have also grown with high success in the Big Bull Wetland along with the Antioch Wetland. All of these factors should provide ample feeding opportunities for migrating waterfowl throughout the season. All marshes will begin to be filled with water gradually, leading up to the beginning of waterfowl season. At this time, the current Hillsdale Lake water level is below it's conservation pool level. Due to there being no flood pool available, pumping efforts have come to a halt. As we receive precipitation, we may then be able to continue with our wetland pumping efforts. Brown's wetland was able to be successfully flooded before we were required to stop pumping.
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. Blue wing teal, Green wing teal, Northern Shoveler, Mallards, Pintails, Gadwall, and American Wigeon have been surveyed on the wildlife area this year. Large groups of Coots have also been surveyed. Relatively warm weather with sunny skies has allowed birds to move around. With the weather as well as the ice cover, we are seeing smaller waterfowl numbers. There are still some ducks in the area, but not as many as before. Multiple groups of more than 100 birds have been seen all around the lake in the open water. Groups of 10-20 mallards have also been seen all around the lake. Wigeons and Gadwalls were also surveyed this week on the main body of the lake. 100-200 dark geese have also been surveyed in the area this week. The wetlands are 90-99% frozen up currently. The main body of the lake is around 20-30% frozen over. |
| Water Level | Antioch Wetland - 1/8 Browns Wetland, Upper pool - Full Browns Wetland, Lower pool - Full Youth-Mentor Wetland - 1/4 Wade Branch Wetlands - 3/4 Hillsdale Lake - See Army Corps Daily Report ICE CONDITION - 30% 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: 12/22/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Ducks: A mix of 100 or so ducks on the area. Geese: Snow geese are still utilizing Auxillary lake and the surrounding private fields throughout the area, however weather patterns have made the numbers quite erratic varying from less than 10,000 to 100,000+ depending on the day and weather conditions. Canada geese numbers are low. |
| 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: 1/21/2021 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. During the waterfowl survey this week around the reservoir and wildlife area, 208 mallards, 6 Gadwall, 4 Northern Shovlers, 46 Goldeneye and 375 canada geese were observed. In addition around 425-500 ducks that were to far to identified were observed. |
| Lake level | Current Lake Level is 1143.62 and Conservation Pool is 1144.4 The dam is releasing 700 CFS. The inflow into the lake is 258 CFS. |
| Hunting conditions | Vegetation growth and seed production has been average this year with amount of rainfall and flooding the wetlands have received. 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, Youth/Mentor, Zach and North Smith are off for the season. 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 | Poor |
| 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. |
TUTTLE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 5000 ducks 75 Canada Geese Mallard Migration Rank (0-10) =10 |
| Water level | The lake is currently at 1075 and increasing slowly. |
| Hunting conditions | Poor |
| Expected hunting success | moderate |
| Comments | A permit/survey is required to hunt the Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area. Know your target, there are a few swans using the area. Don't mistake them for light geese. |
This is a collection of all the Southwest Waterfowl Report
CHEYENNE BOTTOMS - Last Updated: 1/15/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | THE LAST DAY OF DUCK SEASON FOR THE LOW PLAINS EARLY ZONE WAS JANUARY 3, 2021. Goose numbers have increased in the last week, up to 100,000 snow geese, 1,000 whitefronts, and 1,000 Canadas. 10,000-15,000 ducks, mostly mallards and pintails, but a mix of species still present. 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-34", 1B-35", 1C-30", 2-19", 3A-16", 3B-16", 4A-1", 4B-14", 5-14". |
| Hunting conditions | Pool 2-multiple holes have been sprayed out, 733 acres of phragmites was sprayed. Pool 3A-all blind islands repaired, cattail control complete, 67 acres milo, 70 acres wheat, 534 acres millet. Pool 3B-small areas of millet planted, some moist soil plants. Pool 4A all cattails were sprayed last year, burned almost all dead cattails, some moist soil plants, disked about 400 acres in the back of the pool, 251 acres planted to wheat. 4B- disked around 120 acres of cattails, 24 acres milo, 145 acres millet, good moist soil plants. Pool 5-Good moist soil plant production. |
| Expected hunting success | Good. Hunters averaged 3.74 birds per hunter during teal season, 3.40 birds per hunter during the youth/military weekend, 2.62 birds per hunter during regular season. |
| Comments | 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: 1/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Approximately 100 ducks observed 1/20. Primarily Scaup. |
| Water level | The pool adjacent to Hwy. 42 is full. The main lake is full. The pool south of the main lake is full. |
| Hunting conditions | |
| Expected hunting success | |
| Comments | Teal Season (Low Plains Zone): September 12-27, 2020 Youth Waterfowl (Low Plains Late Zone): October 24-25, 2020 Ducks (Low Plains Late Zone): October 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021, and January 23-31, 2021 Canada Geese: October 31 - November 1, 2020 and November 4, 2020 - February 14, 2021 White-Fronted Geese: October 31, 2020 - January 3, 2021 and January 23 - February 14, 2021 Light Geese: October 31 - November 1, 2020 and November 4, 2020 - February 14, 2021 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: 12/23/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Approximately 200 ducks - mallard, wigeon. |
| Water levels | Currently, pools 1, 2, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 are full. Pool 9 is 50% full . There is water north of pool 6. The remaining pools are dry. |
| Hunting conditions | |
| Expected hunting success | |
| Comments | Teal Season (Low Plains Zone): 9/12/20-9/27/20 Youth Waterfowl (Low Plains Early Zone): 10/3/20 - 10/4/20 Regular Ducks (Low Plains Early Zone): 10/10/20 - 12/6/20 and 12/19/20 -1/3/21 Goose Seasons: Canada: 10/31/20 - 11/1/20 and 11/4/20 - 2/14/21 Whitefront: 10/31/20 - 1/3/21 and 1/23/21 - 2/14/21 Light: 10/31/20 - 11/1/20 and 11/4/20 - 2/14/20 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: 12/9/2020 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 200-300 ducks, mixed species, observed on area. 70,000-80,000 geese using reservoir and surrounding wildlife area. Can change daily with weather conditions. |
| Water level | 1.71 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: 1/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Welcome to 2020-2021 waterfowl! Approximately 500 ducks and 30 geese on the area this morning. |
| Water level | Kingman State Fishing Lake is full. Millet was planted in all marshes this year. We have 5 marshes flooded north and west of the lake and 2 marshes south of 54 flooded at the current time. |
| Hunting conditions | As of 12/28/20, all water was open and conditions were good. 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. So far, duck numbers have not increased greatly! |
| Comments | Hunters! A kayak/canoe launch is available on the dam just west of the refuge line to aid launching boats across the rip rap. Also, we have a heavy equipment contractor removing trees below the dam this week. The dam road may be closed during the week to keep our visitors safe from falling trees and the heavy equipment. |
COUNCIL GROVE - Last Updated: 1/15/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | Approximately 150 Canada Geese, 150 ducks (primarily mallard and goldeneye with a few bufflehead) and 550 mergansers observed on 1/15/21. |
| Water levels | 1.9 feet below conservation elevation (1,274') on 1/15/21. |
| Hunting conditions | Ice is forming in shallows and wind protected areas during some days. 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. Dry conditions have prevailed this fall. Lake levels are slowly declining. Hunters should be prepared to find water pulled away from cover edges within portions of upper reaches of the lake. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor/Fair. |
| Comments | Low Plains Late Zone Duck Season is CLOSED. Remainder of season is Jan. 23-31, 2021. |
EL DORADO - Last Updated: 1/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | Approximately 600 Ducks mostly goldeneye observed with a small number of mallard. Lots of Canada Geese in the area approximately 900 observed using the reservoir on 01/21/2021. |
| Water level | At 1337.34' approximately 1.66' below conservation elevation (1339'). Ice observed on shallow mud flats and coves. |
| Hunting conditions | Fair. Most of the summer the lake was at or slightly above conservation pool creating a significant amount of shoreline cover. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair |
| Comments | NOTE: El Dorado Lake is located within the Low Plains Southeast Zone. Duck, Low Plains Southeast Zone Jan 9-31, 2021 Canada Geese , Statewide Nov. 4, 2020-Feb. 14, 2021 White-fronted Geese, Statewide Jan 23-Feb. 14, 2021 Light Geese, Statewide Nov. 4, 2020-Feb.14, 2021 |
KAW WILDLIFE AREA. - Last Updated: 1/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | There is approximately 50 waterfowl and some geese are using the river at this time. |
| Water level | Normal |
| Hunting conditions | Poor |
| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE Season: Sept. 14-27, 2020 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 14, 2020 - January 3, 2021 AND January 9-31, 2021 Area open: Southeast Zone (see map) Daily bag limit:6 Possession limit: Three times the daily limit |
MCPHERSON VALLEY WETLANDS - Last Updated: 1/20/2021 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, 20 January 2021: The Low Plains Early Zone duck season closed 03 January 2021. Goose seasons: Canada geese - 04 November 2020 - 14 February 2021 White-fronted geese - 31 October 2020 - 03 January 2021 and 23 January - 14 February 2021 Light geese - 04 November 2020 - 14 February 2021 Light goose spring conservation order - 15 February - 30 April 2021 Approximately 7,000 geese were observed on the wildlife area Friday morning. Now that duck season is closed there are some geese starting to use the wetlands outside of the refuge area. Goose numbers are highly variable and fluctuate daily as the geese trade back and forth between the refuge and private land. See "Water Levels" below for more information. Remember that all activities in both the north and south refuges are prohibited. |
| Current Information | Groundwater pumping is now complete for the season. The wetlands were approximately 75% ice cover Wednesday morning, but this will likely change with warmer temps in the forecast. At the time of this posting the roads were in good shape. |
| Water levels | Big Basin: The wetlands north of Moccasin Road are looking the best at this time. The center complex (Pools 7, 9 and 10) is almost completely dry, and Pool 8 is at about 25% capacity. The area needs to see a good runoff rain event! Chain of Lakes: The west unit of the Chain of Lakes will likely be kept dry during the 2020 - 2021 season for continued cattail control and replacement of a water control structure. Little Sinkhole Unit: The south and west sides of this unit are looking the best relative to water, although a few of the other wetlands have a huntable amount of water at the time of this update. |
| Hunting conditions | Waterfowl food production (native moist soil vegetation) has been fairly good across the area this year, and approximately 240 acres of millet was planted in various wetlands. The wetlands are in serious need of a good rain with abundant runoff! The roads were muddy but frozen at the time of this update, but that will likely change with the approaching weather system. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair 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: 1/21/2021 Print
|
Waterfowl numbers | There are approximately 250 ducks present and some geese in the area at this time. |
|
Water level | All pools have water in them. |
| Hunting conditions | Fair/Good |
| Expected hunting success | Fair/Good |
| 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: 1/21/2021 Print
| Waterfowl Numbers | As of 1-21 waterfowl numbers on the reservoir are approximately 1100. Most of the waterfowl are Mallard at approximately 840, along with a few Northern Shoveler, Green Wing Teal, and Pintail. The reservoir is also holding around 200 Canada geese. Numbers can change daily. |
| Mallard Migration Rating | Current Rating=5 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 1349.10 (Conservation pool is 1350.50) |
| Hunting conditions | Fair. The reservoir was at or near conservation pool most of 2020. 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. Some of the acres close to the shore that were flooded in 2019 do have ample production, and crops on the area look good. Corn harvest was about three weeks behind, area wide, so there should be ample amounts of scrap corn on the ground that won't get a chance to germinate. There is also good cover along the shoreline and in the smaller coves. Water levels are going down, leaving quite a bit of bare ground between shoreline cover and the waters edge. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor. |
| 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: 1/20/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 3-5 thousand ducks have been seen on and around the reservoir this week. Mainly mallards. Most ducks observed were in the refuge or rafted in the middle of the reservoir after consistent hunting pressure. About 8 thousand snow geese on the reservoir as well. The waterfowl numbers are expected to fluctuate with migration, hunting pressure, and changing habitat conditions. |
| Water level | Most of the marshes are full or near full. The reservoir is currently about 1 foot above conservation pool. For current Reservoir levels visit http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ELKC.lakepage.html |
| Hunting conditions | There is a lot of sesbania around the lake this year. It will provide some cover but please try not to transport the plants or seeds away from the reservoir because it is a non-native, invasive species that we spend a lot of time trying to control in the wetlands. Wetland food production was great this year. A little more runoff would still be beneficial. |
| Expected hunting success | Fair. REGULAR DUCK SEASON IS NOV. 14-JAN. 3 AND JAN. 9-31 |
| 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). 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. |
FALL RIVER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 1/8/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 01/08/21 Waterfowl numbers remain low. There are always several small groups of divers on watersheds and pasture ponds as well as the reservoir. Because of the lack of flooded vegetation birds are not lingering in the area. There have been a few large groups of ducks on agricultural fields, however, most of the ducks have been on private fields and not on the wildlife area. A few large groups of divers (mostly mergansers) have been observed on the river recently. Goose numbers have been fair with birds focusing on cut corn fields with wheat drilled in. |
| Water level | Water levels have risen slightly with recent rains, but still fall short of flooding vegetation along shore lines. |
| Hunting conditions | |
| Expected hunting success | Hunters can expect the see waterfowl and perhaps do some shooting, however, a limit would be hard to come by. |
| 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: 1/14/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 5,500 mixed ducks, majority divers. 2,000 Dark Geese and 7,000 Light Geese |
| Water level | Current Level: 1042.39 Conservation Pool Level: 1041 |
| Hunting conditions |
Teal - Low Plains 09/12/2020 - 09/27/2020 Location: East of Hwy. U. S. 283 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
Duck Season - Youth/Veteran/Active Military (Low Plains Southeast) 11/07/2020 - 11/08/2020 Daily Bag Limit: Youth may hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers with same daily bag limits as during the regular seasons. Possession Limit: same as regular seasons. Stamps/Permits Required: Resident youth hunters do not need any stamps or permits. Nonresident youth need a nonresident hunting license, a Kansas HIP Permit and State Waterfowl Permit.
Ducks - Low Plains Southeast Zone 11/14/2020 -01/03/2021 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.
Dark Geese Season (First Segment) 10/31/2020 - 11/01/2020 (Second Segment) 11/04/2020 -02/14/2021 Area open: Statewide Daily bag limit: 6 (including Brant) Possession limit: 18 Kansas HIP Stamp, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp Required
White-fronted Geese Season (First Segment) 10/31/2020- 01/03/2021 (Second Segment) 01/23/2021 – 02/14/2021 Location: Statewide Daily bag limit: 2 Possession limit: 6 Kansas HIP Stamp, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp Required
Light Geese Season (First Segment) 10/31/2020- 11/01/2020 (Second Segment) 11/04/2020- 02/14/2021 Location: Statewide Daily bag limit: 50 Possession limit: Unlimited Kansas HIP Stamp, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp Required
Light Geese Conservation Order NOTE - During this period, there will be no bag or possession limit on light geese. In addition, participants will be allowed to use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls and take light geese from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset during the period of the conservation order. 02/15/2021- 04/30/2021 Location: Statewide Possession Limit: Unlimited Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Stamp, State, Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp John Redmond and Otter Creek Wildlife Area Fall 2020 Conditions- There was no spring flooding issues this year, and vegetation around reservoir looks superb. I expect excellent habitat conditions this year for waterfowl. Otter Creek Marshes, located below John Redmond Dam- excellent vegetation, but no water. Water control structures are closed and ready to hold water, but we have not been able to catch any substantial precipitation events as of yet. Will keep page updated if conditions change. Edges starting to thinly ice, creeks starting to ice up, boat ramps still accessible and open, but going to be temperature dependent. Thin ice, thicker on on south end of open water. The Sedimentation Basins located on west side, below dam, are not open for hunting, and are privately owned and operated. |
| Expected hunting success | Good |
| 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: 1/20/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 30K+ mostly mallards and green wing teal with some pintails, shovelers, and gadwalls. App. 2,500 dark geese in the area. Reminder: White-fronted goose season doesn't open back up until Jan. 23rd. Ice Conditions: ice has been developing over night, but mostly thaws by the afternoon. |
| Water levels | Good water can be found in all major units. Smaller units have been pumped. Boat ramp at A-East has been deepened. Unit G is more shallow now than it has been in recent years. Unless a significant rain event occurs, Unit E and Unit H will have little to no water. "Flooded timber" units will not have water this year. |
| Hunting/ Habitat conditions | Very good moist-soil vegetation in major wetlands, some Japanese millet planted in A North, very little corn in small wetlands. Approximately 100 acres of wheat planted across the area. Levee renovation project was completed on portions of Unit E. |
| Hunting success | Hunting success had improved slightly, but hunting pressure increased significantly. |
| Comments | Project Update: The willows have been harvested for the stabilization project at the river pump station where the bank is being repaired. Construction continues. Please drive slowly when going through the construction zone. 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 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: 1/6/2021 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. Mallard Migration Rank = 1 (0 = no mallards and 10 = peak migration) 01/04/2021 ( 10:00 a.m. )--- ALL WETLAND UNITS ARE FULL 3 Duck Marsh- 10 mallards Willow Marsh- Iced over Sundance Marsh- No birds observed Lowman's Cove- none Shoveler Slough- No birds LOCATION:South parking lot is at the intersection of W 317th St. & S Davis Rd. (NOTE: Motorized boats are prohibited) Refuge- Snow geese |
| Water level | Lake level = 1034.67; Conservation pool = 1036.00; Target goal for the lake is 1034.00. 0% Ice cover on Melvern Lake. |
| Hunting conditions | Moist soil vegetation had great production in all units providing ample amounts of natural food for waterfowl once flooded. Warm weather has slowed migration and waterfowl numbers are low. |
| Expected hunting success | Poor - 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: 1/19/2021 Print
TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 1/8/2021 Print
| Waterfowl numbers | 01/08/21 Ducks remain present in small numbers. Most groups of birds observed have been limited to roughly one to two dozen birds. Most of the birds observed have been divers. Most pasture ponds and water sheds are holding small groups of birds. If conditions are right for ponds to ice up, expect birds to concentrate on the reservoir. |
| Water level | Water levels have risen slightly, however, water is still short of flooding any vegetation. Area marshes remain dry. |
| Hunting conditions | |
| Expected hunting success | With mostly divers being observed hunters could have some success on the reservoir, however, a limit of birds may be hard to come by. |
| 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. |