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License Information

All waterfowl hunters 16 and older must have a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Waterfowl Stamp), and all hunters who are required to obtain a hunting license must also have a Kansas State Waterfowl Stamp and a Kansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp before hunting ducks, geese, or mergansers. (Those not required to have a Kansas hunting license include people hunting their own land, and residents 15 and younger)

Annual Hunting License - All resident hunters age 16 through 74 must have a resident hunting license unless exempt by Kansas Law.  Nonresident hunters, regardless of age, must have a nonresident hunting license.  Annual hunting licenses can be purchased online by clicking here or through all licensed agents, or Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks offices.

Waterfowl Stamps and License - All Waterfowl stamps and licenses can be bought at any licensed Agent , Pratt Operations Office , or online. All Waterfowl stamps are good through season.

  • Kansas HIP Stamp: $2.50
  • State Waterfowl Stamp: $10
  • Federal Waterfowl Stamp: $29.00
Buy your Stamps Online

State stamps are available at any licensed agent, online , Pratt Operations Office or Regional office. Physical Federal stamps are available at a US Post Office. Federal stamps must be signed across the face of the stamp.
Click on the link below for more information on the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2024:
Buy a Duck Stamp or E-Stamp | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

Waterfowl stamps are not required to hunt Coot, Dove, Rail, Snipe, Woodcock, or Sandhill Crane. HIP is required.

If hunting Sandhill Crane, in addition to a hunting license ( if required), a federal sandhill crane hunting permit issued through and validated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is required to hunt cranes. Crane permits obtained in other states are not valid in Kansas. The validated permit ($7.50 validation fee) is available at any licensed agent , online , Pratt Operations Office , or Regional office .

All sandhill crane hunters must take an online crane identification test each year before hunting sandhill cranes. 

"Online Test for Sandhill Crane Hunters." Click this link to take an online test that provides information about identifying whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and look-alike species, as well as the hunter’s ability to choose safe shots. The test is both entertaining and informative and only takes a few minutes.

Harvest Information Program (HIP)

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. KDWP 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://license.gooutdoorskansas.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/

Waterfowl Reports

Use the map below to pick a region you would like to look at Waterfowl Reports.

**Endangered whooping cranes have been observed in Northcentral and Northwest Kansas. Be cognizant of potential closures and restrictions, and as always, know your target before taking a shot. Shooting a whooping crane can carry fines up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in prison.**

**There have been outbreaks of disease among waterfowl in Northwest Kansas. While there appears to be low risk for human infection, domestic poultry and fowl are susceptible and extreme caution should be taken to reduce the risk of spreading disease. **

CEDAR BLUFF WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 2/14/2025 Print

 

Low numbers of waterfowl following the cold front this week. Geese are using the reservoir to roost and feeding on surrounding private land. Snow goose numbers are highly variable day to day. 

No Hunting Allowed from the Dam

 *****REVIEW Kansas Boating Regulations if you are using a boat to hunt. *****

Refuge Boundaries are also displayed on OnX.

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

Cedar Bluff Waterfowl Refuge
Water level Reservoir Elevation - 2122.7 - 21.3 ft. low
Hunting conditions Shorelines are bare and open, very little flooded vegetation
Expected hunting success Poor-low Lake levels will make concealment difficult and expect fall fishermen to be present.
Comments

Cedar Bluff Wildlife Mgmt. Area and Reservoir are in the Low Plains Late Duck Zone 

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

No Hunting Allowed from the Dam

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.

Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area

Current Weather



GLEN ELDER - Last Updated: 2/4/2025 Print

Waterfowl numbers
ALL HUNTERS at Glen Elder WA are required to check-in AND check-out daily. Go to https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin or utilize the GoOutdoorsKS app and check-in using your licensing login credentials.

It is YOUR responsibility to know a property's regulations, refuge(s) and duck zone boundaries, etc. BEFORE you hunt. 

Click here for a detailed map of the refuges, youth area, and State Park boundaries.

Please be aware that the Low Plains Early Duck Zone and Low Plains Late Duck Zone boundary is HWY 24. This means Glen Elder WA North of Hwy 24 is in the Early Zone.  The majority of the Glen Elder WA (South of HWY 24) is in the Late Zone.

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DUCK HUNTERS WITH BOATS- Please be aware the Boller Point Boat Ramp will not be available for use until possibly in February. Contractors are working to install a new boat ramp.  At this time, the only useable ramps are in the State Park (NE corner of lake). 

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2/4/25 update= Warm weather the past few days has opened up more of the lake and brought in a big push of geese. Both snow geese and Canada geese numbers are up significantly from what they have been. The lake is still mostly iced over but there are large open pockets now.

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Avian Flu has hit the snow geese again as in previous years, and there are large numbers of dead and dying geese around the lake. Do not touch these dead geese and it is encouraged to keep dogs away from them as well. Due to low lake levels, there are lots of shallow areas around the lake, and most of these areas will be locked up with ice most mornings. Numbers of all species may change dramatically day-to-day.

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Mallard Migration Rank = 1 (10 is peak migration)

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Glen Elder map

Water level Lake is currently 6.6 feet below conservation.  Cover is still very far away from water everywhere on the property.  
Hunting conditions

Very Poor with NO shoreline cover available.  Hunters still need to be cautious of DANGEROUS MUD CONDITIONS on the river  and creek areas.

Ice conditions = 99% coverage of very thick ice at this time.

Expected hunting success Very Poor until things thaw out a little bit.   Field hunting may offer better chances.  
Comments

Granite Creek boat ramp is closed seasonally from November 1 through January 31st.

The following boat ramps are currently UNUSABLE due to low water levels:  Granite Creek, North Fork River, Carr Creek, Schoen's Cove and Walnut Creek. 

Low Plains Early Duck Zone (North of Highway 24) season is CLOSED for the season

Low Plains Late Duck Zone (South of Highway 24) season is CLOSED for the season.

Dark geese season is OPEN until February 16, 2025

Whitefront season is CLOSED for the season.

Light geese season is OPEN until February 16, 2025.

Cawker City and Granite Creek Refuge closure dates are November 1st - January 31st.

The Youth/ Mentor hunting area is located in the Granite Creek Refuge and is in effect from October 1 - January 31. Waterfowl hunting from the shoreline area is allowed in the Youth-Mentor Area as long as EACH adult is hunting with a youth 17 years or younger. Boats of any sort are prohibited in the Granite Creek Refuge.

Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in Waconda Lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters.



JAMESTOWN WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 2/4/2025 Print

Waterfowl numbers

Starting to see birds migrate back north. Goose numbers fluctuate daily.

REMEMBER: Hunters are REQUIRED to check-in / check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin  using your licensing login credentials. 

Water levels

Had a good thaw going up until today. The area is back to being 100% frozen with one small hole being kept open by a few hundred ducks.

Water levels have slightly increased and will not increase more unless we receive more moisture. We are unable to move water into Marsh Creek Marsh or pump from Marsh Creek Marsh into Buffalo Creek Marsh due to water right restrictions.

Puddler Marsh: Dry. Gamekeeper Marsh: Sheet water only. Remember, the refuge is now closed; Gun Club West Marsh: Around half full; avg. depth of 12" to 18" with very shallow water around the margins Gun Club East: Slightly higher in elevation than Gun Club West, avg. depth of 14" to 20" with sheet water around the margins.  Greenwing Marsh; Huntable water with areas that were mowed prior to flooding, but has dropped significantly. Marsh Creek Marsh: Dry due to water right restrictions Buffalo Creek Marshes: Dry due to water right restrictions Pintail Marsh: Dry 

Hunting conditions

Excellent moist soil production and abundant flooded vegetation. Gun Club West has very high abundance of cattails that have been sprayed. Expect those to brown up and break down throughout the fall.

Remember: NO ATV's are allowed on department lands and roads. THIS INCLUDES ARGO'S AND E-BIKES

There is a no trash policy: If you take it in with you, please bring it out.  This includes spent shotgun shells. THIS REGULATION WILL BE ENFORCED.

ALL vehicles must remain on designated roads and parking areas. 

REFUGE IS NOW OPEN
Expected hunting success Poor. Goose use is minimal with the area being froze.
Comments
We had issues last season with reckless boating in the early morning hours. Please remember to be cautious while running the boat channels, as there is little to no room for more than one boat at a time. We have had several near collisions and mishaps. Also remember, ALL boating regulations will be enforced. Navigation lights (red and green bow lights along with an all around white stern light, light bars and headlamps do not qualify), life jackets, passenger capacities and boat registrations (even lay-out boats with a motor) ARE required. We have also had issues with hunters playing loud music while motoring out and setting up. Please remember to be courteous of other hunters on the area. Not everyone wants to hear it.

The MANDATORY electronic check  system can be found on the GoOutdoorsKS app. or by following the link below and using your licensing login credentials.

 
 

www.ksoutdoors.com/checkin

 
 

Waterfowl Seasons

Canada Geese:  11/6/24 - 2/16/25

White-Fronted Geese: 1/25/25 - 2/16/25

Light Geese: 11/6/24 - 2/16/25

Light Geese Conservation Order: 2/17/25 - 4/30/25

Hunters are REQUIRED to check in AND OUT using the electronic permitting system.

Hunters need to check-in / check-out by going to https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. 


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 :

  • MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN HUNTING PARTIES
  • BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER HUNTERS
  • KNOW THEIR TARGET AND WHAT LIES BEYOND IT
  • FOLLOWING SAFE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HUNTING PUBLIC LANDS ENJOYS A HIGH QUALITY EXPERIENCE.

THE REFUGE IS NOW OPEN

Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on!



LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/12/2025 Print

Waterfowl numbers Most numerous ducks are goldeneye. greenwing teal and mallards. Numbers of  mallards and Canada geese have incresded and light geese numbers have also increased significantly but numbers fluctuate daily. . ATTENTION - NUMBERS OF  CORMORANTS AND NOW LIGHT GEESE HAVE DIED FROM SALMONELLOSIS AND HPAI. USE EXTREME CAUTION WITH HANDLING THESE BIRDS (SEE COMMENTS BELOW)
Mallard Migration Ranking  
Water level Lovewell Reservoir is at 1579.4 or 3.2 feet below Conservation Pool,( 72.7% full). The BOR and Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District are releasing 0.2 cfs. Inflows of 0.2 cfs from the Guide Rock Diversion Canal from the Republican River is being used to refill the reservoir although these inflows have been temporarily paused while a construction project on the canal is completed. Irrigation season ended on 9/16.
Hunting condition

98%. ICE IS AN ISSUE TODAY. ICE HAS FORMED ON THE ENTIRE LAKE SHORELINES AND THE ENTIRE LAKE IS FROZEN.

LOVEWELL RESERVOIR HAS NO WATCHES OR WARNINGS FOR HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS. USERS SHOULD STILL BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR POCKETS OF HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS.

Mudflats are ringing the entire reservoir and the water is a away from the normal shorelinE. Japanese millet was seeded. There is sparse concealing vegetation close to the water.

 ALL BOAT RAMPS ARE NOT USEABLE. 100% ICED IN

ALL BOATS ARE REQUIRED TO USE NAVIGATION LIGHTS WHILE OPERATING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF SUNSET AND SUNRISE. PFD'S MUST NOT BE STOWED IN ANY COMPARTMENT WHILE THE BOAT IS UNDER POWER. KEEP THEM OUT OR BETTER YET ...ON! NON-MOTORIZED BOAT NEED SOME FLASHLIGHT OR LANTERN. 

Expected hunting success

VERY POOR ON THE WILDLIFE AREA. WATERFOWL ARE USING A VERY SMALL ICE-FREE AREA IN THE REFUGE TO ROOST ALMOST ALL DAY.

OPEN SEASONS - LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE CLOSED. LIGHT GOOSE,  CANADA, WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE JANUARY 25 - FEBRUARY 16. SANDHILL CRANE CLOSED

Comments
DEAD AND DYING CORMORANTS AND LIGHT GEESES ARE PRESENT ON THE SHORELINES. CONTACT WITH THESE BIRDS SHOULD BE AVOIDED. RESULTS FROM TESTING HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO HANDLE THESE DEAD BIRDS.
CONTACT WITH THE DRIED ALGAE AND POCKETS OF VISIBLE ALGAE BLOOM AREAS IS NOT RECOMMENDED AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED, ESPECIALLY FOR DOGS.
PARK PERMIT REQUIRED TO ENTER THE STATE 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 :

  • MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN HUNTING PARTIES
  • BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER HUNTERS
  • KNOW THEIR TARGET AND WHAT LIES BEYOND IT
  • HUNTERS USING BOATS MUST EXERCISE EXTRA CARE WHEN BOATING IN COLD WATER AND NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH KANSAS BOATING REGULATIONS
  • OBTAIN PERMISSION BEFORE HUNTING PRIVATE LAND. IF WRITTEN PERMISSION IS REQUIRED ALL HUNTERS IN THE PARTY MUST POSSESS WRITTEN PERMISSION.
  • DO NOT HANDLE DEAD WATERFOWL. DECEASED WATERFOWL INFECTED WITH AVIAN INFLUENZA ARE CONTAGIOUS AND A REAL HAZARD FOR TRANSMITTAL TO DOMESTIC POULTRY.

FOLLOWING SAFE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HUNTING PUBLIC LANDS ENJOYS A HIGH-QUALITY EXPERIENCE.

Hunters can check-in / check-out here,  https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com using your licensing login credentials. 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: 1/27/2025 Print

Waterfowl numbers There is currently a low number of dark geese that are consistently on the lake. There is currently a moderate number of ducks that are consistently on the lake but a few groups are staying. On days they are migrating through the area there can be several thousand ducks and several hundred geese seen migrating through. 50,000-100,000 snow geese are staying on the lake.
Water level The lake is almost 100% frozen. The water level is lower than last year and is at a desirable level for waterfowl with several areas of shallow water.
Hunting conditions

Be advised that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and avian cholera is usually present at the Norton Wildlife Area during peak migrations periods. Take proper precautions when handling waterfowl or other birds found dead or seemingly sick. 

Pressure from hunting is expected to be high. Expect to run into other waterfowl hunters. There are several areas that go from shallow to deeper suddenly and steep shorelines that may drop off into water deeper than waders very rapidly and also created deep mud that may pose a risk to people trying to cross it. 

Lots of pass shooters have been present. Some are confrontational and will start fights over dead geese and spot preference. 

Expected hunting success Hunting success is expected to be minimal at this time. Hunters should use common sense when planning on hunting and plan around ideal weather patterns to increase success.
Comments
Norton Reservoir is in the HIGH PLAINS DUCK ZONE

Blinds may be used and must be constructed of natural herbaceous materials or woody debris that are present on the site.  Blinds constructed of non-natural materials must be removed from the property each day.  Please do not bring materials from off-site. 

DUCK SEASON DATES FOR 2024 - 2025

Teal Season: September 21 - 29, 2024

Youth Duck Season (17 and younger): October 5 - 6, 2024

Regular Duck Season:  October 12, 2024 - January 5, 2025 AND January 17 - 26, 2025

Canada Goose Season: October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

White-Fronted Goose Season: October 26 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

Light Goose Season: October 26 - 27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Conservation Season: February 17 - April 30, 2025

Sandhill Crane: October 19 - December 15,2023

REMINDERS:

The refuge is NO ACCESS. Geese that have been shot at and land in the refuge CAN NOT be retrieved. Please use common sense and choose shots that will not allow shot geese to land in the refuge.

Leaving dead birds laying in the field/parking lots is prohibited. Waterfowl meat taste delicious - there are multiple recipes online that can teach you how to cook it. Leaving dead birds on the wildlife area because you do not know how to cook them is not allowed.

Pick up all your trash. Leaving candy wrappers, pop bottles, and EMPTY SHELLS is considered littering, and you will be ticketed.

     



SMOKY HILL/KANOPOLIS - Last Updated: 2/4/2025 Print

Waterfowl numbers Several thousand Canada and light geese around reservoir on private lands; limited public lands use
Water level reservoir is at winter conservation level
   
Hunting conditions Near peak numbers in region
   
Comments

Refuge is CLOSED to all access from September 1st through January 31st.

Teal Season - Low Plains

September 14, 2024- September 29, 2024

Duck Season - Low Plains Late Zone    

October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 18-26, 2025

Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose

October 19-20, 2024

Goose Season

CANADA GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

WHITE-FRONTED   October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

LIGHT GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Sandhill Crane Season - Central Crane Zone

November 6, 2024 - January 2, 2025

LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

February 17 - April 30, 2025



TALMO - Last Updated: 2/4/2025 Print

Waterfowl numbers

No waterfowl observed on the area this week. All pools are dry.

REMINDER: ALL HUNTERS NEED TO CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT. Click here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing 
login credentials.                                         

Water level ALL POOLS ARE CURRENTLY DRY 
Hunting conditions Poor with no water
Expected hunting success Will depend upon rainfall. 
Comments

 Remember:

- TALMO IS IN THE LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE 

TALMO IS IN THE CLOSED SANDHILL CRANE ZONE

Low Plains Late Zone Duck Season

Canada Geese: 10/26/24 - 10/27/24 & 11/06/25 - 2/16/25

White-Fronted Geese: 10/26/24 - 12/29/24 & 1/25/25 - 2/16/25

Light Geese: 10/26/24 - 10/27/24 & 11/6/24 - 2/16/25

Light Geese, Conservation Order: 2/17/25 - 4/30/25

 

- Hunters can Check-in / Check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials.

- 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: 2/14/2025 Print

Waterfowl numbers Waterfowl numbers at Webster have increased following the cold front but cold temps this week have left very little open water for birds to use. Dark geese are spread out in multiple spots across the reservoir, but numbers have increase significantly this week. There is a large flock of snow geese roosting on Webster as well.  
Water level

1867.0'; 25.5' below conservation pool. 

Currently 95% Ice Cover

Hunting conditions Irrigation resulted in drastically lower lake levels again in 2024. There are vast mudflats or bare ground surrounding the entire reservoir. The West end of the reservoir has a very silty, soft bottom. The mud is knee deep. 
Expected hunting success

Poor due to ice and water level

Boaters: Please be aware of shallow water if using a boat for waterfowl hunting. Many areas near shorelines are very shallow. There are also some humps and high spots that are just out of visibility right below the surface. 

Comments

Refuge and non-motorized boat area dates: Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Morel boat ramp is currently dry. The Rockpoint boat ramp within the State Park is accessible. Hunters need a park pass to access boat ramps in the state park. 

Hunting in or from the shoreline inside the State Park or along the face of the dam is prohibited. Closed areas will be marked with buoys. Refuge boundaries are posted around the area, in the state park office or on the OnX Hunt app. 

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 - Low Plains

September 14, 2024- September 29, 2024

Duck Season on Webster Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone    

October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 18-26, 2025

Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose

October 19-20, 2024

Goose Season on Webster Reservoir

CANADA GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

WHITE-FRONTED   October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

LIGHT GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Sandhill Crane Season on Webster Reservoir - Central Crane Zone

November 6, 2024 - January 2, 2025

LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

February 17 - April 30, 2025

 

Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map



WILSON - Last Updated: 2/4/2025 Print

Waterfowl numbers Several thousand Canada and light geese in area.  Feeding on private lands. West end is ice covered. 
   
Water level 5 ft low
Hunting conditions Cedar Creek boat ramp is dry and inaccessible; Elm Creek boat ramp is iced up. Best opportunity is field hunting. Always get landowner permission before hunting on private lands.  There is no check-in or check-out to hunt Public Lands at Wilson Wildlife Area.
Expected hunting success Near peak Canada and light geese numbers in general region
Comments

Refuges are closed Sept 1-Jan 31 to all access except by special permit. This includes land and water refuge areas.

Teal Season - Low Plains

September 14, 2024- September 29, 2024

Duck Season on Wilson Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone    

October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 18-26, 2025

Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose

October 19-20, 2024

Goose Season on Wilson Reservoir

CANADA GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

WHITE-FRONTED   October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

LIGHT GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Sandhill Crane Season on Wilson Reservoir - Central Crane Zone

November 6, 2024 - January 2, 2025

LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

February 17 - April 30, 2025