Northeast
This is a collection of all the Northeast Waterfowl Reports
BENEDICTINE WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/19/2023
| Waterfowl numbers | Mallard Migration Rank: 2 (Estimate of potential mallard numbers. 1=lowest, 10=highest) Duck Numbers slowly increasing. |
| Water level | A map of our wetlands is now available under the Wetland Map tab to the right. The wetlands have great habitat, such as, Giant Foxtail, Annual Smartweed, and Barnyard Grass. ALL HUNTABLE WETLANDS ARE BEING PUMPED AND HAVE WATER. Refuge(NOT open to hunting) October 1 through March 31 the area can only be accessed with a special permit obtained through a drawing. Look for "Special Hunts" on our home page under "HUNTING". |
| Hunting conditions | Native vegetation such as annual smart weeds, barnyard grass, foxtail, and sunflowers are the most common vegetation. |
| Expected hunting success | The refuge wetland is holding afew hundred ducks geese at the moment. They are filtering between the refuge, the huntable wetlands, and the river. The warmer weather pushed a lot of birds out of the area but this cold front may bring some in. The Missouri River is holding quite a few birds with the river being so low. They are posted up in back waters along the bank. Per usual, the refuge is closed to hunting. Most birds have been on the large wetland west of the shop. |
| Comments | The wetlands were sheepsfoot to help them hold water, so there is no vegetation standing in the pools. REFUGE IS CLOSED TO HUNTING. |
CLINTON - Last Updated: 1/19/2023
| Waterfowl numbers | Updated 1-19-23 Waterfowl survey conducted on 1-9-23. Waterfowl Survey Results: Mallard- 2,230 Canada geese- 672 Bufflehead- 35 Scaup- 300 Ring-necked duck- 125 Goldeneye- 1010 Hooded Merganser- 18 Common Merganser- 568 White-fronted Geese- 280 Light geese- 3 Unidentified ducks- 200 (near middle of reservoir) Total waterfowl counted- 5,451 Waterfowl numbers decreased since the last survey. |
| Lake level | Ice- on 1/19 ice is not present Lake level is 874.45 on 1-19-23 (conservation pool is 875.50) Clinton WA REFUGE IS OPEN to all activities |
| Hunting conditions | Coblentz - KDWP staff has completed pumping for waterfowl season. Water has been pumped into 3 Coblentz pools: the Southwest pool is full; the middle pool is full, and the North Pool is mostly full. The Southeast pool has only rainfall. Pumping was limited to 99 acre feet of water due to low water levels in the lake and river. East Coblentz- Mostly Dry- rain filled only Shadden- Mostly dry- rainfall only Elk Creek- No pumping, mostly dry with runoff in low spots Lake- Lake level is just below normal pool. The mud flats on the lake may provide the best areas to hunt due to marshes being mostly dry. THE REFUGE AND REFUGE MARSH POOL ARE OPEN TO HUNTING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES Clinton contains miles of creeks, rivers and oxbows on the wildlife area; each of which has unique conditions and frequently hold waterfowl when weather and/or hunting pressure pushes them from marsh pools.
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| Expected hunting success | Poor to Fair |
| Comments | IMPORTANT! Clinton Wildlife Area is utilizing an electronic check-in system required of all hunters. To check-in / check-out, please go to https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. Please remember that trapping is also allowed on the Wildlife Area. Elk Creek (Wakarusa River) and Coon Creek (Lake) boat ramps are open. Rock Creek Boat ramp is closed; a gravel launch area for canoes and kayaks is available when lake is near normal pool. |
HILLSDALE - Last Updated: 1/19/2023
| Waterfowl Numbers | The Hillsdale Wildlife Area has experienced a relatively dry year in regards to water levels in 2022. The reservoir currently sits 1/2 foot below conservation pool. We have had some successful moist soil vegetation growth in all wetland pools this year. Japanese millet, proso millet, and golden millet were all planted in all of the wetland pools and are doing well. Strips of milo were also planted in Brown's wetland especially in the upper reaches as well as Antioch Marsh. On top of the agriculture, there has been plenty of production from moist soil vegetation throughout all of the pools. Pumping efforts were successful in covering most of each marsh pool with huntable water. Rains over the last month have brought marsh levels to a near maximum level. 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. This week has been warm for the season with some highs in the upper 50's. Some rain, snow and cold wind has moved into the area and temperature look to be cool with possible snow in the coming days. There is currently no ice on any of the marsh pools and the lake is all open. The most recent survey showed mostly mallards and canada geese in the area. groups of 50-250 mallards were counted on all marsh pools. Groups of 20-200 canada geese were also counted using all of the marsh pools. There are still ducks and geese using the main body of the lake, and most of them are using the coves to stay protected from the wind. Groups of 100-200 goldeneye were also counted on the main body of the lake. 6 tundra swans were seen using Brown's wetland this week, so hunters should be aware and be sure of their target. |
| Water Level | Antioch Wetland - Full Browns Wetland, Upper pool - Full Browns Wetland, Lower pool - Full Youth-Mentor Wetland - Full Wade Branch Wetlands - North 1/2, South 1/4 Hillsdale Lake - See Army Corps Daily Report ICE CONDITION - 0% ice cover on lake. 0% ice cover on wetlands |
| Comments | Reminder - check-in / check-out is required for all hunting on Hillsdale Wildlife Area. This can be done here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. 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: 12/6/2022
| Waterfowl numbers | Ducks: Area is open to waterfowl hunting 12/7/2022. Mix of less than 200 ducks on area including mallard and goldeneye Geese: Area is open to waterfowl hunting 12/7/2022. 200,000 plus snow geese on the area. Few Canada geese, less than 200. |
| Water level | Normal |
| Hunting conditions | Poor-fair |
| Expected hunting success | Poor-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: 1/31/2023
| 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. The waterfowl survey this week resulted in roughly 300 dabbler ducks, 150 divers, and 150 Canada geese. Throughout the later part of the week, large flocks of Canada geese and a mix bag of ducks have been observed around the wildlife area. |
| Lake level | Current Lake Level is 1142.64 and Conservation Pool is 1143.58 The dam is releasing 225 CFS. The inflow into the lake is 70 CFS. |
| Hunting conditions | Vegetation growth and seed production has been above average this year. No pumps are currently running. Wetlands that currently have water: Sugarbowl, Lower Smith, and Mall Creek 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 | DUCK HUNTING IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. GOOSE SEASON REMAINS OPEN, CHECK REGULATIONS FOR SEASONA DATES Fair, with a few pockets of open water. Most of the river is now open. Please use caution while hunting around frozen water. |
| 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 block gates, and pay attention to No Parking signs in the wetland parking lots. 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 Fires are not permitted anywhere on the wildlife area. Violators will be ticketed Remember - Hunters can check-in / check-out here, https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com/. All hunters (youth included) must first register online. The information collected and comments received are very useful in establishing future management goals for the area. https://www.ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Ducks for more information on seasons and limits. |
PERRY WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/27/2023
| Waterfowl numbers | A waterfowl survey was conducted on 01/20/2023 and duck and dark geese numbers are good. Lake Perry is completely open with no ice coverage, larger wetlands have a fair amount of open water, and smaller wetlands are mostly iced over. Delaware River still has a good amount of ice on it as well so boat travel on the river may be limited. ATTENTION WATERFOWL HUNTERS - LEGAL SHOOTING LIGHT IS FROM 3O MINUTES BEFORE SUNRISE TO SUNSET. *DON'T FORGET TO CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT HERE, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. Mallard Migration Rank = 10 (0 = no mallards 10 = peak migration)
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| Lake level | 0.4 Feet Below Conservation Pool |
| Habitat conditions | Mild flooding in the spring, followed by a dry summer has allowed for a good amount of wetland pool work to be completed and habitat conditions are overall good around the area.
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| Expected hunting success | Poor |
| Comments | Habitat Condition Rating (HCR): 1-10; 1-Poor habitat, 5-quality habitat, 10-Exceptional habitat Reminder: Gas powered boats are only allowed on the River, Lake, Sunset Ridge, Kyle East and West and Rucker wetland pools. Electric powered boats are allowed in all marsh pools. Kyle: Launching of boats in both units is possible. Large portions of the East and upper West units held some shallow water and led to large amounts of unwanted vegetation such as American Lotus and River Bullrush. Pumping is complete and unit is lower than normal, but water right has been completely used so no more pumping will occur this year. HCR-3 West River: Pumping is complete, unit is not as full as most years but we have used our entire water right. Still good water in both the upper and lower units. Summer Draw downs were successful in both the upper and lower units which allowed for some disking, mowing, and millet planting. We will update water levels as this changes. HCR-8 Upper Ferguson: This wetland grew mostly native smartweed and has little water currently. The water control structure is currently removed from the wetland and our contractor expects to get the new one installed in the next couple weeks or so. As soon as this work is complete, we will put boards in and begin collecting runoff. The refuge is closed Oct 1st thru Jan 15th to ALL Activity HCR-6. Lassister: The majority of both units of this wetland were planted to corn. We are awaiting harvest of the corn before we can start collecting water in this pool. HCR-7 Northwest: Full pool. Summer drawdowns were successful leading to a good stand of desirable moist soil vegetation such as millet, smartweed, etc. HCR-8 Headquarters: This wetland was drawn down early and corn was planted in some of it. Once the tenant harvests their 75%, then we will began to try to collect water, no water at this point. HCR-6 Mitigation: Water was held in this unit, however it has evaporated so the unit is dry as of now. We have boards in and are attempting to collect runoff. HCR-7 Hayward: Pool is currently dry but grew good stands of desirable native moist soil vegetation with some supplemental millet seeding as well . HCR-7 Reichart: Full Pool. Most of unit was planted to corn and are awaiting harvest. HCR-8. Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in the lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters. 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. |
TUTTLE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/24/2023
| Waterfowl numbers | 12 ducks 20 Canada Geese Mallard Migration Rank (0-10) =9 |
| Water level | The lake is currently at 1074 and holding steady |
| Hunting conditions | poor |
| Expected hunting success | poor |
| Comments | Please check in using https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin prior to hunting Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area. The bridge on Rolander Rd. has been shut down as it did not pass inspections for safe travel. The Swede Creek boat ramp is out of the water currently with the river being so low, which is also keeping us from pumping the Olsburg marsh. At the time of this writing there has been about 420 acre feet pumped at the Black Vermillion marsh which is all we are allowed to pump in a calender year so the pumping is done for 2022, it is now dry. There is a mowed walking trail from Plum Hollow Rd. South to the pool at the north end of Rolander road, which we are now calling Shannon Creek as it really isn't at the end of Rolander Road anymore. The Olsburg, Swede Creek, and Irving marshes are all dry. Fancy Creek Marsh is dry as well. |