Northeast
This is a collection of all the Northeast Waterfowl Reports
9PERRY WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/29/2021
BENEDICTINE WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/26/2021
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 flying over the area on a daily basis. 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. Mallards and Canada Geese are using the Missouri River at this time. |
Comments | The wetlands have some of the best food source vegetation possible. REFUGE IS CLOSED TO HUNTING. |
CLINTON - Last Updated: 2/10/2021
Waterfowl numbers |
Last waterfowl survey results: 4,738 total waterfowl observed (1/22/21). Updated waterfowl survey results will be posted before 2-12-21. |
Lake level | 875.10 elevation The reservoir is 0.4 feet below normal pool. A thick and growing layer of ice has formed. |
Hunting conditions | Lake- The lakeshore and shallow mudflats have produced good food and habitat for large numbers of waterfowl, which have been regularly using many areas on or near Clinton Reservoir. Coblentz & East Coblentz- The North, Middle, and East pools of Coblentz have water (ice) and food available for waterfowl. Shadden marsh is dry. Elk Creek- marsh is dry and can only be filled by rain and runoff currently. The extreme flooding in 2019 destroyed the marsh pump and KDWPT staff is in the process of replacing it with an improved pump. Until the pump is replaced, the only way to fill the pools is rainfall. *Construction contractors are working on the replacement of the Elk Creek marsh pump. This project will be completed before start of 2021 waterfowl season.* 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 is OPEN. |
Expected hunting success | |
Comments | IMPORTANT! Clinton Wildlife Area is utilizing an electronic check-in system required of all hunters. To register, please go to https://kdwpt.isportsman.net. This is mandatory for everyone hunting the wildlife area, not just waterfowl hunters. The card survey stations have been removed. Plan ahead and sign up for I-sportsman now. Please remember that trapping is also allowed on the Wildlife Area. Elk Creek (Wakarusa River) and Coon Creek (Lake) boat ramps are open. Rock Creek Boat ramp is closed; a gravel launch area for canoes and kayaks is available when lake is near normal pool. |
HILLSDALE - Last Updated: 3/5/2021
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.
Waterfowl counts given on this report are based on what was observed on the day the report is updated. Waterfowl numbers vary greatly from day to day and weather conditions and hunting pressure will affect the numbers of waterfowl on the area. Weather has warmed up dramatically over the last week which has opened up all of the water. Larger numbers of waterfowl were surveyed this week than any week throughout this season. Many large groups of mallards were surveyed on Brown's Wetland and the Youth-Mentor wetland. There were also large groups 100+ on the lake body. Large groups of 150+ Canada Geese were also seen on the wetlands. There was one group of about 150 pintails on the north end of the lake. Wigeons, Gadwall, Shovelers, Canvasback, Redheads, Goldeneyes, and Hooded Mergansers were all counted in this weeks survey. |
Water Level | Antioch Wetland - 1/4 Browns Wetland, Upper pool - Full Browns Wetland, Lower pool - Full Youth-Mentor Wetland - 1/4 Wade Branch Wetlands - 3/4, Empty Hillsdale Lake - See Army Corps Daily Report ICE CONDITION - 0% ice cover on lake. 0% ice cover on wetlands |
Comments | Reminder - an electronic permit/sign-in on Isportsman is required for all hunting on Hillsdale Wildlife Area. All hunters (youth included) must register online and create an individual account. Hunters can then check in using the I-sportsman system from any phone or internet device. This can be done immediately before the hunt or the night before the hunt. The information and harvest data collected, along with comments received are very useful in establishing future management goals for the Hillsdale State Wildlife Area. https://www.ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Ducks for more information on seasons and limits. |
JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER - Last Updated: 2/12/2021
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 numbers have seemed to drop off significantly. Auxillary lake has developed ice across approximately half of the lake and the cold snap of weather has seemed to push the geese off of the area. Numbers are <5,000. Canada geese are utilizing the area and numbers are around 4,000 between the three area lakes. A reminder that only Auxillary lake is open to waterfowl hunting. |
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: 1/28/2021
Waterfowl numbers | Waterfowl counts given on this report are based on what was observed on the day the report is updated. Waterfowl numbers vary greatly from day to day and weather conditions and hunting pressure will affect the numbers of waterfowl on the area. Throughout the week, a handful of ducks and geese were observed due to wetland area and reservoir having some ice. |
Lake level | Current Lake Level is 1143.35 and Conservation Pool is 1144.4 The dam is releasing 700 CFS. The inflow into the lake is 233 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: 1/28/2021
Waterfowl numbers | 0 ducks 10 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 | Poor |
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. |