Northwest

**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: 3/16/2023

	Very few Light Geese. Light Goose numbers change daily. No Hunting Allowed from the Dam ***REVIEW Kansas Boating Regulations if you are using a boat to hunt. * NO ACCESS IN THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE LAND REFUGE SEPT. 1 - JAN. 31 NO ACCESS IN THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE WATER REFUGE NOV. 1 - JAN. 31**
Water level	Reservoir Elevation - 2127.4 (16.6 ft low)
Hunting conditions	Lower lake levels will make shoreline access easier.
Expected hunting success	Fair.
Comments	Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area and Reservoir are in the Low Plains Late Duck Zone Low Plains Late Duck Zone Season Dates Teal - Sept 10-25 Duck - Oct. 29-Jan. 1 and Jan. 21-29 Dark and Light Geese - Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 2-Feb 12 White-fronted Geese - Oct 29-Jan. 1 and Jan.21-Feb 12 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: 3/14/2023

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 (Season: 10/8/22 - 12/4/22 and 12/17/22 - 1/1/23). This includes the granite creek area North of the refuge and HWY 24. Glen Elder WA South of HWY 24 is in the Late Zone (Season: 10/29/22 - 1/1/23 and 1/21/22 - 1/29/22). Lake is all open water now. Estimating 8,000 ducks mostly mallards and pintails (duck season is now closed). Est. 1,000 dark geese and 20,000 snow geese (dark goose season is now closed). A few swans have been seen on GELR. Please make sure to get a good ID if you are hunting snow geese. There are extensive bare mudflats around the entire lake. Please be cautious of silt in the north and south fork rivers. Wading in some spots may be difficult for people and dogs that will sink in the mud. There has been a significant outbreak of disease among the snow geese at GELR. You may find dead or sick birds along the shorelines or in the surrounding area during hunting or scouting. KDWP is monitoring this to the best of our ability and sent birds to SCWDS for testing very early in the outbreak. Currently it is thought to be very low risk of infection in humans. However, if you have a domestic poultry flock extreme caution needs to be taken to avoid transferring disease and infecting your flock.
Water level	Lake is currently 5.3 feet low. The Bureau of Reclamation is dropping water level for dam and spillway repair projects. Lots of bare mudflats around the entire lake.
Hunting conditions	Extremely Poor. Vegetation near water is almost non-existent.
Expected hunting success	Possibly good if hunters can find a way to conceal themselves.
Comments	Granite Creek boat ramp is closed November 1 through January 31, 2021. The following boat ramps are now UNUSABLE due to low water levels: Granite Creek, North Fork River, Carr Creek, Schoen's Cove and Walnut Creek. Low Plains Early Duck Zone season is 10/8/22 - 12/4/22 and 12/17/22 - 1/1/23 Low Plains Late Duck Zone season is 10/29/22 - 1/1/23 and 1/21/22 - 1/29/22 Dark geese season will be 10/29/22 - 10/30/22 and 11/2/22 - 2/12/23 Whitefront season will be 10/29/22 - 1/1/22 and 1/21/23 - 2/12/23 Light geese season will 10/29/22 - 10/30/22 and 11/2/22 - 2/12/23 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: 2/28/2023

Waterfowl numbers	The area is currently holding large numbers of light geese. Numbers fluctuate daily, numbers most days are well over 100,000. Hunters need to make note that there are White-Fronted Geese and Canada Geese mixed in with the light geese at times. LIGHT GOOSE SPRING CONSERVATION SEASON OPEN THRU 4/30/2023 REMEMBER: Hunters are REQUIRED to check-in / check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials.
Water levels	No ice cover this week. The entire Wildlife Area is only holding less than 50% of normal, huntable water due to the dry conditions. Managers will start slow draw-downs in the next few weeks in preparation for the growing season. Puddler Marsh: Dry Gamekeeper Marsh: 20% full; Gun Club West Marsh: Approximately 85% full with the average water depth of 16 inches; Gun Club East: Same as Gun Club West, average water depth of 16 inches; Greenwing Marsh; 90% full with varying water depths within the marsh; Marsh Creek Marsh: 5% full and will remain at that level until conditions in the Republican River improve. The creek channel itself is around two feet deep. The Marsh Creek off-storage pools that are usually pumped or filled will remain dry unless we get some significant rain; Buffalo Creek Marshes: Currently dry as managers will be unable to pump until conditions in the Republican River improve; Pintail Marsh: Dry and will need significant rains to fill.
Hunting conditions	Light Geese are leaving the area twice per day to feed then returning mid-day. 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 CLOSED
Expected hunting success	Fair, but as most know, Light Geese can be difficult to hunt.
Comments	THERE HAS BEEN REPORTS IN THE AREA OF BIRDS SUFFERING FROM HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA, ALSO KNOWN AS BIRD FLU OR AVIAN FLU (Predominantly Snow Geese). Sick birds will display behavior that doesn't seem natural, such as not being afraid of humans, spinning or waking in circles or other erratic movements. Hunters need to make sure to keep shot or dead waterfowl away from domestic birds. Hunters are encouraged to report sick wild birds or unusual wild bird deaths. Hunters will be strongly encouraged to scout prior to hunting the area. Crowding is expected to be an issue. Please be courteous and respectful of other hunters and pick up all trash, including spent shotgun hulls. Littering citations will be issued as needed. There is a new electronic check in system starting this season. iSportsman accounts are now obsolete and hunter cannot access the program. The new 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 LIGHT GEESE CONSERVATION ORDER: 02/13/23 - 04/30/23 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 OPEN Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on!

LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/23/2023

Waterfowl numbers	Very, very large numbers of light geese
Mallard Migration Ranking
Water level	40% ICE. Lovewell Reservoir is at 1581.1 or 1.5 feet below Conservation Pool, (85.9% full) and slowly rising. The BOR and Kansas Bostwick Irrigation are bringing in 100.9 cfs of water into the reservoir daily this past week. The Guide Rock Diversion from the Republican River is being used to refill the reservoir. 0.2 cfs is being released. Irrigation season ended 9/16.
Hunting condition	40% ICE covered (see above). Mudflats are ringing the entire reservoir and the water is a away from the shoreline. No shoreline and concealing vegetation. ALL DUCK Seasons CLOSED 1/29/2023 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE OPEN from 1/21-2/12/2023 ALL OTHER DARK AND LIGHT GEESE OPEN UNTIL 2/12/2023 LIGHT GOOSE SPRING CONSERVATION SEASON OPEN 2/13-4/30/2023 ALL boat ramps iced in. All other boat ramps on the Wildlife Area at Oak Hill, Pawnee Point and White Rock Creek are iced in and are not useable at this time. ALL BOATS ARE REQUIRED TO USE NAVIGATION LIGHTS WHILE OPERATING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF SUNSET AND SUNRISE. NON-MOTORIZED BOAT NEED SOME FLASHLIGHT OR LANTERN.
Expected hunting success	GOOD on private land.
Comments	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. 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: 2/20/2023

Waterfowl numbers	With the Northern migration underway numbers have been fairly high but fluctuate on a daily basis. Warmer days see less geese and colder days have numerous geese on the lake.
Water level	The water level is considerably lower than the last several years. The reservoir is currently 38% full.
Hunting conditions	Pressure from hunting is expected to be high. Expect to run into other waterfowl hunters. Water loss from irrigation has created mud flats and some muddy shorelines. Most of the shoreline looks like a moon and hunters will have a tough time finding enough vegetation to hide in. The water lost to irrigation has created areas with 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. Lake is 95% frozen.
Expected hunting success	Hunting success has been observed at a minimal success on the area for ducks and geese.
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 2022 - 2023 Teal Season: September 17-25, 2022 Youth Duck Season: October 1-2, 2022 Regular Duck Season: October 8, 2022 - January 1, 2023, AND January 20-29, 2023 Canada Goose Season: October 29-30, 2022, and November 2, 2022 - February 12, 2023 Speck Goose Season: October 29, 2022 - January 1, 2023 and January 21, 2023 - February 12, 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. Goose 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: 12/13/2022

Waterfowl numbers	500 ducks; 40 Canada geese
Water level	1463.78 ft and declining. Summer conservation level is 1467 ft. Winter conservation level is 1463;

Hunting conditions	Poor with limited cover on shorelines and low lake levels; backwaters on refuge dry due to drought

Comments	Refuge is CLOSED to all access from September 1st through January 31st. TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE Season: 09/10/2022 - 09/25/2022 Area open: East of Hwy. U. S. 283 Daily bag limit: 6 teal (any combination of teal: blue-winged, green-winged or cinnamon teal) Possession limit: 18 teal in possession (any combination of teal: blue-winged, green-winged or cinnamon teal) Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp Click HERE for duck season, regulation, and research information. Additional information about hunting at Kanopolis Reservoir can be found HERE

TALMO - Last Updated: 2/3/2023

Waterfowl numbers	No waterfowl on the area ALL WETLANDS ON THE AREA 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 dry.
Hunting conditions	Moist Soil Conditions are excellent, however all pools are dry. Bird use dependent upon water levels. Managers have been disking cattails in all of the moist soil units.
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 10/29/2022 - 01/01/2023 and 01/21/2023 - 01/29/2023 - 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: 3/16/2023

Waterfowl numbers	DUCK, CANADA GOOSE AND WHITE FRONTED GOOSE SEASONS ARE NOW CLOSED Very few snow geese around this week.
Water level	1882.76'; 9.69' below conservation pool; water levels slowly declining.
Hunting conditions	There is zero inflow to the reservoir. Irrigation season resulted in drastically lower lake levels. Portions of the west end of the reservoir are dry while the lake has receded in many areas. Water levels are still dropping weekly so most of the reservoir is surrounded by bare shoreline.
Expected hunting success	Average.
Comments	Refuge and non-motorized boat area dates: Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Morel boat ramp is currently dry. The Old Marina, Goose Flats, and Rockpoint boat ramps within the State Park are accessible. Hunters need a park pass to access boat ramps in the state park. There is a non-motorized boat area at Webster that is walk-in only that is intended for shore hunters. The area starts at the southeast corner of the reservoir and goes west to Morel boat ramp. This regulation is in effect from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Hunting in or from the shoreline inside the State Park or along the face of the dam is prohibited. Please see the attached PDF and Google Earth file to see updated refuge boundaries and dates. Closed areas will be marked with buoys. REMINDER: Camping is not permitted on the wildlife area, including in parking lots, except for in designated campgrounds. Ground fires are also not permitted except in provided fire rings within campgrounds. Blue/Green Algae There are currently no blue-green algae advisories for the lake. Webster Reservoir currently does not have zebra mussels. Please be sure equipment is cleaned and dry before coming to Webster from other places. Teal Season September 10-25, 2022 Duck Season on Webster Reservoir October 29, 2022 - January 1, 2023 and January 21-29, 2023 Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose October 22-23, 2022 Goose Season on Webster Reservoir CANADA GEESE October 29 - October 30, 2022 and November 2, 2022 - February 12, 2023 WHITE-FRONTED October 29, 2022 - January 1, 2023 and January 21 - February 12, 2023 LIGHT GEESE October 29 - October 30, 2022 and November 2, 2022 - February 12 2023 LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER February 13 - April 30, 2023 Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map Click here for PDF Click here for Google Earth KMZ

WILSON - Last Updated: 3/9/2023

Waterfowl numbers	Survey ran on 3/9; ~ Canada Geese - 320, Snows - 70; Mallards - 4060, Wigeon - 2275, Pintail - 4050 , Goldeneye - 65, Bufflehead - 12, Canvasback - 20, Mergansers - 55; Unknown - 50; Sandhill Cranes - 550

Water level	1514.62 ft; (Conservation pool is 1516.0 ft)
Hunting conditions
Expected hunting success
Comments	Waterfowl Seasons: DUCKS, LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE Season: 10/29/2022 - 01/01/2023 and 01/21/2023 - 01/29/2023 Area open: Late Zone (see map) Daily bag limit: 6 (Limit Info) Possession limit: Three times the daily limit Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp DUCK LIMITS 6 ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, and 1 scaup. CANADA GEESE Season: 10/29/2022 - 10/30/2022 and 11/02/2022 - 02/12/2023 Area open: Statewide Daily bag limit: 6 (including Brant) Possession limit: 18 Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp WHITE-FRONTED GEESE Season: 10/29/2022 - 01/01/2023 and 01/21/2023 - 02/12/2023 Area open: Statewide Daily bag limit: 2 Possession limit: 6 Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp LIGHT GEESE Season: 10/29/2022 - 10/30/2022 and 11/02/2022 - 02/12/2023 Area open: Statewide Daily bag limit: 50 Possession limit: No limit Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp Refuges are closed Sept 1-Jan 31 to all access except by special permit. Zebra mussels are in Wilson Lake, so be sure to drain/dry/clean boats and equipment before moving to other areas. Click HERE for Duck Season, Regulation, and Research information. Click HERE for hunting regulations in Lucas Park, Minooka Park, and Sylvan Park.

Printable Version Email Page

Main Menu

Northwest