Southeast
This a collection of all the Southeast Waterfowl Reports.
ELK CITY RESERVOIR/WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 11/8/2024
| Waterfowl numbers | Waterfowl numbers fluctuate with migration, hunting pressure, and changing habitat conditions. |
| Water level | We had around 6 inches of rainfall during the week and got quite a bit of runoff. All of the marshes have some water in them but they are not all full. The lake is slightly above conservation pool right now. For current Reservoir levels visit http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ELKC.lakepage.html |
| Hunting conditions | There was pretty decent vegetative growth in a lot of the wetlands and around the edge of the lake. The end of the summer was extremely dry, and a lot of the vegetation died. Food production was variable across the wetlands. |
| Expected hunting success | Variable. TEAL SEASON IS SEPT. 14-29 REGULAR DUCK SEASON IS NOV. 9-JAN. 5 AND JAN. 11-26 |
| Comments | Please do not leave trash on the public ground including empty shells. Individuals utilizing the wildlife area need to be aware of the refuge boundaries. Boats cannot drive through the refuge area on the water. Maps can be obtained at the Fisheries & Wildlife office (below the dam), at the State Park (on the lake side), and online at https://ksoutdoors.com/content/download/20944/140278/file/ELK%20CITY%20RES%20&%20WA.pdf |
FALL RIVER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 1/9/2024
| Waterfowl numbers | 01/09/24 Decent numbers of dabblers on the lake at any given time along with small groups of divers. Area pasture ponds have been holding some small groups of birds but not many. |
| Water level | Lake level is 1.35 feet above normal pool. Many area marshes are dry. |
| Hunting conditions | Conditions are going to be promising around the lake due to recent water rises that flooded the heavily vegetated mudflats. |
| Expected hunting success | Moderate |
| 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: 1/5/2024
2023 Regulations and Seasons
TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE
Season: 09/10/2023 - 09/24/2023
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
YOUTH, VETERAN AND ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL SEASONS (Youth 17 and younger) Stamps/Permits Required: Resident youth hunters under 16 years of age do not need any stamps or permits. Nonresident youth need a nonresident hunting license, a Kansas HIP Permit and State Waterfowl Permit
Southeast Zone: 11/04/2023 - 11/5/2023
DUCKS, LOW PLAINS SOUTHEAST ZONE
Season: 11/11/2023 - 01/07/2024 and 01/13/2023 - 01/28/2024
Daily bag limit: 6
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.
DARK GEESE: Canada, Cackling and Brant
Season: 10/28/2023 - 10/29/2023 and 11/01/2023 - 02/11/2024
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: 10/28/2023 - 12/31/2023 and 01/20/2024 - 02/11/2024
Area open: Statewide
Daily bag limit: 2
Possession limit: 6
Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp
LIGHT GEESE
Season: 10/28/2023 - 10/29/2023 and 11/01/2023 - 02/11/2024
Area open: Statewide
Daily bag limit: 50
Possession limit: No limit
Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp
LIGHT GEESE, CONSERVATION ORDER
Season: 02/12/2024 - 04/30/2024
Area Open: Statewide
Daily Limit: Unlimited
Possession Limit: Unlimited
Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp
Equipment Restrictions: During the Conservation Order, unplugged shotguns and electronic calls may be used. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
MARAIS DES CYGNES - Last Updated: 11/8/2024
| Waterfowl numbers | ATTENTION HUNTERS: There is a new check-in system All hunters must check-in daily To check-in / check-out. Hunters, go to this site: https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin Use your licensing login credentials to access the check-in / check-out functions. LEGAL SHOOTING TIME FOR WATERFOWL ENDS AT SUNSET! Waterfowl species observed: Mallard, gadwall, green winged teal, blue winged teal, wood duck, northern pintail, Canada goose, and white-fronted goose.
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| Water levels | Staff have been pumping off and on since August. Drought conditions persisted through September and October with limited available water in the river for pumping. Hunters should expect slighter lower water levels than average for opening day. Water levels will fluctuate throughout the week with pumping and anticipated rainfall. Water Level Gauges: A-North (Reese Lake/north structure): 23" A-North (middle structure): 34.5" A-North (boat ramp): A-East at ramp: 20" A-East at outlet: 34.5" C-South at outlet: 15" Unit D wetlands: dry Unit E wetlands: lowest elevations F-East at outlet: 32.5" F-South at outlet: 17" F-West at outlet: 14" Unit G: 19" Unit H: Refuge Units: B-North: 22" B-South: 33.5" C-North: lowest elevations. Staff use these gauges to help manage water levels through both pumping and drawdowns. We will try to provide the level of water as it reads on the gauge. Hunters should keep in mind this value should be used as an index. If the gauge reads 15", it doesn't mean there's 15" of water across the whole unit the gauge reading should be used as a reference. Over time it should help provide a better answer to one of the most common questions we get. "How much water is in _____ unit?" |
| Hunting/ Habitat conditions | Moist soil food production was below average to average this growing season. It was a little too wet early and then the summer heat and dry conditions had the cocklebur growing really well. We have dedicated lots of time to controlling it, but hunters should expect it throughout the area. Army worms have devastated large areas on the Wildlife Area. A mix of millets were planted in A-East, F-West, F-South and C-North. Over 90% was wiped out by army worms in A-East. Approximately 60 acres of standing corn have been left in C-South. Summer vegetation was good: F-East and A-North. There will be some large areas of cocklebur in the lower elevations of F-East. Summer vegetation was fair: in F-South, and F-West Summer vegetation was poor to fair: Unit G. Cocklebur and army worms have impacted 90% of the unit. Summer vegetation was very poor in A-East. The entire unit was aerial seeded with Jap Millet and almost completely consumed by army worms. If you like the habitat or water levels in wetlands, be sure to thank the following staff: Seasonal technicians: Cody and Ron or Habitat Specialist: Sam If there's something you don't like on the area, be sure to tell the Area Manager, Jacob. Hope everyone has a great season. Enjoy your time in the field!
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| Season Dates | LOW PLAINS TEAL: Sept. 14-29, 2024 SOUTHEAST ZONE YOUTH/MILITARY: Nov. 2-3, 2024 SOUTHESAT LATE ZONE DUCK SEASON OPENS Nov. 9, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2024 and Jan 11-26, 2025 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE OPENS Oct. 26, - Dec. 29, 2024 and Jan. 25 - Feb. 16, 2025 CANADA GOOSE SEASON OPENS Oct. 27-28, 2024 and Nov. 6 - Feb. 16, 2025 Light GOOSE SEASON OPENS Oct. 26-27, 2024 and Nov. 6 - Feb. 16, 2025 Conservation Light Goose season is from February 17 - April 30, 2025 |
| Comments | Please report all banded waterfowl to the appropriate agencies. Gas motors are restricted to Unit G and the boat lane in Unit A-East. Outboards cannot be used in any other wetland units. Electric trolling motors are unrestricted. Atv's of any kind are not allowed on the area (side by sides, utv's, amphibious vehicles, "argos", this also means no electric bicycles) Campgrounds on the area are primitive. (No electric, No water) Take your trash with you! Please remember to fill out the daily 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, each individual hunter needs to check in/out and report his/her harvest totals. i.e., NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL. |
MELVERN LAKE/WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 11/14/2024
| Waterfowl Observed | Waterfowl observed on this report are based on what was observed on the day the report is updated. Waterfowl numbers and species observed can vary greatly from day to day. Weather conditions and hunting pressure will affect the number of waterfowl on the area. Date: 11/14/24 Waterfowl numbers are increasing. Waterfowl observed: Mallard, American Coot, Canvasback. Mallard Migration Rank = 4 (0 = no mallards and 10 = peak migration) |
| Water level | Lake level = 1035.60; Conservation pool = 1036.00; Target goal for the lake is 1036.00. Target lake level and outflow is set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. |
| Hunting conditions | Melvern Lake and the Wildlife Area fall within the Low Plains Late Zone. Currently Melvern staff is restricted to minimal pumping capabilities due to the reservoir being below pool level and very little inflows coming from the Marais des Cygnes River. There is water in most wetland pools. 3 Duck Marsh- Water has been pumped into west pool, east pool is still dry. Moderate to good moist soil vegetation. Willow Marsh- Water throughout most of unit, moderate moist soil vegetation. Sundance Marsh- Good water, moderate to good moist soil vegetation Lowman's Cove- Water was left in these pools all summer. North pond dam has blown out and needs repaired. Poor moist soil production. Shoveler Slough- Water throughout majority of unit. Good moist soil vegetation in much of the unit. The parking lot for this wetland is located at the intersection of 317th and S. Davis Rd. Price Marsh- Some water has been pumped into Price. The current water level will be as much water as Price will be able to hold this year. Poor to moderate moist soil vegetation. The levee on Price has been significantly damaged in some areas by flood water. This will impact the amount of water held in the unit for this season. Please be patient while we work on solutions to the damage and ways to prevent damage in the future. The parking lot for this wetland is at 309th & Crawford. NO DRIVING ON THE LEVEE. Refuge-The refuge is on the west end of the lake and directly east of Willow Marsh. It produced moderate moist soil vegetation. Much of the refuge is dry and continues to dry out as lake levels drop. The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th. |
| Expected hunting success | 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://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. 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. TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE Season: 09/14/2024 - 09/29/2024 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 YOUTH, VETERAN AND ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL SEASONS (Youth 17 and younger) Low Plains Late Zone: 10/19/2024 - 10/20/2024 DUCKS, LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE Season: 10/26/2023 - 12/29/2024 and 01/18/2024 - 01/26/2025 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
CANADA GEESE Season: 10/26/2024 - 10/27/2024 and 11/06/2024 - 02/16/2025 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: 10/26/2024 - 12/29/2024 and 01/25/2025 - 02/16/2025 Area open: Statewide Daily bag limit: 2 Possession limit: 6 Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp LIGHT GEESE Season: 10/26/2024 - 10/27/2024 and 11/06/2024 - 02/16/2025 Area open: Statewide Daily bag limit: 50 Possession limit: No limit Stamps Required: Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th. |
NEOSHO WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 11/8/2024
| Waterfowl numbers | Hunters can check in here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials or download the "GoOutdoors KS" app. Check-in / check-out is required for all hunters! NO ENTRY (by foot, boat, etc) INTO THE MARSH (water) BY ANY HUNTER UNTIL 5:00AM AND MUST BE OUT OF THE MARSH BY 1 HOUR AFTER SUNSET (LEGAL SHOOTING TIME). IF THE WATERFOWL REPORT HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED THAT MEANS THAT THE CONDITIONS ON THE AREA HAVE NOT CHANGED SINCE THE LAST UPDATE Duck species present Wood Ducks, Blue and Green-Winged Teal, Pintail, Gadwall, Widgeon, Shoveler, and Mallard. Canada and White-fronted goose numbers are also increasing. |
| Water level | The SE part of the state is still in need of some rain, it has become very dry over the last 2 months. Flood irrigation or first stage up began in the hunting pools on July 29th and finished up August 8th, second stage up was Sept 4th through the 13th and third stage up started Oct 7th and is ongoing. This was done to help preserve habitat, promote seed production, invertebrate production and keep moist soil plants from burning up. Food is done and we are trying to get water to opening day elevations, but pumping is extremely slow and we are continuing to lose water to evaporation. The Neosho River Basin is now fairly flush with water. Recent rains totaling around 7" have helped tremendously. Water levels will be at normal or slightly above typical opening day levels, with levels being around that 10 to 12" average. Boat hunters should still utilize caution when navigating through the hunting pools as there is still extremely shallow water and getting stuck could be a real possibility. Please utilize common sense and respect to other hunters. Please see area news for habitat conditions Boats are NOT required to hunt Neosho. Walk-in hunting is readily available with very few areas over knee deep. Hunters should take caution during the regular waterfowl season wading the boat lane (south end) in Pool 1 (tractor roads/foot crossings are in place); the very east side of 2A, and the oxbow area of 2B. Pool 1- 150 Acres Pool 2A- 90 Acres Pool 2B- 130 acres Pool 3 (Refuge)- 475 acres Pool 4A- 90 Acres Walk in and non-motorized boat hunting only Pool 4B- 35 Acres Walk in and non-motorized boat hunting only Pool 5- Dry Pool 6- Dry Pool 7- Full Pool 8- 25 Acres Please remember that this pool is youth/mentor ONLY on weekends and holidays. Pool 9- 20 Acres South Unit- Nearing full capacity and currently pumping
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| Hunting conditions | SE Zone Regular Waterfowl season will start November 9th Conditions look great with recent rainfall. Water is currently being pumped to begin stage ups in the hunting pools. Habitat is looks extremely good, seed production for moist soil and row crops was good and the vegetation is tall and rank, so what water we have will be hard to see until vegetation begins to break down. Pool elevations are good as can be expected for this time of year with 10 to 12" water in most of pools.
Please see the area news page for a breakdown of habitat types within each pool.
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| Expected hunting success | SE ZONE REGULAR SEASON CURRENTLY CLOSED will open Nov. 9 Fair to good success expected. Please be respectful of other hunters and allow space between hunting parties. We want to thank everyone for the continued cooperation with utilizing our new electronic check-in/out system. The agency continues to work diligently on improving the new system and are confident it will be working for the upcoming waterfowl season. Area staff look at and sort this data in many different ways to make management decisions for upcoming years and to also look at what management strategies worked during the hunting season. |
| Comments | ATTENTION: Federal waterfowl stamps purchased online are still required to be accessible to provide proof of purchase by the hunter if asked for by Law Enforcement! Reminder: Motorized watercraft are prohibited on the wildlife area until the day season opens. (5:00am, November 5,2022 for regular duck season.) DAILY REGULATION: NO ENTRY INTO THE MARSH (water) BY ANY HUNTER UNTIL 5:00AM AND MUST BE OUT OF THE MARSH BY 1 HOUR AFTER LEGAL SHOOTING TIME. DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON PUBLIC LAND IN KANSAS All Boating regulations are enforced! (Lifejackets must be out and accessible, navigation lights, etc.) All boats must operate at no wake speeds within boating canals (signs are posted) No shooting is allowed from interior dikes Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hr before sunrise to SUNSET! Required Licenses/stamps: Hunting License, Federal Waterfowl Stamp, Kansas State Stamp, and Kansas H.I.P. Stamp. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the required licenses/stamps. You MUST also check in and check out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials or download the "GoOutdoors KS" app. Waterfowl hunting in Pool 8 is restricted to youth hunters and their mentor on weekends and holidays. There must be at least one youth per adult if the adult is hunting. (You can't have 5 adults and one youth). This applies during the Youth and Veterans season, this pool is for youth only during youth and veterans season, unless the veteran is taking a youth hunting. Atv's of any kind are not allowed on the area (side by sides, utv's, amphibious vehicles, "argos"; this includes electric bicycles) Campgrounds on the area are Primitive campground. (No electric, No water) Take your trash with you!! 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, each individual hunter needs to check in/out and report his/her harvest totals. i.e., NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL. |
TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 1/9/2024
| Waterfowl numbers | 01/09/24 Moderate numbers of dabblers on the lake at any given time along with smaller groups of divers. Area pasture ponds have been holding some small groups of birds but not many. Lots of geese in the area but almost exclusively on private land. |
| Water level | Lake is 1.40 ft. above normal pool level. Many area marshes are dry. |
| Hunting conditions | The lake has come up and submerged the mudflat vegetation. Hunting conditions will heavily dependent on weather. |
| Expected hunting success | Moderate |
| 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. |