Southeast

This a collection of all the Southeast Waterfowl Reports.

ELK CITY RESERVOIR/WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/12/2024

Waterfowl numbers Waterfowl numbers fluctuate with migration, hunting pressure, and changing habitat conditions.
Water level Still have not had any significant rain in the area. We had an inch or so of rain around the area, but it did not result in much runoff. There are some small areas of shallow water in a few of the marshes. The Lake is 5.5 ft. low. We do not have the capability to pump any of the marshes on the wildlife area. Heavy rains will be required to get runoff to fill the marshes. For current Reservoir levels visit http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ELKC.lakepage.html
Hunting conditions The water situation in the wetlands is poor. A few have enough water to hunt now but others remain dry. There was pretty decent vegetative growth in a lot of the wetlands and around the edge of the lake. There will be a good amount of food available for waterfowl if we get more water. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET HIGH CENTERED IF USING A BOAT. SOME OF THE SHORELINE IS VERY SHALLOW A LONG WAYS OUT FROM THE BANK AND THE MUD IS VERY DEEP IN SOME AREAS. 
Expected hunting success Variable.  TEAL SEASON IS SEPT. 9-24 REGULAR DUCK SEASON IS NOV. 11-JAN. 7 AND JAN. 13-28
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.

John Redmond and Otter Creek Wildlife Area Fall 2023 Conditions- We expect below average habitat conditions this year for waterfowl on John Redmond Reservoir. We are in second year of sustained drought, and water levels have been low all summer.
Otter Creek Marshes, located below John Redmond Dam- Only the upper marsh will have water this year.  The DU crop field marsh on the east end, was planted to corn, and has a little water in it.     
The Sedimentation Basins located on west side, below dam, are not open for hunting, and are privately owned and operated.
For information on Flint Hills National Wildlife Area and the marshes on the upper end of the lake please contact FHNWR @ 620-392-5553.



MARAIS DES CYGNES - Last Updated: 2/2/2024

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: mix species of ducks, Canada goose, and white-fronted goose

 

Almost completely thawed.  What ice is left, is pretty rotten.      

     

Water levels

 Small satellite wetlands may not have water until later in the season, if at all.                

Water Level Gauges:

A-North (Reese Lake/north structure): 19"

A-North (middle structure):33.5"

A-North (boat ramp): mostly dry, lowest elevations have water. 

A-East at ramp (new location for 2023): 18"

A-East at outlet: 34.5"

C-South at outlet: 41.5" 

Unit D wetlands: a couple have water

Unit E wetlands: moderate water

F-East at outlet: >48"

F-South at outlet: 30" 

F-West at outlet: 27" 

Unit G: 27" 

Unit H: mostly dry

Refuge Units:

B-North: 26.5"

B-South: 42"

C-North: 

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 average or better than average across the area.  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.   

Japanese Millet was planted in a few small areas, but didn't produce well. Corn was left in wide strips through C-South and F-East. 

Summer vegetation was good or better in: A-East, Unit G (made lots of food, but lots of cocklebur too)

Summer vegetation was fair to good in: A-North, F-South, E

Summer vegetation was poor to fair:  F-West

If you like the habitat or water levels in wetlands, be sure to thank the following staff: Seasonal technicians: Cody, Simon, Ron, Alex, and Bryan . Habitat Specialist: Danny. or Assistant Manager: Joe.

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!

   

Season Dates

LOW PLAINS TEAL: Sept. 9-24, 2023

SOUTHEAST ZONE YOUTH/MILITARY: Nov. 4-5, 2023 

SOUTHESAT LATE ZONE DUCK SEASON OPENS Nov. 11, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024 and Jan 13-28, 2024

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE OPENS Oct. 28, - Dec. 31, 2023 and Jan. 20 - Feb. 1, 2024

DARK GOOSE SEASON OPENS Oct. 28-29, 2023 and Nov. 1 - Feb. 11, 2024 

Light GOOSE SEASON OPENS Oct. 28-29, 2023 and Nov. 1 - Feb. 11, 2024

Conservation Light Goose season is from February 12 - April 30, 2024

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: 2/29/2024

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 number of waterfowl on the area. 

Date: 2/28/2024

Mallard: 3500

Wigeon: 25

Northern Shoveler: 80

Green-Winged Teal: 200

Redhead: 40

Ring-neck: 290

Goldeneye: 35

Unidentified Duck: 1050

Mallard Migration Rank = 0 (0 = no mallards and 10 = peak migration)

Water level Lake level = 1036.11; Conservation pool = 1036.00; Target goal for the lake is 1036.00.         
Hunting conditions

Melvern Lake and the Wildlife Area fall within the Low Plains Late Zone.  

3 Duck Marsh- The wetland is full.

Willow Marsh- This wetland is full of moist soil vegetation and provides excellent habitat. This wetland is full.

Sundance Marsh- This wetland contains moist soil vegetation. The wetland is full.

Lowman's Cove- This wetland is full and moist soil production was high. 

Shoveler Slough- This wetland is prime moist-soil vegetation. Habitat conditions look excellent. This wetland is full. The parking lot for this wetland is located at the intersection of 317th and S. Davis Rd. 

Price Marsh- This newly completed wetland has decent moist soil vegetation.  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 good moist soil vegetation.  The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th.

Expected hunting success good
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: 09/09/2023 - 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)

  • Low Plains Late Zone: 10/21/2023 - 10/22/2023

DUCKS, LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE

  • Season: 10/28/2023 - 12/31/2023 and 01/20/2024 - 01/28/2024
  • 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, any combination of six ducks and/or mergansers which may include no more than five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup and one pintail.

CANADA GEESE

  • 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

The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th.



NEOSHO WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 2/29/2024

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).

Duck species present on area consist of Wood Ducks, Blue and Green Winged Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard, Pintail and a mix of divers.  There are also Canada, White-fronted and Snow Geese utilizing the area. 

Water level

The SE part of the state is still in need of some rain.  Pool elevations are normal or slightly above average and staff will continue to stage up throughout the hunting season.      

Flood irrigation began in the hunting pools on July 13th and finished up August 2.  This was done to help preserve habitat, promote seed production, invertebrate production and keep moist soil plants from burning up.  Pump is currently on and are doing a stage up in all pools.  

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.

Slow water drawdowns have begun to provide high quality spring migration feeding areas 

Pool 1- 300 Acres

Pool 2A- 130 Acres

Pool 2B- 165 acres

Pool 3 (Refuge)- 475 acres

Pool 4A- 90 Acres   Walk in and non-motorized boat hunting only

Pool 4B- 57 Acres   Walk in and non-motorized boat hunting only

Pool 5-  Lower Pool is near full, Middle pool is near full, upper pool is near full.   

Pool 6-  Dry

Pool 7-  Dry

Pool 8-  20 Acres  Please remember that this pool is youth/mentor ONLY on weekends and holidays. 

Pool 9-  Dry 

South Unit- Near full and will not pump any more  

 

    

Hunting conditions

SE Zone waterfowl season Nov. CURRENTLY CLOSED will re-open Jan. 13th to 28th

***We had a hunter lose a gun along the roadway in the wildlife area...If you found one please report to area office @ 620-449-2539***

Habitat is looks extremely good, seed production was high and the vegetation is fairly tall and rank, so what water we have will be hard to see until vegetation begins to break down.  Pool elevations are good with lots of 12"water and we will continue to stage up through the hunting season. 

     

Please see the area news page for a breakdown of habitat types within each pool. 

 

Expected hunting success
SE ZONE REGULAR SEASON CURRENTLY CLOSED 

***We had a hunter lose a gun along the roadway in the wildlife area...If you happened to find one please report to area office @ 620-449-2539***

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 manipulate 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 only valid for 45 days after purchase. After 45 days of being purchased the actual stamp must be in your possession, signed across the face of the stamp, while hunting!
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.