For updated waterfowl numbers and weather conditions call (620) 331-6820. Individuals utilizing the wildlife area need to be aware of the refuge boundaries. Maps can be obtained at the Fisheries & Wildlife office (below the dam) or at the State Park (on the lake side).

Wetland water levels and vegetation vary greatly this year due to the duration and extent of the reservoir flood. Some wetlands were not drained at all and some were drained late to attempt to grow some moist soil vegetation. The wetlands that did not flood have good production but vegetation is thick and we were not able to do much mowing. Finding open areas may be difficult, especially in the early parts of the season. 

Teal ----Sept. 14-29. 2019

Youth Duck---- Nov. 2-3 2019

Duck---- Nov. 9, 2019- Jan. 5, 2020, and Jan. 11-26, 2020

Dark Geese- Oct. 26-27, 2019 and Nov. 6, 2019 through Feb. 12, 2020

 Light Geese- Oct. 26-27, 2019 and Nov. 6, 2019 through Feb. 16, 2020

Due to extreme high water throughout much of the summer months, vegetation is exceedingly poor on the reservoir this year.  Watch out for submerged timber and flood debris, throughout the lake.

Edges and creeks are starting to ice, and conditions are changing daily, dependent on weather.

Below Dam- Lower marsh is 85% full, and vegetation looks pretty good.  Upper marsh is approx. 100% full, and also looks above average.    The DU Marsh on the east corner, has been planted to millet, and wheat on upper edges.  This areas is currently only 40% flooded.  All department managed marshes are open for public waterfowl hunting, and are located below John Redmond Dam south of spillway.  Beware, both the upper and lower marsh's contain some deep water in lower portions, well over 6 feet in depth.   The large sedimentation basins located below damn are not open to public hunting and are under private ownership. 

The smaller ponds and watersheds around county are iced up, and reservoir is starting to stack up with birds.  Birds are loafing and resting in rafts in middle of lake.

NOTE:  Legal shooting hours are 1/2-hour before sunrise to SUNSET.  Late shooters (shooting after sunset) will be prosecuted.

Road along the north side of Unit G will be closed just east of Queens Road to allow undisturbed hunting in the north end of the marsh.

All hunters must check-in daily using iSportsman electronic check-in from a PC, smartphone, or by phone before hunting and check out at the end of the hunt regardless of harvest.  We now have a zero tolerance policy on failure to comply with iSportsman and check station requirements. Please remember to fill out the check-out report 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.  Go to:

https://kdwpt.isportsman.net

Outboard motors are restricted on this wildlife area and are allowed in Unit G and in the boat lane only in Unit A-East. Outboards are not allowed in any other wetland units. Electric trolling motors are unrestricted. Boats must be operated at wakeless speed.  Boats must have sufficient PFDs for occupants.

Go to MDCWA and click the "News" icon near the top for more information on general waterfowl habitat.  Waterfowl report is updated only if there are significant changes in waterfowl numbers or hunting conditions.

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://kdwpt.isportsman.net/  For more information (click here). 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.

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

Ice conditions exist as of 2/14/20 which could make the goose hunting tough. 

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

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.

Neosho WA requires all hunters to utilize the daily permit system called isportsman.  Hunters will need to register via PC prior to hunting at Neosho WA.  Hunters will be able to login via PC, smartphone, or call in from cell phone or landline phone each day prior to hunting to get a daily permit, and report back similar to the paper daily permits.  Please visit https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/to register prior to hunting season.

Waterfowl hunting in Pool 8 is restricted to youth hunters and their mentor on weekends and holidays.