Waterfowl numbers | Bird numbers are fluctuating daily with ice conditions. The last few days the temps have been above freezing, thawing ice. Birds today: Mallards, Green Winged Teal and Pintails are the primary species observed. DARK AND AND LIGHT GEESE ARE PLENTIFUL REMEMBER: Hunters are REQUIRED to check-in / check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. |
Water levels | Ice that formed on all the marshes is not too thick and thawing. No big gains in water levels as they are at the same levels or slightly lower than they were for the end of duck season. The annual very slow,water drawdown of some of the marshes has begun. Puddler Marsh: Dry. Gamekeeper Marsh: minimal water in the refuge; Gun Club West Marsh: drawdown beginning Gun Club East: drawdown beginning Greenwing Marsh; drawdown beginning Marsh Creek Marsh: drawdown begun Buffalo Creek Marshes: Dry Pintail Marsh: Dry |
Hunting conditions | ICE. Any night at or below freezing is making significant ice. Ice cover today is 95%. Ice is the main issue with access after nights of little wind and temperatures below 30 degrees. The past few days the temps have remained above freezing. Excellent moist soil production and abundant flooded vegetation. The vegetation has broken down due to the heavy light goose use. 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 OPEN
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Expected hunting success | Fair, depending on ice and pressure. |
Comments | We have had issues this season with reckless boating in the early morning hours. Please remember to be cautious while running the boat channels, as there is little to no room for more than one boat at a time. We have had several near collisions and mishaps. Also remember, ALL boating regulations will be enforced. Navigation lights (red and green bow lights along with an all around white stern light - light bars and headlamps do not qualify), life jackets, passenger capacities and boat registrations (even lay-out boats with a motor) ARE required. We have also had issues with hunters playing loud music while motoring out and setting up. Please remember to be courteous of other hunters on the area. Not everyone wants to hear it. The MANDATORY electronic check system can be found on the GoOutdoorsKS app. or by following the link below and using your licensing login credentials.
Waterfowl Seasons Low Plains Early Duck Season (Second Segment): Dec. 23 - Jan. 7, 2024 Canada Geese: Open now thru Feb. 11, 2024 White-Fronted Geese: Jan. 20 - Feb. 11, 2024 Light Geese: Open now thru Feb. 11, 2024 Light Geese Conservation Order: Feb. 12, 2024 - April 30, 2024 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 :
THE REFUGE IS OPEN Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on! |