| 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
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| 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.
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 :
THE REFUGE IS OPEN Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on! |
