McPherson Valley Wetlands Waterfowl Report -
Waterfowl numbers

ATTENTION: All hunters MUST check-in / check-out when hunting.  Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials to check in and out. 

17 January 2024:

THE LPEZ DUCK SEASON IS CLOSED FOR THE YEAR.  THE SECOND SPLIT OF WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE SEASON OPENS 20 JANUARY 2024.

All wetlands are 100% frozen.

Waterfowl numbers are near zero due to ice cover / limited water.

All activities in the north and south refuges in the Big Basin are prohibited.  

Current Information  Be aware of three new regulations in effect at McPherson Valley Wetlands:  (1) The Big Basin has been designated as "youth only" during the youth and military waterfowl weekend, (2) the use of motorized boats is prohibited, and (3) centerfire rifles and handguns are prohibited. 
Water levels

The wetlands are in serious need of abundant rainfall.  While we had decent rainfall this summer, we have had almost ZERO runoff.  Scouting will be critical in determining which wetlands have water, as the majority of the wetlands are dry. 

Groundwater pumping efforts are complete for the 2023 waterfowl season.  With conditions this dry, the amount of groundwater we have pumped will not "save the season" but it will provide a few small areas for waterfowl to forage, along with providing limited hunting opportunities.

SIGNIFICANT ICE IS FORMING WITH THE COLDER TEMPERATURES.  100% FROZEN.

Big Basin: Very limited water in the wetlands that are open to public hunting, and very limited water in the refuge.

Chain of Lakes:  This unit is almost completely dry.  Be aware that the vast majority of Steel's Pond on the east boundary is privately owned. 

Little Sinkhole Marshes:  Very limited water.

Hunting conditions Once again this year, we are treating undesirable vegetation during growing season.  As the treated vegetation dies off and the desirable moist soil vegetation completes seed production, we will continue to roller chop / manipulate vegetation to create hunting spots as the season moves forward.  Waterfowl food production (native moist soil vegetation) has been exceptionally good across the area this year.  Approximately 150 acres of millet was planted in various wetlands.  The food is here, so if we get some good rains conditions will improve.
Expected hunting success Poor, unless we get abundant rainfall.  Limited water and crowded conditions will negatively impact waterfowl numbers and hunter success.
Comments

ATTENTION:

**THERE IS A "NO TRASH POLICY" IN EFFECT AT MCPHERSON VALLEY WETLANDS.  PLEASE CARRY OUT WHATEVER YOU CARRY IN, INCLUDING EMPTY HULLS AND OTHER TRASH.  PLEASE TRY TO LEAVE YOUR HUNTING SPOT AS CLEAN OR CLEANER THAN IT WAS WHEN YOU ARRIVED.  THANKS!!!

REFUGE AREAS:   THE SOUTH REFUGE AREA IN THE BIG BASIN IS OFF-LIMITS TO ALL ACTIVITIES, AND THIS INCLUDES DUCK HUNTING.  THERE IS NO HUNTING OR PUBLIC ACCESS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED IN THE REFUGE!!

The Little Sinkhole/Farland Lake marsh unit is included in the EARLY low-plains duck zone (as is the rest of MPWL).

All shotgun hunters at McPherson Wetlands are required to use non-toxic shot for all hunting. This includes upland birds.

Throughout all units, please be mindful of farmers and big equipment operators needing to access and maintain roads.  Park in designated parking areas when possible, and not on the roadsides.