*****REVIEW Kansas Boating Regulations if you are using a boat to hunt. Hunters need to make note that there are White-Fronted Geese and Canada Geese mixed in with the light geese at times. 6 tundra swans were seen using Brown's wetland this week, so hunters should be aware and be sure of their target. At the time of this posting, the wetlands were approximately 20% frozen. Buckwheat was planted in the highest elevations of A-North. HCR-6, Mitigation: Water was held in this unit, however it has evaporated so the unit is dry as of now. The numerous shallow wetlands in south-central Nebraska's Rainwater Basin attract thousands of migrating waterfowl each fall. Lake level is 1.5 feet below normal pool. After 45 days of being purchased the actual stamp must be in your possession, signed across the face of the stamp, while hunting! Possession limit: Three times the daily limit. Last Updated: 2/23/2023 Print, EL DORADO - The agency continues to work diligently on improving the new system and are confident it will be working for the upcoming waterfowl season. Waterfowl numbers have decreased significantly after everything thawed out. Per usual, the refuge is closed to hunting. Many of the roads around the reservoir can get very greasy after rain, or melting snow, please use good judgement about which roads you try to travel on. The Council provides an excellent forum for communication and understanding the problems throughout the flyway and attacking these problems in a cooperative, scientific way. 3 State Park Rd. Pumps have been running off and on since June. HUNTERS CAN CHECK IN VIA THE GOOUTDOORSKS APP OR THE WEBSITEhttps://license.gooutdoorskansas.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx. For booking or more information, contact. We have had several boats stuck this year as the substrate is heavy clay soil and is hard. Refuge-The refuge is on the west end of the lake and directly east of Willow Marsh. Kansas Harvest Information Program Stamp (HIP) . Willow Marsh- This wetland is full of moist soil vegetation and will provide excellent habitat. JOHN REDMOND - All area marshes are dry. When birds are present they seem to just be roosting in the deep water. 6) By the use or aid of live decoys. 40% ICE covered (see above). Click HERE for Duck Season, Regulation, and Research information. This would include not only ducks and geese but also doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, moorhens, band-tailed pigeons, swans, brant, coots and gallinules, for which there is a set hunting season. It is currently dry. 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. Look for "Special Hunts" on our home page under "HUNTING". Every duck hunter knows the colder it is, the better the hunt. Green-winged teal, pintails, shovelers, and mallards are common on this WMA, and hunters may also see diving ducks, Canada geese, and even sandhill cranes. To view a list of over-the-counter permits available to non-resident hunters, visit "Applications and Fees" and select Deer.. For information on Flint Hills National Wildlife Area and the marshes on the upper end of the lake please contact FHNWR @ 620-392-5553. -ALL vehicles MUST remain on the roads and designated parking areas only. Get the latest news and updates from DU delivered straight to you. Large portions of the East and upper West units held some shallow water and led to large amounts of unwanted vegetation such as American Lotus and River Bullrush. He just graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in wildlife and fisheries. NON-MOTORIZEDBOAT NEED SOME FLASHLIGHT OR LANTERN. Click here,https://ksoutdoors.com/checkinusing your licensinglogin credentials. From intersection of Mellard Rd and 193rd Rd, go south 1.5 miles and park along road. Waterfowl numbers vary greatly from day to day and weather conditions and hunting pressure will affect the number of waterfowl on the area. The following boat ramps are now UNUSABLE due to low water levels: Granite Creek, North Fork River, Carr Creek, Schoen's Cove and Walnut Creek. Hunters should expect much shallower than normal water levels for this waterfowl season. There is no flooded corn or milo this year. If the report has not been updated in a few days, please assume that conditions and bird numbers are the same as the last update. A boat will most likely be needed. This a collection of all the Southeast Waterfowl Reports. The Little Sinkhole/Farland Lake marsh unit is included in the EARLY low-plains duck zone (as is the rest of MPWL). So are we. East Coblentz-Mostly Dry- rain filled only, Elk Creek-No pumping, mostly dry with runoff in low spots. The highest Kansas duck harvest reported occurred in 1971, when an estimated 430,000 ducks were taken. Since most ducks are migratory birds crossing state and national boundaries, regulations and management practices that affect their population numbers must extend beyond our state and include other agencies. An understandable question is What does HIP mean to me, as an individual asked to participate in this annual series of inquiries? The vast majority of hunters who participate are doing so because they know its important and understand why its important as hunters. Annual hunting licenses can be purchased online by clicking here or through all licensed agents, or Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourismoffices. If you hunt doves, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, coots, snipe, rail, or woodcock, you are required to participate in Harvest Information Program (HIP). FILL OUT ONLY YOUR INDIVIDUAL HARVEST EFFORTS, i.e., NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL. Other smaller wetlands will be pumped later this fall if at all. Secondly, the licensing vendor will ask you a series of short questions relating to your hunting experience during last year's season. Heavy rains will be required to get runoff to fill the marshes. HCR-7. The rest of the marshes are still dry. Limited water and significant ice cover will have a negative impact on waterfowl numbers and hunter success. However, numbers observed are influenced by habitat conditions in our state. Rock Creek Boat ramp is closed; a gravel launch area for canoes and kayaks is available when lake is near normal pool. The primary consideration when developing frameworks is the long-term welfare of the species or resource. Water is very low. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. No ice cover this week. Lake level is at 1348.52 (Conservation pool is 1350.50). Access the DU Migration Map, Waterfowlers Journal, Waterfowl ID, DU events and more. Printable Version All shotgun hunters at McPherson Wetlands are required to use non-toxic shot for all hunting. TUTTLE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA - Both fields are planted to sunflowers. MARION - Last Updated: 1/6/2023 Print. Leaving dead birds laying in the field/parking lots is prohibited. We have had several dikes being damaged due to unauthorized vehicles driving on them. Only non-toxic shot is allowed on Isabel Wetland Wildlife Area for all species. Allow equipment toDryfor a five day period before using it at another area, OR wash with high-pressure hot water. This can be done here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkinusing your licensing login credentials. Also See: Kansas Photo Galleries Kansas Regions & Attractions The validated permit ($7.50 validation fee) is available at any licensed agent , online , Pratt Operations Office , or Regional office . October 1 through March 31 the area can only be accessed with a special permit obtained through a drawing. Please confer with your local wildlife agency regarding HIP in their state. 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. State stamps are available at any licensed agent, online , Pratt Operations Office orRegional office. This reservoir is an unexpected jewel in the wide, flat expanse of the Kansas prairie. Good water in both refuge units by the office. Low to mid elevations of : G. Larger boats will have difficulty launching in A-East and G. Unit E has almost no water in it and will require a large rain event for that to change. "Thanks to quality nesting habitat in the area, there are a good number of locally produced birds that provide opportunities in the early season," says Mike Szymanksi, migratory bird specialist with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. PLEASE CARRY OUT WHATEVER YOU CARRY IN, INCLUDING EMPTY HULLS AND OTHER TRASH. Poor-Through late July the lake was at or slightly above conservation pool. In spite of these factors, wetland food production across the area was only slightly below average. The refuge at Marion Wildlife area, located on the south west part of the reservoir along French creek, extends out from the shoreline 100 yards into the water. Summer vegetation was good or better in: A-East, F-East, and C-South, Summer vegetation was fair to good in: F-South, Summer vegetation was poor to fair: A-North, F-West, Unit-G. Late-summer rains, in particular, can turn Rainwater Basin wetlands into an early-season buffet for blue-winged teal. Hunting is permitted on the public land around the reservoir although it is restricted in certain areas. Within Kansas, the type of habitat has a greater influence on the timing and species composition of the duck migration than does the location. Goose numbers have increased a little in the last week, but the number of geese present is highly variable depending upon time of day and ice conditions, and overall numbers remain well below average. Explore Sylvan Park in Wilson Lake, Kansas with Recreation.gov. The following are five public waterfowling hotspots where you can meet the migration head on this season. Wilson Lake is conveniently located just five miles north of Interstate 70 in the Saline River Valley. Some good numbers of ducks showing up on the reservoir from time to time now. All sandhill crane hunters must take an online crane identification test each year before hunting sandhill cranes. Summer Draw downs were successful in both the upper and lower units which allowed for some disking, mowing, and millet planting. Refuges are closed Sept 1-Jan 31 to all access except by special permit. Upper Ferguson:This wetland grew mostly native smartweed and has little water currently. i.e.,NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL. At the license counter, the license agent should ask the HIP questions as part of the licensing process; if they do not inquire, you should remind them of HIPs requirement. Location of Facility: 38.936369 -98.629865, Location of Facility: 38.961948 -98.723434, Location of Facility: 39.973018 -98.723434, Season:10/29/2022 - 01/01/2023 and 01/21/2023 - 01/29/2023, Possession limit:Three times the daily limit, Stamps Required:Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp, Season:10/29/2022 - 10/30/2022 and 11/02/2022 - 02/12/2023, Season:10/29/2022 - 01/01/2023 and 01/21/2023 - 02/12/2023. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (S.C.O.R.P), Hiking, Biking, & Horseback Riding Trails, Transferring Fish and Game to Another Person, Education, Exhibition, Collecting, and Salvage Permits, National Refuges, Grasslands and Preserves, Survey ran on 3/9; ~ Canada Geese - 320, Snows - 70; Mallards - 4060, Wigeon - 2275, Pintail - 4050 , Goldeneye - 65, Bufflehead - 12, Canvasback - 20, Mergansers - 55; Unknown - 50; Sandhill Cranes - 550, 1514.62ft; (Conservation pool is 1516.0 ft), Season:10/29/2022 - 01/01/2023 and 01/21/2023 - 01/29/2023, Possession limit:Three times the daily limit, Stamps Required:Kansas HIP Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Waterfowl Stamp, Season:10/29/2022 - 10/30/2022 and 11/02/2022 - 02/12/2023, Season:10/29/2022 - 01/01/2023 and 01/21/2023 - 02/12/2023. Geese that have been shot at and land in the refuge CAN NOT be retrieved. Click HERE for Duck Season, Regulation, and Research information. Once again this year, we treated approximately 400 acres of cattails, Lotus, and other undesirable vegetation this growing season. "I recommend at least an 18-foot V-hull to safely handle the waves.". Waterfowl Stamps and Licence - All Waterfowl stamps and licenses can be bought at any licensed Agent , Pratt Operations Office , or online, EXCEPT for the Federal Waterfowl Stamp which is bought at a US Post Office, KDWPT Regional and Park Offices, and select license agents. Last Updated: 1/19/2023 Print, YOUTH, VETERAN AND ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL SEASONS (Youth 17 and younger)Stamps/Permits Required:Resident youth huntersunder 16 years of agedo not need any stamps or permits. Frameworks set the limit on maximum season length and bag limit, shooting hours, and the earliest opening and latest closing dates of the season for a particular species. Please remember to fill out the daily permit with accurate information. Boats of any sort are prohibited in the Granite Creek Refuge. Generally speaking, duck numbers and harvest declined from levels experienced during the 1970s, when an all time high of 10,015,000 ducks were reported during waterfowl surveys in 1972, and the average number observed each year (1970-79) was 5,820,000. Possibly good if hunters can find a way to conceal themselves. ISPORTSMAN IS NO LONGER IN USE. Waterfowl reports will be posted on a bi-weekly basis throughout the fall and winter waterfowl seasons. The Sedimentation Basins located on west side, below dam, are not open for hunting, and are privately owned and operated. Hunters 15 and younger may hunt under the supervision of an adult 18 or older. Once the frameworks are established by the U.S. Cheyenne Bottoms has no ground water pumps to fill pools. Of the five most common ducks, blue-winged teal are the first to arrive, peaking in September and early October. Puddler Marsh: DryGamekeeper 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. Leaving dead birds on the wildlife area because you do not know how to cook them is not allowed. One fully-feathered wing and /or head must remain attached to waterfowl when transported. This information is utilized annually in the development of harvest frameworks and final regulations. Please see the attached PDF and Google Earth file to see updated refuge boundaries and dates. Lake is all open water now. The basis for a rangewide approach to duck management was provided by Fredrick Lincoln, who initiated the first large-scale banding in the United States in 1922. Geese: Area is open to waterfowl hunting 12/7/2022. The pool south of the main lake has some water. There is zero inflow to the reservoir. Chain of Lakes: This unit is 99% dry. A common misconception is that there is a gradual movement of ducks, north to south, during the fall and early winter periods. - Huntersmayhunt all migratory game birds over natural vegetation that has been mowed or manipulated in other ways, or where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as a result of a normal agricultural planting or normal soil stabilization practice. All other boat ramps on the Wildlife Area at Oak Hill, Pawnee Point and White Rock Creek are iced in and are not useable at this time. For more information about public hunting opportunities in the Rainwater Basin, visit outdoornebraska.ne.gov. HCR-8. Some rain, snow and cold wind has moved into the area and temperature look to be cool with possible snow in the coming days. The future of ducks, unlike geese, is troubling. The nearly 20,000-acre wetland complex attracts droves of migrating waterfowl. ELK CITY RESERVOIR/WILDLIFE AREA - 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. For more information about public hunting opportunities as well as updates on water levels and waterfowl numbers, visit ksoutdoors.com. Waterfowl numbers decreased since the last survey. NEW FOR 2022-2023 SEASON MERGANSERS ARE INCLUDED IN THE DAILY BAG LIMIT FOR DUCKS. KDWPT or USFWS receives no income from this program. Water levels are still dropping weekly so most of the reservoir is surrounded by bare shoreline. To Purchase Your Kansas HIP Permit Online:https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com, USFWS HIP:https://www.fws.gov/birds/surveys-and-data/harvest-surveys/harvest-information-program.php, USFWS Harvest and Hunter Survey Annual Reports:https://www.fws.gov/birds/surveys-and-data/reports-and-publications/hunting-activity-and-harvest.php, Explore Harvest Data visualization for your region:https://fws.gov/harvestsurvey/harvest-vis, Central Flyway Council:https://centralflyway.org/management/harvest-surveys/. Est. Last Updated: 2/3/2023 Print. Youth Season Possession Limit:Three times the daily bag limit. There is a non-motorized boat area at Webster that is walk-in only that is intended for shore hunters. There are still ducks and geese using the main body of the lake, and most of them are using the coves to stay protected from the wind. It is the hunter responsibility to fulfill their HIP requirement. If your name is one of the few selected for the national harvest survey, you will receive a personal letter and a hunting record form and will be asked to voluntarily keep a record of the number of migratory birds you harvest during the season. This will help us resolve current erosion issues and make the whole wetland system work more efficiency. TEAL SEASON IS SEPT. 10-25 REGULAR DUCK SEASONIS NOV. 5-JAN. 1 AND JAN. 14-29. Throughout all units, please be mindful of farmers and big equipment operators needing to access and maintain roads. Last Updated: 1/27/2023 Print. Hunting conditions will be fair. Remember Cheney Reservoir hasZEBRA MUSSELS. We have boards in and are attempting to collect runoff. Wading in some spots may be difficult for people and dogs that will sink in the mud. Use the posted signs as the true boundary. To report a band call 1/800/327/2263 or go tohttp://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/homepage/call800.htm, THE FLYWAY PROCESS OF DEVELOPING REGULATIONS. Six ducks is the daily bag limit, 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. Expert tips, stunning photography, & more: Subscribe to DU Magazine today. PERRY WILDLIFE AREA - To view a list of over-the-counter permits available to non-resident hunters, visit "Applications and Fees" and select "Deer." For waterfowl season dates, Cheyenne Bottoms is in the Low Plains Early Zone. The region also contains more than 75 public hunting areas, including state-owned wildlife management areas, Ducks Unlimited projects, and those managed by the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District. -ALL shotgun hunters must use NON-TOXIC shot. HCR-8, Headquarters:This wetland was drawn down early and corn was planted in some of it. This field is located on the South side of Mellard Rd approx. When it comes to public waterfowl hunting opportunities in Kansas, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is often the first place that comes to mind, and for good reason. Please be respectfulof other hunters and allow space between hunting parties. Waterfowl hunting from the shoreline area is allowed in the Youth-Mentor Area as long as EACH adult is hunting with a youth 17 years or younger. The long term degradation and loss of wetlands and native prairie on their breeding grounds is a serious problem that is difficult to address. Crowding is expected to be an issue. In recent years, mallards have comprised about 50 percent of the total harvest, followed by gadwall at about 14 percent, and green-winged teal at 12 percent. When you purchase your Kansas HIP permit, you first are identifying yourself as migratory game bird hunter. Most birds have been on the large wetland west of the shop. 1463.78ft and declining. As soon as this work is complete, we will put boards in and begin collecting runoff. THIS REGULATION WILL BE ENFORCED. GLEN ELDER - Be aware of new regulations in effect for the 2022 season: The Big Basin is designated as youth only during the youth and military weekend, the use of motorized boats is prohibited, and centerfire rifles and handguns are prohibited. Although water levels are managed on some properties, adequate rainfall is key to producing the wetland conditions favored by the diverse mix of waterfowl that frequent this region. EACH HUNTER 16 YEARS AND OLDER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY ONE OR MORE YOUTH UNDER 16 YEARS OLD. FILL OUT ONLY YOUR INDIVIDUAL HARVEST EFFORTS, each individual hunter needs to check in/out and report his/her harvest totals. iSportsman accounts are now obsolete and hunter cannot access the program. Cleanall visible vegetation and mud from decoys, bags, waders, etc. No person may receive, possess, or give to another, any freshly killed migratory game birds as a gift, except at the personal abodes of the donor or donee, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter who took the birds, stating the hunters address, the total number and species of birds, and the date such birds were taken. Very few geese were seen during the survey. Little Sinkhole Marshes: Water levels at the LSM have declined significantly over the last few weeks. Lots of bare mudflats around the entire lake. For another, Kansas has recorded 460 bird . The Southeast pool has only rainfall. 1.3 feet below conservation elevation (1,274') on 2/23/23. BigBasin:Very limited water in the wetlands that are open to public hunting, and limited water in the refuge. A map will be provided to all hunters showing open roads as well as parking areas. As such, food resources are diminished within lake environments. "How much water is in _____ unit?" The refuge is closed Oct 1st thru Jan 15th to ALL Activity HCR-6. Water refuge in effect November 1 through April 15 on the NORTHEAST half of the reservoir and Wildlife Area from 1/8th mile west of the south end of the dam and following a buoy line northwest to the western boundary of the Cabin Area of the State Park. Currently, there is water in pools 1, 2, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. Federal stamps are available at a US Post Office, Pratt Operations Office or Regional office . Drain water from decoy bags and boats. ALL vehicles must remain on designated roads and parking areas. Very few Light Geese. Wilson Reservoir, State Park and Wildlife Area offer diverse recreational activities to please all visitors. NEOSHO WILDLIFE AREA - The Ninnescah River has minimal flow and all area creeks and ponds that usually hold water are dry. Many of the wetlands are now dry. There is a new electronic check in system starting this season. If hunting the lake a boat will most likely be needed, otherwise one would have to deal with a large distance of mud flat from any cover to the waters edge. Hunting success has been observed at a minimal success on the area for ducks and geese. Pass it on! Lowman's Cove- Due to drought conditions water levels are low but moist soil production was high. 200,000 plus snow geese on the area. Sunflower production is good. The mud flats on the lake may provide the best areas to hunt due to marshes being mostly dry. The information and harvest data collected, along with comments received are very useful in establishing future management goals for the Hillsdale State Wildlife Area. "Scouting is essential for success on Devils Lake," says longtime North Dakota waterfowl hunter Joe Fladeland, "and so is a large boat capable of handling the big water. Accessing the refuge by boat or hunting near the refuge shoreline is not permitted. 40% ICE. Waterfowl reports will be updated on a bi-weekly basis during the fall and winter waterfowl seasons. Since we are located in the rich agricultural bottoms at the intersection of two major water sources, we have an abundance of food and water. To view a list of over-the-counter permits available to non-resident hunters, visit "Applications and Fees" and select Deer.. DUCK HUNTING IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. Fantastic waterfowling action can be found on public land across North America. Refuge is CLOSED to all access from September 1st through January 31st. The waterfowl survey this week resulted in roughly 300 dabbler ducks, 150 divers, and 150 Canada geese. The water lost to irrigation has created areas with steep shorelines that may drop off into water deeper than waders very rapidly and also created deep mud that may pose a risk to people trying to cross it. This is a collection of all the South Central Waterfowl Reports, CHENEY - (Those not required to have a Kansas hunting license include people hunting their own land, and residents 15 and younger). A waterfowl survey was conducted on 01/20/2023 and duck and dark geese numbers are good. Use the map below to pick a region you would like to look at Waterfowl Reports. Hunters need to make sure to keep shot or dead waterfowl away from domestic birds. Delaware River still has a good amount of ice on it as well so boat travel on the river may be limited. BOAT RAMPS: SEE HUNTING CONDITION FOR BOAT RAMP STATUS. onX has the most accurate public lands maps with over 1,300,000 acres in Kansas to help you plan your next adventure. Briefly had some water available to divert and it was enough to fill the inlet canal and put a minimal amount of water in 1A that resulted in saturated soil and sheet water covering about 2/3 of that pool. The State Park boat ramps require a Kansas State Park Permit. Rains over the last month have brought marsh levels to a near maximum level. In the event of an emergency, please call 911. If you like the habitat or water levels in wetlands, be sure to thank the following staff: Seasonal technicians: Kirk, Ron, and Alex. Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary. If you take it in, please bring it back out with you. Hunter's need to be aware of their targets before shooting. The waterfowl numbers are expected to fluctuate with migration, hunting pressure,and changing habitat conditions. HILLSDALE - Remember: NO ATV's are allowed on department lands and roads. LIGHT GOOSE SPRING CONSERVATION SEASON OPEN THRU 4/30/2023. The 8,069-acre public hunting area is made up of 5,000 acres of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, approximately 2,000 acres of cropland, and 1,000 acres of riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek. Inlet canal closed to fishing September 15 through April 15. Located only a few miles from Wilson Lake, our property is located in one of the most highly used routes of the central fly zone. *****, NO ACCESS IN THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE LAND REFUGE SEPT. 1 - JAN. 31, NO ACCESS IN THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE WATER REFUGE NOV. 1 - JAN. 31, Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area and Reservoir are in the Low Plains Late Duck Zone, Dark and Light Geese - Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 2-Feb 12, White-fronted Geese - Oct 29-Jan. 1 and Jan.21-Feb 12. Low Plains Late Zone Duck season and dark goose seasons are CLOSED. HCR-7, Hayward:Pool is currently dry but grew good stands of desirable native moist soil vegetation with some supplemental millet seeding as well . Last Updated: 1/19/2023 Print. Kyle:Launching of boats in both units is possible. Most of unit was planted to corn and are awaiting harvest. Portions of the fields will be mowed prior to dove opener. No activites/hunting allowed in the Steve Lloyd Wetland/Refuge. For more information about waterfowl hunting in the Devils Lake area, visit gf.nd.gov and tourism.devilslakend.com. Use caution!! Ground fires are also not permitted except in provided fire rings within campgrounds. With these kinds of bird numbers comes increased hunting pressure, but nearby Cedar Bluff and Glen Elder Reservoirs and Wilson Lake provide excellent public hunting opportunities that are often underutilized by waterfowlers. South Unit- Dry Filled two pools (55 Acre Feet) in July to flood irrigate and had a great moist soil response. The Central Flyway, stretching from the Canadian Arctic to the Texas Gulf Coast, offers tremendous public waterfowl hunting opportunities. Campgrounds on the area are primitive. These estimates provide information needed to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons, bag limits, and population management. 3 Duck Marsh- The wetland contains prime moist-soil vegetation. -The area has a no trash policy. The parking lot for this wetland is at 309th & Crawford. Several trails are also available to visitors, including the Prairie Fire Trail, a self-guided interpretive trail. Groundwater pumping operations are now complete for the 2022 - 2023 waterfowl season. Field is planted to sunflowers. DU TV airs July through December on the Sportsman Channel. 1882.76'; 9.69' below conservation pool; water levels slowly declining. A map of our wetlands is now available under the Wetland Map tab to the right. The USFWS needs to be able to contact people who hunt various birds. mi west of 193rd Rd. Light Goose numbers change daily. The daily bag may comprise six of any other duck, such as six teal, six gadwall, or six wigeon. Wilson State Park. The following highlights five destinations for each flyway to help you plan your next hunt. There is ice in most areas still today but should be thawing. Closed areas will be marked with buoys. CLINTON - TORONTO RESERVOIR - Outboards cannot be used in any other wetland units. Migratory Game Bird Hunters Why is it important to be HIP? For more information on this and other public hunting opportunities in South Dakota, visit gfp.sd.gov. Last Updated: 1/19/2023 Print, Unidentified ducks- 200 (near middle of reservoir). HCR-7, Northwest:Full pool. Food producing plants in the reservoir were limited due to the higher water. Pumping was limited to 99 acre feet of water due to low water levels in the lake and river. From 1984 through 2003 the total number of ducks reported during the 14 surveys conducted annually (two per month, September through March) on major waterfowl areas in Kansas varied from a high of 3,959,000 in 1998 to a low of 1,194,000 in 1991, and averaged approximately 2,081,000 annually. Information shelters on the area and the Wilson Area Office have more information available. Hunters need a park pass to access boat ramps in the state park. THIS INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA. #3 State Park Road Sylvan Grove, KS 67481, Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (S.C.O.R.P), Hiking, Biking, & Horseback Riding Trails, Transferring Fish and Game to Another Person, Education, Exhibition, Collecting, and Salvage Permits, National Refuges, Grasslands and Preserves, Google Earth File - Wilson Wildlife Area Wildlife Refuge Boundary, Wilson Wildlife Area Wildlife Refuge Boundary Map, Survey ran on 3/9; ~ Canada Geese - 320, Snows - 70; Mallards - 4060, Wigeon - 2275, Pintail - 4050 , Goldeneye - 65, Bufflehead - 12, Canvasback - 20, Mergansers - 55; Unknown - 50; Sandhill Cranes - 550, 1514.62ft; (Conservation pool is 1516.0 ft). If you are required to buy a Kansas hunting license and plan to hunt any migratory game birds in Kansas, you are required to acquire a Kansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit. Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in the lake. The 8,069 acre public hunting area is made up of 5,000 acres of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, approximately 2,000 acres of cropland, and 1,000 acres of riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek. Mainly mallard, other species seen throughout week of 2/6. Widespread flooding in Nevada is causing challenges for wetland managers this spring, but it's providing excellent habitat for waterfowl. For updates on waterfowl numbers as well as general hunting information, visit wildlifedepartment.com. We will update water levels as this changes. Melvern Lake and the Wildlife Area fall within the Low Plains Late Zone. There are several waterfowl using the river at this time. This Google earth file is to be used for general reference only. Over 2,500 ac/ft of water has been pumped this year. The refuge at Cheney Wildlife Area, located on the south side of Pretty Prairie Rd between Obee Rd and Kent Rd, extends out from the shoreline 100 yards into the water. At 1336.52' approximately 2.48' below conservation elevation (1339'). Wade Branch Wetlands - North 1/2, South 1/4, Hillsdale Lake - See Army Corps Daily Report, ICE CONDITION - 0% ice cover on lake. 4) From a sink box (a low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter means of concealment beneath the surface of the water). Last Updated: 3/14/2023 Print. Lake is 1 ft. below normal pool level. Pool 1 and pool 3 has some water, but the rest of the pools are dry. Wounded waterfowl reduced to possession shall be immediately killed and included in the daily bag. Hunting opportunities are fair for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and upland birds. Please be sure equipment is cleaned and dry before coming to Webster from other places. It is YOUR responsibility to know a property's regulations, refuge(s) and duck zone boundaries, etc. HIP has been a federal requirement of those hunting migratory game birds since 1998. Updates will be made when significant changes in waterfowl numbers are observed. Hunters can check-in / check-out here,https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com using your licensing login credentials. 4860 OUTLET BLVD. Located only a few miles from Wilson Lake, our property is located in one of the most highly used routes of the central fly zone. The waterfowl blind registration process for the 2021-2022 Missouri Waterfowl Season has been finalized for Harry S. Truman Lake. SMOKY HILL/KANOPOLIS - All area marshes are dry. Pick up all your trash. Click this link to take an online test that provides information about identifying whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and look-alike species, as well as the hunters ability to choose safe shots. The 25.5-mile long Switchgrass Bike Trail is popular with mountain bikers to pursue this challenging activity. He often hunted this marsh with his sons," says former South Dakota Game, Fish Parks Secretary John Cooper. Experience wildlife in action through DU's photo gallery. Vegetation near water is almost non-existent. This wetland is 1/3 full. Click HEREfor hunting regulations in Lucas Park, Minooka Park, and Sylvan Park. Buffalo Creek & Pintail Marshesare for non-motorized boats and walk-in hunting only. Email Page, This is a collection of all the Northeast Waterfowl Reports, BENEDICTINE WILDLIFE AREA - For help with duck identification go to--http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/tools/waterfwl/waterfwl.htm, A number of population and harvest surveys are conducted annually that are utilized in the development of waterfowl management programs and regulations. However, a shallow marsh near the Oklahoma border may have peak numbers in late October while a reservoir near the Nebraska border may not see maximum numbers until late December. Please remember to fill out the permit with accurate information. In addition, thousands of acres of private lands in the Devils Lake region are open to the public through the state's Private Lands Open to Sportsmen (PLOTS) program. 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). The new system can be found on the GoOutdoorsKS app. Prior to being drained in the early 20th century, the flood-prone area known as Hackberry Flat in southwest Oklahoma attracted scores of waterfowl and hunters, including President Theodore Roosevelt. 2023 waterfowl season declined significantly over the last month have brought marsh levels a... 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