Northwest

**Endangered whooping cranes have been observed in Northcentral and Northwest Kansas. Be cognizant of potential closures and restrictions, and as always, know your target before taking a shot. Shooting a whooping crane can carry fines up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in prison.**

**There have been outbreaks of disease among waterfowl in Northwest Kansas. While there appears to be low risk for human infection, domestic poultry and fowl are susceptible and extreme caution should be taken to reduce the risk of spreading disease. **

CEDAR BLUFF WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 11/19/2024

 

A good number of Mallards and other Dabbler species. Waterfowl numbers changing daily

Resident Canadas and a few whitefronts and small Canadas.

No Hunting Allowed from the Dam

 *****REVIEW Kansas Boating Regulations if you are using a boat to hunt. *****

Refuge Boundaries are also displayed on OnX.

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 Waterfowl Refuge
Water level Reservoir Elevation - 2122.9 - 21 ft. low
Hunting conditions Mudflats at west end should attract some teal, very little flooded vegetation
Expected hunting success Fair-low Lake levels will make concealment difficult and expect fall fishermen to be present.
Comments

Cedar Bluff Wildlife Mgmt. Area and Reservoir are in the Low Plains Late Duck Zone 

Contact Cedar Bluff Area Office 785-726-3212 for more information.

Water Refuge is in effect November 1- January 31

Land Refuge is in effect September 1 - January 31

No Hunting Allowed from the Dam

North Shore State Park is Closed to Hunting.

Youth / Mentor hunting is also available.

Zebra Mussels, Eurasian Milfoil, and Phragmites are present in Cedar Bluff Reservoir.  Please clean and dry all equipment, decoys and boats before hunting other bodies of water.

Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area

Current Weather



GLEN ELDER - Last Updated: 11/15/2024

Waterfowl numbers
*** ENDANGERED WHOOPING CRANES ARE ON THE PROPERTY AS OF 11/15/24 ***
The whooping cranes have been utilizing the area in the vicinity of the northwestern portion of the west refuge area.  Hunters are strongly encouraged to avoid this area while the birds are present.  Please do not attempt to disturb the birds in any fashion.

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ALL HUNTERS at Glen Elder WA are required to check-in AND check-out daily. Go to https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin or utilize the GoOutdoorsKS app and check-in using your licensing login credentials.

It is YOUR responsibility to know a property's regulations, refuge(s) and duck zone boundaries, etc. BEFORE you hunt. 

Click here for a detailed map of the refuges, youth area, and State Park boundaries.

Please be aware that the Low Plains Early Duck Zone and Low Plains Late Duck Zone boundary is HWY 24. This means Glen Elder WA North of Hwy 24 is in the Early Zone.  The majority of the Glen Elder WA (South of HWY 24) is in the Late Zone.

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DUCK HUNTERS WITH BOATS- Please be aware the Boller Point Boat Ramp will be unavailable for use once our contractors begin work to install a new boat ramp starting sometime in mid to late November.  While this ramp is unavailable, the only useable ramps will be in the State Park (NE corner of lake). 

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11/7 Survey results = More ducks have arrived (mostly green wing teal) in the last week.  Relatively low numbers from what we normally have later in the season but good numbers for this time of year.  Goose and sandhill crane numbers have dropped some. Central Crane Zone is now open. Numbers of all species may change dramatically day-to-day.   

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Mallard Migration Rank = 2 (10 is peak migration)

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Glen Elder map

Water level Lake is currently 7 feet below conservation (lowest level in 15+ years) and continuing to drop from evaporation.  
Hunting conditions Very Poor.  Hunters still need to be cautious of DANGEROUS MUD CONDITIONS on the river  and creek areas.
Expected hunting success Poor to fair. 
Comments

Granite Creek boat ramp is closed seasonally from November 1 through January 31st.

The following boat ramps are currently UNUSABLE due to low water levels:  Granite Creek, North Fork River, Carr Creek, Schoen's Cove and Walnut Creek. 

Low Plains Early Duck Zone (North of Highway 24) season is OPEN until December 8, 2024.  Then it will re-open from December 21, 2024 thru January 5, 2025.

Low Plains Late Duck Zone (South of Highway 24) season is OPEN until December 29, 2024 and will re-open January 18 - 26, 2025.

Dark geese season is OPEN until february 16, 2025

Whitefront season is OPEN until December 29, 2024.

Light geese season is OPEN untill February 16, 2025.

Cawker City and Granite Creek Refuge closure dates are November 1st - January 31st.

The Youth/ Mentor hunting area is located in the Granite Creek Refuge and is in effect from October 1 - January 31. 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. Boats of any sort are prohibited in the Granite Creek Refuge.

Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in Waconda Lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters.



JAMESTOWN WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 11/8/2024

Waterfowl numbers

Bird numbers have increased over the last several weeks. However, with limited water and sustained pressure, they are using the hunting pools at night, arriving in the dark and are leaving to the refuge and off on to private ground well before shooting time.

REMEMBER: Hunters are REQUIRED to check-in / check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin  using your licensing login credentials. 

Water levels

Water levels have continued to decreased. Eventhough other parts of the state have picked up substantial rain, the area has received almost no precipitation (less than 0.5" in the last month). We have missed out on a lot of the big rains recently, so water levels will be lower than last year. We are unable to move water into Marsh Creek Marsh or pump from Marsh Creek Marsh into Buffalo Creek Marsh due to water right restrictions.

Puddler Marsh: Dry. Gamekeeper Marsh: Sheet water only. Remember, the refuge is now closed; Gun Club West Marsh: Around half full; avg. depth of 10" to 14" with very shallow water around the margins Gun Club East: Lower elevation than Gun Club West, avg. depth of 8" to 12" with sheet water around the margins.  Greenwing Marsh; Huntable water with areas that were mowed prior to flooding, but has dropped significantly. Marsh Creek Marsh: Dry due to water right restrictions Buffalo Creek Marshes: Dry due to water right restrictions Pintail Marsh: Dry 

Hunting conditions

Excellent moist soil production and abundant flooded vegetation. Gun Club West has very high abundance of cattails that have been sprayed. Expect those to brown up and break down throughout the fall.

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
Expected hunting success Poor. Hunting pressure has moved the birds to a nocturnal pattern we have been seeing over the last several years. Especially with less huntable area than normal. Hunters have averaged just over one bird per hunter in the last week.
Comments

As always, we need some rain. Good cold fronts will help.

We had issues last 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.

 
 

www.ksoutdoors.com/checkin

 
 

Waterfowl Seasons

Low Plains Early Duck Season (First Segment): 10/12/24 - 12/8/24

Low Plains Early Duck Season (Second Segment): 12/21/24 - 1/5/25

Canada Geese:  10/26/24 - 10/27/24 and 11/6/24 - 2/16/25

White-Fronted Geese: 10/26/24 - 12/26/24 and 1/25/25 - 2/16/25

Light Geese: 10/26/24 - 10/27/24 and 11/6/24 - 2/16/25

Light Geese Conservation Order: 2/17/25 - 4/30/25

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 :

  • MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN HUNTING PARTIES
  • BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER HUNTERS
  • KNOW THEIR TARGET AND WHAT LIES BEYOND IT
  • FOLLOWING SAFE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HUNTING PUBLIC LANDS ENJOYS A HIGH QUALITY EXPERIENCE.

THE REFUGE IS CLOSED

Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on!



LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/8/2024

Waterfowl numbers  Migration is lagging behind seasonal averages. Most numerous are Bluewing Teal and resident Canada geese.
Mallard Migration Ranking  
Water level Lovewell Reservoir is at 1576.02 or 6.5 feet below Conservation Pool,( 49.7% full). The BOR and Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District are releasing 0.2 cfs. Inflows of 53.2 cfs from the Guide Rock Diversion Canal from the Republican River is being used to refill the reservoir. Irrigation season ended on 9/16.
Hunting condition

LOVEWELL RESERVOIR HAS NO WATCHES OR WARNINGS FOR HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS. USERS SHOULD STILL BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR POCKETS OF HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS.

HAS BEEN A DIE-OFF OF CORMORANTS OF AN UNDETERMINED CAUSE. USE CAUTION WHEN COMING IN CONTACT WITH THESE DEAD BIRDS. 

CONTACT WITH THE DRIED ALGAE AND POCKETS OF VISIBLE ALGAE BLOOM AREAS IS NOT RECOMMENDED AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED, ESPECIALLY FOR DOGS.

Mudflats are ringing the entire reservoir and the water is a away from the normal shorelinE. Japanese millet was seeded. There is sparse concealing vegetation close to the water.

 THE CEDAR POINT BOAT RAMP IN LOVEWELL STATE PARK IS USEABLE AT THIS TIME. ALL OTHER BOAT RAMPS ARE NOT USEABLE EXCEPT FOR THE SMALLEST WATERCRAFT.

ALL BOATS ARE REQUIRED TO USE NAVIGATION LIGHTS WHILE OPERATING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF SUNSET AND SUNRISE. PFD'S MUST NOT BE STOWED IN ANY COMPARTMENT WHILE THE BOAT IS UNDER POWER. KEEP THEM OUT OR BETTER YET ...ON! NON-MOTORIZED BOAT NEED SOME FLASHLIGHT OR LANTERN. 

Expected hunting success

FAIR TO POOR ON THE WILDLIFE AREA. WATERFOWL ARE USING THE RESERVOIR TO ROOST.

OPEN SEASONS - LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE SEASON DUCK, LIGHT GOOSE, WHITE-FRONTED AND CANADA GOOSE, SANDHILL CRANE

Comments
PARK PERMIT REQUIRED TO ENTER THE STATE PARK. NO HUNTING IS ALLOWED FROM THE SHORELINE OF THE STATE PARK. 

REFUGE REGULATIONS: The land refuge closed to hunting and other activities year-round. 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. This area open to fishing south and east of the buoy line from the north end of the dam to the Lovewell State Park Twin Coves trailer area. Inlet canal closed to fishing September 15 through April 15.

BOAT RAMPS: SEE HUNTING CONDITION FOR BOAT RAMP STATUS. The State Park boat ramps require a Kansas State Park Permit. The Wildlife Area Boat Ramps are Pawnee Point, Oak Hill and White Rock Creek do not require a permit.

CAMPING CABINS are available in Lovewell State Park. Make reservations HERE

HUNTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO :

  • MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN HUNTING PARTIES
  • BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER HUNTERS
  • KNOW THEIR TARGET AND WHAT LIES BEYOND IT
  • HUNTERS USING BOATS MUST EXERCISE EXTRA CARE WHEN BOATING IN COLD WATER AND NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH KANSAS BOATING REGULATIONS
  • OBTAIN PERMISSION BEFORE HUNTING PRIVATE LAND. IF WRITTEN PERMISSION IS REQUIRED ALL HUNTERS IN THE PARTY MUST POSSESS WRITTEN PERMISSION.
  • DO NOT HANDLE DEAD WATERFOWL. DECEASED WATERFOWL INFECTED WITH AVIAN INFLUENZA ARE CONTAGIOUS AND A REAL HAZARD FOR TRANSMITTAL TO DOMESTIC POULTRY.

FOLLOWING SAFE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HUNTING PUBLIC LANDS ENJOYS A HIGH-QUALITY EXPERIENCE.

Hunters can check-in / check-out here,  https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com using your licensing login credentials. Contact the office for other arrangements.  We thank you for your patience. Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on!



NORTON - Last Updated: 10/24/2024

Waterfowl numbers There is currently a small population of resident dark geese that are on the lake a few days a week. There are very little early season ducks present but a few small groups.
Water level The water level is lower than last year and is at a desirable level for waterfowl with several areas of shallow water.
Hunting conditions

Be advised that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and avian cholera is usually present at the Norton Wildlife Area during peak migrations periods. Take proper precautions when handling waterfowl or other birds found dead or seemingly sick. 

Pressure from hunting is expected to be high. Expect to run into other waterfowl hunters. Lake surface is approximately 0% frozen. There are several areas that go from shallow to deeper suddenly and 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. 

Expected hunting success Hunting success is expected to be minimal at this time. Hunters should use common sense when planning on hunting and plan around ideal weather patterns to increase success.
Comments
Norton Reservoir is in the HIGH PLAINS DUCK ZONE

Blinds may be used and must be constructed of natural herbaceous materials or woody debris that are present on the site.  Blinds constructed of non-natural materials must be removed from the property each day.  Please do not bring materials from off-site. 

DUCK SEASON DATES FOR 2024 - 2025

Teal Season: September 21 - 29, 2024

Youth Duck Season (17 and younger): October 5 - 6, 2024

Regular Duck Season:  October 12, 2024 - January 5, 2025 AND January 17 - 26, 2025

Canada Goose Season: October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

White-Fronted Goose Season: October 26 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

Light Goose Season: October 26 - 27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Conservation Season: February 17 - April 30, 2025

Sandhill Crane: October 19 - December 15,2023

REMINDERS:

The refuge is NO ACCESS. Geese that have been shot at and land in the refuge CAN NOT be retrieved. Please use common sense and choose shots that will not allow shot geese to land in the refuge.

Leaving dead birds laying in the field/parking lots is prohibited. Goose meat taste delicious - there are multiple recipes online that can teach you how to cook it. Leaving dead birds on the wildlife area because you do not know how to cook them is not allowed.

Pick up all your trash. Leaving candy wrappers, pop bottles, and EMPTY SHELLS is considered littering, and you will be ticketed.

     



SMOKY HILL/KANOPOLIS - Last Updated: 11/13/2024

Waterfowl numbers Duck numbers are low for this time of season due to mild weather patterns
Water level reservoir is at winter conservation level
   
Hunting conditions  Difficult with no cover/flooded vegetation on shorelines;
   
Comments

Refuge is CLOSED to all access from September 1st through January 31st.

Teal Season - Low Plains

September 14, 2024- September 29, 2024

Duck Season on Webster Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone    

October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 18-26, 2025

Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose

October 19-20, 2024

Goose Season on Webster Reservoir

CANADA GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

WHITE-FRONTED   October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

LIGHT GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Sandhill Crane Season on Webster Reservoir - Central Crane Zone

November 6, 2024 - January 2, 2025

LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

February 17 - April 30, 2025



TALMO - Last Updated: 11/4/2024

Waterfowl numbers

No waterfowl observed on the area this week. All pools are dry.

REMINDER: ALL HUNTERS NEED TO CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT. Click here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing 
login credentials.                                         

Water level ALL POOLS ARE CURRENTLY DRY 
Hunting conditions Poor with no water
Expected hunting success Will depend upon rainfall. 
Comments

 Remember:

- TALMO IS IN THE LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE 

TALMO IS IN THE CLOSED SANDHILL CRANE ZONE

Low Plains Late Zone Duck Season

Duck: 10/26/24 - 1/05/25 & 1/18/25 - 1/26/25

Canada Geese: 10/26/24 - 10/27/24 & 11/06/25 - 2/16/25

White-Fronted Geese: 10/26/24 - 12/29/24 & 1/25/25 - 2/16/25

Light Geese: 10/26/24 - 10/27/24 & 11/6/24 - 2/16/25

Light Geese, Conservation Order: 2/17/25 - 4/30/25

 

- Hunters can Check-in / Check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials.

- No ATV's are allowed on Department land and maintained roads.

-ALL shotgun hunters must use NON-TOXIC shot

-No motorized boats allowed. Hunters wanting to utilize boats must carry/paddle them in.

-The area has a no trash policy.  If you take it in, please bring it back out with you.  This includes spent shotgun shells.

-ALL vehicles MUST remain on the roads and designated parking areas only.



WEBSTER - Last Updated: 11/7/2024

Waterfowl numbers

Waterfowl numbers at Webster have increased this week as of 11/7. Ducks that are here are mostly Mallards but we have still have a fair number of teal around as well. We have not seen many divers this week. Dark goose numbers have increased this week as well and there are some birds loafing near the mudflats and shoreline. 

There have been some Sandhill Cranes at Webster during the last week. The Central crane season is 11/6/2024- 1/2/2025

Water level 1866.8'; 25.7' below conservation pool.
Hunting conditions Irrigation resulted in drastically lower lake levels again in 2024. There are vast mudflats or bare ground surrounding the entire reservoir. The West end of the reservoir has a very silty, soft bottom. The mud is knee deep. 
Expected hunting success

Poor

Boaters: Please be aware of shallow water if using a boat for waterfowl hunting. Many areas near shorelines are very shallow. There are also some humps and high spots that are just out of visibility right below the surface. 

Comments

Refuge and non-motorized boat area dates: Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Morel boat ramp is currently dry. The Rockpoint boat ramp within the State Park is accessible. Hunters need a park pass to access boat ramps in the state park. 

Hunting in or from the shoreline inside the State Park or along the face of the dam is prohibited. Please see the attached PDF and Google Earth file to see updated refuge boundaries and dates. Closed areas will be marked with buoys.

REMINDER: Camping is not permitted on the wildlife area, including in parking lots, except for in designated campgrounds. Ground fires are also not permitted except in provided fire rings within campgrounds.

Blue/Green Algae

There are currently no blue-green algae advisories for the lake.

Webster Reservoir currently does not have zebra mussels. Please be sure equipment is cleaned and dry before coming to Webster from other places.

Teal Season - Low Plains

September 14, 2024- September 29, 2024

Duck Season on Webster Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone    

October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 18-26, 2025

Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose

October 19-20, 2024

Goose Season on Webster Reservoir

CANADA GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

WHITE-FRONTED   October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

LIGHT GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Sandhill Crane Season on Webster Reservoir - Central Crane Zone

November 6, 2024 - January 2, 2025

LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

February 17 - April 30, 2025

 

 Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map

 Click here for PDF

Click here for Google Earth KMZ



WILSON - Last Updated: 11/13/2024

Waterfowl numbers Low waterfowl numbers due to mild weather patterns
   
Water level 4 ft low
Hunting conditions Cedar Creek boat ramp is dry and inaccessible; Elm Creek boat ramp is nearly dry - use with caution; declining lake levels resulting in exposed shoreline and minimal flooded vegetation
Expected hunting success Limited due to low water levels.
Comments

Refuges are closed Sept 1-Jan 31 to all access except by special permit. This includes land and water refuge areas.

Teal Season - Low Plains

September 14, 2024- September 29, 2024

Duck Season on Webster Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone    

October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 18-26, 2025

Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose

October 19-20, 2024

Goose Season on Webster Reservoir

CANADA GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

WHITE-FRONTED   October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025

LIGHT GEESE  October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025

Sandhill Crane Season on Webster Reservoir - Central Crane Zone

November 6, 2024 - January 2, 2025

LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

February 17 - April 30, 2025