Norton Waterfowl Report - Updated: 12/23/24

Waterfowl numbers There is currently a low number of dark geese that are consistently on the lake. There is currently a moderate number of ducks that are consistently on the lake but a few groups are staying. On days they are migrating through the area there can be several thousand ducks and several hundred geese seen migrating through. 50,000-100,000 snow geese are staying on the lake.
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. 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. Waterfowl 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.