We will be updating our reports using many National Wildlife Refuges and Management Areas as well as updates from our Premier Waterfowl Hunting Outfitters from across the region. We hope this will be a valued resource in planning your next adventure and tracking the migration through the 2018 waterfowl hunting season!
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In central Minnesota expect a high temp of 32 on Friday with a low of 24 and partly cloudy skies and a NW wind at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 33 with a low of 26 and a 40% chance of snow with a NE wind at 15-25 mph. Sundays high is expected to be 29 with a low of 19 and cloudy skies a NNE wind of 10-20 mph.
Reported on 11-27 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-1 that there were 6,100 ducks in the area. Up from 5,600 in the previous survey. Of the 6,100, 99% were Ringnecks and 1% Mallards. It was also reported that 12 Canada geese in the area. Down from 50 in the previous survey.
Reported on 11-27 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-2 they had 15,500 ducks on the refuge. Up from 12,000 in the previous survey. Of the 15,000, 46% were Mallards, 30% were Ringnecks, and 9% were Wood Ducks. It was also reported that they had 4,500 Canada geese on the refuge. Up from 960 in the previous survey.
Reported on 1-27 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-15 they had 16,300 Canada geese in the area. Up from 14,200 in the previous survey. They finished by saying that there was about 4,000 mallards on the refuge as well. Down from 5,000 in the previous survey.
Luke reported on 11-27 that there is still a ton of honkers and Mallards left all over the state. He stated that this season seemed about average and even pretty tough with the lack of juvenile birds. Luke finished by saying that he is already looking forward to spring snow goose hunting and hoping for no April blizzards this year.
Chuck reported on 12/17/2018 that they are pretty much wrapped up for the year now. he said that there are still good numbers of Canada geese using the Lac Qui Parle refuge but they are feeding inside the refuge and are hard to hunt. He noted that overall he felt this season was a down year compared to the last couple and that a lot of the Canada geese were staging in the Fergus Falls area this season. Chuck is also offering turkey hunts in Minnesota now for the spring season and will be gearing up for that once the ice fishing season finished up.
Adam reported on 11-28 that they have really strong Mallard numbers in the area currently! He stated that they have been working really well in fields. Adam finished by saying that this season started good, had the typical October lull and has finished really strong!
In central Iowa expect a high of 37 on Friday with a low of 34 and partly cloudy skies with E winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 35 with a low of 32 and a 100% chance of rain with a ESE wind at 15-25 mph. Look for a high of 35 on Sunday with a low of 27 and a 40% chance of a snow mix with a NNW wind at 10-20 mph.
Reported on 11-27 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-21 that there were 3,200 ducks in the area. Up from 1,700 in the previous survey. Of the 3,200, 100% were Mallards, 0% were other dabblers, and 0% was divers. It was also reported that there were 2,300 Geese in the area. Down from 6,600 in the previous survey. Of the 2,300 Geese 100% were Dark geese and 0% were light geese.
Reported on 11-27 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-21 there were 14,900 ducks in the area. Up from 10,600 in the previous survey. Of the 14,900, 90% were Mallards, 7% were other dabblers, and 3% were divers. It was also reported that there were 28,800 geese in the area. Up from 5,700 in the previous survey.
Reported on 11-27 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-14 there were 4,700 ducks in the area. Down from 6,000 in the previous survey. Of the 4,700, 93% were Mallards, 6% were other dabblers, and 1% were divers. It was also reported that there were 1,200 Canada geese in the area. Up from 0 in the previous survey.
Rob's reported on 12-12 that they are having a pretty good season as long as they put in the time scouting. He stated that they have had strong numbers of birds around the area all season long, but they have been pretty unpredictable for the majority of the season. Rob finished by saying that he feels they will be able to finish duck season off strong, and goose hunting should remain good for the remainder as well.
Don reported on 10-4 that they are seeing more divers than they normally do this time of year. Don also reported that they are also seeing some Specks starting to move into the area. Don finished by saying that they are about a week and a half till their season starts in his area.
Please check back next week for Scott's first report for the 2018 season.
In North Central North Dakota expect a high temp of 34 on Friday with a low of 24 and cloudy skies and a ESE wind of 5-10 mph. Saturday is expected to be 29 with a low of 20 and cloudy skies and a NE wind at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 24 with a low of 14 and cloudy skies with a NNE wind at 15-25 mph.
Reported on 11-6 that they are seeing really strong numbers of birds in the area. They stated that some of the small water is now freezing up and with the forecast expected through the weekend they feel pretty much everything except main devils lake will be froze. They finished by saying that they don’t expect much to hang around the area after this weekend.
Reported on 11-6 that they are seeing good numbers of waterfowl in the area. They stated that with the weather the way it has been and with the forecast they expect another push in the next couple of days. They finished by saying that they expect to see the tail end of the main migration this weekend.
Reported on 11-6 that they are seeing strong numbers moving through the area. They stated that they have been seeing good sized flocks of Snow geese. They finished by saying that the weather is supposed to be really cold this weekend and will most likely freeze most of the water.
Dan reported on 12-10 that they have wrapped their season up about a month ago. He stated that diver numbers seemed to be down a little in his area this year, probably due to another strange weather event. Dan finished by saying that Swan numbers were really good and expects to build on that next year.
WOODLAND RESORT / NORTHERN FLIGHT G.S.
Kyle reported on 12-10 that their season ended abruptly in mid November this year. He stated that they had really good hunting for the majority of the season. Kyle finished by saying that he saw more Snow geese in his area this year at one time that he ever has, not many young ones, but there was a ton.
Brad reported on 12-10 that they wrapped their season up in early November before the real cold weather hit. He stated that they were pretty much frozen up at that point other than the larger bodies of water. Brad stated that overall his season was pretty consistent. Brad finished by saying that there were times of really strong numbers, and times where there wasn’t much, but they were able to bag limits on most hunts.
In east central South Dakota expect a high temp of 38 on Friday with a low of 22 and cloudy skies and a W wind of 10-15 mph. Saturday is expected to be 32 with a low of 16 and partly cloudy skies and a N wind at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 21 with a low of 11 and mostly cloudy skies with a N wind at 10-20 mph.
Reported on 11-27 that due to below-freezing temperatures the past week, the Refuge is 98% frozen over. Some small pockets of water do exist above and below the Sand Lake water control structure. These pockets of water are holding some waterfowl. They finished by saying that there is only a couple hundred Snow Geese in the area, and about 4,000 ducks as well.
Reported on 11-27 that a lot of the birds have now pushed through the area. They stated that most everything is froze up now. They finished by saying that they are still seeing a few birds here and there but they are well past peak numbers.
Reported on 11-27 that they are pretty much froze solid. They stated that they are seeing some birds here and there but no big numbers.
Dave reported on 10-10 that he is currently set up in north central Montana for the week and they are seeing good numbers of puddle ducks and Canada geese in that region. He reported that his home area in west central South Dakota, he has seen a large influx of Mallards and other larger puddle ducks over the past week and he expects the migration to continue to push through from here on out. Dave noted that they see their largest concentration of big northern Mallards and Canada geese showing up later in the season after Thanksgiving though. He is looking forward to another incredible waterfowl hunting season soon to come!
John reported on 11-7 that on Wednesday he saw big pushes of birds coming in all day. He stated that there are good numbers of both Specks and Snow geese as well as Bluebills in the area. John finished by saying that it is supposed to get really cold this weekend but then warm back up a bit.
Marty reported on 10-4 that they really haven't started hunting to hard yet. Marty stated that they do have a good number of local birds around Marty also reported that they are starting to see some Specks showing up. Marty finished by saying that they are starting groups late next week.
In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 38 on Friday with a low of 31 and mostly sunny skies with WNW winds at 0-5 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 40 with a low of 34 and a 100% chance of rain and ENE winds at 20-30 mph. On Sunday expect a high of 38 and a low of 28 and a 40% chance of a rain/snow mix with a NNE wind at 5-10 mph.
Reported on 11-27 that in their most recent survey conducted on 11-15 they had 30,863 ducks on the refuge. Down from 35,598 in the previous survey. Of them the most common was Mallards with 30,726. They also reported that Canada goose numbers are now at 15,020.
Reported on 11-27 that they are now past peak numbers. They stated that they still have ok numbers of Mallards and some divers on the river. They finished by saying that they are well past peak numbers.
Reported on 11-27 that pretty much everything has now froze and there is snow on the ground. They stated that they are still seeing some Canada geese though. They finished by saying that there is usually geese that stick around all winter.
Mike reported on 11-28 that they ended the guided trips last week and overall it was a pretty good season! He stated that there is still good numbers of Goldeneyes and some Bluebills around. Mike finished by saying that most inland water is now froze and the bays on the big lake are freezing up quickly.
Matt's reported on 11-7 that hunting has been fairly hit and miss with the way the weather has been. He stated that the cooler weather that is coming this weekend should help out. Matt finished by saying that they are primarily only seeing divers right now as well.
Robb reported on 11-7 that they have a ton of Canada geese in the area right now. He stated that they are in almost every field. Robb finished by saying that they also have a lot of ducks around but they are very spread out due to all the water that is in the area.
In northwest Missouri expect a high temp of 39 on Friday with a low of 34 and a 50% chance of rain with E winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 35 with a low of 30 and a 70% chance of rain with N winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 36 with a low of 26 and a 40% chance of a wintery mix with a NW wind at 10-20 mph.
Reported on 11-28 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-27 there were 49,194 ducks on the refuge. Down from 78,185. Of the 49,194 the majority were Mallards (48,645). It was also reported that there was 561 Canada geese on the refuge as well as 50,115 Snow geese.
Reported on 11-28 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-19 there were 71,961 ducks in the area. Up from from 15,375. Of the 71,961 the majority were Mallards (63,800) and Teal (2,000). It was also reported that there was 3,600 Snow geese.
Reported on 11-28 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-27 there were 70,016 ducks in the area. Up from 55,778. Of the 70,016 the majority were Mallards (62,790). It was also reported that there was 4,000 Snow geese.
Scott reported on 11-28 that hunting has been absolutely amazing over the last couple weeks. He stated that there is a ton of ducks in the area and the best success that they have had is in the afternoons in flooded corn. Scott finished by saying that hunting should remain good for another week or two.
Larry reported on 12-11 that they are still going strong in Missouri. He stated that duck numbers seem to be pretty good, and they are having really good success. Larry finished by saying that they are already looking forward to the spring conservation season and they still have a few openings.
In central Nebraska expect a high of 34 on Friday with a low of 29 and a 70% chance of a wintery mix with a E wind at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 34 with a low of 23 and a 70% chance of snow with a NNW wind at 15-25 mph. Sunday's high is expected to be 27 with a low of 17 and a 40% chance of snow with a NNW wind at 15-25 mph.
Reported on 11-27 that they are seeing good numbers of Mallards around. They stated that cooler temperatures have gotten the migration going. They finished by saying that they expect to start seeing heavier goose migration in the next couple weeks.
Reported on 11-27 that numbers in the area about average for this time of year. They stated they have seen good numbers of gadwalls and Mallards already. They finished by saying that hunting should remain good for a couple more weeks.
Reported on 11-27 that they are seeing pretty good duck numbers right now. They stated that they have really good water conditions but it is starting to freeze up. They finished by saying that they feel this has been a pretty good season thus far.
JJ reported on 11-20 that hunting has been really good thus far. He stated that they had a cold snap last weekend and that pushed the bulk of the small honkers south. JJ finished by saying that they still have some lessers as well as some big honkers and good Mallard numbers which is making for some really good hunts!
Please check back next week for Kalend's first report for the 2018 season.
Reported on 11-20 that they have really good Canada goose numbers in the area. He stated that they do have some ducks left but the majority have seemed to move on. Larry finished by saying that they still have some openings available in southern Missouri yet this season.
In southern Manitoba expect a high of 20 on Friday with a low of 10 and partly cloudy skies with a NW wind at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 25 with a low of 17 and mostly cloudy skies with a SSE wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday is expected to be 25 with a low of 12 and cloudy skies with a WNW wind at 10-15 mph.
Reported on 11-6 that they still have decent numbers in the area. They stated that the weather is cooling off a lot this weekend and will most likely push the majority of birds south.
Reported on 10-23 that it has stayed a little warmer than it has been over the last week. They stated that they have good duck numbers in the area with lots of crops being harvested now. They finished by saying that as long as they can still find food they should stick around for a while yet.
Reported on 10-16 that in the most recent survey conducted on 10-2 there were 4,500 ducks in the area. They also reported that there were 31,000 Canada geese. They finished by saying that they also had 2,100 Snow geese.
Kris reported on 11-7 that they have wrapped up their waterfowl season and have now moved onto Deer season. He stated that they still have a good number of birds in the area. Kris finished by saying that the weather is going to be super cold this weekend and will most likely freeze up the water and that should push most of the birds out of the area.
Craig Henry reported on Daryl's behalf on 12-10 that they wrapped their season up in mid November. He stated that they had really strong numbers of big Canada geese and Mallards in the area for the majority of the season. Craig finished by saying that he thought this season was pretty good considering all the wet weather they had and making it near impossible to make it into a lot of fields.
In southern Saskatchewan expect a high temp of 19 on Friday with a low of 13 and mostly sunny skies with a S wind at 15-20 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 26 with a low of 10 and a 40% chance of snow with a NW wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 16 with a low of 2 and cloudy skies and a NW wind at 10-20 mph.
Reported on 10-30 that it has been a fairly cold fall so far this year. They stated that the migration seems to be on the start of the downhill slide. They finished by saying that hunting should remain good for around a week as they are expecting a decent amount of snow.
Reported on 10-30 that it has been a cold fall this year. They stated that it has really helped kick the migration off. They finished by saying that hunting should remain good for a week or two.
Reported on 10-23 that bird numbers have remained fairly consistent all fall. They stated that the weather has been cold and they have been getting some snow on and off. They finished by saying that birds should stay in the area for a while yet.
Justin reported on 12-10 that it was a strange year with the hatch of Snow geese being so low. He stated that they switched gears and targeted Honkers and Specks more so their hunting overall was good! Justin stated that the weather sucked most of the season making fields extremely muddy, but that just made the reward that much better!
Kyle stated that the first big push of Snow geese was really early this season. he said they had as many Snows in his area by the third week of Sept as he normally has by mid October. Kyle said although he has not seen any northern Mallards down in his area yet, that they have limited out on Sandhill Cranes every day this week. Kyle is hoping that the cold temps and early snow don't freeze up the province before the end of the month but for now they are covered in many different species of waterfowl!
Please check back next week for Mike's first report for the 2018 season.