2024 Waterfowl Migration Reports

OFFICIAL 2024 HUNTTHENORTH.COM WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT

We hope this will be a valued resource in planning your next adventure and tracking the migration through the 2024 waterfowl hunting season!
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At HuntTheNorth.com we have researched and hand-picked ONE Unique, Quality Waterfowl Hunting Adventure across many states in North America.

Here is a selection of our World Class Waterfowl Hunting Adventures

• OKLAHOMA- In Your Face Guided Duck And Wild Hog Combos
• ALASKA – World Class Trophy Sea Duck Hunts
• MINNESOTA – Field Canada Goose Hunts & Big Water Duck Hunts
• WISCONSIN – Canvasback & Diver Hunts On The Mississippi River
• MICHIGAN – Duck Hunts On Lake St. Clair
• NORTH DAKOTA – Prairie Pothole Duck Hunts / Goose Hunts
• SOUTH DAKOTA – Late Season Missouri River Canada Goose Hunts
• NEBRASKA – Mallard Hunts On The North Platte River
• MISSOURI – Field Duck / Goose Hunts Near The Squaw Creek NWR
• ILLINOIS – Flooded Corn Field Mallard And Canada Goose Hunts
• MARYLAND – Sea Duck Hunts On The Cheasapeake Bay
• COLORADO – Field Canada Goose Hunts / Water Duck Hunts
• WYOMING – Field Canada Goose And Duck Hunts
• WASHINGTON – Field Canada Goose And Mallard Hunts
• SASKATCHEWAN – Specklebelly / Snow Goose Field Hunts
• MANITOBA – Diver Duck Hunts On The Delta Marsh
• ALBERTA – Field Canada Goose Hunts For Giant Honkers
• MEXICO – Coastal Marsh Duck Hunts For Late Season Pintails, Teal & Other Ducks

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Minnesota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Minnesota expect a high temp of 50 on Friday with a low of 39 and mainly sunny skies and SSE winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 53 with a low of 37 and partly cloudy skies with SSE winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 46 with a low of 29 and cloudy skies with W wind at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-7 that larger rafts of Ringnecks have still been spotted over the last week. Staff stated that weather patterns are trending towards cooler weather with a chance of some precipitation and should provide more ‘ducky’ days.

SHERBURNE NWR- LOCATION: ZIMMERMAN, MN

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-7 that there has been a slight shift in birds over the last week. Staff stated that there are plenty of Mallards and Green-winged teal still around. Staff also reported that there has been an increase and arrival of divers. Staff finished by saying that they are seeing Ringnecks, Hooded mergansers, and Buffleheads, as well as an increased number of Canada geese.

LAC QUI PARLE REFUGE – WATSON, MN

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-7 that there are still no huge numbers of geese on the refuge. Staff stated that the current goose count is 2,350. Staff also reported that the forecast does not look favorable for a big push of new birds. Staff finished by saying that there are still some pockets of ducks utilizing Marsh Lake, but they seem to be wise to the game.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa expect a high of 57 on Friday with a low of 41 and partly cloudy skies with SE winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 60 with a low of 43 and partly cloudy skies with SSE winds at 15-25 mph. Look for a high of 52 on Sunday with a low of 37 and cloudy skies with WNW winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-8 that there were 5,184 ducks in the area. Down from 5,303 in the previous survey. Of the 5,184, 48% were Mallards, 41% were other dabblers, and 12% were divers. It was also reported that there were 3,348 Canada geese in the area. Down from 3,657 in the previous survey.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-8 there were 14,165 ducks in the area. Up from 9,520 in the previous survey. Of the 14,165, 22% were Mallards and 78% were other dabblers and 1% were divers. It was also reported that there were 455 geese in the area. Up from 375 in the previous survey.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-8 there were 5,315 ducks in the area. Up from 4,612 in the previous survey. Of the 5,315, 14% were Mallards and 85% were other dabblers and 1% were divers. It was also reported that there were 250 geese in the area. Same as in the previous survey.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In North Central North Dakota expect a high temp of 51 on Friday with a low of 37 and sunny skies in the morning with SSW winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 43 with a low of 32 and mainly cloudy skies with on and off rain and E wind of 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 40 with a low of 31 and partly cloudy skies with a WSW wind of 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

Reported on 11-13 that they are still seeing really good numbers in the area. Staff stated that there are still new ducks arriving weekly. Staff finished by saying that Goose numbers are increasing and they are still seeing really good numbers of Snow geese.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Reported on 11-13 that they are still seeing really good numbers of ducks in the area so far this fall. Staff stated that they really need a cool down or weather system to move through in Canada to get some new birds in the area. Staff finished by saying that they are starting to see an uptick in numbers across the board.

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: LYON, ND

Reported on 11-13 that they are still seeing above average numbers of ducks in the area for this time of year. Staff stated that they have again seen a slight increase in duck numbers over the last week or so. Staff finished by saying that they expect there to be strong numbers for at least another week before the freezing temperatures finally hit.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

South Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In east central South Dakota expect a high temp of 54 on Friday with a low of 40 and partly cloudy skies with ESE winds at 10-20 mph. Saturday is expected to be 53 with a low of 33 and partly cloudy skies and SSW wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 47 with a low of 33 and partly cloudy skies with WSW winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent report on 11-10 staff stated that very little migration has occurred over the past week as temperatures remained above normal with south winds. Staff stated that there are some ducks around on the area wetlands like Gadwall, Widgeon and Teal making up the bulk. Staff also reported that the bigger waters have seen some diving duck activity as well. Staff finished by saying that Whitefront numbers continue to build and some Canada geese have added to the local flocks.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent report on 11-10 that there was very little change from last week with stable, dry, above normal temperatures. Staff stated that there are still decent numbers of birds around, but a bit stale. Staff also reported that most birds seen were Green-winged teal, Gadwall, Widgeon with pockets of Mallards. Staff also reported that they are definitely seeing more divers with Scaup, Redheads, Canvasback, and Buffleheads observed. Staff finished by saying that Canada goose numbers are slowly building and should continue to increase and they are still seeing White fronts and a few Snow geese making an appearance.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-3 showed a little bit of an uptick in Specks, Gadwalls, Green-wing teal, and White-front geese. Staff finished by saying that there are still not many Canada geese to hunt in the area.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 52 on Friday with a low of 38 and partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 54 with a low of 42 and partly cloudy skies and SE winds at 10-20 mph. On Sunday expect a high of 490 and a low of 31 and mainly sunny skies with W winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent bird survey conducted on 11-6 there were 10,266 ducks in the area. Down from 14,316 in the previous survey. Staff stated that there were 9,857 puddle ducks with the majority being American Widgeon and 409 divers with the majority being Ruddy Ducks. Staff finished by saying that there were also 15,718 Canada geese on the refuge, up from 12,319 in the previous survey.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALEY POOLS 4 – 9 | LOCATION SW WISCONSIN

Reported on 11-13 that bird numbers are starting to grow slightly. Staff stated that they are seeing strong numbers of Gadwall and Widgeon with building numbers of Mallards. Staff also reported that they are starting to see more Canada geese show up on the river as well. Staff finished by saying that they are beginning to see the front edge of the Canvasback migration with more showing up this week.

CREX MEADOWS NWR – LOCATION: GRANTSBURG, WI

Reported on 11-13 that the migration has seemed to stall out some. Staff stated that the Sandhill Crane numbers are as strong as ever, but they haven’t seen a strong duck push yet this fall. Staff stated that the above average temperatures mixed with a lot of South wind has made for poor migration and hunting conditions.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In northwest Missouri expect a high temp of 65 on Friday with a low of 44 and sunny skies with SSE winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 65 with a low of 44 and partly cloudy skies and S winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 54 with a low of 43 and overcast skies with N winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent waterfowl survey conducted on 11-12 there were 171,863 ducks on the refuge. That number is up from 119,748 in the previous survey. Of the 171,863 ducks there were three prominent species; Pintails at 31,845, Green-winged Teal at 95,510, and Mallards at 32,570. Staff also reported that there were 725 Canada geese, 590 White-fronted geese, and 700 Snow geese on the refuge at the time of the survey.

FOUR RIVERS CONSERVATION AREA – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-4 there were 5,827 ducks on the refuge. Up from 3,554 in the previous survey. Staff stated that the majority were Mallards at 1,457, Teal at 1,749, and mixed dabblers at 874. Staff finished by saying that there were also 0 geese on the refuge at the time of the survey.

SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 11-13 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-4 there were 11,625 ducks on the refuge. Up from 174 in the previous survey. Of the 11,625 the majority were Mallards at 4,585, Pintails at 2,500, and Gadwalls at 1,485. Staff stated that the majority were Mallards and Ringnecks. Staff finished by saying that there were no geese on the refuge at the time of the survey.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Nebraska expect a high of 61 on Friday with a low of 44 and mainly sunny skies with a SE wind at 15-25 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 63 with a low of 32 and sunny skies with a WSW wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 54 with a low of 33 and partly cloudy skies with a SW wind at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reported on 11-13 that they still haven’t been seeing much migration activity so far this fall. Staff stated that they have some local birds around right now, but it’ll be another week or two before numbers really start to increase. Staff finished by saying that they are hoping by next weekend the migration will really be going.

KEARNEY GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE- LOCATION KEARNEY, NE

Reported on 11-6 that they have about an average amount of waterfowl in the area right now. Staff stated that they are seeing mostly Teal and Gadwall around but a few Mallards are starting to show up. Staff finished by saying that it will be close to a month before real migration numbers start to show up.

LINCOLN GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE – LOCATION: LINCOLN, NE

Reported on 11-13 that they are starting to see a few new birds work into the area. Staff stated that they are still a couple of weeks away from seeing good numbers moving into the area. Staff finished by saying that they hope the weather forecasted for next week will generate a big push of birds.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Manitoba Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Manitoba expect a high of 46 on Friday with a low of 37 and partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 45 with a low of 34 and cloudy skies with occasional showers and light and variable winds. Sunday is expected to be 35 with a low of 32 and on and off snow showers with light and variable winds.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB

Reported on 11-13 that they are still seeing good numbers of both ducks and geese in the area. Staff stated that they have had a fairly mild fall so far, but the cooler is starting to arrive now. Staff finished by saying that the migration should be in full swing in the next couple of weeks to the south.

BOISEVAINE AREA OFFICE – LOCATION: BOISEVAINE, MANITOBA

Reported on 11-6 that they are starting to see a decline in numbers of both ducks and geese as they are making their way through the area. Staff stated that they are still seeing good numbers of Mallards but know there are still big flocks to come. Staff finished by saying they are also seeing good numbers of geese.

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: STONEWALL, MB

Reported on 11-13 that they feel they are now past peak numbers. Staff stated that they feel numbers are starting to decline slightly. Staff finished by saying that it is starting to cool down now and birds are making their way south.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Saskatchewan Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Saskatchewan expect a high temp of 32 on Friday with a low of 24 and mostly cloudy skies with WNW wind at 5-10 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 31 with a low of 23 and mostly cloudy skies with S winds at 5-10 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 44 with a low of 32 and considerable cloudiness with S winds at 10-20 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

Reported on 11-6 that they are still seeing some bigger numbers of birds showing up in the area. Staff stated that they are seeing good numbers of Snow geese, Canada geese, and Mallards. Staff also stated that they are seeing really big numbers of Cranes right now.

WEYBURN OFFICE – LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK

Reported on 11-6 that the migration has been in full swing the last couple of weeks. Staff stated that there have been many feeds of Snow geese around the area. Staff also reported that there was a great duck hatch this summer and numbers seem to be very high. Staff finished by saying that they may be near peak migration right now.

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE – LOCATION: REGINA, SK

Reported on 11-6 that they are still seeing good numbers of waterfowl right now. Staff stated that they have a lot of ducks in the area as well as both light geese and Greater Canada geese. Staff finished by saying that they feel things are going to really get moving along in the next couple of weeks.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD