2025 Waterfowl Migration Reports

OFFICIAL 2025 HUNTTHENORTH.COM WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT

This is our final report of the 2025 season

We hope this will be a valued resource in planning your next adventure and tracking the migration through the 2025 waterfowl hunting season!
Happy Hunting
Team HuntTheNorth.com

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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 29 on Friday with a low of 6 and cloudy skies with morning snow showers and W winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 14 with a low of -3 and cloudy skies and light and variable winds. Sunday’s high is expected to be 11 with a low of 0 and partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds,

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Reported on 12-3 that in the most recent report on 11/20 that many birds have moved through the area over the past week. Staff stated that there are a few big lakes in the area that are still holding a few birds. Staff finished by saying that everything has now started to freeze up and by the end of the week there won’t be much left for open water.

SHERBURNE NWR- LOCATION: ZIMMERMAN, MN

Reported on 12-3 that in the most recent report on 11-26 that waterfowl numbers in the area are low. Staff stated that after the recent cold snap, lots of birds moved on, but as the weather warmed again there hasn’t been a new push of birds into the area. Staff finished by saying the snow, strong winds, and cold weather coming is promising to bring some new geese into the area quickly.

LAC QUI PARLE REFUGE – WATSON, MN

Reported on 11-25 that in the most recent report on 11-13 that most of the Teal and smaller puddle ducks like Wigeon and Gadwall have moved on. Staff stated that there are good numbers of Mallards, Pintails, and divers around the area. Staff also reported that the goose count has picked up slightly but is still a pretty low number overall with the current count being 8500. Staff finished by saying good amounts of Mallards are using the refuge to loaf and going out to feed in the mornings/evenings.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa expect a high of 36 on Friday with a low of 24 and partly cloudy skies with SW winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 32 with a low of 18 and cloudy with a 60% chance of snow with E winds at 5-10. Look for a high of 22 on Sunday with a low of 4 and mostly cloudy skies with N winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

Reported on 12-3 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-25 there were 3,280 ducks in the area, up from 3,065 in the previous survey. Staff stated that 79% were Mallards, 5% were other dabblers, and 16% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there were 3,370 geese, up from 3,340 in the previous survey.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Reported on 12-3 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-25 there were 22,450 ducks in the area, up from 18,440 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 22,450, 41% were Mallards, 57% were other dabblers, and 1% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there were also 425 geese observed in the area, up from 210 in the previous survey.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Reported on 12-3 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-21 there were 4,735 ducks in the area, up from 4,486 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 4,735, 53% were Mallards, 47% were other dabbling ducks, and 0% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there were also 20 Canada geese observed in the area, down from 210 in the previous survey.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In North Central North Dakota expect a high temp of 22 on Friday with a low of 1 and cloudy skies with NW winds at 15-25 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 7 with a low of -4 and cloudy skies and an NNE wind of 5-10 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 8 with a low of 4 and partly to mostly cloudy skies with a SSE wind of 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

Reported on 12-3 that waterfowl numbers near the Lake Alice area have really declined over the last week. Staff stated that overall numbers seem to be below average but there are still plenty around. Staff finished by saying that there is another cold front with strong northerly winds coming again this weekend and that might push the rest of birds south.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Reported on 12-3 that in the surrounding area waterfowl numbers have dropped drastically. Staff stated that flocks of Mallards as well as some flocks of geese are present. Staff finished by saying that the majority of water has now frozen up.

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: LYON, ND

Reported on 12-3 that the migration is beginning to wind down. Staff stated that there was another noticeable decline in waterfowl numbers over the last week. Staff finished by saying that with the weather most of the water is now frozen.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

South Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In east central South Dakota expect a high temp of 30 on Friday with a low of 12 and cloudy skies and snow showers with WNW winds at 10-20 mph. Saturday is expected to be 15 with a low of -1 and variable clouds with snow showers and E winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 9 with a low of 5 and overcast skies with ESE winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Reported on 12-3 that the migration in the area has been slower this past week. Staff stated that they are still seeing good numbers of Mallards and some Green wing teal as well. Staff also reported that diving duck numbers are pretty good on bigger bodies of water. Staff finished by saying that Canada goose numbers remain strong with good numbers of Snow geese and Specks around as well.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Reported on 12-3 that there seems to be a few more ducks in general in the area but still no big numbers. Staff stated that the strong cold front hitting the area last weekend should have caused some big movements and hunters should expect new birds again this weekend. Staff finished by saying that Goose numbers are increasing with some Whitefronts and Snows in the area as well.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Reported on 12-3 that the main update is that there is a significant number of waterfowl in the area, mostly Snow geese. Staff stated that there are also good numbers of ducks around with most being Mallards. Staff finished by saying that Canada goose numbers are also strong.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 27 on Friday with a low of 13 and occasional snow showers with SW winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 19 with a low of 2 and partly cloudy skies and light and variable winds. On Sunday expect a high of 16 and a low of 0 and partly cloudy skies with NNW winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

Reported on 12-3 that they never conducted another waterfowl count once the government reopened. Staff stated that they had good numbers of waterfowl all throughout the fall though. Staff finished by saying that winter has now set in, and they only have a few small flocks of ducks still around the area and there are some good-sized flocks of Canada geese around.

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

Reported on 12-3 that in the most recent survey on Pool 5 near the Weaver bottoms they saw 200 Swans with them being a mix of Tundra and some Trumpeter. Staff stated that they witnessed about 100 puddle ducks with the majority being Mallards with some Pintail and Shovelers mixed in. Staff also reported that there were about 8,000 Ring necks as well. Staff finished by saying that they also saw 5,000 diving ducks further out in the river with Canvasbacks and Bufflehead being the majority.

CREX MEADOWS NWR – LOCATION: GRANTSBURG, WI

Reported on 12-3 that the fall migration is about done. Staff stated that last week winter came in fast with lots of snow and freezing up almost all of the water. Staff also reported that this week it hasn’t gotten above freezing so the water that was open has now froze. Staff finished by saying that they have some flocks of Canada geese still in the area, but that is about it.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In northwest Missouri expect a high temp of 41 on Friday with a low of 21 and mostly sunny skies with WSW winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 41 with a low of 25 and cloudy skies with SE winds at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 28 with a low of 15 and cloudy skies with N winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

Reported on 12-3 that in the most recent count conducted on 11-25 there were 75,528 ducks on the refuge. Down from 139,386 in the previous survey. Staff stated that the majority were Mallards at 43,305, Pintail at 18,560 and Ring-necks at 4,685. Staff also reported that there were 2,740 White-fronted geese and 14,300 Snow geese.

FOUR RIVERS CONSERVATION AREA – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 12-3 that in the most recent survey conducted on 12-1 there were 125,860 ducks using the area. Up from 44,102 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 125,860, 94,395 were Mallards, 25,172 were mixed dabblers, and 6,293 were mixed divers.

SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 12-3 that they haven’t conducted a count on the refuge yet. Counts for Fountain Grove Conservation Area which is near Swan Lake NWR are as follows. In the most recent survey conducted on 12-1 there were 158,000 ducks in the area. Up from 44,000 in the previous survey. Staff stated that the majority were Mallard at 150,100, Pintail at 4,740, and Teal at 3,160. Staff finished by saying that there were also 9,000 Snow geese on the refuge.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Nebraska expect a high of 46 on Friday with a low of 23 and partly cloudy skies with a NW wind at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 42 with a low of 19 and cloudy skies with SSW wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 29 with a low of 19 and partly cloudy skies with a NE wind at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reported on 11-25 that the migration should heat up this weekend. Staff stated that the cold and snow to the north should send a new batch of birds down their way. Staff finished by saying that they have seen a lot of Specks and Snow geese move through the area already.

KEARNEY GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE- LOCATION KEARNEY, NE

Reported on 12-3 that the migration is starting to heat up in the area. Staff stated that there has been a steady stream of Snow geese and White fronted geese moving through the area over the last week. Staff finished by saying that duck numbers are starting to increase also.

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

Reported on 12-3 that numbers have been building in the area. Staff stated that with the wintery weather this last week they feel they are past peak numbers. Staff finished by saying that they have good numbers of Mallards and Canada geese around.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Manitoba Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Manitoba expect a high of 34 on Friday with a low of 29 and partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 42 with a low of 29 and partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. Sunday is expected to be 41 with a low of 31 and partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB

Reported on 11-19 that the migration has about come to an end. Staff stated that large groups of geese have been on the move over the last couple of weeks. Staff finished by saying that over the last week they have seen quite the loss of birds.

BOISEVAINE AREA OFFICE – LOCATION: BOISEVAINE, MANITOBA

Reported on 11-19 that most of the geese and ducks have left the area. Staff stated that there are a few small pockets around but not many.

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: STONEWALL, MB

Reported on 11-19 that a lot of the birds are now south of the area. Staff stated that there are still some flocks of geese and Mallards around but they are well past peak numbers.

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 26 and mainly cloudy skies with SSW wind at 5-10 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 39 with a low of 22 and partly cloudy skies with WSW winds at 5-10 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 39 with a low of 23 and mostly cloudy skies with SW winds at 5-10 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

Reported on 11-12 that Mallards and a few other late season dabbling ducks are still lingering in the area. Staff stated that there are also Snow geese and Canada geese still working their way through the area, even though overall numbers are lower.

WEYBURN OFFICE – LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK

Reported on 11-12 that this past week Canada geese and Snow geese have continued migrating through the area. Staff stated that Mallards and a mix of late season dabbling ducks are still using any remaining open water. Staff finished by saying that most Sandhill Crane flocks have already moved through the area.

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE – LOCATION: REGINA, SK

Reported on 11-19 that the majority of waterfowl have now left the area. Staff stated that most everything has now frozen and pushed the birds south.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD