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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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 34 on Friday with a low of 26 and partly cloudy skies and NW winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 35 with a low of 29 and overcast skies with light and variable winds. Sunday’s high is expected to be 36 with a low of 23 and cloudy skies with E wind at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Reported on 11-20 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-20 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 11-20 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 11-20 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-20 there are some more ducks arriving on Marsh and Lac Qui Parle Lakes. Staff stated that Mallards and some late season diver species like Scaup and Goldeneyes were noted. Staff finished by saying that the strong West-Northwest winds the last few days have helped pick up bird numbers in the area, but nothing drastically increased.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa expect a high of 41 on Friday with a low of 28 and partly cloudy skies with NW winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 45 with a low of 38 and partly cloudy skies with ESE winds at 5-10 mph. Look for a high of 56 on Sunday with a low of 30 and mostly cloudy skies with SSW winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

Reported on 11-20 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-15 that there were 4,525 ducks in the area. Down from 5,184 in the previous survey. Of the 4,525, 55% were Mallards, 20% were other dabblers, and 16% were divers. It was also reported that there were 2,230 Canada geese in the area. Down from 3,348 in the previous survey.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Reported on 11-20 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-15 there were 18,950 ducks in the area. Up from 14,165 in the previous survey. Of the 18,950, 33% were Mallards and 64% were other dabblers and 3% were divers. It was also reported that there were 550 geese in the area. Up from 455 in the previous survey.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Reported on 11-20 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-15 there were 4,985 ducks in the area. Down from 5,315 in the previous survey. Of the 4,985, 30% were Mallards and 70% were other dabblers and 0% were divers. It was also reported that there were 200 geese in the area. Down from 250 in the previous survey.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In North Central North Dakota expect a high temp of 25 on Friday with a low of 14 and cloudy skies with W winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 20 with a low of 18 and mainly cloudy skies and an ENE wind of 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 24 with a low of 12 and occasional snow showers with a NW wind of 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

Reported on 11-20 that the big push is now past them. Staff stated that the weather is getting cold and the birds are on the move. Staff finished by saying that they are still seeing huntable numbers around, but numbers are dwindling quickly.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Reported on 11-20 that they still have a good number of waterfowl in the area, but with the big cool down happening late this week and this weekend they expect to see numbers decrease by next week. Staff finished by saying that the sheet water and smaller bodies of water are starting to freeze up.

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 34 on Friday with a low of 21 and partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. Saturday is expected to be 33 with a low of 26 and mostly cloudy skies and E wind at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 31 with a low of 14 and cloudy skies with NNW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Reported on 11-20 that in the most recent report on 11-17 that duck numbers in the area are holding steady with no real increases this past week. Staff stated that it appears like they have lost a good number of Gadwall and Widgeon in the area wetlands this past week as well. Staff also reported that some trickle migration has been happening in the mornings with north winds but there has been no real push yet. It was stated that Mallard numbers are slowly building and there are some decent opportunities for field hunting, but you may have to put in the miles to find a good feed. Diving duck numbers are also slowly increasing on the larger lakes. Staff finished by saying that goose hunting remains good and providing hunters with great opportunities in the area, both Canada and White-fronted geese can be found using the area fields, and some flocks of snow geese have been showing up too.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Reported on 11-20 that in the most recent report on 11-17 that they are starting to sound like a broken record but very little change from last week as far as waterfowl migration in the area. Staff stated that a slight increase in divers was observed and more Scaup were observed this week. Staff also reported that a few rafts of Mallards are grouping up on larger bodies of water. Staff finished by saying that it looks like a decent chance of some ducky weather late this week!

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Reported on 11-20 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-17 that they can’t see much of a difference in waterfowl over the last week. Staff stated that there are some ponds holding waterfowl right now, but the numbers don’t appear to be up or down at this point, as birds aren’t feeding consistently in the mornings and are feeding after shooting time in the evening. Staff finished by saying that there are very limited opportunities in fields, and hunters are still getting some Green-wing Teal and puddle ducks on potholes, but quite slow overall for mid-November.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 37 on Friday with a low of 28 and overcast skies with NW winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 39 with a low of 31 and cloudy skies and light and variable winds. On Sunday expect a high of 43 and a low of 29 and cloudy skies with ESE winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

Reported on 11-20 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 also reported that there were also 15,718 Canada geese on the refuge, up from 12,319 in the previous survey. Staff finished by saying that they are getting some wintry weather late this week and Northern winds and that should make for good migration weather.

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

Reported on 11-20 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 also stated 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 47 on Friday with a low of 30 and sunny skies with light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 56 with a low of 42 and partly cloudy skies and SSE winds at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 62 with a low of 31 and overcast skies with SW winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

Reported on 11-20 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 11-20 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 11-20 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 54 on Friday with a low of 30 and mainly sunny skies with a S wind at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 56 with a low of 33 and partly cloudy skies with a SSE wind at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 54 with a low of 22 and partly cloudy skies with a NNW wind at 15-25 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reported on 11-20 that they have just started to see the beginning of the migration. Staff stated that they still have some local birds around right now and are starting to see new birds move in. 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 11-20 that they are seeing new birds showing up in the area. Staff stated that with the cooler weather moving in up north they have been starting to see new birds show up. Staff finished by saying that the next couple weeks should be really good hunting!

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 28 on Friday with a low of 19 and mainly cloudy skies with snow showers with light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 24 with a low of 22 and partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. Sunday is expected to be 28 with a low of 21 and cloudy with 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 15 on Friday with a low of 4 and partly cloudy skies with WNW wind at 5-10 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 16 with a low of 11 and cloudy skies and snow in the afternoon with ENE winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 14 with a low of -3 and occasional snow showers with N winds at 10-15 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

Reported on 11-20 that they feel they are past peak numbers. Staff stated the weather has shifted and they have snow and water is starting to freeze. Staff finished by saying that they still have a lot of birds in the area, but feel they are losing numbers daily.

WEYBURN OFFICE – LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK

Reported on 11-20 that the migration has been in full swing the last week. Staff stated that there has been many feeds of geese and ducks around the area. Staff also reported that there was a great duck hatch this summer and numbers still seem to be very high. Staff finished by saying that they may be near peak migration right now but numbers will decline quickly with the freezing temps.

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE – LOCATION: REGINA, SK

Reported on 11-20 that they are still seeing good numbers of waterfowl move through the area. 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 with the current weather conditions the majority of birds will be through the area within a week.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD