2025 Waterfowl Migration Reports

OFFICIAL 2025 HUNTTHENORTH.COM WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT

We hope this will be a valued resource in planning your next adventure and tracking the migration through the 2025 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 69 on Friday with a low of 46 and mainly sunny skies and SW winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 61 with a low of 38 and cloudy skies with WNW winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 58 with a low of 36 and mainly sunny skies with WNW winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Reported on 10-16 that more seasonal weather has brought new birds into the area. Staff stated that reports of larger flocks of mid-season migrants, especially ring-necked ducks reported by area hunters starting at the beginning of the week. Staff finished by reporting a loss of early season migrants specifically teal and wood ducks.

SHERBURNE NWR- LOCATION: ZIMMERMAN, MN

Reported on 10-16 that it seems like a lot of the local and early migrant species have moved out of the area. Staff stated that they are seeing fewer wood ducks and teal, however, mallard numbers have increased slightly and a lot more ringnecks have moved into the area. Staff finished by saying that Canada goose numbers remain consistent with what was seen last week and they also saw a large influx of coots.

LAC QUI PARLE REFUGE – WATSON, MN

Reported on 10-16 that there still is no huge increase of Canada geese on the refuge. Staff stated that the current count of Canada geese is roughly 150 on the refuge. Staff also reported that there are still good numbers of Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Mallards, and Wood ducks. Staff finished by saying that there are good pockets of both Wigeon and Gadwall too.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa expect a high of 75 on Friday with a low of 56 and scattered thunderstorms with SSW winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 73 with a low of 45 and partly cloudy skies with W winds at 10-20. Look for a high of 62 on Sunday with a low of 43 and mainly sunny skies with WNW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

Reported on 10-15 that in the most recent survey conducted on 10-10 there were 1,325 ducks in the area, up from 1,156 in the previous survey. Staff stated that 36% were Mallards, 53% were other dabblers, and 11% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there were 1,710 geese, up from 1,185 in the previous survey.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Reported on 10-15 that in the most recent survey conducted on 10-10 there were 20,515 ducks in the area, up from 905 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 20,515, 2% were Mallards, 98% were other dabblers, and 0% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there were also 865 geese observed in the area, up from 4 in the previous survey.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Reported on 10-15 that in the most recent survey conducted on 10-10 there were 1,600 ducks in the area, up from 805 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 1,600, 28% were Mallards, 72% were other dabbling ducks, and 0% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there was also 100 Canada geese observed 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 54 on Friday with a low of 40 and rain showers with WSW winds at 20-30 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 52 with a low of 34 and partly cloudy skies and a WNW wind of 20-30 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 55 with a low of 41 and sunny skies with a SW wind of 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

Reported on 10-15 that they are still seeing good numbers of local ducks even with the cooler temps that have moved through. Staff stated that they are starting to see some new flocks of Mallards showing up as well. Staff finished by saying that they are also starting to see some flocks of Snow geese show up and expect to see another push later this weekend.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Reported on 10-15 that there are plenty of ducks around but it doesn’t seem like there are as many as normal for this time of year. Staff stated that the flocks seem to be more spread out than normal. Staff finished by saying that as long as you put in the time scouting you should have no problem finding huntable numbers.

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: LYON, ND

Reported on 10-15 that they are seeing pretty good numbers of early season birds in the area. Staff stated that they are starting to see some new birds show up with the recent cold front that came through and expect more to come with the weather expected early next week. Staff finished by saying that numbers should continue to grow over the next couple of weeks.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

South Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In east central South Dakota expect a high temp of 64 on Friday with a low of 44 and mainly sunny skies and WSW winds at 20-30 mph. Saturday is expected to be 52 with a low of 33 and overcast skies and NW wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 58 with a low of 44 and cloudy skies with WSW winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Reported on 10-15 that duck numbers in the area remain decent even though there aren’t ducks in every pothole or pond. Staff stated that most species of dabbling ducks are present with a slight uptick in Gadwall and Wigeon as well as some diving ducks being observed. Staff finished by saying that local goose numbers are fair to good and they are starting to use the harvested bean fields and silage fields.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Reported on 10-15 that wetland conditions across the area are starting to drop with the warmer dry weather. Staff stated that there are still some teal around along with some Pintails, Mallards, and Wood ducks. Staff finished by saying that Canada goose numbers are about average for this time of year.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Reported on 10-15 that there are good numbers of Blue-winged teal and Green-winged teal around the area. Staff stated that they are seeing a few Canada geese as well but no big numbers. Staff finished by saying that it’ll be a couple more weeks before bigger numbers start to show up.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 72 on Friday with a low of 51 and cloudy skies with SSW winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 66 with a low of 43 and partly cloudy skies and W winds at 10-15 mph. On Sunday expect a high of 57 and a low of 34 and partly cloudy skies with NW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

Reported on 10-15 that in the most recent survey conducted on 9-24 there were 5,212 Mallards in the area. Staff also reported that there were 70 Ruddy ducks as well as some other dabbling ducks. Staff finished by saying that there were 2,940 Canada geese using the marsh up from 779 in the previous survey. Note: Due to the current government shutdown, bird counts haven’t been updated.

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

Reported on 10-15 that due to the government shutdown they haven’t been able to start waterfowl counts on the refuge yet.

CREX MEADOWS NWR – LOCATION: GRANTSBURG, WI

Reported on 10-15 that after a couple weeks of uncharacteristically warm fall weather in Wisconsin, the weather has finally started to cool down. Staff stated that now is the time of year where we are within our fall migration and waterfowl numbers should continue to rise over the next several weeks. Staff finished by saying that the Sandhill Crane migration is in its early stages and crane numbers will continue to increase as we get further into October.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In northwest Missouri expect a high temp of 79 on Friday with a low of 55 and scattered thunderstorms with SSW winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 75 with a low of 43 and sunny skies with W winds at 5-10 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 66 with a low of 46 and mainly sunny skies with WNW winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

Reported on 10-16 that due to the government shutdown they haven’t been able to start waterfowl counts on the refuge yet.

FOUR RIVERS CONSERVATION AREA – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 10-16 that due to the government shutdown they haven’t been able to start waterfowl counts on the refuge yet.

SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 10-16 that due to the government shutdown they haven’t been able to start waterfowl counts on the refuge yet.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Nebraska expect a high of 72 on Friday with a low of 46 and partly cloudy skies with a NW wind at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 62 with a low of 33 and partly cloudy skies with a NW wind at 20-30 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 67 with a low of 44 and sunny skies with a SW wind at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reported on 10-15 that due to the government shutdown they haven’t been able to start waterfowl counts on the refuge yet.

KEARNEY GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE- LOCATION KEARNEY, NE

Reported on 10-15 that due to the government shutdown they haven’t been able to start waterfowl counts on the refuge yet.

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

Reported on 10-15 that due to the government shutdown they haven’t been able to start waterfowl counts on the refuge yet.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Manitoba Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Manitoba expect a high of 54 on Friday with a low of 42 and a 70% chance of rain with SW winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 52 with a low of 37 and partly cloudy skies with WNW winds at 5-10 mph. Sunday is expected to be 54 with a low of 45 and generally sunny skies with light and variable winds.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB

Reported on 10-15 that the migration is kicking off. Staff stated that large groups of Snow geese have been on the move over the week. Staff also stated that they are seeing more groups of Dark geese too. Staff finished by saying that over the last week they have seen quite the influx of birds.

BOISEVAINE AREA OFFICE – LOCATION: BOISEVAINE, MANITOBA

Reported on 10-15 that they are seeing very good numbers of waterfowl around the area right now. Staff stated that they are seeing a lot of Mallards around the area and well as some good flocks of dark geese as well. Staff finished by saying that with the weather cooling down they expect to see strong migration over the next couple of weeks.

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: STONEWALL, MB

Reported on 10-15 that they are starting to see good numbers of ducks and geese migrate into the area. Staff stated that they are seeing good numbers of migrating Mallards. Staff finished by saying that they are also starting to see good sized flocks of Snow geese.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Saskatchewan Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Saskatchewan expect a high temp of 53 on Friday with a low of 35 and partly cloudy skies with WNW wind at 15-25 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 54 with a low of 30 and sunny skies with W winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 51 with a low of 33 and mostly cloudy skies with SE winds at 10-15 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

Reported on 10-15 that they are starting to see strong numbers of waterfowl move through the area. Staff stated that with the weather cooling down it has got the birds moving. Staff finished by saying that they expect the next couple of weeks to have a lot of migration.

WEYBURN OFFICE – LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK

Reported on 10-15 that they are seeing good numbers of ducks around the area. Staff stated that numbers seem to be fairly average to this point. Staff finished by saying that numbers should continue to build as the weather continues to cool down.

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE – LOCATION: REGINA, SK

Reported on 10-15 that they are seeing good numbers of both ducks and geese around the area so far. Staff stated that they had the first real cold front move through over the week and that birds moved around some but didn’t really make them head to far out of the area.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD