2026 Waterfowl Migration Reports

OFFICIAL 2026 HUNTTHENORTH.COM WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT

We hope this will be a valued resource in planning your next adventure and tracking the migration through the 2026 waterfowl hunting season!
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• 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 73 on Friday with a low of 48 and sunshine mixed with clouds and SE winds at 8-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 82 with a low of 58 and mostly sunny, blustery conditions with SW winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 76 with a low of 46 and a mix of sun and clouds with SW winds at 15-25 mph and a slight chance of an afternoon shower.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Rice Lake NWR is currently staging modest numbers of resident Canada geese and local Wood ducks across shallow impoundments. The Minnesota DNR’s weekly state report notes that overall duck numbers across northern regions are steadily climbing as cooler air builds in Canada. Field activity is picking up as area corn and small-grain harvest progresses.

SHERBURNE NWR- LOCATION: ZIMMERMAN, MN

Local production of Wood ducks and a few Blue-winged teal remains distributed across the pool units, with small flocks of early Mallards beginning to drop into the sanctuaries. According to Minnesota DNR weekly updates, overall waterfowl numbers in central Minnesota remain consistent with seasonal averages as hunters await the next cold front to push fresh birds down.

LAC QUI PARLE REFUGE – WATSON, MN

The Lac qui Parle WMA is holding early staged Mallards, Pintails, and localized Canada geese, utilizing the reservoir as a daytime sanctuary before feeding out into regional grain fields. Statewide DNR reports highlight that early migration numbers are building along major western river corridors. Watch for more Mallards, Pintails and Canada geese to show up as the northern weather pattern begins pushing birds south.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa expect a high temp of 75 on Friday with a low of 52 and partly cloudy skies with SSE winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 84 with a low of 60 and mostly sunny, warm conditions with SSW winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 78 with a low of 50 and partly cloudy skies with SW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

The latest Iowa DNR survey, conducted October 2, counted 2,027 ducks at Rice Lake, down 55 ducks from the previous count of 2,082. The duck composition was 35% Mallards, 65% other dabbling ducks and 0% divers, while Canada geese totaled 1,445, up 715 birds from the previous count of 730. Staff stated that the duck population is essentially holding steady while the goose population nearly doubled, suggesting the agricultural feeding component of the migration is becoming increasingly important. Rice Lake should remain a good mixture of puddle ducks and geese while the next colder weather system works its way south.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Riverton continues to show one of the strongest migration increases in Iowa, with 3,680 ducks on October 2 compared with 775 the previous week — an increase of 2,905 ducks. The current composition was 0% Mallards, 100% other dabbling ducks and 0% divers. Canada geese were absent from both counts, making this a very clear duck-migration week rather than a mixed duck-and-goose migration. The warm weekend should keep these birds feeding and shifting locally, but another cold front should determine when the next large increase arrives.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Big Marsh increased to 1,225 ducks on October 2, up 445 birds from the previous count of 780. The duck mix was 10% Mallards, 90% other dabbling ducks and 0% divers, while Canada geese increased to 50, up 20 from the previous count of 30. Big Marsh is therefore still overwhelmingly a puddle-duck destination, but the increase in both ducks and geese shows the migration is moving forward. With warm weather expected through the weekend, look for birds to continue using surrounding agricultural fields before the next major weather change pushes additional birds south.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In north central North Dakota expect a high temp of 68 on Friday with a low of 42 and sunny to partly cloudy skies with S winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 74 with a low of 45 and mostly sunny, breezy conditions with SW winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 65 with a low of 38 and partly cloudy skies with WNW winds at 15-25 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

The Lake Alice area entered fall with strong waterfowl production, giving the state a good supply of young birds to move south during the fall flight. Friday and Saturday should see plenty of local movement as birds feed in agricultural areas, but Sunday’s colder weather should begin changing that pattern. The following week could be much more interesting if the colder air continues pushing south.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Staff stated that the warm conditions through Saturday should keep birds relatively spread out, while the Sunday cooldown should begin concentrating them on the best remaining wetlands and food sources. This is an area worth watching closely after the weekend because a stronger north wind could quickly change the number of birds on the ground.

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: LYON, ND

The warm Friday and Saturday weather will favor feeding and local redistribution, while Sunday’s cooler weather should begin pushing birds south. If the colder pattern continues into next week, Arrowwood should start showing a noticeably different mix of northern Mallards, Pintails and geese.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

South Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In east central South Dakota expect a high temp of 72 on Friday with a low of 46 and sunny skies with S winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 80 with a low of 52 and mostly sunny, blustery conditions with SSW winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 70 with a low of 42 and partly cloudy skies with WNW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Most recent South Dakota GFP migration report for the week of September 28, 2026. The Sand Lake area reported good numbers of puddle ducks, with Blue-winged teal becoming less common while Mallards, Pintails and Wood ducks became more prominent. Mallards, Pintails and some Wood ducks were using silage and soybean fields, while Canada goose opportunities were described as very good with birds using silage and wheat fields. Sand Lake should continue seeing birds redistribute between wetlands and fields as hunting pressure increases, with another cold front likely to add more northern ducks.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Most recent South Dakota GFP migration report for the week of week of September 28, 2026. The Waubay area reported good numbers of puddle ducks, with fewer Blue-winged teal and increasing observations of Gadwall, Wigeon, Green-winged teal, Mallards, Pintails and Wood ducks. Recent rainfall has helped portions of the region, but birds are still reassorting in response to hunting pressure. A stronger cold front later in the week could add another wave of northern birds and improve the Mallard and Pintail mix.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Most recent South Dakota GFP migration report for the week of September 28, 2026. The Lacreek NWR area reported a small push of calendar birds consisting mainly of Northern shovelers, Green-winged teal, Gadwall and Wigeon, along with a small increase in scattered Mallards. Goose numbers remained slim, although some high-flying flocks were observed. Wetland and crop conditions remain similar to the previous week, but the cooler weather coming after the weekend should eventually add more northern birds to the area.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 68 on Friday with a low of 46 and partly cloudy skies with S winds at 5-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 76 with a low of 54 and mostly sunny, warm conditions with SSW winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 72 with a low of 50 and a mix of sun and clouds with SW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

The latest posted Horicon survey conducted on September 30th, when the refuge counted 11,576 birds, up 1,993 total birds from the 9,583 counted on September 23rd. Mallards increased to 3,295, up 260 from 3,035, while Canada geese fell to 232, down 325 from 557; Ruddy ducks were the leading diver with 237 birds. The survey also counted 448 American coots, 62 Trumpeter swans and 76 Sandhill cranes, showing that the marsh is supporting a broad mix of migrating birds. The latest hard trend remains an overall increase in birds with Mallards continuing to build while Canada geese have moved in the opposite direction.

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

Waterfowl counts along the Mississippi River corridor are picking up as birds follow the river valley south. Backwater across Pools 4 through 9 are holding good numbers of Wood ducks, Mallards, and teal, with Pool 9 beginning to see early setups of staging Canvasbacks. Regional observations indicate bird traffic is steadily building along main channel islands and river sanctuaries as vegetation food sources remain abundant. Once the cooler air arrives, look for more Mallards, Pintails, Gadwalls, Wood ducks and Canada geese to work into the Mississippi River system.

CREX MEADOWS NWR – LOCATION: GRANTSBURG, WI

Fall waterfowl migration is in full swing across Crex Meadows, Fish Lake, and Amsterdam Sloughs, bringing a strong diversity of dabblers, divers, and geese to Burnett County. Ongoing drought conditions have kept water levels extremely low across managed flowages, concentrating staging birds heavily into remaining deep-water sanctuaries and impoundments. Early seasonal movements are highlighted by steady numbers of Mallards, Wood ducks, Blue-winged teal, and Green-winged teal, alongside early arrivals of Northern Shovelers, American Wigeon, Canvasbacks, Ring-necked ducks, and Ruddy ducks. Resident Canada geese and local Trumpeter swans are actively staging on the main flowages, while Sandhill cranes are beginning to form large roosting concentrations in preparation for their late-October peak. Recent mild weather with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s has maintained steady feeding traffic into surrounding agricultural fields, though upcoming cooler cold fronts and forecasted precipitation are expected to push fresh northern flights into the complex.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In northwest Missouri expect a high temperature of 86 on Friday with a low of 62 and sunny skies. Saturday should reach 85 with a low around 65 and sunny skies, while Sunday’s high is expected to be 83 with a low near 59 and sunny skies.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

The latest official Loess Bluffs fall survey conducted on September 29th, when the refuge counted 6,875 waterfowl, up 6,191 birds from the 684 counted on September 22. Blue-winged Teal led the flight with 5,035 birds, up 4,375, while Northern Pintails increased from 0 to 1,655, Wood Ducks rose from 1 to 53, Northern Shovelers went from 0 to 30, Mallards increased from 0 to 10, and Canada geese increased from 23 to 92. The survey counted 2,640 acres flooded with 0% frozen. The big takeaway remains that Loess Bluffs is in the early-to-middle portion of the fall flight, with Blue-winged Teal and Pintails driving the increase while the bigger Mallard migration is still developing.

FOUR RIVERS CONSERVATION AREA – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

The current warm weather should keep birds moving between wetlands and fields rather than producing a large weather-driven influx. Early-season dabblers should continue dominating the movement, with Blue-winged Teal, Pintails, Shovelers and Wood Ducks likely to make up much of the flight. The first major cold front to reach Missouri from the north should bring a much larger change in the bird mix.

SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

MDC and USFWS regional reports highlight solid early numbers of Canada geese, Wood ducks, and Blue-winged teal staging across the refuge and Grand River basin. Managed wetland units feature rich smartweed and millet stands, supporting active morning and evening feeding movements into local fields. Sanctuary pools offer unmolested roosting habitat that is holding birds locally despite warm afternoon temperatures.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Nebraska expect a high temp of 76 on Friday with a low of 48 and sunny to partly cloudy skies with S winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 84 with a low of 54 and mostly sunny, breezy conditions with SSW winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 75 with a low of 44 and partly cloudy skies with WNW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Waterfowl traffic across northeastern Nebraska river drainages is building steadily. Sandbars and river bends along the Niobrara and lower bottoms are offering high-quality loafing cover for early arrivals. Canada geese and early dabblers are utilizing regional grain stubble for daily feeding, with local river flows maintaining open sandbar roosting sites.

KEARNEY GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE- LOCATION KEARNEY, NE

Canada geese and early dabblers are moving regularly between Platte River sandbar roosts and harvested crop fields. Regional updates indicate steady increases in Blue-winged teal, Mallards, and Pintails resting on area central Platte channels. River channel flow and adjacent gravel pits provide secure nocturnal roosting areas.

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

Public wildlife areas and salt marsh impoundments around Lincoln are maintaining fair water levels. Early migrant teal, Wood ducks, and local Canada geese are well-distributed across the region as field feeding activity increases. Managed wetland basins with smartweed cover are drawing small flocks of dabblers during morning feeding flights.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Manitoba Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Manitoba expect a high temp of 62 on Friday with a low of 38 and partly cloudy skies with S winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 68 with a low of 42 and sunny to partly cloudy skies with SW winds at 15-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 58 with a low of 34 and partly cloudy skies with NW winds at 15-25 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB

The fall migration is now well underway across Manitoba, and the developing cooling trend should begin moving more birds south. Friday and Saturday should be relatively mild, allowing birds to continue feeding and building energy reserves. The cooler weather arriving Sunday and next week should increase movement of Mallards, Pintails, geese and other northern migrants.

BOISEVAINE AREA OFFICE – LOCATION: BOISEVAINE, MANITOBA

The Boisevaine area continues to benefit from the combination of wetland habitat and surrounding agricultural ground. Birds can easily shift between roosting water and harvested fields, and that should remain the dominant pattern through the warm part of the weekend. As temperatures fall Sunday and into next week, more birds should begin leaving southern Manitoba rather than simply shifting locally. The biggest movement should come if the cooler weather arrives with north or northwest winds.

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: STONEWALL, MB

Oak Hammock Marsh remains packed with thousands of staging waterfowl, featuring heavy rafts of Mallards, Northern Pintails, and Canada geese. Daily flyouts into surrounding wheat and barley fields are substantial during dawn and dusk hours. Extensively managed sanctuary units are offering pristine loafing cover that continues to hold birds in the area.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Saskatchewan Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Saskatchewan expect a high temp of 60 on Friday with a low of 36 and sunny skies with S winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 66 with a low of 40 and mostly sunny conditions with SW winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 55 with a low of 32 and partly cloudy, breezy conditions with NW winds at 15-25 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

The current warm weather will allow birds to continue feeding and staging, but Sunday’s sharp temperature drop should increase southbound movement. The combination of cooling temperatures and agricultural food should encourage ducks to begin shifting more consistently south. The Quill Lakes are one of the Saskatchewan areas to would watch closely next week because the weather is finally beginning to cooperate with the migration.

WEYBURN OFFICE – LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK

Weyburn is entering a particularly interesting migration setup, with a large temperature drop expected between Saturday and Sunday. The warmer weather should keep birds feeding heavily in agricultural areas, but the colder air arriving Sunday should encourage more southbound movement. Canada geese and Mallards should become increasingly noticeable in harvested fields and wetland complexes as the temperature falls. If the colder pattern continues into next week, Weyburn should see a noticeable increase in migrating birds.

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE – LOCATION: REGINA, SK

Last Mountain Lake sanctuary pools are hosting tens of thousands of resting waterfowl, including Mallards, Canada geese, Snow geese, and Sandhill Cranes. Daily feeding movements between sanctuary waters and surrounding crop fields remain exceptionally heavy. As North America’s oldest bird sanctuary, its deep water and protected bays offer unmatched staging security across the province.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD