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

HUNTTHENORTH.COM’S PREMIER WATERFOWL HUNTING ADVENTURES

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 27 on Friday with a low of 20 and cloudy skies and W winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 42 with a low of 28 and mostly cloudy skies with SW winds at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 39 with a low of 29 and mostly cloudy skies with light and variable winds.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Reported on 12-4 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 12-4 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-20 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 12-4 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 40 on Friday with a low of 25 and sunny skies with SW winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 53 with a low of 37 and mostly sunny skies with SW winds at 10-20 mph. Look for a high of 55 on Sunday with a low of 34 and sunny skies with SSW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

Reported on 12-4 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-26 that there were 4,530 ducks in the area. Down from 5,292 in the previous survey. Of the 4,530, 83% were Mallards, 9% were other dabblers, and 8% were divers. It was also reported that there were 4,532 Geese in the area. Up from 3,870 in the previous survey. Of the 4,532, 100% were Dark geese and 0% were Light geese.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Reported on 12-4 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-26 there were 21,805 ducks in the area. Down from 23,600 in the previous survey. Of the 21,805, 64% were Mallards and 33% were other dabblers and 3% were divers. It was also reported that there were 640 geese in the area. Up from 400 in the previous survey.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Reported on 12-4 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-26 there were 3,303 ducks in the area. Down from 7,181 in the previous survey. Of the 3,303, 61% were Mallards and 39% were other dabblers and 0% were divers. It was also reported that there were 400 geese in the area. Down from 550 in the previous survey.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In North Central North Dakota expect a high temp of 27 on Friday with a low of 25 and cloudy skies with W winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 37 with a low of 29 and partly cloudy skies and a W wind of 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 37 with a low of 17 and partly cloudy skies and a 40% chance of rain with a WSW 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 33 on Friday with a low of 24 and partly cloudy skies with WSW winds at 5-10 mph. Saturday is expected to be 45 with a low of 28 and partly cloudy skies and SW wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 42 with a low of 25 and mostly cloudy skies with WNW winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Reported on 12-4 that in the most recent report on 12-1 that the storm has passed and the cold has now set in. Staff stated that the majority of waters in the area are now frozen with only a few open pockets holding birds. Staff also reported that there are some good pockets of Mallards around on bigger waters keeping holes open. Staff finished by saying that goose numbers are pretty solid for both Canada Geese and especially Snow geese.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Reported on 12-4 that in the most recent report on 12-1 that most of the water in the area has now frozen up except for portions of larger lakes. Staff stated that there are still some ducks around but they are concentrated and likely will be found in fields from here on out. Staff finished by saying that there are good numbers of both light and dark geese providing some decent opportunities.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Reported on 12-4 that in the most recent survey conducted on 12-1 that there has been an increase in waterfowl numbers over the last week. Staff stated that numbers are also more concentrated and field hunting is going to be your best option.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 26 on Friday with a low of 17 and cloudy skies with WSW winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 40 with a low of 28 and mostly cloudy skies and SW winds at 10-15 mph. On Sunday expect a high of 42 and a low of 32 and partly cloudy skies with S winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

Reported on 12-4 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 Wigeon 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 12-4 that bird numbers are starting to grow. 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 12-4 that winter has hit northern Wisconsin and ice has taken over the majority of the waterways. Staff stated that overall, it was a good migration year considering the warm weather this fall. Staff finished by saying that they are still seeing a few flocks of Canada geese using some of the river systems that do not freeze up.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In northwest Missouri expect a high temp of 45 on Friday with a low of 26 and sunny skies with SW winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 56 with a low of 39 and sunny skies and SSW winds at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 59 with a low of 35 and partly cloudy skies with SSWW winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

Reported on 12-4 that in the most recent waterfowl survey conducted on 12-3 there were 172,301 ducks on the refuge. That number is down from 310,729 in the previous survey. Of the 172,301 ducks there were three prominent species: Mallards at 116,690, Green-winged teal at 37,330, and Pintails at 8,115. Staff also reported that there were 1,062 Canada geese, 113,090 White-fronted geese, and 41,250 Snow geese on the refuge at the time of the survey.

FOUR RIVERS CONSERVATION AREA – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 12-4 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-19 there were 21,600 ducks on the refuge. Up from 5,827 in the previous survey. Staff stated that the majority were Mallards at 17,280. Staff finished by saying that there were also 12 Canada geese and 30 White fronted geese on the refuge.

SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 12-4 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-19 there were 56,505 ducks on the refuge. Up from 11,625 in the previous survey. Of the 56,505 the majority were Mallards at 25,837, Pintails at 19,765, and Gadwalls at 2,540. Staff finished by saying that there were 36 White fronted geese on the refuge as well.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Nebraska expect a high of 51 on Friday with a low of 27 and sunny skies with a WSW wind at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 60 with a low of 30 and sunny skies with a WSW wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 58 with a low of 31 and sunny skies with a W wind at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reported on 12-4 that over the last week or two they have seen a lot of migration through the area. Staff stated that they still have good numbers of birds around, and feel they still have more that could move into and through the area.

KEARNEY GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE- LOCATION KEARNEY, NE

Reported on 12-4 that they are still 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 12-4 that they started to see a few new birds work into the area. Staff stated that they feel they are nearing peak fall migration. Staff finished by saying that they feel the next couple of weeks will provide good hunting opportunities.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Manitoba Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Manitoba expect a high of 21 on Friday with a low of 20 and cloudy skies with light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 36 with a low of 28 and overcast skies with light and variable winds. Sunday is expected to be 33 with a low of 16 and cloudy skies with light snow 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 34 on Friday with a low of 27 and cloudy skies with SW wind at 10-15 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 34 with a low of 28 and mostly cloudy skies with W winds at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 30 with a low of 13 and partly cloudy skies with N winds at 10-20 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