2025 Waterfowl Migration Reports | Current Waterfowl Migration Tracking

2025 Waterfowl Migration Reports

OFFICIAL 2025 HUNTTHENORTH.COM WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT

Last Updated On Thursday October 16, 2025

Note: We will be updating our report every Thursday afternoon through the first week of December

We will be updating our reports using many National Wildlife Refuges and Management Areas as well as updates from our Premier Waterfowl Hunting Outfitters from across the region.

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

TRACK THE 2025 WATERFOWL MIGRATION THROUGH THE FOLLOWING REGIONS

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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

FIRST FLIGHT FINISHERS

LOCATION – Minneapolis, Metro Area
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Adam Johnson
PHONE – 651.442.7259
EMAIL – firstflightfinishers@gmail.com
Endorsed Minnesota Waterfowl Outfitter

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Adam reported on 10-16 that hunting has continued to remain consistent with shooting plenty of Canada geese and some ducks mixed in. He stated that duck numbers for this time of year are still pretty standard. Adam finished by saying that they have shot some divers already this fall which seems a little early.

LOCATION – Minneapolis, South Metro Area
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Dan Wennerlind

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Dan reported on 10-16 that they are starting to see the temps cooling off a bit in the evenings and have seen a small push of new Canada geese. He stated that with the weather in the area and the weather expected in Canada they are expecting an end of October push of divers in the next 10 to 14 days.

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

GOOSEHOG OUTDOORS

LOCATION – South central, ND
OUTFITTER – Dan Hogfoss
PHONE – 701-739-3130
EMAIL – dan@goosehogoutdoors.com

Last Updated on October 16, 2025
Please check back next week for Dan’s first report of the 2025 season!

WOODLAND RESORT / NORTHERN FLIGHT G.S.

LOCATION – Devils Lake, ND
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Kyle Blanchfield
PHONE – 701.662.5996
EMAIL – woodlandresort@stellarnet.com
ENDORSED NORTH DAKOTA HUNTING LODGE
ENDORSED NORTH DAKOTA FISHING RESORT

Last Updated on October 16, 2025
Please check back next week for Kyle’s first report of the 2025 season!

LOCATION – McHenry, ND
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Brad Finneman

Last Updated on October 16, 2025
Brad reported on 10-16 that they are now starting to see some new birds show up in the area over the last couple of days. He stated that the corn harvest is just starting and that should help in finding good huntable flocks. Brad finished by saying that with it being MEA weekend there will be a ton of hunters around and that should create a little bit of organized chaos with the birds.

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

HIGH PRAIRIE OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – Western, SD
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Dave Ciani
PHONE – 605.578.1222
EMAIL – highprairie@basec.net

Last Updated on October 16, 2025
Please check back next week for Dave’s first report of the 2025 season!

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

HIDEAWAY HOLLOW OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – Mississippi River – Pool 9
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Matt Raley
PHONE – 715.347.4868
EMAIL – matt@hideawayhollowoutfitters.com

Last October 16, 2025
Matt reported on 10-15 that he isn’t starting guided hunts on the Mississippi River until early November. Matt stated that he is hearing some good reports of good numbers of ducks on both the river and in Northern WI at this point.

WDH GUIDE SERVICE LLC

LOCATION – Lake Michigan
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Jeff Van Remortel
PHONE – 920.639.6286
EMAIL – jolleywoods@gmail.com

Last Updated October 10, 2025
Jeff reported on 10-10 that up to this point of the season it has been a fairly slow trickle of birds to the area. He stated that now there are a good amount of puddle ducks showing up as well as the first few flocks of Ringnecks. Jeff finished by saying that the weekend should be good and with cooler weather coming they should start to see some bigger pushes of birds.

BRANDON JENSEN

LOCATION – Western Wisconsin

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Brandon reported on 10-16 that they are starting to see some new flocks of Canada geese show up around the area. He stated that hopefully with the cooler weather not all the local birds have left and more migrants are starting to show up. Brandon finished by saying that once there are colder temps to the north with some North wind they should get the first real push of new ducks.

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

SQUAW CREEK HUNT CLUB

LOCATION – Mound City, MO
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Scott Croner
PHONE – 402.304.1192
EMAIL – nebraskahunting@gmail.com
ENDORSED MISSOURI WATERFOWL OUTFITTER

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Scott reported on 10-16 that they are starting to see early migrant ducks showing up in the regular duck lake areas. He stated that if there is water in the normal areas, then you should have good opportunities to bag some ducks. Scott finished by saying that they are starting to see a few Specks so up in the area as well.

BLACK GOOSE OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – Southeast, Missouri
OUTFITTER – Larry frimann
PHONE – 402660-1220
EMAIL – bgo@huntthenorth.com
ENDORSED MISSOURI SPRING SNOW GOOSE OUTFITTER

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Larry reported on 10-16 that they are currently up in Canada and hunting has been going very well there. Larry stated that they have seen good migration as of late and plan to start in Missouri in about two weeks.

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

WYO-BRASKA OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – North Platte River – Western, NE
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – JJ Randolph
PHONE – 435.901.3825
EMAIL – info@wyobraskawaterfowl.com
ENDORSED NEBRASKA WATERFOWL OUTFITTER

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Please check back next week for JJ’s first report of the 2025 season!

BLACK GOOSE OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – North central, Nebraska
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Larry Frimann
PHONE – 402.660.1220
EMAIL – bgo@huntthenorth.com
ENDORSED MISSOURI SPRING SNOW GOOSE OUTFITTER

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Larry reported on 10-16 that they are currently up in Canada and hunting has been going very well there. Larry stated that they have seen good migration as of late and plan to start in Nebraska in about ten days or so.

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

MICHITOBA OUTFITTING

LOCATION: Southwestern, Manitoba
OUTFITTER: Kris Wujcik
PHONE: 204.625.2495
EMAIL: kris@michitobaoutfitting.com

Last Updated October 10, 2025
Kris reported on 10-10 that it has been a good fall to this point. He stated that Sandhill Crane numbers and hunting Cranes have also been really good. Kris also reported that lesser Canada goose numbers are very good and they are seeing very few Snow geese to this point. Kris finished by saying that duck numbers are the worst numbers he has ever seen in his area.

STANLEY’S GOOSE CAMP

OUTFITTER: Daryl Stanley
PHONE: 204.467.8216
EMAIL: magnumnorth@huntthenorth.com
ENDORSED MANITOBA WATERFOWL OUTFITTER

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Craig is the lead guide for Stanley’s Goose Camp and will be providing reports for the 2025 season. Please check back next week for Craig’s first report of the 2025 season!

SLEEVE LAKE OUTFITTERS

LOCATION: Central, Manitoba
OUTFITTER: Evan Proctor
PHONE: 204.461.4441
EMAIL: evanproctor@hotmail.com

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Please check back next week for Evan’s first report of the 2025 season!

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

BENELLI BOYS OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – SW Of Saskatoon Region
OUTFITTER – Brent Abbott
PHONE – 306.630.4537

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Brent reported on 10-16 that last week they started to see tons of migrating birds. He stated that there were thousands of birds with colored up Mallards, many flocks of Snow geese, and multiple feeds of thousands of birds. Brent finished by saying that conditions have been very wet and a minor blizzard and cold front really made the birds jittery.

PACIFIC WINGS PRAIRIE OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – SW of Saskatoon Region
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Mike Franklin
PHONE – 1.888.610.2334

Last Updated October 16, 2025
Reports will be coming from Justin who is the head guide at Pacific Wings Prairie Outfitters. Please check back next week for Justin’s first report of the 2025 season!