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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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 41 on Friday with a low of 26 and overcast skies with NNW winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 34 with a low of 20 and cloudy skies with N winds at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 32 with a low of 20 and partly cloudy skies with NNW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Reported on 11-5 that weather has been stale as of late and not pushing many new birds into the area. Staff stated that hunters that have found recent success report seeing some good numbers of Ring-necks as well as a mixed bag of Pintails, Wigeon, and Gadwall. Staff also reported that Mallards are still a major part of the harvest but have been tough to decoy. Staff finished by saying that hopefully with the next cold front hitting before the weekend additional new birds arrive.

SHERBURNE NWR- LOCATION: ZIMMERMAN, MN

Reported on 11-5 that locals remain the majority of birds present in the area but they have responded to pressure by seeking out refuges. Staff stated that species consist primarily of Mallards and Wood ducks with slight increase in Ring-necks as well as some other species. Staff finished by saying that no significant influx of new birds has been observed.

LAC QUI PARLE REFUGE – WATSON, MN

Reported on 11-5 that it seems like most of the Blue-winged Teal and Wood ducks have left the area. Staff stated that some more big ducks are showing up like Mallards, Pintails, Divers. Staff also reported that there are not huge numbers however. Staff finished by saying that there has not been much of an increase in goose numbers either and the current count on the State Game Refuge is 675.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa expect a high of 65 on Friday with a low of 36 and sunny skies with WNW winds at 15-25 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 40 with a low of 25 and a 90% chance of rain and snow mixed with NNE winds at 10-15. Look for a high of 33 on Sunday with a low of 22 and partly cloudy skies with NNW winds at 15-25 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

Reported on 11-5 that in the most recent survey conducted on 10-31 there were 3,288 ducks in the area, up from 2,611 in the previous survey. Staff stated that 47% were Mallards, 38% were other dabblers, and 14% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there were 1,956 geese, down from 2,274 in the previous survey.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Reported on 11-5 that in the most recent survey conducted on 10-31 there were 14,320 ducks in the area, up from 10,695 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 14,320, 10% were Mallards, 89% were other dabblers, and 1% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there were also 550 geese observed in the area, up from 120 in the previous survey.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Reported on 11-5 that in the most recent survey conducted on 10-31 there were 1,600 ducks in the area, up from 1,330 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 1,600, 44% were Mallards, 56% were other dabbling ducks, and 0% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there was also 25 Canada geese observed in the area, down from 200 in the previous survey.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In North Central North Dakota expect a high temp of 33 on Friday with a low of 20 and morning clouds with N winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 26 with a low of 15 and overcast skies and a N wind of 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 27 with a low of 18 and generally sunny skies with a NW wind of 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

Reported on 11-5 that waterfowl numbers near the Lake Alice area have been building steadily with increasing concentrations of ducks and more geese showing up as well. Staff stated that overall numbers seem to be below average but there are still plenty around. Staff finished by saying that the cold front moving in and through this weekend could really shake things up in the area.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Reported on 11-5 that in the surrounding area waterfowl numbers remain moderate. Staff stated that flocks of Mallards and Teal as well as some larger flocks of geese are present. Staff finished by saying that there could be major movement this weekend with the weather expected.

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: LYON, ND

Reported on 11-6 that conditions over the last week in the area have shown a slight increase in dabbling duck numbers mainly in Mallards and Gadwall. Staff stated that notable concentrations of Canada geese are appearing in harvested corn fields. Staff finished by saying that with a cold front expected this week look for a noticeable push of additional waterfowl moving through the area.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

South Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In east central South Dakota expect a high temp of 42 on Friday with a low of 28 and overcast skies with NNW winds at 10-20 mph. Saturday is expected to be 32 with a low of 15 and a 40% chance of snow showers and N wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 30 with a low of 14 and sunny skies with NW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Reported on 11-5 waterfowl hunting in the area is getting better by the day. Staff stated that cooler weather and northerly winds have fueled migrations this past week with solid numbers of Gadwall, Wigeon, Shoveler, and Green-winged teal. Staff also reported that there are also some good pockets of Mallards and Pintails. Staff finished by saying that the local Canada goose numbers remain strong with a migrating component adding to the mix.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Reported on 11-5 that duck numbers continue to increase with Wigeon, Gadwall, and divers continuing to build. Staff stated that with the onset of Pheasant season it does look like many of the ducks on small public water have moved onto private or bigger bodies of water. Staff also reported that Mallard numbers are improving with field feeding increasing. Staff finished by saying that goose numbers continue to build and they have seen strong numbers of Specks staging in several areas.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Reported on 11-5 that cold temps have pushed in the first wave of fresh birds. Staff stated that reports of good numbers of White front geese in the area. Staff also reported that puddle ducks are showing a push with higher numbers of Gadwall, Pintail, and Green wing teal. Staff finished by saying that some larger concentrations of Mallards are just beginning to show up as well.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 47 on Friday with a low of 30 and cloudy skies with NW winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 38 with a low of 21 and cloudy skies and N winds at 5-10 mph. On Sunday expect a high of 32 and a low of 22 and partly cloudy skies with NW winds at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

Reported on 11-5 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 11-5 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 11-5 that the weather over the last week has been much more seasonable for October. Staff stated that the fall migration has really started to kick off. Staff also reported that there are a variety of new ducks, Canada geese, and Sandhill cranes showing up. Staff finished by saying that Crane numbers are at several thousand and will continue to grow as we get through October.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In northwest Missouri expect a high temp of 69 on Friday with a low of 40 and mostly sunny skies with WNW winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 52 with a low of 26 and a 40% chance of rain showers in the morning with NNW winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 35 with a low of 19 and mainly sunny skies with NNW winds at 15-25 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

Reported on 11-5 that due to the government shutdown they haven’t been able to start waterfowl counts on the refuge yet. Counts for Bob Brown Conservation Area which is just south of Loes Bluff NWR are as follows. In the most recent survey conducted on 11-3 there were 17,634 ducks in the area. Staff stated that the majority were Pintails at 4,574, Gadwall at 4,382, and Mallard at 4,086.

FOUR RIVERS CONSERVATION AREA – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 11-5 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-3 there were 9,649 ducks using the area. Up from 8,500 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 9,649, 3,377 were Mallards, 965 were Teal, and 5,307 were mixed dabblers. Staff finished by saying that there were also 500 White fronted geese in the area during the time of the survey.

SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 11-5 that due to the government shutdown they haven’t been able to start waterfowl counts on the refuge yet. Counts for Fountain Grove Conservation Area which is near Swan Lake NWR are as follows. In the most recent survey conducted on 11-3 there were 12,500 ducks in the area. Staff stated that the majority were Mallard at 3,213, Pintail at 2,754, and Teal at 1,836.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Nebraska expect a high of 66 on Friday with a low of 39 and mainly sunny skies with a WNW wind at 15-25 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 55 with a low of 23 and partly cloudy skies with a NW wind at 25-35 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 39 with a low of 15 and mainly sunny skies with a N wind at 10-20 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reported on 11-5 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 11-5 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 11-5 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 27 on Friday with a low of 19 and partly cloudy skies with N winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 25 with a low of 21 and mostly cloudy skies with N winds at 5-10 mph. Sunday is expected to be 27 with a low of 19 and mostly cloudy skies with NNW winds at 5-10 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB

Reported on 10-31 that the migration is kicking off. Staff stated that large groups of Snow geese have been on the move over the last couple of weeks. 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 11-5 that the area has had an uptick in Mallard numbers. Staff stated that flocks of Canada geese are gathering in harvested fields. Staff finished by saying that with cooler nights setting in, shorelines are starting to freeze and ducks are concentrating on the remaining open water.

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: STONEWALL, MB

Reported on 11-5 that Canada goose and Snow goose numbers have decreased as colder temperatures and ice start to develop through the area. Staff stated that Mallards are concentrated in areas of open water. Staff finished by saying that Sandhill cranes are predominantly through the area.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Saskatchewan Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Saskatchewan expect a high temp of 28 on Friday with a low of 11 and overcast skies with E wind at 10-20 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 24 with a low of 12 and mostly cloudy skies with NE winds at 5-10 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 34 with a low of 26 and mostly cloudy skies with SSE winds at 10-20 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

Reported on 11-6 that Mallards and a few other late season dabbling ducks are still lingering in the area. Staff stated that there are also Snow geese and Canada geese still working their way through the area, even though overall numbers are lower.

WEYBURN OFFICE – LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK

Reported on 11-5 that this past week Canada geese and Snow geese have continued migrating through the area. Staff stated that Mallards and a mix of late season dabbling ducks are still using any remaining open water. Staff finished by saying that most Sandhill Crane flocks have already moved through the area.

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE – LOCATION: REGINA, SK

Reported on 11-5 that over the past week waterfowl numbers have begun to taper as colder weather starts to freeze up smaller bodies of water. Staff stated that large mixed flocks of Canada geese and Snow geese are still staging in the area. Staff also reported that Mallards, Pintails, and late season diving ducks remain present. Staff finished by saying that Sandhill crane numbers have mostly moved south.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD