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 66 on Friday with a low of 43 and generally sunny skies with SSE winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 47 with a low of 26 and partly cloudy skies with NW winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 44 with a low of 23 and mainly sunny skies with WNW winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Reported on 11-12 that with the colder weather last weekend they saw some new birds show up in the area. Staff stated that Ring-necks and Mallards continue to be the majority of ducks in the area.

SHERBURNE NWR- LOCATION: ZIMMERMAN, MN

Reported on 11-12 that in the most recent report on 11-7 that reports from local hunters have been consistent that hardly any new birds have moved into the region over the past week. Staff stated that many reports of birds showing up after hours have been the topic of late. Staff finished by saying that they have had reports of bigger flocks of Ringnecks coming into the region’s lakes, and hopefully the major cold front this weekend brings the northern birds south.

LAC QUI PARLE REFUGE – WATSON, MN

Reported on 11-12 that in the most recent report on 11-7 that most of the Teal and smaller puddle ducks like Wigeon and Gadwall have moved on. Staff stated that good numbers of Mallards, Pintails, and divers are around the area. Staff also reported that some Mallards are feeding off the refuge on private ag fields. Staff finished by saying the Goose count had picked up slightly, but still a pretty low number overall with the current count being 1340.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa expect a high of 70 on Friday with a low of 56 and mainly sunny skies with S winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 62 with a low of 33 and mostly sunny skies with NNW winds at 10-20. Look for a high of 52 on Sunday with a low of 37 and generally sunny skies with NW winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

Reported on 11-12 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-7 there were 4,418 ducks in the area, up from 3,288 in the previous survey. Staff stated that 47% were Mallards, 35% were other dabblers, and 18% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there were 2,315 geese, up from 1,956 in the previous survey.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Reported on 11-12 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-7 there were 15,077 ducks in the area, up from 14,320 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 15,077, 23% were Mallards, 75% were other dabblers, and 2% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there were also 440 geese observed in the area, down from 550 in the previous survey.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Reported on 11-12 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-7 there were 2,745 ducks in the area, up from 1,600 in the previous survey. Staff stated that of the 2,745, 46% were Mallards, 53% were other dabbling ducks, and 2% were divers. Staff finished by saying that there was also 175 Canada geese observed in the area, up from 25 in the previous survey.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In North Central North Dakota expect a high temp of 58 on Friday with a low of 30 and morning clouds with WSW winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 38 with a low of 24 and sunny skies and a WNW wind of 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 39 with a low of 24 and sunny skies with a NW wind of 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

Reported on 11-12 that waterfowl numbers near the Lake Alice area have been building steadily with increasing concentrations of ducks and more geese showing up after the cold front last week. Staff stated that overall numbers seem to be below average but there are still plenty around. Staff finished by saying that there is another cold front with strong northerly winds coming again this weekend.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Reported on 11-12 that in the surrounding area waterfowl numbers remain stable. 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 cooler temps and a Northwest wind.

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: LYON, ND

Reported on 11-12 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 65 on Friday with a low of 39 and generally sunny skies with SSW winds at 10-15 mph. Saturday is expected to be 45 with a low of 28 and mainly sunny skies and NW wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 48 with a low of 32 and sunny skies with SSE winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Reported on 11-12 that the migration is progressing in the area and more Mallards and Pintails are showing up daily. Staff stated that there are still great opportunities for other puddle ducks like Gadwall, Wigeon, and Shovelers in the area. Staff also reported that they anticipate more ducks moving to bigger water until the next warm snap. Staff finished by saying that Snow geese and White-fronted geese have been moving through the area and Canada goose numbers remain strong.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Reported on 11-12 that there seems to be a few more ducks in general in the area but still no big numbers. Staff stated that the strong cold front hitting the area last weekend should have caused some big movements and hunters should expect new birds again this weekend. Staff finished by saying that Goose numbers are increasing with some Whitefronts still in the area.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Reported on 11-12 that they are expecting some better hunting in the area with the weather that came through last weekend. Staff stated that they are seeing a good number of new migrating birds including Gadwall, Wigeon, and Green-wing teal. Staff finished by saying that the harvest is nearly complete, allowing for good field hunting for both ducks and geese.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 64 on Friday with a low of 48 and mainly sunny skies with SSE winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 53 with a low of 27 and cloudy skies in the morning and NW winds at 10-20 mph. On Sunday expect a high of 44 and a low of 24 and sunny skies with WNW winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

Reported on 11-12 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 11-12 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 11-12 that the weather over the last week has been much more seasonable for November. Staff stated that the fall migration has really started to kick off and a lot of birds have already moved through the area. Staff also reported that there are a variety of new ducks, Canada geese, and Sandhill cranes showing up with the majority of the Canada geese staying in Grantsburg on Memory Lake. Staff finished by saying that Crane numbers are near peak with 15,000 plus using the areas between Crex Meadows and Fish Lake Wildlife are.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In northwest Missouri expect a high temp of 72 on Friday with a low of 52 and mainly sunny skies with SSW winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 69 with a low of 34 and a generally sunny skies with NNW winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 56 with a low of 40 and partly cloudy skies with ESE winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

Reported on 11-12 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 11-12 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 11-12 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 79 on Friday with a low of 50 and sunny skies with a SW wind at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 66 with a low of 35 and partly cloudy skies with a N wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 62 with a low of 40 and mainly sunny skies with a SSE wind at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reported on 11-12 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 11-12 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 11-12 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 52 on Friday with a low of 29 and cloudy skies with SSW winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 36 with a low of 23 and mostly sunny skies with WNW winds at 5-10 mph. Sunday is expected to be 34 with a low of 20 and mainly sunny skies with light and variable winds.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB

Reported on 11-12 that the migration is cooling down. 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 11-12 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 18 and mostly cloudy skies with WNW wind at 20-30 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 36 with a low of 18 and a mix of sun and clouds with SW winds at 5-10 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 37 with a low of 25 and mostly sunny skies with ESE winds at 10-15 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

Reported on 11-12 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 11-12 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 11-13 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