2023 Waterfowl Migration Reports

OFFICIAL 2023 HUNTTHENORTH.COM WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT

We hope this will be a valued resource in planning your next adventure and tracking the migration through the 2023 waterfowl hunting season!
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Team HuntTheNorth.com

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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 34 on Friday with a low of 20 and partly cloudy skies and light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 37 with a low of 22 and mostly cloudy skies with SE winds at 5-10 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 38 with a low of 19 and mostly cloudy skies with light and variable winds.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent report conducted on 11-16 last week’s waterfowl count was higher than expected. Staff stated that they have seen good numbers of birds in and around the area. Staff finished by saying that rivers also seem to be holding good numbers of birds too.

SHERBURNE NWR- LOCATION: ZIMMERMAN, MN

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-16 that mild weather over the last week and decent water levels have resulted in keeping an ok number of birds in the area. Staff stated that for the most part waterfowl have been moving out of the area, but Mallards and Ring Necks are still hanging around.

LAC QUI PARLE REFUGE – WATSON, MN

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-2 that some more Mallards and other late season migrant ducks were noticed in the area over the last week. Staff also noted some good numbers of wood ducks, gadwalls, and pintails while driving around. Staff also reported that numbers are seeming to build then go down suggesting birds aren’t hanging around long once they arrive. Staff finished by saying that there are currently about 2,000 Canada geese using the refuge, but that number seems to fluctuate by the hour.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa expect a high of 37 on Friday with a low of 29 and overcast skies with NNE winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 38 with a low of 28 and cloudy skies with light and variable winds. Look for a high of 43 on Sunday with a low of 24 and partly cloudy skies with SW winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-21 that there were 9,355 ducks in the area. Up from 8,325 in the previous survey. Of the 9,355, 59% were Mallards, 33% were other dabblers, and 8% was divers. It was also reported that there were 5,090 Canada geese in the area. Up from 5,015 in the previous survey.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-21 there were 9,245 ducks in the area. Up from 8,180 in the previous survey. Of the 9,245, 39% were Mallards and 54% were other dabblers and 6% were divers. It was also reported that there were 150 Canada geese in the area. Up from 100 in the previous survey.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-21 that they have not conducted a count on ducks yet this fall. Staff did state that they counted geese in the area, and they had 200 Canada geese in the area when they did the count. Same as in the previous survey.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In North Central North Dakota expect a high temp of 34 on Friday with a low of 25 and overcast skies with light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 39 with a low of 30 and partly cloudy skies and SE wind of 10-20 mph. Sundays high is expected to be 51 with a low of 28 and partly cloudy skies with a W wind of 20-30 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

Reported on 11-8 that the cold and snow over the last couple weeks has pushed the majority of waterfowl out and through the area. Staff stated that the big lake is still open in areas and holding some birds but not as many as usual.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Reported on 11-8 that they still have some birds around the area. Staff stated that the cold and snow over the last couple of weeks pushed a lot of what was in the area out.

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: LYON, ND

Reported on 11-8 that they aren’t seeing much in the area right now. Staff stated that the wintery weather in October really accelerated the migration this fall.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

South Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In east central South Dakota expect a high temp of 34 on Friday with a low of 21 and cloudy skies and SE winds at 5-10 mph. Saturday is expected to be 40 with a low of 19 and partly cloudy skies and S wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 39 with a low of 19 and mostly sunny skies with a WSW wind at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Reported on 11-29 that Sand Lake NWR and other area water is 98% froze. Staff stated however, there are still good amounts of dark and light geese using these areas and feeding in area fields. Staff finished by saying that ducks are less common in the area and much harder to find.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Reported on 11-29 that above normal temperatures have reopened all wetlands in the area, but duck numbers seem sparse on small water. Staff stated that some shovelers, green wings, and divers were seen on smaller wetlands, but most ducks are still on big water. Staff finished by saying that overall duck numbers seem pretty sparse in this area, and if the warm temperatures persist or we get a push of new birds hopefully smaller wetlands will provide more opportunity.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Reported on 11-29 that some good sized flocks of Snow geese with some Speckle bellies have migrated into the area. Staff stated that they have started to see a few more Canada geese in and around the area as well. Staff finished by saying that duck hunting on water remains the most consistent.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 36 on Friday with a low of 22 and partly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 38 with a low of 27 and cloudy skies and SE winds at 5-10 mph. On Sunday expect a high of 38 and a low of 22 and a 40% chance of snow with light and variable winds.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-14 their numbers were fairly consistent in the area from last week. Staff stated that there were 141,249 dabbling ducks in the area with the majority being Mallards, 208 diving ducks in the area with the majority being Lesser scaup and 25,507 Canada geese in the area. Staff finished by saying that they also saw an increase in Sandhill Crane numbers up to 22,180.

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

Reported on 11-29 that on 11-16 there were roughly 300 dabbling ducks with them being a mix of Mallards, Pintails, Widgeon, and Shoveler. Staff also reported that there were 5,000 divers further out on the river with the majority being Canvasbacks and Ring Necks. Staff finished by saying that there were about 100 Canada geese and 800 Swans in the pool as well.

CREX MEADOWS NWR – LOCATION: GRANTSBURG, WI

Reported on 11-22 that the majority of the area froze up a couple weeks ago causing a lot of the ducks to leave the area. Staff stated that if you do find open water you will find ok numbers of Mallards and on bigger open bodies of water you will find good numbers of divers. Staff finished by saying that they also have decent numbers of Canada geese around as well.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In northwest Missouri expect a high temp of 35 on Friday with a low of 25 and a 70% chance of snow with N winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 38 with a low of 2 and cloudy skies with light and variable. Sunday’s high is expected to be 44 with a low of 20 and partly cloudy skies with WSW winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-28 there were 65,287 ducks on the refuge. Down from 128,024 in the previous survey. Of the 65,287 the majority were Mallards at 54,995, Green winged Teal at 7,945, and Ring Necks at 1,300. Staff finished by saying there were also about 9,087 geese on the refuge at the time of the survey with the majority being Snow geese at 8,310.

FOUR RIVERS CONSERVATION AREA – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-20 there were 41,148 ducks on the refuge during the survey. Down from 42,000 in the previous survey. Staff stated that the majority of ducks were Mallards. Staff finished by saying that there were 20 Canada geese on the refuge at the time of the count as well.

SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 11-29 that on the most recent survey conducted on 11-14 there were 51,856 ducks in the area. Up from 1,542 in the previous survey. Staff stated that the majority were Mallards with a count of 15,981, Pintail at 6,090, and Teal at 6,049. Staff finished by saying that there are also 5,960 Snow geese in the area at the time of the count.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Nebraska expect a high of 39 on Friday with a low of 21 and mostly cloudy skies with a NNE wind at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 45 with a low of 25 and cloudy skies with a SSW wind at 10-15 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 48 with a low of 24 and partly cloudy skies with a WNW wind at 15-25 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reported on 11-29 that they are seeing a good number of birds in the area. Staff stated that the weather has been unseasonably warm over the last week and that has slowed hunting down some. Staff finished by saying that they need cooler weather for more birds to show up.

KEARNEY GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE- LOCATION KEARNEY, NE

Reported on 11-29 that they are seeing good numbers of waterfowl around the area. Staff stated that they have really good numbers of geese. Staff finished by saying that as usual the more scouting you do the better odds you will have in finding the right areas to hunt.

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

Reported on 11-29 that they are seeing an ok number of birds around for this time of year. Staff stated that they have good numbers of Teal around where there is good water. Staff finished by saying that they are a couple weeks out from seeing good migration yet.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Manitoba Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Manitoba expect a high of 34 on Friday with a low of 21 and cloudy skies with SSW wind at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 36 with a low of 29 and mostly sunny skies and with SSE winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday is expected to be 35 with a low of 26 and a 60% chance of snow with WSW wind at 10-20 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB

Reported on 11-8 that over the last 2 weeks the vast majority of the area has frozen up and pushed almost all of the waterfowl out of the area. Staff stated that there are some small pockets of big Geese and Mallards but no real big numbers to speak of.

BOISEVAINE AREA OFFICE – LOCATION: BOISEVAINE, MANITOBA

Reported on 11-8 that they are about done seeing birds for 2023. Staff stated that the big weather system early last week pushed what was left in the area further south.

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: STONEWALL, MB

Reported on 11-8 that the fall migration seems to be done. Staff stated that they are seeing a couple small flocks of Canada geese but that is it.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Saskatchewan Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Saskatchewan expect a high temp of 35 on Friday with a low of 25 and mainly sunny skies with SSE wind at 10-20 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 43 with a low of 30 and sunny skies with a SSE wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 46 with a low of 26 and partly cloudy skies with W winds at 15-25 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

Reported on 11-8 that the migration is over. Staff stated that they still have some Canada geese around the area, but they are well past peak migration numbers.

WEYBURN OFFICE – LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK

Reported on 11-8 that a storm a couple weeks ago built up a lot of ice and some snow and pushed the vast majority of birds south out of the area.

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE – LOCATION: REGINA, SK

Reported on 11-8 that they aren’t seeing much left in the area. Staff stated that there are some small pockets of ducks, and a decent amount of Canada geese but they are well past peak migration.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD