2024 Waterfowl Migration Reports | Current Waterfowl Migration Tracking

2024 Waterfowl Migration Reports

OFFICIAL 2024 HUNTTHENORTH.COM WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT

Last Updated On Thursday December 5, 2024

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 2024 waterfowl hunting season!
Happy Hunting
Team HuntTheNorth.com

TRACK THE 2024 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 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

WATSON HUNTING CAMP

LOCATION – Western Minnesota
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Chuck Ellingson
PHONE – 952.484.8717
EMAIL – watsonhunting@huntthenorth.com

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Chuck reported on 12-4 that the season was pretty dismal. He stated that it started out pretty good with local birds but the lack of migratory weather in Canada really put a damper on the season in his area. Chuck finished by saying that they are going to try and scratch out some geese for the rest of the season.

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 December 5, 2024
Adam reported on 12-4 that with cold pushing they have a lot of birds around the area and they are very concentrated now. He stated that the Canada goose hunting should be really good from here on out with larger feeds hitting fields.

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

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Dan reported on 12-5 that the overall season in Minnesota this year was tough. He stated that they had unseasonably warm temps through the end of duck season and then an arctic blast Thanksgiving week. Dan finished by saying that there are still huntable numbers of Canada geese in the area right now but everything else has pushed south.

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

GOOSEHOG OUTDOORS

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

Last Updated on December 5, 2024
Dan reported on 12-4 that the season was pretty good! He stated that they had good numbers of birds in the area throughout the whole season. Dan finished by saying that they are already looking forward to the spring Snow goose migration.

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 December 5, 2024
Kyle reported on 12-4 that they had a very good season! He stated that they had a great local hatch of birds, and a consistent migration throughout the fall. Kyle finished by saying that they never really saw a huge push of birds from weather, but rather many small pushes as the fall went on.

LOCATION – McHenry, ND
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Brad Finneman

Last Updated November 14, 2024
Brad reported on 11-13 that there is an amazing amount of waterfowl in the area right now. He stated that numbers seem to continue to build and they haven’t seemed to lose many birds yet. Brad finished by saying that if you can get on a cut corn field within a mile of bigger water you should have great hunting!

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

HIGH PRAIRIE OUTFITTERS

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

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Cody is the lead guide for High Prairie and will be providing reports for 2024. Cody reported on 12-4 that they had a very good season. He stated that they had very good local birds to start their year, followed by a little bit of a lull. Cody finished by saying that the last few weeks were very good with strong migration numbers and great hunting!

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

HIDEAWAY HOLLOW OUTFITTERS

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

Last December 5, 2024
Matt reported on 12-4 that things are just starting to pick up on the river. He stated that it was a slow start to the migration with the warmer temps staying in Canada. Matt finished by saying that they are seeing good numbers of divers making their way down the Mississippi river the last couple weeks.

WDH GUIDE SERVICE LLC

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

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Jeff reported on 12-4 that hunting has been going ok so far this fall. Jeff stated that they are starting to see more Bluebills show up on the big water. He stated that the tropical storms and the South winds are keeping temperatures warmer and that is slowing the migration. Jeff finished by saying that he feels the season will keep pushing on and with the full moon and weather starting to cool the birds should be showing up in big numbers soon!

BRANDON JENSEN

LOCATION – Western Wisconsin

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Brandon reported on 12-4 that it was not a great duck hunting season in western Wisconsin. He stated that at times they had really good numbers of ducks but with the above average temps and mostly South winds they did not stay in an area very long. Brandon finished by saying that Canada goose numbers are very good now and should provide good hunting opportunities for the last couple of weeks.

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

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 December 5, 2024
Scott reported on 12-4 that the numbers have really picked up over the last week or two. Scott stated that over the last week hunting has really gotten a lot better with the weather system that hit Canada and the Dakota’s. Scott finished by saying that they are still bagging a lot of Gadwall, Teal, and Widgeon this late in the season means there are still a lot of Mallards coming!

BLACK GOOSE OUTFITTERS

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

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Larry reported on 12-4 that they are having a very good season. It started in Saskatchewan then moved down to Nebraska and is also running some hunts in Missouri. Larry stated that the migration was slow moving up until a week or two ago when the first big weather system hit.

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

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 December 5, 2024
JJ reported on 12-4 that the season is starting to pick up. JJ said it was a fairly slow start with the warm temps up north but last week’s weather system really shot some birds down. JJ finished by saying that he feels the rest of the season will be very good!

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 December 5, 2024
Larry reported on 12-4 that they are having a very good season. It started in Saskatchewan then moved down to Nebraska and is also running some hunts in Missouri. Larry stated that the migration was slow moving up until a week or two ago when the first big weather system hit.

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

MICHITOBA OUTFITTING

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

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Kris reported on 12-4 that they had a very good season with strong numbers around the area for the majority of the fall. Kris stated that even after they ended their hunts, they had large feeds of both ducks and geese around the area until everything froze up. Kris finished by saying that they are already looking forward to the spring and fall of next year!

STANLEY’S GOOSE CAMP

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

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Craig is the lead guide for Stanley’s Goose Camp and will be providing reports for the 2024 season. Craig reported on 12-4 that it stayed fairly mild in his area for most of the fall. Craig stated that they had very good numbers of both ducks and geese around all fall with big feeds everywhere. Craig finished by saying that he feels duck numbers are growing overall and feels next fall will be another great season!

SLEEVE LAKE OUTFITTERS

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

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Evan reported on 12-4 that they had a great fall of hunting! Evan stated that they had great hunts most days with large numbers of ducks and geese in the area. Evan finished by saying that even after the season closed, they had good numbers of birds in the area.

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

BENELLI BOYS OUTFITTERS

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

Last Updated December 5, 2024
Brent reported on 12-4 that it was an amazing fall of waterfowl. Brent stated that numbers just continued to grow each week as the weather stayed mild in the area. Brent finished by saying that they had great numbers until there was a blizzard and that pretty much ended the season.

PACIFIC WINGS PRAIRIE OUTFITTERS

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

Last Updated October 10, 2024
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 2024 season!