Northwest

**Endangered whooping cranes have been observed in Northcentral and Northwest Kansas. Be cognizant of potential closures and restrictions, and as always, know your target before taking a shot. Shooting a whooping crane can carry fines up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in prison.**

**There have been outbreaks of disease among waterfowl in Northwest Kansas. While there appears to be low risk for human infection, domestic poultry and fowl are susceptible and extreme caution should be taken to reduce the risk of spreading disease. **

CEDAR BLUFF WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 1/30/2026

	Waterfowl numbers have not changed much but birds have regrouped following the cold. Birds are mostly on the main lake where they have kept some open water. Mostly mallards were observed. Dark goose numbers have increased. A fresh group of snow geese has moved in. Ramps are locked up. 98% ice, as of 1/30. Ice was 2 inches thick at its maximum and is not safe. No Hunting Allowed from the Dam ***REVIEW Kansas Boating Regulations if you are using a boat to hunt. * Refuge Boundaries are also displayed on OnX. NO ACCESS IN THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE LAND REFUGE SEPT. 1 - JAN. 31 NO ACCESS IN THE CLOSED PORTION OF THE WATER REFUGE NOV. 1 - JAN. 31**
Water level	Reservoir Elevation - 2120.5 - 23.5 ft. low
Hunting conditions	Shorelines are bare and open, very little flooded vegetation
Expected hunting success	Poor- No huntable open water. Low Lake levels will make concealment difficult and expect fishermen to be present.
Comments	Cedar Bluff Wildlife Mgmt. Area and Reservoir are in the Low Plains Late Duck Zone Contact Cale Hedges in the Cedar Bluff Area Office 785-726-3212 for more information. Water Refuge is in effect November 1- January 31 Land Refuge is in effect September 1 - January 31 No Hunting Allowed from the Dam North Shore State Park is Closed to Hunting. Youth / Mentor hunting is also available. Zebra Mussels, Eurasian Milfoil, and Phragmites are present in Cedar Bluff Reservoir. Please clean and dry all equipment, decoys and boats before hunting other bodies of water.

Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area

Current Weather

GLEN ELDER - Last Updated: 2/20/2026

Waterfowl numbers	ALL HUNTERS at Glen Elder WA are required to check-in AND check-out daily. Go to https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin or utilize the GoOutdoorsKS app and check-in using your licensing login credentials. It is YOUR responsibility to know a property's regulations, refuge(s) and duck zone boundaries, etc. BEFORE you hunt. Click here for a detailed map of the refuges, youth area, and State Park boundaries. Please be aware that the Low Plains Early Duck Zone and Low Plains Late Duck Zone boundary is HWY 24. This means Glen Elder WA North of Hwy 24 is in the Early Zone. The majority of the Glen Elder WA (South of HWY 24) is in the Late Zone. --- Lake has opened back up with warmer temps. Due to recent migration activity snow goose numbers are up at the lake. Mallard Migration Rank = 1 (10 is peak migration) ---
Water level	Lake is currently 4.3 feet below conservation.
Hunting conditions	Expected to be POOR to FAIR. Currently most areas have vegetation up to the water's edge. Hunters still need to be cautious of DANGEROUS MUD CONDITIONS on the river and creek areas. Ice conditions = none
Expected hunting success	Limited potential.
Comments	The following boat ramps are currently UNUSABLE due to low water levels: Granite Creek, North Fork River, Carr Creek, Schoen's Cove and Walnut Creek. *Low Plains Early Duck Zone (North of Highway 24)* season closed for the remainder of the season Low Plains Late Duck Zone (South of Highway 24) season closed Dark geese season closed Whitefront season closed Spring Conservation Order Light geese season Feb. 16 - April. 30, 2026 Cawker City and Granite Creek Refuge closure dates are November 1st - January 31st. The Youth/ Mentor hunting area is located in the Granite Creek Refuge and is in effect from October 1 - January 31. Waterfowl hunting from the shoreline area is allowed in the Youth-Mentor Area as long as EACH adult is hunting with a youth 17 years or younger. Boats of any sort are prohibited in the Granite Creek Refuge. Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in Waconda Lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters.**

JAMESTOWN WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 2/26/2026

Waterfowl numbers	Light geese numbers are changing daily, however there are over 100,000 on the area at any given time. Some days more, some days less. REMEMBER: Hunters are REQUIRED to check-in / check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials.
Water levels	Managers have started spring drawdowns. The wetlands will have less water week by week, but will not be completely dry until well into the spring. Puddler Marsh: Full. Gamekeeper Marsh: Full; Gun Club West Marsh: 3/4 Full Gun Club East: 3/4Full Greenwing Marsh; 1/2 Full. Marsh Creek Marsh: 1/3 Full, hunters need to be cautious of deep water (over 6') Buffalo Creek Marshes: North marsh has sheet water only, South marsh is almost dry. Pintail Marsh: Dry
Hunting conditions	As many light goose hunters know, they are extremely hard to hunt on the water at the marsh. They are leaving the area to feed and returning mid morning and throughout the day. The majority of the birds are using Gamekeeper Marsh. Remember: NO ATV's are allowed on department lands and roads. THIS INCLUDES ARGO'S AND E-BIKES There is a no trash policy: If you take it in with you, please bring it out. This includes spent shotgun shells. THIS REGULATION WILL BE ENFORCED. ALL vehicles must remain on designated roads and parking areas. REFUGE IS OPEN
Expected hunting success	Depends on where the birds are. Success can be had hunting the ag fields on the Wildlife Area, especially during inclement weather days.
Comments	We had issues last season with reckless boating in the early morning hours. Please remember to be cautious while running the boat channels, as there is little to no room for more than one boat at a time. We have had several near collisions and mishaps. Also remember, ALL boating regulations will be enforced. Navigation lights (red and green bow lights along with an all around white stern light, light bars and headlamps do not qualify), life jackets, passenger capacities and boat registrations (even lay-out boats with a motor) ARE required. We have also had issues with hunters playing loud music while motoring out and setting up. Please remember to be courteous of other hunters on the area. Not everyone wants to hear it. The MANDATORY electronic check system can be found on the GoOutdoorsKS app. or by following the link below and using your licensing login credentials. www.ksoutdoors.com/checkin Hunters are REQUIRED to check in AND OUT using the electronic permitting system. Hunters need to check-in / check-out by going to https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. Hunters need to make sure they have all the appropriate licenses and stamps for hunting waterfowl. The following are required: Kansas hunting license State waterfowl stamp Federal waterfowl stamp Kansas Harvest Information Program Stamp (HIP) RINGNECK MARSH IS DESIGNATED FOR YOUTH AND MENTORS ONLY. EACH HUNTER 16 YEARS AND OLDER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY ONE OR MORE YOUTH UNDER 16 YEARS OLD. Marsh Creek Marsh is for non-gasoline powered boats or paddle-in / Walk-in only, this includes electric motor boats and boats with no motors. Gasoline engines are prohibited. Buffalo Creek & Pintail Marshes are for non-motorized boats and walk-in hunting only. HUNTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO : MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN HUNTING PARTIES BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER HUNTERS KNOW THEIR TARGET AND WHAT LIES BEYOND IT FOLLOWING SAFE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HUNTING PUBLIC LANDS ENJOYS A HIGH QUALITY EXPERIENCE. THE REFUGE IS OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on!

LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/12/2026

Waterfowl numbers	The numbers of light geese using the reservoir as a day roost is greatly reduced, less than 1,000. Numbers vary greatly day to day as there is no snow line north of us so geese are pushing northward for spring migration to the breeding grounds.
Mallard Migration Ranking
Water level	Lovewell Reservoir is holding at 1579.6 or 3.0 feet below Conservation Pool,( 73.7% full).The elevation has been near this elevation for the past 90 days. Inflows from the Guide Rock Diversion Canal from the Republican River is being used to refill the reserervoir but no inflow at this time. Irrigation season ended on 9/13.
Hunting condition	NO ICE. 100% open water. Hunting conditions during this late winter/early s[ring are heavily dependent on local snow cover and a snow line north of us in Nebraska to halt the migration. There os no snow line. Current water levels have created a mudflat ring around the entire reservoir. Little concealing vegetation is close to the waters edge. No Japanese millet was planted this year due to higher than normal water elevations during the planting season resulting in no mudflats available to seed LOVEWELL RESERVOIR HAS NO WATCHES OR WARNINGS FOR HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS. USERS SHOULD STILL BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR POCKETS OF HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS. ALL BOAT RAMPS ARE OPEN, CEDAR POINT IN LOVEWELL STATE PARK, THE MARINA IN THE PARK AND PAWNEE POINT AND OAK HILL ON THE WILDLIFE AREA. WHITE ROCK CREEK AREA IS OUT OF WATER AND CLOSED TO VEHICLES AT THIS ELEVATION. OAK HILL IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CONCRETE RAMP AT THIS ELEVATION. USE CAUTION FOR LARGER BOATS AND TRAILERS. ALL BOATS ARE REQUIRED TO USE NAVIGATION LIGHTS WHILE OPERATING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF SUNSET AND SUNRISE. PFD'S MUST NOT BE STOWED IN ANY COMPARTMENT WHILE THE BOAT IS UNDER POWER. KEEP THEM OUT OR BETTER YET ...ON! NON-MOTORIZED BOAT NEED SOME FLASHLIGHT OR LANTERN.
Expected hunting success	POOR ON THE WILDLIFE AREA DUE TO THE WARM CONDITIONS. WATERFOWL ARE VERY REFUGE ORIENTED DUE TO PAST AND PRESENT HUNTER AND ANGLER PRESSURE. POOR SUCCESS ON PRIVATE LAND OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM ALL PRIVATE LANDOWNERS BEFORE HUNTING ON ANY OF THEIR PROPERTY
Comments	REFUGE REGULATIONS: The land refuge closed to hunting and other activities year-round. Water refuge in effect November 1 through April 15 on the NORTHEAST half of the reservoir and Wildlife Area from 1/8th mile west of the south end of the dam and following a buoy line northwest to the western boundary of the Cabin Area of the State Park. This area open to fishing south and east of the buoy line from the north end of the dam to the Lovewell State Park Twin Coves trailer area. Inlet canal closed to fishing September 15 through April 15. BOAT RAMPS: SEE HUNTING CONDITION FOR BOAT RAMP STATUS. The State Park boat ramps require a Kansas State Park Permit. The Wildlife Area Boat Ramps are Pawnee Point, Oak Hill and White Rock Creek do not require a permit. CAMPING CABINS are available in Lovewell State Park. Make reservations HERE HUNTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO : MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN HUNTING PARTIES BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER HUNTERS KNOW THEIR TARGET AND WHAT LIES BEYOND IT HUNTERS USING BOATS MUST EXERCISE EXTRA CARE WHEN BOATING IN COLD WATER AND NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH KANSAS BOATING REGULATIONS OBTAIN PERMISSION BEFORE HUNTING PRIVATE LAND. IF WRITTEN PERMISSION IS REQUIRED ALL HUNTERS IN THE PARTY MUST POSSESS WRITTEN PERMISSION. DO NOT HANDLE DEAD WATERFOWL. DECEASED WATERFOWL INFECTED WITH AVIAN INFLUENZA ARE CONTAGIOUS AND A REAL HAZARD FOR TRANSMITTAL TO DOMESTIC POULTRY. FOLLOWING SAFE AND ETHICAL PRACTICES WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HUNTING PUBLIC LANDS ENJOYS A HIGH-QUALITY EXPERIENCE. Hunters can check-in / check-out here, https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com using your licensing login credentials. Contact the office for other arrangements. We thank you for your patience. Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on!

NORTON - Last Updated: 1/27/2026

Waterfowl numbers	There are currently a moderate number of dark geese that are consistently on the lake. There is currently a moderate population of ducks that are consistently on the lake. The numbers of both ducks and geese are highly variable at this time but are increasing weekly. Several thousand snow geese consistently on the lake. With cold weather migratory birds should keep showing up soon and become more predictable.
Water level	The lake is mostly frozen most mornings. The water level is lower than last year and is not at a desirable level for waterfowl hunting due to lots of exposed mudflats.
Hunting conditions	Be advised that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and avian cholera is usually present at the Norton Wildlife Area during peak migrations periods. Take proper precautions when handling waterfowl or other birds found dead or seemingly sick. Pressure from hunting is expected to be high. Expect to run into other waterfowl hunters. There are several areas that go from shallow to deeper suddenly and several steep shorelines that may drop off into water deeper than waders very rapidly. Lots of pass shooters have been present at Norton in the past several years. Leaving shells, trash, and dead birds will result in tickets.
Expected hunting success	Hunting success is expected to be minimal at this time. Hunters should use common sense when planning on hunting and plan around ideal weather patterns to increase success.
Comments	Norton Reservoir is in the HIGH PLAINS DUCK ZONE Blinds may be used and must be constructed of natural herbaceous materials or woody debris that are present on the site. Blinds constructed of non-natural materials must be removed from the property each day. Please do not bring materials from off-site. DUCK SEASON DATES FOR 2025 - 2026 Teal Season: September 20 - 28, 2025 Youth Duck Season (17 and younger): October 4 - 5, 2025 Regular Duck Season: October 11, 2025 - January 4, 2026 AND January 16 - 25, 2026 Canada Goose Season: November 1 - 2, 2025 and November 5, 2025 - February 15, 2026 White-Fronted Goose Season: November 1, 2025 - January 4, 2026 and January 24 - February 15, 2026 Light Goose Season: November 1 - 2, 2025 and November 5, 2025 - February 15, 2026 Conservation Season: February 16 - April 30, 2026 Sandhill Crane: October 18 - December 14,2025 REMINDERS: The refuge is NO ACCESS. Geese that have been shot at and land in the refuge CAN NOT be retrieved. Please use common sense and choose shots that will not allow shot geese to land in the refuge. Leaving dead birds laying in the field/parking lots is prohibited. Waterfowl meat taste delicious - there are multiple recipes online that can teach you how to cook it. Leaving dead birds on the wildlife area because you do not know how to cook them is not allowed. Pick up all your trash. Leaving candy wrappers, pop bottles, and EMPTY SHELLS is considered littering, and you will be ticketed.

SMOKY HILL/KANOPOLIS - Last Updated: 1/15/2026

Waterfowl numbers	Waterfowl numbers have been lower than average for this time of year. Goldeneye and mallard numbers are moderate. Geese numbers are moderate in the area with birds primarily feeding on private lands.
Water level	1461

Hunting conditions	Poor around reservoir with low water levels resulting in exposed shoreline

Comments	Refuge is CLOSED to all access from September 1st through January 31st.

TALMO - Last Updated: 1/9/2026

Waterfowl numbers	No waterfowl observed on the area. All pools are dry. REMINDER: ALL HUNTERS NEED TO CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT. Click here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials.
Water level	ALL POOLS ARE CURRENTLY DRY
Hunting conditions	Poor with no water
Expected hunting success	Will depend upon rainfall.
Comments	Remember: - TALMO IS IN THE LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE *TALMO IS IN THE CLOSED* SANDHILL CRANE ZONE - Hunters can Check-in / Check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. - No ATV's are allowed on Department land and maintained roads. -ALL shotgun hunters must use NON-TOXIC shot -No motorized boats allowed. Hunters wanting to utilize boats must carry/paddle them in. -The area has a no trash policy. If you take it in, please bring it back out with you. This includes spent shotgun shells. -ALL** vehicles MUST remain on the roads and designated parking areas only.

WEBSTER - Last Updated: 1/13/2026

Waterfowl numbers	Waterfowl numbers have been relatively stable over the past couple weeks. Birds are mostly loafing in the refuge during the daytime hours. We started observing sick snow geese as soon as they showed up at Webster and submitted samples for testing. I will update here with the test results as soon as SCWDS completes their testing protocols.
Water level	1866.7'; 25.8' below conservation pool.
Hunting conditions	Minimal inflow occurred during this Summer and Webster is still very low. Shorelines revegetated to some degree this growing season however there is very little flooded vegetation. The West end of the reservoir has a very silty, soft bottom. The mud is knee deep.
Expected hunting success	Poor Boaters: Please be aware of shallow water if using a boat for waterfowl hunting. Many areas near shorelines are very shallow. There are also some humps and high spots that are just out of visibility right below the surface.
Comments	Refuge and non-motorized boat area dates: Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Morel boat ramp is currently dry. The Rockpoint boat ramp within the State Park is accessible. Hunters need a park pass to access boat ramps in the state park. Hunting in or from the shoreline inside the State Park or along the face of the dam is prohibited. Closed areas will be marked with buoys. Refuge boundaries are posted around the area, in the state park office or on the OnX Hunt app. REMINDER: Camping is not permitted on the wildlife area, including in parking lots, except for in designated campgrounds. Ground fires are also not permitted except in provided fire rings within campgrounds. Blue/Green Algae There are currently no blue-green algae advisories for the lake. Webster Reservoir currently does not have zebra mussels. Please be sure equipment is cleaned and dry before coming to Webster from other places. Teal Season - Low Plains September 13, 2025- September 21, 2025 Duck Season on Webster Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone November 1, 2025 - January 4, 2026 and January 17-25, 2026 Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose October 18-29, 2025 Goose Season on Webster Reservoir CANADA GEESE November 1-2, 2025 and November 5, 2025 - February 15, 2026 WHITE-FRONTED November 1, 2024 - January 4, 2026 and January 24 - February 15, 2026 LIGHT GEESE November 1-2, 2025 and November 5, 2025 - February 15, 2026 Sandhill Crane Season on Webster Reservoir - Central Crane Zone November 5, 2025 - January 1, 2026 LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER February 16 - April 30, 2026 Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map

WILSON - Last Updated: 1/15/2026

Waterfowl numbers	Duck numbers are low for this time of year. Few mallards and goldeneyes have been observed. Canada geese numbers are generally low, but increasing. Majority of geese are utilizing private lands.

Water level	5 ft low
Hunting conditions	Cedar Creek boat ramp is dry and inaccessible; Limited access at Elm Creek Boat Ramp. There is no check-in or check-out to hunt Public Lands at Wilson Wildlife Area.
Expected hunting success	Limited with low water levels
Comments	Refuges are closed Sept 1-Jan 31 to all access except by special permit. This includes land and water refuge areas. Teal Season - Low Plains September 13, 2025 - September 21, 2025

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