| 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. --- Duck numbers, mainly consisting of mallards and pintails, remain low. Snow goose numbers are up, and still showing signs of avian influenza. The whooping cranes have not been seen since December 3rd. Please continue to exercise caution. --- Mallard Migration Rank = 3 (10 is peak migration) ---
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| 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 = shorelines and shallow areas have ice. |
| 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 Oct. 11- Dec 7, 2025 and Dec. 20, 2025 and Jan. 4, 2026 Low Plains Late Duck Zone (South of Highway 24) season Nov. 1, 2025- Jan. 4, 2026 and Jan. 17-25, 2026 Dark geese season Nov. 1-2, 2025 and Nov. 5, 2025 - Feb. 15, 2026 Whitefront season Nov. 1, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026 and Jan. 24 - Feb. 15, 2026 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. |
