| 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
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| 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 | 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.Please remember to be courteous of other hunters on the area and keep music volumes low. Hunters are required to check in and out using your licensing log in credentials in the electronic check-in system online or through the GoOutdoorsKS app. 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 :
THE REFUGE IS OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on! |
