| Waterfowl numbers | Teal numbers were lower than past years and we have not seen much for new birds. Looks like we will need some north winds to get things moving. REMEMBER: Hunters are REQUIRED to check-in / check-out here, https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. |
| Water levels | There was a significant rain event NW of Jamestown in July. The area was allowed to fill to 95%% capacity. We are currently holding that water, being the most we have had in several years. Puddler Marsh: Repairs have been completed without any loss of habitat or water. Gamekeeper Marsh: Full; Gun Club West Marsh: Full Gun Club East: Full Greenwing Marsh; Full. Marsh Creek Marsh: Full, hunters need to be cautious of deep water (over 6') Buffalo Creek Marshes: North marsh is full, South marsh is 15%. We had to stop pumping this week due to low flows in the Republican River. Pintail Marsh: Dry - will need significant local rainfall and/or flooding to occur to fill. |
| Hunting conditions | Good to Excellent - Moist soil production and abundant flooded vegetation. With the majority of pools full, hunters (and birds) will be able to spread out. 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 NOW OPEN
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| Expected hunting success | Poor. Opening weekend was less successful than years past. The birds that were around have pushed out. Hunters need to be aware of other duck species that are utilizing the same areas as the Teal are. Hunters with dogs need to be aware that we are seeing multiple Massasauga Rattlesnakes daily. Be cautious in parking lots, around rocks and the edges of the wetlands. |
| 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.
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 :
THE REFUGE IS NOW OPEN Please introduce youth and novice hunters to the outdoors. Pass it on! |
