Norton Waterfowl Report / Keith Sebelius Reservoir / Norton / Public Wildlife Areas in Northwest Kansas / Wildlife Areas / Locations / KDWP Info / KDWP

Norton Waterfowl Report - Updated: 9/16/25

Waterfowl numbers	There is currently a low number of dark geese that are consistently on the lake. There is currently no ducks that are consistently on the lake. 0 snow geese are staying on the lake. There are very few if any teal present.
Water level	The lake is 0% frozen. 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.

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