| Waterfowl Observed | Waterfowl observed on this report are based on what was observed on the day the report is updated. Waterfowl numbers and species observed can vary greatly from day to day. Weather conditions and hunting pressure will affect the number of waterfowl on the area. Melvern Lake and Wildlife Area fall within the Low Plains Late Waterfowl Zone. Please be aware of and stay out of the "Refuge" closed area on Melvern during the posted closed dates. We have recently run into issues with hunters not being aware of the refuge boundary. The boundary is marked on maps published on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Melvern Lake website, marked physically by signs on the boundary and buoys in the lake, and is also visible on OnX maps when the "KS Gov Lands" layer is activated. The refuge is CLOSED TO ALL ACTIVITIES from October 1st through January 15th. Any and all persons caught trespassing in the refuge will be issued a Notice to Appear to court (ticket). Date: 1/22/26 Waterfowl Observed: Mallard, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser. Duck numbers have dropped significantly on the wildlife area since the refuge has opened for hunting. The lake is icing up over night and the wetlands are mostly frozen already. Expect heavy ice on the marshes and lake over the weekend. Cold temperatures and heavy snow forecast starting on Friday and continuing through Sunday. If you do decide to brave the weather, please be very cautious. Mallard Migration Rank = 2 (0 = no mallards and 10 = peak migration) |
| Water level | Lake level = 1035.38; Conservation pool = 1036.00; Target goal for the lake is 1036.00. Target lake level and outflow is set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. |
| Hunting conditions | Melvern Lake and Wildlife Area fall within the Low Plains Late Zone. No water is currently being pumped. With recent rain, water was pumped into Willow Marsh to recoup losses from evaporation and ground seepage. The portable pump is currently down and in need of repairs, we are working to fix the pump. The ability to pump water is based on stream flows in the Marais des Cygnes River and Melvern Lake pool elevations. We are legally required to abide by our water storage and diversion rights. This year we planted a wetland food plot mix into some of the wetlands. The food plot mix includes milo, buckwheat, Japanese millet, and foxtail millet. 3 Duck Marsh- Both pools were pumped full earlier this fall. The water level has fallen since the last pumping, but good water still remains in both pools. Strips of wetland food plot mix are planted in both pools. Naturally occurring moist soil vegetation is fair. Willow Marsh- Both pools are close to full. Both pools have good moist soil vegetation. North pool has strips of wetland food plot mix. Sundance Marsh- Sundance is about 1/2 full. If we receive adequate rainfall between now and the end of season, we will pump more water into Sundance. Moderate to good moist soil vegetation. Lowman's Cove- Water was left in these pools all summer. North pond dam has blown out and needs repaired. Poor moist soil production. Shoveler Slough- Shoveler is full. Good moist soil vegetation in much of the unit. Wetland food plot strips planted throughout the unit, as well as some broadcast Japanese millet. The parking lot for this wetland is located at the intersection of 317th and S. Davis Rd. Price Marsh- The Price Marsh levee has been repaired to a usable condition. Price is as full as we can get it. Poor to moderate moist soil vegetation. Strips of Japanese millet were planted into some of the unit, however, dry conditions after planting caused much of the millet to fail. Strips have been disced to promote desirable moist soil vegetation production next summer. The parking lot for this wetland is at 309th & Crawford. NO DRIVING ON THE LEVEE. Refuge-The refuge is on the west end of the lake and directly east of Willow Marsh. The marsh-like upper end of the refuge produced moderate to good moist soil vegetation. Much of the upper end of the refuge is dry and continues to dry out as lake levels drop. The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th. |
| Expected hunting success | fair |
| Comments | All hunters utilizing Melvern Wildlife Area are required to obtain a free daily hunt permit through the new electronic permit system. Hunters can register now to begin using the electronic system at https://ksoutdoors.com/checkin using your licensing login credentials. Waterfowl hunters utilizing the main lake are only required to obtain a permit when hunting west of Hoch Road. If the app version of the daily check in/out permit system is having technical difficulties, please try checking in on the internet browser version found on the KDWP website. Please remember to fill out the permit with accurate information. THIS INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA. FILL OUT ONLY YOUR INDIVIDUAL HARVEST EFFORTS, i.e., NOT A GROUP HARVEST TOTAL. Melvern Wildlife Area lies within the following waterfowl units: TEAL, LOW PLAINS ZONE DUCKS, LOW PLAINS LATE ZONE See Kansas Hunting Regulation Summary for waterfowl zone maps, dates, and bag limits. Click here: https://ksoutdoors.gov/Hunting/Hunting-Regulations The Refuge Area is CLOSED October 1st through January 15th. |
