Updated: 2/7/13

Hillsdale Waterfowl Report

Waterfowl numbers

500+ Canada Geese using the area. Season ends on February 10th.

Water level

Current elevation is 913.26 which is over 3.5 feet low. Over 50% frozen. see Corps daily Reservoir information pool is 917.0

Mallard Migration Rank

Current Rank:10

This is a subjective ranking of mallard migration and ranges from 0 (early migration) to 10 (peak migration).

Hunting conditions

Reservoir is 3 + feet below conservation pool. With drought conditions the last two years chances for water being pumped in marshes is looking slim to none. All marshes are mostly dry with small pools of water in Brown marsh and the Mentor Novice Wetland. Will be looking at some repairs on wetlands to get ready for a more average rainfall year. Water level is so low that finding good cover on main reservoir could also be a challenge without a layout boat or blind. A New manager for Hillsdale WA has been hired. If you have any questions please call 913.783.4507

Expected hunting success

Please review this years new hunting regulations on migratory birds; http://www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/Hunting-Regulations/Migratory-Birds

Some hunters were having some success on Sunday afternoon on main reservoir with front bringing in some new birds.

Refuge closes to all hunting on October 1st through January 15th. Refuge is now open to hunting.

Comments

flying duck

Notice: Note that waterfowl numbers may vary from one day to the next due to natural movement in and out of the area. See Hillsdale Wildlife Area web page for the Hillsdale brochure or click on maps for detailed aerial maps of wetland areas (Hillsdale Map), click on the wetland symbols. Water levels=(Corps daily Reservoir information). New : The Big Bull Wetland, or "last wetland" built (east of Spooncreek rd on 223rd st.), is for Mentors and Novice Hunters. A Mentor hunter (21 years and older) must be accompanied by at least one Novice hunter. A novice is a youth under 16 or a person who has not possessed a hunting license in the last 3 years. Both may hunt (during regular seasons). Area is reserved for Mentor, Youth, and Novice hunters for all hunting activities.