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OFFICIAL 2011 HUNTTHENORTH.COM
WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT |
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* Last Updated On Monday December 5, 2011 NOTE: THIS WILL BE OUR FINAL REPORT FOR THE 2011 SEASON.
WE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR OUTFITTERS AND FIELD REPORTERS FOR THEIR HELP IN PUTTING TOGETHER OUR WEEKLY MIGRATION REPORTS. WE HOPE THIS SERVICE WAS BENEFICIAL IN MAKING YOUR 2011 WATERFOWL HUTNING SEASON A SUCCESS! BE SURE TO CHECK BACK IN MID FEBRUARY FOR OUR FIRST 2012 SPRING SNOW GOOSE MIGRATION REPORT. ~ HUNTTHENORTH.COM
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Minnesota Waterfowl Migration Report
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| WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK: |
Highs: In central Minnesota expect highs in the mid to upper 40’s through the weekend.
Lows: Expect low temps in the low to mid 30’s through the weekend.
Precipitation: Skies should be partly cloudy through Saturday with a 20% chance of showers expected on Sunday.
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| REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY: |
BIG STONE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - LOCATION: ODESSA, MN Reported that as of Thursday December 1, 2011 their most recent waterfowl survey was conducted on Monday November 28th. In that survey they were holding 11,250 Canada geese, up from 11,000 Canada geese last week. They were also holding around 6,300 ducks- up from 2,600 ducks last week. Of those ducks the most prevalent were: mallards and scaup with some mergansers, red heads and golden eyes mixed in. They also noted that most of the refuge waters are now frozen over but there are still some open pockets of water still remaining on the refuge and they only have a light dusting of around a 1/2 inch of snow cover at this time. RICE LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - LOCATION: McGREGOR, MN Reported that as of Thursday December 1, 2011 they reported that in the last week the refuge has finally frozen over completely now and all of the waterfowl have moved south. They also stated that they have about 1/2 inch of snow cover at this time as well. The noted that their final official waterfowl survey was conducted back on November 1, 2011 at which time they were holding 20,000 ring neck ducks, 7,000 mallards, 1,600 swans and 800 Canada geese. They feel their peak was the second week of October this year. UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY N.W.R. - LOCATION: POOLS 4 - 14 Reported that as of November 28, 2011 on Pools 4 – 14 of the Mississippi River they were holding 500,250 diver ducks, up from 424,300 diver ducks the week before. There were also 97,380 puddle ducks down from 125,745 puddle ducks the week before and 13,000 Canada geese down from 23,180 Canada geese the week before. Of those there were: 260,670 canvasbacks, up from 33,515 canvasbacks, 174,980 scaup and 86,095 mallard.
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| REPORTS FROM THE FIELD: |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursdsay December 1, 2011 GOOSE BUSTERS GUIDE SERVICE
LOCATION: Hutchinson, Mn Region
OUTFITTER / REPORTER - Phil Schmidt
PHONE - 612.325.9746
EMAIL - philschmidt79@yahoo.com
Endorsed Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Outfitter |
Phil Schmidt reported that they wrapped up the 2011 Minnesota duck hunting season earlier this week with a bang! Phil stated that his hunters have been taking 6 man limits of Canada geese and mallards almost every day leading up to the season close. Phil stated that overall this was by far their best year for duck hunting in Minnesota on record and they shot over 100 more ducks this season than last and last year was a record year at that time. Phil noted that now that the lakes are freezing over they are seeing more and more big flocks of Canada geese staging in the typical late season areas including the Hutchinson Refuge. Phil said they are still doing very well with the late season goose hunts but there are many variables that come into play this time of year to be successful. Phil is expecting a solid rest of the season here in Minnesota for their late season goose hunts! |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursday December 1, 2011 WATSON HUNTING CAMP
LOCATION – Lac Qui Parle, Mn
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Chuck Ellingson
PHONE – 952.484.8717
EMAIL – chuck@watsonhunting.com
Endorsed Minnesota Waterfowl / Upland Outfitter |
Chuck Ellingson reported that the Canada goose hunting around the Lac Qui Parle Refuge is excellent right now and they have over 100,000 Canada geese now staging in the refuge as well as a decent number of late season mallards although the duck season is now closed in MN. Chuck did note that they had good duck hunting in the area the last couple weeks of the season. Chuck is expecting the goose hunting to be very good through the end of the season now with all the new birds in the refuge. |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursday December 1, 2011
FIRST FLIGHT FINISHERS
LOCATION – Minneapolis, Metro Area
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Adam Johnson
PHONE – 651.442.7259
EMAIL – firstflightfinishers@gmail.com
Endorsed South Dakota Snow Goose Hunting Outfitter |
Adam Johnson reported that he is seeing very good concentrations of Canada geese in the eastern suburbs now. Adam feels that this is a conglomeration of many fresh birds moving into the area as well as some of the local geese moving from some of the smaller lakes that have recently frozen up, into some of the bigger staging lakes. Adam said that they had a banner duck season this fall and they shot 100 Canada geese and 40 mallards during the last week of the Minnesota duck season. Adam is still going strong on the late season goose hunts and is already starting to think about the upcoming spring snow goose hunting season! |
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Iowa Waterfowl Migration Report
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| WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK: |
Highs: In central Iowa expect highs in the mid 50’s through the weekend.
Lows: Expect low temps in the mid 30’s to low 40’s through the weekend.
Precipitation: Skies should be partly cloudy through Saturday with a 20% chance of showers expected on Sunday.
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| REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY: |
LAKE ODESSA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA - LOCATION: WAPELLO, IOWA Reported that as of November 24, 2011 they were holding 13,500 ducks, down from 19,600 ducks last week. Of those there were 73% mallards, 23% other puddle ducks, and 4% diver ducks. They were also holding 2,600 Canada geese, up from 1,900 Canada geese last week. BIG MARSH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA - LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA Reported that as of November 24, 2011 they were holding 6,900 ducks, up from 6,200 ducks last week. Of those 57% were mallards, 42% other puddle ducks, and 1% diver ducks. They were also holding 2,400 Canada geese, up from 1,200 last week.
RIVERTON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA - LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA Reported that as of November 24, 2011 they were holding 36,300 ducks up from 25,200 ducks last week. Of those 76% were mallards, 22% other puddle ducks and 2% divers. There were also 1,000 Canada geese, up from 500 Canada geese last week. |
| REPORTS FROM THE FIELD: |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
PRAIRIES EDGE
LOCATION – DES MOINES, IOWA
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Shawn Eldredge
PHONE – 515.321.4667
EMAIL – goosgru@aol.com
ENDORSED IOWA WATERFOWL OUTFITTER |
Shawn Eldredge reported that the Canada goose hunting around the Des Moines area is still a little stale right now but with the weather moving in this weekend he is hoping for a fresh batch of new Canada geese to move into the area to finish off the season strong. |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursday December 1, 2011 LOCATION: Pool 9 Miss. River - Lansing, Iowa
REPORTER: Blake Schoh |
Blake Schoh stated that overall the duck season was pretty slow for his crew. He stated that after hunting everyday last week, it was pretty tough to get birds. He said they saw mostly mallards that he assumes have been around for awhile, because they were real decoy shy, and would sit in the middle of open water all day. Blake also noted that a few divers that had started to move into the area but not the numbers we are used to seeing at this time of year. Blake wrapped it up by saying that this wasn’t the year we were looking forward to after last year, but no time spent hunting is a bad time. |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursday December 1, 2011 LOCATION: South - Central Iowa
REPORTER: Scott McClelland |
Scott “Skeeter” McClelland reported that this has been the worst year that he can remember. He stated that overall the word to describe this fall was- Slow! Scott stated that he was able to hunt SW Iowa last Wednesday and they didn’t see many ducks or geese. He said they did shoot some ducks hunting over a pond while goose hunting that Friday, just west of Des Moines. Scott also hunted central Iowa the last Saturday and saw some Mallards and Canada geese south of Carlisle. Scott was hopping with a strong NW wind that there would be some new ducks. |
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North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report
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| WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK: |
Highs: In north central North Dakota expect a high of 45 degrees through Saturday and then a drop off down to 36 degrees on Sunday.
Lows: Expect low temps in the upper 20’s to low 30’s through the weekend.
Precipitation: Skies should be partly cloudy through the weekend with no precipitation in the weekend forecast.
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DES LACS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - LOCATION: KENMARE, ND
Reported that as of December 1, they are completely frozen over for the year. There has been very few ducks and geese in the area over the past week. Over all it was one of the best seasons that they have had for migration numbers and report that hunters in the area had great success all year. TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND Reported that as of November 30, they had a good year with big numbers each week throughout the fall. There are just a couple of birds here and there with the remaining waterfowl predicted to move south in the next few days. CROSBY WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: CROSBY, ND
Reported that as of November 30, there are a few birds still in the harvested corn fields. However, with all of the water being frozen now, the numbers decrease everyday and are expected to be completely moved out by the weekend. |
| REPORTS FROM THE FIELD: |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
TOP GUN GUIDE SERVICE
LOCATION – Statewide, ND
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Matt Kostka
PHONE – 507.696.0208
EMAIL – matt@topgunguideservice.com
ENDORSED NORTH DAKOTA WATERFOWL OUTFITTER |
Matt Kostka reported that this was by far the best duck hunting season on north central North Dakota that they have ever had. He said that once the smaller lakes froze up and the mallards were more concentrated they had the best field hunting for mallards that he can remember, every day! He also stated that the Canada goose hunting was tough in North Dakota as it was in Saskatchewan this fall. He said due to the early season Canada goose season, by the time they arrived most of the local Canada geese were pretty shot up and the migrants from Canada did not show up until very late. He also stated that they did not go after the snow geese much and they were late arrivals from Canada this fall as well. He had a couple reports from last week in southern North Dakota that they are seeing a few more duck that must have moved back north from South Dakota this past week and there were still a decent number of snow geese still staging on the ND / SD border. |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
WOODLAND RESORT / NORTHERN FLIGHT G.S.
LOCATION – Devils Lake, ND
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Kyle Blanchfield
PHONE – 701.662.5996
EMAIL – woodlandresort@stellarnet.com
ENDORSED NORTH DAKOTA HUNTING LODGE |
Kyle Blanchfield reported they are down to just to just a few birds left in the area. Devils Lake is still holding good numbers of Canada geese and a couple of ducks. Kyle reports that is was a good season overall, having success everyday. The warm temperatures that extended the migration period was great, giving more days to be in the field and extended the season. |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
HONKER DOWN GUIDE SERVICE
LOCATION – McHenry, ND
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Brad Finneman
PHONE – 701.674.3304
EMAIL – honkrdn@daktel.com
ENDORSED NORTH DAKOTA GOOSE HUNTING LODGE |
Brad Finneman reported that everything is pretty much iced up, with a little open water around the local rivers near Jamestown. There are no birds around the area with the possibility of a few Canada geese coming through from Devils Lake. Brad reports that it was the best year that they have had since they have been in business with great hunting all season long! |
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South Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report
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| WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK: |
Highs: In east central South Dakota expect highs in the low 50’s through Saturday and then a drop down to 45 degrees on Sunday.
Lows: Expect low temps in the upper 20’s to low 30’s through the weekend.
Precipitation: Skies should be partly cloudy through the weekend with no precipitation in the weekend forecast.
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| REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY: |
SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD Reported that as of November 29, there are still good numbers of waterfowl using the refuge. Duck numbers are estimated at 80,000, Canada geese are estimated at 5,000, while snow geese have increased to 145,000. The majority of Mud Lake and Sand Lake has frozen over and expected to freeze more over the next week as temperatures drop. WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD Reported that as of December 1, there has been a slow decline in waterfowl numbers over the last week. Canada geese are down to 3,500 and ducks down to 6,000, while snow geese are holding steady in size at 60,000. Hunters in the area have reported that it was a great season and are predicting a solid year next fall with good hatch conditions expected.
LaCREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD Reported that as of November 30, there has been a large decrease in waterfowl numbers over the last week. Currently there are an estimated 18,000 Canada geese down from 31,000 last week. Duck numbers have also moved down to just of 2,000 from 8,000 the week before. Cooler weather predicted over the next 10 days will push most of the birds out of the area. |
| REPORTS FROM THE FIELD: |
 | LAST UPDATED – Monday December 5, 2011
PRAIRIE SKY RANCH
LOCATION – Sissiton, SD
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Bruce Prins
PHONE – 605.738.2411
EMAIL – info@prairieskyranch.com |
Bruce Prins reports that most of the birds in the area have left for the year as most of the remaining open water has started to freeze over. There are still however, a few birds located on the large bodies of water. Overall it was a great year, even with the late start to the heavy migration there were enough local ducks that the hunting was fantastic. This year they saw the biggest groups of canvasbacks and redheads that there has been. Hunting was consistently above average for the year! |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
OUTDOOR ADRENALINE
LOCATION – Aberdeen Area
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Josh Kiesow
PHONE – 605.262.0802
EMAIL – kiesow8@hotmail.com |
Josh Kiesow reports that the bigger numbers of waterfowl are moving out of the area. With a few pockets of ducks and geese still around. However, extensive travel is usually needed to find the birds. Overall it was a good year for duck hunting, while the warm temps and storms slowed down the migration. |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
LUTTRELL KENNELS / LEGACY OUTFITTERS
LOCATION - Clark, SD
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – John Luttrell
PHONE – 605.237.9189
EMAIL – luttrell@itctel.com |
John Luttrell reported that there are still good numbers of ducks and geese around the area. They have been having good success on the fields and the remaining open water. The large bodies of water are holding the most birds. However, ice around the edges is making it hard to hunt. Overall it was a really good year even with the late migration from the warm temps. |
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Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report
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| WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK: |
Highs: In south central Wisconsin expect a high of 43 degrees on Friday and then up to 49 degrees on Saturday and all the way up to 54 degrees on Sunday.
Lows: Expect low temps will climb from 31 degrees on Friday, up to 41 degrees on Sunday.
Precipitation: Skies should be partly cloudy through Saturday with a 30% chance of showers expected on Sunday.
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| REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY: |
HORICON MARSH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI Reported that as of November 30, most of the water in the refuge is frozen with a few areas being kept open by the remaining ducks and geese. The cooler weather in the forecast is expected to push out the remaining birds over the next few days. Current duck numbers are estimated to be at 5,000, while Canada goose numbers are estimated at 60,000. Ducks that are still being seen are mallards, black ducks, and ringnecks. NECEDAH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: NECEDAH, WI Reported that as of November 30, the ducks and geese are slowly starting to move out of the area. The recent warm weather has kept the birds around longer than expected. However, cold fronts and snow in the forecast is expected to drive the majority of the remaining waterfowl out of the area. Reports from local hunters state that is was a good year overall with strong numbers from week to week once the migration started. TREMPEAPLEAU MANAGEMENT AREA - LOCATION: TREMPEALEU, WI Reported that as of December 1, there are virtually no ducks or geese left in the area, as the ice continues to cover more water each day. The remaining open water on the larger bodies is holding a few birds. Ice is expected to completely cover all the water within the week and pushing out the rest of the waterfowl with it. |
| REPORTS FROM THE FIELD |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursday November 10, 2011
BIG WATER OUTDOORS
LOCATION – Lake Michigan
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Mike Thun
PHONE – 920.894.4868
EMAIL – mike@bigwateroutdoors.com
Endorsed Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunting Outfitter |
| Mike Thun reported that the migration has slowed over the past week. Diver numbers in the area have started to decline while sea ducks are being seen more frequently. Hunting has been good over the past week harvesting bluebills, redheads, scoters, and goldeneye around the Green Bay area. Lake Michigan has produced a couple limits of old squaws as well. |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursday December 1, 2011 HIDEAWAY HOLLOW OUTFITTERS
LOCATION – Mississippi River - Pool 9
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Matt Raley
PHONE – 715.347.4868
EMAIL – matt@hideawayhollowoutfitters.com
Endorsed Wisconsin Waterfowl / Turkey Outfitter |
Matt Raley reportes that migration has slowed over the past week with Pool 9 on the Mississippi River holding good numbers of divers. Pool 8 is holding large numbers of mallards and are expected to moving into the area over the next week. Matt's hunts in Green Bay have been having good success each day. Birds taken have been a mixed bag of mallards, divers, and seaducks. |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursday December 1, 2011
BEAVER CREEK OUTFITTING
LOCATION – Racine, Wi
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Robb Kaminskis
PHONE – 262.497.4954
EMAIL – rkaminskis@wi.rr.com |
Robb Kaminskis reported that migration has slowed down, and he is looking forward to new ducks coming into the area. Currently there are large numbers of Canada geese around. Hunting has been better than average with opportunities to to fill out 80% of the time. Overall it was the best year out of the past four. More birds are expected and becoming into the region over the next week. |
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Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report
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| WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK: |
Highs: In northwest Missouri expect highs in the mid to upper 50’s through the weekend.
Lows: Expect low temps in the mid 30’s to low 40’s through the weekend.
Precipitation: Skies should be cloudy through Saturday with a 20% chance of showers expected on Sunday.
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| REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY: |
SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - LOCATION: MOUND CITY, MO Reported that as of November 28, 2011 there were holding 101,825 puddle ducks, up from 89,785 puddle ducks last week. Of those there were 85,396 mallards, 6,544 green wing teal and 7,531 pintails. They were also holding 3,271 diver ducks up from 1,054 diver ducks last week. Of those there were 3,508 ring neck ducks and 61 red heads. In addition they were holding 1,435 specklebelly geese, down from 1,944 specklebelly geese last week as well as 1,103 Canada geese, up from 722 Canada geese last week. They also reported 227,750 snow geese, up from 201,145 snow geese last week. SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO
Reported that as of November 29, 2011 they were holding 63,825 ducks, down from 112,100 ducks last week. They were also holding 600 snow geese, down from 9,500 snow geese last week, 2,300 specklebelly geese, up from 0 specklebelly geese last week and no Canada geese on the refuge at this time.
GRAND PASS CONSERVATION AREA - LOCATION: MIAMI, MO Reported that as of November 30, 2011, there are an estimated 80,000 ducks on the area, up from 70,000 ducks last week. On November 30- 122 hunters harvested 332 ducks for a 2.72 bird per hunter average. The draw time this week is set for 4:30 sharp. |
| REPORTS FROM THE FIELD: |
| LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011 PRAIRIES EDGE
LOCATION – Mound City, MO
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Shawn Eldredge
PHONE – 515.321.4667
EMAIL – goosgru@aol.com
ENDORSED MISSOURI WATERFOWL OUTFITTER |
Shawn Eldredge reported that they have had some cold temps in the area this week and the Squaw Creek NWR is starting to freeze up now which has push a lot of the ducks out of the area but the snow goose numbers are still very strong and between shooting a few ducks here and there and concentrating on the snow geese the hunting is still good this week. |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
WEBFOOT WATERFOWLING
LOCATION – Mound City, Missouri
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Josh Dean
PHONE – 417.217.1778
EMAIL – webfootwaterfowling@yahoo.com
WEBSITE - webfootwaterfowling.com |
We are very sorry that Josh Dean was unable to provide any reports for us this season. We will have more thorough field reporting for Missouri next season. Thank you for your understanding. |
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Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report
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| WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK: |
Highs: In central Nebraska expect highs in the mid to upper 50’s through the weekend.
Lows: Expect low temps in the low to mid 30’s through the weekend.
Precipitation: Skies should be clear and sunny through Saturday and partly cloudy on Sunday with no precipitation in the weekend forecast.
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| REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY: |
KEARNEY GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE- LOCATION KEARNEY, NE Reported that as of December 1, there has been a slow increase in migration over the last week with ok numbers of ducks and geese arriving around the area. The hunting has been reported as great from local hunters with waterfowl numbers predicted to increase early next week. CRESCENT LAKE NWR – LOCATION: ELLSWORTH, NE Reported that as of December 1, migration has slowed down over the last week. Hunting remains to be good in the area with there has been more Canada geese being taken than ducks. More birds are expected to arrive during the next couple of weeks with strong numbers still north of the refuge. LINCOLN GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE - LOCATION: LINCOLN, NE Reported that as of December 1, there are still good numbers of ducks and geese in the area with more expected to arrive through the weekend due to the colder weather farther north. Hunting has been reported as extremely good by local hunters with most birds starting to fly later in the day. The above average temperatures should help to keep the waterfowl in the area for most of December. |
| REPORTS FROM THE FIELD: |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
WYO-BRASKA OUTFITTERS
LOCATION – North Platte River – Western, NE
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – JJ Randolph
PHONE – 435.901.3825
EMAIL – info@wyobraskawaterfowl.com
ENDORSED NEBRASKA WATERFOWL OUTFITTER |
Jason Randolph reports that duck hunting has been slow over the past week with the warm temperatures that have been in the area. Canada goose hunting has been extremely successful limiting out each day in the last week. Over all it has been a banner duck hunting season and is expected to get even better with more birds still to the north while cold weather is in the forecast. Hunting the rest of season should be great! |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
MIDWEST MIGRATORS GUIDE SERVICE
LOCATION – North Platte River - Eastern, NE
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Kalend McCurdy
PHONE – 402.615.2210
EMAIL – huntinsnows@hotmail.com
ENDORSED NEBRAKSA WATERFOWL OUTFITTER |
Kalend McCurdy reported that migration has been good over the past week. Most of the success hunting has come on the rivers in the area and the harvested fields. There has been a large amount of Canada geese moving in with a few ducks. The numbers are expected to increase over the next week while more waterfowl from the north continue to move south. Overall it was a great hunting season with a lot of success. |
 | LAST UPDATED – Monday December 5, 2011
BLACK GOOSE OUTFITTERS
LOCATION – North central, Nebraska
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Larry Frimann
PHONE – 402.660.1220
EMAIL – larrywbgo@hotmail.com |
Larry Frimann reports that migration has been good over the past week. They are seeing large numbers of Canada geese flying in the morning. Along with shooting solid numbers of ducks as well. Overall it was a great season having good success consistently, even with Larry taking out the most clients that he ever has! Hunting saw the most success near the local refuges and recently harvested fields. |
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Manitoba Waterfowl Migration Report
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| WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK: |
Highs: In southern Manitoba expect highs in the mid to upper 30’s through the weekend.
Lows: Expect low temps in the low 20’s through Saturday night and then a drop down to around 10 degrees on Sunday night.
Precipitation: Skies should be cloudy through the weekend with no precipitation in the weekend forecast.
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| CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS: |
DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE - LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB Reported that as of November 17, 2011 that it is very cold up there now and they do have solid snow cover on the ground as well. They stated that almost all of the smaller water is now frozen up but there are still some Canada geese staged on the east side of Lake Dauphin at this time but most all of the other waterfowl including the snow geese have migrated south now. BRANDON FIELD OFFICE - LOCATION: BRANDON, MANITOBA Reported that as of December 1, 2011 that they have not seen any waterfowl in the area for over a week now. They stated that there may be a few bigger lakes still open somewhere but they do not know of any lakes still holding any ducks or geese at this time. They also stated that they do not have much for snow cover at this time but there is snow in the weekend forecast.
OAK HAMMOCK MARSH FIELD OFFICE - LOCATION: STONEWALL, MB Reported that as of December 1, 2011 that most all of the late season Canada geese and waterfowl have moved south across the border now. They noted that it has been quite some time since they have seen what they consider huntable numbers of geese in their area and with the cold temps all of the lakes in the area are now completely frozen over and they snow cover is starting to build up as well. They said Winter Is Officially Here!
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| REPORTS FROM THE FIELD |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursday November 11, 2010 BLACK DUCK OUTFITTERS
LOCATION: Delta Marsh - St. Ambroise, Mb
OUTFITTER / REPORTER - Scott Barmby
PHONE - 1.877.607.6014
EMAIL - scott@blackduckoutfitters.com
ENDORSED MANITOBA WATERFOWL OUTFITTER |
Scott Barmby reported that they packed up camp for the year as of October 28th. Scott is now back in his home town of Maryland where he is guiding sea duck hunts on the Chesapeake Bay. Scott summed up the season by saying this was their second best overall duck hunting season in Manitoba since he started guiding there many years ago and this was by far their best season for field Canada goose hunting they have ever had. He did note that they missed the snow goose migration this year but Scott does not focus on snow goose hunting as much as the ducks and dark geese anyway. |
 | LAST UPDATED – Friday December 2, 2011
ACE WATERFOWL
LOCATION – Oak Hammock Marsh
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Craig Henry
PHONE – 1.866.810.8711
EMAIL – craigh@highspeedcrow.ca |
Craig Henry reported that everything is all froze up at this point and all the birds have moved south with the exception of a few cripples still keeping a couple small pockets open on some of the larger bodies of water in the area. Craig said that with the recent cold snap of temps below 0 pretty much ended any of the late season Canada goose hunting and moved all the honkers, and whatever else was left for waterfowl in the area across the border. Craig stated that overall the Canada goose hunting this past season was as good as it has ever been and the snow goose migration moved through their area with as many snow geese as he can remember seeing too. Craig also stated that in the snow goose flocks this season were a lot of juvenile birds which made for some good snow goose hunting this year. Craig ended by stating that with poor spring nesting conditions last year and the drought type fall conditions the duck hunting this past fall was very poor in comparison to other years. Craig is hoping for conditions to improve in 2012 to get the big flocks of mallards and pintails back in the local grain fields for next season. Overall Craig said the goose hunting was as good as he can remember and he is already expcvited for the upcoming spring snow goose season! |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
BIG GRASS OUTFITTERS
LOCATION – Western Manitoba
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Tom & Jusy Usunier
PHONE – 204.773.3686
EMAIL – biggrass@xplornet.com
ENDORSED MANITOBA WATERFOWL OUTFITTER |
Judy Usunier reported that all the birds are now officially gone! She stated that they had a stretch of below 0 temps recently that moved everything south for the year and she has not seen any geese in the area since then. Judy did not that they had a little bit of a warm up earlier this week but not sure how long that will last. |
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Saskatchewan Waterfowl Migration Report
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| WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK: |
Highs: In southern Saskatchewan expect a high of 45 degrees through Saturday and then a drop off down to 37 degrees on Sunday.
Lows: Expect low temps in the low 20’s on Friday, dropping down into the upper teens by Sunday night.
Precipitation: Skies should be clear and sunny on Friday and then partly cloudy through the rest of the weekend with no precipitation in the weekend forecast.
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| CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS: |
WADENA FIELD OFFICE - LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION Reported that as of December 1, 2011 that they have not seen any geese on any of the lakes for about a week now. They stated that there were a few flocks of the greater Canada geese still staging on a few of the bigger lakes such as Fishing Lake and the Big Quills up until about a week ago but with the cold night temps all of the lakes that they know of have now frozen over. They noted that they do not have much for snow cover at this point and there may be a few late season geese still in the southern region of the province but not much left for any species of waterfowl in their area now.
LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE - LOCATION: LAST MTN LAKE REGION Reported that as of November 10, 2011 most of the waterfowl have passed through the area now. They stated that last week there was still a massive concentration of snow geese on the west side of the lake but there were minimal Canada geese or ducks left in the area at that point and there were no other big groups of snow geese left in the region at that point. They did note that there were reports of some larger flocks of northern mallards to the north but that was about it.
WEYBURN FIELD OFFICE - LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK Reported that as of December 1, 2011 that they are completely frozen over now and have not seen any waterfowl in the area for over a week now. They said due to the flooding last spring that many of the crops never got planted in their region and overall it was a poor waterfowl hunting season in their immediate area.
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| REPORTS FROM THE FIELD: |
 | LAST UPDATED - Thursday December 1, 2011
PACIFIC WINGS PRAIRIE OUTFITTERS
LOCATION – SW Of Saskatoon Region
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Mike Franklin
PHONE – 509.967.2303
EMAIL – pacificwings@hotmail.com
Endorsed Saskatchewan Waterfowl Hunting Outfitter |
Mike Franklin reported that they packed up cam the second week of November at which time he was following most of the big flocks of snow geese out of the province. Mike reported that this week he has heard reports from his camp area that the temps have dropped considerable and winter has set in. He feels overall he felt they had a very good season in Saskatchewan as the snow geese arrived early in his area this year and stuck around till the end. He also stated that although the speckle belly numbers were down in his area overall, the lesser Canada goose numbers were way up. He also stated that the duck numbers in his area were way up this year as well and his hunters shot over 4,000 birds this season which he felt was very good compared to years past. |
| LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
TOP GUN GUIDE SERVICE
LOCATION – Quill Lakes Region
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Matt Kostka
PHONE – 507.696.0208
EMAIL – matt@topgunguideservice.com
ENDORSED N.D. WATERFOWL HUNTING OUTFITTER |
Matt Kostka reported that overall the season up in Saskatchewan was another excellent year. Matt stated that they wrapped up their hunts in central Saskatchewan around the Quill Lakes at the beginning of November. He stated that the snow goose hunting in that area this year was a little late as the birds showed up late but they ended up staying late as well. He also stated that the grain fields were harvested early this year which spread out the birds a little more than usual but the mallard hunting in the fields was unbelievable. Matt said they were covered up in greenheads from the day they arrived to the day they left. He did note that the greater Canada geese were hard this year as they did not show up until the last week they were up there. Matt also noted that he heard a report from one of his farmers that there are a couple big lakes up there that are still open and still holding some big flocks of greater Canada geese as well as some mallards as of last week. |
 | LAST UPDATED – Thursday December 1, 2011
RJM GUIDING
LOCATION – Saskatoon Region
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Ryan Marsh
PHONE – 306.961.6926
EMAIL – rjmguiding@inet2000.com
ENDORSED SASK SNOW GOOSE OUTFITTER |
Ryan Marsh reported that everything in north central Sakatchewan is now frozen solid and most all of the waterfowl have pushed south for the year now. It is OVER in his region!!! |
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