2023 Waterfowl Migration Reports | Current Waterfowl Migration Tracking

2023 Waterfowl Migration Reports

OFFICIAL 2023 HUNTTHENORTH.COM WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT

Last Updated On Thursday December 7, 2023

Note: We will be updating our report every Thursday afternoon through the first week of December

We will be updating our reports using many National Wildlife Refuges and Management Areas as well as updates from our Premier Waterfowl Hunting Outfitters from across the region.

We hope this will be a valued resource in planning your next adventure and tracking the migration through the 2023 waterfowl hunting season!
Happy Hunting
Team HuntTheNorth.com

TRACK THE 2023 WATERFOWL MIGRATION THROUGH THE FOLLOWING REGIONS

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Minnesota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Minnesota expect a high temp of 47 on Friday with a low of 29 and mostly cloudy skies and WSW winds at 10-20 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 31 with a low of 20 and a 50% chance of snow with NW winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 32 with a low of 15 and partly cloudy skies with WNW winds.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

Reported on 12-6 that in the most recent report conducted on 11-16 last week’s waterfowl count was higher than expected. Staff stated that they have seen good numbers of birds in and around the area. Staff finished by saying that rivers also seem to be holding good numbers of birds too.

SHERBURNE NWR- LOCATION: ZIMMERMAN, MN

Reported on 12-6 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-16 that mild weather over the last week and decent water levels have resulted in keeping an ok number of birds in the area. Staff stated that for the most part waterfowl have been moving out of the area, but Mallards and Ring Necks are still hanging around.

LAC QUI PARLE REFUGE – WATSON, MN

Reported on 12-6 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-2 that some more Mallards and other late season migrant ducks were noticed in the area over the last week. Staff also noted some good numbers of wood ducks, gadwalls, and pintails while driving around. Staff also reported that numbers are seeming to build then go down suggesting birds aren’t hanging around long once they arrive. Staff finished by saying that there are currently about 2,000 Canada geese using the refuge, but that number seems to fluctuate by the hour.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WATSON HUNTING CAMP

LOCATION – Western Minnesota
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Chuck Ellingson
PHONE – 952.484.8717
EMAIL – watsonhunting@huntthenorth.com

Last Updated December 7, 2023
Chuck reported on 12-6 that hunting is not very good around the area right. He stated that warmer temps up into the mid 60’s have really mellowed the birds out and they are very stale. Chuck finished by saying that they need some really cold weather to get things going in the right direction again.

FIRST FLIGHT FINISHERS

LOCATION – Minneapolis, Metro Area
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Adam Johnson
PHONE – 651.442.7259
EMAIL – firstflightfinishers@gmail.com
Endorsed Minnesota Waterfowl Outfitter

Last Updated December 7, 2023
Adam reported on 12-6 that overall the season was pretty good. He stated that although the duck season is over, they still have plenty of Mallards around. Adam finished by saying that there are a ton of Canada geese in the area right now and they should be around for quite a while with the forecast!

LOCATION – Minneapolis, South Metro Area
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Dan Wennerlind

Last Updated November 30, 2023
Dan reported on 11-30 that they are past peak migration. He stated that they have a good amount of Canada geese in the area and some late season Mallards as well. Dan finished by saying that overall, it was a fairly successful season in Minnesota.

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa expect a high of 57 on Friday with a low of 35 and mainly cloudy skies with W winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 40 with a low of 23 and partly cloudy skies with WNW winds at 15-25. Look for a high of 40 on Sunday with a low of 22 and mainly sunny skies with WNW winds at 10-15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

Reported on 12-6 that in the most recent survey conducted on 12-1 that there were 3,382 ducks in the area. Down from 9,355 in the previous survey. Of the 3,382, 89% were Mallards, 10% were other dabblers, and 1% was divers. It was also reported that there were 5,508 Canada geese in the area. Up from 5,090 in the previous survey.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

Reported on 12-6 that in the most recent survey conducted on 12-1 there were 10,030 ducks in the area. Up from 9,245 in the previous survey. Of the 10,030, 50% were Mallards and 45% were other dabblers and 5% were divers. It was also reported that there were 725 geese in the area. Up from 150 in the previous survey.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Reported on 11-29 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-21 that they have not conducted a count on ducks yet this fall. Staff did state that they counted geese in the area, and they had 200 Canada geese in the area when they did the count. Same as in the previous survey.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In North Central North Dakota expect a high temp of 34 on Friday with a low of 25 and overcast skies with light and variable winds. On Saturday expect a high of 39 with a low of 30 and partly cloudy skies and SE wind of 10-20 mph. Sundays high is expected to be 51 with a low of 28 and partly cloudy skies with a W wind of 20-30 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

Reported on 11-8 that the cold and snow over the last couple weeks has pushed the majority of waterfowl out and through the area. Staff stated that the big lake is still open in areas and holding some birds but not as many as usual.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Reported on 11-8 that they still have some birds around the area. Staff stated that the cold and snow over the last couple of weeks pushed a lot of what was in the area out.

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: LYON, ND

Reported on 11-8 that they aren’t seeing much in the area right now. Staff stated that the wintery weather in October really accelerated the migration this fall.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

GOOSEHOG OUTDOORS

LOCATION – South central, ND
OUTFITTER – Dan Hogfoss
PHONE – 701-739-3130
EMAIL – dan@goosehogoutdoors.com

Last Updated November 2, 2023
Dan reported on 11-1 that hunting so far this fall has been really good. He stated that there are a lot of waterfowl in the area and numbers have been continually growing over the last couple weeks.

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
ENDORSED NORTH DAKOTA FISHING RESORT

Last Updated November 2, 2023
Kyle reported on 11-2 that they have lost roughly 90% of the birds that they had in the area over the last week. He stated that they have 8 to 10 inches of snow on the ground so the best place to hunt is on the hill tops of the fields. Kyle finished by saying that all the small lakes are froze but the bigger bodies of water are open and they are not seeing large numbers of divers.

LOCATION – McHenry, ND
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Brad Finneman

Last Updated November 2, 2023
Brad reported on 11-2 that the cold front and snow storm last week really shook things up this fall. He stated that they have strong numbers of ducks as well as geese around the area as long as long as you find a corn field next to open water you should have great success. Brad finished by saying that they are also seeing a ton of swans in the area right now too.

South Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In east central South Dakota expect a high temp of 44 on Friday with a low of 23 and partly cloudy skies and W winds at 20-30 mph. Saturday is expected to be 29 with a low of 16 and a 60% chance of snow and NNW wind at 20-30 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 32 with a low of 19 and mostly cloudy skies with light and variable winds.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

Reported on 12-6 that in the most recent report on 11-28, Sand Lake NWR and other area water is 98% froze. Staff state however, there are still good amounts of dark and light geese using these areas and feeding in area fields. Staff finished by saying that ducks are less common in the area and much harder to find.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

Reported on 12-6 that the majority of the water is now froze due to cold overnight temps. There are some pockets of open water on larger lakes due to a decent amount of ducks and geese keeping those areas open. Staff finished by saying that waterfowl hunting is about over but pheasant hunting should be good for a while yet.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

Reported on 11-29 that some good sized flocks of Snow geese with some Speckle bellies have migrated into the area. Staff stated that they have started to see a few more Canada geese in and around the area as well. Staff finished by saying that duck hunting on water remains the most consistent.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

HIGH PRAIRIE OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – Western, SD
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Dave Ciani
PHONE – 605.578.1222
EMAIL – highprairie@basec.net

Last Updated October 5, 2023
Please check back next week for Dave’s first report of the 2023 season!

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In eastern Wisconsin expect a high temp of 51 on Friday with a low of 32 and partly cloudy skies with SW winds at 10-15 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 37 with a low of 21 and cloudy skies and WNW winds at 10-15 mph. On Sunday expect a high of 32 and a low of 16 and sunny skies with NW winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

Reported on 12-6 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-14 their numbers were fairly consistent in the area from last week. Staff stated that there were 141,249 dabbling ducks in the area with the majority being Mallards, 208 diving ducks in the area with the majority being Lesser Scaup and 25,507 Canada geese in the area. Staff finished by saying that they also saw an increase in Sandhill Crane numbers up to 22,180.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALEY POOLS 4 – 9 | LOCATION SW WISCONSIN

Reported on 12-6 that on 11-16 there were roughly 300 dabbling ducks with them being a mix of Mallards, Pintails, Widgeon, and Shoveler. Staff also reported that there were 5,000 divers further out on the river with the majority being Canvasbacks and Ring Necks. Staff finished by saying that there were about 100 Canada geese and 800 Swans in the pool as well.

CREX MEADOWS NWR – LOCATION: GRANTSBURG, WI

Reported on 12-6 that the majority of the area froze up a couple weeks ago causing a lot of the ducks to leave the area. Staff stated that there are only a few ducks left in the area. Staff finished by saying that there are a good number of geese keeping the lake in town open and feeding during the day in accessible corn fields.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

HIDEAWAY HOLLOW OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – Mississippi River – Pool 9
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Matt Raley
PHONE – 715.347.4868
EMAIL – matt@hideawayhollowoutfitters.com

Last November 30, 2023
Matt reported on 11-30 that overall it wasn’t a very good season on the river this year. He stated he was able to hold his own, and bag limits of ducks. Matt finished by saying that he is wrapping up hunters this weekend.

WDH GUIDE SERVICE LLC

LOCATION – Lake Michigan
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Jeff Van Remortel
PHONE – 920.639.6286
EMAIL – jolleywoods@gmail.com

Last Updated December 7, 2023
Jeff reported on 12-6 that in typical late season form Goldeneyes and Mergansers and a few other assorted divers are still around. He stated that the warmer weather will help with keeping the boat ramps open. Jeff also reported that if people go out on their own be cautious of the wind so it doesn’t blow ice in while you are out hunting. Jeff finished by saying that there are good numbers of mallards and Canada geese around using the nearby fields.

BRANDON JENSEN

LOCATION – Western Wisconsin

Last Updated December 7, 2023
Brandon reported on 12-6 that the duck season has wrapped up in Northern Wisconsin, but the Canada goose season continues for a couple more weeks. Brandon stated that there isn’t much around for ducks other than some late season Mallards and some divers. Brandon finished by saying that there are good numbers of Canada geese around feeding in the cut fields.

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In northwest Missouri expect a high temp of 58 on Friday with a low of 33 and mostly cloudy skies with NNW winds at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 42 with a low of 23 and partly cloudy skies with NW winds at 15-25 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 44 with a low of 23 and mostly cloudy skies with WNW winds at 5-10 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

Reported on 12-6 that in the most recent survey conducted on 12-5 there were 89,280 ducks on the refuge. Up from 65,287 in the previous survey. Of the 89,280 the majority were Mallards at 77,480, Green winged Teal at 8,230, and Ring Necks at 3,405. Staff finished by saying there were also about 39,710 geese on the refuge at the time of the survey with the majority being Snow geese at 32,815.

FOUR RIVERS CONSERVATION AREA – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 12-6 that in the most recent survey conducted on 11-20 there were 41,148 ducks on the refuge during the survey. Down from 42,000 in the previous survey. Staff stated that the majority of ducks were Mallards. Staff finished by saying that there were 20 Canada geese on the refuge at the time of the count as well.

SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Reported on 12-6 that on the most recent survey conducted on 11-14 there were 51,856 ducks in the area. Up from 1,542 in the previous survey. Staff stated that the majority were Mallards with a count of 15,981, Pintail at 6,090, and Teal at 6,049. Staff finished by saying that there are also 5,960 Snow geese in the area at the time of the count.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

SQUAW CREEK HUNT CLUB

LOCATION – Mound City, MO
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Scott Croner
PHONE – 402.304.1192
EMAIL – nebraskahunting@gmail.com
ENDORSED MISSOURI WATERFOWL OUTFITTER

Last Updated November 30, 2023
Scott reported on 11-30 that they haven’t seen a new push since the beginning of the season. He stated that the birds in the area quickly adapted to the warmer temps, and the full moon and would feed outside of shooting hours. Scott finished by saying that they are down 50% harvest to this point from last year.

BLACK GOOSE OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – Southeast, Missouri
OUTFITTER – Larry frimann
PHONE – 402660-1220
EMAIL – bgo@huntthenorth.com
ENDORSED MISSOURI SPRING SNOW GOOSE OUTFITTER

Last Updated November 16, 2023
Larry reported on 11-15 that they are home from Canada and had a really good season up there. He stated that they are currently hunting in Nebraska and have seen very few birds since last week’s cold snap there. Larry finished by saying that it has been too nice out but it looks like there is a cold front coming next week.

Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Nebraska expect a high of 51 on Friday with a low of 28 and cloudy skies with a WNW wind at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 41 with a low of 21 and partly cloudy skies with a NW wind at 25-35 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 48 with a low of 24 and partly cloudy skies with a WNW wind at 15-25 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reported on 11-29 that they are seeing a good number of birds in the area. Staff stated that the weather has been unseasonably warm over the last week and that has slowed hunting down some. Staff finished by saying that they need cooler weather for more birds to show up.

KEARNEY GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE- LOCATION KEARNEY, NE

Reported on 11-29 that they are seeing good numbers of waterfowl around the area. Staff stated that they have really good numbers of geese. Staff finished by saying that as usual the more scouting you do the better odds you will have in finding the right areas to hunt.

LINCOLN GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE – LOCATION: LINCOLN, NE

Reported on 11-29 that they are seeing an ok number of birds around for this time of year. Staff stated that they have good numbers of Teal around where there is good water. Staff finished by saying that they are a couple weeks out from seeing good migration yet.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

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

Last Updated November 16, 2023
JJ reported on 11-16 that it has been a tough week with 70 degree temps and not much wind to speak of. He stated that they have not had a push of new birds for over a week now. JJ also reported that they have a few Lesser geese around and no Greaters to speak of. JJ finished by saying that it looks like there is a cold front coming next week and that should help pick up the hunting!

BLACK GOOSE OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – North central, Nebraska
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Larry Frimann
PHONE – 402.660.1220
EMAIL – bgo@huntthenorth.com
ENDORSED MISSOURI SPRING SNOW GOOSE OUTFITTER

Last Updated November 16, 2023
Larry reported on 11-15 that they are home from Canada and had a really good season up there. He stated that they are currently hunting in Nebraska and have seen very few birds since last week’s cold snap there. Larry finished by saying that it has been too nice out but it looks like there is a cold front coming next week.

Manitoba Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Manitoba expect a high of 34 on Friday with a low of 21 and cloudy skies with SSW wind at 5-10 mph. On Saturday expect a high of 36 with a low of 29 and mostly sunny skies and with SSE winds at 10-20 mph. Sunday is expected to be 35 with a low of 26 and a 60% chance of snow with WSW wind at 10-20 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB

Reported on 11-8 that over the last 2 weeks the vast majority of the area has frozen up and pushed almost all of the waterfowl out of the area. Staff stated that there are some small pockets of big Geese and Mallards but no real big numbers to speak of.

BOISEVAINE AREA OFFICE – LOCATION: BOISEVAINE, MANITOBA

Reported on 11-8 that they are about done seeing birds for 2023. Staff stated that the big weather system early last week pushed what was left in the area further south.

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: STONEWALL, MB

Reported on 11-8 that the fall migration seems to be done. Staff stated that they are seeing a couple small flocks of Canada geese but that is it.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

MICHITOBA OUTFITTING

LOCATION: Southwestern, Manitoba
OUTFITTER: Kris Wujcik
PHONE: 204.625.2495
EMAIL: kris@michitobaoutfitting.com

Last Updated November 2, 2023
Kris reported on 11-2 that they froze out over the last week and the majority of waterfowl has moved on. He stated that all that is left in the area is a few flocks of big Canada geese.

STANLEY’S GOOSE CAMP

OUTFITTER: Daryl Stanley
PHONE: 204.467.8216
EMAIL: magnumnorth@huntthenorth.com
ENDORSED MANITOBA WATERFOWL OUTFITTER

Last Updated November 2, 2023
Craig reported on 11-1 that since Oct 28th they have gotten over 6 inches of snow and low overnight temps pushed most everything out of the area. Craig stated that there are a few small concentrations of geese and ducks but not many.

Saskatchewan Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Saskatchewan expect a high temp of 35 on Friday with a low of 25 and mainly sunny skies with SSE wind at 10-20 mph. On Saturday it looks to be 43 with a low of 30 and sunny skies with a SSE wind at 10-20 mph. Sunday’s high is expected to be 46 with a low of 26 and partly cloudy skies with W winds at 15-25 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

Reported on 11-8 that the migration is over. Staff stated that they still have some Canada geese around the area, but they are well past peak migration numbers.

WEYBURN OFFICE – LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK

Reported on 11-8 that a storm a couple weeks ago built up a lot of ice and some snow and pushed the vast majority of birds south out of the area.

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE – LOCATION: REGINA, SK

Reported on 11-8 that they aren’t seeing much left in the area. Staff stated that there are some small pockets of ducks, and a decent amount of Canada geese but they are well past peak migration.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

BENELLI BOYS OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – SW Of Saskatoon Region
OUTFITTER – Brent Abbott
PHONE – 306.630.4537

Last Updated November 9, 2023
Brent reported on 11-8 that over a week ago they had a big cold front move through that stuck around for a couple of days and froze most of the water and the majority of birds headed South. He stated that the Snows and Cranes are completely gone but there are few small pockets of ducks left. Brent finished by saying that the storm did push in a bunch of Canada geese, so they will still be able to hunt those for as long as they stick around.

PACIFIC WINGS PRAIRIE OUTFITTERS

LOCATION – SW of Saskatoon Region
OUTFITTER / REPORTER – Mike Franklin
PHONE – 1.888.610.2334

Last Updated October 5, 2023
Reports will be coming from Justin who is the head guide at Pacific Wings Prairie Outfitters. Please check back next week for Justin’s first report of the 2023 season!