Migration Reports
2023 Waterfowl Report
Northeast
There are still some decent pockets of snow geese in the Northeast providing opportunities for pass shooters and decoy hunters. Pockets of Canada geese also remain with this season closing on the 16th December. Mild weather prevailed this week and last Saturday’s wind event opened up many areas on lakes across the region.
East Central
No change from last week, reminder that the last day for Unit 1 goose season is December 16.
Huron Area
Little change from last week.
Lower River/Southeast SD
There has been little to no change in the low plains south. Waterfowl hunters are patiently waiting for a change in weather.
Pierre area/Central SD
It has remained extremely quiet around the Pierre area with the birds in town staying close by enjoying the grasses around the state office complex. Lake Oahe has very few geese on it yet. There have been some hunters in boats getting some ducks on Oahe but that too has been difficult with the low number of ducks. East of Pierre on Lake Sharpe has continued to have some snow geese with a small number of Canada geese mixed in. No hunter reports from the area though on success.
Northeast
With duck season now closed, the pursuit will change over to geese. Most all the water in the Northeast is frozen but the birds do have pockets open. There are still good numbers of snow geese in the area but we have lost a significant amount of geese to the south. Canada goose numbers remain decent and providing opportunities for both decoy hunters as well as pass shooters. Some whitefronted geese remain too. Most of the geese can be found on the bigger bodies of water.
East Central
No change from last week, reminder that the last day for the low plains north and middle zones was Dec. 5.
Huron Area
Little change, maybe a few more Canada and light geese. Remember duck season in this areas has ended Dec 5.
Lower River/Southeast SD
Not much change from last week. Warm Temps are opening back up water bodies.
Increase of ducks on the lower MO and hunting has been better.
Snow goose numbers are very good in East Central part of the state. Hunters are having above average results hunting over decoys the last week.
Pierre Area/Central SD
Not much has changed for the Pierre area and don’t expect to see much for changes until areas north of us get some bad weather to make the waterfowl leave those areas.
There have been a couple of reports from hunters that the duck numbers on Lake Oahe are decent north up to the Sutton Bay area, the Lower part of Lake Oahe has not seen much for waterfowl.
A couple reports of snow geese down river from Pierre but last report was they leave the water and are extremely high before getting over land and come back to the water the same way.
Northeast
Things have changed in the Northeast this past week as cold temperatures prevailed and most water is now ice covered. Both ducks and geese are sitting in open pockets on the larger lakes and most of the action now will be in the fields. There may be the occasional water spot that opens up with some wind and sun but overall, it looks like things are locking up tight.
Duck numbers remain pretty solid for mallards in the Northeast but lacking on most other species. There are still some green winged teal, shovelers and divers using the available water but nothing like it was two weeks ago. As mentioned, most of the opportunities for both ducks and geese will now be in the fields or done by pass shooting. Duck season ends on December 5th in the Northeast.
Snow goose numbers are nearing or at peak numbers in the state and providing ample opportunities for hunters in the decoys as well as pass shooting on the windy days. Canada goose numbers remain strong and there are still some pockets of whitefronts around too.
Most of the swans have left the area with the icy conditions.
East Central
Most water is of the hard variety in this area due to low overnight temperatures. Pockets of open water due exist on larger lakes holding decent numbers of ducks and geese. Most opportunity from here on out will be in fields. Remember duck season in the low plains north and middle zones ends on December 5. Above normal temperature this weekend and next week should lead to pleasant hunting conditions.
Webster Area
Quite a bit of ice was made over the last week on area wetlands and lakes. Almost all small water appears to be frozen, but there are some pockets of remaining open water on the larger bodies of water. The forecast through the end of the season is calling for day time temps mostly above 32, but overnight lows should continue to make ice. So things will probably continue to change daily. There are still lots of snow geese in the area, along with some pockets of mallards and dark geese. Most of the divers seem to be gone except for a few hold outs on the remaining limited open water.
Above normal temperatures continue across the region. Little has changed migration wise with pockets of mallards, dark geese, and some snow geese in the area. Very few divers or other puddle ducks were observed. Big changes potentially in the works for later next week are forecasted.
Huron Area
We saw a nice push of light geese last week along with some more mallards. Most water is locked up besides big water along some medium sized water that the light geese have kept open. A lot of dry field hunting opportunities exist around these concentrations of birds using the open water.
Lower River/Southeast SD
SE area has seen a decent push of Canada geese into the area. Hunting has been tough as most are feeding after shooting time and the morning flight is inconsistent with the Temps. The small bodies of water have frozen over, but all mid-big water is still open. No real duck numbers in the area to speak of yet.
The springfield marsh has had moderate success. Still good numbers of green wing teal and other puddlers. Not much for mallard numbers yet on the river.
Pierre area/Central SD
Things have continued to remain the same in the Pierre area. Last week there were reports of good numbers of snow geese on a couple of the Game Production Areas east of Pierre. After the cold front that moved in late last week most of these birds have moved onto larger bodies of water that have not frozen.
The canada goose numbers in and around the Pierre area have remained about the same with a few more showing up in town last week, however most are not leaving the city limits and have enjoyed the warm weather this week has provided while grazing on the lawns.
Field hunting in the Pierre area has remained tough with the low numbers and nice weather there is no pattern for hunters to work with.
Crop harvest has continued to move along nicely in the Pierre area with only a day or two the past week where farmers were not in the field.
The report from this past weekend from the Chamberlain area is that the snow geese and white fronts were still around with hunters having good luck over the weekend.
Northeast
This past week has seen little change in the migration other than more snow geese showing up by the day. Weather has been mild and little duck movement has occurred. The ducks that did ride down with the previous storm have either moved on or found safe locations. There are good duck numbers in the Northeast but not as widely distributed as in the past weeks. More scouting may be required to find the concentrations. Good numbers of mallards, pintail and green-winged teal can be found as well as divers on the big water. As always, weather plays the largest role in migration and cold weather is in the forecast next week so this will stir things up again.
Goose numbers are getting better and better as snow geese keep filtering down and we are seeing some large concentrations in the area. Still some good numbers of whitefronts too. Canada geese are here in force, so goose opportunity is great right now.
Swan numbers have been strong on area wetlands and should provide for some great hunting for those that have a tag. This will likely change quickly when the cold hits next week and the wetlands begin freezing up again.
Overall, there are great opportunities for both ducks and geese right now in the Northeast region of the state.
Webster Area
Not a lot has changed from last week’s report it seems like. The weather has continued to be unseasonably warm and looks to stay that way until at least the middle of next week. There are quite a few snow geese in the area, especially the further west you go. Some pockets of mallards can be found providing some decent hunting opportunity but there doesn’t seem to be as many other puddle ducks or divers around anymore. A few swans can still be found throughout the area wetlands and
East Central
Above normal temperatures continue across the region. Little has changed migration wise with pockets of mallards, dark geese, and some snow geese in the area. Very few divers or other puddle ducks were observed. Big changes potentially in the works for later next week are forecasted.
Huron Area
Very little to no noticeable change from last week as far as migration. Thank you
Lower River/Southeast SD
No change from last week.
Pierre area/Central SD
Things have remained about the same as last week with the Game Production Areas east of Pierre having good sized flocks of snow geese with white fronts mixed in with them.
The Canada goose numbers in and around the Pierre area are about the same as last week. Most are not leaving the city limits and have enjoyed the warm weather while grazing on the lawns.
Field hunting in the Pierre area has remained tough with the low numbers and nice weather there is no pattern for hunters to work with.
Harvest has continued to move along nicely in the Pierre area, however there are still a lot of crops standing.
Good numbers of geese are reported in the Mobridge area. I have talked to a couple of hunters who were in that area Campbell County area last weekend they reported of seeing a lot of snow geese and very few ducks.
Northeast
Things in the Northeast really changed in the past week. We had a lot of cold which froze up all the small water and even some decent sized stuff which sent a lot of ducks packing. Gadwall, wigeon and shovelers left en mass. We did gain some mallards, green winged teal and divers which used the big water while the cold snap persisted. Warmer weather has melted all the ice but it's taking awhile for the ducks to spread out again.
Snow goose numbers are building by the day and getting to be some good numbers especially north of 212. Strong Canada goose numbers and still some whitefronts too. Overall, good opportunities for both ducks and geese right now.
Pretty good swan numbers as well throughout the Northeast.
Webster Area
We are in the midst of unseasonably warmer temperatures. Any ice that was made the end of October is now gone and all water is open. As for duck numbers, there are some good pockets of mallards and most crop harvest is complete, opening up field hunting opportunities. Area wetlands and lakes are also holding some other puddle ducks, divers, and swans. There are quite a few geese in the area, both snow geese and dark geese. Snow goose numbers get better the further west you go from the Webster area. The weather forecast shows above average temperatures sticking around for a while, which may stall out migrations for the time being.
East Central
Above normal temperatures have re-opened all wetlands in the area, but duck numbers seem sparse on small water. Some shovelers, greenwings, and divers were seen on smaller wetlands, but most ducks are still on big water. Overall duck numbers seem pretty sparse in this area. If the warm temperatures persist or we get a push of new birds hopefully smaller wetlands will provide more opportunity. Long range forecasts look warm and dry leading to excellent field hunting conditions. Canada goose numbers remain good but very few light geese were seen this week. A few swans were observed around the Lake Poinsett area. Corn harvest is nearing completion.Huron Area
We had another drastic change in weather this last week. We went from most of our small and medium sized wetlands being frozen and birds in large concentrations to 70 degrees with zero ice and birds scattering back out. Green-winged teal are here in high numbers with good numbers of mallards as well. Pintail numbers seem to have dropped, but there are still some around along with gadwall, shovelers and wigeon. More divers have moved in as well, most notably, canvasbacks. Snow geese are plentiful with solid numbers of white-fronts and canadas with a few more swans trickling in as well. Most fields are harvested allowing for plenty field hunting opportunities.
Lower River/Southeast SD
Warmer temperatures have opened up wetlands in the area. Waiting for a push of new birds into the region. Reminder that Unit 2 goose season is now open.
Pierre area/Central SD
Reports came in last week and again this week of some good-sized flocks of snow geese with white fronts mixed in on a few Game Production Areas east of Pierre. Have started to see a few more Canada geese in and around the Pierre area but the numbers have remained low.
There have been some hunters setting up decoys on the water doing well on ducks and getting a goose or two. Lake Oahe has seen an increase in waterfowl activity, mainly ducks with some reports of some flocks of snow geese in a couple of the creeks. Field hunting has remained tough with the low numbers and nice weather.
Harvest in the Pierre is progressing however there are still a lot of corn fields standing especially the irrigated ones.
Northeast
A huge change in the Northeast for this past week. Cold temperatures prevailed all week with lows dipping to the low teens or single digits which resulted in the freezing up of a lot of small waters. A vast majority of the gadwall, wigeon and shovelers have migrated out of the area now. Green-winged teal, mallards, some pintail and divers are left on the bigger water that hasn’t froze. Of course, there will be some other species still present, but a mass exodus did occur. We did gain more mallards in the area as well as more divers present. Mallards and green-winged teal are feeding in the cornfields and getting to be some decent numbers built up. Good opportunities for divers right now too on the big water as most species have been seen this past week.
Good goose hunting opportunities as well right now. Snow geese are building but I would say just starting to group up around here. There are good numbers of Canada geese present and still some pockets of whitefronts around. Most geese have been hitting the corn this past week with the cold temps.
A few swans have also come in and more to the north and east on available water.
Crop harvest is going full swing again with the dryer weather and cold temps. Overall, decent opportunities for both ducks and geese remain, and the weather appears like it may moderate out for a bit, so we’ll see if more birds move in.Webster Area
The latest cold snap has brought freezing temperatures to the area. Smaller bodies of water are iced up while most larger bodies of water remain open; however, warmer temps in the forecast should help improve ice conditions. Waterfowl numbers in the area have been good with some snow geese and mallards showing up. More birds and continued progress on harvest has increased field hunting opportunities but there are quite a few producers in the area still working on corn harvest.East Central
The strong cold front late last week really had a big impact on birds across eastern SD. Most small and medium water has locked up with most birds now on semi-permanent wetlands and lakes. Wetland dependent ducks like gadwall and shovelers have largely headed out of the state. Field feeding ducks and geese are hitting recently harvested fields and corn harvest is largely complete. Weather has moderated some and some wetlands may reopen providing additional opportunities in the near term.
Goose numbers are strong with snow geese really building in the western portions of the region.
Huron Area
The big cold front that moved in late last week has created quite the shift in bird numbers and conditions. There was a mass migration most of last weekend with a bulk of birds showing up last Friday. A constant stream of migrating snow geese seemed to fill the sky accompanied by white-fronts and Canadas. The first flocks of swans and a lot of mallards and pintails also moved in. With the frigid temperatures most small-medium sized water bodies are frozen while large water bodies remain open. These conditions seem to have caused some of the new birds to move straight through our area. With ice conditions, birds that remained have concentrated on bigger water or where they have kept open small pockets on medium sized wetlands. These pockets of birds consist of good numbers of snow geese, mallards and dark geese with some gadwall, pintails, and green-winged teal as well. Bigger waters are also holding good numbers of divers like canvasbacks, buffleheads and scaup. More sandhill cranes also moved in with most of them being west of Huron. Harvest has progressed nicely this week allowing good opportunity for field hunts.
Lower River/Southeast SD
A lot of the potholes are frozen at the moment, but they are expected to open back up with the warmer temps predicted. There are more geese in the area and there has been an increase of ducks as well. The low plains south zone was slow over the weekend although it has picked up since the ponds froze over. It will only get better as the weekend approaches. Like all good waterfowl hunts, scouting is key!
Pierre area/Central SD
We saw a small migration of Canada geese into the Pierre area behind the snow and cold last week.
Harvest stopped last week with the wet weather with most being able to start again on Tuesday.
A lot of the corn fields in the Pierre area are still standing due to the wet weather last week, farmers were able to start back up on Tuesday so field conditions will continue to change on a regular basis as long as the weather cooperates.
A reminder to anyone planning on a hunting trip to the Pierre area the unit 2 Canada goose season opens on Monday November 6 while the duck seasons for both low and high plains are open.
We had a good increase in duck numbers on Lake Oahe and Sharpe late last week with some hunters doing well especially during the times we were getting some precipitation.
Northeast
Duck numbers in the Northeast have not changed a lot in the past week, maybe picking up a few more mallards here and there. Good numbers of gadwall, wigeon, green-winged teal and shovelers are present on the wetlands throughout the area. Diver numbers have been increasing with some decent numbers of scaup, redhead, ringnecks, and cans on the bigger water. Now this will all likely change with the upcoming front and cold weather hitting the Dakotas this weekend. A lot of small waters will likely freeze over and ducks will be in a transition phase for a while and seeking bigger water. Lows nearing single digits are forecasted for the weekend and strong northwest winds will move birds around. Will have to see how it shakes out, but I anticipate some birds should be winging down the flyway.
Goose numbers are strong with local Canada geese using harvested cornfields. There are some good pockets of white fronted geese around as well and seeing more snow geese move in.
The crop harvest has really been slowed by the moisture we have been getting so little has changed from last week on this front.
Overall, good opportunities exist for ducks and geese in the Northeast portion of the state right now and should improve the coming week.
East Central
Big changes are under way with regards to migration over the next few days. Overall duck numbers seemed lower in this region likely due to pheasant hunters bumping birds off many wetlands. These birds are likely still around and have just found safe areas away from roads making scouting key.
A strong cold front with high winds and overnight temperatures in the teens will cause some movement of new birds into the area. Unfortunately, smaller wetlands will likely be frozen by early next week pushing birds onto larger lakes and wetlands.
Bean harvest is nearing completion and corn is still slowly progressing.
Canada goose numbers should continue increase along with the first flocks of snow geese.
Huron Area
Even with the mild temperatures, this week welcomed the arrival of the first couple flocks of both snow geese and sandhill cranes. A lot of white fronts were also migrating through during this same time frame. As far as ducks, pintails are very abundant with green-wings, mallards, shovelers, and gadwall numbers remaining strong. We have also seen some divers arrive including bufflehead, ringnecks, and some canvasbacks. With the forecasted plummet in temperature, more canada geese and mallards should be showing up by the weekend to supplement the already strong numbers.
Some areas still have a lot of standing crops, but farmers are out in full force.
Lower River/Southeast SD
Low plains south duck season starts this weekend. Water levels should be good and hunters should see a fair amount of ducks. Remember unit 2 goose is not open until November 6.
SE SD
Not much of a change around here. Not much of a migration this week around the SE. Still decent numbers of teal and small puddle ducks. We are expecting a big push in the next 5-10 days.
Pierre Area/Central SD
Have seen more ducks moving into the area waters east of Pierre since last week.
Saw several flocks of cranes migrating through the area late last week and over the weekend.
Not much for waterfowl hunter activity in most of the GPA’s.
Had a Conservation Officer report seeing a lot mixed species of ducks on a couple of bigger lakes east of Pierre that have moved in the past week.
The cold weather coming in later this week may freeze some of the shallow smaller lakes and ponds in the area but there will be plenty of open water in the area.
Northeast
Pretty similar conditions in the Northeast as last week. Still good numbers of ducks using area wetlands consisting of most dabbler species and more divers arriving as well. Wetland conditions are better as you travel west and north, and the ducks are responding to this water. There are getting to be some better concentrations of mallards and pintails using the harvested fields.
Goose numbers have increased some this past week with more whitefronts and a few flocks of snow geese showing up. Strong numbers of Canada geese can be found using the area cornfields. Few swans have made their way through yet.
Crop harvest has begun again mid-week as the fields are drying down from the previous rains.
Webster Area
There is a decent number of various puddle ducks as well as some divers on wetlands in the area. Field hunting opportunity continues to increase as crop harvest progresses, though recent rains have slowed that some. A good portion of beans have been harvested and a few have started on corn.
East Central
Migration continues to progress in east Central South Dakota. Dabbling duck numbers are similar to last week with large numbers of green wing teal, northern shoveler, gadwall and wigeon. The first big push of divers was noted with large numbers of redhead with a few canvasbacks seen across the area. Continued beneficial rains are helping wetland conditions but may hamper some field access.
Corn and bean harvests are slowly progressing but is behind schedule.
Canada goose numbers are slowly building and some whitefronts are staging in the area.
Huron Area
Not much change from last week as far as bird numbers and species. Gadwalls are the most numerous with green-winged teal, wigeon and mallards lagging behind. The good news is, with 4+ inches of rains in same spots, wetlands in the area have been revitalized to a degree (still plenty of dry wetlands), and small pockets of sheet water exist on the landscape. This rain has created newly flooded food sources that has seemed to scatter some birds, but more permanent water is still holding most birds in the area. These new pockets of water should create more opportunity for hunters. The forementioned rain did halt harvest for a few days but combines are already out rolling again.
Lower River/Southeast SD
We observed our first push of some ducks into the area – pintail, shovelers, green wing teal, and some pockets of mallards. A few more Canada geese, but still pretty sparse. Harvest is going fast, with about 50% of fields being harvested. Hunters are having mild success hunting the new puddle ducks over water. Minimal field hunting activity in the SE yet. Low plains south zone remains closed.
Pierre Area/Central SD
Overall, not much has changed here in the Pierre area, we have Seen a small movement of ducks but nothing significant.
Enough birds in the area for a smaller group of hunters to have a fun hunt.
Northeast
Duck numbers in the Northeast portion of South Dakota are increasing with a decent push of gadwall and wigeon into the area this past week. Good numbers of green-winged teal also are showing up. With this addition to what was already present, good opportunities exist for water hunters. Mallard and pintail numbers remain stable from the previous week with small increases in places. There are still some blue-wings and wood ducks hanging in there as well so multiple species available on the water. Some field feeding is taking place with mallards the main focus but also pintail and wood ducks hitting the corn.
Goose numbers remain near last week levels with the addition of slightly more whitefronts and a few snow geese mixed in. Canada geese remain in the area and providing good opportunity for field hunters. Few swans have been observed with the northernmost portion of the state having the best chance.
The harvest has been going full swing through mid week but likely will come to a halt as rain and wind are in the forecast for late week. Forecast models show a good swath of rain so this may provide additional water hunting opportunities.
Webster Area
It seems like new birds have moved into the area over the last week.
Mostly various puddle ducks and a few diver ducks.
Harvest has been progressing in the area and so has some field hunting opportunities.
East Central
Conditions across Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody counties are similar to last week with large numbers of green wing still hanging around. Blue wings have largely exited, reminder that bonus blue winged teal in low plains north and middle zones has ended. Gadwall and wigeon numbers are increasing and some divers are present on larger wetlands. Another bout of heavy rain late this week continues to improve wetland conditions and may make field hunting difficult this weekend. Just like last week a strong cold front will hit the region Thursday which may bring down some new birds and likely push out some early migrants.
Corn and bean harvest seems slowed..
Canada goose numbers in this area continue to be fair.
Huron Area
The cold front last week did what we were hoping. A lot of gadwall moved into the area as well as some pintails, wigeon, green-winged teal and a few more mallards. Blue-winged teal did seem to mostly move through with the colder temperatures. More Canada geese rode the front in as well partnered with the arrival of the first white-fronts of the fall. There are good concentrations of birds on bigger, more permanent, bodies of water with many smaller wetlands remaining dry.
A lot of crops have been harvested the past week, but the forecasted rain to end this week could put a pause to harvest. Hopefully, this same rain can result in some improved water conditions for better hunting opportunities.
Lower River/Southeast SD
SE-decent numbers of ducks moved into the area since last report. Large water bodies are holding decent numbers. Low plains South remains closed. No change in water levels.
Pierre area/Central SD
Reports have come in this week that hunters spotted a few new birds moving into the area, a few reports of some flocks of white fronts feeding in some fields along with a scattering of snows in the winter wheat and stubble fields east of Pierre.
No reports on a duck migration into the area east of Pierre but assume with the sighting of geese and reports from other areas of seeing a migration the areas east of Pierre picked up a few more ducks as well.
Northeast
The migration is slowly progressing and likely pick up some late week as northernly winds and cooler temperatures will push some birds around. Good opportunity exists for both water hunters as well as the field. Most puddle ducks are present in good numbers throughout the Northeast and providing solid gunning on area wetlands. Still decent numbers of blue-winged teal around but leaving by the day as well as the wood ducks. Starting to see more diving ducks on the bigger water. Canvasbacks, redheads, scaup and bufflehead have been observed this week.
Whitefronted geese are just starting to migrate through the area so should start seeing some of these using the harvested fields shortly. Strong numbers of Canada geese around and using the harvested corn and bean fields.
Not much has changed on the crop harvest this past week with the rains we have been getting. Producers were starting to roll again late week.
Webster Area
Not much to change for this week’s waterfowl report.
East Central
Conditions across Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody counties are generally improved from last week with good numbers of blue wing and increasing numbers of green wing teal observed. Good pockets of mallards and pintails were again seen. Recent heavy rains have created some new water and even a few re-flooded wetlands in crops were observed in Hamlin and Kingsbury Counties potentially providing good opportunities. A strong cold front will hit the region Thursday which may bring down some new birds and likely push out some early migrants.
Corn and bean harvest slowed with recent rains but is still progressing.
Canada goose numbers in this area continue to be fair.
Huron Area
Hot and dry weather continued to persist this week, but changing with a front that is hitting today (Tuesday Oct. 3) and will cool things off the remainder of the week. Bird numbers have been relatively low and scattered with lack of water on the landscape, but a few birds have already moved into the area with this front. There has been to be a slight up-tick in early migrants such as: northern shoveler, green-winged teal, gadwall with hopefully more to come as the cold front progresses. Canada goose numbers have also increased slightly but are still relatively low. Harvest is still in the beginning stages, but new fields are coming out every day increasing dry field hunting opportunities for geese as well as the few mallards around.
Still very few Canada geese around.
Opening weekend produced a good number of blue wing teal. If you fund water, there will be some teal using it. Definitely more water, the further north and west you go.
Lower River/Southeast SD
Low Plains South Zone is closed until Oct 14
Low Plains Middle Zone-No Change, hopefully late week cold front will bring down some fresh birds. Wetland conditions remain poor.
Pierre Area/Central SD
Similar to last week, hopefully the upcoming cold front will bring some fresh birds.
Northeast
Good opportunity yet in the Northeast for most species of ducks on area wetlands. Numerous blue-winged teal remain and made up a good part of the bag opening weekend. Most dabbling ducks are present and in good numbers. Ducks are using the areas with “new” water after the rains that fell last week. Again, north and west are better for water and therefore more ducks.
Wetland conditions are fair to poor to the east and improve greatly as you go west. The weather appears to be above normal for temperatures for this upcoming week so we don’t expect any large push of birds.
More crops are being harvested and providing this opportunity for field hunters. Ducks are using a variety of fields right now so scouting is important for a successful hunt.
Canada goose numbers are strong and also keying in the harvested crops
Webster Area
Not much to change for this week’s waterfowl report. Opening weekend seemed like a success for most groups of hunters and I think it was nice to see good numbers of blue-winged teal around for opener this year. Forecasted temperatures might keep some of those teal around for a little while yet and recent rain falls have helped boost water levels in some wetlands.
East Central
Conditions across Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody counties are generally similar to last week with good numbers of blue wing and green wing teal still in the area. Recent rains in some areas may have boosted wetland levels but the precipitation was spotty.
Corn and bean harvest continues with both ducks and geese observed in recently harvested fields. Long range forecasts look warm and generally dry, leading to good field hunting conditions.
Canada goose numbers in this area continue to be fair.
Huron Area
A couple inches of rain last weekend has put a pause to harvest progress yet did not help low water conditions. The continued lack of water, partnered with the opening weekend hunting pressure has led to many of the ducks leaving our area or finding hidden undisturbed habitat. Scouting for these pockets of unpressured birds will be the key to a successful hunt. Teal, both green-winged and blue-winged, are the predominate species around with a few big ducks sprinkled in.
Southeast
Still very few Canada geese around.
Opening weekend produced a good number of blue wing teal. If you fund water, there will be some teal using it. Definitely more water, the further north and west you go.
Lower River
Low Plains South Zone is closed
Low Plains Middle Zone-There was moderate success last weekend, but water continues to be scarce in the SE. I would anticipate very little change in duck numbers compared to last weekend as there has been little to no migration taking place. Opportunity exists, but folks must get out and scout their ponds ahead of time.
Pierre Area/Central SD
Waterfowl hunters that were out around the central part of South Dakota in the low plains duck unit reported of being able to harvest a mixed variety of ducks despite the no to little wind conditions and rain on and off on Saturday with Sunday being similar.
No reports on goose hunting activity in the unit 1 area here in Central part of the state.
Northeast
Anticipation is high in the Northeast for the duck opener this weekend. Wetland conditions vary across the region from drier in the Watertown area to full pool or above to the north and west. Many seasonal wetlands remain full to the western reaches of the area and are full of ducks. Numerous blue-winged teal in the area along with an array of other local ducks should provide solid gunning throughout the weekend. Wood duck numbers are also strong for now but will vacate the area soon along with the blue wings. Some field feeding has been observed in wheat and sileage fields.
Weather for the weekend does not look great with good chances of rain and storms so this may hamper the hunt for some.
Goose numbers remain constant with good opportunities at geese in the small grain and sileage. Some combined corn and beans fields are showing up as well.
Webster Area
Water conditions are ok, seasonal wetlands are fairly dry but there is still plenty of water in larger wetlands. Some teal have moved in out of the area the last few weeks and forecasted temperatures look good to keep them around for a little while. Duck numbers and conditions seem better the further west you get. The James river valley has decent early duck numbers anywhere there is shallow water. Corn and soybean harvest has not really started in the area but silage chopping has been going strong the last couple weeks, so some early field hunting opportunities can be found.
East Central
Conditions across Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody counties are generally dry but where there is water good numbers of blue wing and green wing geal have been seen. Also, of note good number of pintails have been seen across the area along with pockets of mallards.
Scouting will be key for opening weekend as some wetlands that are normally hunted are dry or have large mud flats.
Corn and bean harvest has begun with both ducks and geese observed in recently harvested fields. Forecast for a rainy weekend may impact field hunting opportunities in the short term.
Canada goose numbers in this area are fair and should begin to build. Good luck to all that venture out for the opening weekend of the Low Plains North and Middle duck zones this Saturday.
Huron Area
Conditions have been very dry over the region, leaving many wetlands dry. Scouting to find huntable water will be the name of the game for opener. What water remains seems to have a fair number of local ducks along with some remaining blue-winged teal. Goose numbers have slightly increased over the last two weeks but remain low with limited water.
Harvest is still in the early stages, but a few dry-field hunting opportunities exist with scouting.
Southeast
Extremely dry. Very minimal water. The water that is still around, has some good local duck numbers on it. Very low goose numbers around. Mixed success during August season, but minimal goose numbers around now.
Harvest is going very fast. Seeing a good amount of combined corn and bean fields this week already
Lower River
Low Plains South Zone is closed
Low Plains Middle Zone-similar to SE report with limited water but where water exists good numbers of ducks have been seen.
Pierre Area/Central SD
Water conditions on our smaller lakes and ponds look good this year especially comparing it to last year.
I talked to a couple of parents who took the time to get their child out to hunt some waterfowl during the youth season and had a lot of fun and harvested some ducks.
I have been seeing a mix of ducks on the lakes and ponds in our low plains’ areas in Hughes and Sully County which should allow for some fun hunts when the season opens on the 23rd.
Farmers are planting winter wheat and preparing to start harvest, there are some drier areas where they have started to harvest some corn this week but most of the areas the crop moisture remains too high to harvest.
West River
No report