Northeast

The storm has passed and the cold has set in. Most all the waters in the Northeast are frozen with some open pockets holding birds. There are some good pockets of mallards around on the bigger waters keeping holes open. With that said, most of the hunting is now out in the fields for both ducks and geese. Some lakes are holding a lot of shovelers and some divers as of mid-week but this will likely change as the frigid weather hits later in the week. The duck season will close on December 3rd in the Northeast.

Goose numbers are pretty solid for both Canada and especially snow geese. A large number of white geese have come down with the storm and are feeding in area cornfields. Goose hunters are having great opportunities right now. Again, this can change by the day with the frigid weather coming. We have little snow on the ground so finding food will not be the issue but access to water will be.

East Central

Well, we wanted weather right?

Most water in the Brookings/Madison/DeSmet areas are frozen except for portions of the largest lakes.

Still some ducks around but they are concentrated and likely will be found in fields from here on out. Some diver opportunity still exists but with the cold in the forecast probably not for long. Remember the Low Plains North and Middle Zones last day is December 3.

Good numbers of both light geese and Canadas are still around providing some decent opportunity.

Southeast/Lower River

There has been an increase of waterfowl since last week. As of Sunday, December 1, the access areas were still open above and below Gavins Point Dam. Water levels continue to decrease every day as scheduled by the US ACOE.

James River Valley

Pretty much all water is of the hard variety as of late last week. Still some opportunities for field hunting ducks and geese in the area. Remember that duck season closes on December 3.

Pierre Area/Central SD

The town birds have continued to trickle into Pierre however they have remained happy sitting on the lawns throughout town.

Reports down river from Pierre are that the numbers of ducks and geese saw a significant increase last week with a mix of Light geese, whitefronts and Canada geese.

Lake Oahe has seen a small increase of birds, hunters reported seeing several flocks of snow geese and a few small flocks of Canada geese in the Sutton Bay area.

Northeast

Big changes are coming to the state with the weather system hitting the Dakota’s mid-week. It is unclear at this point as to how many waterfowl will settle into the Northeast until the storm has passed but a weather mix up is welcomed. Both ducks and geese have been observed during the storm heading south.

Duck numbers just prior to the storm were basically unchanged from prior weeks with many dabbler species absent from area wetlands. Mallard numbers were on a slow build and hunting has been on the tough side. I suspect the hunting for both ducks and geese to improve in the next week.

Goose numbers remained strong with good Canada and white-fronted geese around the area providing goose hunters with great opportunities.

Swan numbers were also on a slow build prior to the storm but I predict they will make a quick exit.

East Central

Finally, a change! The big weather event that hit us mid-week definitely caused lots of movement. Reports from ND indicate lots of migration our way over the next week. Time will tell how many birds’ stage and how many fly over the state.

Good numbers of snow geese and divers were seen in the Lake Thompson area this week. I was surprised with how much ice is already on the landscape with all but the largest water largely locked up. Good luck out there, looking like big water and fields from here on out.

Southeast/Lower River

Big migration day the yesterday and today. A lot of birds are pushing right through, but there is definitely an uptick of birds in the area. Some of the smaller bodies of water froze up last night, and more will tonight with cold temps. More pockets of huntable number of mallards around now. Some small pockets of snow geese around now as well.

James River Valley

The current weather front brought some major changes with two highlights: Snow geese and ice. The cold front caused for a mass migration of waterfowl, but most seem to have passed right on through except for a high number of snow geese and a few mallards and canada geese. The cold weather also locked up a lot of water bodies leaving most frozen besides big lakes. All the ice will obviously concentrate birds to these large lakes and make field hunting the prominent method from here until the duck season ends.

Pierre Area/Central SD

A lot of birds flew over Pierre during the high winds but so far not much has stopped in the area.

Northeast

Duck numbers in the Northeast are holding steady with no real increases this past week. It appears like we have lost a good number of gadwall and wigeon on the area wetlands this past week as well. Some trickle migration has been happening in the mornings with north winds but there has been no real push yet. Mallard numbers are slowly building and there are some decent opportunities for field hunting, but you may have to put in the miles to find a good feed. Diving duck numbers are also slowly increasing on the larger lakes.

Goose hunting remains good and providing hunters with great opportunities in the Northeast. Both Canada and white-fronted geese can be found using the area fields. Some flocks of snow geese have been showing up too.

Swan numbers are slowly increasing and more can be found in the northern tier of counties, but some wetlands are holding good numbers farther south.

Overall, like everyone else, we are waiting for the big push to start. Reports of good duck numbers in Canada yet so unless a winter storm develops, we will likely see a slow influx of ducks coming into South Dakota.

East Central

Starting to sound like a broken record but very little change from last week as far as waterfowl migration in the area. A slight increase in divers observed and more scaup observed this week. A few rafts of mallards are grouping up on larger bodies of water. Looks like a decent chance of some ducky weather next week.

Goose and swan numbers similar to last week.

Southeast/Lower River

I can’t see much of a difference in waterfowl. There are some ponds holding waterfowl right now, but the numbers don’t appear to be up or down at this point… birds aren’t feeding consistently in the mornings and are feeding after shooting time in evening.

Very limited opportunity in fields. Hunters are still getting some green wing teal and puddle ducks on potholes, but quite slow overall for mid-November.

The Springfield area is slow. The river below Gavins Point Dam is slow. Waiting for a change in weather.

James River Valley

No drastic changes from last week with the continued mild and overall dry conditions. Dry field hunting opportunities have increased with a small uptick in numbers of light geese, canada geese and mallards. Diving duck numbers also appear to have increased in the region. The weather forecast next week appears will change for the better with only a couple weeks of duck season left in the Low Plains Middle Zone.

Pierre area/Central SD

No change from last report

Northeast

Very little migration has occurred over the past week as temperatures remained above normal with south winds. There are some ducks around on the area wetlands like gadwall, wigeon and teal making up the bulk. The bigger waters have seen some diving duck activity as well. I have seen little change in mallard numbers the last couple weeks. Some field feeding is occurring early and then again at sundown.

Whitefront numbers continue to build and some Canada geese have added to the local flocks. They are mainly feeding in harvested corn fields. No snow geese have been observed yet and only a few isolated flocks of swans have been seen.

Harvest continues to roll on and about half the corn has been combined with most of the beans done.

East Central

Very little change from last week with stable, dry, above normal temperatures. Still decent numbers of birds out there but a bit stale. Most birds seen were green winged teal, gadwall, wigeon with pockets of mallards. Definitely seeing more divers with scaup, redheads, and canvasback, and buffleheads observed.

Canada goose numbers are slowly building and should continue to increase.

Still seeing white fronts and a few snow geese making an appearance.

The first Tundra swans were seen in the Lake Thompson area this week.

Southeast

No change from last report

James River Valley

There isn’t much change from the report last week. If anything, there appears to be fewer birds in the area, and they are scattered with hunting pressure and bad water conditions. The ducks we have around are comprised mostly of divers, green-winged teal, gadwall and pintail. Canada geese are also few and far between; scouting will be the key for a successful waterfowl hunt right now.

Pierre Area/Central SD

No change from last report

Northeast

Finally, a change for the better. Definitely a change in duck numbers this week vs. the past couple weeks. The Northeast portion of the state has seen an increase in mallard numbers for sure along with other puddle ducks like gadwall and wigeon. Solid numbers of ducks can now be found throughout the area with more migration likely to come this week with north winds and cooler temperatures forecasted. Diving duck numbers are also increasing on the bigger waters and most species are now represented in most places. Both water hunting and field sets are producing. Again, scouting is the key to finding the right spot. Although it’s the start of the bigger push, any movement down the Flyway is welcomed.

More geese have also migrated down. Good numbers of white-fronted geese along with Canadas are providing goose hunters with great opportunities right now. Some snow geese are starting to make a presence as well.

Swan numbers are starting to build with more numbers in the northern counties right now.

Harvest is wrapping up with a good percentage of the corn being taken which is providing plenty of fields for both ducks and geese.

East Central

After a stale start to the week the cold front midweek started some birds moving.

Dry conditions persist but cooler temperatures should help hunting conditions.

Decent gadwall and wigeon numbers were this week and large numbers of green winged teal were also seen. Still good numbers of pintail and mallards are increasing with some field feeding observed.

Corn harvest is nearing completion. Divers are building with redheads, canvasback, scaup, and buffleheads seen.

Canada goose numbers are up from last week and decent numbers of white front were seen along with small flocks of snow geese. No tundra swans were seen this week but anticipate some showing up in the lake Thompson area anytime.

Southeast

Lower River/South Central- . Low Plains South duck Zone opens October this Saturday, October 26. Little to no change from last week migration wise, reminder that Unit 2 goose season begins on November 4.

Low Plains Middle- The SE continues to see very dry conditions, harvest is almost fully finished. Little bit of an uptick in specks, gadwalls, green wing teal, white-front geese. Still not many Canada geese to hunt in the SE. Reminder that unit 2 goose season opens on November 4.

James River Valley

The front this week brought in a variety of new birds. Gadwall, pintail, and green-winged teal are the most plentiful puddle ducks in the region with a few extra mallards and wigeon as well. A good number of speckle bellies have also made their way in the area accompanied by a few flocks of the first snow geese of the season. We are still lacking a big push of mallards and Canada geese with the overall mild temperatures. Corn harvest is mostly complete, but there hasn’t been a lot of dry field hunting opportunities in the area to take advantage of it.

Pierre Area/Central SD

No change from last report

Northeast

Very little migration has occurred over the past week as temperatures remained above normal with south winds. There are some ducks around on the area wetlands like gadwall, wigeon and teal making up the bulk. The bigger waters have seen some diving duck activity as well. I have seen little change in mallard numbers the last couple weeks. Some field feeding is occurring early and then again at sundown.

Whitefront numbers continue to build and some Canada geese have added to the local flocks. They are mainly feeding in harvested corn fields. No snow geese have been observed yet and only a few isolated flocks of swans have been seen.

Harvest continues to roll on and about half the corn has been combined with most of the beans done.

East Central

Warm, dry weather continues with little change in migration.

No precipitation again this week and I am definitely noticing some wetlands going dry and others developing mud flats.

More gadwall were definitely seen this week and other numerous ducks including greenwings teal, pintail, and shoveler.

Starting to see some field feeding mallards but need colder weather so they put the feed bag on. Corn harvest is probably 70% complete. More redheads and a few canvasbacks were seen this week.

Canada goose numbers similar to last week and decent numbers of white front in the area with some staging. No tundra swans were seen this week but am hearing reports of a few in the NE.

Southeast

Lower River/South Central- . Low Plains South duck Zone opens October this Saturday, October 26. Little to no change from last week migration wise.

Low Plains Middle- Nothing has changed at all this week down here. Birds are quite stale and not feeding very much for the birds we do have. Goose numbers still low.

James River Valley

Very little change from last weeks report with main changes being an increase in white fronts and a few more divers observed.

Pierre Area/Central SD

The hunters I visited with reported seeing more ducks in the areas they were hunting when compared to the previous weekend.

I have no reports on what is left for whitefronts north and east of Pierre or if anyone has seen any sandhill cranes on the ground.

Northeast

Another mild stretch of weather this week with south winds to calm conditions which did not help the migration progress in the Northeast. Little change to duck numbers from the past week with maybe an uptick in some green wing teal. Some good pockets of ducks are around but just seeing the start of the migration. Very dry conditions in the area which is resulting in some fast drawdowns of the wetlands so scouting is again important to find where the birds want to be and if there is still water!

More white-fronted geese have been observed in the area and the local Canada geese are still using the harvested fields.

The crop harvest has been in full swing with a good majority of the beans done and on to corn for most. Good field hunting opportunities exist for both ducks and geese.

East Central

Stable, unseasonably warm weather continues with little change in migration.

No precipitation again this week leading to deteriorating wetland conditions.

Waiting on a bigger push of gadwall and wigeon, but green wing teal numbers are strong.

Still seeing good numbers on pintail and pockets on mallards. Corn harvest is probably 50% complete. No appreciable increase in divers.

Canada goose numbers similar to last week and saw small numbers of whitefronts this week.

Southeast

Lower River/South Central- . I saw quite a few mallards and pintails along with some big groups of redheads. Water levels continue to recede and a ½ rain would sure be nice. Hunters are reminded that the low plains south zone for ducks doesn’t open until the 26th of October and unit 2 for Canada goose doesn’t open until the 4th of November.

Low Plains Middle- The areas east of Pierre have seen a small migration of birds move in this week, the smaller bodies of water are getting very low.

Reports from hunters from Gettysburg to up into the Eureka area have had some good hunting with hunters reporting of seeing more mallards in the area over the weekend. There were a few groups of hunters in these areas who had a couple of days of successful whitefront hunting along with picking up a crane or two.

James River Valley

The cooler weather and north winds brought with them a nice influx of birds into the area. Dabbling ducks saw the biggest uptick with a lot of green-winged teal, pintail, gadwall, shoveler, and a handful more wigeon and mallards. Diver ducks also saw an increase, most noticeably with redheads and ringnecks.

White-fronted geese had a strong few days of migration, but only a few seem to have stuck around the area. Canada goose numbers are still relatively low, but we did see an increase this week as well. Dry conditions have continued the degradation of wetland conditions, but thankfully continued harvest has allowed more field hunting opportunity.

Pierre area/Central SD

The areas east of Pierre have seen a small migration of birds move in this week, the smaller bodies of water are getting very low.

Reports from hunters from Gettysburg to up into the Eureka area have had some good hunting with hunters reporting of seeing more mallards in the area over the weekend.

There were a few groups of hunters in these areas who had a couple of days of successful whitefront hunting along with picking up a crane or two.

Northeast

Really no change in the Northeast area of the state. Warm, calm conditions prevail and little migration since last week. Some bunches of gadwall and wigeon around along with teal. Pintail and mallard numbers remain about what they were last week.

Crop harvest is progressing quickly with a good percentage of the beans done.

Goose numbers are pretty good in the area but with the warm weather, not a lot of people out. Some whitefronts have showed up as well.

Next week looks much cooler and should increase bird numbers.

East Central

Stable, unseasonably warm weather has not moved birds around appreciably from last week.

Dry conditions persist and wetland levels are dropping.

Most blue-winged teal appear to have migrated south but numbers of green wings are increasing. The cold front hitting Friday should start some movement and next week looks much improved for duck hunting.

Still seeing good numbers on pintail and pockets on mallards. Corn harvest continues providing more field hunting opportunities. I did start to see a few divers this week, mainly redheads.

Canada goose numbers are still quite low and no whitefronts were observed this week.

Southeast

Lower River/South Central-no change from last report

Low Plains South-Not open yet

Low Plains Middle-We have lost a lot of shallow water in the SE with the temperatures with warm temperatures we have been getting. No real push of new birds and fairly stale for hunting. Still enough birds to hunt, but waiting for the weather to change a little. Not many geese around yet.

James River Valley

Wetland conditions continue to deteriorate I the Huron area. Besides a few divers bird numbers appear similar to last week.

Harvest progresses with corn coming out fast providing field hunting opportunities.

Really hopeful the upcoming cold front brings a new push of birds down.

Pierre area/Central SD

No change from last weeks report, bird numbers and wetland conditions similar.

Northeast

We have seen a push of gadwall and wigeon into the Northeast part of the state providing hunters better water hunting opportunities. It looks like just the beginning of this migration as some wetlands reflect an increase in ducks while others remain on the lower side. Decent numbers of blue and green winged teal, shovelers, pintail and mallards can be found throughout the area. I did observe some diving ducks like scaup, ringneck, redheads and a few bufflehead showing up as well.

Canada goose numbers remain pretty good and are feeding in harvested soybean fields along with some newly combined corn fields. The corn harvest is just starting and looks to be going strong the next two weeks with the dry conditions so this will open up the field hunting options.

Weather has been warm and dry with no real rain chances in the next week, so wetlands have been dropping. Of course, the shallow wetlands are showing this much more than the bigger waters. Scouting is always beneficial especially with the dropping water levels.

East Central

The cold front midweek has brought in some new birds which is welcome as conditions had gotten quite stale.

The last several weeks of hot and dry weather are starting to show on wetland conditions with shallow basins dropping or going dry.

Some blue-winged teal along with good numbers of green wings were seen. We seem to be on the front end of the gadwall and wigeon migration with increases noted in the last few days. Remember this is the last weekend where 2 bonus blue winged teal can be harvest in the low plains north and middle zones.

Good numbers on pintail and pockets on mallards were also seen. Corn harvest is intensifying providing more field hunting opportunities. No divers were seen but some cranes were observed along with early reports of white fronts. No reports of tundra swans at this time.

Canada goose numbers are still quite low, hopefully cooler weather will bring some more into the area.

Southeast

Lower River/South Central-no change from last report

Low Plains South-Not open yet

Low Plains Middle-Similar conditions to report as last week.

James River Valley

Wetland Conditions are noticeably deteriorated this week. The warm weather and hunting pressure hasn’t brought many birds in and has scattered the ones in the area to unpressured waters. There appears to be a small influx of Canada geese, shovelers and gadwall.

A few blue-winged teal remain, but most have left the area. Pintail numbers remain strong and can be found with scouting efforts along with mallards. Harvest has continued to progress with the warm weather; many bean fields are out along with silage and the first few picked corn fields.

Pierre area/Central SD

Not much of a change this past week other than maybe a loss of some of the more shallow waters due to the dry hot weather.

There were a few hunters out last weekend that had some good success on a mix bag of ducks on a couple of the GPA’s east of Pierre but no other reports.

Northeast

Conditions in the Northeast portion of the state remain favorable for duck hunters with good numbers of most dabbling ducks present on wetlands. Although the area has not received must precipitation the last few weeks, wetland conditions remain good providing great opportunities. Water hunting remains the most productive but some field feeding is also taking place. The soybean harvest is underway along with some sileage be taken. Currently, weather remains warm but next week looks to be getting cooler.

East Central

Conditions across Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody counties continue to be good with good numbers of puddle ducks in the area.

As usual ducks have redistributed as a result of opening week pressure but with some scouting hunters should be able to find birds.

Good numbers of blue winged teal, pintails, and mallards with some other assorted puddle ducks were observed area wide.

Canada goose numbers are marginally higher but still low, silage is mainly out and bean harvest is in full swing this week opening up additional field hunting opportunities.

Southeast

Duck harvest was strong over opening weekend. Great numbers of blue winged teal. Large amount of pintails mixed in, so ensure you are identifying target before shooting. Shallow water is receding fast with hot dry temps, but still much better water levels than last year.

We had a slight increase in goose numbers in the area, but still fairly low compared to years past.

Silage harvest is finished up and farmers are starting on soybeans, so fields are starting to open up

Our goose numbers in the SE are extremely low. Very difficult to find huntable numbers of geese.

Lower River/South Central

Low Plains South-Not open yet

James River Valley

Similar conditions this week in the Huron area to last week. Good numbers of teal still in the area with assorted puddle ducks.

Pierre Area/Central SD

Things have remained the same in the Pierre area. Guys are seeing good numbers of ducks on the GPAS east of Pierre from Highmore to the Miller area.

Things are looking pretty good for duck opener in the northeast part of the state.

We had a good hatch this spring which resulted in a good number of local ducks in the area.

Warmer temperatures throughout September have also kept good numbers of blue-winged teal around as well.

Wetland water levels remain good and probably provide the most opportunity for hunting, though some field hunting can be found for both ducks and Canada geese in small grain and silage fields. Scouting is important for finding these areas.

East Central

Duck season is upon us! The low plains north and middle duck hunting zones open this Saturday, September 21. Conditions across Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody counties are excellent with far better wetland conditions than we have seen for several years. If you have sat out the last few years due to poor water conditions no is the time to grab the decoys and give it a go.

Ducks seem to be keying on wetlands that were dry or nearly dry and reflooded this summer. Hopefully the blue winged teal stick around for another week or two. Remember hunters are allowed 2 additional bonus blue winged teal for the first 16 days of duck season.

Good numbers of blue winged teal, pintails, and mallards with some other assorted puddle ducks were observed area wide.

Canada goose numbers in this area are quite low currently with no reports of white fronted geese yet.

Southeast

Duck numbers are looking very strong in the SE in comparison to years past. We have much better water levels, even after losing some of the spring water to a dry summer. Strong number of teal and some pintail/mallards on almost all the water in the area. Plenty of silage coming out now for field hunting opportunity as well.

Our goose numbers in the SE are extremely low. Very difficult to find huntable numbers of geese.

Lower River/South Central

Low Plains South-Not open yet

Low Plains Middle

the state! Water levels are better than they have been for the past few years and shoreline cover is looking good. Bird numbers are strong with many blue wing teal in the area.

Canada goose numbers are lower than years past and most of the geese seem to be in unit 2 at the present time. A local officer has noted an abundance of pied-billed grebes this year so, as always, hunters are encouraged to know what their target is before pulling the trigger

James River Valley

Things are looking good up here to begin the duck season as well. We’ve dried out a bit the past month, but overall, still have better water conditions than last fall.

With the improved water we have substantially more mallards and pintail in the area for the season opener compared to last year. Ample teal are around as well with a few shovelers and wigeon mixed in. Canada goose numbers seem to be lower, but there is some field hunting potential in cut wheat and the first chopped silage fields.

Pierre Area/Central SD

Things are looking good for hunters in the low plains unit within region 2.

We are seeing good water elevations and waterfowl populations on most all of the lakes and sloughs.

The weather forecast for the area shows we should see some milder temperatures moving in making it an enjoyable weekend for everyone.

Shortening days and a few nights in the 40’s signal the best time of year is near-duck season! The early days of duck season are a great time to take kids or new duck hunters out with favorable weather and large numbers of teal on the landscape. All you need are waders and a dozen decoys this time of year to have a great hunt on teal and local ducks. Wetland conditions are fantastic in most areas of the state and will provide increased opportunity and quality of many hunting areas. “Dry conditions over the last several years have given way to above average rainfall for most of eastern South Dakota setting the stage for a banner ducks season," according to Senior Waterfowl Biologist Rocco Murano. “Additionally, this year is the 4th year with the 3-duck regulation option available for duck hunters in South Dakota. “ The experimental 3-duck limit option allows hunters to harvest any 3 ducks per day, without any sex or species restrictions. “The 3-duck regulation option is a great way to teach young or inexperienced hunters how to hunt ducks without the pressure of identifying ducks on the wing” said Murano. The youth duck season dates are September 7-8 statewide, and the Low Plains North and Middle Zones start on September 21. Time to untangle decoys, blow the old duck call, and spend some quality time in prairie wetland!