January 9th, 2026 | Goose Migration Report

Geese present in fair numbers in central US, with Knox County, IL and northern OK reporting high or well-above-average numbers.

It’s been a minute since our last (dark) goose migration report, and in that time our data coverage has shrunk slightly, most likely due to the main portions of the waterfowl seasons closing up north. This is important to note because while we believe there is likely still large amounts of geese up north, we don’t have the data to support those notions, so we only report on what we know.

The New Year has brought a push of geese south, with modest concentrations in parts of Iowa, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma.

Northern Oklahoma and west-central Illinois are reporting the relatively highest concentrations of dark geese at the moment, with Sooner and Keystone Lakes in Oklahoma and Knox County, Illinois all boasting high or well-above-average numbers.

We hit on it earlier in the post and say it a lot, but we’ll say it again here due to shrinking data coverage—no “color” to the map doesn’t mean no geese, it means no data!

January 2nd, 2026 | Duck Migration Report

While mallard counts modest, total duck counts in Arkansas high, top 3 count in over a decade.

Happy New Year from us at Migration Station!

We stated last week that there was a lot of evidence of birds moving south in noteworthy concentrations. The data in this week’s report backs that claim up.

While late December counts in Arkansas showed moderate mallard numbers, the overall duck population is one of the highest in over a decade. For example, there are nearly a million ducks reported between Big Creek and the L’Anguille and Cache river systems.

Not much has changed in the Central Flyway. Central Kansas and central Oklahoma continue to boast modest numbers of waterfowl.

Out west, reports out of Oregon and northern California have continued to wane, but success further south, particularly in the San Luis Wildlife Refuge area, has been consistent.

December 24th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Success in California is high, and northern latitude ducks have moved south.

Merry Christmas Eve, and Happy Holidays from us at Migration Station!

With the season winding on and some winter weather starting to accumulate, many of the birds in the northern latitudes have moved along.

In the Mississippi Flyway, ducks by and large seemingly left the northern states in favor of continuing their flights sought towards the wintering grounds. States like Iowa and (northern) Illinois have lost nearly 75% of their duck populations since the Thanksgiving Holiday, while concentrations in states like Tennessee and Kentucky continue to build.

In the Central Flyway, central Kansas and central Oklahoma continue to boast modest numbers of waterfowl.

While our data coverage in the Atlantic Flyway continues to be sparse, reports out of Florida are great for those interested in pursuing teal, with high hunter success in some of the Stormwater Treatment Areas and other public lands.

Out west, the reports out of Oregon are moderate at best, and the reservoirs of Nevada are hosting less birds than this time last month, but the story has changed (for the better) in California, with areas around San Luis NWR and in the Sac Valley reporting moderate to incredibly high hunter success.

December 14th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Conditions are right for a push of ducks southwards, out of Central Illinois.

If you’ve been following our page this season, you’ve probably noticed a trend of continually mentioning the Illinois River basin. On at least three occasions since late October we’ve mentioned this area specifically when referencing hot spots, high concentrations, or migratory movements. Now, we believe the stage is set for a migratory even OUT of this area, and into states to the south such as (southern) Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Our reasoning is simple. Temperatures in this region went sub-zero this weekend, and the lows are set to stay predominately below freezing for the remainder of the year.

While this won’t be cold enough, or cold enough for long enough, to freeze over the main river system or the larger reservoirs, it certainly should be to lock-up the smaller water bodies or shallow marshes, which we believe will inevitably move birds south.

If you live south of St. Louis, I’d be staying tuned if I were you!

December 11th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

All signs point to ducks moving into the middle latitudes, with states like MO, KS, OK and IL all showing increased concentrations.

Geese moving south, but fair concentrations remain in the mid-north.

With the recent stint of colder weather ducks have naturally moved further south.

Reports out of the northern states like Minnesota and South Dakota are that the majority of birds have moved on, and hunter success is localized to pockets of hold-outs keeping larger water bodies open. And while the middle latitudes many not be boasting peak concentrations quite yet, states like Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas are all reporting moderate duck concentrations which have increased over the past week or so.

Central Illinois (mainly the Illinois River Basin) continues to be the gem of this waterfowl season, with continued reports of high bird concentrations. For example, areas in Fulton County, Illinois are holding nearly 2x as many ducks as this time last year.

The recent reports out of Florida are generally good, with hunters reporting good success in the Stormwater Treatment Areas of South Florida.

Out west, the report is generally the same as last—hunter success is mixed at best, but there are a few shining stars in the bunch, namely areas around Little Dry Creek and West Bear Creek.

Similar to ducks, signs indicate this recent colder weather has moved geese south (although not as far).

The reports out of the northern states like Minnesota and South Dakota are similar for geese as they are for ducks, albeit to maybe not as far an extreme—the recent cold snap has left bird concentrations low and hunter success lower.

While reports out of Iowa indicate goose concentrations that are not near what would be considered peak for this time of year, its next door neighbor Illinois is reporting much-higher-than-average concentrations across the northern portion of the state.

Further south and in the Central Flyway, reports out of central Kansas and northern Oklahoma are generally good, with modest or building concentrations.

November 26th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Hunter success increasing up north, decreasing out west.

As Thanksgiving weekend nears and more key states open their seasons, our data coverage is quickly expanding as we move from November into December.

The sentiment in Minnesota and South Dakota is trending from good to better with fair-or-better bird counts and areas in northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota seeing building numbers of mallards.

The story in the Illinois River Basin remains unchanged week-over-week—bird concentrations are high and it appears they are awaiting some weather (or some other impetus) before moving along.

The news in Mississippi is prior to the opener is good. While bird counts aren’t astounding, they are higher than the long-term average by a healthy margin with over 300,000 birds reported in the delta area. Additionally, with dry conditions persisting all year, birds will be concentrated in the little water they can find. We anticipate good hunter success this weekend!

Out west, birds are starting to arrive and concentrate in their usual hang-outs in Nevada, with over a hundred thousand birds reported in and around the Fallon, Nevada area. Further west, hunter success in California remains fair in most areas, with notable success around Colusa and Little Dry Creek.

Still not much to report on out east, sorry guys!

November 21st, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Hunter success increasing up north, decreasing out west.

Whether it be due to winter rearing its head, the annual fall super moon, or the birds’ internal clocks starting to tick a little differently, we are firm believers that the first big migratory push usually happens around Veteran’s Day and this year was no exception.

Around Minnesota, reports indicate that while the early migrators are slowly moving along, mallards are starting to arrive in good numbers.

Further south, southeast Missouri picked up a fair number of birds (noteworthy, but nothing to get excited about).

Up north, reports out of South Dakota and Minnesota continue to improve, with the areas where northeast South Dakota and west-central Minnesota meet showing signs of an increasing migration and building numbers.

In Louisiana, while bird numbers still pale in comparison to the glory days, early reports indicate a mid-November population that is over twice that of last year’s, and well above the recent average. Good news for a change.

But by far and away, the most noteworthy reports are out of the Illinois River Valley region, where reports indicate over three hundred thousand birds in the stretch between Peoria and Beardstown.

Out west in California, for the second week in a row reports are suggesting waning hunter success. However, areas challenging that trend and boasting respectable counts (relatively) are Ash Creek in the north and Kern in the south.

November 14th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Hunter success increasing up north, decreasing out west.

With expanding data coverage, the front having come and gone, and the super moon (which studies show moves ducks!) now behind us, the story around the migration is starting to change.

Up north, reports out of South Dakota and Minnesota continue to improve, with the areas where northeast South Dakota and west-central Minnesota meet showing signs of an increasing migration and building numbers.

Out west, reports suggest hunter success is decreasing as the season wears on, with the only noteworthy reports coming out of the Sac Valley of California, and even then reports suggest it has been fair-at-best recently.

And last but not least, while still relevant, our data is admittedly growing a bit stale in the Illinois River Valley. While we’ve no reason to believe birds have left this area in any meaningful amounts, look for updates to our migration map for this area soon.

November 7th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Reports are good up north, birds (continue) building in Illinois River Valley, hunter success out west waning.

We are entering that time of year when more folks are looking to the northern skies (ourselves included), so it should come as no surprise that—right on time—our data coverage is starting to expand.

While the narrative might not expanded with the expanded data coverage, it has certainly gotten better.

Up north, reports out of South Dakota have indicated building numbers and continued hunting success (provided some effort scouting) and in Minnesota, reports are spread out, but generally much better than a week or so ago.

For the third report in a row, our focus in the middle states rests upon the Illinois River Valley as birds continue their pattern of staging along the lower portions of the river, with the stretch between Peoria and Havana holding a relatively large portion of the birds.

Out west, hunter success started out strong in Oregon and California but has since failen off as seasons have entered their early-to-middle stages with little weather to stir activity.

On the note of weather, stay tuned to this channel… we have the first signs of nationwide winter weather ahead!

October 31st, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Migration picking up steam. Hunter success in South Dakota, and reports of influxes in Kansas.

Happy Halloween!

With leaves turning, temps dropping, and more seasons opening across the country, attention is shifting to the skies — and right on cue, the first real signs of a strong fall flight are showing up.

Reports out of South Dakota are generally good, with indications that those who put in the work scouting have been finding success.

Further south, the Illinois River Valley in Central Illinois continues to pick up birds, with over 100,000 being reported in the lower portion of the river valley, prior to its confluence with the Mississippi. Additionally, reports out of central Kansas are that certain management areas saw a recent influx of ducks with this cooler weather.

Early November is historically when waves of migrators really start showing up in the central United States and further south. So stay tuned to this channel, and our social media as we track the migration!

October 22nd, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

All signs show a (slowly) starting migration.

There hasn’t been much in the way of notable reports, but signs are showing of a migration underway.

While hunting success in South Dakota is reportedly fair at best, almost all reports consistently indicate an influx of new birds.

And while week-over-week, that state of Iowa lost about 10% of their transitory waterfowl population, month-over-month the Illinois River Valley (of Illinois) saw nearly a 4x increase, with some areas like the Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge already holding nearly 40,000 birds.

While noteworthy, it’s also worth mentioning the majority of the birds making up these reports are Pintail, Teal and Gadwall, indicating more to come.

While data coverage is getting better by the week, this early in the season, data is still sparse. If you want to contribute to the cause, you can submit your migration report via a quick survey form that can be found here.

October 17th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Nothing to get too excited about in the early, more to come…

In sticking with the theme for mid-October early season reports, this season’s inaugural duck migration post is a bit anti-climactic. While we’re excited to be back at it, there is not a whole lot to be excited about (yet).

Reports out of South Dakota indicated a decent start to the season, especially for areas along the James River and in the southeastern part of the state. But whatever spots were “hot” quickly appeared to cool off.

Much of the same could be said for states like Minnesota or Ohio where the data suggests there is more on the way but not a ton around.

Interestingly enough, central Kansas reported higher-than-expected numbers for it being this early in the season. And while those numbers have tailed off recently, and the specie composition (teal, gadwall, etc.) indicate this is just an influx of earlier migrators, it was noteworthy.

As a general reminder, data this early in the season is sparse, with more to come. But if you want to contribute to the cause, you can submit your migration report via a quick survey form that can be found in the link in our bio.

Stay tuned to this channel, and our social media as we track the waterfowl migration!

Copyright © 2022 Migration Station LLC. All rights reserved.All data is provided “as is” without warranty.

Copyright © 2022 Migration Station LLC. All rights reserved.All data is provided “as is” without warranty

Our full migration map goes live in mid-October. Keep the coffee warm, we’ll be right back.

January 31st, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

(More) postive reports from out west, although certain areas are trending back down. Reports of increased bird counts and success in Central and Mississippi Flyways. Louisiana has highest late-season in count in half-decade!

Moderate change since last week’s report.

In the Mississippi and Central Flyways, reports indicate last week’s cold weather moved some birds down, with states like Arkansas and Louisiana reporting increased counts and Mississippi reporting an uptick in hunter success. Additionally, it’s worth noting that while compared to the long-term, Louisiana’s counts are still down, recent data suggests the strongest late-season duck populations in nearly a half-decade!

Out west, hunter success in certain areas of Central California remains strong, and although it has since trended down, reports have been good in certain areas in Oregon as well.

January 24th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Postive reports from out west. Generally poor data in the southern states (with a few exceptions).

Reports out of the southern states—particularly Arkansas and Mississippi—are mixed at best, while hunter success in areas of the Pacific Flyway is trending up.

In Mississippi, data suggests that while the counts are above the recent average for this time of year, this is more of an indication of how poor the past few season have been than the alternative. Hunter success in the state remains largely unchanged.

In Arkansas, by and large the reports are poor versus expectations, with the only bright spot being the Cache River area, which is presently holding a respectable numbers of birds.

Out west, hunter success is trending up in certain areas of California, with reports from areas like Colusa NWR, Delevan NWR, and Volta Wildlife area all very positive.

January 17th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Reports are mixed, and a bit perplexing. Data suggests ducks up north moved up, but reports don’t tend to indicate a systemic increased in concentrations further south.

Reports out of Central MO are that while a good portion of ducks moved out, plenty stuck it out on the river systems as well. This is an important note because prior to the recent trend of cold weather, areas in central and northern MO were holding incredibly high concentrations of ducks. Additionally, areas along the Illinois River, and its confluence with the Mississippi River trended down in duck populations.

So while the data suggests a decrease in duck counts in the central states, there doesn’t seem to have been an in-kind increase in duck counts across the southern states, at least not noticeably so. Areas in Southern IL saw a sizable DECREASE in duck counts, hunter success in MS hasn’t materially changed (been poor) since the New Year, and anecdotal reports out of AR are mixed at best. The only bright spots in the Mississippi Flyway are positive anecdotal reports, and some modest hunter success, where the major river systems meet the Mississippi River in MS and AR.

Out west, hunter success is trending down, with the only modest reports coming from areas near San Luis NWR. And out east, reports are generally favorable in the Santee Delta, and the STAs in southern Florida continue their streak of positive reports.

Note: to fill in some data coverage gaps for this weeks’s post, we’ve included data that you will not find in our Migration Map or elsewhere on our website. However, rest assured that this data is authoritative in nature and meets our criteria for use. Also, sparse data coverage in Arkansas. State-wide coverage data has grown too stale for us to feel it prudent to report on.

January 15th, 2025 | Migration Report

Finally enough of a change for an update–goose concentrations still modest at best in most parts of the country. Central IL relatively highest concentration.

While it’s admittedly been longer than we’d like since our last Canada goose migration update, the situation remained unchanged until recently. For the longest time, there weren’t many (or any) areas of strong concentration known to us outside of the Dakotas. Now, it’s clear to us that not only have the geese moved since mid-December, they’ve moved into a handful of areas in relatively respectable numbers.

In the Mississippi Flyway, Central Illinois is reporting good numbers of Canada geese all along the Illinois river. Out east in the Atlantic Flyway, reports out of the eastern shore are positive. And in the Central Flyway, Southeastern Kansas and North-Central Oklahoma are reporting pockets of moderate-to-good concentrations of Canada geese.

Hopefully as the season continues, tracking of the Canada goose migration will pick back up in relevance and make its way back into your feed. Stay tuned.

January 8th, 2025 | Duck Migration Report

Ducks appear to have begun heading south ahead of the recent cold snap. How many more will be pushed down? Stay tuned!

While probably still a bit too early to tell how many birds have moved southward with this recent cold snap, early time data would suggest a migratory event has occurred since the Christmas holiday.

Reports from the Illinois River and Mississippi River—which had previously been a staging area for a large concentration of waterfowl for what seemed like a month—suggest ducks have moved southward in the new year-with these areas seeing a large portion of their ducks moving out prior to this recent cold snap.

Out west, reports of hunter success in certain areas of California remains respectable, and out east reports from around the Santee River Delta in South Carolina and the Stormwater Treatment Areas of Florida are generally positive recently.

December 27th, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

CA and FL hunter success remains strong! Data reporting slow over the holidays, growing stale or sparse in Mississippi Flyway.

With the holidays taking place mid-week, it should come as no surprise that reporting this week was a little (or a lot) lighter than normal. That said, there is still some insights to glean from the information we do have on had.

First, not much has changed from our perspective along the Mississippi or Central Flyways. While admittedly a fair portion of the data we do have is either growing stale (IL) or remains sparse (AR), there hasn’t been a ton of anecdotal reports to suggest a major shift has occurred in these areas. It would still seem a (relatively) large share of the birds remain in north-central Missouri and Illinois.

In the Pacific and Atlantic Flyways, while the report might seem similar as last week’s, the data is fresh(er) and suggests a holding trend—hunter success is relatively high in California this past week across many of the popular water fowling areas, and in southern Florida success is reportedly STELLAR—particularly for those targeting blue winged teal.

December 20th, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

Numbers still strong in the central portion of Mississippi Flyway, but indications of southward movements. Sac Valley of CA and South Florida reporting strong hunter success.

While this week’s migration report might not look too different from the one a few weeks back, there have still be some developments worth mentioning that will encourage hunters across the flyway.

Across northern Missouri, the Illinois River in Illinois, and the Mississippi River between the two there are extremely high concentrations of birds—indicating the migration has likely peaked in the mid-point of the Mississippi Flyway. Additionally, while our data coverage for Arkansas and Tennessee remains sparse at the moment, the relative decrease in birds from the areas of Missouri and Illinois suggest there have been movements of birds southward into the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley.

Reports out of the Central flyway have tamed over the past week, with central Kansas and the region between the Arkansas and Neosho Rivers in Kansas and Oklahoma the only areas reporting modest populations at present.

And finally, on opposite ends of the country, hunter success in the Stormwater Treatment areas of South Florida and in the Sac Valley of California have picked up to very good levels.

December 12th, 2024 | Migration Report

Numbers are building in the northern half of the Central and Mississippi Flyways, but not apparent signs of a major migratory push.

This report can best be summed up by the phase “building numbers, no apparent major migratory movements.

In the Central Flyway, reports are moderate-or-better from the northern portion to about the half-way mark, with South Dakota reporting moderate-to-good numbers of geese, and central Kansas as well. However, it would appear the front edge of the migratory push hasn’t quite reached the Sooner states, as these positive reports fall off around the Kansas-Oklahoma border.

In the Mississippi Flyway northern Iowa and Illinois are reporting respectable numbers of geese, with north central Iowa currently holding the largest relative concentration.

December 10th, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

Large numbers of ducks arriving in Missouri. Hunter success reportedly cooling across much of Pacific Flyway. Kansas and Oklahoma reporting fair numbers and hunter success.

On the heels of the cold snap from a few weeks ago, cooler weather since, and snowfall accumulations in the Prairie Pothole Breeding Region (PPBR), it appears a large push of birds have moved southward.

Reports out of the Mississippi Flyway are positive. Areas in NW and Central Missouri are reportedly hosting half a million ducks. However, the relatively highest concentration of birds at the moment appear to be along the lower reaches of the Illinois River, and where it meets the Mississippi River.

Additionally, while the populations have reportedly been both waxing and waning in the Central Flyway, Central Kansas and the northern extents of Oklahoma are reporting mixtures of moderate bird concentrations and fair hunting conditions.

In the Pacific flyway, while hunting success in Oregon has reportedly cooled, along with some areas in California, areas near Merced and San Luis NWR in the Golden State are reporting good hunter success.

Out east, the reports out to the coastal marshes of South Carolina are of good hunter success.

Lastly, out west in the Pacific Flyway it would seem reports are cooling off but there are still areas reporting modest hunter success.

December 3rd, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

Birds have moved south, with relatively high concentrations in southern Kansas and where the Illinois meets the Mississippi Rivers in Missouri.

With the most recent up-north snowfall and country-wide cold snap, it would appear ducks have moved southward.

Mid-flyway states like Kansas and Missouri are both reporting higher concentrations, with southeastern and south-central Kansas and where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi River in Missouri reporting the highest relative concentrations.

Lastly, out west in the Pacific Flyway it would seem reports are cooling off but there are still areas reporting modest hunter success.

Remember: No data DOES NOT mean no waterfowl! It means we have no data coverage for that area at this time. Arkansas is great example of this—our coverage of the Natural State is still sparse for this time of year.

November 27th, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

Evidence of birds moving south with last week’s weather in Missouri and Iowa. Big potential for the week ahead.

We have high hopes (and maybe even high expectations) for the week ahead.

Evidence of southward movement on the heels of last weeks’ cold(er) weather and snow was apparent, with Iowa and Missouri both picking up new birds since our last report.

Further south however, Mississippi’s duck populations are at nearly 10-year lows for this time of year. Couple that with counts out of certain parts of Louisiana a few weeks ago being the lowest on record, and I think its fair to say

The Illinois River and its confluence with the Mississippi River continues to boast the highest relative duck concentrations this week, with northern Kansas and northwest Missouri reporting respectable populations as well.

No major updates one way or the other for the Pacific or Atlantic Flyway this week, but stay tuned for updates on the back-end of this weeks’ weather!

November 22nd, 2024 | Migration Report

Migratory reports best summed up as “stable”; some states report increases, others report decreases.

Conventional wisdom suggests it takes a lot of weather to move Canada geese southward, and that seems to be the case so far this season.

The most promising data all seems to be out of the Dakotas and Minnesota, where reports are suggesting good numbers of geese. It’s unclear however if these reported numbers are objectively good or relatively good—meaning better than it has been (which has been pretty poor so far).

In other states, the data is not overly remarkable, with some states like Illinois reporting slight more influx than efflux, while states like Iowa are reporting the opposite. Either way, not much change appears to be happening one way or the other.

November 21st, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

Hunter success waning in Pacific Flyway, bird concentrations high along the Illinois River, and Migratory weather is upon us!

With snow in the prairie pothole region accompanied by country-wide cold(er) temps and north winds—we believe the first migratory event of the season could be upon us. And while it’s nothing in comparison to some of the deep freezes we’ve had in years past, with how this season has gone thus far we’ll gladly take it!

In the Mississippi Flyway, reported duck concentrations are highest (relatively speaking) along the Illinois River and its confluence with the Mississippi River. However, it’s worth noting that there are roughly as many G.W. Teal and Northern Pintail as there are mallards in these areas—indicating there is still plenty of migration to occur there.

In the Central Flyway, Kansas—particularly central Kansas—seems to be reporting increasing bird populations by the day.

And finally out west in the Pacific Flyway, it seems hunter success has waned a bit in the recent week, but there are still favorable reports coming out of areas in the Sac Valley of California, and around Summer Lake in Oregon.

November 13th, 2024 | Migration Report

Despite uncooperative weather and winds, signs indicate that geese are on the move.

Between this report and last for geese, not much has changed weather-wise. Central and Midwestern states received some much-needed rainfall, but that was about it. Not much snow cover exists, not many reservoirs (if any) are frozen over, and the temps are still abnormally high. Still, signs are pointing to some movement in Canada geese.

Reports out of Minnesota indicate good things ahead, with more birds arriving than leaving, while indications from states to the south like Iowa and Illinois suggest more birds leaving than arriving. A couple states to the west, Kansas and Oklahoma are reporting modest, but increasing, counts.

So while the weather hasn’t been conducive to a major migratory event for any fowl, let alone the hardiest of them all, signs are pointing to some movement nevertheless.

November 12th, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

While nothing stands out, all signs are pointing to a migration that is underway.

While there has been hardly any noteworthy migratory weather since our last update (or yet this season, for that matter), our data suggests the migration is picking up.

The Illinois River—and its confluence with the Mississippi River—are starting to see increased populations of waterfowl, and reports from along the lower stretches of the Missouri River indicate the same.

In the Central Flyway, areas in central Kansas are reporting fair-to-good amounts of birds, and Oklahoma is starting to show signs of small influxes.

And finally out west in the Pacific Flyway, hunters are having success in certain areas of California and Oregon and the reservoirs and refuges of Nevada are hosting respectable numbers of migratory birds.

So all of this to say, while nothing is standing out to us at the moment, signs are pointing to a migration that is underway.

November 6th, 2024 | Migration Report

Same song, different singers with dark geese. Warm weather and little migratory potential has led to little movement and seemingly low numbers.

We generally subscribe to the old adage that whatever migratory events take place for ducks, dial it back a bit and that’s about what you can expect for dark geese. While we’ve not taken a look at the long-term evidence to suggest if that’s true or not (let us know what you think in the comments below!), it surely seems that way this report.

And since it has seemed to be a pretty slow duck migration so far this year, we aren’t too surprised to not be tracking, or hearing of, much movement of dark geese; numbers in the northern states are seemingly lower-than-usual, and populations in the central states are about on par.

One example that sticks out to us however, are recent counts in West Central IL, which while aren’t incredibly high, are 30% above the average for this time of year.

We are still early on in the 24-25 season, so stay tuned!

November 5th, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

The slow start to the 2024-2025 migration continues in the Central and Mississippi Flyways. Hunters finding success in California.

While much of the central United States recently received much-needed rain we called out last post, the warm spell seemingly continues; in some parts of the United States, talk was that this October was one of the warmest on record. So it should come as no surprise that the migration seems behind schedule this year.

Counts in Iowa are still well below the 10-year average, and comparatively seem a few weeks behind schedule. And in Minnesota, reports mainly seem to be of folks waiting for another push, or seeing more birds going out than coming in.

Still, there are some bright spots leading one to believe the migration is slowly, but surely, occurring. Reports out of South Dakota are that, while nothing to write home about, it seems new birds are starting to arrive. And in certain areas of California—like Sutter or Merced—hunters are reporting good success.

While not off to the start anyone was hoping for, we are still in the early innings of this ball game, so be sure to stay tuned

October 23rd, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

Warm weather, unfavorably migration conditions lead to slow start to the migration.

Welcome back to another season of migration tracking. If you’re new here—welcome! And if you’re returning for another season—welcome back!

Warm weather, drought conditions across much of the United States, and less-than-ideal migratory conditions so far have led to a migration that doesn’t seem to have started in earnest yet. For example, populations in Missouri and Illinois are presently a fraction of what they normally are for this time of year, and some reports out of northern states like Minnesota indicate slow, and relatively small, influxes of new birds on the heels of cooler weather.

While our first report of the 2024-2025 season is less than ideal, we want to acknowledge that we are effectively acting as commentator to a game that is still early on in the first quarter—there is still plenty of time for Mother Nature to do her thing!

Be sure to stay tuned this season!

Warm weather, unfavorably migration conditions lead to slow start to the migration.

January 26th, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

The ducks moved south, but rapid thaw and warm weathers could lead to varied movements and potentially increased hunter success as they venture out in search of fresh habitat.

With more and more data coming in, its becoming increasingly obvious that a very large push of ducks occurred on the heels of a week ago’s arctic blast.

Now, with warmer weather here (and even more on the horizon), rainfall across much of the south, and fresh habitat now available, we believe hunter success could reach season highs for states like Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi as the season winds to a close.

We don’t have many much of an update for the Pacific or Atlantic Flyways since our Migration Update earlier in the week—so if you haven’t already checked that out, give it a listen!

This will likely be our last duck migration update. Thank you to all that have followed along this season. It means more to us that we could ever explain!

January 19th, 2024 | Goose Migration Report

Geese have moved down the flyway on the heels of this arctic blast, with large populations in (northern) Illinois and Oklahoma.

We’re well aware this recent arctic blast moved ducks southward, but the same seems to be true for Canada geese, just maybe not as far south.

Central IL saw a healthy push of Canada geese into the area over the past week, with large flocks being spotted in areas along the Illinois River; Fulton County stands out, specifically.

Oklahoma has also seen a good push of Canada geese lately, whether it be Greaters or Lessers. No one area in particular stands out as having overly-high numbers—there just seems to be a good amount across much of the state.

With seasons closed across much of the northern United States, data coverage has dwindled for states like the Dakotas and Minnesota. We’re confident there are geese still up there, but (read the first disclaimer below) we can’t cover what we don’t know, so those areas remain blank on the map.

January 17th, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

Be it harvest reports, migration reports, or physical counts, birds are moving south with the prolonged freeze up north.

Prior to this arctic blast, duck counts in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (areas like West TN, West KY, Southern IL, AR, MS and LA) were increasing from prior levels, but were still average at best (KY, TN) or well below average (anywhere south of there). However, there has definitely been a push of ducks into these areas.

For example, as of a few days ago, areas in western KY were holding nearly 2x their long-term average. Similar could be said for certain (not all) western TN areas. Harvest reports coincide.

That said, with the ongoing deep freeze, experiences afield may vary, as shallow water impoundments remain locked up and birds are sticking to whatever safe, deep waters they can find. In this regard, remain curious until the thaw.

Out west, hunting continues to be better-than-normal comparing after-the-cold-snap to before, but much like all season, success varies day by day and area by area.

In the Atlantic Flyway, we are finally starting to get some reports of respectable concentrations of birds (and swans!) making their way into the Carolinas and beyond.

January4th, 2024 | Duck Migration Report

Birds are starting to move south with the colder weather, but their movements have been gradual and there is still above-average numbers in central states.

The trend of patiently waiting seems to be continuing with this migration report.

Although the cold snap that occurred between Christmas and New Years appeared to move some birds southward—with areas like White Lake TN, Ballard Co., KY, and refuges in SEMO adding new birds to their count—the numbers in these areas for this time of year ranges from well-below average to average compared to years past.

Reports out of Arkansas are varied, with areas along the Cache and Bayou Meto holding a fair amount (nothing to get worked up over), to areas like the Little River Ditches, Big Lake or the Black River still not seeing the normal numbers for this year.

In the Atlantic Flyway, the coastal Carolinas reportedly are having good success, but from what I understand, opportunities out there are few and far between. Be safe. Further down the coast, the marshes of south Florida are continuing their trend of good success with teal and ring-neck ducks.

Out west, same ole same ole. Success is being had, but numbers fluctuate and a good time afield requires doing some homework and maybe a little bit of Mother Nature cooperation.

December 21st, 2023 | Goose Migration Report

Recent counts in Iowa match the peak from the 2022-2023 season. Will it trend down from here, or build as the lack of migratory weather keeps them from moving further south?

We questioned whether or not to even post this week’s Canada goose migration update, but figured there is useful information in conveying “not much has changed”, so here it is!

Just as we were calling for, goose counts in Iowa matched the peak counts from the 2022-2023 season. In other words, Canada goose populations in the state are near what, in a normal year, we would expect to be the peak.

However this time last year, everywhere north of the Missouri experienced a severe blizzard and cold snap—the Might Missouri River itself froze solid in many places that normally does not occur, and the Mississippi River as far south as Cape Girardeau, MO turned to 75%+ ice flow. This severe weather snap dropped the goose count in states like Iowa drastically.

But this year, we don’t have the same major weather event on the horizon. So where will the geese stop? For ducks, the answer appears to be Northern Missouri, but for geese, we expect the answer to be further north. Stay tuned as this plays out—the northern states might hold onto these geese for longer than usual as Mother Nature bides her time.

It is worth noting, our Canada goose coverage is not as expansive as our duck data coverage, hence the blank parts of the map. You can help us out by snapping a photo or video of live birds and submitting a report via this link.

December 19th, 2023 | Duck Migration Report

All eyes are on Missouri, as public areas along the stretch of the Missouri River between Kansas City and St. Louis are holding nearly 750,000 birds.

If you’re a waterfowler in SEMO, Arkansas, Mississippi, Western Tennessee or Western Kentucky, you ought to be paying attention to the temps and the weather patterns between Kansas City and St. Louis.

Reason being, is as of December 18th, there were nearly three quarters of a million (~750,000) ducks on the refuges and conservation areas along the stretch of the Mighty MO (Missouri River) between these two cities.

Further evidence of this year’s stalled migration is that—while the northern part of the state holds above-average numbers during this below-average season—areas like Duck Creek, Ten Mile Pond and Otter Slough (Missouri game areas) still have not seen much of an increase over the past few weeks.

In the Central Flyway and Pacific Flyways, much remains the same. Great success can be found where scouting pays off, but pressure remains high, and birds grow more educated by the day.

Other interesting notes are that in southern Florida, concentrations of Ring-necked ducks and Teal are presently very high, and if Shovelers are your thing, last weeka population of over 20,000 individuals strong was reported on Walker Lake in Nevada.

December 13th, 2023 | Goose Migration Report

Peak Canada goose numbers likely for Iowa, compared to long-term average for Mid-December. Oklahoma surprisingly hosting large amounts of Lesser Canada geese at present.

Same story, different day. Despite mild weather and little migratory winds, the geese have continued their southward movement.

In the Mississippi Flyway, IA is at what we would expect to be near-peak numbers for the season when comparing the current counts to the long-term average. Northern IL is also holding respectable amounts of geese at present, and while small in comparison to their northern neighbors, even Northern MO is holding more geese at the moment than we would’ve guessed.

Along the Central Flyway, OK remains a unique surprise, as very large amounts of Canada geese, many of the Lesser variety, are in and/or passing through the state. It seems every wheat field or cut milo field has been a feed at some point over the past week or so.

In the Pacific Flyway, our data coverage is sparse, but reports would indicate the number of Canada geese remain relatively strong in the PNW, with recent rainfall moving them around a bit.

In the northern Atlantic Flyway the indications are Canada goose populations are above average for the time of year.

December 12th, 2023 | Duck Migration Report

Ducks moving into Missouri and Kansas. Missouri’s mid-December counts 10% above long-term average. Mild weather holds back hunter success.

Despite the continuation of unseasonably mild weather and an extreme lack of water on the landscape in crucial wintering grounds, ducks are continuing a slow march southward.

Recent counts in Missouri show the mid-December duck population is slightly ABOVE average compared to the long-term average, and that a very large proportion (~75%) of the species make-up is Mallards. Admittedly, areas in the northern half of the state are carrying the aforementioned statistics.

In the Central Flyway, Kansas has shown an uptick in duck concentrations compared to last week, especially in the central and far-eastern portions of the state.

In the Pacific Flyway, mixed results seem to be the continuing trend—with weather-dependent hunting success ruling the reports and storylines as opposed to one particular location holding relatively higher concentrations of birds over other areas.

Presently, the relatively largest concentration of ducks remains near St Louis, MO where the Missouri and Illinois River meet the Mississippi. Reports of hunting success is mixed however, with this large presence of ducks being heavily patterned.

December 7th, 2023 | Goose Migration Report

Geese continuing to move slowly. They are about a week or two behind in Iowa (and Mississippi Flyway) compared to historical averages.

Similar to what we reported yesterday on the migratory movement of ducks, Canada geese have continued their migrations as well—but to a much lesser extent.

In the Central Flyway, geese have continued to move along into Kansas and Oklahoma, and in the Mississippi Flyway geese have (FINALLY) moved into northern Iowa and south along the Missouri River.

For what it’s worth, the move of geese into north and western Iowa is about one to two weeks behind schedule, compared to what is normal from years past.

As mentioned prior, the largest week-to-week shifts occurred in Iowa and the largest concentrations of Canada geese are presently in Illinois and southern Minnesota.

It is worth noting, our Canada goose coverage is not as expansive as our duck data coverage, thus areas in the Atlantic, Pacific and parts of the Central Flyways are not covered, hence the blank parts of the map. You and can help us out by snapping a photo or taking a video of live Canada geese near you and submit a migration report via this link.

December 6th, 2023 | Duck Migration Report

Migration ongoing, slowly but surely. Largest concentration of birds is at the confluence of the Illinois River and Missouri River with the Mississippi River near St Louis, MO.

Despite the weather remaining mild and relatively un-interesting, ducks are indeed continuing their southward migrations.

This is evidenced by the shift of birds southward along the Illinois and Missouri Rivers. NW MO—while still holding a very large amount of birds—has experienced a net loss of ducks over the past two weeks, and the stretch of the Illinois River between Peoria, IL and Beardstown, IL is similarly holding a very large concentration of birds, but less so than around Thanksgiving time.

Unfortunately, in areas like Oklahoma, Mississippi and other states below the center-line of the United States, mild weather and slow migration has meant ducks are adapting to hunting pressure and spreading out, leading to a decrease in hunter success and bird encounters.

In the Pacific Flyway, things have been relatively stable. Reports of hunter success has been widely-raging and area-dependent, unchanged from last week’s report.

Presently, the relatively largest concentration of ducks is at the confluence of the Missouri and Illinois Rivers with the Mississippi River, near St Louis, MO.

November 30th, 2023 | Goose Migration Report

Geese slowly, but surely moving southward. Whether its regional movements due to mild weather, or migratory movements further south remains to be seen.

Despite a continued trend of non-migratory weather, for the first time in several weeks we’ve noticed a small shift southward in the Canada goose migration map. That said, it is yet to be seen on whether or not this is migratory-type movement, or just local dispersion due to the continued trend of milder-than-normal weather for most of the country.

Presently, the largest concentrations of Canada geese are along the Minnesota / Iowa border, in northern Illinois, and in Oklahoma.

It is worth noting, our Canada goose coverage is not as expansive as our duck data coverage, thus areas in the Atlantic, Pacific and parts of the Central Flyways are not covered, hence the blank parts of the map. You and can help us out by snapping a photo or taking a video of live Canada geese near you and submit a migration report via this link.

November 29th, 2023 | Duck Migration Report

Ducks are concentrated where there’s water—usually big water. Teal and Divers make their way to Florida.

Due to what we assume is the severe dryness across much of the southern parts of the country, ducks are sticking very close to the major river systems or large water bodies.

This is evidenced not only by the anecdotal reports we’ve been receiving from our followers, but the verifiable data in our database which shows the largest concentrations of birds along the Illinois and Arkansas River systems in Illinois and Oklahoma respectively, and the Mississippi River Delta in Mississippi.

Also, worth noting, the Stormwater Treatment Areas in southern Florida appear to have a large concentration of teal and ring-neck at the moment.

It is worth noting, our coverage in Arkansas usually lags until mid to late December or so, when there is more water on the landscape and more ducks in the state. To be clear, we know there are ducks in Arkansas, we just can’t quantify or verify the amounts at present. But stay tuned. If you are from Arkansas and can help out, snap a photo or take a view of live Canada geese near you and submit a migration report via the link in our bio.

November 22nd, 2023 | Goose Migration Report

Minnesota has highest concentration of Canada geese, but little weather has meant relatively less successful outings and little migrational movement.

Similar to yesterday’s duck migration post (below), mild and un-interesting weather patterns highlights the timeframe since our last Canada goose update.

Still, while no major migrations appear to have occurred, there has still be some smaller movements on a regional basis to note. While the eastern Dakotas are still holding very respectable amounts of geese, it would appear peak numbers are in the rear-view. In what is probably a related bit of information, southern Minnesota as well as northern Iowa are starting to see increasing numbers.

Presently, the areas of largest Canada goose concentrations remain western and southwestern Minnesota.

It is worth noting, our Canada goose data coverage is not as expansive as our duck data coverage. If you can help out, snap a photo or take a view of live Canada geese near you and submit a migration report via this link.

November 21st, 2023 | Duck Migration Report

Little weather, little movement. Minnesota and Kansas lose a few birds. Arkansas and Oklahoma pick a few up.

Weather-wise, the past week has been uninteresting throughout most of the United States. Until yesterday, there had been ittle-to-no snowfall or precipitation, and flyway-wide winds have been scarce. As such, if comparing last week’s “Duck Migration” post to this one, you will notice very minimal changes.

Of note, Minnesota appears to have lost some ducks, as did Kansas. Meanwhile Oklahoma and Arkansas both saw increases in duck concentrations compared to last week.

Presently, the areas of largest duck concentrations remain the eastern Dakotas and the Illinois River valley down to its confluence with the Mississippi River near St. Charles, MO.

Also, for all you Pacific Flyway folks, we’ve recently increased our data coverage out your way, particularly in the state of California. Slowly but surely growing our data coverage!

November 14th, 2023 | Goose Migration Report

Canada geese moving along in Central Flyway, still up north in the Mississippi Flyway.

Geese are still hanging around up north in the Mississippi Flyway, and unfortunately there isn’t much on the forecast that looks like it’ll move them southward anytime soon. Presently, the largest concentrations are still around the Dakota and Minnesota, with modest populations in northern Illinois.

In the Central Flyway however, geese in respectable numbers are being reported as far south as Oklahoma where feeds nearby increasingly scarce water can be located.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t say that our Canada goose data is sparse-r than our duck data presently, with regions like the Pacific Northwest and states like Wisconsin presently un-reported on. If you’re reading this and are from those areas, please consider submitting a migration report via the link above.

Submit a migration report.

November 13th, 2023 | Duck Migration Report

While hunting conditions have been poor (warm, no wind), and subsequently the amount of hunter success stories we’re getting has waned, birds are still on the move.

While hunting conditions have been poor (warm, no wind), and subsequently the amount of hunter success stories we’re getting has waned, birds are still on the move.

Between Halloween and Veterans Day, areas along the Missouri River between Omaha and Kansas City and the Illinois River south of Peoria picked up a good amount of ducks, with the first big wave of mallards of the season among them.

For example, the amount of mallards at Loess Bluff NWR in Northwest Missouri tripled in the aforementioned timeframe.

Also, areas along the Arkansas River in Kansas and Oklahoma and the Red River near Texarkana have seen an influx of new birds over the past week.

There is still a very large amount of birds in the Dakota and Minnesota, to be clear, but at the season wears on with little-to-no weather events to speak of, reports indicate waning hunter success as the birds get “stale.”

And to round the report out, unfortunately indications out of Louisiana are that the current amount of birds in the state is at a record low for this time of year.

November 1st, 2023 | Goose Migration Report

Canada geese still in the Dakotas in Minnesota, with respectable (but lower) concentrations in Kansas and along the middle extents of the Mississippi River.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that, similar to last week’s report, the Dakotas and Minnesota are still holding large concentrations of geese. We are tracking the highest concentrations of geese in western Minnesota and Northeast South Dakota. And while our data coverage is very sparse in North Dakota (submit a report via the link in our bio if you’re up that way!) all reports from the state indicate similar—lots of geese.

That said, some geese have started to move southward, with building concentrations in Kansas and along the middle extents of the Mississippi River.

Also, for what it’s worth, the first few flocks of what are assumed to be migratory (non-local) Canada geese have been reported as far south as central Oklahoma. That said, the relative concentrations of these reports are nowhere near what’s being tracked up north, and are not worth getting worked up about (yet!).

I expect these Canada goose migration reports to look very similar through the next few weeks—it takes a lot of to move Canada geese around, and they usually are considered the last of the “photo migrators”.

October 31st, 2023 | Duck Migration Report

The recent weather has definitely moved birds south and shifted them off of their patterns. That, plus new habitat due to rains in the midwest, and we think the week ahead continues to look promising for those in the Pacific Flyway, Central Flyway, and Mississippi Flyway

Even moreso than we expected, the wintry weather that blanketed most of the North / Northwest in snow and left much of the central portions of the flyways with near-or-sub-freezing temps has move birds southward.

And we’ve heard many reports of migrating ducks and geese from pretty much every corner of the Pacific, Central and Mississippi flyways (sorry Atlantic folks). The message is consistent—birds have started to move along or have shifted patterns.

It’s hard to say exactly where the “X” is right now, as this weather also added much-needed water to the landscape (especially in the Central and Mississippi flyways) and with that added water came added habitat. That said, the Dakotas and Minnesota still have stout concentrations of ducks, with respectable populations being report along the Illinois River and in central Kansas.

Even though the weather itself is either behind us or soon-to-be-over, we still think the week ahead could move more birds south and bring optimal hunting conditions.

October 25th, 2023 | Goose Migration Report

Goose migration is right on track, no major surprises. Minnesota and Dakotas have high concentrations, with modest populations in Michigan, Ohio, and parts of New York.

We’re considering the migration of geese to be about par for the course currently.

In what should come as a surprise to no one, the Dakotas and Minnesota are the place to be (in the Lower 48) for geese presently, with modest populations in Michigan and northern Ohio as well.

Additionally, there are small populations in Iowa, Kansas, and northern Illinois, but our extensive database suggests this is just the beginning, so look for these populations to increase over the next few weeks.

Limited data presently for the Atlantic flyway, but populations appear to be building at the Montezuma NWR complex as per usual for this time of year.

All this to say, data suggests the migration of geese is right where it normally is for this time of year.

October 24th, 2023 | Duck Migration Report

Reports of high bird counts, and good hunter success are coming from the Dakotas and Oregon (where there’s water). Higher than average duck populations for this time of year in northern Illinois.

With the start of season still days / weeks ahead for most of the United States, it should come to no one’s surprise that data coverage for our first migration report is somewhat sparse.

Still, for the northern United States there is a healthy amount of birds to be found where water is on the landscape, with both bird reports and reports of hunter success indicating South Dakota is the place to be at the moment.

Also, while still very early on in the season, promising counts are coming out of Illinois, with current waterfowl populations are above the long-term averages.

And while the most recent counts are down from earlier this month, much of the same can be said for parts of Oregon, where Summer Lake for example, has seen 2x the average amount of birds this October compared to Octobers from 2018 through 2022.