Melvern Lake Waterfowl Report
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Waterfowl numbers |
6,500. Approximately 50% dabblers and 50% divers. Dabblers mostly mallards with a few shovelers, gadwall, and. Divers mostly goldeneye with a mix of other species. Approximately 1,000 Canada geese and 500 snow geese. |
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Water level |
Lake level is 1031.94, conservation pool is 1036.0 |
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Hunting conditions |
Most shallow water areas on the reservoir are ice-covered. Open water and all the waterfowl observed were located in the deeper water areas of the lake or those areas more exposed to wind/wave action. Ice cover on everything west of Lowman's Cove. Some shallow water areas are beginning to open up with warmer weather and may provide some shoreline opportunity by the Saturday opener for ducks. Please exercise caution on and around ice. No water is available within managed marshes on the wildlife area. All waterfowl observed were located on the reservoir. Current river and lake levels and water right restrictions will prevent any pumping without significant rainfall that creates a run-off event. All boards are installed in water control structures to capture any rainfall events. Due to drought conditions throughout the summer, habitat within the managed wetlands is poor-fair. Most wetlands were planted to a combination of millet and corn/milo or allowed to establish moist soil vegetation. There was some seed production from the row crops but millet production was non-existent. Some moist soil plants and pigweeds did survive and the recent rains will help to provide some additional production from these plants. |
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Expected hunting success |
Fair |
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Comments |
Mallard migration: 5 Beginning with the 2012 hunting season, all hunters utilizing Melvern Wildlife Area will be required to obtain a free daily hunt permit. Waterfowl hunters utilizing the main lake are only required to obtain a permit when hunting west of Hoch Rd. Permits will be available at 10 locations across the property including Willow and 3-duck marshes. Maps illustrating locations to obtain permits are available at the kiosks on Hoch Rd and Highway 170, the Melvern Wildlife Area office, the Emporia office, and the website Youth waterfowl season is October 20-21. Regular waterfowl season opens October 27, 2012. Refuge Area is CLOSED Oct. 1st, 2012 through Jan. 15th, 2013 |