Recent rains bring optimism to area teal hunters

KDWPT

PRATT – The same strong storm systems that ruined many dove hunts came at a perfect time for this year’s teal season. Many wetlands have been filling since Sunday. The combination of improved habitat, a cool front, and hunting seasons in northern states has brought thousands of blue-winged and green-winged teal to Kansas. Some of the best hunting will be on public wildlife areas managed for waterfowl.

The Low Plains Duck Zone early teal season runs Sept. 8-23, and the High Plains Duck Zone (west of U.S. Highway 283) early teal season is Sept. 15-23. The daily limit is six teal, of any species. The possession limit is 18 on or after the third day. Hunters who are required to obtain a hunting license must have a Kansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit and Kansas State Waterfowl Habitat Permit. All hunters 16 and older must also have a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

As of Sept. 4, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area manager Jason Wagner said water was coming in strong. Pool 5 went from completely dry to about 18 inches of water that flooded excellent habitat. All pools should be holding enough water by opening morning for hunting, although Wagner said boat access to some areas may be limited because of water depth. That could change, though, if the forecast holds true and storms put even more water into the wetland.

Teal numbers jumped dramatically over the weekend. Wagner estimated there were as many as 25,000 ducks, mostly blue-winged teal, on the wildlife area as of Wednesday. He also reported good numbers in the surrounding area, which is pocked with ponds and pasture puddles.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Like most places in central Kansas, Quiviria National Wildlife Refuge experienced heavy rains over the weekend. Mike Oldham, refuge manager, described habitat conditions as “pretty good,” and improving daily. The North Lake area of the marsh system has good water, as do scattered wetlands.

Oldham said teal numbers were not high on Tuesday, but he expects numbers to build in the next few days.

For more on where to hunt in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting,” then “Where to Hunt.”