Week in review
November 1 — November 8, 2026
Weather
I hate to sound like a broken record, but the weather this past week was much the same as it has been all season: well above-average temperatures, sunshine, light winds and no significant precipitation. The week started with temperatures in the mid- to upper 60s, soaring into the upper 70s by midweek. Temperatures cooled slightly toward the end of the week. The first strong fall cold front moved through the area Thursday night into Friday morning. Friday's high temperatures were only in the low 40s, which is about average for this time of year. Winds were light at the beginning of the week but increased to the mid-20 mph range out of the northwest toward the end of the week. The game area received only one-tenth of an inch of rain this week.
Waterfowl abundance
Refuge numbers increased slightly this week, with an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 birds using the area. Species composition consisted primarily of mallards, gadwall, wigeon and green-winged teal. Mallard and black duck numbers increased this week, while green-winged teal numbers decreased slightly. Canada goose numbers also decreased substantially. Some diving ducks were observed on the refuge, but numbers were lower than in previous weeks. They may also have been using the bay, as conditions were rather calm on the day of the refuge count.
Hunting conditions
North
Zones 2-3: Corn cover averages 8 feet tall. Water depths range from 4-6 inches throughout the zones.
Zones 4-6: Corn cover averages 8 feet tall. Water depths range from 8-10 inches.
Zone 7: Corn cover is 6-8 feet tall. Water depths range from 4-6 inches.
Zone 8: Corn cover is 5-8 feet tall and planted in two blocks. The shortest cover is on the north end. Water depths range from 12-14 inches.
Middle
Zones 10-12: Corn cover averages 8 feet tall. Zone 10 is driest at the north end, while water depths range from 8-12 inches in Zones 11 and 12.
Zones 13-15: Corn cover averages 8 feet tall. Water depths range from 12-14 inches.
Zones 16-18: Corn cover averages 8 feet tall. Water depths range from 12-24 inches.
Zones 19-20: Corn cover averages 8 feet tall. Water depths range from 18-24 inches.
South
Zones 21-22: Corn cover averages 8 feet tall. Water depths range from 4-12 inches, with Zone 21 being driest at the north end.
Zone 23: Corn cover averages 8 feet tall. Water depths range from 6-12 inches.
Zone 24: Corn cover is 6-8 feet tall. Water depths range from 8-24 inches.
Zone 25: Corn cover averages 8 feet tall. Water depths range from 4-12 inches.
Zone 26: Sparse corn cover is present at the south end of the zone, reaching 5-8 feet tall. Water depths range from 12-24 inches.
Marshes
The north marsh will remain at low pool or drawn down again this season. A prescribed burn was completed during the spring of 2026, with additional work planned for winter 2026-27 and summer 2027. Water has been added to the east marsh, and more will be added after field flooding is nearly complete. All marshes will be near full pool levels, with the exception of the north marsh.
Hunter numbers
Hunter participation was about average this week, with draw sizes ranging from a high of 27 parties during the Nov. 6 PM draw to a low of one party during the Oct. 31 PM draw. There were 461 hunter trips this week, representing an approximately 5% decrease compared with the same week during the 2025 season. The season total is now 2,294 hunter trips since Sept. 1.
Waterfowl harvest
Hunters harvested 282 ducks this week. This represents a 105% decrease in harvest compared with the same week during the 2025 season. Canada goose harvest totaled three birds, a 267% decrease compared with the 2025 season. Season totals stand at 2,223 ducks, averaging 0.96 ducks per hunter trip. Hunters have also harvested 40 Canada geese this season. Mallards and gadwall made up the majority of the harvest, followed by green-winged teal and pintails.
What to expect this week
Temperatures are expected to start the week above average once again, with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s for most of the week. A cold front is forecast to move through the area sometime Wednesday into Thursday, bringing temperatures back closer to normal for this time of year, with highs in the low 40s. Winds are expected to be stronger, with small craft advisories in effect for the weekend. Winds will initially come from the south before shifting to the north behind the cold front. Some rain showers are in the forecast for midweek, but precipitation chances remain relatively low.
Other comments
All three cropped fields are now at full pool levels. Additional water may be added to all fields in the coming weeks if freezing temperatures are in the forecast.
A veterans preference draw is scheduled for Nov. 11, with both AM and PM draws.
A pheasant release site is also available on our property just north of Nayanquing along Townline 16 Road.
As firearm deer season approaches, hunters are reminded that firearm deer hunting is not allowed at Nayanquing Point. Archery deer permits are available for the marsh areas only.