BARTON COUNTY — “We have gone from completely dry to having the prospects of an excellent waterfowl season this fall,” said Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area manager Karl Grover in a press relrease from the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism. “Recent rains have provided run off in the Dry Creek and Wet Walnut Creek drainages, which we have been able to divert to the wildlife area.”
Local run-off has Pool 5 flooded to the south with overflow going into the closed outlet canal and Pool 4B via low water crossings. The pump station at the east hub is currently placing water from 5 into Pool 1A.
Blood and Deception creeks are flowing near full into Pool 2, which has about 12 inches of water. Pools 3A and 3B both have about 6 inches. As Pool 2 fills to 18 inches, excess water will be placed into Pool 3A/3B. Pool 4A has about 7 inches of water and will begin receiving water from Pool 4B. Diverted water from the Wet Walnut and Dry Creek is being placed into Pools 1A, 1B, 1C and 2.
“With the good waterfowl production this year, good water at the Bottoms, and some very good food production in the marsh, we are hoping for one of the best duck and goose seasons in some time” said Grover.