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Neosho Wildlife Area, KS

Neosho Wildlife Area, Kansas

Located on the broad, flat flood plain below the junction of Flat Rock Creek and the Neosho River, the wildlife area is a man-made marsh developed by the Department in 1960.

To get to the wildlife area from St. Paul travel east on Highway 47 2 miles to Wallace Rd.; turn south and travel approximately 1.25 miles. Office on west side of road

The area covers 3,246 acres.

The five largest pools on the area represent 1,675 acres of the 1,787 of intensively managed wetlands. There are sixteen independently managed wetlands throughout the area. The area was primarily designed, and is managed to furnish a resting and feeding place for migratory waterfowl.

Three of the sixteen pools are managed in a moist soil environment through a water level manipulation plan. Four green tree marshes ranging in size from five to fifteen acres offer a different type of hunting opportunity for the sportsman using the area. Area personnel plant an average of 400 acres of corn, milo, buckwheat or millet in the hunting pools. The grain is left in the field and inundated in the fall.

The 800-acre refuge pool is closed to all hunting, foot and vehicle traffic during the waterfowl season. The water level of this pool fluctuates naturally throughout the seasons and provides good aquatic habitat for waterfowl. Fishing is allowed from March 31 until August 31. Good fishing can be found at times in the Neosho River, Flat Rock Creek and Brogan Creek, existing in part on the wildlife area.

• Vehicles are permitted on maintained roads only. • Primitive camping is permitted, but please take your trash with you. • Consult area information signs for additional rules and regulations on the area. • Non-toxic shot for all hunting.

For fees and Special Regulations: www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Wildlife-Areas/Region-5/Neosho

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Neosho Wildlife Area Fishing

Neosho Wildlife Area Fishing
Sportsmen are encouraged to take advantage of fishing,
which is normally allowed from March 1 to October
1. Fishing for flathead and channel catfish on the
Neosho River, which forms the west boundary of the
area, can be seasonally good to excellent. Bowfishing
for carp on mudflats in spring and summer draws a
high interest among local anglers

Neosho Wildlife Area Hunting

Neosho Wildlife Area Hunting
During spring and fall, the number of migrant ducks
is most impressive, sometimes reaching 100,000 birds.
More than 60,000 ducks, primarily mallards, normally
spend the entire winter on the area.
Prior to the hunting seasons, the waterfowl hunting
areas (Pool 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and the South Unit) are
flooded with approximately two feet of water. Pool 3,
located in the refuge area remains flooded throughout
the year. All other pools are drained in the early spring.
Three of the fifteen pools are managed in a moist soil
environment through an annual water level manipulation
plan. Four green tree marshes ranging in size from
five to fifteen acres offer a different type of hunting
opportunity for the area sportsmen. Approximately 250
acres of corn, milo, and millet are planted in the pools
by area personnel.
In the waterfowl hunting areas, portable blinds may
be used or temporary blinds may be constructed of
native vegetation. These blinds must be removed within
10 days following the close of the waterfowl season.
No holes or pits may be dug for any purpose. Waterfowl
hunters may not shoot from dikes or roads.
Boats (except air boats) may be used for hunting but
must be removed within 10 days following the close of
the season
Waterfowl hunters must obtain a daily hunting permit
at the check station prior to beginning their hunt
and return the completed form at the end of their hunt.
The “South Unit” is closed to all waterfowl hunting at
1:00 P.M.. daily.
Pool 8 is restricted to waterfowl hunters accompanied
by a youth hunter, 16 years of age or less on weekends
and holidays. The adults may hunt with the youth
hunter.
In addition to waterfowl, other game may be hunted
in season The area affords good hunting for deer, quail,
rabbit, turkey, and squirrel. Hunters are cautioned to
use good sportsmanship and safe gun handling. These
are essential on public hunting areas where crowded
conditions exist at certain times.