Duck Tracker’s Kentucky Migration page provides maps, population reports, and hunting outlooks to help you stay up-to-date with the most recent duck migration movements in Kentucky
Welcome to the 2022 duck season! We hope you all had a great off-season. If you are like us, you are ready for cool mornings in the duck blind. Our hope is that these reports can serve as a quality resource for you this fall. We do our best to make sure our reports are accurate and timely, and hope they lead to more success for you this season. Check back here frequently to get the latest migration updates!
Kentucky Duck Migration Report for 12/23/21
Kentucky Duck Migration Maps
Current Kentucky Duck Count Map for 12/23/2021
Kentucky Duck Count Changes from 12/16/21 to 12/23/21
Kentucky Duck Counts for 12/23/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | Changes since 12/16/21 |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard | 14,719 | -63% |
| Carlisle | 262 | -48% |
| Union | 5,700 | -16% |
| Muhlenberg | 50 | -66% |
| Breckinridge | 550 | -21% |
Visit our Duck Migration Page to see updates for the entire flyway
Data for this article was gathered from Kentucky’s Department of FWR
Kentucky Duck Migration Report for 12/16/21
Kentucky Duck Migration Maps
Current Kentucky Duck Count Map for 12/16/2021
Kentucky Duck Count Changes from 12/10/21 to 12/16/21
Kentucky Duck Counts for 12/16/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | Changes since 12/10/21 |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard | 39,615 | +96% |
| Carlisle | 503 | -51% |
| Union | 6,750 | -29% |
| Muhlenberg | 146 | +192% |
| Breckinridge | 700 | +27% |
Visit our Duck Migration Page to see updates for the entire flyway
Data for this article was gathered from Kentucky’s Department of FWR
Kentucky Duck Migration Report for 12/10/21
Kentucky Duck Migration Maps
Current Kentucky Duck Count Map for 12/10/2021
Kentucky Duck Count Changes from 12/03/21 to 12/10/21
Kentucky Duck Counts for 12/10/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | Changes since 12/03/21 |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard | 20,244 | +2% |
| Carlisle | 1,018 | -3% |
| Union | 9,500 | +46% |
| Muhlenberg | 50 | -67% |
| Breckinridge | 550 | +4% |
Visit our Duck Migration Page to see updates for the entire flyway
Data for this article was gathered from Kentucky’s Department of FWR
Kentucky Duck Migration Report for 12/3/21
Kentucky Duck Migration Maps
Current Kentucky Duck Count Map for 12/3/2021
Kentucky Duck Count Changes from 11/25/21 to 12/3/21
Kentucky Duck Counts for 12/03/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | Changes since 11/25/21 |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard | 18,791 | NA |
| Carlisle | 1,050 | -30% |
| Union | 6,500 | +86% |
| Muhlenberg | 150 | -40% |
| Brackinridge | 530 | +29% |
Visit our Duck Migration Page to see updates for the entire flyway
Data for this article was gathered from Kentucky’s Department of FWR
Kentucky Duck Migration Report for 11/25/2021
With this being our first migration update of the season for the state of Kentucky, we will be taking a look at how many ducks are currently in the state, as well as comparing these populations to last year at this time. Also, we are expecting to report over more areas as the season progresses.
Kentucky Duck Migration Maps
Current Kentucky Duck Population Counts per County (for 11/25/2021)
Without data from earlier in the season, it is difficult to say how the migration has progressed throughout the fall in the state of Kentucky. That said, a few areas along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers are starting to pick up birds. Not all areas have reported duck populations this year, so it is hard to tell just how many birds are in the state at this time.
Kentucky Duck Migration status compared to this time last season
| Area | Current | Last year | Change |
| Union County | 3,500 | 2,425 | +44% |
| Carlisle County | 1,500 | 2,600 | -42% |
| Muhlenberg County | 250 | 237 | +5% |
When looking at the chart above, the amount of ducks throughout the state varies when compared to last year. Again, it is difficult to get a comprehensive view as to how duck populations in the state compare to last year since not all areas are reporting yet. Union County is holding the most birds in the state, and the area is reporting slightly more ducks than they were last year.
Kentucky Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast
There are a few ducks in the state for hunters to chase. Habitat conditions in Kentucky look promising for this season, so hunters are hopeful to pick up more ducks as the season progresses. The majority of birds in the state are mallards and a few other puddle ducks.
Temperatures are forecasted to remain relatively steady for the next week in the Mississippi Flyway. Iowa and Missouri are still picking up birds, so we believe ducks will gradually move into Kentucky until a major cold front moves through states that are further north. Good luck to those that are in the marsh and be safe!
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Have your own migration report you’d like to share? You can leave it in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Waterfowl-Reports-and-Surveys.aspx
Duck Tracker’s Kentucky Migration page provides maps, population reports, and hunting outlooks to help you stay up-to-date with the most recent duck migration movements in Kentucky.
Kentucky Duck Migration Report for 01/10/2021
Kentucky Duck Migration Maps
Previous Duck Population Map (from 12/27/2020)
Current Duck Population Map (for 01/10/2021)
Average Duck Count Change Per Kentucky Reporting Area: +196%
Kentucky Migration Spotlight Maps
Ballard County
| Previous Duck Count | 46,278 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 80,186 |
| Change in Duck Population | +73% |
| Compared to this time last year | No Report |
Trigg County
| Previous Duck Count | 4,500 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 3,155 |
| Change in Duck Population | -30% |
| Compared to this time last year | No Report |
Enjoying this article so far? Subscribe to have migration reports and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
Kentucky Migration Update
What a change two weeks can make in duck numbers! Cold temperatures up north have continued to push ducks in to the state throughout the past two weeks. Iowa and Missouri both observed decreases in duck numbers, which could indicate peak migration in more southern states.
At this point, many of the birds coming down the flyway have seen blinds, decoy spreads, and spinning wing decoys all season. Therefore, there is a good chance they will be more difficult to decoy. Be sure to try different tactics and have a strong finish to the season.
This will be our last migration update of the season. Have a great offseason!
Sign Up to have the most recent migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Waterfowl-Reports-and-Surveys.aspx
Kentucky Duck Migration Report for 12/27/2020
Kentucky Duck Migration Maps
Previous Map (from 12/13/2020)
Current Map (for 12/27/2020)
Average Duck Count Change Per Kentucky Reporting Area: +95%
Kentucky Migration Update
The amount of ducks per reporting area has nearly doubled in the state of Kentucky since our last update! This is great news for hunters, especially those along the Mississippi and Ohio river. We believe the increase of ducks is mainly due to cold temperatures up north and strong north winds. These numbers could indicate peak migration status throughout the flyway, but that will become more clear in the next update.
Also, it is exciting to see areas holding significantly more ducks than they were at this time last year. We believe this could be due to colder temperatures and more snow in the northern part of the flyway earlier this season.
Kentucky Migration Spotlight Maps
Ballard County
| Previous Duck Count | 21,528 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 46,278 |
| Change in Duck Population | +115% |
| Compared to this time last year | No Report |
Sloughs WMA (Union County)
| Previous Duck Count | 2,670 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 9,840 |
| Change in Duck Population | +269% |
| Compared to this time last year | 10,700 (+8%) |
Kentucky Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast
With the uptick of duck numbers in Kentucky, hunters should be getting out as much as possible these next couple of weeks. We believe snow and cold temperatures up north will continue to bring ducks into the area through the next reporting period. There is a chance many of these ducks will be new birds, which means they will be more responsive to decoys and calling.
At this point in the migration, duck populations can change overnight with a major flight day. If you have any anticipation of a cold front, be sure to get to the blind. You don’t want to miss your chance!
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Have your own migration report you’d like to share? You can leave it in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Waterfowl-Reports-and-Surveys.aspx
Kentucky Duck Migration Report for 12/13/2020
With this being our first migration update of the season for the state of Kentucky, we will be taking a look at how many ducks are currently in the state, as well as comparing these populations to last year at this time. Reports from here on out will have previous duck counts to compare to.
Kentucky Duck Migration Maps
Current Kentucky Duck Population Counts per County (for 12/13/2020)
Without data from earlier in the season, it is difficult to say how the migration has progressed throughout the fall in the state of Kentucky. That said, certain areas of the state are holding a significant amount of birds along the Mississippi and Ohio River. States north of this area have observed a significant decrease in the amount of ducks they’re holding. That could be an indication that more birds are about to move into the area.
Kentucky Duck Migration status compared to this time last season
| Area | Current | Last year | Change |
| Ballard County | 21,528 | 71,012 | -70% |
| Trigg County | 3,950 | 2,300 | +72% |
| Union County | 2,670 | 12,750 | -80% |
| Carlisle County | 840 | 2,900 | -71% |
| Muhlenberg County | 785 | 704 | +12% |
Average difference in duck count per reporting area when compared to this time last year is -34%
When looking at the chart above, the amount of ducks throughout the state varies when compared to last year. However, the overall state is holding fewer ducks than it was at this time last season. This could be due to warmer than usual temperatures in the northern part of the flyway, or it could be due to the amount of habitat and food available for the ducks in Kentucky. Either way, there are still a significant amount of birds in the area for hunters to chase.
Kentucky Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast
There are a few ducks around to chase, but hunters are anticipating more to move into the area with colder weather anticipated in the northern part of the flyway. North winds and temperatures below freezing are in the forecast, so be ready for a push of ducks! When birds first arrive to the area, they will be spread out and responsive to decoys and calls. Be sure you get out while you can!
States north of Kentucky are at peak migration numbers, so it is only a matter of time before they move south into the state. Be looking for more mallards to move into the area as well. Many of the states up north are reporting that the majority of ducks they’re currently holding are greenheads.
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Have your own migration report you’d like to share? You can leave it in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Waterfowl-Reports-and-Surveys.aspx