Hays ? While dove hunters enjoyed warm and dry conditions, good early season duck hunting opportunities need rain to raise area reservoirs in northwest and northcentral Kansas.

Kirwin and Webster reservoirs are each down about 26 feet below conservation pool levels. Sebelius is down 17 feet, Lovewell 10 feet, Cedar Bluff 8 feet, Glen Elder 4 feet and Wilson 1.5 feet. Only Kanopolis is above pool at plus 4 feet.

Exposed mudflats along reservoir shorelines are not good waterfowl habitat.

However, rainfall can elevate water levels in these reservoirs, and even a few feet would make a significant difference in early season waterfowl hunting.

Glen Elder, Wilson and Kanopolis currently have the best conditions.

Late-season waterfowl, especially mallards and geese, are not as dependent on water levels, so late-season hunting should not be impacted.

However, extremely low water levels at Sebelius, Kirwin, and Webster may result in fewer late-season ducks using these areas.

Geese are less impacted by lower water levels because they, like mallards, use the reservoirs for loafing and refuge. The two-day early season opener for dark geese Oct. 23-24 should provide plenty of opportunities.

Drought last winter and spring allowed managers to reduce cattails at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, and summer rains have provided the best hunting opportunities in several years.

Teal season ended Saturday, but general duck seasons will open Oct. 9 in the early and high plains zones The late zone will open Oct. 30.