Hunting at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

General Information: The 19,000-acre Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is part of a 41,000-acre natural land sink just northeast of Great Bend. The area has been a concentration point for waterfowl and other wildlife species for hundreds of years. Cheyenne Bottoms lies two miles east of U.S. 281, midway between Great Bend and Hoisington. The sportsman may also reach Cheyenne Bottoms by turning south off K-4 Highway at Redwing. Unsurfaced roads can be treacherous when muddy or snow covered, so drive carefully.

Remember, non-toxic shot is required for all shotgun hunting, and all hunters are required to participate in a harvest survey. To do this, pick up a card at any entrance or parking area and follow the directions on it. Citations will be given to hunters not participating.

Management: The primary goal is to provide a diverse marsh habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds during the migrational periods. This includes providing food, water and resting places. A secondary goal is to increase the production of waterfowl and shorebirds that nest on the area.

Due to the vagaries of climate, management of the marsh is difficult. Manipulation of water levels in the pools is a major tool in managing the marsh for waterfowl. Depth seldom exceeds 24 inches except in the center pool (Pool 1), which at times is slightly deeper. No hunting is allowed on Pool 1, Pool 5 and much of the adjacent land, a small part of Pool 2, and some of the land contiguous to it (See map). These areas serve as a refuge for migrating waterfowl, helping to hold birds in the general vicinity for hunters.

Permits: Prior to hunting any species on Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, all hunters are required to obtain and complete a Daily Hunt Permit. These permits can be found in silver dispensers at all entrances to the wildlife area, at all parking lots and most boat ramps. Before hunting, complete the top portion of the permit and place it in the permit box. Carry the lower portion of the permit with you while hunting. Upon completeion of your hunt, fill out the lower portion and place it in a permit box. Each hunter must complete one permit for each day of hunting.

Goose Zone: Waterfowl may also be hunted in the goose-hunting zone along a portion of the south border of the refuge area. The goose-hunting area is divided into 33 zones, each 200 yards square.

Hunting Tips

Waterfowl Hunting: Hunting pressure on the Bottoms is heavy during waterfowl seasons, particularly on weekends. Hunters planning trips to the Bottoms should consider weekday hunts when hunting pressure is lower and there is less demand for blind permits.

Additional Hunting: In addition to waterfowl, other game in season may be taken inside the hunting area. Pheasant hunting is usually very good, but the hunter needs a dog and must be willing to walk. Snipe and rail hunting is good along shallow marsh margins. Rail prefer taller cover, while snipe are most often found on mud flats and in more open areas. Both birds can be successfully hunted without a dog, though a good retriever can be helpful. Here again, be prepared to walk.

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Hunting at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Map

Hunting Tips