*Photo Credit Tourism Saskatchewan/Devona Hill Photography *
Welcome to the Quill Lakes, classified as an Important Bird Area for its globally and nationally significant migratory and breeding populations of more than a dozen species of birds making it one of the best waterfowl hunting area’s in North America.
Bird Hunting the Quill Lakes 101
Licenses and Supplies
Hunting Licenses and Supplies can be purchased at the Wynyard Home Hardware located at 109 Ave B East, Wynyard, SK.
Hunting Regulations and Limits
Please visit http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/hunting.
When is the best time to hunt birds in the fall?
Early hunters may encounter lower bird numbers, but the birds have been shot at less, and competition from other hunters will be lower. Mid-season hunters typically are presented with the largest waterfowl numbers, but more hunters are in the field at this time. Late season hunters will also experience a decrease in the hunting pressure, but risk cold weather conditions and potentially lower bird numbers.
Where are the birds?
Mallards- Mallards can be found throughout the area. The Touchwood Hills (south of Wynyard), typically hold mallards but they are spread out because of the large concentrations of small wetlands.
Divers– Good diver numbers can be found around the Quill Lakes and surrounding large wetlands, as well as the deep potholes of the Touchwood Hills (south of Wynyard).
Snow Geese – The area surrounding the Quill Lakes probably holds the highest concentration of snow geese, although good numbers can be found in most areas.
Canada Geese – Canada geese are spread throughout the entire area.
White-fronted Geese – Modest numbers of white-fronts can be found towards Dafoe and Watson. Higher numbers migrate through southwestern portion of the province.
How do I get permission to hunt on private land?
Note: Mud lake is a wildlife refuge so no hunting is permitted within 500m.
In order to ensure hunting opportunities in the future, it is essential to ask for permission from landowners prior to hunting. An easy way to determine whom to contact is to use a Rural Municipality maps (R.M. maps), which show land locations and the landowners. Please ask permission.
Can I hunt on DUC Projects?
Hunting is allowed on DUC projects. On purchased land, no permission is required, and hunting is by foot only. Purchased lands have Ducks Unlimited Canada listed as the landowner on the RM maps. On DUC leased land, permission is required from the landowner. DUC leases will have the landowner listed on the RM maps, and this is the individual who should be contacted for permission. Hunting is allowed on DUC wetland projects located on vacant crown land, but permission should be obtained to hunt on adjacent private land or to gain access if none exists. In all cases use proper hunter etiquette, pick up empty shell cases, and please don’t litter.
Guides
Guides are not required to hunt in the area but many successful guiding businesses call the Quill Lakes home.
Accommodations
A list of local accommodations can be found at the following link Accommodations
Where can I obtain R.M. Maps?
R.M. maps can be purchased at their respective Rural Municipality office.
| R.M. | Location | Phone # |
| 246-Ituna | Ituna | 795-2202 |
| 247-Kellross | Leross | 675-4423 |
| 248-Touchwood | Punnichy | 835-2110 |
| 275-Insinger | Insinger | 647-2422 |
| 276-Foam Lake | Foam Lake | 272-3334 |
| 277-Emerald | Wishart | 576-2002 |
| 278-Kutawa | Punnichy | 835-2110 |
| 304-Buchanan | Buchanan | 592-2055 |
| 305-Invermay | Invermay | 593-2150 |
| 307-Elfros | Elfros | 328-2011 |
| 308-Big Quill | Wynyard | 554-2533 |
| 309-Prarie Rose | Jansen | 364-2013 |
| 335-Hazel Dell | Okla | 325-4315 |
| 336-Sasman | Kuroki | 338-2263 |
| 337-Lakeview | Wadena | 338-2341 |
| 338-Lakeside | Quill Lake | 383-2261 |
| 366-Kelvington | Kelvington | 327-4222 |
| 367-Ponass Lake | Rose Valley | 322-2162 |
Visit http://www.waterfowling.com/waterfowling-in-canada/saskatchewan/ for more information.