If you have a retrieving dog or chest waders - Lost River Pool, Sampson Potholes, and many of the ditches offer great jump and pass shooting opportunities. While most ducks to be found here are of the puddle duck variety a good number of divers, including Ring-necked, Redheads, and the occasional Canvasback, show up in the bag. Deer hunters will want to pay close attention to weather conditions before coming up during the Firearms deer season. Freeze up on the area marshes and ditches usually occurs during the first week of November. Many areas are unavailable without a boat, canoe, or waders, to cross the various marshes and ditches found here.
Ditches especially can be dangerous if ice forms on the top and water is still flowing underneath.
If archery hunting in September or October waterproof boots are a good item to pack along for the trip. Tundra Swans - a common site overhead at Elm Lake WMA during the fall migration season. While not legal game these birds always add to the enjoyment afield as they fly over. This Thief River Falls web site is made possible through the cooperation of the Tele-Communications Task Force, Jobs Inc., City of Thief River Falls, Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors' Bureau.