Featured Managed Waterfowl Hunt Area: Muskegon County Wastewater

Hunters and birders know that Muskegon County Wastewater System is something special.  With large storage lagoons and 3,500 acres of agriculture habitat, Muskegon County Wastewater managed waterfowl hunt area produces excellent habitat for both ducks and geese. 

Canada geese, plentiful at the Muskegon County Wastewater, are one of the most-harvested species. There also may be opportunities for snow, Ross’s and cackling geese. During the regular waterfowl season, hunters commonly take mallards, black ducks and other dabblers. 

“The Muskegon Wastewater is an important area for migratory birds in Michigan,” said Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Nik Kalejs. “Depending upon food availability, the hunting can be challenging and requires a lot of skill to successfully attract ducks and geese to a harvested field.  At its best, the Wastewater provides a quality hunting experience with enough space between parties to decoy and call birds.”

Waterfowl hunters who wish to hunt Muskegon County Wastewater must enter the managed hunt drawing. Managed draws for goose hunting will continue until Dec. 22.  Drawings occur at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays and at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and are held at the Muskegon State Game Area office just down the road from the County Wastewater. If hunters miss a draw, they are allowed to take a leftover spot if available. There are 81 hunting zones in the agricultural fields. You can park and drop off your gear near the zones, but all hunting access to the fields is by foot.   

Muskegon County Wastewater is also an excellent birding spot. The large lagoons at the facility attract a wide variety of waterfowl species, including up to 12,000 ruddy ducks and over 5,000 northern shovelers during spring and fall migration. Both counts are among the highest recorded for these species in Michigan. State rarities such as eared grebes, short-eared owls and great black-backed gulls have turned up within the past month on the lagoons and in the surrounding fields. 

To learn more about Muskegon County Wastewater visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders or contact the Muskegon State Game Area Office at 231-788-5055.

We look forward to seeing you at Muskegon County Wastewater! 

Don't forget that the Wetland Wonders Challenge, sponsored by Consumers Energy, runs until Jan. 31, 2016. Youth and adult hunters that hunt at three managed waterfowl hunt area can be entered in the contest. Hunt at more than three areas for additional contest entries. Seven winners will be chosen to win ultimate waterfowl hunting prize packages valued at $1,500, including a "golden ticket" that's good for one first-choice pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area for the 2016-17 season (non-reserved). Check out www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders for contest terms and conditions.

The Wetland Wonders Challenge is part of the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy, a 10-year, cooperative partnership to restore, conserve and celebrate Michigan's waterfowl, wetland and waterfowl hunting community. The initiative is a "call to action" to honor yesterday, engage today and build for tomorrow. To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/mwl or look for Michigan Waterfowl Legacy on Facebook.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.