Sept. 26, 2016

Contact: Holly Vaughn Joswick, 313-396-6863 or Joseph Robison, 734-379-9692

DNR managed waterfowl hunt areas to host open houses in early October  

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host open houses at several of its managed waterfowl hunt areas and offer driving tours of each of the areas in early October to celebrate the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy.

The DNR invites the public and hunters to join the staff at various managed waterfowl hunt areas to tour the areas and learn about their many opportunities for hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation.

Open houses will be held at the following locations:

• Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. – Crow Island State Game Area, corner of Westervelt and Kochville Roads in Zilwaukee; 989-684-9141
  
  
• Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. – Fish Point State Game Area, 7750 Ringle Road in Unionville; 989-674-2511
  
  
• Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. – St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area, 3857 Columbine Road on Harsens Island; 810-748-9504
  
  
• Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. – Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area, 1570 North Tower Beach Road in Pinconning; 989-697-5101
  
  
• Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. – Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, 37025 Mouillee Road in Rockwood; 734-379-9692
  
  
• Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. – Shiawassee River State Game Area, 225 East Spruce St. in St. Charles; 989-865-6211

"The open houses will provide an opportunity for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to learn about the areas and interact directly with DNR personnel," said Joe Robison, wildlife biologist supervisor for the DNR. "These areas offer first-class waterfowl hunting opportunities and various recreational activities that many outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy."

Guided tours will include observation of habitat improvements conducted to provide optimal habitat for waterfowl, plus other wildlife management techniques that make these areas attractive to a host of wildlife. Additionally, visitors can learn about the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy, a program intended to improve conditions for waterfowl and people who enjoy interacting with them. Waterfowl hunters will learn about how each area is run and what to expect when they come in for a hunt drawing, along with other areas nearby that are open to hunting. Visitors also will have a chance to get questions answered during a Q&A period.

Each open house also will feature information on this year's Wetland Wonders Challenge, a hunting contest developed by the DNR to highlight the exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities available to the public at these managed waterfowl hunt areas. The challenge takes place at the seven areas throughout southern Michigan and will run from Oct. 8 to Feb. 12. Seven winners will be chosen Feb. 27. To be entered for the grand prize drawing, hunters must hunt at three of the seven managed waterfowl hunt areas. Hunters who hunt all seven areas will win a prize. 

Sept. 8, 2012, marked the kickoff 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.

More information about the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy can be found at www.michigan.gov/mwl. Details on the managed waterfowl hunt areas and the Wetland Wonders Challenge are available at www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders.

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.