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Oct. 11, 2016
Contact: Chad Krumnauer or Chad Fedewa, 517-641-4092
Waterfowl hunting conditions at Maple River State Game Area
 The Maple River State Game Area in in Clinton, Gratiot and Ionia counties opened Saturday to waterfowl hunters for the South Zone waterfowl season opener. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports that a combination of crop growth, ground blinds and high water levels should provide hunters with excellent hunting conditions this season. Waterfowl currently are abundant in the area, and numbers are expected to increase as the fall migration continues.
Improvements to waterfowl habitat offer hunters the opportunity to hunt in a variety of flooded crop fields or from permanent ground blinds. Corn, buckwheat and rye were planted, among naturally growing smartweed and beggar’s tick, to provide food and cover for waterfowl and cover for hunters. After six years of plantings with little to no growth, the seasonal refuge on Unit D finally is abundant with corn and buckwheat.
 In addition to crop cover improvements, five hunting blinds have been constructed on the state game area. The blinds are located on the north and south end of Unit X, the east and west end of Unit Y, and in Unit E. Due to dry conditions this past summer, crops in these units didn’t grow to maturity, leaving very little cover for hunters. These blinds are provided for hunters’ convenience and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no drawings or reservations.
The water levels at Maple River are plentiful and in great condition for hunters. Units X and Y and marsh Units A and B are pumped full of water and ready for waterfowl. The water level in the refuge (Units C and D) is expected to be full this week, and then final efforts to raise water levels in Unit E will begin. Due to the highly saturated soils in Unit E, field staff members are anticipating the area will fill quickly.
For additional information on the Maple River State Game Area or for other public lands available for waterfowl hunting, please visit the DNR state wildlife/game areas webpage.
/Editors’ note: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.
Unit D east side: The seasonal refuge on Maple River State Game Area’s Unit D is abundant with corn and buckwheat, providing food and cover for waterfowl and cover for hunters.
X unit Blind and Y unit Blind: Several hunting blinds have been constructed at Maple River State Game Area, offering cover for hunters in areas where crops didn’t grow to maturity./
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.
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