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Get ready for Michigan duck hunting season! The North Zone opener is Saturday, so get out and enjoy the crisp autumn weather in the marsh. Wildlife managers have been working hard to make sure migrating waterfowl have great habitat conditions at Michigan’s state game and wildlife areas this fall. We hope to see you soon.
- North Zone: Sept. 26-Nov. 22 and Nov. 28-29.
- Middle Zone: Oct. 3-Nov. 29 and Dec. 12-13.
- South Zone: Oct. 10-Dec. 6 and Dec. 26-27.
Regulation changes for 2020-21 include changes to the scaup daily bag limit during the season. Depending on when and where in the state you are hunting, you may harvest either one or two scaup daily. See the table on page 7 in the 2020 Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Digest for more details.
- North Zone: Sept. 1-Dec. 16
- Middle Zone: Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
- South Zone: Sept. 1-30, Oct. 10-Dec. 6, Dec. 26-27 and Jan. 23-Feb.8, 2021.
- Allegan County GMU: Sept. 1-30, Nov. 7-14, Nov. 26-Dec. 6 and Dec. 19-Feb 14, 2021.
- Muskegon County GMU: Oct. 17-Dec. 22.
Canada geese, white-fronted geese (or specklebellies) and brant are part of a dark goose aggregate daily bag limit. From Sept. 1-30, the dark goose aggregate daily bag limit for Canada geese, white-fronted geese and brant is five, only one of which can be a brant. After Sept. 30, the daily limit for dark geese is five, only three of which can be Canada geese and one of which can be a brant. An aggregate bag limit is also in place for light geese, including snow, blue and Ross’s geese. Hunters may harvest 20 light geese per day during goose seasons.
This fall, why not check out one of Michigan’s Wetland Wonders? These seven premier managed waterfowl hunt areas, scattered across the southern Lower Peninsula, were created in the 1960s to provide exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities, and are still managed today to provide waterfowl habitat for nesting and migration and for the benefit of other wetland-dependent wildlife. Since the beginning, these areas have been funded by hunting license fees, but they are open for anyone to visit, use and enjoy most of the year.
Due to the need for physical distancing related to COVID-19, managed waterfowl area check station operation, including the number of days open, number of draws conducted, and procedures for health and safety, are significantly different from previous years. The DNR will release its final plan in the coming days. We strongly advise hunters to check the current status by visiting Michigan.gov/WetlandWonders.
The Michigan Duck Hunters Association, in cooperation with the DNR, has introduced the 2020 Michigan duck stamp and print. This stamp, by wildlife artist Chris Smith, features a flock of Canada geese landing in a decoy spread. The stamp is a voluntary purchase and does not replace the state waterfowl hunting license.
The MDHA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to waterfowl and wetland conservation. Proceeds from stamp sales will be used to fund MDHA projects, with 10 percent used to match DNR funding for purchasing wetlands. MDHA will mail waterfowl hunters a free copy of the standard-edition stamp (subject to availability) if they send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with a copy of their Michigan waterfowl hunting license to: MDHA Waterfowl Stamp Program, P.O. Box 186, Kawkawlin, MI 48631.
To prevent spreading invasive plants and organisms from one body of water to another, boaters and anglers should “Clean, Drain and Dry” boats, trailers and all equipment and gear after each use on any lake, river or stream. State law requires:
- Making sure watercraft and trailers are free of all aquatic organisms and plants before transporting or launching.
- Removing drain plugs and draining all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells before moving watercraft.
Following these simple steps can limit the spread of invasive plants and animals like phragmites, European frog-bit and zebra mussels that can cause significant harm to wildlife habitat, reduce hunting opportunities and damage equipment. Watch this video for reminders about how to help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect waterfowl habitat.
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