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There are still opportunities for waterfowl hunting this season. Grab some warm clothes and your retriever and head out for a day of winter hunting.
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Middle Zone: Dec. 12-13
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South Zone: Dec. 26-27
Duck hunting continues in the Middle and South zones. The daily bag limits and species restrictions are the same as those allowed earlier in the hunting season. Hunters in the Middle Zone may harvest one scaup Dec. 12-13 as part of the bag limit, and South Zone hunters may harvest two scaup Dec. 26-27. See the table on page 7 in the 2020 Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Digest for more details.
The 2020 Waterfowl Digest is available at Michigan.gov/Waterfowl and Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.
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North and Middle zones: through Dec. 16
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South Zone: Dec. 26-27 and Jan. 23-Feb. 8, 2021
- Allegan County Goose Management Unit: Dec. 19-Feb. 14
- Muskegon County Goose Management Unit: through Dec. 22
Canada geese, white-fronted geese (or specklebellies) and brant are part of a dark goose aggregate daily bag limit. The late-season 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 December, why not check out one of Michigan’s Wetland Wonders? The seven premier managed waterfowl hunt areas in the state, 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. Learn more at Michigan.gov/WetlandWonders.
The Michigan Duck Hunters Association, in cooperation with the DNR, has introduced the 2020 Michigan duck stamp and print, featuring a flock of Canada geese landing in a decoy spread by wildlife artist Chris Smith. 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% 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.
Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD).
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