• Statewide: Sept. 1-16.  

During this special early season, blue-winged and green-winged teal are the only ducks that can be harvested. Hunting hours are from sunrise to sunset, and the bag limit is six teal. Hunters are strongly encouraged to brush up on their duck identification skills for early teal season. Don’t shoot if you aren’t sure of your target.  

The Youth and Veterans/Active-Duty U.S. Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Weekend will be Sept. 18-19. This statewide hunt is for properly licensed youth 16 years of age and younger and eligible veterans and active-duty U. S. military personnel. 

Ducks, mergansers, geese, coots and moorhens may be harvested. The daily limits and species restrictions are the same as those allowed in the regular waterfowl hunting season. Adults accompanying youth hunters are not permitted to harvest these species during the hunt unless hunting during the September portion of the Canada goose hunting season. Youth hunters will need a base license, an apprentice base license or a mentored youth license. Those 16 years old also must have a waterfowl license and a federal duck stamp.  

Participating veterans and active-duty U.S military personnel are required to have documentation of verification afield and must present it upon request of a Michigan conservation officer, tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer. The following documentation, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card, will be accepted as proof of status: military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders, copy of DD Form 214, enhanced driver’s license or documentation from the Veterans Administration regarding disability status. Participating veterans and active-duty U.S. military personnel must have a base license, a waterfowl license and a federal duck stamp. 

Regulations for 2021-22 include changes to the scaup daily bag limit during the season. Depending on when and where you are hunting in the state, you may harvest either one or two scaup daily. See the table on page 8 in the 2021 Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Digest for more details.  

This fall, why not check out one of Michigan’s Wetland Wonders? 

Michigan's Wetland Wonders are the seven premier managed waterfowl hunt areas in the state. These 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.  

It is unknown at this time whether there will be a need for physical distancing related to COVID-19 at the managed waterfowl hunt areas this fall. We strongly advise hunters to check the current status by visiting Michigan.gov/WetlandWonders or by contacting the managed waterfowl hunt areas.  

The Michigan Duck Hunters Association, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, has introduced the 2021 Michigan duck stamp and print. This stamp, featuring a drake wood duck by wildlife artist John M. Roberts, 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 and DNR wetland projects. 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. 

Invasive plants and animals like phragmites, European frog-bit and zebra mussels can cause significant harm to wildlife habitat, reduce hunting opportunities and damage equipment.   

Invasive species are often spread unintentionally. Microscopic organisms and aquatic vegetation readily attach to equipment, and without proper steps to remove them, are unknowingly transported from one lake, river or wetland to another. Watch this video for reminders about how to help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect waterfowl habitat.