Spinning-wing decoys banned on Harsens Island
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 08/28/2013 02:55 PM EDT
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 28, 2013
Contact: Holly Vaughn, 248-359-9062 or Barb Avers, 517-241-3451
Spinning-wing decoys banned on Harsens Island
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission has enacted a three-year ban on spinning wing decoys at the Harsens Island Unit of the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area in St. Clair County beginning with the upcoming 2013-14 waterfowl hunting season. The ban prohibits the use of any decoys with a spinning-wing motion, whether mechanized or wind-powered.
A similar ban has been in place at the Shiawassee River State Game Area for three years, and has met with approval from area hunters.
Earlier this year, members of the Harsens Island Waterfowl Hunters Association, with support from Waterfowl USA Chapter #1 and St. Clair Flats Waterfowlers, Inc., proposed a ban on spinning-wing decoys within the Harsens Island Managed Waterfowl Hunting Area, citing that spinning-wing decoys reduce the quality of hunting within the close quarters of managed hunt zones at Harsens Island.
Through public comment, public meetings and conversations with hunters and hunting groups, the DNR found that there was support for the ban of spinning-wing decoys. The Natural Resources Commission heard public comment before enacting the ban.
According to Barb Avers, DNR waterfowl and wetlands specialist, the ban is a result of hunter legwork. "The hunters at the Harsens Island area heard of the positive feelings toward the ban at Shiawassee, and they were very vocal about their desire to enact similar policy."
The spinning-wing decoy ban will be in place for three years, during which time the DNR will evaluate the effects of the ban on hunter satisfaction and participation and duck harvest and determine whether the ban should become permanent.