MDNR Report

The Michigan DNR reminds hunters that there’s still time to enter the Consumers Energy-sponsored Wetland Wonders Challenge this waterfowl season. The contest began Oct. 14 and runs until Feb. 15, 2018. 

Michigan's Wetland Wonders include the seven premier managed waterfowl hunt areas in the state: Fennville Farm Unit at the Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County), Fish Point State Wildlife Area (Tuscola County), St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area on Harsens Island (St. Clair County), Muskegon County Wastewater Facility (Muskegon County), Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Bay County), Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (Monroe and Wayne counties) and Shiawassee River State Game Area (Saginaw County).

These areas provide exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities throughout the hunting season. Managed duck hunting runs through Dec. 10 at most of the managed waterfowl hunt areas; however, the Fennville Farm Unit and Muskegon County Wastewater Facility have managed goose hunting opportunities even later. Canada goose hunting at the Fennville Farm Unit runs through Feb. 15, 2018, and Muskegon County Wastewater Facility’s season runs until Nov. 14 and opens again Dec. 2-19.

Seven lucky winners will be chosen. One grand prize winner will win a War Eagle boat, motor and trailer. Six additional winners will win a duck hunting prize package, with Avian X duck and goose decoys, Zink custom duck and goose calls, a shotgun and additional waterfowl hunting gear. All seven winners will take home a “golden ticket,” good for one first-choice pick at a managed waterfowl area drawing (non-reserved) for the 2018-19 waterfowl hunting season. Contest partner Michigan United Conservation Clubs will select winners March 1, 2018. 

“With Consumers Energy’s generous support, we’ve been able to put together an exceptional prize package, so get out there and get your punches,” said Barb Avers, DNR waterfowl specialist. “There’s still plenty of opportunity to enjoy Michigan’s waterfowl hunting.”

When hunters register at any of the managed waterfowl hunt areas, they will receive a validation on their Wetland Wonders Challenge punch card (available at all of the areas). To be entered, participants must hunt at three of the seven southern Michigan Wetland Wonders and submit a punch-card entry form.

Hunters who hunt at more than three managed waterfowl hunt areas will receive an additional contest entry for each additional punch. Those who hunt at all seven areas will automatically win a prize.

For more information on the managed waterfowl hunt areas (including location, drawing times, dates, and rules and regulations) and the Wetland Wonders Challenge contest (including terms and conditions), visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders.