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MDNR Report
The Michigan DNR has recently sampled dead wild birds suspected to be positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza at multiple locations across Lower Michigan. The DNR’s ongoing disease surveillance indicates that HPAI is widespread in wild bird populations throughout the state.
HPAI is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in birds and mammals. The virus spreads through fecal droppings or nasal discharge of an infected bird, which contaminates the environment.
So far this year, more than 300 dead wild birds have been discovered in five counties.
DNR staffers collected 77 dead Canada geese and one dead mallard from the Fennville Farm Unit at Allegan State Game Area in Allegan County. More than 80 dead Canada geese were reported along the Shiawassee River near Owosso in Shiawassee County. About 25 dead Canada geese were reported at Williamston Lakes in Ingham County, and another 20 dead birds were reported along the Grand River in Grand Ledge in Eaton County. About 100 dead birds were reported in Washtenaw County.
Samples collected from the Allegan State Game Area, Shiawassee River, Williamston Lakes and Washtenaw County sites were sent to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory in East Lansing for testing. Preliminary results indicate avian influenza is suspected.
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MDNR Report
The Michigan DNR reminds late-season goose hunters to protect themselves and domestic animals amid ongoing cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Commonly known as “bird flu,” HPAI is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in birds and mammals. Since December 2024, there has been an uptick in HPAI wild bird mortality, primarily in Canada geese, trumpeter swans and scavenging birds.
“While waterfowl hunters are much more likely to encounter wild birds, it’s important for all Michiganders to understand the health risks that bird flu can pose to wildlife, humans and domestic animals,” said Mitch Marcus, DNR Wildlife Health supervisor. “The virus has been identified in Michigan’s wild birds and mammals, as well as domestic cats, dairy cattle and poultry.”
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MDNR Report
Toss your name in the hat for an opportunity to kick off your waterfowl season with a reserved hunt!
Applications are $5, and hunters may apply only once. Apply online at eLicense, on the DNR Hunt Fish app or anywhere DNR licenses are sold. Drawing results will be available Sept. 16.
Reserved hunts will be held in the morning and afternoon on:
- Oct. 5 and 6 at Fish Point (Tuscola County) and Nayanquing Point (Bay County) state wildlife areas.
- Oct. 12 and 13 at the Harsens Island Unit of the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area (St. Clair County) and Pointe Mouillee (Monroe and Wayne counties) and Shiawassee River (Saginaw County) state game areas.
To learn more about dates, locations and bag limits, see the 2024 Reserved hunt drawing information.
Questions about applying or hunting waterfowl? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.
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Indiana
Ducks and coots:
North Zone: Oct. 28 – Dec. 17, Dec. 26 – Jan. 3
Central Zone: Nov. 4 – Nov. 12, Nov. 24 – Jan. 13
South Zone: Nov. 11 – 12, Dec. 2 – Jan. 28
Geese:
North Zone: Oct. 28 – Nov. 5, Nov. 18 – Feb. 11
Central Zone: Nov. 4 – 18, Nov. 24 – Feb. 11
South Zone: Nov. 11 – Feb. 11
Michigan
Ducks and coots:
North Zone: Sept. 30-Nov. 26 and Dec. 2-3
Middle Zone Oct. 7-Dec. 3 and Dec. 16-17
South Zone: Oct. 14-Dec. 10 and Dec. 30-31
Canada geese
North Zone: Sept. 1-Dec. 16
Middle Zone: Sept. 1-30 and Oct. 7-Dec. 22
South Zone: Sept. 1-30, Oct. 14-Dec. 10, Dec. 30-Jan. 7 and Feb. 3-12 (excluding some GMUs)
Always check your state hunting guide for specific bag limits and regulations!
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MDNR Report
Michigan’s reserved waterfowl hunts may be a few months away, but hunters can apply now through Aug. 28 to get in the hunt. Applications are $5, and hunters may apply only once. Apply online or anywhere DNR licenses are sold.
Drawing results will be available Sept. 11.
Reserved hunts will be held mornings and afternoons of the Middle Zone waterfowl season's Oct. 7-8 opening weekend and the following weekend (Oct. 14-15) at Fish Point State Wildlife Area in Tuscola County and Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area in Bay County.
In the South Zone, reserved hunts will be held mornings and afternoons of the Oct. 14-15 opening weekend at the Harsens Island Unit of the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area and Shiawassee River State Game Area. Reserved hunts also will be held mornings and afternoons of the following weekend (Oct. 21-22) at Harsens Island and Shiawassee River.
For more information and to apply, visit Michigan.gov/Waterfowl or check the 2023 Waterfowl Digest.
Questions about applying or hunting waterfowl? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 51-284-WILD (9453).