(Provided by MDNR)

Muskegon County Wastewater System Offers Excellent WaterfowlingWhen many think of wastewater facilities, they think of smelly, unpleasant areas unfit for humans. Hunters and birders know that Muskegon County Wastewater System is something special. With large storage lagoons and 3,500 acres of agriculture habitat, Muskegon County Wastewater managed waterfowl hunt area produces excellent habitat for both ducks and geese.†

Canada geese are plentiful at the Muskegon County Wastewater and are one of the most harvested species. Opportunities for snow, Rossís and cackling geese sometimes occur. During the regular waterfowl season, hunters commonly take mallards, black ducks and other dabblers.

"The Muskegon Wastewater is an important migratory bird use area in Michigan," said DNR wildlife biologist Nik Kalejs. "Depending upon food availability, the hunting can be challenging and requires a lot of skill to successfully attract ducks and geese to a ield. At its best, the Wastewater provides a quality hunting experience with enough space between parties to decoy and call birds."

Waterfowl hunters who wish to hunt Muskegon County Wastewater must enter the managed hunt drawing. Managed draws for goose hunting will continue until Dec. 20. Drawings occur at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays and at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and are held at the Muskegon State Game Area office just down the road from the County Wastewater Facility. If hunters miss a draw, they may take a leftover spot if available. There are 87 hunting zones in the agricultural fields. You can park and drop off your gear near the zones, but all hunting access to the fields is by foot.

Muskegon County Wastewater is also an excellent birding spot. The large lagoons at the facility attract a wide variety of waterfowl species, including up to 12,000 ruddy ducks and over 5,000 northern shovelers during spring and fall migration. Both counts are among the highest recorded for these species in Michigan. State rarities turn up on the lagoons from time to time also. Eared grebes, short-eared owls and great black-backed gulls have turned up on the lagoons and in the surrounding fields.

To learn more about Muskegon County Wastewater, visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders, or contact the Muskegon State Game Area Office at 231-788-5055.