• Starboard Choice Marine
  • Moore Boats
D&R Sports Center
Clear H2O Tackle

By Louie Stout

Goose Season Prospects Look Good; Ducks are DownGoose Season Prospects Look Good; Ducks are Down

Michiana waterfowlers can expect to enjoy some pretty good goose hunting this fall while duck numbers may be a little down from last year.

The early goose season opened Sept. 1 in Michigan and Saturday in Indiana. Michigan’s southern zone early goose season runs until Sept. 30 while Indiana’s lasts until Sept. 16.

Both states will also enjoy an early teal season. Indiana’s teal season runs Sept. 8-23 while Michigan’s runs Sept. 1-16. The bag limit on teal is six birds in both states.

Indiana and Michigan also offers a youth season. Michigan’s will run Sept. 15-16 while Indiana’s is Oct. 13-14. Accompany adults may not hunt. Check respective hunting guides for more details.

IDNR Report

Hunters can now apply online for an Indiana reserved waterfowl hunt by visiting www.hunting.IN.gov and clicking on the "Reserved Hunt Info" link.

The online method is the only way to apply.


Michigan's reserved waterfowl hunt applications available through Aug. 28.

To apply for reserved hunts on certain managed waterfowl areas, visit a license agent or www.michigan.gov/waterfowl.

Applications are $5, and hunters may only apply once. Drawing results will be posted Sept. 17.

Reserved hunts will be held both mornings and afternoons of the opening weekend (Oct. 13 and 14) of waterfowl hunting season at Fish Point State Wildlife Area, Harsens Island and Shiawassee River State Game Area.

The maximum party size is four hunters. For morning hunts and the second-day hunts, successful applicants must have appropriate licenses and stamps and be accompanied by one to three other appropriately licensed hunters. Youth have a special opportunity because the opening-day afternoon hunts are for those 16 and younger. Successful applicants for the opening-day afternoon hunts can have up to two adults who are 18 years of age or older with appropriate licenses.

For more information about waterfowl hunting, visit www.michigan.gov/waterfowl.


MDNR Report

Widgeons Highlight Michigan’s New Duck StampWidgeons Highlight Michigan’s New Duck StampThe Michigan Duck Hunters Association, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, introduces the 2018 special Governor’s Edition Michigan duck stamp and print.

The Governor’s Edition Michigan duck stamp and print feature a pair of American wigeons in flight and Gov. Rick Snyder’s signature. Only 100 copies of the Governor’s Edition print will be available, for $150 each. Governor’s Edition prints each come with an artist-signed edition of the standard 2018 duck stamp and the special Governor’s Edition duck stamp. Two hundred copies of the stamp will be sold at a price of $25 each.


IDNR Report

Indiana wildlife officials have confirmed the presence of avian cholera in geese from western Gibson County. Diagnostic testing was conducted at the U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center.

Avian cholera is common among North American waterfowl, although the Gibson County detection is the first time the disease has been documented in wild birds in Indiana.

In total about 350 birdsómostly snow geeseóhave been found dead since the beginning of December. Tens of thousands of waterfowl spend winter in this part of the state, so the incidence of disease appears to be very low.