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MDNR report
The Michigan DNR reminds hunters that this weekend, Sept. 9-10, is the time to don their camo and take a youngster out to a wetland to perfect their waterfowl hunting skills. Youth waterfowl weekend is open to all properly licensed youth aged 16 and younger statewide.
The youth waterfowl season is a great opportunity to pass along the tradition of waterfowl hunting to a new generation, said DNR waterfowl and wetland specialist Barb Avers. Take some time to get out and enjoy Michigan's wetlands this weekend.
Youth 10-16 years of age must have a base license and must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or someone 18 years of age or older designated by the parent or guardian. Youth who are hunting with a base apprentice license must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older who possesses a non-apprentice base license and waterfowl license. Youth under 10 years of age also must also be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age, and the youth and adult must meet all provisions of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program. Youth 16 years of age also must possess a waterfowl license and a federal duck stamp.
Ducks, mergansers, geese, coots and moorhens may be harvested; accompanying adults are not permitted to harvest these species during the hunt unless hunting during the early teal season or the September portion of the Canada goose hunting season. The daily limits and species restrictions are the same as those allowed in the regular waterfowl hunting season.
Be sure to review all rules and regulations before heading into the field. Visit mi.gov/dnrdigests to download a copy of the 2017 Waterfowl Digest or find one at your local DNR Customer Service Center or license agent.
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(IDNR report)
J.C. Murphey Lake at Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area in Morocco will be closed to boating, fishing and other activities Sept. 5-24, and again Oct. 9 through Feb. 11.
The closures are to allow for waterfowl hunting.
In past years, the lake has closed starting Labor Day weekend for the beginning of teal season. This year teal season has been pushed back to better coordinate it with the anticipated migration. As a result, the lake will be open to the public through Labor Day weekend.
If conditions are unfavorable for waterfowl hunting, then property staff may grant access for fishing and other recreation. Those interested in using the property may monitor the wooden signs along the entrance road and in the picnic area to see what lake activities are being allowed on a given day.
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(MDNR report)
Early Goose, Teal Seasons to Open SoonMichigan's teal and early goose season opens next week and Indiana's will kick off on Sept. 9.
The Michigan teal season runs concurrent with Michigan's early goose season.
Indiana's teal season runs Sept. 9-24. Its early goose season runs Sept. 9-17.
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(Provided by MDNR)
The Michigan DNR reminds hunters that waterfowl reserved hunt applications are available now through Aug. 28.
To apply for reserved hunts on certain managed waterfowl areas, visit a license agent or www.mdnr-elicense.com [ http://www.mdnr-elicense.com/Welcome/Default.aspx ]. Applications are $5, and hunters may apply only once. Drawing results will be posted Sept. 18.
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(Provided by IDNR)
The hunting season dates for waterfowl and other migratory birds, have been approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with recommendations from the Indiana DNR.
As of last year, the federal regulatory cycle has been altered. Rather than two separate processes for early and late seasons, all migratory bird hunting seasons are selected together. The seasons are based on population and habitat data gathered the year before.