Michigan’s Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas to Begin Hunter Self-registration
Beginning this week, southeast Michigan’s Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas (MWHAs) have shifted to self-registration in lieu of managed draws for the remainder of the duck hunting season, the Department of Natural Resources announced today.
Cold temperatures and widespread freezing on the MWHAs have resulted in fewer birds and low hunter turnout, prompting managers to move to a self-registration system.
Nayanquing Point Wildlife Area in Pinconning has already begun self-registration. Fish Point Wildlife Area in Unionville and Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Rockwood will begin self-registration today, Nov. 27. Shiawassee River State Game Area in St. Charles will go to self-registration on Thursday, Nov. 28, and Harsens Island Managed Waterfowl Area on Harsens Island will start self-registration Friday Nov. 29.
Instead of participating in a drawing each morning or afternoon, hunters will select zones on a first-come, first-served basis. A self-registration kiosk will be set up outside the MWHA office. A registration card with the names of all party members and the hunt zone selected must be filled out and submitted before going into the field. All other MWHA rules apply, including hunt times.
Self-registration will continue until the end of the regular season Dec. 8 or until the water re-opens. Hunters should phone ahead for the latest conditions and to check the status of the draws.
Hunters can still earn punches and get punch cards and leg bands for the Wetland Wonders Challenge at these MWHAs. Hunters should call the headquarters at the MWHAs they plan to visit in order to arrange a time to obtain these items.
For more information on the Wetland Wonders Challenge, these and other Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas and to learn about hunting conditions at each area, visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders.
