Veterans preference drawings will take place on Nov. 11 or 12 for properly licensed resident active-duty U.S. military personnel and veterans. The following documentation, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card, will be accepted as proof of status: military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders, copy of DD Form 214, enhanced driver’s license or documentation from the Veterans Administration regarding disability status. If you were discharged from the Army or Air Force National Guard, you may provide a copy of NGB Form 22 or NGB Form 23.

To be eligible for the veterans preference draw, single hunters must be active-duty military personnel or veterans; party hunters must have at least one member in their party that is active-duty military or a veteran. The daily limits and species restrictions are the same as those allowed in the regular waterfowl hunting season. Participants must also possess a waterfowl license and a federal duck stamp.

• Fish Point – Nov. 11 (a.m. and p.m. hunts)
• Harsens Island – Nov. 11 (a.m. and p.m. hunts)
• Muskegon County Wastewater – Nov. 11 (a.m. and p.m. hunts)
• Nayanquing Point – Nov. 11 (a.m. and p.m. hunts)
• Shiawassee River – Nov. 11 (a.m. and p.m. hunts)
• Pointe Mouillee – Nov. 12 (a.m. and p.m. hunts)

Questions?  Call 517-284-WILD (9453)

Youth waterfowl hunts at Michigan’s Wetland Wonders, the seven premier managed waterfowl hunt areas in the state, offer kids a memorable hunting experience.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites waterfowlers to bring their young hunters to one of Michigan’s Wetland Wonders in October and November for a memorable hunting experience. Hunters can choose from several dates and locations for youth waterfowl hunts. Parties with at least one youth will be given priority in the draw at all seven Wetland Wonders:

Oct. 22 – Nayanquing Point Wildlife Area (afternoon hunt only) in Pinconning

Oct. 29 – Muskegon County Wastewater (morning and afternoon hunts) in Twin Lake

Oct. 29 – Fish Point State Wildlife Area (afternoon hunt only) in Unionville

Nov. 5 – Fennville Farm Unit of the Allegan State Game Area (morning hunt only) in Fennville

Nov. 5 – Shiawassee River State Game Area (afternoon hunt only) in St. Charles

Nov. 11 – Harsens Island Managed Hunt Area (afternoon hunt only) on Harsens Island

Nov. 13 – Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (morning hunt only) in Rockwood

Drawings for the youth morning hunts will occur at 5:30 a.m. and for the youth afternoon hunts at 11 a.m. (11:30 a.m. at Harsens Island).

Youth priority drawings are available for hunting parties with at least one youth (16 and younger) and up to two adults (maximum party size is four). Youth hunters 9 years old and younger must be accompanied by a qualified Mentored Youth Hunting Program mentor.

Only parties including youth hunters will be allowed to hunt at Fennville Farm the afternoon of Nov. 5, and only youth will be permitted to shoot during this hunt.

All youth participating in these priority hunts must be properly licensed to hunt. Youth up to the age of 9 need only a Mentored Youth Hunting license to hunt waterfowl. Youth 10-15 years of age need a junior base license only, and youth ages 16 and older need a junior base license, a waterfowl license with Harvest Information Program survey questions answered and a Federal Duck Stamp.

Michigan’s Wetland Wonders are the seven premier managed waterfowl hunt areas in the state. These areas, scattered across the southern Lower Peninsula, were created in the 1960s to provide exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities and still are managed today to provide waterfowl habitat for nesting and migration and for the benefit of other wetland wildlife. Since the beginning, the areas have been funded by hunting license fees and area use fees, but they are open for anyone to visit, use and enjoy most of the year.

For more information about hunting the managed waterfowl hunt areas, visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders.

Don’t forget that the Wetland Wonders Challenge, sponsored by Consumers Energy, runs until Feb 12, 2017. Youth and adult hunters who hunt at three managed waterfowl hunt areas can be entered in the contest. Hunt at more than three areas for additional contest entries. Seven hunters will be chosen to win ultimate waterfowl hunting prize packages valued at $1,500, including a “golden ticket” good for one first-choice pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area for the 2017-18 season (non-reserved). See www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders for contest terms and conditions.

Brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow leaves greet us all around the area, and some leaves have already fallen. Last week we asked for your photos, and Ryan Maloney sent us some beautiful photos (like the one above) that were taken at a private lake in Sand Lake. He said they were taken while his father, uncle and brothers were out hunting waterfowl just after dawn.

Thanks, Ryan, for sending us your photos!

We would love to see your recent photos of the beautiful fall colors. Please email them to news@cedarspringspost.com, and tell us the general area of where they were taken.

Bring a young hunter to one of Michigan’s seven managed waterfowl hunt areas in October and November for a memorable hunting experience.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages waterfowl hunters to bring a young hunter to one of Michigan’s managed waterfowl hunt areas in October and November for a memorable hunting experience. Hunters can choose from several dates and locations. Parties with at least one youth hunter will be given priority in the draw at all seven managed waterfowl hunt areas:

Oct. 24 – Nayanquing Point Wildlife Area (afternoon hunt only) in Pinconning

Oct. 31 – Muskegon County Wastewater (morning and afternoon hunts) in Twin Lake

Oct. 31 – Fish Point State Wildlife Area (afternoon hunt only) in Unionville

Oct. 31 – Fennville Farm Unit of the Allegan State Game Area (morning hunt only) in Fennville

Nov. 7 – Shiawassee River State Game Area (afternoon hunt only) in St. Charles

Nov. 8 – Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (morning hunt only) in Rockwood

Nov. 13 – Harsens Island Managed Hunt Area (afternoon hunt only) on Harsens Island

Drawings for the youth morning hunts will occur at 5:30 a.m. Drawings for the youth afternoon hunts will take place at 11 a.m. (11:30 a.m. at Harsens Island).

Youth priority drawings are available for hunting parties with at least one youth (age 16 or younger) and up to two adults (maximum party size is four). All youth participating in these priority hunts must be properly licensed to hunt. Youth hunters 9 years old and younger must be accompanied by a qualified Mentored Youth Hunting Program mentor.

For more information about hunting at the DNR’s managed waterfowl hunt areas, visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders.

The Wetland Wonders Challenge, sponsored by Consumers Energy, runs until Jan. 31, 2016. Youth and adult hunters that hunt at three managed waterfowl hunt areas can be entered in the contest. Hunt at more than three areas for additional contest entries. Seven winners will be chosen to win ultimate waterfowl hunting prize packages valued at $1,500, including a “golden ticket” that’s good for one first-choice pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area for the 2016-17 season (non-reserved). See www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders for contest terms and conditions.

The Wetland Wonders Challenge is part of the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy, which is a 10-year, cooperative partnership to restore, conserve and celebrate Michigan’s waterfowl, wetland and waterfowl hunting community. The initiative is a “call to action” to honor yesterday, engage today and build for tomorrow. To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/mwl or look for Michigan Waterfowl Legacy on Facebook.

Jim Bosscher’s hunting party, from left to right: Greg Bosscher, Brian Drabik, Jim Bosscher and Jim Naber with dog “Tank.”

Waterfowl season is well under way, and the Fish Point Managed Waterfowl Hunt Area recently hosted two of the Pure Michigan Hunt (PMH) winners on opening weekend.

Jim Bosscher from McBain chose Fish Point for his Pure Michigan waterfowl hunt. The opening morning of waterfowl season, Bosscher and three of his lucky friends got to pick first among the 35 total parties, or approximately 140 people. PMH winners not only get to hunt at any of Michigan’s first-class managed waterfowl hunt areas, they also get first pick at selecting their hunting area. Normally hunters are entered into a drawing to find out their order for choosing their hunting location. As an added bonus, PMH winners get to bring three friends with them to enjoy their prime hunting location.

“We saw hundreds of ducks and geese,” said Bosscher. “We had plenty of shooting and even got some!”

Dave Gittins from Kawkawlin hadn’t duck hunted in many years, although that didn’t slow him down. He grabbed some of his close friends to fill up his four-person party limit, and also hunted Fish Point on the second day of the season.

“I had not duck hunted in over 20 years. It brought back some memories,” stated Gittins. “I think that’s a great part of every hunt—to listen and talk about past hunting trips.”

Both Bosscher and Gittins have already harvested their PMH elk, bear and spring turkeys. All that remains for them is their antlerless deer license, valid for anywhere in the state that is open to antlerless hunting. A full freezer of meat, new friendships and all the hunting gear they won will remind them of the memorable 2013 hunting season.

For your chance to win a $4,000 package of hunting licenses and gear donated by Michigan businesses and organizations, visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt to purchase unlimited $4 Pure Michigan Hunt applications and to view the extensive prize package.

Four men from Allegan and VanBuren Counties and another from Ontonagon County were all arrested last week for hunting waterfowl with the aid of bait.

According Lt. Timothy Robson, a DNR Law Enforcement officer, Conservation Officers from four counties investigated an anonymous tip that corn was being placed to hunt geese prior to the September 1 early goose season opener at a golf course located in Cheshire Township in Allegan County.  Conservation Officers verified the corn was at the location and then observed five men take eight geese over the baited area on the morning of September 1. The five subjects were issued appearance citations for hunting with the aid of bait. One subject was additionally cited for using toxic shot while waterfowl hunting and a second subject was additionally cited for using a shotgun capable of firing more than three shotgun shells.

The men ranged in age from 44 to 73.

If convicted, the state statute provides for fines of $100 to $500 (plus court costs), and restitution of $100 to $500 to the State of Michigan for each illegally taken goose, with the restitution being paid to the Fish and Game Protection Fund. Forfeiture of the firearms involved will be determined by the district court judge after the criminal proceedings are completed.

The DNR reminds you that you can call the Report All Poaching Hotline at 800-292-7800 to report any natural resources violations, including hunting and fishing violations.

Michigan DNR

Standing in chest waders, hiding in standing corn at Shiawassee River State Game Area, Randy Willis said he found waterfowl hunting to be an eye-opening experience.
“I’ve never imagined I’d be able to do this,” said Willis, a 56-year-old registered nurse from Augusta and one of three winners of the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing for 2011. “This is very cool.”
Having never waterfowl hunted before, he didn’t have the experience or the buddies with the equipment to show him the ropes, he said. Willis acknowledged that he didn’t have any idea what he was in for. “This is a blast,” he said. “I can’t say enough about it.”
Like many of the folks who apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt, which allows winners to participate in every limited-license hunting opportunity in the state, Willis said the chance to be chosen first in a drawing at a managed waterfowl area was well down his list of motivations for applying.
“Elk was the big draw,” said Willis. “I’ve been applying for elk since 1984. I’ve hunted bear before and spring turkey for years, but by purchasing the Pure Michigan Hunt application, and I purchased five, that was five extra chances to hunt elk in your home state. That’s special.”
Turned out it was very special. Willis hunted elk the first four days of the season in August and saw one small bull, but decided to pass on it. “One of the advantages of the Pure Michigan Hunt is you get a chance to come back later,” he said.
When the early season resumed in September, he came back. The elk were bugling and responding to the call and on the second evening, he had a 5-by-7 bull come within 45 yards of him. “He was bugling, just screaming at us,” Willis said. “It was storybook.”
Willis said he wanted to try to take it with his bow, but the elk was outside of his comfortable shooting range.
Later that evening, he saw a nice 6-by-6 moving through an opening at 250 yards. Willis put down his bow, picked up his .300 Mag., and when the elk stopped, he shot him.
And that was after he’d taken a bear, his first success in the Pure Michigan Hunt adventure. Willis hunted for 12 days over bait in the western Upper Peninsula. He said he saw a lot of bears, but was holding out for a record-book quality animal. But on the last day of his hunt, he took what he called “an average bear,” and was happy with that.
Then came the waterfowl hunt.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do about it,” he was. “Then Barb Avers (the Department of Natural Resources’ waterfowl specialist) called and asked me if I had plans. When I told her I didn’t, she said, ‘Let me see what I can do.’”
Avers put Willis in touch with Brian Siess, the president of the Shiawassee Flats Citizens and Hunters Association. Siess offered to guide Willis and his partners. So at 5 a.m. on opening morning of waterfowl season, at the drawing for hunting areas, Willis had the first choice.
And when Barry Pratt, who works at Shiawassee, announced to the waiting hunters that a Pure Michigan Hunt winner had the first choice that morning, Willis was greeted with a round of applause. Two hours later, with decoys in front of him and a couple of experienced waterfowl hunters calling for him, Willis was into it.
Willis invited his 80 year-old father, Gordon, with whom he’s been hunting since he was a lad, and his buddy Chris Ostrander to accompany him. Siess enlisted fellow Shiawassee veteran Butch Boivin to assist.
It started quickly with geese pouring into the flooded corn and buckwheat field Siess had chosen. In no time, the guys were banging away at Canada geese as Siess coached them on how and when to shoot. Two hours into the hunt, the party had a limit of geese in the bag.
The rest of the morning was dedicated to ducks. There were fewer ducks than geese flying and they were less impressed with the decoys and calling than the geese had been. By 10 a.m. the three of them had managed three mallards and a wood duck.
“I have to give a special thanks to Butch and Brian,” Willis said. “We’re feeling pretty special. To be able to come out here and hunt with experienced guys who are involved in the management here is special. The whole experience has been extraordinary, Willis said.
Willis said he primarily bought his Pure Michigan Hunt applications to give something to the DNR for wildlife management.
“The money goes to the Game and Fish Fund, so I figured I was making my donation,” he said. “You’re not only supporting the game and fish management, but you’re putting your name in the hat for something special. When (DNR Wildlife Division Chief) Russ Mason called and told me I’d won the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing, I said ‘Who’s pranking me?’”
Willis’ father, who is a lifelong hunter, but had never been waterfowling before, said he had an outstanding time, too. “It’s a blast,” he said. “It was so neat that those guys at the DNR were willing to step up and help us out. We didn’t have the equipment or the knowledge. Otherwise, we might have had to let this opportunity go by.”
Willis was most effusive in his praise for numerous DNR staffers, who put him in contact with guides and helped him understand all the rules, as well the sponsors who donated prizes (such as rifles and crossbows) to the Pure Michigan Hunt winners.
Willis admits he hasn’t bought any Pure Michigan Hunt applications for 2012 – yet. “I’ve been spending all of my money hunting,” he said. “But before the end of the year, I promise I will. There are folks that buy a Lotto ticket every week. I think it’s a better investment to buy Pure Michigan Hunt applications.”
To learn more about the Pure Michigan Hunt, visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.

Michigan duck hunters will again enjoy a 60-day season this year as the Natural Resources Commission approved upcoming waterfowl seasons at its August meeting last week.
Duck season will begin Sept. 24 in the North Zone (Upper Peninsula) and run through Nov. 18, then re-open Nov. 24-27. In the Middle Zone, duck season is set for Oct. 1–Nov. 27 and Dec. 3-4. In the South Zone, the season is Oct. 8–Dec. 4 and Dec. 10-11.
Bag limits are unchanged from last year. Hunters may take up to six ducks daily with no more than four mallards (no more than one of which may be a hen), three wood ducks, two redheads, two scaup, two pintails, one canvasback and one black duck.
The early Canada goose hunting season begins statewide Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 10 in the North Zone and in Saginaw, Tuscola and Huron counties; and through Sept. 15 in the rest of the state. The daily bag limit is five.
The regular Canada goose seasons, with the exception of designated goose management units (GMU), are Sept. 17-Oct. 31 in the North Zone; Oct. 1-Nov. 8, Nov. 24-27 and Dec. 3-4 in the Middle Zone; and Oct. 8-Nov. 10 and Nov. 24–Dec. 4 in the south zone. The daily bag limit is two.
At Muskegon Waste Water GMU, the seasons are Oct. 11–Nov. 13 and Dec. 1-11. The daily bag limit is two.
Hunters may take 20 snow, blue or Ross’ geese daily and one white-fronted goose and one brant during the regular and late seasons in respective zones or GMUs.
About 75 percent of Michigan’s mallard harvest is from ducks produced in the Great Lakes region. Michigan’s mallard population was down 34 percent this year from 2010 and 40 percent below the long-term average. Therefore despite very good predictions for continental fall duck flights, Michigan duck hunters will likely encounter fewer ducks, especially mallards, this season.
In general, goose hunters are likely to see smaller numbers of Canada geese throughout Michigan’s goose hunting seasons; however some local areas have good giant Canada goose numbers and will provide excellent opportunity.
For more information on waterfowl hunting in Michigan, go to http://www.michigan.gov/hunting and click on Waterfowl.