Last week in review
November 1 — November 8, 2026
Weather
Cooler temperatures last week and some rainfall provided decent hunting opportunities, but they were short-lived. Sunshine has once again dominated most of the weather pattern, and temperatures have become milder. As a result, few ducks have been venturing into fields to feed until well after legal shooting time. Another lake-effect rain event may develop this week, potentially providing a couple more days of decent hunting.
Waterfowl abundance
Duck numbers have remained relatively unchanged. Canada geese, mallards, green-winged teal and pintails dominate the waterfowl using the farm, with some black ducks, gadwall and a few diving ducks also present.
Farm unit numbers
Mallards: 1,000
Gadwall: 30
Wigeon: 10
Wood ducks: 100
Black ducks: 25
Pintails: 60
Green-winged teal: 120
Canada geese: 600
Hunting conditions
Hunting conditions are fair. Zones 5 and 6 have plenty of water. Zones 7A and 7B were too wet to access with a tractor for mowing this year, so vegetation was knocked down to create open-water pockets in the decoy areas as best as possible. Zones 8-1 through 8-6 have not been flooded because there has not been enough rainfall to move the pump from the priority zones.
Crop and concealment conditions
Zone 2: Corn is thin in some spots but provides plenty of cover for concealment. The decoy area is still being harvested.
Zone 3: Corn is in good shape and provides plenty of cover.
Zone 4: Good corn with plenty of cover.
Zone 5: Good corn with plenty of cover. Water begins in Zone 5F and continues south.
Zone 6: Zones 6A and 6B are flooded and have good corn cover. Zone 6C also has good corn cover. The pond in Zone 6D is full, but there is no corn. Tall grass and brush are available for blind concealment.
Hunter numbers
Hunter numbers continue to be very low due to mild weather and limited bird movement.
Waterfowl harvest
Duck harvest has been slow. A couple of days produced decent results for hunters who ventured out. Otherwise, harvest has consisted of an occasional bird here and there. Canada goose season is now closed until Dec. 19.
What to expect this week
Rain and dropping temperatures are expected this week. Rainfall will be lake-effect driven and may be inconsistent across the area. Temperatures are expected to rise again following the cooler weather.
Upcoming events
As firearm deer season approaches, hunters are reminded that the farm unit is archery-only. Hunters must wear hunter orange from Nov. 15-30.
For those hunting elsewhere in hopes of harvesting a deer, Hunter Appreciation Days will be held at Allegan State Game Area headquarters, located at 46th Street and 1118th Avenue, on Nov. 16 and Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Little Store will also host its annual Big Buck Night on Nov. 15, beginning at 7 p.m.