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Nov. 3–9, 2025
Last week brought better wind conditions, with a few days of strong breezes. There was little to no precipitation until Friday morning, when it rained lightly for a couple of hours, followed by a sleet and snow mix on Sunday afternoon. These improved conditions appeared to increase bird movement.
The refuge count on Wednesday, Nov. 5, was estimated at approximately 21,385 ducks and 800 geese. The species breakdown remains consistent, with mallards, pintails, wigeon, gadwall, black ducks, and green-winged teal making up the majority. There were also more shovelers observed this week. Among diving ducks, ring-necked ducks remain abundant, with some redheads and scaup. Bufflehead numbers increased, and a few goldeneyes were seen. Mute swan numbers have remained steady, and tundra swans continue to increase slowly but steadily.
1–3: 4–6 ft. corn on average. Zone 3 has the most deer and goose damage, with spotty areas. Water levels: 4–16 in.
4–8: Marsh zones with blinds. Water levels: 6–18 in.
9–13: Corn heights average 6–7 ft. Water levels: 6–20 in.
14–19: Corn heights 6–7 ft. Water levels: 6–20 in.
20–32: Corn heights 5–7 ft. Most deer damage is in the southern half of zone 22 and the north end of 21. Water levels: 4–20 in.
39–44: Marsh habitat. Pond depth: 6–12 in.
45–49: Corn averages 6–7 ft. Zone 49 has heavy goose and deer damage but includes a blind. Water levels: 4–20 in.
50–56: Corn heights average 4–6 ft. Water levels: 4–16 in.
58–63: Corn heights average 4–6 ft. Water levels: 4–16 in.
64–69: Corn heights average 4–6 ft. Water levels: 4–16 in., with the lowest levels on the west side of zones 64–65 due to higher ground.
70–77: Corn heights 6–8 ft. throughout. This entire field is dry.
Zones with marginal cover: 3 (spotty), north end of 21, south end of 22, and 49.
Hunter numbers increased this week with more favorable weather. Party sizes ranged from a low of 14 to a high of 76 in the morning and 86 in the afternoon on Sunday, which saw the first snow and sleet of the season. This week marked the highest weekly hunter total of the season with 1,174 hunters.
Ducks: 1,096
Geese: 34
Primary species harvested: Mallards, pintails, and black ducks. There were also green-winged teal, more shovelers, and a greater variety of diving ducks. The seasonal shift to later-season species is becoming evident.
Ducks per hunter trip: 0.93
(Sept. 1–Nov. 2, 2025)
Ducks: 5,843
Geese: 398
Hunters: 5,916
Ducks per hunter trip: 0.99
The forecast calls for cooler temperatures in the 30s to low 40s, with breezy and cloudy conditions early in the week. A slight warming trend is expected by Thursday, with highs near 50 continuing through the weekend. Little to no precipitation is expected—unless the forecast changes.
In addition to a second consecutive year of severe drought, we are experiencing lower-than-average water levels in Saginaw Bay. However, we have made significant progress in pumping water into the fields over the past 1.5 to 2 months, and all zones are now at full pool.
Nov. 11: Both AM and PM drawings will be veteran preference. Parties with veterans or active-duty military will draw first, followed by any remaining parties.
Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving): The check station will close at 12 p.m.
Nov. 30 and Dec. 7: Muzzleloader deer/pheasant draws will be held at 12 p.m. More details to follow.
Dec. 13–14: Zone 3 waterfowl split. Drawings and conditions will be weather dependent. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.
