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Oct. 27 – Nov. 2, 2025
We had stable, clear weather throughout the week with a decent breeze on a couple of days. Temperatures stayed in the low to mid-50s, with variable cloud cover. It was a relatively uneventful week weather-wise, and our party numbers and harvest reflected that.
The refuge count on Wednesday, Oct. 29, was estimated at approximately 19,800 ducks and 1,000 geese. The species breakdown remained consistent, with mallards, pintails, wigeon, gadwall, and both blue-winged and green-winged teal making up the majority. There were also plenty of black ducks and a few more shovelers observed.
Among diving ducks, we’re still holding a lot of ring-necked ducks, with a few redheads, scaup, and even some buffleheads spotted in the open water portions of the refuge. The most notable trend this week was the increase in well-colored pintails and mallards, which dominated the puddler count.
Zones 1–3: Corn 4–6 feet tall on average. Zone 3 has the most deer/goose damage and spotty areas. Water levels: 4–16 inches.
Zones 4–8: Marsh zones with blinds. Water levels: 6–18 inches.
Zones 9–13: Corn 6–7 feet tall. Water levels: 6–20 inches.
Zones 14–19: Corn 6–7 feet tall. Water levels: 6–20 inches.
Zones 20–32: Corn 5–7 feet tall. Deer damage in southern half of zone 22 and north end of 21. Water levels: 4–20 inches.
Zones 39–44: Marsh habitat. Pond depth: 6–12 inches.
Zones 45–49: Corn 6–7 feet tall in zones 45–48. Zone 49 has heavy deer/goose damage but includes a blind. Water levels: 4–20 inches.
Zones 50–56: Corn 4–6 feet tall. Water levels: 4–16 inches.
Zones 58–63: Corn 4–6 feet tall. Water levels: 4–16 inches.
Zones 64–69: Corn 4–6 feet tall. Water levels: 4–16 inches, with the lowest levels on the west side of zones 64–65 due to higher ground.
Zones 70–77: Corn 6–8 feet tall. Entire field is dry.
Zones with marginal cover: Zone 3 (spotty), north end of 21, south end of 22, and zone 49.
Hunter numbers declined substantially by mid-week due to less favorable weather. The largest draw was 48 parties on Thursday afternoon, while the lowest was 11 parties on Tuesday afternoon. Total hunters for the week: 953 — over 200 fewer than the previous week.
This week’s harvest totaled 793 ducks and 40 geese. Primary species harvested were mallards, pintails, and green-winged teal, with a mix of other species. Duck harvest was down by about one-third compared to last week.
Ducks per hunter trip this week: 0.83.
Sept. 1 – Nov. 2, 2025
Ducks: 4,747
Geese: 362
Hunters: 4,741
Ducks per hunter trip: 1.00
The forecast shows a breezy Monday, with a chance of rain on Wednesday and Friday. A cold front is expected to move in with possible precipitation over the weekend.
In addition to experiencing a second consecutive year of severe drought, Saginaw Bay water levels remain below average. However, we’ve made significant progress in pumping 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 leftover drawings.
Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving): The check station will close at 12 p.m.
Dec. 13–14: Zone 3 waterfowl split. Drawings and conditions will be weather dependent. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.
