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Nov. 10–Nov.16, 2025
The weather outlook for the week was not ideal. After Monday, winds subsided and remained light throughout the week. There was a slight chance of rain toward the end of the week. Temperatures were stable in the low to mid-40s during the day and mid-30s at night.
The refuge count on Wednesday, Nov. 12, was estimated at approximately 19,500 ducks and 1,200 geese. The species breakdown remained consistent, with mallards, pintails, wigeon, gadwall, black ducks, and green-winged teal making up the majority. Shoveler numbers increased this week. Among diving ducks, ring-necked numbers declined, while redheads and scaup increased. Bufflehead, goldeneye, and a few canvasbacks were also observed. Mute swan numbers remained steady, and tundra swan numbers surged to over 2,000. Sandhill cranes are still present in and around the area.
1–3: Corn 4–6 ft. Zone 3 has the most deer/goose damage and spotty cover. Water: 4–16 in.
4–8: Marsh zones with blinds. Water: 6–18 in.
9–13: Corn 6–7 ft. Water: 6–20 in.
14–19: Corn 6–7 ft. Water: 6–20 in.
20–32: Corn 5–7 ft. Most deer damage in south zone 22 and north zone 21. Water: 4–20 in.
39–44: Marsh habitat. Pond depth: 6–12 in.
45–49: Corn 6–7 ft. Zone 49 has heavy goose/deer damage but includes a blind. Water: 4–20 in.
50–56: Corn 4–6 ft. Water: 4–16 in.
58–63: Corn 4–6 ft. Water: 4–16 in.
64–69: Corn 4–6 ft. Water: 4–16 in., lowest on west side of zones 64–65 due to higher ground.
70–77: Corn 6–8 ft. Entire field is dry.
Zones with marginal cover: 3 (spotty), north end of 21, south end of 22, and 49.
This was the lowest participation week of the season, with 753 hunter trips. The highest draw size was 39 (on multiple occasions), and the lowest was 12. For the Veterans Day preference hunt, there were 5 parties in the morning and 13 in the afternoon.
This was also the lowest harvest week of the season. Hunters harvested 477 ducks and 12 geese, averaging 0.63 ducks per hunter trip. Despite the low harvest, the refuge continues to hold a large number of birds, though they are not moving much due to the lack of “ducky” weather.
Ducks: 6,320
Geese: 410
Hunter trips: 6,669
Ducks per hunter trip: 0.95
We’re hoping for an influx of new birds or improved weather conditions. The current birds in the refuge are stale and not moving much. A steady number of hunters is expected to continue trying their luck, and hopefully, the ducks will cooperate.
Despite a second consecutive year of severe drought and lower-than-average water levels in Saginaw Bay, we’ve made significant progress in pumping water into the fields over the past 1.5 to 2 months. All zones are now at full pool.
Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving): The check station will close at 12 p.m. No self-service registration permits will be available.
Nov. 30: First pheasant/muzzleloader deer drawing at 12 p.m. (for Dec. 1–7)
Dec. 7: Second muzzleloader deer/pheasant drawing at 12 p.m. (for Dec. 8–12)
Dec. 13–14: Zone 3 waterfowl split. Drawings and conditions will be weather dependent. Updates to follow.
Dec. 15–Jan. 1: Late antlerless and pheasant hunting will be self-registration. Call (989) 674-2511 or refer to posted instructions in the building for more information.
