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Oct. 25–31
Temperatures were in the low to mid-50s during the day and low to mid-40s at night. Light rain and overcast skies were present Thursday and Friday, with strong winds late in the week and through the weekend. A half-moon occurred on Oct. 29, with a full moon scheduled for Nov. 5.
This fall has been unusual. There are good numbers of mallards, wood ducks, black ducks, pintails, and teal in the Bloody Run Ag field refuge, though not as many as usual. A large number of waterfowl are using the Long Pond and Vermet units. These include gadwall, wigeon, mallards, wood ducks, pintails, and teal. The Vermet Unit is not included in the refuge count, and Long Pond is difficult to survey due to its cattail marsh habitat, which hides birds well. As a result, posted count numbers are likely conservative.
Long Pond (zones 2–10)
This marsh unit continues to have healthy vegetation with small and large open pockets throughout. Water depth is mostly knee deep, with some areas between knee and waist deep, allowing for walk-in hunting and small boat use. The bottom is firm like last year, but submerged cattail mounds require caution. Rollers are accessible but require pulling boats over dry land. Zones 2, 5, and 7 still offer hunting cover, though muskrat activity has reduced vegetation.
Nelson (zones 11–14)
This cropped unit is fully flooded and at hunting depth. Corn and buckwheat are in great condition, providing ample food and cover.
Walpatich (zones 15, 19, 21)
These cropped units have corn standing around 6 feet tall. Buckwheat production is marginal but still provides food. Water was added this past week to improve conditions in zones 15 and 21.
Walpatich (zones 16–18, 20, 22)
These are marsh/moist soil units. Zone 16 is not cropped this year but offers shallow water and cattail cover. Zones 17, 18, 20, and 22 are cattail marshes with good cover and maintained openings. Water was added, making zones 16, 20, and 22 waist deep in most areas, with some deeper spots. These levels are necessary to push water into zones 15, 19, and 21.
Brancheau (zone 23)
Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this unit is located about 5 miles south of Pointe Mouillee. It will be part of the 2025 draw unless a federal government shutdown occurs. It will be reduced to one zone for a party of 1–4 hunters.
Vermet
This public hunting unit will look similar to last year but with more vegetation and taller cattails. Mud motors and flat-bottom boats are recommended. Lower water levels should attract more dabblers. Use the middle causeway (launch at Roberts Road, south end of Humphries Unit) rollers instead of the north causeway due to sediment buildup and low water on the Huron River combined with west winds.
Humphries
This public hunting unit features excellent shallow water habitat on the west end and deeper water with cattail mats on the east end. Walk-in hunting is possible on the west side, while a boat is needed for the east. Water levels are slightly lower than in previous years.
Bad Creek/Cripple Point
These public walk-in units were maintained for open water but have shallower water than in previous years. Most water is concentrated on the east end.
There were 181 hunter trips this week, bringing the season total to 502. Sunday morning had 49 parties with all zones selected. Sunday afternoon had 23 parties with 18 zones selected and one leftover zone. Tuesday afternoon had 28 parties with 18 zones selected and one leftover zone. Thursday (all day) had 39 parties with all zones selected.
Ducks: 185
Geese: 3
Top species: Mallard and wood duck
Ducks per hunter trip: 1.02
Ducks: 726
Geese: 21
Top species: Mallard and wood duck
Ducks per hunter trip: 1.45
Temperatures will remain in the low to mid-50s during the day and low to mid-40s at night. There is a chance of rain on Thursday and Friday, with strong winds possible. A half-moon is expected on Oct. 29, and a full moon is scheduled for Nov. 5.
The youth preferred draw will be held the morning of Nov. 2. The veteran preferred draw will take place during the afternoon draw on Nov. 11 (no morning draw that day).
