Because the crisp autumn air descends upon the Nice Lakes State, waterfowl fans eagerly anticipate the announcement of the 2024-2025 Michigan duck season schedule. With its huge wetlands, considerable waterfowl populations, and passionate searching group, Michigan presents unparalleled duck searching alternatives. The discharge of the schedule alerts the beginning of preparations for an unforgettable season stuffed with camaraderie, anticipation, and the joys of the hunt.
Historically, the Michigan duck season spans a number of months, usually starting in early October and lengthening into December. Hunters can count on to pursue a wide range of duck species, together with mallards, wooden geese, teal, and canvasbacks. The season is structured into zones, every with its personal set of opening and shutting dates. These zones are designed to align with the migration patterns of waterfowl and guarantee sustainable searching practices. Whereas the precise dates for the 2024-2025 season have but to be introduced, hunters can anticipate an identical timeframe to earlier years.
Along with the usual duck season, Michigan additionally presents particular searching alternatives for waterfowl. These embody youth waterfowl hunts, which give a singular alternative for younger hunters to expertise the game in a protected and supervised atmosphere. Moreover, there are particular seasons for sure duck species, such because the early teal season and the late goose season. These seasons enable hunters to focus on particular waterfowl populations and lengthen their searching alternatives. Because the 2024-2025 Michigan duck season schedule is launched, hunters can start planning their journeys, fine-tuning their gear, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the waterfowl season.
Early Season Youth Hunt
Michigan’s Early Season Youth Waterfowl Hunt is a good alternative for younger hunters to get their first style of waterfowl searching. The hunt is open to youth hunters ages 10 to fifteen, and so they have to be accompanied by a licensed grownup mentor. The hunt takes place on the Saturday and Sunday earlier than the common waterfowl season opens. Youth hunters are allowed to reap six geese day by day, with a possession restrict of 12.
To take part within the Early Season Youth Waterfowl Hunt, youth hunters should have a legitimate searching license and a waterfowl searching allow. They have to even be accompanied by a licensed grownup mentor who’s at the very least 18 years outdated. The mentor have to be current with the youth hunter always throughout the hunt.
The Early Season Youth Waterfowl Hunt is a good way for younger hunters to study waterfowl searching and to get some hands-on expertise. It is usually a good way for youth hunters to spend time with their mentors and to bond over a shared curiosity.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Saturday, September 6, 2024 | All open waterfowl searching areas in Michigan |
| Sunday, September 7, 2024 | All open waterfowl searching areas in Michigan |
| Saturday, September 13, 2025 | All open waterfowl searching areas in Michigan |
| Sunday, September 14, 2025 | All open waterfowl searching areas in Michigan |
Common Season Zone Dates
The Michigan Division of Pure Assets (DNR) has introduced the 2024-2025 duck searching season dates. The season can be divided into two zones, with totally different begin and finish dates for every zone. Hunters should pay attention to the zone they are going to be searching in earlier than the season begins.
Zone 1
Zone 1 contains the Higher Peninsula and the northern Decrease Peninsula. The common duck season in Zone 1 will run from September 20, 2024, to November 16, 2024. There can even be a late season for scaup and goldeneye that can run from December 7, 2024, to January 11, 2025.
Zone 2
Zone 2 contains the southern Decrease Peninsula. The common duck season in Zone 2 will run from October 1, 2024, to December 14, 2024. There can even be a late season for scaup and goldeneye that can run from December 21, 2024, to January 25, 2025.
| Zone | Common Season Dates | Late Season Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 20, 2024 – November 16, 2024 | December 7, 2024 – January 11, 2025 |
| 2 | October 1, 2024 – December 14, 2024 | December 21, 2024 – January 25, 2025 |
Bag and Possession Limits
The bag and possession limits for geese in Michigan for the 2024-2025 season are as follows:
Day by day Bag Restrict
The day by day bag restrict for geese is six geese, of which not more than 4 could also be mallards (together with no a couple of feminine), two could also be black geese, one could also be a pintail, and one could also be a canvasback.
Possession Restrict
The possession restrict for geese is twice the day by day bag restrict, or 12 geese, of which not more than eight could also be mallards (together with not more than two females), 4 could also be black geese, two could also be pintails, and two could also be canvasbacks.
Extra Data
| Species | Day by day Bag Restrict | Possession Restrict |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard (together with no a couple of feminine) | 4 | 8 |
| Black Duck | 2 | 4 |
| Pintail | 1 | 2 |
| Canvasback | 1 | 2 |
| Different Geese | 6 | 12 |
- The day by day bag restrict for scaup is three, and the possession restrict is six.
- The day by day bag restrict for long-tailed geese is 2, and the possession restrict is 4.
- The day by day bag restrict for mergansers is 5, and the possession restrict is 10.
Particular Laws and Restrictions
The next laws and restrictions apply to duck searching in Michigan throughout the 2024-2025 season:
Non-Poisonous Shot Required
All shotguns used for waterfowl searching in Michigan have to be loaded with non-toxic shot. This contains metal, bismuth, tungsten-iron, or tungsten-polymer shot.
Youth Waterfowl Looking Day
Youth 17 years of age and youthful could take part in a particular youth waterfowl searching day on September 23, 2024. Grownup supervision is required.
Federal Duck Stamp Required
All waterfowl hunters 16 years of age and older should possess a legitimate Federal Duck Stamp. This stamp might be bought at most sporting items shops or on-line on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site.
Day by day Bag and Possession Limits
The day by day bag restrict for geese is six birds per day, with a possession restrict of 12 birds. The next species-specific day by day bag limits apply:
| Species | Day by day Bag Restrict |
|---|---|
| Mallards (together with hybrids) | 2 |
| Black geese | 2 |
| Wooden geese | 2 |
| Pintails | 1 |
| Canvasbacks | 1 |
| Redheads | 1 |
| Scaup | 2 |
| Different geese | 5 |
Season Dates for Particular Areas
The Michigan Division of Pure Assets has introduced the particular late waterfowl searching seasons for sure areas within the state. These seasons present further alternatives for waterfowlers to pursue late-migrating geese in particular areas. The next areas are included within the particular seasons:
- Allegan County
- Barry County
- Berrien County
- Calhoun County
- Cass County
- Clinton County
- Eaton County
- Genesee County
- Ingham County
- Jackson County
- Kalamazoo County
- Kent County
- Lapeer County
- Lenawee County
- Livingston County
- Macomb County
- Monroe County
- Montcalm County
- Muskegon County
- Newaygo County
- Oakland County
- Ottawa County
- Saginaw County
- St. Clair County
- St. Joseph County
- Tuscola County
- Van Buren County
- Washtenaw County
- Wayne County
The particular late waterfowl searching seasons in these areas will run from February 11-March 12, 2025. The day by day bag restrict is identical because the common waterfowl season, which is six geese per day. Hunters should observe all different waterfowl searching laws, together with the usage of non-toxic shot and the possession of a legitimate waterfowl searching license.
These particular late seasons present waterfowlers with a possibility to increase their season and pursue late-migrating geese in areas the place they could be concentrated. Hunters ought to be conscious that these areas can also be in style with different hunters, so it is very important follow protected searching practices and be respectful of different hunters and landowners.
| Particular Season Space | Dates | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allegan County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Barry County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Berrien County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Calhoun County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cass County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Clinton County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eaton County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Genesee County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ingham County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jackson County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kalamazoo County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kent County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lapeer County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lenawee County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Livingston County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Macomb County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monroe County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Montcalm County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Muskegon County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Newaygo County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oakland County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ottawa County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Saginaw County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| St. Clair County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| St. Joseph County |
| Zone | Bag Restrict |
|---|---|
| Higher Peninsula | 1 Bearded Turkey |
| Northern Decrease Peninsula | 1 Bearded Turkey |
| Southern Decrease Peninsula | 1 Bearded Turkey |
Looking Licenses and Permits
To take part within the Michigan duck season, hunters should buy the next licenses and permits:
Resident Looking License
Required for all Michigan residents who’re 17 years of age or older.
Nonresident Looking License
Required for all nonresidents who’re 17 years of age or older.
Federal Migratory Chicken Looking and Conservation Stamp
Required for all waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older.
Michigan Waterfowl Looking License
Required for all waterfowl hunters who’re 16 years of age or older.
Extra Permits
Relying on the searching methodology and site, further permits could also be required, comparable to:
Blind Allow
Required for searching from a blind within the state’s managed waterfowl areas.
Particular Bag and Possession Restrict Allow
Permits hunters to exceed the day by day bag and possession limits for sure waterfowl species throughout particular seasons and areas.
| License/Allow | Value |
|---|---|
| Resident Looking License | $20 |
| Nonresident Looking License | $125 |
| Federal Migratory Chicken Looking and Conservation Stamp | $25 |
| Michigan Waterfowl Looking License | $15 |
Security Laws and Finest Practices
1. Know the Laws
Be aware of the Michigan Division of Pure Assets’ (DNR) waterfowl laws, together with bag limits, taking pictures hours, and designated searching areas.
2. Put on Acceptable Clothes
Put on heat, waterproof clothes and boots to remain dry and guarded within the subject.
3. Use a Protected Backdrop
Guarantee there’s a protected backdrop behind your goal, comparable to a subject or water, to keep away from accidents.
4. Deal with Firearms Responsibly
At all times deal with firearms with respect, hold them unloaded till prepared to fireside, and observe all security guidelines.
5. Respect Different Hunters
Be aware of your fellow hunters, preserve protected distances, and talk respectfully.
6. Use Decoys and Blinds
Make the most of decoys and blinds to hide your presence and entice waterfowl.
7. Be Conscious of Your Environment
Keep alert to different hunters, boats, and wildlife whereas searching.
8. Test Your Gear
Guarantee your firearms, ammunition, and different gear are in good working order earlier than heading afield.
9. Keep away from Alcohol and Medicine
Chorus from consuming alcohol or medication whereas searching, as they will impair your judgment and response time.
10. Be Ready for Emergencies
Carry a first-aid package, whistle, and mobile phone for emergency conditions. Know the best way to contact the DNR or emergency providers if wanted:
| Emergency Scenario | Contact Data |
|---|---|
| Wildlife or Looking Violation | DNR Wildlife Division: 517-284-9453 |
| Medical Emergency | Name 911 |
Michigan Duck Season 2024-2025 Schedule
The Michigan Division of Pure Assets (DNR) has introduced the 2024-2025 duck season dates. The season will run from September 28, 2024, to December 15, 2024, within the southern zone and from October 1, 2024, to December 15, 2024, within the northern zone. The day by day bag restrict is six geese, with a possession restrict of 12. The season can be closed for the next species: canvasback, redhead, hooded merganser, and customary goldeneye.
The DNR additionally introduced that the youth duck hunt can be held on September 21-22, 2024, statewide. The day by day bag restrict for the youth duck hunt is three geese, with a possession restrict of six. Hunters have to be 16 years of age or youthful to take part within the youth duck hunt.
Folks Additionally Ask
When does the Michigan duck season open in 2024?
The Michigan duck season opens on September 28, 2024, within the southern zone and on October 1, 2024, within the northern zone.
What’s the day by day bag restrict for geese in Michigan?
The day by day bag restrict for geese in Michigan is six, with a possession restrict of 12.
What species of geese are closed throughout the Michigan duck season?
The next species of geese are closed throughout the Michigan duck season: canvasback, redhead, hooded merganser, and customary goldeneye.
Is there a youth duck hunt in Michigan?
Sure, there’s a youth duck hunt in Michigan. It will likely be held on September 21-22, 2024, statewide.
