The Conservation Corner – September 2026

When I was finishing my remarks at last month’s OCSC General Membership meeting, I mentioned something that had just come up in the day or two prior . . . that the daily duck hunting drawings at four managed waterfowl hunting areas might be substantially curtailed.  That rumor turned out to be true.  Due to staffing cuts, the DNR announced that the daily draws would be reduced to one drawing per day for five days a week (Tuesday through Saturday) at four units – Fish Point in Tuscola County, Nayanquing Point in Bay County, Shiawassee River in Saginaw County, and Harsens Island Unit at St. Clair Flats in St. Clair County.  Normally there are two drawings per day, seven days per week.  The result is substantially less access to lands paid for by hunters.  And, two days per week (Sunday and Monday) where no hunting would be allowed.  The DNR says the cuts were required due to continuously diminishing funding.

I’ve had the good fortune to hunt at Fish Point and Shiawassee for many years and have taken both ducks and deer.  The daily duck hunting draws occur at 5am and 11am.  I normally go the 5am at Fish Point.  The area is divided into over 50 zones.  The DNR staff draw hunters’ application cards one at a time and the hunters choose the zone they want to hunt in the order they were drawn.  For me, it’s a high anxiety event but incredibly fun.  Then, everyone heads out to  their spots and the parking lot goes from being full of trucks and duck boats to empty in only minutes.  And it’s still 90 minutes or so until sunrise.  Whether you harvest ducks or not, on any day you go, it is an awesome experience.  I’m confident in saying I’ve seen many thousands of waterfowl and birds of all sorts on a single day.  The drawing process is repeated at 11 am for people hunting in the afternoon until sunset.  But the changes announced by the DNR would reduce that to only 1 draw per day for five days per week.  The response from the waterfowling community was immediate and loud.  And it looks like some new leadership in Michigan’s outdoors community stepped up to help address the issue.  The Green Way Conservation Club worked with Shannon Lott from the DNR as well as some other important conservation organizations.  In very rapid order, substantial pledges were received from Shiawassee Flats Hunters Association ($20,000), St. Clair Flats Waterfowlers & Harsens Island Waterfowl Hunters Association ($20,000), Ducks Unlimited ($20,000), Michigan Duck Hunters Association ($10,000), and Delta Waterfowl ($10,000).  The money will be used to hire part-time employees to run the drawings this fall.

On the one hand, this is a huge win.  Hunters organized.  The DNR was sympathetic and cooperative.  Money was pledged.  Now, hunters can expect to enjoy what they paid for.  However, I see two problems with the solution.  First, we shouldn’t have to raise additional private dollars to pay the DNR what we already expect the DNR to do.  Second, this solution is temporary.  It is for Fall, 2026 only.  Before next Fall, we will need to determine how we continue to operate Michigan’s “Wetland Wonders”.

On a somewhat related note, another win to emerge from this fight is the appearance on the scene of the Green Way Conservation Club.  This is a new conservation club that is a little different than a club like us.  They are helping to create a platform (digital and otherwise) for conservation advocacy.  Please check them out at www.greenwayconservationclub.com and please comment or ask questions at the next general membership meeting.  I have my thoughts.  What are yours?