Migration Alert: Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan Waterfowlers Prepare for Opener

Waterfowl hunters around the Upper Great Lakes are geared up and ready to go for season openers across the region this weekend, including the north zones of Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as the entire state of Minnesota. All three states combined amount to a geographic area larger than Texas, and habitat and water conditions in this region vary. 

While the entirety of Minnesota opens this weekend, only the north zones remain open for the duration; the middle and south zones quickly "split" and then reopen later in October. Overall habitat and water conditions across the state are similar to last year, but current bird numbers are a little on the thin side. 

"I believe opening day opportunities will be below average," says DU Regional Biologist Jake Chronister. "Wetlands are full, but there aren't many ducks in the state right now. The outlook could be good if the weather cooperates, but it sure looks like a warm start to the season. We may not see many ducks for a few weeks."

Minnesota's fortuitous location means that it can often go from zero to hero in a matter of hours. Locally produced waterfowl usually provide hunters with some action for the first couple hunts of the season before large numbers of migrating birds begin making their way into the state.  

Wisconsin

Wisconsin will offer ample opportunities for waterfowlers during the opening days of the season. "Statewide there is good water going into the opener this season," explains Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Game Bird Ecologist Taylor Finger. "We had excellent production statewide, so I would expect a good opening day with plenty of local mallards and wood ducks around. We have been seeing some migrant puddle ducks, including pintails, gadwalls, and wigeon, appearing on the Mississippi River, and migrating Canada geese are coming in from northern Ontario."

Michigan

Michigan's north zone consists of the Upper Peninsula (UP). Characterized by countless wetlands, lakes, and rivers—plus three Great Lakes shorelines—the UP typically provides consistent hunting for waterfowl during September and October. On the east end of this region, the St. Mary's River, along with its and associated bays and marshes, is a major waterfowl migration corridor. 

"Water levels are probably similar to last year, perhaps down a bit. We seem to be on a downward cycle in that regard," says Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Wildlife Biologist Dave Jentoft. "Otherwise, it's been a good growing season here. I think habitat conditions should be relatively decent."

Much of southern Michigan has been stricken by severe drought, and many wetlands are either bone dry or close to it. Inland waterways are also at a trickle. Big water, such as Lakes Michigan and Huron, Lake St. Clair, and the western basin of Lake Erie, will be extremely important to migrating waterfowl if drought conditions persist. 

In addition, many state and federal properties are dependent on water being pumped or in some cases redirected into waterfowl zones. Though this can be a distinct advantage, some properties, particularly those located on the west side of the state, are struggling to maintain water levels as managers report issues with pumping capability and effectiveness. 

"Low water levels are impacting Saginaw Bay and surrounding watersheds," says MDNR Wildlife Biologist Ryan Soulard. "Hunters should be very mindful of wind directions this year and always have a safety plan in mind."

Soulard reports that bird numbers have increased on the east side of Saginaw Bay. "We definitely saw an uptick in geese recently, and our usual cast of mallards, blue-winged teal, and a lot of woodies are intermingled with pintails, wigeon, and gadwall, along with a few redheads and other divers showing up daily."