Manager's Updates - State of Michigan
Manager's Updates - State of Michigan
Manager's Updates - State of Michigan
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Fennville Farm Unit Manager’s Update<br />
2013 Season - Week <strong>of</strong> 10/13<br />
Weather<br />
Approximately 0.3” <strong>of</strong> rain fell on Saturday, according to the gauge at the Farm Unit. The rain has<br />
helped get some standing water in the Farm impoundments. We hope to pick up more precipitation<br />
with the forecasted storms this week.<br />
Waterfowl Abundance<br />
While the survey shows a decline in geese the numbers were probably stable. The previous survey<br />
took place when fewer fields were opened up so geese were more concentrated. More mallards<br />
showed up on the Highbanks and are beginning to hit the patches <strong>of</strong> smartweed. There are still a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> woodies in the Highbanks but I expect numbers to go down over the week due to the start <strong>of</strong> duck<br />
season and colder temperatures.<br />
Hunting Conditions<br />
Crops are looking nice this year and there will be plenty <strong>of</strong> winter food for the waterfowl on the Farm<br />
Unit. The corn hunting strips are looking much better than last year’s drought-stricken stands and<br />
hunters should be able to conceal themselves quite well. So far, the lack <strong>of</strong> rain has prevented us<br />
from filling the Zone 7 impoundment but the other Area impoundments are at appropriate levels.<br />
Sharecroppers have been harvesting beans as the fields come ready so they will be disking rye in<br />
those fields shortly.<br />
Hunter Numbers<br />
It sounds like there were a few parties on the Farm Unit, mostly in Zones 6 and 7, for the duck opener.<br />
No word on how many ducks were harvested.<br />
Waterfowl Harvest<br />
There was some shooting from the Farm Unit for opening day and the Ottawa Marsh was surely<br />
busy. I have not heard whether or not the hunting was good across the board but have heard that<br />
some locations produced full bags.<br />
What To Expect This Week<br />
Sounds like we may have some rain events coming through this week.<br />
Upcoming Events<br />
The Fennville Farm Unit will be open for duck season. All duck hunting is first-come, first-served<br />
until November 2nd, when the Allegan Goose Management Unit season opens.<br />
November 2nd will be the AM Youth Hunt at the Fennville Farm Unit. The Farm will be open to youth<br />
hunters only in all zones.<br />
November 3rd will be the regular opener for all hunters.<br />
Trapping on the Farm Unit is by permit only. We are trying to continue allowing trapping while preventing<br />
negative impacts to our primary function: waterfowl hunting. You may contact the ASGA HQ<br />
or Farm Unit to get the permit.
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