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> 10/27<br />
Weather<br />
The last week has been very wet with 4” at least <strong>of</strong> heavy, wet snow falling. Monday and Tuesday<br />
have been nice weather with milder temperatures.<br />
Waterfowl Abundance<br />
Goose numbers have remained constant but they are widely spread across the GMU and have not<br />
fully congregated at the Farm as <strong>of</strong> yet. There are some snows mixed in but in low numbers. Wood<br />
ducks appear to have mostly left the area, probably during the snowstorm. Mallard numbers are on<br />
the increase with fresh birds showing up at the Farm and Highbanks. They are hitting the<br />
smartweed in the Highbanks and starting to feed in some fields on the Farm. Hunting pressure on<br />
the ducks is still high enough that they are becoming educated quickly but some good hunts have<br />
been reported on the Farm and Ottawa Marsh.<br />
Hunting Conditions<br />
Zone 7 is filled to the maximum allowed by the dikes. We are looking forward to repairing the dikes<br />
next summer so that we can flood more <strong>of</strong> 7A, B, and C. With the nice weather during the beginning<br />
<strong>of</strong> this week the sharecroppers have been in the fields all over, trying desperately to get the beans<br />
<strong>of</strong>f before the upcoming rain. This has delayed the rye planting so some fields may not green up as<br />
much as desired before the winter hits.<br />
Hunter Numbers<br />
Duck hunters have been consistent but not in high numbers – 4-8 parties or so in the morning<br />
(first-come, first-served). Fewer pheasant hunters are hitting the area and success appears to be<br />
down. The snow last week really flattened some <strong>of</strong> the habitat but it appears to be rebounding.<br />
Waterfowl Harvest<br />
Sounds like the harvest is about average at this point.<br />
What To Expect This Week<br />
The managed goose hunt begins this Saturday, November 2, with the YOUTH HUNT. Only youth<br />
hunters may shoot. The managed hunt opens for adults on Sunday, November 3.<br />
Upcoming Events<br />
The Fennville Farm Unit will be open for duck season. All duck hunting is first-come, first-served until<br />
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.
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