Michigan, a state defined by its abundant water resources and diverse landscapes, stands as a top destination for waterfowl hunting. Bordered by four of the five Great Lakes and crisscrossed by countless rivers, marshes, and inland lakes, the state provides a perfect habitat for a variety of migratory and resident waterfowl.
More than just a hobby, waterfowl hunting in Michigan is a time-honored tradition deeply intertwined with the history of conservation.
The unique geography of Michigan places it squarely in both the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways, two of North America’s major migration corridors. This strategic location brings an array of ducks and geese through the state each fall and winter. Although some of the major flyways may produce a higher quantity of birds, Michigan has incredible diversity. Hunters can pursue a wide range of species, from the ubiquitous and beloved mallard and the colorful wood ducks to diving ducks like scaup, canvasbacks, and redheads, which frequent the deeper waters of the Great Lakes and larger inland lakes. Geese are also a staple of the Michigan waterfowl scene, with hunting opportunities available for both resident and migratory populations. There’s plenty of different ways and places to target ducks and geese throughout the fall and early winter.
Michigan offers a ton of public land for hunters to chase waterfowl, from remote undeveloped state forests and state game areas to several managed waterfowl hunting areas throughout the state. These managed areas, such as popular locations like Harsens Island, Pointe Mouillee, and Fish Point, are specifically designed to provide high-quality hunting opportunities for hunters. Whether it’s a small scale hunt for wood ducks on a quiet beaver pond in the Upper Peninsula or a classic layout hunt for divers on Saginaw Bay, Mich., provides diverse opportunities for every type of waterfowl hunter. The ample amount of public land is part of the reason Michigan has a long hunting heritage.
The tradition of waterfowl hunting in Michigan is inseparable from the principles of conservation. The sport’s existence depends on healthy waterfowl populations and robust wetland habitats. Hunters are conservationists, and their financial contributions are the lifeblood of these efforts. Every waterfowl hunter aged 16 and older in Michigan is required to purchase a state waterfowl hunting license and a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. The revenue generated from the sale of these licenses and stamps directly funds critical conservation projects and management. Beyond financial contributions, hunters play a vital role in on the ground conservation by reporting changes in habitat and population numbers, volunteering for restoration projects, and advocating for sound wildlife management practices. This commitment ensures that the habitats and the birds they pursue are preserved for future generations.
No discussion of waterfowl hunting is complete without a mention of the hunting dog, an indispensable partner in the field and an integral part of the experience. My own waterfowl experience is no different, as my love for the sport really started to grow after getting my first dog, Boone. He was born to retrieve and thrived at just about every aspect of waterfowl hunting, retrieving ducks from all kinds of different habitats. We spent a decade chasing puddle ducks around mid-Michigan and his drive to hunt pushed me to spend countless mornings in the marsh. Hunting dogs have a long-standing tradition in the waterfowl world and my experience certainly wouldn’t be the same without all of those days watching my dog work. The bond between a hunter and their dog is a special one, built on trust, communication, and a love for the outdoors. The quiet anticipation as a dog watches the sky, the excitement of the chase, and the proud return with a bird are moments that define the waterfowl hunting experience.
Waterfowl hunting here in Michigan isn’t about any one of the things discussed in this article, but a combination of all of them. It’s about conservation, hunting, tradition, public lands, and time in the field. It’s the pre-dawn boat ride or hike into the marsh, the methodical placement of decoys in cold water, and the quiet camaraderie of a blind shared with friends and a loyal hunting dog.
This year, I’ll be hunting for the first time in over a decade without the dog that helped foster my love for waterfowl hunting. Although I can’t envision loading up my truck without him in it, I know that the memories we shared and the time spent in the field will certainly drive me back out into the marsh at some point. It won’t be the same for me, but I know that the other aspects of waterfowl hunting will pull me back in. The tradition and legacy of waterfowl hunting here in Michigan will carry on and I’m happy to be a part of it.
To view the rest of the 2025 fall Partners articles please click here.
More than just a hobby, waterfowl hunting in Michigan is a time-honored tradition deeply intertwined with the history of conservation.
The unique geography of Michigan places it squarely in both the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways, two of North America’s major migration corridors. This strategic location brings an array of ducks and geese through the state each fall and winter. Although some of the major flyways may produce a higher quantity of birds, Michigan has incredible diversity. Hunters can pursue a wide range of species, from the ubiquitous and beloved mallard and the colorful wood ducks to diving ducks like scaup, canvasbacks, and redheads, which frequent the deeper waters of the Great Lakes and larger inland lakes. Geese are also a staple of the Michigan waterfowl scene, with hunting opportunities available for both resident and migratory populations. There’s plenty of different ways and places to target ducks and geese throughout the fall and early winter.
Michigan offers a ton of public land for hunters to chase waterfowl, from remote undeveloped state forests and state game areas to several managed waterfowl hunting areas throughout the state. These managed areas, such as popular locations like Harsens Island, Pointe Mouillee, and Fish Point, are specifically designed to provide high-quality hunting opportunities for hunters. Whether it’s a small scale hunt for wood ducks on a quiet beaver pond in the Upper Peninsula or a classic layout hunt for divers on Saginaw Bay, Mich., provides diverse opportunities for every type of waterfowl hunter. The ample amount of public land is part of the reason Michigan has a long hunting heritage.
The tradition of waterfowl hunting in Michigan is inseparable from the principles of conservation. The sport’s existence depends on healthy waterfowl populations and robust wetland habitats. Hunters are conservationists, and their financial contributions are the lifeblood of these efforts. Every waterfowl hunter aged 16 and older in Michigan is required to purchase a state waterfowl hunting license and a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. The revenue generated from the sale of these licenses and stamps directly funds critical conservation projects and management. Beyond financial contributions, hunters play a vital role in on the ground conservation by reporting changes in habitat and population numbers, volunteering for restoration projects, and advocating for sound wildlife management practices. This commitment ensures that the habitats and the birds they pursue are preserved for future generations.
No discussion of waterfowl hunting is complete without a mention of the hunting dog, an indispensable partner in the field and an integral part of the experience. My own waterfowl experience is no different, as my love for the sport really started to grow after getting my first dog, Boone. He was born to retrieve and thrived at just about every aspect of waterfowl hunting, retrieving ducks from all kinds of different habitats. We spent a decade chasing puddle ducks around mid-Michigan and his drive to hunt pushed me to spend countless mornings in the marsh. Hunting dogs have a long-standing tradition in the waterfowl world and my experience certainly wouldn’t be the same without all of those days watching my dog work. The bond between a hunter and their dog is a special one, built on trust, communication, and a love for the outdoors. The quiet anticipation as a dog watches the sky, the excitement of the chase, and the proud return with a bird are moments that define the waterfowl hunting experience.
Waterfowl hunting here in Michigan isn’t about any one of the things discussed in this article, but a combination of all of them. It’s about conservation, hunting, tradition, public lands, and time in the field. It’s the pre-dawn boat ride or hike into the marsh, the methodical placement of decoys in cold water, and the quiet camaraderie of a blind shared with friends and a loyal hunting dog.
This year, I’ll be hunting for the first time in over a decade without the dog that helped foster my love for waterfowl hunting. Although I can’t envision loading up my truck without him in it, I know that the memories we shared and the time spent in the field will certainly drive me back out into the marsh at some point. It won’t be the same for me, but I know that the other aspects of waterfowl hunting will pull me back in. The tradition and legacy of waterfowl hunting here in Michigan will carry on and I’m happy to be a part of it.
To view the rest of the 2025 fall Partners articles please click here.
