justnorth posted on July 29, 2007 10:16 :: 1637 Views
Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials announced today that due to low water levels in the Great Lakes, two reserved hunts at Fish Point State Wildlife Area and Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area will not take place this fall.
Fish Point is located near Unionville in Tuscola County. Nayanquing Point is located near Pinconning in Bay County.
"We pump water from Saginaw Bay each year to flood both Fish Point and Nayanquing Point prior to the opening of waterfowl season," said Tim Reis, Saginaw Bay Management Unit supervisor. "The water levels in the lake this year are too low for our pumps to be able to compensate. We cannot guarantee that fields will be flooded by opening day so we don't want to set unreasonable expectations by offering reserved hunts."
Additionally, there are two major pump replacement projects ongoing this summer at Fish Point as part of the long-term plan for Fish Point. These pumps will not be installed and functional early enough to be used to flood Fish Point prior to the waterfowl opening day.
Shiawassee River State Game Area and Harsens Island will still have reserved waterfowl hunts. The cost to apply is $4. Applications can be submitted online at www.michigan.gov/dnr, at DNR Operation Service Centers, or at authorized license agents. The waterfowl reserved hunt application period is Aug. 1-28. Drawing results will be posted online Sept. 17. Applicants who did not apply online will be mailed a postcard by Sept. 26. Season dates will be printed in the 2007-2008 Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Guide, which will be available by Sept. 15.
"We decided not to hold reserved hunts on these areas this year since we will not be able to provide the quality of hunting opportunity that we wanted to. Sportsmen can still hunt these areas, but should call ahead to get an update on current water conditions," Reis said.
Fish Point and Nayanquing Point will still be open to waterfowl hunting during the regular waterfowl hunting season, and staff will be conducting draws the mornings and afternoons of opening weekend. Opening day afternoon draws are youth priority draws.
Hunters are advised to call ahead to Fish Point and Nayanquing Point to check on water levels and conditions before hunting. Hunters can call Fish Point at 989-674-2511, or Nayanquing Point at 989-697-5101.
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