Lansing, MI -(AmmoLand.com)- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to finish gathering their punches for the Consumers Energy-sponsored Wetland Wonders Challenge during the Zone 3 waterfowl hunting weekend Dec. 26 and 27.
The Harsens Island, Shiawassee River and Fennville Farm managed waterfowl hunt areas will have staff members available to validate punch cards both days. The contest runs until Jan. 31, 2016.
Michigan’s Wetland Wonders include the seven premier managed waterfowl hunt areas in the state: Fennville Farm Unit at the Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County), Fish Point State Wildlife Area (Tuscola County), St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area on Harsens Island (St. Clair County), Muskegon County Wastewater Facility (Muskegon County), Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Bay County), Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (Monroe and Wayne counties) and Shiawassee River State Game Area (Saginaw County).
These areas provide exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities throughout the hunting season. Managed duck hunting runs Dec. 26-27 at most of the managed waterfowl hunt areas. Fish Point, Nayanquing Point and Pointe Mouillee will have self-registration in place, while Harsens Island, Shiawassee River and Fennville Farm will have drawings, as usual, for the upcoming Dec. 26-27 weekend. Muskegon Wastewater Facility’s season runs through today, Dec. 22, and will not be open for the upcoming weekend. The Fennville Farm Unit also has managed goose hunting opportunities through Jan. 30, 2016.
Seven lucky Wetland Wonders Challenge winners will be awarded an ultimate waterfowl hunting prize package valued at $1,500, including a “golden ticket” that’s good for one first-choice pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area for the 2016-17 season (non-reserved); a Winchester SXP 12-gauge Waterfowl camo shotgun; Zink Calls custom duck and goose calls; Avian X mallard and goose decoys; and more. Contest partner Michigan United Conservation Clubs will select the winners on Feb. 16, 2016.
“With Consumers Energy’s generous support, we’ve been able to put together an exceptional prize package, so get out there and get your punches,” said Barb Avers, DNR waterfowl specialist. “There’s still plenty of opportunity to enjoy Michigan’s world-class waterfowl hunting.”
When hunters register at any of the managed waterfowl hunt areas, they will receive an individual commemorative duck leg band for that area and a validation on their Wetland Wonders Challenge punch card (available at all managed waterfowl hunt areas). To be entered, participants must hunt at three of the seven southern Michigan Wetland Wonders and submit a punch-card entry form. Hunters who hunt at more than three areas will receive an additional contest entry for each additional punch. Those who hunt all seven will automatically win a prize. For more information on the managed waterfowl hunt areas (including location, drawing times, dates, and rules and regulations) and the Wetland Wonders Challenge contest (including terms and conditions), please visit mi.gov/wetlandwonders.
The Wetland Wonders Challenge is part of the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy, a 10-year, cooperative partnership to restore, conserve and celebrate Michigan’s waterfowl, wetland and waterfowl hunting community.
The initiative is a “call to action” to honor yesterday, engage today and build for tomorrow.
About the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.
For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.