As the crisp autumn air descends upon the Great Lakes State, waterfowl enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the announcement of the 2024-2025 Michigan duck season schedule. With its vast wetlands, abundant waterfowl populations, and passionate hunting community, Michigan offers unparalleled duck hunting opportunities. The release of the schedule signals the start of preparations for an unforgettable season filled with camaraderie, anticipation, and the thrill of the hunt.
Traditionally, the Michigan duck season spans several months, typically beginning in early October and extending into December. Hunters can expect to pursue a variety of duck species, including mallards, wood ducks, teal, and canvasbacks. The season is structured into zones, each with its own set of opening and closing dates. These zones are designed to align with the migration patterns of waterfowl and ensure sustainable hunting practices. While the specific dates for the 2024-2025 season have yet to be announced, hunters can anticipate a similar timeframe to previous years.
In addition to the standard duck season, Michigan also offers special hunting opportunities for waterfowl. These include youth waterfowl hunts, which provide a unique opportunity for young hunters to experience the sport in a safe and supervised environment. Additionally, there are special seasons for certain duck species, such as the early teal season and the late goose season. These seasons allow hunters to target specific waterfowl populations and extend their hunting opportunities. As the 2024-2025 Michigan duck season schedule is released, hunters can begin planning their trips, fine-tuning their gear, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the waterfowl season.
Early Season Youth Hunt
Michigan’s Early Season Youth Waterfowl Hunt is a great opportunity for young hunters to get their first taste of waterfowl hunting. The hunt is open to youth hunters ages 10 to 15, and they must be accompanied by a licensed adult mentor. The hunt takes place on the Saturday and Sunday before the regular waterfowl season opens. Youth hunters are allowed to harvest six ducks daily, with a possession limit of 12.
To participate in the Early Season Youth Waterfowl Hunt, youth hunters must have a valid hunting license and a waterfowl hunting permit. They must also be accompanied by a licensed adult mentor who is at least 18 years old. The mentor must be present with the youth hunter at all times during the hunt.
The Early Season Youth Waterfowl Hunt is a great way for young hunters to learn about waterfowl hunting and to get some hands-on experience. It is also a great way for youth hunters to spend time with their mentors and to bond over a shared interest.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Saturday, September 6, 2024 | All open waterfowl hunting areas in Michigan |
| Sunday, September 7, 2024 | All open waterfowl hunting areas in Michigan |
| Saturday, September 13, 2025 | All open waterfowl hunting areas in Michigan |
| Sunday, September 14, 2025 | All open waterfowl hunting areas in Michigan |
Regular Season Zone Dates
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the 2024-2025 duck hunting season dates. The season will be divided into two zones, with different start and end dates for each zone. Hunters must be aware of the zone they will be hunting in before the season begins.
Zone 1
Zone 1 includes the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula. The regular duck season in Zone 1 will run from September 20, 2024, to November 16, 2024. There will also be a late season for scaup and goldeneye that will run from December 7, 2024, to January 11, 2025.
Zone 2
Zone 2 includes the southern Lower Peninsula. The regular duck season in Zone 2 will run from October 1, 2024, to December 14, 2024. There will also be a late season for scaup and goldeneye that will run from December 21, 2024, to January 25, 2025.
| Zone | Regular Season Dates | Late Season Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 20, 2024 – November 16, 2024 | December 7, 2024 – January 11, 2025 |
| 2 | October 1, 2024 – December 14, 2024 | December 21, 2024 – January 25, 2025 |
Bag and Possession Limits
The bag and possession limits for ducks in Michigan for the 2024-2025 season are as follows:
Daily Bag Limit
The daily bag limit for ducks is six ducks, of which no more than four may be mallards (including no more than one female), two may be black ducks, one may be a pintail, and one may be a canvasback.
Possession Limit
The possession limit for ducks is twice the daily bag limit, or 12 ducks, of which no more than eight may be mallards (including no more than two females), four may be black ducks, two may be pintails, and two may be canvasbacks.
Additional Information
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard (including no more than one female) | 4 | 8 |
| Black Duck | 2 | 4 |
| Pintail | 1 | 2 |
| Canvasback | 1 | 2 |
| Other Ducks | 6 | 12 |
- The daily bag limit for scaup is three, and the possession limit is six.
- The daily bag limit for long-tailed ducks is two, and the possession limit is four.
- The daily bag limit for mergansers is five, and the possession limit is 10.
Special Regulations and Restrictions
The following regulations and restrictions apply to duck hunting in Michigan during the 2024-2025 season:
Non-Toxic Shot Required
All shotguns used for waterfowl hunting in Michigan must be loaded with non-toxic shot. This includes steel, bismuth, tungsten-iron, or tungsten-polymer shot.
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day
Youth 17 years of age and younger may participate in a special youth waterfowl hunting day on September 23, 2024. Adult supervision is required.
Federal Duck Stamp Required
All waterfowl hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a valid Federal Duck Stamp. This stamp can be purchased at most sporting goods stores or online at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits
The daily bag limit for ducks is six birds per day, with a possession limit of 12 birds. The following species-specific daily bag limits apply:
| Species | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|
| Mallards (including hybrids) | 2 |
| Black ducks | 2 |
| Wood ducks | 2 |
| Pintails | 1 |
| Canvasbacks | 1 |
| Redheads | 1 |
| Scaup | 2 |
| Other ducks | 5 |
Season Dates for Special Areas
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the special late waterfowl hunting seasons for certain areas in the state. These seasons provide additional opportunities for waterfowlers to pursue late-migrating ducks in specific areas. The following areas are included in the special seasons:
- Allegan County
- Barry County
- Berrien County
- Calhoun County
- Cass County
- Clinton County
- Eaton County
- Genesee County
- Ingham County
- Jackson County
- Kalamazoo County
- Kent County
- Lapeer County
- Lenawee County
- Livingston County
- Macomb County
- Monroe County
- Montcalm County
- Muskegon County
- Newaygo County
- Oakland County
- Ottawa County
- Saginaw County
- St. Clair County
- St. Joseph County
- Tuscola County
- Van Buren County
- Washtenaw County
- Wayne County
The special late waterfowl hunting seasons in these areas will run from February 11-March 12, 2025. The daily bag limit is the same as the regular waterfowl season, which is six ducks per day. Hunters must follow all other waterfowl hunting regulations, including the use of non-toxic shot and the possession of a valid waterfowl hunting license.
These special late seasons provide waterfowlers with an opportunity to extend their season and pursue late-migrating ducks in areas where they may be concentrated. Hunters should be aware that these areas may also be popular with other hunters, so it is important to practice safe hunting practices and be respectful of other hunters and landowners.
| Special Season Area | Dates | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allegan County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Barry County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Berrien County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Calhoun County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cass County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Clinton County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eaton County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Genesee County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ingham County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jackson County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kalamazoo County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kent County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lapeer County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lenawee County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Livingston County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Macomb County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monroe County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Montcalm County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Muskegon County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Newaygo County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oakland County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ottawa County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Saginaw County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| St. Clair County | February 11-March 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| St. Joseph County |
| Zone | Bag Limit |
|---|---|
| Upper Peninsula | 1 Bearded Turkey |
| Northern Lower Peninsula | 1 Bearded Turkey |
| Southern Lower Peninsula | 1 Bearded Turkey |
Hunting Licenses and Permits
To participate in the Michigan duck season, hunters must purchase the following licenses and permits:
Resident Hunting License
Required for all Michigan residents who are 17 years of age or older.
Nonresident Hunting License
Required for all nonresidents who are 17 years of age or older.
Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp
Required for all waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older.
Michigan Waterfowl Hunting License
Required for all waterfowl hunters who are 16 years of age or older.
Additional Permits
Depending on the hunting method and location, additional permits may be required, such as:
Blind Permit
Required for hunting from a blind in the state’s managed waterfowl areas.
Special Bag and Possession Limit Permit
Allows hunters to exceed the daily bag and possession limits for certain waterfowl species during specific seasons and areas.
| License/Permit | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $20 |
| Nonresident Hunting License | $125 |
| Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp | $25 |
| Michigan Waterfowl Hunting License | $15 |
Safety Regulations and Best Practices
1. Know the Regulations
Be familiar with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) waterfowl regulations, including bag limits, shooting hours, and designated hunting areas.
2. Wear Appropriate Clothing
Wear warm, waterproof clothing and boots to stay dry and protected in the field.
3. Use a Safe Backdrop
Ensure there is a safe backdrop behind your target, such as a field or water, to avoid accidents.
4. Handle Firearms Responsibly
Always treat firearms with respect, keep them unloaded until ready to fire, and follow all safety rules.
5. Respect Other Hunters
Be mindful of your fellow hunters, maintain safe distances, and communicate respectfully.
6. Use Decoys and Blinds
Utilize decoys and blinds to conceal your presence and attract waterfowl.
7. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay alert to other hunters, boats, and wildlife while hunting.
8. Check Your Equipment
Ensure your firearms, ammunition, and other equipment are in good working order before heading afield.
9. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs while hunting, as they can impair your judgment and reaction time.
10. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Carry a first-aid kit, whistle, and cell phone for emergency situations. Know how to contact the DNR or emergency services if needed:
| Emergency Situation | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Wildlife or Hunting Violation | DNR Wildlife Division: 517-284-9453 |
| Medical Emergency | Call 911 |
Michigan Duck Season 2024-2025 Schedule
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the 2024-2025 duck season dates. The season will run from September 28, 2024, to December 15, 2024, in the southern zone and from October 1, 2024, to December 15, 2024, in the northern zone. The daily bag limit is six ducks, with a possession limit of 12. The season will be closed for the following species: canvasback, redhead, hooded merganser, and common goldeneye.
The DNR also announced that the youth duck hunt will be held on September 21-22, 2024, statewide. The daily bag limit for the youth duck hunt is three ducks, with a possession limit of six. Hunters must be 16 years of age or younger to participate in the youth duck hunt.
People Also Ask
When does the Michigan duck season open in 2024?
The Michigan duck season opens on September 28, 2024, in the southern zone and on October 1, 2024, in the northern zone.
What is the daily bag limit for ducks in Michigan?
The daily bag limit for ducks in Michigan is six, with a possession limit of 12.
What species of ducks are closed during the Michigan duck season?
The following species of ducks are closed during the Michigan duck season: canvasback, redhead, hooded merganser, and common goldeneye.
Is there a youth duck hunt in Michigan?
Yes, there is a youth duck hunt in Michigan. It will be held on September 21-22, 2024, statewide.
