Friday, September 7, 2018

Michigan: Some DNR Floodings Have Low Water Levels

If you hunt or trap at the following DNR managed waterfowl hunt areas or DNR managed floodings, be aware that maintenance activities are occurring and some water levels are low.

Shiawassee River State Game Area in Saginaw County is constructing a new water pumping station on the north end of the game area that supplies water to the 1-5, 6-8, and 9-14 waterfowl hunting zone fields, in addition to the Wahl Road Marsh (zones 67-76). Construction has been delayed from the original schedule and may continue into the waterfowl season. This maintenance work will not affect the ability to have these fields flooded for the season opener. For more information, contact Jeremiah Heise, 989-865-6211.

Crow Island State Game Area in Bay County currently has the Davis Unit, on the game area’s west side, drawn down due to infrastructure damage that occurred during 2017 and 2018 storm and flooding events. The unit is still huntable, but access may be more difficult than previous years. For more information, contact Jeremiah Heise, 989-865-6211.

Sturgeon River Sloughs State Wildlife Management Area in Houghton County is undergoing significant infrastructure improvements, but much of the area will remain open to hunting and trapping. Some parking lots will be closed and units 5, 6 and 7 will not have adequate water. For more information, contact John DePue, 906-353-6651.

Reedsburg Dam in Missaukee County will undergo significant maintenance upgrades this fall; therefore, low water levels will be found during the waterfowl and trapping seasons. The state forest campground and boat launch remain open, although drawdown likely will limit the areas boaters can reach. For more information, contact Keith Fisher, 989-275-5151.

Kawkawlin Creek Flooding State Wildlife Management Area in Midland County had seen some upgrades in the last few seasons and construction is complete. Currently, boards are in place to collect water, although levels still are not up to traditional or historic levels. Recent rains will continue to fill the flooding, but water levels remain extremely low. For more information, contact Bruce Barlow, 989-426-9205.

Molasses River Flooding No. 2 State Wildlife Management Area in Gladwin County currently is only at normal creek flow levels. Boards that had stopped water were removed to drain water for maintenance, but the work is almost done. Boards soon will be replaced to begin restoring water levels. For more information, contact Bruce Barlow, 989-426-9205.

Fortunately, many other hunting and trapping locations can be found nearby or on adjacent public land. Find somewhere close to home or make this a year to find a whole new place to explore. Learn more at michigan.gov/hunting.