Wildlife Refuge Open to Hunters in Designated Areas

Michigan hunters have three new spots to hunt waterfowl this season after designated areas within the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge were opened to hunters.

Hunters may now hunt in three managed hunt zones within the Brancheau Unit, according to a release from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The DNR teamed up with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to write a plan that allows waterfowl hunters to utilize some of the marsh on the refuge.

“It’s a win-win situation,” DNR wildlife supervisor Joe Robison stated in the release. “It’s helping us stretch our dollar further and providing additional public hunting opportunity in Southeast Michigan, where there are a lot of people and limited public land.”

Zach Cooley, DNR wildlife biologist for Monroe and Wayne County, said the additional hunting is good waterfowl population management for the area.

"Otherwise populations would get out of control and become out of balance," Cooley said.

He added a considerable amount of the wildlife refuge was purchased with funds generated by federal duck stamps.

DNR waterfowl specialist Barb Avers said the new hunting opportunity may help raise the number of waterfowl hunters.

“Waterfowl hunting has always been an important part of Michigan’s outdoor legacy, particularly in the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie corridor,” she said in the release. “Opening up the refuge to duck and goose hunters provides public access to a historic waterfowl hunting area.”

Morning drawings for the hunt zones are held in conjunction with the drawing at nearby Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, which occurs on Sundays and Wednesdays.