Although Northwest Michigan is not located on the migratory flyway, hunters find some fairly good opportunities in the region. Among the hundreds of inland lakes, you'll find good local concentrations of mallards, wood ducks and Canada geese. However, there are some areas in Michigan posted closed to waterfowl hunting. In Grand Traverse County, Boardman Lake and those waters of the Boardman River lying north of Airport Road and south of the 8th Street Bridge are closed. Hunters also need to be aware that a federal migratory bird-hunting stamp, a Michigan waterfowl hunting license and a Michigan small game license are all required for hunting migratory waterfowl in the state.
Federal stamps are available at post offices and some retail licenses agents.
All of the state and federal regulations are made clear in the Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Guide available from DNR offices. Use of decoys and blinds, seasons and bag limits on individual species are also outlined in the guide. If you decide you want to mount your wild game, remember, after the kill, time is of the essence. Taxidermists recommend freezing your game if you cannot get it to them within one to two days of capture. Taxidermists are required to be licensed by the state.