"The refuge appeared to hold good numbers of mallards prior to the flooding of the cropped units," Weigold said. "As flooding began in preparation for the waterfowl season, the number of waterfowl using the area increased. It was estimated that 15,000 waterfowl were using the SRSGA just prior to opening day (the greatest number of birds observed on the area in a few years). At times, birds using the entire area probably peaked at between 15,000 and 20,000."

Higher bird numbers translated into better hunting success. Duck harvest at SRSGA in 2006 reached 10,594 compared with 7,480 in 2005. Hunters logged slightly more trips in 2006 (7,312) compared with 2005 (6,613). The duck kill per hunter per trip last season of 1.44 was the highest in the last five seasons.

"The hunting conditions at SRSGA were good during the 2006 season," Weigold said. "Overall, the crops were good despite a few spots with poor cover for concealing hunters. The water levels in the different zones were adequate for most of the season. Numerous hunters reported that the season was one of the best -- if not the best -- that they had experienced."

For information on the Shiawassee River State Game Area, call (989) 865-6211.

Hunting success on the Muskegon Waste Water Treatment Plant depends on weather and moisture like everywhere else.

"Duck numbers were less concentrated due to improved water conditions on the Kalamazoo, Grand and Muskegon river systems," biologist Nic Kalejs said. "As a result, MWWTP duck survey numbers fell by about 50 percent. Good numbers of woodies were using the Ottawa Marsh system and the Muskegon River bottoms. Duck use was also up on the Allegan Farm Unit. Mild December weather kept the ducks more dispersed than usual. Overall, duck numbers were noticeably above the 2005 levels."

For information on waterfowling opportunities at the MWWTP and nearby, call the Muskegon State Game Area at (231) 788-5055.

Hunters who freelance on the marshes, drowned river mouths and impoundments found in western Michigan found decent hunting last year.

"There seemed to be a few more birds around," avid waterfowler Mike Smith said. "There was a lot of different kinds of ducks around at different times of the year, too. Heck, we shot a couple of bluebills on opening day!"

Smith said local mallard numbers appeared to be lower than in previous years, and concentrations of flight mallards never seemed to materialize while the season was open. Higher than normal numbers of widgeon, gadwalls and teal helped pick up some of the slack. Even with a December closing, waters remained open throughout the season, and good numbers of divers remained through November on popular venues like Portage, Manistee, Hamlin and Pere Marquette lakes. With Great Lakes water levels up slightly over previous years, hunters found access slightly easier, and plenty of cover.

Waterfowlers had mixed results in southeastern Michigan's waterfowling meccas.

"Pre-season staging activity on the St. Clair Flats Wildlife Area was average, but slightly better than in 2005, with good numbers of mallards and green-winged teal and fewer wood ducks," said Mt. Clemens Fisheries Research Station wildlife biologist Ernie Kafcas. "Good steady migration activity was recorded in October and early November. Mallards trickled down from early October into early November, with peak numbers recorded in early November." Overall, Kafcas characterized the hunting as "an average opener that was slightly better than last season."

On Lake St. Clair, there were plenty of birds, but they were difficult to hunt.

"Diver distribution was quite a bit different from 2005, with a very inconsistent U.S. water distribution pattern," Kafcas observed. "Except for about a 10-day period in late October to early November, divers were largely absent from the Anchor Bay region. Large late-season rafts seemed to form earlier and were visible well offshore. Overall, bluebill, redhead and canvasback numbers were down from last season. Bufflehead harvest was up dramatically from 2005 and was a large portion of the bag."

Kafcas said the buildup of waterfowl was in full swing by the latter part of October. Good numbers of redheads -- down from 2005 -- and canvasbacks -- up from 2005 -- started showing up in late October, with peak diver numbers recorded in mid-November. Bluebill numbers were down from 2005. Buffleheads appeared on the lake earlier than usual and excellent numbers were recorded from late October through Thanksgiving.

Hunters on Harsens Island Managed Waterfowl Area enjoyed a great season in 2006.