"October was a very good month," Kafcas said. "The opening was average; however, the remainder of October was above average. Duck harvest was highest in October and early November, and the last three days of the season. Harvest figures were the second highest recorded (14,191), with more pintails, widgeon, gadwalls and green-winged teal." Although the number of migratory ducks was lower than normal, peak numbers topped 35,000 on Nov. 8.

For information on waterfowling opportunities in southeast Michigan, call (586) 465-4771.

A combination of milder weather and less competition made for good hunting in the eastern U.P.

"I had no complaints," said Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee member James Bailey, who hunts near his Drummond Island home. "Opening the northern and middle zones at the same time is a good thing." Bailey said hunting pressure was manageable with the combined opener and kept the birds around a little longer. "We had some good diver hunting later in the season. There were a lot of buffleheads, goldeneyes and oldsquaws."

Bailey said reports from other hunters were good.

"I heard there were quite a few ringnecks on Munuscong when the season opened," he said. "There was excellent hunting on Lake George on the St. Marys all season long."

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What will the 2007 duck season hold? Early indications are that it will be even better than 2006.