Still Time to Enter Michigan’s Wetland Wonders Challenge to Win an Ultimate Waterfowl Hunting Package
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters there is still time to enter the new Wetland Wonders Challenge. Duck and goose hunting is in full swing at the DNR-managed waterfowl hunt areas, and there are still plenty of hunting opportunities left in the South Zone waterfowl hunting season.
The Wetland Wonders Challenge continues through the close of the Allegan County Goose Management Unit season on Jan. 22, 2013. Hunters that visit at least four of the seven managed waterfowl hunting areas (MWHAs) will be entered into a drawing to win one of seven ultimate waterfowl hunting prize packages. The MWHAs include:
- Allegan State Game Area’s Fennville Farm Unit
- Fish Point
- Harsens Island
- Muskegon County Wastewater Facility
- Nayanquing Point
- Pointe Mouillee
- Shiawassee River
Area managers report positive comments about the Wetland Wonders Challenge from hunters. “The commemorative duck bands for each area that we are handing out have been very popular”, said Brandy Dybas-Berger, Nayanquing Point area manager. “But the real excitement at the check station has been the great prizes that have been donated.”
Seven impressive ultimate prize packages have been developed. “All seven prize packages will be slightly different but equally amazing,” said Barbara Avers, DNR waterfowl and wetland specialist.
Each of the seven winners will receive a Ducks Unlimited Remington 887 shotgun, a “golden ticket” good for one first-choice pick at a MWHA for the 2013-14 season (non-reserved), decoys and decoy bag, a call and lanyard, ammunition and gift cards.
Some ultimate prize packages will include guided duck hunts or taxidermy mounts from Naber’s Taxidermy, Wildlife Reflection and Taxidermy by Dourlain. Freeway Sports Center has donated a 12-foot jon boat for one of the seven winners.
Avers continued, “This contest wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our sponsors.”
Additional donors include Cabela’s, Frank’s Great Outdoors, Schupbach’s, Safari Club International, Zink Calls, Ducks and Bucks, Flambeau, Lynch Mob Calls, Rig ‘Em Right, Quacker Attacker, Waterfowl USA, Magnaport, Lake Effect and Saginaw Bay chapters of Michigan Duck Hunters Association, American Waterfowler, Fowl Pursuit, Fish Point Wildlife Association, Gibraltar Duck Hunters Association, Harsens Island Waterfowl Hunters Association, Joseph V. Demski, The Michigan Experience, Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival, and Shiawassee Flats Citizens and Hunters Association.
Hunters are reminded that even if they visit at least one MWHA, they can enter to win several great consolation prizes. All winners will be selected on Feb. 15, 2013.
The DNR invites hunters to Explore Michigan’s Wetland Wonders and experience the unique hunting opportunities available. For more information on the MWHAs (including location, drawing times, dates, and rules and regulations) and the Wetland Wonders Challenge contest (including the full list of contest sponsors, prize packages and terms and conditions), please visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders.
For waterfowl hunting season dates, please visit www.michigan.gov/hunting and click on waterfowl on the left-hand side of the page.
The challenge also connects to the new Michigan Waterfowl Legacy (MWL), which kicked off on Sept. 8 and celebrates the “Year of the Duck.” The MWL is a 10-year, cooperative partnership to restore, conserve and celebrate Michigan’s waterfowl, wetlands and waterfowl hunting community. For more information, please visit www.michigan.gov/mwl.
