Michigan's managed waterfowl areas will hold their annual fall open houses this September and October, but a key road closure at Pointe Mouillee will restrict boat launch access for hunters through the 2026 season.
Hunters and outdoor visitors heading to Michigan's managed waterfowl areas this fall will need to plan around a major access change at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Roberts Road remains closed south of Reaume Road, blocking one of the two main boat launches. While some local reports mention failed culverts and a washout, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has only confirmed the closure itself. No official timeline for repairs or details about the cause have been released by the DNR, Monroe County Road Commission, or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The closure is expected to last through the 2026 waterfowl season, with updates promised as work progresses.
Despite the closure, Michigan's annual fall open houses at managed waterfowl areas will go on as planned. Organized by the DNR's Wetland Wonders program, these events give hunters and visitors a chance to tour the sites, talk with local staff about current hunting conditions, and see what each area offers for the season ahead. All open houses start at 6 p.m. at the area headquarters, as listed in the official DNR calendar (Nayanquing Point open house).
Open house schedule and locations
The 2026 fall open house schedule, confirmed by the DNR, includes:
- Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1570 N. Tower Beach Road, Pinconning (6-9 p.m., contact 989-697-5101)
- Fish Point State Wildlife Area: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7750 Ringle Road, Unionville
- Shiawassee River State Game Area: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 225 East Spruce Street, St. Charles
- Harsens Island at St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 3857 Columbine Road, Harsens Island
- Pointe Mouillee State Game Area: Thursday, Oct. 15, 37205 Mouillee Road, Route 2, Rockwood
Each open house offers updates on habitat conditions, hunting opportunities, and area management. These events are part of the DNR's regular public outreach for hunting and wetland management, and are listed in the state's official event calendar.
Veterans preference drawings and documentation
Hunters seeking veterans preference in area drawings should note the 2026 dates. Drawings will be held at Pointe Mouillee on Tuesday, Nov. 10; at Fish Point, Harsens Island, Nayanquing Point, and Shiawassee River on Wednesday, Nov. 11; and at Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center on Thursday, Nov. 12. Details on documentation and eligibility are in the state's waterfowl hunting regulations summary, maintained by the DNR and referenced by agencies such as the Oakland County Parks & Recreation division.
For those planning to hunt at Pointe Mouillee, the Roberts Road closure means only one main boat launch will be open. Temporary repairs were ruled unsafe, and full reconstruction will require engineering, design, surveys, and permits before work can begin. As of now, neither the DNR nor Monroe County Road Commission has released a new public update on when the road might reopen. Progress will be posted to the Pointe Mouillee webpage, and hunters are encouraged to check official sources for the latest information.
How Michigan manages its waterfowl areas
The Department of Natural Resources oversees Michigan's managed waterfowl areas as part of a broader effort to maintain wetland habitats for wildlife and public recreation. These areas are managed to balance waterfowl conservation with hunting access, and the annual open houses are a regular way to share updates and gather feedback from the community. The state's approach to wetland management has drawn attention in recent years, as other Michigan communities have faced similar infrastructure and environmental challenges, as reported earlier by Farmington Voice. Local school districts, including Farmington Public Schools, often include DNR programs in their science and environmental lessons, connecting these public lands to the wider community.
With fall hunting season approaching, the combination of open house events and ongoing repairs highlights the work needed to keep Michigan's public lands open and productive. The state's updates on closures, project timelines, and regulations reflect a practical approach to both conservation and public use. For hunters and visitors, keeping up with access changes and event schedules will be important for a successful season.
