Known locally as the “Shiawassee Flats,” the refuge lies within the Saginaw Bay watershed, historically one of the largest wetland areas in Michigan. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge is designated as a United States Important Bird Area for its global significance to migratory waterfowl. Each fall migratory birds, including Canada geese and mallard ducks, are hunted within the refuge's waterfowl hunting unit. The refuge offers hunting on four days of the week (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) with no limit on the number of parties participating. The refuge also hosts a thriving deer population, making for a popular lottery hunt (archery, limited firearm and muzzleloader). The deer hunt offers opportunity hunts for youth and disabled hunters. Upland game hunting can be enjoyed at the refuge. The refuge offers hunting of turkey (spring only), small game (eastern fox squirrel, eastern cottontail, ring-necked pheasant, American woodcock, and American crow) and furbearers (raccoon, coyote and red fox) on designated areas, in accordance with State regulations. The refuge honors the heritage of hunting for current and future generations of Americans.

For more information on the 2026 Reserved Deer Hunt, please refer to the Michigan DNR website for RESERVED DEER HUNTS
 

For information on permits and lotteries, please refer to Michigan DNR eLicense

Open house days are an opportunity for ALL VISITORS to explore off trails and traditionally closed areas of the refuge. Hunters typically use this as a scouting weekend. You may access the refuge at any access point (including hunter parking lots). The following dates are open house days in 2026:

• Sept. 5th - Sept. 7th
• Sept. 25th - Sept. 27th 

Dates for the 2026 Deer Hunting Season:

• Sept. 12-13th (Youth Hunt)
• Oct. 1-7th
• Oct. 15-16th (Lottery-based Accessibility Hunt)
• October 17-18th (Lottery-based Accessibility Hunt)
• Oct. 30- Nov. 5th
• Nov. 15-19th
• Nov. 20-24th
• Nov. 25-29th
• Dec. 4-6th
• Dec. 17-23rd

Hunters must follow all State of Michigan hunting regulations.

Click here for more information about the Lottery-based Accessibility Hunt.

Click here to access the Lottery-based Accessibility Hunt application permit.

2026 Shiawassee Waterfowl Hunt

Hunting may occur on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday until noon, and Thursday noon until the end of legal hunting hours.

• The refuge's season begins during regular goose season after September 30th.
• You may possess no more than 25 shotgun shells.
• Non-toxic shot only.
• Use of dogs is allowed.

• Access permitted 2 hours before/after legal hunting hours.

Youth Preference (non-reserved):

The Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend is a statewide waterfowl season that takes place on public and private lands open to waterfowl hunting September 19-20th, 2026. Youth 16 years old or younger can participate in this season.

• Hunters 9 years old and younger must be licensed through the Mentored Hunting Program and accompanied by a qualified mentor. A migratory bird youth endorsement (includes HIP) is also required.
• Hunters 10-15 years old must have a base license, base apprentice license or an inclusive mentored license. A migratory bird youth endorsement (includes HIP) is also required.
• Hunters who are 16 years old must have a Michigan waterfowl license and a federal duck stamp in addition to their base license, base apprentice license or inclusive mentored license. A HIP endorsement is also required.

For Specific Hunting Rules and Policies

Species not listed here are closed to hunting on the refuge.