Report Nr. 3063 Hunting Results, Michigan Small Game Seasons, 1986

This report presents estimates of small game kill and hunter numbers in Michigan for the 1986 small game seasons and any extensions of those seasons in the 1987 calendar year. A total of 298,283 people hunted for small game during the 1986 seasons compared to 312,134 in 1985. The number of pheasant hunters declined 19 percent from 1985 as did the number of woodcock hunters, squirrel hunters, and cottontail rabbit hunters. Slightly more grouse hunters took to the field in 1986. The number of duck hunters remained about the same compared to 1985. Hunter take of pheasants, ruffed grouse, woodcock, ducks, cottontails, and squirrels declined, while geese and snowshoe hare harvests increased. The pheasant harvest declined 25 percent.