Duck populations drop slightly
NATIONWIDE — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently released duck numbers from the May-June surveys, showing that the breeding population is estimated at 37.3 million, a nine percent drop from last year’s 41.2 million. However, the number is 11 percent above the long-term average from 1955-2007. For complete survey stats visit www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports.

Outdoor weekend on tap
IMLAY CITY — The 22nd annual Woods-N-Water outdoor weekend that draws thousands of outdoor lovers to the area will fill the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds Sept. 5-7.
Dog training seminars, falconry, Native American dancing, civil war encampments and everything outdoors revolving around hunting, fishing, ATVs and more are on the schedule. Country Smokehouse of Almont will return to demonstrate proper field dressing, the high flying dogs return to the pool area, and of course vendors offering food, clothing and wares will fill several barns and tent areas.
Show hours are Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $7 per person, with kids under the age of 12 admitted free of charge.

Casting for salmon
PERE MARQUETTE — Ladies interested in taking part in the DNR’s Becoming An Outdoors Woman can sign up for a Chinook salmon flyfishing weekend that will take place on the Pere Marquette River Sept. 12-14.
Workshop is limited to 12 and costs $500 per person. Fee covers all room, boarding and meals. Flyfishing equipment will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Details: Lynn Marla at 517-241-2225 or e-mail marlal@mchigan.gov.

Field Notes by Lisa Paine

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