Thursday was the first day of waterfowl hunting for some species, and the DNR is assuring hunters that they believe avian flu will not affect as many waterfowl.
They say there have been many cases of the virus across Michigan, but they don’t believe the avian flu will cause a dramatic decline in waterfowl populations.
They recommend to hunters to only harvest healthy waterfowl — meaning none that are acting unusual.
Once you’ve harvested your waterfowl, the DNR asks hunters to properly field dress the animals, and wear rubber gloves so hunters don’t come in to contact with and potential sicknesses.
If there’s a die-off of more than six birds, they’re encouraged to call the local DNR Field Office.
“I think hunters can proceed as they normally would,” said Michigan DNR Wildlife Outreach Coordinator Rachel Leightner. “Generally hunters are very safe while hunting and while handling carcasses. You can just keep keeping safe as you have in previous years.”
For a full list of precautions about the avian flu, you can find them .
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