Hunting on Lake St. Clair, Michigan

Okay, so to describe me as an international man of mystery would be a bit of a stretch. Truth is, I've traveled very little and I'm not the most well-cultured person on the planet. In fact, save the occasional trips through the Southeast and into Texas, I've never traveled anywhere. So, to say that I was stepping out on a limb to travel 850 miles North from Gibby's Place to Lake St. Clair, Michigan, is a bit of an understatement.



Lake St. Clair is a freshwater lake which lies between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. The lake covers approximately 430 square miles and stretches 26 miles in width from North to South. The lake is fed by Lake Huron to the North via the St. Clair River, and feeds into Lake Erie to the South. The maximum depth of the lake is 27 feet, but the average depth is 11 feet, and much of the lake is covered by extremely shallow water ranging from 8 to 12 inches. The entirety of the water contained within the lake is recycled every 2-7 days.



When Jim Davis, a good friend and quasi-family member, called and invited me for some late October duck hunting on the lake, I was quite hesitant. Obviously, for a white boy from Arkansas who hasn't traveled north of the Mason-Dixon, the thought of a 13-hour drive and duck hunting 20 minutes outside the corporate limits of Detroit is a tad overwhelming. Nonetheless, having found new courage and the pioneer spirit, on October 24, 2009, I made tracks for Anchor Bay. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find that Jim has acquired a sweet pad on a canal with waterfront access.



The lake is beautiful, and the northeastern section of the lake boasts St. Clair Flats, the largest of the Great Lakes delta regions, comprised of exceptionally shallow water and an extensive system of reed-covered islands. Included in this area is Harson's Island, a wildlife unit managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.



Alright, I'll admit it . . . the hunting was slooooow. In fact, only two birds gave it up over my 3 day hunting extravaganza, and no, yours truly wasn't responsible for either. But the landscape was magnificent and the fellowship outstanding. My thanks to Jim, Gary, Mike & and the rest of the crew for being gracious hosts and excellent tour guides.


JIM


GARY


--Gibby