Hunting & Trapping

No matter where you are in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you can find public hunting land. MiHUNT shows approximate boundaries of lands open to public hunting, including both public hunting land as well as private land open to the public for hunting. It contains up-to-date information to help you plan your next hunting trip including ground cover types, nearby recreational facilities, trails and more. This free interactive mapping application contains the most up-to-date information to help you plan your next hunting trip. This site is available at www.michigan.gov/mihunt.

Hunting on National Forest Lands

All state laws apply to National Forest lands; however, additional federal regulations also apply.

Wheeled Motor Vehicle Use

A free Motor Vehicle Use Map that shows designated roads and trails open for motorized travel, including off-road vehicles, is available at Forest Service offices as well as online (see links to National Forest websites below).

• Leaving equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is prohibited.
• Cross-country travel off designated routes is prohibited.
• Driving a motorized vehicle cross-country to blinds or to retrieve game is illegal. Exception: Personal assisted mobility devices.
• Both state and federal laws governing off-road vehicle use must be followed.

Camping

Camping in developed recreation areas is limited to 14 consecutive days, and camping in dispersed areas is limited to 16 consecutive days. Don't forget:

• Leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours in a developed recreation area is prohibited.
• Campfires must be attended at all times and extinguished completely when you leave.
• Campers/trailers on National Forest land must be properly licensed or registered.

Blinds

The Michigan law regarding hunting blinds, tree stands, and raised platforms applies on National Forest lands. Failure to remove ANY type of blind, structure, equipment or trash will result in a fine and removal, destruction, impoundment and/or seizure of any abandoned or illegally placed item. Cutting of branches or limbs for shooting lanes or to construct blinds is prohibited. 

Additional Information:

• Constructing or maintaining any food plot or any artificial garden to attract wildlife is prohibited.
• Blocking gates or road access is prohibited.
• Dragging forest roads is prohibited.
• Discharging a weapon within 150 yards of a building, campsite or occupied area or across or on a National Forest road or body of water is prohibited.
• Guiding on National Forest land requires a federal special use permit.

For additional information:
Hiawatha National Forest: 906-786-4062
Ottawa National Forest: 906-932-1330