The Hiawatha National Forest is open to hunting in the pursuit of fowl and game according to the current season schedule set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In addition to making sure you have your hunting license from the MI-DNR, there are a few things to remember when hunting on National Forest System lands to make your trip more enjoyable:
- Maps — Don’t forget to download a current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) before you go! (Did you know that, as long as you download the MVUM before you head to camp, with the Avenza app you can navigate in the field without cell coverage?!) On all National Forests, motor vehicles can only be used on roads, trails or areas that are designated as open for that particular vehicle. This includes all motorized wheeled vehicles from ATVs to street-legal vehicles. To make sure you know where you are and where you are going, stop at any Forest Service office and get the map for the area you where you will be hunting. Maps are also available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/hiawatha/maps-pubs (scroll to MVUM section).
- Off-road vehicles — It is illegal to operate an ORV on National Forest lands except on designated trails. All cross-country ORV travel is prohibited on the Hiawatha. It is illegal to drive an ORV cross country to blinds or to retrieve game.
- Camping — Our Developed Campgrounds generally close for the season in October (for specific dates, visit Recreation.gov). On the West Zone, we also offer Dispersed Campgrounds, which remain open until the snow doesn’t allow you to drive in and which require reservations (Recreation.gov). Leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is prohibited, and such equipment will be removed. Lastly, primitive camping is also allowed forestwide anywhere that isn’t posted “No Camping”. You DO NOT need a permit to primitive camp, however you may not camp for more than 16 consecutive days at any one location. Permanent camping structures and damaging trees by placing nails or anchors into the tree is prohibited.
- Parking — When camping, or stopping somewhere to hunt for a few hours, vehicles may be parked no more than 25 feet off the road.
- Firewood — Please purchase or gather firewood locally to reduce the spread of invasive species such as emerald ash borer and gypsy moth. Campfires or warming fires must be attended at all times. You do not need a firewood permit to gather wood for a campfire or cooking fire.
- Food Plots — It is illegal to create food plots on National Forest System lands.
- Blinds — Hunters may not erect permanent blinds on National Forest lands, and all blinds, shelters and other personal property must be removed at the conclusion of this season. Blinds must meet the Michigan DNR’s requirements as described in the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide.
- No trespassing — It is illegal to post areas of the National Forest as private property in order to discourage other hunters. Also, National Forest System lands are interspersed with private land; make sure you are on National Forest during your hunting trip.
Good luck, hunters, and again, remember to download a motor vehicle use map to know before you go! For more information on the Hiawatha National Forest visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/hiawatha.
