Mastering the Art of Scouting Public Land for Deer Hunting

MISSOURI DEER HUNTING
Public land deer hunting presents a unique set of challenges, but also, opportunities for hunters. While private land offer controlled environments, public lands are a treasure trove of diverse habitats and rich hunting experiences. Private land hunting may not be an option due to cost or other factors. Successfully scouting public land will significantly enhance your chances for hunting success. Here are some expert tips to get you started.

1. Research and Regulations

Before stepping into the woods, invest time in thorough research:

• Maps and Apps: Use topographic maps and GPS apps like OnX Hunt, Google Earth, or HuntStand to get a lay of the land. My favorite is Gaia GPS.
• Regulations: Check state and local hunting regulations. Each public land area may have specific rules regarding hunting seasons, permissible hunting methods, and areas off-limits to hunting. You don't want to waste massive quantities of time scouting an area not open to hunting or with special regs that don't work in your circumstances.

2. Understand the Terrain

Public lands encompass various terrains and ecosystems. Understanding these features is crucial:

• Topography: Identify high ridges, valleys, and water sources. Deer often travel along natural funnels like ridges and saddles.
• Vegetation: Look for areas with diverse vegetation. Deer need a mix of cover for bedding and open areas for feeding. Understand how mast affects deer feeding behavior and research whether food plots are put in the area you will hunt.
• Water Sources: Small ponds, streams, and other water features are prime hunting areas.

3. Seasonal Patterns

Deer behavior changes with the seasons:

• Early Season: Focus on food sources. Look for areas with abundant natural forage like acorns, fruit trees, and crop fields.
• Pre-Rut and Rut: Concentrate on travel corridors and doe bedding areas. Bucks will be actively seeking does.
• Late Season: Deer will be seeking high-calorie food sources to survive the winter. Focus on areas with remaining agricultural crops or mast-producing trees.

4. Boots on the Ground

Digital scouting is invaluable, but nothing beats firsthand experience:

• Scouting Trips: Plan multiple scouting trips during the off-season. Look for deer signs such as tracks, rubs, scrapes, and droppings.
• Trail Cameras: Set up trail cameras to monitor deer activity. Place them along trails, food sources, and bedding areas. This can be tricky on public land - use your discretion and good common sense. We have had gear stolen from public areas, so beware.
• Entry and Exit Routes: Plan your entry and exit routes to avoid disturbing bedding areas and to remain undetected by deer.

5. Focus on Edge Habitats

Edges, where two types of vegetation meet, are often hotspots for deer activity:

• Field Edges: Deer use the cover of the woods to approach open fields.
• Thicket Boundaries: Thick cover provides security, and deer often travel along these boundaries.
• Water Edges: Deer need water daily, making creeks, rivers, and ponds ideal scouting locations.

6. Human Pressure

Public lands can see significant human activity, impacting deer behavior:

• Remote Areas: Seek out less accessible areas where human presence is minimal. We often mark out any area on the map within 1/4 mile of an established road or trail. It's astounding how many fewer hunters we encounter using this rule.
• Weekday Hunts: Hunting pressure is typically lower during weekdays, increasing your chances of encountering deer.
• Adjust to Pressure: Deer will alter their patterns in response to hunting pressure. Be adaptable and look for fresh signs of deer activity away from heavily hunted areas.

7. Stay Flexible

Adaptability is key to successful public land hunting:

• Mobile Hunting: Consider using a lightweight, portable tree stand or a ground blind (be cautious on public ground with ground blinds!). Being able to move quickly and quietly is a significant advantage.
• Weather and Wind: Always hunt the wind. Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell, and improper wind direction can ruin your chances.

8. Network and Learn

Engage with the hunting community to gather insights and tips:

• Local Hunters: Join local hunting clubs or forums to exchange information.
• Workshops and Seminars: Participate in hunting workshops and seminars to learn from experts.

Conclusion

Scouting public land for deer hunting requires a blend of research, fieldwork, and adaptability. By understanding the land, monitoring deer behavior, and being prepared to adjust your strategies, you can unlock the full potential of public land hunting. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and the rewards of a successful hunt will follow. Happy hunting!

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Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the game, public land offers endless opportunities for adventure and success. With these scouting tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of deer hunting on public land.

HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO FOCUS ON TREE STAND SAFETY

Tree stand accidents can happen to deer hunters of all skill levels and result in serious injury or death. In Iowa last year, four hunters fell from tree stands, all resulting in personal injury.

Since August is traditionally a busy time for deer hunters who are preparing for the upcoming hunting season; it has been chosen as Tree Stand Safety Awareness Month.

To help prevent injuries, the Iowa DNR is offering the following safety tips:

•     Always wear a safety harness, also known as a fall arrest system (FAS), when you are in a tree stand, as well as when climbing into or out of a tree stand.

•     A safety strap should be attached to the tree to prevent you from falling more than 12 inches.

•     Always inspect the safety harness for signs of wear or damage before each use.

•     Follow all manufactures’ instructions for use of a safety harness and stand.

•     Follow the three point rule of tree stand safety.  Always have three points of contact to the steps or ladder before moving.  This could be two arms and one leg holding and stepping on the ladder or one arm and two legs in contact with the ladder before moving.  Be cautious that rain, frost, ice, or snow can cause steps to become extremely slippery.  Check the security of the step before placing your weight on it.

•     Always hunt with a plan and if possible a buddy. Before you leave home, let others know your exact hunting location, when you plan to return and who is with you.

•     Always carry emergency signal devices such as a cell phone, walkie-talkie, whistle, signal flare, personal locator device and flashlight on your person at all times and within reach even while you are suspended in your FAS. Watch for changing weather conditions. In the event of an accident, remain calm and seek help immediately.

•     Always select the proper tree for use with your tree stand. Select a live straight tree that fits within the size limits recommended in your tree stand’s instructions. Do not climb or place a tree stand against a leaning tree.

•     Never leave a tree stand installed for more than two weeks since damage could result from changing weather conditions and/or from other factors not obvious with a visual inspection.

•     Always use a haul line to pull up your gear and unloaded firearm or bow to your tree stand once you have reached your desired hunting height. Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Prior to descending, lower your equipment on the opposite side of the tree.

•     Always know your physical limitations. Don’t take chances. Do not climb when using drugs, alcohol or if you’re sick or un-rested. If you start thinking about how high you are, don’t go any higher.

PLOTS Guide Available Online - North Dakota

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Private Land Open To Sportsmen Guide for 2015 is now available online at the Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. In addition, PLOTS Guides will be available at most license vendors throughout the state in early September.

The guide will feature about 730,000 PLOTS acres. Because the guide is printed in mid-August, some PLOTS tracts highlighted in the guide may have been removed from the program since the time of printing. There will also be some PLOTS tracts where the habitat and condition of the tract will have changed significantly. Conversely, Game and Fish may have added new tracts to the program after the guide went to press.

To minimize possible confusion, Game and Fish will update PLOTS map sheets weekly on its website.

The PLOTS Guide features maps highlighting these walk-in areas, identified in the field by inverted triangular yellow signs, as well as other public lands.

The guides are free, and will be available at county auditor offices and license vendors in the state; by walk-in at the Game and Fish Department’s Bismarck office; and at district offices in Riverdale, Harvey (Lonetree), Williston, Dickinson, Jamestown and Devils Lake.

The guides are not available to mail, so hunters will have to pick one up at a local vendor, or print individual maps from the website.

Wisconsin DNR offers five ways to find a place to hunt

If you are still looking for a place to hunt this fall, or if you have questions about public

land you frequent, check out the following links for information on public lands and private lands open to public hunting. Additionally, Department of Natural Resources experts will host a live online chat to answer your questions about accessing these hunting lands, including state parks, and using DNR’s open lands mapping tools, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, starting at noon.

To join the Nov. 20 chat, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “ask the experts.”

In the meantime, click on the links below to learn more about some of the public hunting access opportunities in Wisconsin.

The DNR’s Explore Outdoors Web page allows people to search millions of acres of public lands by county, by proximity to a city, by type of property or by one of 22 listed outdoor activities, including hunting. Search results allow you to read about and view detailed maps of DNR properties, including:

State Wildlife Areas are managed primarily for hunting.

Most State Parks are open to certain types of hunting for two months of the year, with new guidelines coming soon.

Most DNR-owned State Natural Areas are open to hunting.

The department’s Managed Lands website at allows you to interactively map most public lands in the state.

Voluntary Public Access (VPA) is a DNR program that provides incentives to private landowners who open their property to public hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife observation. Maps are available on the DNR website.

Through the Managed Forest Law (MFL) and Forest Crop Law (FCL) programs, some private forest lands are open to the public for recreational purposes. A new DNR Private Forest Lands Open to Public Recreation Web mapping application allows people to use an interactive tool for mapping these private forest lands that are open to public hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation.

Agricultural properties enrolled in the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program (WDACP) are another option to consider when looking for properties to hunt. More information on WDACP as well as a list of properties enrolled in the program that are open to the public for hunting the species causing damage can be found on the DNR website. Hunters must contact the producer before they hunt.

Other resources for information on public lands open to hunting outside of DNR include the following (all links exit DNR).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service owns several large and small properties in Wisconsin that are open to public hunting. Seewww.fws.gov/midwest/news/wisconsin.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service owns and manage waterfowl production areas in Wisconsin. These properties are typically open to hunting. You can find out more about these sites including an interactive map.

The U.S. Forest Service manages the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, 1.5 million acres open for hunting in northern Wisconsin.

“Wisconsin has a wealth of lands, both public and private, that are open to the public for hunting,” said Doug Haag, DNR Realty Operations chief. “These links are not an exhaustive representation of the opportunities, rather a snapshot of DNR programs that may help people locate places to hunt. Other resources not specifically linked here include County GIS sites, County plat books, and several printed mapping products available in local sporting goods stores.”

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Baiting of Big Game Prohibited in Five North Dakota Deer Units

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is reminding deer hunters that hunting over bait is

prohibited in deer units 3C west of the Missouri River, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1 and 3F2.

Hunting over bait is defined as the placement and/or use of bait(s) for attracting big game and other wildlife to a specific location for the purpose of hunting. Baits include but are not limited to grains, minerals, salts, fruits, vegetables, hay or any other natural or manufactured foods. The designation does not apply to the use of scents and lures, water, food plots, standing crops or livestock feeds used in standard practices.

In addition to the units where hunting over bait is no longer allowed on either private or public land, hunting over bait is also not allowed on most other public land through the state, including state wildlife management areas; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service national wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas; U.S. Forest Service national grasslands; and all North Dakota state school, state park and state forest service lands.

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Conservation officers remind hunters to follow off-road vehicle laws

With deer hunting seasons under way, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation

officers remind hunters heading afield using an off-road vehicle (ORV) to follow ORV land-use regulations.

”Each year, we see hunters using ORVs where it is illegal to operate them,” said Lt. Andrew Turner, who leads the DNR’s Recreation, Safety and Enforcement program. “We remind hunters that ORV restrictions are in place to protect natural resources and minimize user conflict with other hunters and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. To ensure everyone’s safety and to help everyone have an enjoyable hunt, we ask riders to know the rules and encourage others to do the same.”

ORV land-use regulations hunters should be aware of include the following: 

• It is illegal to operate an ORV on public lands in the Lower Peninsula that are not posted open. ORVs are prohibited on state game areas or state parks and recreation areas unless posted open.
• On state forest lands, ORV use on designated trails is limited to vehicles less than 50 inches in width. Off-trail or off-route ORV operation outside of a designated area is prohibited, except for licensed hunters operating an ORV at speeds of 5 miles per hour or less for the purpose of removing deer, bear or elk. Big game ORV retrieval provisions do not apply to the Pigeon River Country State Forest or to state game areas and national forests.
• In all national forests, motor vehicles can be used only on roads, trails or areas that are designated as open on Motor Vehicle Use maps. For more information, contact the local national forest headquarters.
• It is illegal to operate an ORV from 7 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. on any area open to public hunting during the Nov. 15-30 firearm deer season. For exceptions to these time restrictions, see the 2013 Hunting and Trapping Digest or the Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws.
• Roads, streets and highways maintained for year-round automobile travel are closed to ORV operation, including the shoulder and the right-of-way, unless designated open to ORV use by local ordinance. ORV operators should check with the county for local ordinances.
• Private land is closed to ORV operation except by the landowner and the landowner’s invited guests.
• An ORV may not be operated in a manner that creates an erosive condition. Michigan’s soils and shorelines are fragile, and ORV operation in these areas and along stream banks and other waterways is restricted.
• It is unlawful to operate any ORV in or on the waters of any stream, river, marsh, bog, wetland or quagmire.

For more information about ORV regulations – including rules for transporting weapons and hunting provisions for those with disabilities – see the Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws atwww.michigan.gov/orvtrails. Maps of state-designated ORV trails can also be found there.

Violations of these and other rules should be reported by calling the DNR’s Report All Poaching (RAP) Line at 800-292-7800. 

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Hunters Have More Opportunity to Hunt Public Land in Central Ohio

 The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife is pleased to announce that

central Ohio hunters will have additional public land hunting opportunities at the Big Island Wildlife Area in Marion County this fall.

The Division of Wildlife recently took possession of two properties totaling 100 acres adjacent to the Big Island Wildlife Area.  The previous landowners had enrolled both properties in the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) prior to acquisition.  The properties came to the Division of Wildlife with 26 acres of wetlands and 65 acres of warm season grassland already established.  This addition brings the total acreage of the Big Island Wildlife Area to 5,972 acres.

The Big Island Wildlife Area is located five miles west of Marion on State Route 95 and lies within the former Sandusky Plains, one of the larger prairies that existed in Ohio at the time of settlement.  Most of the once expansive tall grass prairie was converted to farmland.  The Division of Wildlife began purchasing land for the Big Island Wildlife Area in 1958 and since then has restored grasslands and wetlands in an effort to improve the area for the wildlife species that depend on these habitats for survival.

The wealth of wildlife found in the abundant wetlands and grasslands at Big Island Wildlife Area make it a popular place for hunters and wildlife watchers alike.

Visit the ODNR Division of Wildlife website at willdohio.com to find a map of the Big Island Wildlife Area or to find more public hunting opportunities in your area.

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Michigan Deer hunters may now place ground blinds on public land earlier

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that ground blinds for deer hunting

purposes now may be placed on public land beginning on Sept. 1.
Previously, deer hunters were not allowed to place ground blinds on public land before Nov. 5. This change makes placement dates and opportunities for ground blinds consistent with those for raised platforms/scaffolds (often called tree stands), which also can be placed on public land as early as Sept. 1. 
The Natural Resources Commission adopted this regulation change at its August 2013 meeting - after the 2013 Hunting and Trapping Digest was printed, so the new ground blind placement date does not appear in the printed version of the digest.
For more information about hunting rules and regulations, see www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests.   

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Finding Public Hunting Land in Kansas

You will find a new resource for locating public land on which to hunt in Kansas.  The idea behind this resource came about as the result of my research efforts in finding public land hunting in Missouri.

The MDC had done a great job of putting together information on conservation areas, but the structure was cumbersome.  So several years ago, I essentially put together the information in a way that at least for me made more sense.  That resource has received more traffic at family-outdoors.com than any other by quite a bit.

The same idea came to me when researching public land hunting opportunities in Kansas.  The public land options in Kansas are much more limited than Missouri, so you want to know every option available and have it in a handy format.  I came to the realization that a hunter using the KDWPT site as is would miss many opportunities due to "dead links" and other structural issues.

This resource has KDWPT wildlife areas as well as federally managed properties.  It is organized in a manner where the hunter can get all his or her preliminary research done on one page. The resource is at Kansas Public Land Hunting

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IOWA NEW HUNTING ATLAS AVAILABLE ONLINE

English: Iowa Department of Natural Resources logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hunters have a new tool that may improve their in the field experience even before opening day.

The Iowa hunting atlas is an interactive map that shows 600,000 acres of public hunting land that is owned by the state, county or federal governments. The atlas is available online at www.iowadnr.gov/hunting.

A click on an area will show basic information like zone and open season, and links to maps, if available.

The atlas view from above allows hunters to zoom in on an area, see how to get there, the lay of the land and where one parcel of public hunting land is in relation to others. Information will be updated as public hunting lands are acquired.

Monica Thelen, who spearheaded the project for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said the atlas is currently usable on computers and tablets and they are working toward a version of the map for mobile phones.

“This is current information at their fingertips, available 24 hours a day that hunters can access to plan their hunts,” Thelen said. “The best way to use the atlas is to spend time getting familiar with it. Spring turkey hunting begins in April so there is an opportunity here for hunters to find a new place to hunt public land using the atlas.”

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Additional 140 acres of public hunting land now available in Sanilac County

g (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Department of Natural Resources today announced a new parcel of land is now open to the public at the Sanilac State Game Area. This 140-acre parcel, called the Petroglyph Tract, offers quality deer, turkey and ruffed grouse habitat.

The new parcel is in Sanilac County, section 11 of Greenleaf Township, near the Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park. The area features relatively flat-bottom land along the headwaters of the North Branch of the Cass River and is 90-percent forested with aspen, lowland hardwood and a small stand of planted white pine. The balance of the acreage consists of an old field and a small area of seasonally flooded lowland brush. The parcel can be accessed from an existing DNR parking area at the end of Leslie Road, one-half mile north of Cleland Road. Currently there is no formal access from Germania Road, but plans are in place to develop access in the near future.

See the attached PDF file (available for download below) for a map of the Sanilac State Game Area showing the location of the new parcel.

“It is always exciting when we are able to make more land available to the public for hunting and recreation,” said Don Bonnette with the Michigan DNR. “This area offers some great opportunities and has always provided quality hunting in the past.”

Although the area is called the Petroglyph Tract, it is not believed to have had petroglyphs on the property.

The funding for the purchase was provided by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). The Michigan Land Trust Fund (MLTF) program was originally created in 1976 to provide a source of funding for the public acquisition of lands for resource protection and public outdoor recreation. Funding is derived from royalties on the sale and lease of state-owned oil and gas rights. This program has evolved over the years to become the MNRTF, which has now provided over $800 million in funding for approved projects and purchases and has become an example of an extremely successful partnership between industry and conservation.

Maps of all state game areas can be viewed on the Michigan DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrby choosing the “Where Can I Hunt?” link under “Hunting & Trapping.” New state land acquisitions, most of which are open to hunting, can be found on the same webpage by choosing the “New Public Land Acquisitions” link under “Land.”

Sanilac-SGA_Petroglyph_Tract map.pdf

Wisconsin’s 2012 gun deer season opens Nov. 17

This year’s nine-day hunt to have ‘more of a traditional feel’

MADISON -- Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites and visiting non-residents eagerly await the arrival of the 2012 9-day gun deer season, which kicks off Nov. 17.
Approximately 10 percent of Wisconsin residents will take to the field for the annual hunt, and thousands more will participate by providing food, hotels, and other services that make deer hunting such an important part of the Wisconsin culture and economy.
Kevin Wallenfang, big game ecologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, says the 2012 gun season is one that he hopes will be exciting and satisfying for all involved. “It’s a tradition that many hunters and businesses look forward to all year long. It will also have more of a traditional feel to it this year due to the elimination of most early season gun hunts.”
Wallenfang says that getting back to a more normal season framework seems to have many people very enthusiastic this year. “Add to that the fact that deer populations across the north have increased in many units thanks to a very mild winter and reduced antlerless permits, and hunters could be in for a very satisfying year,” Wallenfang says. He adds, however, that some northern units are still below goal, so hunters should not expect to see a lot of deer in some areas.
Deer populations throughout most of the farmland region of the state are strong, says Wallenfang, especially on private lands. Still, despite comparatively high deer numbers, farmland units can be difficult to hunt, especially for those spending their season on public lands where hunting pressure is often much higher than surrounding private properties. The good news is that Wisconsin has more than 1 million acres of private lands open for public hunting, including Voluntary Public Access program and Managed Forest Law program lands.
Even with increasing deer populations in many units, hunter success during the gun season can vary based on a wide range of factors. Hunter effort, weather events, rut activity, hunting pressure, and stand site locations in addition to deer numbers can all play influential roles in whether or not individual hunters see and harvest deer.
For more information on deer in different areas of the state, see the 2012 Wisconsin Fall Hunting Forecast [PDF].
“Deer are not distributed evenly across the landscape and their movements vary greatly from one day to the next,” says Wallenfang. “Some hunters simply have access to better hunting and more deer.”
Another step hunters can take to increase their opportunities and enjoy their season is to take advantage of more days in the field. “There has been an increasing trend of hunters spending fewer days in the woods than in years past, often hunting just the opening weekend,” Wallenfang says. “Although deer sightings can be fewer after opening weekend, there are still deer to be hunted and the later part of the season can be more relaxing than the high pressure of opening weekend.”
Hopefully we’ll have some comfortable hunting conditions that will allow people to stay in the woods and enjoy the hunt longer,” Wallenfang says. “Best of luck for a very safe and enjoyable hunt.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Wallenfang, DNR Big Game Ecologist, 608-261-7589

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ND Bowhunters Reminded of Hunting Over Bait Ban in Some Southwestern Units

Identifying Animals at Risk from CWD. A raccoon family feeds on a deer carcass staked out by researchers at the University of Wisconsin, in a study aimed at determining which species could be at risk of contracting CWD. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is reminding bowhunters that hunting deer over bait is now prohibited in deer units 3C, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1 and 3F2.

Expansion of the area in which hunting over bait is no longer allowed is in response to recent discoveries of chronic wasting disease in deer in part of southwestern North Dakota. In 2011 only unit 3F2, where the first two CWD positive deer were taken, was closed to hunting over bait.

When the third CWD positive deer was taken last fall, Game and Fish began the process to add adjacent units to the ban in an effort to reduce risk for further infected deer to congregate and spread the disease.

“Using a combination of data from winter deer surveys in 2009, 2010 and 2011, new research into the spread of CWD on the landscape conducted in Alberta and Nebraska, and a proactive approach to managing disease, Game and Fish decided to extend the ban on hunting over bait into the deer hunting units surrounding 3F2,” said Department wildlife veterinarian Dr. Dan Grove. “This ban will help reduce the risk of the potential spread of CWD and artificial movement of deer via man-made causes.”

Grove added that the harvest locations of the three CWD-positive animals were clustered within an area in unit 3F2 along major waterways that extend close to surrounding units.

“We started informing the public about this change already last fall,” said Randy Kreil, Game and Fish wildlife division chief. “We talked about it at our advisory board meetings in the western part of the state, and in other forums, as we know it’s a big change and we want people to understand why we feel this is necessary to reduce disease threats to the state’s deer herds.”

Hunting over bait is defined as the placement and/or use of bait(s) for attracting big game and other wildlife to a specific location for the purpose of hunting. Baits include but are not limited to grains, minerals, salts, fruits, vegetables, hay or any other natural or manufactured foods. The designation does not apply to the use of scents and lures, water, food plots, standing crops or livestock feeds used in standard practices.

In addition to the units where hunting over bait is no longer allowed on either private or public land, hunting over bait is also not allowed on most other public land through the state, including state wildlife management areas, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service national wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas; U.S. Forest Service national grasslands; and all North Dakota state school, state park and state forest service lands.

These provisions also apply during the deer gun and muzzleloader seasons later this fall.

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Michigan NRC approves antlerless deer license quotas

The Department of Natural Resources will offer a total of 708,650 antlerless deer licenses for the upcoming season after the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) adopted quotas at its regular monthly meeting last Thursday at Harsens Island.

The NRC approved a total of 70,750 public-land antlerless deer licenses and a total of 637,900 private-land antlerless deer licenses. The changes result in a decrease of 47,550 licenses from 2011.

The quotas represent an increase of 450 private-land licenses and an increase of 1,900 public-land licenses available in the Upper Peninsula. Deer numbers in the region are continuing a short-term increasing trend following mild conditions for three straight winters. The department recommended increased quotas to provide additional recreational opportunity, not to reduce deer numbers in the areas where licenses were added.

In the northern Lower Peninsula, the number of private-land licenses available has been decreased by 23,500, while public-land licenses have been decreased by 1,300. Recent trends in deer populations have been variable across the region, but the decreases are primarily intended to match quotas more closely with past demand for antlerless licenses. Though this means fewer leftover licenses ultimately may be available in the region, all northern Lower Peninsula deer management units (DMU) will offer at least some licenses this year. Six DMUs in the region did not offer any antlerless licenses in 2011.

In the southern Lower Peninsula, 4,150 fewer private-land antlerless licenses will be available in 2012, and the total public-land quota was decreased by 2,350. Deer populations remain above goal throughout much of the region, though numbers do appear to be approaching desired levels in some areas.

“Although antlerless license quotas were reduced overall this year, we still had the opportunity to give hunters ample chances to take antlerless deer across the state,” said DNR Deer and Elk Program Leader Brent Rudolph. “Interest in seeing more bucks and bigger bucks is increasing among Michigan hunters, so we encourage those individuals to pass a buck and harvest a doe instead.”

Additional information regarding deer hunting regulations, results of the 2011 deer harvest survey and Michigan’s deer management plan are available at www.michigan.gov/deer.

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New Michigan DNR initiative aims to resolve encroachment cases on public land

Seal of Michigan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

April 2, 2012

The Department of Natural Resources today announced the Encroachment Resolution Initiative (ERI), an effort geared at resolving the hundreds of cases of encroachment - or trespass - occurring on public land throughout Michigan.

Through this initiative, the DNR will work with property owners who are trespassing by having either a permanent structure or historical encroachment on public land. Property owners with known encroachments on public land will be notified by letter from the DNR that they are eligible to resolve their case without penalty through the ERI. Property owners adjacent to public land who are not sure whether they are encroaching can use tools on the DNR website (www.michigan.gov/dnr-encroachment) to determine if they are, in fact, trespassing on state-managed land.

"I asked our staff to come up with a creative, customer-focused way of resolving some of our most difficult encroachment situations," said DNR Director Rodney Stokes.

"The Encroachment Resolution Initiative reaches out to residents with a real, workable solution," said Stokes. "It will help us appropriately document public land ownership and resolve those trespass cases that tie up substantial staff time and resources and make land-management issues more challenging for the state."

Under the ERI, property owners who are encroaching on public land managed by the DNR can (starting May 1, 2012) apply to have their cases resolved. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2012. During this "amnesty" period, DNR staff will work with property owners to properly document ownership.

If a property owner can show that his or her encroachment was in place prior to March 1, 1973 (in keeping with a 1988 amendment of the Revised Judicature Act), the property will be transferred to the property owner after a new property survey is completed and new boundaries are established. Structural encroachments that have occurred after March 1, 1973 will be resolved through land sales. The DNR will streamline its land sale process for encroachment cases being resolved through the ERI.

Individuals with non-structural encroachments (such as fences, gardens, sheds or other non-permanent structures) occurring on public land after March 1, 1973, will need to remove the items.

By providing a streamlined and legal process to resolve their trespass without penalty, the Encroachment Resolution Initiative is intended as an incentive program for property owners encroaching on public land. Throughout the duration of the ERI, the DNR will not seek penalties or take escalated enforcement action for any encroachments that are resolved by Dec. 31, 2012.

After the application period closes on Dec. 31, 2012, any existing or new cases of encroachment that were not brought forward will be dealt with through DNR encroachment and enforcement procedures.

"We sincerely hope that anyone currently encroaching on public land will take advantage of this opportunity to resolve trespass situations," said DNR Director Stokes. "Public land is intended to be just that - land available for the use and enjoyment of the public. Such encroachments reduce everyone's ability to enjoy the state's natural resources that should be freely accessible to residents and visitors alike."

Individuals with questions about the ERI should contact Lori Burford, the DNR's encroachment specialist, at 989-275-5151, ext. 2100 or via email at burfordl@michigan.gov.

For more information on the ERI, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr-encroachment.

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Hunter Orange Clothing a Good Choice for Everyone; Not Just Hunters

Michigan DNR Stresses the Importance of Safety for Everyone During Hunting Season

Nov. 15, 2011

Hunting season is well underway in Michigan, and now is a good time to remind everyone that it is wise to wear hunter orange clothing when you are out enjoying the state's trails and forest lands. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources does not close trails or pathways during hunting season, and it is legal to hunt throughout these areas if you adhere to the laws regarding safety zones.

It is required by law that hunters wear "hunter orange." There is no similar law for recreationalists, but because so much of state land borders private lands and the DNR allows hunting on portions of state-owned land, it is imperative that individuals take precaution and dress themselves and their pets in brightly colored clothing.

"Due to the very popular activity of deer hunting, now is not an advisable time to take a quiet, unassuming walk in the woods," says Bill O'Neill, field coordinator for the Forest Management Division of the DNR. "Be smart about where you choose to go, wear brightly colored clothing and let hunters know that you are in the area. We must all work together to have a safe and successful hunting season in Michigan."

It is also important as you go out and enjoy Michigan's forest lands, that you understand the rules and regulations for hunting. In Michigan it is legal for hunters with disabilities to hunt from standing vehicles or off-road vehicles (ORV). This law does not grant any additional privileges for ORV operators with disabilities. It simply allows for hunters with disabilities better access to hunting locations on state-owned land. The DNR strongly encourages those hunters using alternative modes of transportation to mark their vehicles with hunter orange flags.

ORV operation is prohibited in public hunting areas during the regular November firearm deer season from 7 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.; except for these cases:

• Going to or from a residence or hunting camp that is inaccessible by a conventional vehicle (subject to state land regulations)



• On private property, with landowner's permission



• Passenger vehicles while being operated on roads capable of sustaining automobile traffic



• Persons holding a "Permit to Hunt From a Standing Vehicle" or otherwise meeting disability requirements while engaged in hunting or fishing activity

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Wisconsin; Access to hunting lands expands through Voluntary Public Access Program

Image via Wikipedia

MADISON - A new program to provide additional land for public access has arrived just in time for the nine day deer gun hunting season. The Department of Natural Resources Voluntary Public Access (VPA) provides financial incentives to private landowners who open up their land to public hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife observation.

Wisconsin received $1.9 million dollars through a competitive grant authorized in the 2008 Federal Farm Bill to implement this program.

“We have 140 lease agreements signed in 24 counties totaling just over 25,000 acres,” said program coordinator Melissa Keenan. “The land enrolled ranges from agriculture land to grassland, wetland, and forest.”

A number of properties are nearby or adjacent to state wildlife areas while other properties are on their own, creating additional access areas where no public lands were available before. Properties are open year round to all hunting seasons.

“We treat these like state wildlife areas meaning access is limited to foot travel only and only portable stands are permitted,” said Keenan.

Property boundaries are marked with white signs in green writing stating “Private Land Leased for Public Access.” Users are asked to be respectful of landowners rights and be appreciative for the privilege they have been given. “The only way this program is going to be successful and available in the future is if landowners are satisfied with the program and are willing to continue opening up their land to the public,” said Keenan.

In order to evaluate the success of the program, Keenan urges users to fill out a survey located at each VPA property entrance. “We’re hoping to find out how people found out about the properties, how far they traveled, and if they were successful with harvesting fish or game on the properties,” said Keenan.

Maps and additional information on individual properties can be found on the VPA webpage by visiting dnr.wi.gov and searching “VPA.” Any questions can be directed to Keenan at or melissa.keenan@wisconsin.gov.

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