Every hunter wants to land that big buck. If you are like most outdoorsmen, you understand that there is far more to hunting than strolling through the woods with a rifle. It takes trail cams, searching for the right rubs, and a lot of quiet time in the woods tracking that one deer. In short, the best deer hunters know when and where to find that grandaddy buck.
In Michigan, hunting is a way of life, and the land provides some of the best spots to hunt for deer. Hunting is crucial to the Great Lake State’s economy. Alongside fishing, hunters bring in around $11.2 billion every year for the state. Hunting licenses also fund a large amount of Michigan’s wildlife conservation and management efforts.
Hunting also helps manage the wildlife populations in public areas. Deer can have a variety of negative impacts, such as causing damage to crops, deer-vehicle collisions, and carrying diseases such as bovine tuberculosis. Through proper hunting regulations, Michigan can reduce or maintain the deer population to create a balanced environment for plants, wildlife, and humans.
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As more people prefer knowing where their food comes from, hunting is a great way to ensure families are provided with a healthy, sustainable, and local meal. Even if a hunter is not experienced in harvesting their game, the time spent outside with nature is one of the biggest reasons why people love it so much.
Whether you are new to the area, a native, or someone looking at hunting property for sale in Michigan, understanding the lay of the land can help you leave the woods with a beautiful buck.
The key to any successful deer hunting expedition in Michigan is knowing where to go. With some of the largest public lands to hunt on, navigating them for the best location can be difficult for newcomers. The following areas are sure to help you on your quest for the best hunting spot in Michigan.
Kalamazoo/St. Joseph/Branch Counties
Located in the South Western region of Michigan, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Branch counties offer quite a bit of opportunity for hunters. There is a lot of public lands, and the locals report that bucks in the area are incredibly handsome.
The deer management unit in this area reports that there are approximately 7.3 deer for every ten hunters. It is also known that hunters tend to have more success in the southern regions of the state, as the deer population is denser.
Menominee County
If you are looking for a hunting area in the upper region of Michigan, check out Menominee County. Menominee sits at the southernmost part of the upper peninsula, and it borders Wisconsin.
Seasoned hunters report that there is a lot of state forest land south of Carney, near Powers. Locals also recommend that you check out the old railroad grade north of Hernmansville. There are 48,000 acres of paper company land where people can hunt deer.
Reports from the deer management unit claim that Menominee is similar to the South Western region, with about 7.3 deer to every ten hunters.
Isabella County
Isabella County comes in a bit higher than the previous regions. The deer management unit there reports that there are about eight deer for every hunter. If you are looking for an area with a lot of game, this county may be the place for you.
Most hunters will agree that hunting private land increases your chances of getting that trophy deer. But, Isabella County is home to the Edmore State Game Area, along with several state forests.
Gratiot County
Topping the list of hunting regions in Michigan is Gratiot County. It is home to the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area in the western portion of the county, Maple River State Game Area in the north/eastern portion of the county, and Maple-River-Gratiot-Saginaw Connector State Game Area, which connects the two areas.
Reports from the deer management unit in Gratiot County report that there are approximately 8.6 deer for every ten hunters. As the prime spot to hunt in Michigan, your trophy buck could be roaming the woods as you read this article.
Conclusion
There are so many excellent options for hunting spots in Michigan. This makes finding the perfect hunting spot a chore. First, you have to find the right region. Then, you have to take your time and explore the different parts of the area.
Michigan hunting can also be incredibly tough, especially if you are not familiar with the land. The hunting pressure from the crowds can cause deer to act differently than they do in other states. If you want to put your hunting skills to the test, Michigan is the right place to do so.
If the woods are your calling, there is no place like Michigan to experience them. Eventually, you will settle in on an area that you think is the perfect fit for you. And, when you do, it will only be a matter of time before your wall is boasting that trophy buck.