Forest to Table: Deer Hunting Michigan’s Ottawa National Forest
Welcome to Michigan
Michigan is filled with abundant access to public land. With over one million acres, the Ottawa National Forest is the largest. Make Ironwood your stay and enjoy the abundance of Upper Peninsula forest for your next hunting trip.
The Ottawa National Forest
Located in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Ottawa National Forest is Michigan’s largest and most secluded region. The extends from the south shore of Lake Superior to the northern border of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The Ottawa National Forest also borders Michigan’s largest state park: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the North and encompasses the Sylvania Wilderness in the South.
Gogebic County Forest
The Western Upper Peninsula is filled with public land. From county to federal forest, land is abundant here. Gogebic County Forest is abundant throughout the county and is available for public hunting where permitted. To view Gogebic County Forested land, view the county GIS mapping system.
Forest Ranger Stations
The Ottawa National Forest is divided into five Ranger Districts, one Visitor’s Center, one Supervisor’s Office and the J.W.Toumey Nursery. For specific information on each unit, please click on the name of the office listed below.
The Eastern Time Zone cuts across the heart of the Forest with the Supervisor’s Office, Bessemer, Iron River and Watersmeet located in the Central Time Zone and Kenton and Ontonagon in the Eastern Time Zone.
Check with the nearest ranger station in planning your hunting trip.
Tips from the Ottawa National Forest
- All firearms and bows with arrows should be cased and unloaded while in a recreation area or other public areas.
- Discharging a firearm (including a bow and arrow) is prohibited in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be.
- Shooting across bodies of water or a Forest Service road is prohibited.
- Shooting into or within any cave, mine or open shaft is prohibited.
- Private land is interspersed with public land and you must obtain written permission from the private landowner to hunt on their property. Obtain a map and use caution to ensure you don’t inadvertently stray off public land onto private.
- Only portable stands or blinds are allowed. Check with your local ranger district for restrictions and time limits.
Safety Tips from the Ottawa
- Check weather reports before embarking on a hunting trip.
- Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return.
- Be familiar with the area you want to hunt. Bring a map and compass.
- Carry a basic survival kit and be prepared for an unexpected overnight stay in the field. The survival kit should contain a rope, a knife, water, waterproof matches, an emergency shelter, and first aid supplies.
- Dress properly and be prepared for the worst possible conditions.
- Wear hunter orange as your outermost gear so that you are visible to other hunters. Do not wear white or tan during deer season.
- Always treat your weapon as if it is loaded, even if it isn’t, and know where your hunter partners are located at all times.
- If accompanied by a dog, the dog should also wear hunter orange or a very visible color on a vest, leash, coat or bandana. Check the state regulations to determine if a dog is allowed on a hunt.
- Check hunting equipment before and after each outing, and maintain it properly. Familiarize yourself with its operation before using it in the field.
- Carry a spare set of dry clothing. Utilize layering techniques to pull away moisture while retaining body warmth. Always bring rain gear.
- Clearly identify your target before shooting. Prevent unfortunate accidents or fatalities.
- Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Other recreationists are enjoying the forest as well.
- Your cell phone may save your life, but don’t count on it. Many areas of most forests are not within signal range.
Maps
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ottawa/maps-pubs
Michigan Deer Hunting License
https://www.mdnr-elicense.com/