Hunting Access Program

Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District
​is​ YOUR Local HAP Resource!
HAP Contact: Charlie Doan
Phone: (989) 356-3596 x101
​Email: charlie.doan@macd.org
The DNR’s Hunting Access Program, or HAP, gives access to private land in Northern Michigan for Hunters to use. 
​New properties have been enrolled! 

HAP Drawing Winners!

2020's lucky winner, Robert Sullivan. 
Drawing prize, Yeti cooler filled with goodies! 
2019's lucky HAP drawing winner, Ben Durtka. 

Alpena & Montmorency County HAP Properties

Hunting Access Program seeks landowners in the Northern Lower Peninsula

​Attention landowners!! 
Are you looking to make the most of your land and support local hunting traditions? 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking to expand hunting opportunities on private lands in the Northern Lower Peninsula in the following counties: Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Cheboygan, Otsego, Presque Isle, Montmorency, Alpena, Oscoda, Alcona, Ogemaw, Iosco, and Arenac. 

The NEW Hunting Access Program (HAP) offers:
  • Increased payments - between $5.00 and $20.00 per acre based on habitat quality and access limitations. (CRP, CREP, and other Farm Bill acres earn an additional $5 per acre.)
  • Increased service through your county's Conservation District who will:
    • Perform the habitat evaluations
    • Handle landowner contracts
    • Post signs
    • Promote the program locally
  • The Michigan DNR has compiled a complete list of HAP sites across Michigan, there are also detailed maps of almost every Michigan hunting location available. This information can be found on the Michigan DNR site listed below.

Other items of interest:
  • New HAP leases are for three (3) years and run September 1 to May 31. Payments are made by DNR after hunting seasons are completed in May. (HAP does not pay for any land within the required safety zone.)
  • Parcels must be 40 acres (35 acres after the safety zone has been removed) and contain a minimum of 20% grassland, wetland and/or forest habitat.
  • Type of hunting allowed is determined by the landowner and affects the amount of payment per acre (i.e., the fewer types of hunting allowed by the landowner, the less the payment per acre).
  • Landowners may choose from the following hunting options: All Hunting, Youth and Apprentice Only, Small Game Only, Deer Only, and Turkey Only. Youth and Apprentice hunting includes one (1) youth and up to two (2) accompanying adults. Landowners may choose more than one (1) option.
  • Landowners are free from liability​
Please see the Michigan Hunting Access Program Digest for a complete listing of HAP rules
HAP lands are privately owned lands for which the landowners have agreed to allow public access. All hunters are responsible to know and understand the rules of the program, as well as rules of each property and state and federal regulations. Please treat these privately owned lands with respect and observe the following:
  • You must follow all individual landowner rules as described in the hunter registration folder located at the HAP property and stated in the online property listing found on this website.
  • Hunting is the ONLY activity allowed on HAP lands. HAP lands are not open from June 1st through August 31st.
  • You must register every time you hunt on HAP lands at the property headquarters or hunter registration box.
  • You are only allowed to hunt species listed under “Hunt Types” for each individual property as stated in the online list of HAP propertiesfound on this website.
  • You are only allowed to hunt during seasons listed for each individual property as stated in the online list of HAP properties found on this website.
  • Driving on HAP lands is banned unless you have landowner permission.
  • Do not block drives or lanes. Park in designated area when provided by the landowner.
  • Use of ORVs is prohibited without landowner permission.
  • Hunting in or damaging standing crops is banned.
  • Use of permanent blinds, tree stands or nails/screws in trees is prohibited.
  • Clean up after yourself; No littering allowed.
  • All rules and regulations enforced by the DNR still apply while hunting on HAP lands.

Michigan Hunting Digest

MI-HUNT

No matter where you are in Michigan, you can find public hunting land. This interactive map application that now works on mobile devices, contains the most up-to-date information to help you plan your next hunting trip, and includes both public hunting land, as well as private land open to the public for hunting.