MDNR Report

The fall hunting seasons will be here before we know it.

Where are you planning to spend the opening day of grouse and woodcock season? If you are looking for young aspen forests and areas created with bird hunters in mind, plan a trip out to a Grouse Enhanced Management Site!

Take a road trip and stop at the six GEMS throughout the northern Lower Peninsula and the 13 sites across the Upper Peninsula. We have specifically managed these areas for grouse and woodcock habitat, optimizing your chances of a successful bird season. With mowed walking trails, abundant young forest cover and open parking areas with trail maps, the GEMS provide a quality hunting experience for everyone.

Each site offers a unique hunting trip and hundreds of acres of publicly accessible land. Eighteen sites are equipped with a map, information kiosk and hunter walking trails. If you’re looking for a more remote experience with no trails, check out the Norwich GEMS, located in the Ottawa National Forest

Start planning your GEMS trip and find additional public hunting lands on our Where to Hunt page.