Hunting Access Program (HAP) benefits:

• Increased payments - up to $25.00 per acre based on acreage enrolled, type(s) of land cover, and type(s) of hunting allowed. Up to $5/acre is available for land enrolled in CRP, WRE, or actively implementing a forest management plan supported by USDA, DNR, or MDARD. (This includes the FAP program!) 
• Our conservation district's role is to promote HAP and maintain registration paperwork for hunters at each HAP property in Presque Isle County during hunting season. We will:
  • Post signs
  • Promote the program locally
  • Maintain HAP registration stations
• Please click here for Michigan DNR's complete list of HAP sites across Michigan. To see a detailed map of each location, simply click on the owner's name. 

Other items of interest:

• HAP leases are for two (2) 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.)
• New in 2025: Parcels must be 20 acres and contain a minimum of 10% of contracted acres in wildlife habitat (grassland, forest, wetland). 
• Crop land (crops, hay, pasture) is eligible in combination with habitat.
• New in 2025: Habitat Improvement Grants are possible through HAP. Enhance wildlife habitat on your property, including grassland planting and management, forest enhancement, tree plantings, food plots, and more!
• SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 for Habitat Improvement Field Day at a local farm just outside Rogers City! 
• 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. Liability protection for enrolled HAP properties is provided by the state under Public Act 451 of 1994.

 

The Hunting Access Program is now available in northern Michigan.  It is a way for private landowners to treat their parcel as if it were public hunting land while being paid to do so.   The program is flexible - allowing a high potential reimbursement depending on the quality of your habitat. 

The landowner is free of liability.

We the conservation district will do all of the leg work while you just cash the check. 

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LANDOWNERS - Click here to learn how to earn money by enrolling.

HUNTERS - Click here for a current list of HAP properties

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