Abandoned blinds on National Forest lands to be removed

April 5, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE– Spring is coming to the north woods, and as the snow melts we know that many of you will be out exploring the Forest.  If you are a hunter who set up a blind on National Forest lands last fall, Hiawatha National Forest reminds you that according to State of Michigan hunting regulations, your blind was to have been removed from public land no later than January 1, 2017.  Abandoned blinds pose several risks including safety hazards, environmental damage, blight, and hunter conflicts.

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Abandoned property, including blinds left in place beyond the State-mandated removal date, is illegal on public lands and will be removed.  In accordance with State and federal regulation, such blinds may be removed by the agency as soon as seventy-two hours after they are discovered. For accurate information about hunting regulations in Michigan, hunters should review the current year’s MDNR “Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide,” paying particular attention to rules about Blinds on Public Lands, Raised Platforms and Tree Stands, Baiting, and Hunting on National Forest System lands. In addition, the federal regulations regarding impoundment (36CFR Part 262 Section 262.12) have recently been updated.

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Responsible hunting includes removing your blind from public land no later than January 1 following each fall hunting season.  While most hunters are responsible and follow the rules, there is growing concern about the incidence of illegal abandoned (or so-called ‘permanent’) blinds on National Forest System lands.

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The Forest Service encourages hunters and the public in general to contact the local National Forest office anytime they notice illegal blinds on federal Forest lands.

For more information on how you can help, or to report illegal blinds or dumpsites, please contact your local National Forest office, M-F, 8-4:30 (unless otherwise noted):

• Gladstone – 906-428-5800

• Munising – 906-387-2512

• Rapid River – 906-474-6442

• St. Ignace – 906-643-7900