History

Michigan's Hunting Access Program (HAP) was created in 1977 to increase public hunting opportunities in SE Michigan where 97% of the land was privately owned. HAP is one of the oldest private land public access programs in the country. 

Landowners recieve payment to enroll in the DNR Hunter access program!

​ The DNR’s Hunting Access Program is currently enrolling private property throughout Michigan to increase public hunting opportunities in areas with limited public land. Landowners should have at least 40 acres of land with some wildlife habitat (forest, brush, wetland, etc.).  

There are no extra costs for hunters to use HAP lands, but they are responsible for reviewing rules for each property they plan to hunt, registering at the property each day, and respecting the landowners’ property.  

Landowner Benefits

  • Annual payment based on acres of land enrolled, type of land cover, and type of hunting allowed
  • Public Act 451 provides liability protection on enrolled lands
  • Flexible options for types of hunting permitted including all species, deer only, turkey only, small game only, sharp-tailed grouse only, and youth & apprentice only
  • Control the maximum number of hunters allowed on the property at a time
  • Promote and support Michigan’s rich hunting heritage
  • Better management of wildlife on the property
  • Help minimize wildlife crop damage

Enrollment information

Enrollment will remain open through September 1, 2023.

For more information on enrollment contact your local Conservation District or the DNR Wildlife Division:

Email: DNR-HAP@michigan.gov, call 517-284-9453, or visit online at www.mi.gov/hap.


Or contact the Newaygo Conservation District @ 231-924-3072
Newaygo Conservation District (NCD) is an independent unit of state government which has a philosophy and commitment to the stewardship and conservation of the environment.  The NCD consults with landowners to educate them in the planning and use of their land.  All programs and services are available without regard to race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, family status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, because of all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program.
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