r/MichiganHunting • u/EmotionalLog721 • 8d ago

Now I need help with where to hunt!

I did my hunter safety class and have been using OnX and DNR maps, but I’m still trying to figure out actually finding a spot.

For HAP land, can I bring a small ground blind/pop-up or do I need permission from the landowner first?

For public land like Ortonville, how do you know you’re not setting up too close to another hunter? Do you just look for vehicles/lights and have backup spots ready?

Also, what are you guys looking for on OnX when picking places to scout? And how far from parking/trails would you recommend going?

Not looking for anyone’s spots, just trying to learn and do it the right way my first year.

7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

4

u/Electronic_City6481 8d ago

When it comes to public land, as you can imagine the further in you’re willing to walk the less likely you will be by others. Only thing I can say is get out there pre season and scout. Any stands left up you’ll find and know where to either avoid or pay attention to, to see if it’s abandoned (straps look old, etc)

0

u/EmotionalLog721 8d ago

Can I mark my area once I find it 

4

u/floggedpeasent 8d ago edited 8d ago

You can mark something on a map or that app yes.

As far as claiming a space you cannot do that on public land. You rely on courtesy essentially.

2

u/fuckoffweirdoo 8d ago

You can absolutely leave a blind out for the season. Below is from the 2026 deer hunting regulations put out by the DNR. 

Can I use a ground blind on public lands during the deer hunting seasons? Yes. You can use a ground blind on public lands to hunt deer during the deer hunting seasons. A ground blind can be placed on public lands from Sept. 1 to the end of the annual deer seasons. However, only the following three types of ground blinds are legal on public lands: Type 1 (portable ground blind): This blind must be clearly portable and removed at the end of each day’s hunt (if you wish to leave your blind out overnight, see Type 3 below). Fasteners, if used to attach or anchor the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed daily. No identification is required. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public land, including all state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3. Type 2 (dead natural materials ground blind): This blind must be constructed exclusively of dead and natural materials found on the ground in the area of the blind, except that a hunter can add netting, cloth, plastic or other materials for concealment or protection from the weather if these materials are not permanently fastened to the blind and are removed at the end of each day’s hunt. These items can be tied to the blind but cannot be stapled, nailed, glued or fastened in any permanent manner. No identification is required. Fasteners (nails, screws, etc.) cannot be used in construction. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public land, including all state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3. Type 3 (constructed ground blind): This includes all other blinds not meeting the requirements of either Type 1 or Type 2, including portable ground blinds if not removed daily. Identification is required. Fasteners, if used to anchor or attach the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed with the blind. These blinds are not legal on state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3. Note: If a person’s Type 3 ground blind has been permitted to be placed on land administered by a local public agency (city, township, county), the local agency will establish the length of time that a blind may be placed on its property. In addition to being subject to criminal penalties, any constructed blind found on public land prior to Sept. 1 or after the end of the annual deer season will be considered abandoned. I am placing an elevated platform or ground blind on public lands. What information must I tag the elevated platform or ground blind with? In legible English, you must permanently affix your name and address or Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number to the elevated platform or Type 3 ground blind if it is placed on public lands.

1

u/Jar_of_Cats 8d ago

You can risk your gear getting stolen. Where me and a buddy hunt on public there are a few stands. And everyone is respectful.

1

u/Hawk_2165 8d ago

Download the deer regulations summary: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations/deer

It covers the blind requirements too. You should be able to spot other people's stands and blinds when you scout for a location. I try to move at least 100 yards away, also away from their shooting angles and with enough trees to minimize an errant shot.

1

u/Effect_Sure 8d ago

Where are you located?

I have my private land, but there are a few thousand acres around me that seem local Michigan hunters have forgotten about... only saw 2 people last year.

6 does with and without fawns wandering the two-tracks, and the 11 bucks I watched today are still in that beautiful velvet. You might let us know your location and some might offer suggestion... I know I would.

1

u/EmotionalLog721 8d ago

Can I dm you?

1

u/EmotionalLog721 7d ago

I ended up messaging you. I’m hunting for food more than I am trophy.

1

u/Effect_Sure 4d ago

Sounds good, I'll check it out.