Why open a preserve to hunting?Management of game species can simultaneously provide a recreation opportunity and protect our plant life at the preserves. Turkey and deer are both herbivores that browse on plant material. When those local populations increase without a natural predator, the impact from these browsing animals can diminish the biodiversity of plant life and start to affect other organisms utilizing the area. We have seen evidence of this at a number of preserves, but especially at Riverview Natural Area. After years of population surveying and documenting deer browse, we have decided to open two of our preserves to hunting using a permit system.
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Conservation & Hunting
Historically, hunters have contributed greatly when it comes to conservation practices on a state and federal level. Once concerned leaders within the hunting, angling and shooting communities (i.e. sportsmen) saw that game populations were depleting, some species approaching extinction, they banded together and used their influence to make great strides for conserving our wildlife resources. Important laws were passed that became a foundation for land management practices.
current opportunities
Spring Turkey Hunting - Riverview Natural Area, George and Sue Lane Preserve
Spring turkey hunting is allowed by permit only within set hunting zones and on specific dates at Riverview Natural Area and the George and Sue Lane Preserve. These hunting zones, dates and other information can be found in the 2025 Turkey Hunting Application. Hunters may hunt individually or in groups of up to four people.
All hunters must be granted a permit by the Little Forks Conservancy to hunt either preserve open to turkey hunting. To apply, please download, read, and submit your completed application along with a photo of your hunting license via email to the Preserve and Volunteer Steward to be considered.
Spring turkey hunting is allowed by permit only within set hunting zones and on specific dates at Riverview Natural Area and the George and Sue Lane Preserve. These hunting zones, dates and other information can be found in the 2025 Turkey Hunting Application. Hunters may hunt individually or in groups of up to four people.
All hunters must be granted a permit by the Little Forks Conservancy to hunt either preserve open to turkey hunting. To apply, please download, read, and submit your completed application along with a photo of your hunting license via email to the Preserve and Volunteer Steward to be considered.
Bow Hunting, Deer - George and Sue Lane Preserve (Hunting Access Program, October 1 - January 1)
The area of the Lane Preserve east of the North Branch of the Cedar River is open to deer hunting (bow only) through the Hunting Access Program (HAP) - a map of the area open to hunting is provided below. HAP is a state-funded program that provides public hunting access on privately owned lands. Through HAP, hunting is permitted to licensed hunters free of charge on a first-come, first serve basis for a maximum of 10 total hunters at a time, including guests and apprentice hunters. Adult hunters are responsible for the safety of the apprentice hunter and to ensure they follow the rules listed.
All hunters must visit the HAP registration station located at the Shearer Rd. parking lot trailhead to sign in before hunting and to sign out immediately after hunting. To learn more about the Hunting Access Program, visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/where/hap. HAP is monitored on the Lane Preserve by the Midland Conservation District.
The preserve remains open to non-hunters and the public during the hunting season. No hunting is allowed 100 feet of a trail, parking area, bench, sign, or other recreational feature, or 150 yards (450 feet) of a structure or residence. No shooting towards any of these items is allowed.
The area of the Lane Preserve east of the North Branch of the Cedar River is open to deer hunting (bow only) through the Hunting Access Program (HAP) - a map of the area open to hunting is provided below. HAP is a state-funded program that provides public hunting access on privately owned lands. Through HAP, hunting is permitted to licensed hunters free of charge on a first-come, first serve basis for a maximum of 10 total hunters at a time, including guests and apprentice hunters. Adult hunters are responsible for the safety of the apprentice hunter and to ensure they follow the rules listed.
All hunters must visit the HAP registration station located at the Shearer Rd. parking lot trailhead to sign in before hunting and to sign out immediately after hunting. To learn more about the Hunting Access Program, visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/where/hap. HAP is monitored on the Lane Preserve by the Midland Conservation District.
The preserve remains open to non-hunters and the public during the hunting season. No hunting is allowed 100 feet of a trail, parking area, bench, sign, or other recreational feature, or 150 yards (450 feet) of a structure or residence. No shooting towards any of these items is allowed.
In addition to complying with federal, state, and local hunting laws and the Hunting Access Program rules, all bow hunters are required to read and adhere to the Conservancy’s bow hunting rules and regulations for this preserve. The HAP Rules and Regulations and Little Forks Bow Hunting Rules, Regulations and Map are provided below. Please direct any questions about this program to Benjamin VanDyke at [email protected] or 989.835.4886 ext. 104 or the Midland Conservation District at [email protected] or 989-486-2325.
Payments
It is acknowledged that there are costs associated with maintaining a large property, however we will not require a payment to hunt on the property; hunters are encouraged to make a donation to the Conservancy or volunteer their time assisting with maintenance of the property.
