Hunting in Michigan: 5 Great Public Hunting Lands

If you want to learn of great public hunting lands in Michigan, you can use the interactive map provided by the DNR to find the best spots. Public hunting spots in Michigan cover more than 340,000 acres of State Wildlife and Game Areas.  

Each location has rules to follow, so plan ahead and read about each before you show up for hunting.  

1. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area

This state game area is in Rockwood on Lake Erie’s western shore. It is one of the best and most popular locations for waterfowl hunting in Michigan, with 4,040 acres of freshwater marsh. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is also a good spot for birding because you can see bald eagles, black-bellied plovers, osprey, and other species.  

2. Barry State Game Area

The Barry State Game Area in Middleville, MI, is one of the best public hunting lands. There are more than 16,000 acres of land, including forest, wetlands, and a headwaters segment of the Glass Creek Watershed.  

3. Gourdneck State Game Area (Portage)

The Gourdneck State Game Area is in Portage, MI, near Kalamazoo County, and spans more than 2,293 acres. You’ll find various terrain, including lowlands, creeks, and hills, making it great public hunting land.   

This location boasts good hunting environments because it has rare plants and animals. Hunters love the area for deer and small game, like rabbits.  

Birders, photographers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts also use the Gourdneck State Game Area. Make sure you wear bright colors and watch out for other people when you use this area.  

4. Wigwam Bay State Wildlife Game Area (Standish)

Wigwam Bay State Wildlife Area is in Standish, on the shores of Saginaw Bay. It has 3,137 acres of mostly coastal marshland. Mallards and wood ducks nest and brood here, and other birds stop here during migration. 

5. Allegan State Game Area (Fennville)

The Allegan State Game Area is near Fennville in Allegan County. The terrain varies between creeks, open meadows, forests, inland lakes, and wetlands. There are nearly 14 miles of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and the game area is for much more than only hunting.  You’ll find plenty of waterfowl at Allegan State Game Area, and Canada Geese also stop here on the migration flight. During migration, 30,000 geese could be in the game area at once. You’ll also likely see warblers and wild turkeys.  

Summary of Great Public Hunting Lands in Michigan