Hunting Access Program (HAP)

HAP michigan.gov/hap

Michigan's Hunting Access Program (HAP), established in 1977, is one of the nation's oldest private lands public access programs. It provides public hunting opportunities on private lands in southern Michigan, where 97% of the land is privately owned, particularly near urban centers and agricultural areas. By offering financial incentives to participating landowners, HAP supports Michigan's hunting tradition by making hunting more accessible.

The program currently operates in most lower peninsula counties and parts of the eastern upper peninsula, and with new federal funding, the DNR plans to significantly expand the program's acreage and properties.

For Hunters

HAP properties are lands for which private landowners have agreed to allow public access. Hunters utilizing HAP properties are guests of the landowner. All hunters are responsible to know and understand the rules of the program and of the property they are hunting as well as state and federal regulations. Please respect landowners and observe the following rules:

  • Before hunting, verify hunting seasons, hunt type(s), maximum number of hunters allowed, and hunt dates.

  • Only species listed under "hunt types" may be harvested at each HAP land.

  • Hunting is the ONLY activity allowed on HAP lands.

  • Do not trespass onto adjacent properties.

  • Hunters must follow all individual landowner rules as described in the registration folder.

  • Every individual hunter (whether hunting or scouting) must register before hunting. See property list below for maximum number of hunters allowed.

  • Up to two licensed adults may accompany each youth or apprentice hunter.

  • Private-land hunting rules apply to HAP lands.

  • Hunters are only allowed to hunt during seasons listed for each land.

    • Lands are closed outside the open hunt type(s).

  • Driving on HAP lands/use of ORVs is prohibited without landowner permission.

  • Do not block drives or lanes, park in designated areas.

  • Hunting in or damaging standing crops is prohibited

  • Use of permanent blinds, tree stands or nails/screws in trees is prohibited.

Steps for hunting HAP lands

  1. All enrolled properties are listed in the link below.

  2. Register at headquarters each time before hunting by providing name, complete mailing address, species hunted, and time spent hunting (starting and ending times). Individuals accompanying a hunter, but who themselves will not be hunting, should not register. Confirm that the maximum number of hunters allowed is not surpassed by reviewing previous hunter registrations each day.

    1. Self-service box: Located near the headquarters sign; contains a folder with registration forms and property information. Please do not contact the landowner.

    2. Mandatory check-in: Register directly with the landowner.

For Landowners

Enrollment is open through September 30th.

Would you like to see if your land qualifies to be leased for Hunting Access? The Berrien County Conservation District manages the leases between the landowner and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Payments are based on habitat type and hunting type allowed and will range from $8 per acre up to $30 per acre with a $8 per acre additional bonus for CRP property. A minimum of 20 huntable acres with 10 percent being forest, wetland, or grassland is necessary to qualify. Payments are made once a year in the spring. Call today if interested! 269-471-9111 x3.