Berrien County Conservation District

Michigan's Hunting Access Program (HAP) was created in 1977 to increase public hunting opportunities in southern Michigan where 97 percent of the land base is privately owned. This program is now one of the oldest dedicated private lands public access programs in the nation.

HAP provides access to quality private hunting lands close to urban centers and in agricultural areas. Availability of hunting lands close to home is critical for attracting new and retaining current hunters and supporting Michigan’s strong hunting tradition.

HAP now provides financial incentives to landowners in most counties within the lower peninsula of Michigan and a portion of the eastern upper peninsula who allow hunters access to their lands. Using funds from a new federal grant, the DNR plans to significantly expand the number of acres and properties available within the HAP program.

HAP lands are privately owned lands for which the landowners have agreed to allow public access. All hunters are responsible to know and understand the rules of the program, as well as rules of each property and state and federal regulations. Please treat these privately owned lands with respect and observe the following:

• You must follow all individual landowner rules as described in registration folder.
• Hunting is the ONLY activity allowed on HAP lands.
• You must register every time you hunt on HAP lands at the farm’s headquarter or service station.
• You are only allowed to hunt species listed under “Hunt Types” for each individual farm as listed in the HAP digest.
• You are only allowed to hunt during seasons listed for each individual farm in HAP digest.
• Driving on HAP lands is banned unless you have landowner permission.
• Do not block drives or lanes. Park in designated area when provided by landowner.
• Use of ORVs is prohibited without landowner permission.
• Hunting in or damaging standing crops is banned.
• Use of permanent blinds, tree stands or nails/screws in trees are prohibited.
• Clean up after yourself; No littering allowed.
• All rules and regulations enforced by the DNR still apply while hunting on HAP lands.

 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 Dept. of Natural Resources. Payments are based on habitat type and hunting type allowed and will range from $2 per acre up to $20 per acre with a $5 per acre additional bonus for CRP property. A minimum of 40 huntable acres with 20 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.