Opening day is right around the corner for grouse and woodcock hunters.
If you’re looking for premium hunting locations with easy access, plan a trip to a Grouse Enhanced Management Site!
There are six GEMS throughout the northern Lower Peninsula and 13 across the Upper Peninsula. These areas have been specifically managed for grouse and woodcock habitat, optimizing your chances of a successful bird season.
“Michigan is nationally known as a great upland bird hunting destination, ranking in both ruffed grouse and woodcock harvest, with millions of acres of public land to explore,” said Adam Bump, Michigan Department of Natural Resources upland game bird and furbearer specialist. “With mowed walking trails, abundant young forest cover and open parking areas with trail maps, the GEMS provide a quality hunting experience for all hunters.”
Each site offers a unique hunting trip and hundreds of acres of publicly accessible land. Eighteen sites are equipped with a map, information kiosk and hunter walking trails. If you’re looking for a more remote experience with no trails, check out the Norwich GEMS, located in the Ottawa National Forest.
Find additional public hunting lands using the Mi-HUNT interactive map. This free mapping tool provides cover types, trails and approximate boundaries of lands open to public hunting. Learn more about Mi-HUNT and watch video tutorials of how to use the application at Michigan.gov/MiHunt.
Wrap up your GEMS trip by stopping into a local partnering business and receive a great discount by presenting your base hunting license or a photo of yourself at the GEMS. Look for the “I Support GEMS” sticker in the window at nearby businesses and get a few dollars off your lunch or hotel stay!
Plan your GEMS trip and find local businesses at Michigan.gov/GEMS.
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