Lotteries for special hunting permits are now open!

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 08/01/2023 10:55 AM EDT
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Hunting is an important part of managing natural lands and parks in Ottawa County. Biodiversity is critical to ecosystem health and is dependent on a delicate balance of predator and prey populations. In Michigan, this balance has been altered by a significant loss of predators. As a result, some prey populations, such as deer, do not have the natural checks and balances needed to prevent overpopulation. Humans have always and will continue to play an important role in hunting prey populations. 

>> Not sure why hunting is important to managing natural areas? Click here to learn more.

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers hunting on over 4,500 acres of selected properties. Six of the properties require a special permit, which are available via lottery. These lotteries are now open, see below for more information on how to apply. 

For general information about hunting, please visit us at: www.miottawa.org/Parks/hunting.htm

Special Permits

Properties requiring a special permit for hunting include:

  • Crockery Creek Natural Area
  • Upper Macatawa Natural Area
  • Stearns Creek South
  • Stearns Creek North
  • North Ottawa Dunes/Ottawa Sands

Lottery drawings are held prior to the hunting periods at each of these sites. Hunters may apply for each of the three lotteries but may submit only one application per lottery. Duplicate entries results in removal from the entire lottery system. 

Special Permit Archery Hunting

Crockery Creek Natural Area, Upper Macatawa Natural Area, Stearns Creek South are open to archery deer hunting by special permit only, during specific periods by lottery-chosen hunters. The parks remain open for hiking, fishing, and other recreational uses during the hunting season. Special hunting rules and regulations are in effect for these hunts; please review before you apply.

Archery Hunting Season Dates

  • Fall - October 15, 2023 - November 15, 2023
  • Winter - December 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Application and Lottery Drawing Information

The online application must be completed by August 31, 2023. Hunters may only apply once. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified. All applicants will be notified of lottery results by e-mail in September. Hunters selected to receive a permit (either season) will be required to do the following:

  • Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
  • Pay the non-refundable permit fee of $20 to the parks office.
  • Read and agree to follow the rules for the hunt.
  • Complete a post-season survey.

Apply for a special permit at Crockery Creek, Upper Macatawa, Stearns Creek Park »

Stearns North All Game Hunting

This Special Permit opportunity is for all game hunting per DNR regulations. There are two hunting seasons available on this property. The park will remain open for hiking, fishing, and other recreational uses during the hunting season.

  • Fall - October 15, 2023 - January 1, 2024
  • Spring - April 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024

Application and Lottery Drawing

The online application must be submitted by August 31, 2023. Hunters may only apply once. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified. All applicants will be notified of lottery results by e-mail no later than September 15, 2023. Hunters selected to receive a permit (either season) will be required to do the following:

  • Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
  • Pay the permit fee of $20 to the parks office.
  • Read and agree to follow the rules for the hunt.
  • Permit holders may scout the property (off trail hiking) up to seven days prior to their season.
  • Complete a post-season survey. Failure to complete this survey will result in being excluded from the opportunity for a special permit in the future.

Apply for a special permit at Stearns Creek North »

Lakeshore Wildlife Management

The Lakeshore Wildlife Management hunt (firearm) will take place at North Ottawa Dunes and Ottawa Sands between the dates of November 17-20, 2023; each participant will be scheduled for two of those dates.

Both parks will be closed to the general public on all four days. Special hunting rules and regulations are in effect for this hunt; please review them before you apply.

Application and Lottery Drawing Information

The online application must be completed by August 31, 2023. Hunters may only apply once. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified. All applicants will be notified of lottery results by e-mail in October. Selected hunters will be required to do the following:

  • Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
  • Pay the non-refundable permit fee of $20; due prior to the pre-hunt meeting.
  • Attend a required pre-hunt meeting (in-person) - October 25th, 5:30-6:30 PM or Saturday, October 28th, 10:00-11:00 AM
  • Complete a post-season survey. Failure to complete this survey will result in being excluded from the opportunity for a special permit in the future.

Apply for the Lakeshore Wildlife Management Lottery »

If you would like to receive future emails about special hunting permits, please sign up here.

More information about hunting on Ottawa County Parks properties can be found online. 

Contact Ottawa County Parks & Recreation with questions.