Michigan Hunting Access Program Offers Incentives for Landowners

Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a new program that allows you to make money by "leasing" your land to hunters.

Landowners with at least 40 acres looking to make the most of their land can support local hunting traditions and economy, improve their land, and get paid to do it through the Department of Natural Resources’ Hunting Access Program.

Landowners enrolled in the program receive an annual payment, up to $25 an acre, for allowing hunters to access their lands.

Landowners have the ability to choose which types of hunting are allowed on their lands. Hunting options include:

• All hunting
• Youth and apprentice hunting only
• Small game hunting only
• Deer hunting only
• Sharptail grouse hunting only

Landowners may choose more than one option, such as deer and turkey hunting only. Maximum payments will be given for all hunting or youth and apprentice hunting options.

Visit www.michigan.gov/hap to learn more about the program and to see a current list of private lands available for hunting in Michigan. The HAP Web page includes details about enrolled properties, including types of hunting allowed and aerial photos of the properties.