Hunting Access Program

  • HAP Logo

    Hunting Access Program SignMichigan's Hunting Access Program (HAP) was originally created in 1977 to increase public hunting opportunities in southern Michigan where 97 percent of the land base is privately owned. It has now expanded to include the Northeast Lower and Eastern Upper Peninsulas. HAP is one of the oldest dedicated private lands public access programs in the nation.

    HAP provides access to quality private hunting lands with a focus in agricultural regions and disease management areas. Providing more hunting opportunity is critical for attracting new and retaining current hunters and supporting Michigan’s strong hunting tradition.

    HAP provides financial incentives to private landowners who allow hunters access to their lands. Using funds from a USDA/VPA-HIP federal grant, the DNR has significantly expanded the number of acres and properties available within the HAP program.

  • Landowners - Earn Money By Enrolling >
  • For Hunters - List of HAP Properties PDF icon

  • Hunting Access Program Rules

    Please see the Michigan Hunting Digest for more information about program rules. 

    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 the hunter registration folder located at the HAP property and stated in the online property listing found on this website.
    • Hunting is the ONLY activity allowed on HAP lands. HAP lands are not open from June 1st through August 31st. Scouting is permitted up to 2 weeks prior to the hunt season.
    • You must register every time you access HAP lands at the property headquarters or hunter registration box.
    • You are only allowed to hunt species listed under “Hunt Types” for each individual property as stated in the online list of HAP properties found on this website.
    • You are only allowed to hunt during seasons listed for each individual property as stated in the online list of HAP properties found on this website.
    • Driving on HAP lands is banned unless you have landowner permission.
    • Do not block drives or lanes. Park in designated area when provided by the 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 is prohibited. Only non-permanent blinds are permitted and must be removed when you leave. 
    • Clean up after yourself; No littering allowed.
    • All rules and regulations enforced by the DNR still apply while hunting on HAP lands.