Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, per its enabling legislation, allows hunting within its boundaries. Hunters are welcome in the National Lakeshore, and the National Park Service seeks hunter cooperation in protecting and sharing the resources for the enjoyment of all.

According to Superintendent Dusty Shultz, all lands within the boundary of the Lakeshore are administered under the Code of Federal Regulations, and the laws contained in the Code provide for the protection of the natural resources within areas under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Hunters should be aware that some National Park Service regulations are not found in the 2005-2006 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide, but are enforced by park rangers. These regulations are as follows:

1. Entrance fees are required when using park lands and waters.

2. The cutting of standing trees and branches (alive and dead), or the possession of green vegetation is prohibited.

3. Digging or disturbing soils or vegetation is not permitted.

4. Vehicles or other wheeled devices are not allowed off roads.

5. Ground blinds may be built with natural dead or downed material, but must be dismantled at the end of the hunting season. When dismantling ground blinds, the area must be returned to its original natural setting. All blinds must be removed within seven days after the close of the season.

6. All trash and other man-made materials must be packed out and deposited in trash receptacles.

7. The marking of trees to locate trails by the use of spray paint, colored flagging, or reflective tacks, is prohibited. The blazing of trees is not allowed.

The following Park facilities are closed to hunting, which includes a 450 foot (137 meter) safety zone. The safety zone is defined as the area beginning at the edge or exterior boundary of any road, site or development and extending outward for 450 feet.

On the Mainland:
Platte River Campground
D.H. Day Campground
White Pine Backcountry Campground
Valley View Backcountry Campground
D.H. Day Group Campground
Dune Climb
Duneside Accessible Trail
Stocking Scenic Drive (when open to traffic)
Glen Lake Picnic Area
Good Harbor Picnic Area

On the Manitou Islands:
Village Campground on North Manitou Island
Weather Station, Bay and Popple Campgrounds on South Manitou Island
Village area on North Manitou Island
Village area on South Manitou Island

Enjoy the public hunting opportunity and practice safe hunting. For further information about entrance fees or hunting in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, contact park headquarters at 231-326-5134, the Leelanau District Ranger Station at 231-334-3756 or the Platte River Ranger Station at 231-325-5562.

There is also information available for the annual special deer hunt on North Manitou Island by clicking here.

Last Updated: 11/1/2005
Http://www.nps.gov/slbe/hunting.htm