Hunters welcome at Pictured Rocks NL

Date: November 4, 2008
Contact: Tim Colyer, 906-387-2607, ext. 203

(Munising, Mich) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore provides the following information to help deer hunters who will be visiting the National Lakeshore. Hunters are welcome and the National Park Service seeks the cooperation of all our visitors in protecting and sharing the resources of the park during the hunt. Hunters are reminded that the Lakeshore’s trails and backcountry campsites continue to be used by other visitors. In the interest of safety, all visitors are encouraged to wear fluorescent orange while hiking or camping in the Lakeshore during hunting season.

According to Superintendent Jim Northup, all lands within the boundary of the National Lakeshore are administered under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which protects the natural resources in areas under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Non-conflicting Michigan hunting laws are also enforced as part of the CFR.

Superintendent Northup reminds hunters that some National Park Service regulations are not found in the 2008 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide, but they will be enforced by park rangers. These regulations are:

1. A backcountry camping permit is required when camping overnight on National Lakeshore lands.
2. The cutting of standing trees (alive or dead) and branches, or the possession of green vegetation is prohibited. This includes clearing branches for shooting lanes.
3. Digging or disturbing soils or vegetation is not permitted.
4. Vehicles or other wheeled devices are not allowed off roads and ORVs are not permitted anywhere in the Lakeshore, including on park 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.
8. There are areas within the National Lakeshore which are closed to hunting. In general, all facilities, campgrounds, trails and other developed areas such as picnic areas are closed to hunting. A complete listing of closed areas can be found on our website at www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/hunting.htm .

For further information about hunting in the National Lakeshore, contact park headquarters at 906-387-2607 or the Lakeshore Visitor Center at 906-387-3700.