North Manitou Island Deer Hunt Permits Still Available

Date: October 8, 2009
Contact: Steve Yancho, 231-326-5134

Permits are still available for the North Manitou Island special deer hunt within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  The season began with the bow hunt on October 1 and will end after the final firearm deer hunt on November 8.  Deer taken on this hunt do not count against the hunters’ mainland bag limit.  There is no bag limit on the number or sex of deer that can be taken on North Manitou Island.  Applications for the North Manitou Island hunts are now being accepted for:

• Bow/Crossbow October 1-30
  
• Rifle/Muzzleloader October 31-November 8

The North Manitou Island deer hunt is a truly unique wilderness experience that has become a cherished tradition for many hunters.  Hunting parties will practically have the island to themselves - along with some healthy, good-sized deer.  Since this is a wilderness hunting experience, hunters will need to be totally self-sufficient to participate in this hunt.

Transportation to the island is available through Manitou Island Transit.  For reservations, please call 231-256-9061.  Manitou Island Transit currently has plans for a trip to the island on November 1, with a pickup of November 7.  There are no established anchorages at North Manitou Island, so if you want to take a private boat, please arrange to be dropped off.

Information about the hunts, including the Permit Application Form, is available at the park’s web site.  Click here to access the information.  Applications are also available by calling Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at 231-326-5134.  There is a $25.00 application fee for this hunt.  A current 2009 Michigan deer hunting license is also required.