GLADSTONE — Before hunters head out, the Hiawatha National Forest is asking them to review the following list of information and resources to help make the 2020-2021 hunting season more enjoyable.

– License: First, make sure you obtain a hunting license from the MI-DNR.

– Downloadable Maps: Next, visit the Maps & Publications page on the Hiawatha National Forest website. Learn which Forest roads and trails are open to your type of motorized vehicle use from ATVs to street-legal vehicles. Download the current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for free, or contact your nearest Forest Service office if you need assistance. The 2020 Aspen Stand maps for grouse hunters can also be found on this page under Forestry.

– Off-Road Vehicles: It is illegal to operate an ORV on National Forest lands except on designated roads and trails. All cross-country ORV travel is prohibited on the Hiawatha. It is illegal to drive an ORV cross country to blinds or to retrieve game.

– Avenza Maps App: Navigate offline. Download the Avenza MapsÆ app while you still have an internet connection, then use it offline to navigate in the field.

– Print Maps: Make sure someone always knows where you are. Call any Forest Service office to purchase a map for the area you plan to hunt. Take one with you and leave another with family or friends.

– Camping: The Fall is a great time to camp in the Hiawatha National Forest.

Make a reservation at Recreation.gov for campgrounds. Primitive camping does not require a reservation. Please be aware that some campgrounds have closed for the season and others are scheduled to close in October. Please check our website for recreation status updates. Primitive Camping is allowed forestwide unless a “No Camping” sign is posted. Remaining at any one primitive location for more than 16 consecutive days is not allowed. No matter where you camp, permanent camping structures and damaging trees by placing nails or anchors into the tree is prohibited. Camping equipment left unattended for more than 24 hours will be removed.

– Parking: Vehicles may be parked no more than 25 feet off the road when camping, or stopping to hunt for a few hour- Firewood: Please purchase or gather firewood locally to reduce the spread of invasive species such as emerald ash borer and gypsy moth. Firewood permits are not required to gather wood for a campfire or cooking fire (picking up fallen/dead wood). Any and all fires (campfire, warming fire, cooking fire) must always be attended. Because most wildfires are created by human activity, we ask that you please review these campfire safety tips, which include information on how to maintain and extinguish a campfire when you are done.

– Food Plots: It is illegal to create food plots on National Forest System lands.

– Blinds: Hunters may not erect permanent blinds on National Forest lands, and all blinds, shelters and other personal property must be removed at the conclusion of this season. Blinds must meet the Michigan DNR’s requirements as described in the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide.

– No Trespassing: It is illegal to post areas of the National Forest as private property in order to discourage other hunters. National Forest System lands are interspersed with private land; make sure you are on National Forest land during your hunting trip. Be aware of other blinds/people that may be nearby.

– Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in and leave no trace that you were there. Check out 7 tips for Leave No Trace and Outdoor Safety and Ethics.

– Safety, Safety, Safety! Please review the DNR’s Hunting Safety Reminders, which include always identifying your target before shooting and wearing hunter orange. Also review the Hiawatha National Forest’s Rules of the Road/Trails. Use spark arrestors and cross any trailer/tow chains to prevent wildfires. Chains that drag on the ground create sparks that could potentially start fires.

– Use Caution on the Forest: Check the weather before you go out. Extreme weather this year has created potentially hazardous conditions on roads and trails. Hunters, ATV/OHV enthusiasts and all visitors should be on alert for down trees, blocked roads or trails and areas that are underwater. /Our Alerts & Notices webpage has links to local weather and traffic conditions.

– While office doors may be closed, we continue to care for the land and serve people. Please do not hesitate to reach out or make an appointment at any of our Forest Service offices. If you see a Forest employee in the field and have a question, please remember to social distance 6 feet (about a car width) when having a conversation with them.

– Social Distance and Limit Groups: For the safety of all, we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to hunt locally and limit groups to 10 or fewer people.