Can anyone help? Or make a suggestion

[fredbearhunt]

Well hello from South West Michigan. I am looking for hunting land to hunt, lease. I am 32 years old. Moved here to Michigan in 2002 from Alaska (military brought me here). My son will be 10 in Oct. I have taken deer/turkey here. But my son is hunting more and more with me. I want to take him on private land here in Calhoun, Barry, Eaton, or Branch County. I know big Buck and counties where deer hunting is everything. I know my chances are small to obtain hunting land there. But like I said earlier “HUNTING is EVERYTHING” to me and my son. I want it to be family, no matter what as long as I and he are out together (we like to hunt from a buddy 2 man ladder stand) that all that matters.

That’s why I am willing to hunt DOES only if need be. Just somewhere I can take him and not worry about the local drunks shooting him. I want him to feel safe along with me in the woods. And taking him on public hunting Bow or Gun is not what I wanted to do.

I work for Uncle SAM I don’t have a lot of extra cash, me and him cut up deer ourselves and actually look forward to spending time in the woods and eating deer together.

Please let me know, if you know any land I could lease or even obtain some private land to take DOES ONLY

[Michihunter]

With your boy being 10 you have no choice but to deer hunt on private land (at least if he's planning to hunt with you). I'd suggest doing some good ol fashioned door knocking and explaining your situation to some landowners in your area. Or perhaps getting involved in a local gun club. ;)

[ArmyHunter]

I would say Michihunter has the best plan. Being military I know the limited funds and lack of private land. Have you looked at Federal land. It may not be private, but it should be restricted to those that can access it, ID card holders.

Good Luck!

[Gilbey]

I'm not going to pretend that I know the LP, but if it were me...I'd look for the hardest hit farmers that have too many deer, and offer your help.

[fredbearhunt]

ya I have tryed knocking on the farmers door, but this area I am located at is just about all locked up. I will keep trying though

[farmlegend]

Fred, there have been a number of threads on the MSF on the topic of finding private land to hunt on. I suggest a search.

I also sent you a PM on with a specific suggestion. Good luck.

[part timer]

My understanding was that the Fort Custer area had some lands reserved for military personnel access only. There are plenty of deer in that area. I'm not sure about the impact of age restrictions as that would be considered public land.

The Kalamazoo Nature Center has had a bow only hunt the last few years to thin out deer that were damaging the plants. I believe it is does only.

One other thought: I've hunted federal and state land around Kalamazoo during bow season and never had a bit of problem. Most times out I never saw another hunter and on those occassions I did the interactions were very polite. (Gun season is a different story)

Good luck in your search.