I've been up and down the rule book and I can't seem to decipher a straight answer. This will be my son's first year out with me (16yo), he's been practicing shooting on level ground and I believe he's ready to hit the woods. I'm giving him my spot that I've seen deer, and have a hang-on with sticks already set up for him. This way all he has to go is climb up and strap in, and I'll take my climber and find another spot close by. I would really love for him to be able to get some "real-time" practice and take his bow and field points (no broadheads) and shoot a couple of arrows into our shot blocker that I'll set up and let him range it from the stand. Does anyone know if this is legal in Michigan? The last thing I want to do is break the law by having a weapon in the field outside of season, but I also don't want him to wound an animal by not practicing from elevation.
If it's on private land, I see no problem. On public land, I'm not really sure. I am from Michigan. South-east part.
Sorry should have specified public land. We are in Saint Clair County. I was going to ask the CO for our Hunter Safety course but I had to get to work and she got bombarded at the end of the class with people asking questions. I figured I could just find the info somewhere online but so far, nada.
If you guys are going out there together with a target and field point (no broadheads) I don't see how it would be a issue. Its just simple practice but there possibly could be some strange rule against it.
As long as there is no evidence of poaching, you will be fine. You can easily prove that you are practicing.
In Wisconsin you cannot do bow practice on public land at any time. Not sure about Michigan. You might consider this isn't allowed for reasons other than poaching.
Have you tried calling the DNR? I agree with others that it would be really easy to prove that you are practicing (field points and a target). Also as previously stated, small game is open right now anyway. DNR would probably be your best bet. Most DNR officers will be more than glad to help.
I thinks thats a great suggestion. I had a question this year about left over licenses so I called them and they were a great help and then wished me good hunting. Here's the contact info for your part of the state (I'm up in the NW LP). Lower Peninsula Region - Southeastern Regional Manager: Timothy Payne Detroit Customer Service Center (Outdoor Adventure Center) 1801 Atwater Detroit, MI 48207 313-396-6890 Bay City Customer Service Center 3580 State Park Dr. Bay City, MI 48706 989-684-9141 Cass City Field Office 4017 E Caro Rd. Cass City, MI 48726 989-872-5300 Fish Point Wildlife Area 7750 Ringle Rd. Unionville, MI 48767 989-674-2511 Holly Field Office 8100 Grange Hall Rd. Holly, MI 48442 248-634-0240 Nayanquing Point Wildlife Area 1570 Tower Beach Rd. Pinconning, MI 48650 989-697-5101 Pointe Mouillee State Game Area 37205 Mouillee Rd. Route 2 Rockwood, MI 48173 734- 379-9692 Seven Lakes State Park Field Office 14390 Fish Lake Rd. Holly, MI 48442 248-328-8113 Shiawassee River State Game Area 225 E. Spruce St. St. Charles, MI 48655 989-865-6211 St. Clair Flats Wildlife Area Field Office 1803 Krispin Rd. Harsens Island, MI 48028 810-748-9504 Waterloo Wildlife Office Route 3 13578 Seymour Rd. Grass Lake, MI 49240 517-522-4097
