Hunting on Drummond Island has been a long-time tradition for sportsmen and their families. It has always been a favorite hunting destination, as each fall, folks travel long distances and descend on a place that offers something for everyone. Whether it is big game, small game, or waterfowl, Drummond Island is a sportsman’s paradise. The first frost heralds another turn of seasons as leaves start to change to a brilliant palette of autumnal colors, and excitement is triggered for the hunting fraternity. MI-DNR hunting licenses are available at Drummond Island Outfitters.

Whitetail Deer
Drummond Island is a fantastic spot for deer hunting in Northern Michigan. The whitetail deer is the most popular big game animal on the island, with thousands of acres of state-owned land accessible to everyone. The deer herd has been under a Quality Deer Management program since 1997. The program includes antler restrictions and habitat management through state- and privately managed logging programs. The local Drummond Island Sportsmen’s Club sponsors a voluntary registration program to keep harvest records current. Deer densities can also vary from year to year. Even though we are committed to the “Health of the Herd,” other factors like Winter Severity Index or winter kills can lower deer numbers in bad years. Contact the state biologist for annual forecasts.

Waterfowl
The waters around Drummond Island offer the waterfowl (duck and goose) hunter a variety of opportunities. The point system and yearly bag limits change depending on population levels. Therefore, be sure to check the Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Guide at www.michigan.gov/dnr for the latest hunting information. Listed are some of the more common ducks that are harvested each year: blue and green-winged teal, mallard, long-tailed, black, bluebill (scaup), and goldeneye.

Black Bear
Bear hunting on Drummond is strictly managed, with a lottery draw for tags or licenses. This is a very limited hunt, so expect to apply for many years to obtain this highly prized trophy. Application periods are posted on the State of Michigan website at www.michigan.gov.dnr.

Small Game
Drummond Island has a variety of small game to hunt. There is an abundance of squirrels – black and gray (color phases). Hunt in hardwood and beechnut groves for best success, with daily limits of 5 per day. The season is September 15 through March 1.

Ruffed grouse – favor new growth, aspen, and timber edges as their habitat. Populations vary depending on winters and predators – coyotes, hawks, owls, etc.
Drummond is home to the first GEMS (Grouse Enhanced Management System) open to the public in Michigan. These sites provide unique opportunities for both hunters and birders. The GEMS sites can be found across the state and are managed to enhance habitat for Ruffed Grouse and to provide trails for a variety of hiking experiences. (Map). Directions: From the intersection of Maxton and Damit roads, head north on Maxton Road. In 1 mile, the entrance to the GEMS is on the right (east) side of the road. A parking area and informational sign are located here.

Snowshoe hares – whose name refers to the size of their rear feet – are unique for their color phase, changing from a reddish hue in the summer to a pure white in the winter. The best areas in which to find the snowshoe hare are dense cedar and tag alder swamps. Snowshoes are hunted with dogs, usually beagles. They don’t hole up or den up like the cottontail rabbit and can go long distances. The season runs from September 15 through March 31, with a daily limit of 5.

So whether you desire the true Northwoods deer camp experience, the excitement of the chase with snowshoe hares, or getting out on the water to hunt a variety of ducks, Drummond Island offers hunters a wonderful adventure.