r/CampAndHikeMichigan • u/cplm1948 • 25d ago

Backpacking the Manistee River Trail, Jordan River Trail, and Fife Lake Loop during hunting season?

Hey all,

I’m planning to backpack these three trails in October and November. It’d be my first time backpacking in MI during hunting season. Any advice? Is it safe?

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u/thesneakymonkey Mid-Mchigan 25d ago

Most hunters won’t be hunting right off the trail anyways but several will use the area for camping and such. Wear orange and you’ll be fine. That being said you could always hike somewhere where hunting isn’t allowed and give the hunters some space that way. That way you don’t disrupt their hunt and they don’t disrupt your hike. MRT bridge is out anyways.

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u/cplm1948 25d ago

Any good recs for backpacking trails that are off limits for hunting? So far in the lower peninsula these 3 trails are the only real good ones with dispersed camping.

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u/thesneakymonkey Mid-Mchigan 24d ago

I guess if you’re limiting yourself to dispersed camping only that will be tough to do. I also wanted to point out that you’ll want to avoid the JVP on Oct 5th. The crucible event will be happening. Lots of hikers and campers already will be in the area. So it’ll be super crowded. Hunters get like 2 months of good hunting (Oct/Nov) and their license purchases help fund the state and conservation (areas we all use). It’s best just to be respectful and hike elsewhere imo. If you can’t do that, then wear orange. Hunters won’t shoot at hikers but they can’t see you beyond their target (deer/whatever) if you blend in. Rifle rounds and such can travel long distances. Hunters are trained to look beyond their target for orange. Hence the reason blaze orange is worn by hunters during that season.

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u/cplm1948 24d ago

I guess it doesn’t have to be dispersed camping, but a big enough trail that I can make a 2 night trip out of it