Mi-HUNT is now available on smartphones and tablets, as well as in its original desktop computer format. Image: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Have any spring hunting plans in Michigan? Well, there’s an app for that.
In 2010, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, launched the Mi-HUNT website,www.michigan.gov/mihunt, that allows hunters and outdoor lovers to view about 10 million acres of land available for hunting and other outdoor recreation. Now, just in time for the spring turkey hunting season, you can get the same information on your cell phone or tablet.
It works directly with a device’s global positioning system, allowing users to view maps of 10 million acres of public and private land open for public hunting.
You can download it here.
Many hunters have asked for the mobile platform, said Nick Dohm, DNR resource and geographic information systems analyst. It’s been popular since its release at the beginning of May.
This image from the Mi-HUNT website depicts differing forested and non-forested areas near Bear Lake, Mich., in Kalkaska County. Image: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The maps show the types of vegetation, state management activities and the layout of state game and wildlife areas. That includes information about different wildlife species that are are in those areas. The mobile version can also display habitat types transmitting directly to the person’s GPS, according to the DNR website.
Mi-HUNT can also display Michigan’s different trails – motorized, biking, skiing, hiking, etc. – and recreational activity sites, such as boat launch and access points, campsites, and wildlife area parking lots and offices.
“You can get more detailed maps about the area,” Dohm said. “It gives the hunter an idea of what type of species are out there and what that game area is managing for – deer, turkey, duck, grouse.”