State Forest Land
Michigan DNR-managed public forest land where hunting is an established recreational use. MiHunt provides additional information for evaluating potential areas.
906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Hunting Deer in Iron County Michigan
Iron County • Michigan
Plan your Iron County deer hunt with practical information about public hunting land, access, local guides, lodging and current Michigan deer regulations.
PUBLIC LAND
State, federal and other public-access hunting opportunities
LAND ACCESS
Maps, roads and resources for finding hunting areas
LOCAL GUIDES
Local guide information and current DNR listings
TRIP PLANNING
Lodging, regulations and hunting resources
Start With The Land
Where Can You Hunt Deer in Iron County?
Iron County's hunting landscape includes Michigan DNR-managed state forest land, Ottawa National Forest land and private forest land enrolled in Michigan's Commercial Forest Program.
More than 425,000 acres of public land are open to hunters across the county, along with extensive roads and hunting trails.
These land types are managed differently, so understanding who manages a property is an important first step before choosing where to hunt.
DNR Where to Hunt
Know The Land
What Kind of Hunting Land Will You Find?
Iron County's hunting opportunities are connected to several different types of forest ownership. Knowing the difference helps you understand access before you arrive.
Ottawa National Forest
National Forest System land is an important part of western Iron County. Forest Service maps and road information can help hunters plan access.
Commercial Forest Program
Privately owned forest enrolled in Michigan's Commercial Forest Program provides public foot access for hunting, fishing and trapping.
Scout Before You Arrive
How to Find Hunting Land Before You Arrive
With hundreds of thousands of acres available, the goal is to narrow the landscape into several areas that fit your hunting plans.
- Open MiHunt and select Iron County.
- Identify public land and land-management boundaries.
- Examine forest cover, roads and access points.
- Identify several potential hunting areas.
- Save alternate locations before your trip.
Build Your Plan
Identify More Than One Hunting Area
A large hunting landscape gives you options. Use your pre-trip research to identify several potential areas rather than building the entire hunt around one location.
Local Resources
Who Can Help With Hunting Questions?
For Michigan hunting regulations, public-land information and MiHunt, the Michigan DNR is the primary resource.
For Ottawa National Forest lands, roads and federal forest management, the Watersmeet-Iron River Ranger District is the relevant Forest Service office for this part of the county.
Watersmeet-Iron River Ranger District
906-358-4551
Local Guide Options
Are There Deer Hunting Guides in Iron County?
The current Michigan DNR commercial hunting guide directory lists two guides specifically connected to Iron County who are authorized for deer.
Lone Wolf Adventures
The DNR lists Brandon Olson of Lone Wolf Adventures for deer, bear, bobcat, coyote and furbearer trapping in Iron and Baraga counties.
Lone Wolf Adventures also publishes current whitetail hunting information for the Iron River area.
Visit Lone Wolf AdventuresMore Deer Hunting Guides
The Michigan DNR maintains the current commercial hunting guide directory, with listings organized by county and species.
Use the directory to find additional guides who list deer hunting in the areas you are considering.
View DNR Guide Directory
Stay In Iron County
Where Can You Stay?
Iron County has lodging in both Iron River and Crystal Falls, giving hunters options for hotels, motels, cabins, resorts and campgrounds.
Find Lodging in Iron County
After The Hunt
Plan for What Happens After the Hunt
A hunting trip also requires a plan for reporting and handling harvested deer.
Harvest Reporting
Report Your Deer
Michigan requires successful deer hunters to report their harvest within 72 hours of harvest or before transferring possession, whichever comes first.
Report a Deer
Processing
Find a Wild Game Processor
The Michigan DNR maintains a current directory of wild game processors for hunters who need processing options.
Find a Processor
Deer Season
Deer Season Information for Iron County
Deer season dates and regulations change from year to year. Review the current DNR regulations before your trip for season dates, licensing, deer-management unit and other requirements.
Archery
October 1 – November 14
Regular Firearm
November 15 – November 30
Late Archery
December 1 – January 1, 2027
U.P. Muzzleloader
December 4 – December 6
Time zone:
Iron County is in the Central Time Zone. Michigan's printed
deer hunting-hour tables use Eastern Time, so hunters in
Iron County need to subtract one hour from the printed time.
Start Planning
Start Planning Your Iron County Deer Hunt
Start with the land. Use MiHunt and the DNR's hunting resources to identify several potential areas, understand the access rules and build your plan before you arrive.
Fall, Hunting, Travel Planning and tagged deer hunting, hunting, iron county deer hunting, iron county michigan, upper peninsula michigan.
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Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.