OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation department opened applications for special hunting permits Thursday.
The county has online applications for three different lotteries that include hunting permits for six properties. Hunters can enter into each of the lotteries once but must choose only one special permit to apply for in each of the lotteries.
Special Permit Archery Hunting Lottery
Hunters can now apply for the special permit for archery hunting at Crockery Creek Natural Area, Upper Macatawa Natural Area or Stearns Creek South. Special hunting rules and regulations are in effect for these hunts.
Each of the properties has two archery hunting season date ranges:
- Fall - October 15, 2024 - November 15, 2024
- Winter - December 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Online applications can be filed for the lottery through Aug. 31 and winners of the permits will be drawn and notified by email in September.
When applying for the special permit, only apply for one of the six offered. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified.
If you are selected to receive a permit, you will be required to do the following:
- Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
- Pay the non-refundable permit fee of $20 to the parks office.
- Read and agree to follow the rules for the hunt.
- Complete a post-season survey.
The parks will remain open for hiking, fishing and other recreational uses during the hunting seasons.
Stearns North All Game Hunting Lottery
Hunters can now apply for the special permit for all game hunting at Stearns Creek North. The all game hunting is per DNR regulations.
The property has two all game hunting season date ranges:
- Fall - October 15, 2024 - January 1, 2025
- Spring - April 15, 2025 - May 15, 2025
When applying for the special permit, only apply for one of the two offered. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified.
If you are selected to receive a permit, you will be required to do the following:
- Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
- Pay the permit fee of $20 to the parks office.
- Read and agree to follow the rules for the hunt.
- Permit holders may scout the property (off trail hiking) up to seven days prior to their season.
- Complete a post-season survey. Failure to complete this survey will result in being excluded from the opportunity for a special permit in the future.
The park will remain open for hiking, fishing and other recreational uses during the hunting seasons.
Lakeshore Wildlife Management Lottery
Hunters can now apply for a special permit for one of two wildlife management firearm hunts at North Ottawa Dunes and Ottawa Sands.
The hunts will take place on Nov. 22-25, 2024 and each participant will be scheduled for two of those dates. Both of the parks will be closed to the general public on all four days. Special hunting rules and regulations are in effect for this hunt.
If you are selected to receive a permit, you will be required to do the following:
- Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
- Pay the non-refundable permit fee of $20; due prior to the pre-hunt meeting.
- Attend a required pre-hunt meeting (in-person) -Wednesday, October 16 from 5:30-6 pm OR Saturday, October 19 from 10-10:30 am
- Complete a post-season survey. Failure to complete this survey will result in being excluded from the opportunity for a special permit in the future.
