Hiawatha National Forest

Hunting Information

• Big and Small Game
  The Rapid River Ranger District is noted for its diverse wildlife. This is a result of natural land forms and land management practices which strive to enhance wildlife habitat in harmony with other natural resources, particularly timber. Providing a wide variety of habitat types from wetlands and permanent forest openings to old growth timber insures a corresponding diversity and abundance of wildlife, including popular games species.

• Ruffed grouse - Rapid River
  The ruffed grouse, one of three native grouse species in the U.P., is named for the group of specialized feathers around it's neck that can extend to form a collar of "ruff", when it is excited. The Hiawatha National Forest provides a general introduction to the ruffed grouse and it's prime habitat, young aspen stands. A map designating ruffed grouse areas has been printed on the back side. (Aspen Age Class Maps)

• Deer Hunting
  The Wildlife Biologist on the Rapid River District has indicated areas where deer may congregate within district boundaries. Densities of deer are higher in southern regions of Stonington and decrease as you travel northward, generally speaking. Hunting pressure and hunter densities typically follow those of the deer and decrease as you go northward.