Michigan hunters have gained access to thousands of new acres in the heart of the state’s famous elk country following the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ acquisition of the Black River Ranch, an 8,850-acre property that is now part of the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The purchase was finalized in December 2025, and the DNR held a public celebration of the acquisition on July 17, highlighting what many conservation groups consider one of Michigan’s most significant public access victories in recent years.
From Private Hunting Club to Public Hunting Land
The Black River Ranch sits east of Vanderbilt in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the Pigeon River Country State Forest—better known to hunters as “The Big Wild.”
For decades, the property operated as a private hunting and fishing club. Hunting was legal, but only for club members and their guests. While the land was carefully managed for wildlife, access was limited to a relatively small number of people.
Now that the property belongs to the people of Michigan, that has changed.
The DNR has opened the ranch to the public for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation under the same regulations that apply throughout the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Former club members can still hunt there—but now alongside every other Michigan hunter, with no exclusive access.
Why Hunters Should Care
The acquisition adds nearly 9,000 acres of contiguous public land in one of the state’s premier hunting destinations.
The property includes:
- More than 14 miles of the Black River, East Branch Black River and Stewart Creek.
- Three lakes, including the 150-acre Silver Lake.
- Extensive forests and wetlands used by Michigan’s elk herd.
- Habitat for elk, white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, bobcat, pine marten and many other wildlife species.
Michigan’s elk herd—estimated at roughly 1,100 animals—is centered in the Pigeon River Country. Protecting one of the last remaining large privately owned tracts inside that landscape helps preserve migration routes, wintering habitat and future hunting opportunities.
Access Today
Hunters can already use the property, although there is one temporary limitation.
At present:
- Public hunting is allowed.
- Public fishing is allowed.
- Walk-in and other non-motorized access is available.
- Motorized vehicle access remains limited while the DNR develops a long-term management and access plan with public input.
Hunters planning to explore the new property this fall should be prepared for walk-in access until the DNR finalizes its transportation plan.
A Partnership That Protected Michigan’s Elk Country
The approximately $18 million acquisition was funded through a partnership that included the USDA Forest Legacy Program, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Little Traverse Conservancy, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and other conservation partners.
Rather than seeing one of Michigan’s last large private forest tracts developed or subdivided, the property will remain permanently managed as public forestland.
For hunters, the result is simple: land that was once accessible only to a select few is now available to everyone with the proper Michigan hunting license.
Hunterizer
Planning a hunt in Michigan’s expanding public lands? Hunterizer helps you know exactly what you can hunt today, where seasons are open, and which regulations apply. The Hunterizer app includes season dates, weapon restrictions, bag limits, hunting maps and species-specific regulation summaries, helping you spend more time hunting and less time searching through regulation booklets.
