This fall, when you’re looking to get away, take a trip up to the Pigeon River Country State Forest near Gaylord and see if you can catch a glimpse of a Michigan’s majestic elk! This video is unavailable. With about 500 head of elk, this heard provides prime elk viewing opportunities year round. Mike has a bull tag for the december hunt. Whenever attempting to view elk, plan to spend adequate time. As the breeding season approaches, elk are more active and can be seen in forest openings, the males bugling for attention from females and working to … Those changes include: CAMPING: Camping with horses, other riding animals, or pack animals within the Pigeon River Country (PRC) is only allowed in the following designated campgrounds: Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground Elk Hill Trail Camp (groups - requires event permit) Johnson’s Crossing Trail Camp (groups – requires event permit) Dispersed camping (camping outside a designated … The Pigeon River Country State Forest and surrounding land is home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. Motorized vehicle use at the Elk Forest property is limited until the DNR completes a road inventory and develops an access plan, with public input. Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground Campsite, 2300 feet east Pigeon River State Forest Campground Campsite, 3300 feet south Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground Campsite, 2½ … The nearly 105,000-acre state forest contains native hardwoods and pines that are interspersed with fields and forest openings. These congregations of elk usually number between 10 and 20. You are most likely to see elk early in the day and again just before dark. For my out of state readers, Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest is home to the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi. Don’t forget your binoculars. By 1939, there were roughly 400 elk in the state forest. Elk can be seen anytime of the year but like any wildlife are more visible at certain times of day and year. Northeast of Gaylord is the 108, 000-acre Pigeon River State Forest, which covers 240 square miles and is the largest undeveloped tract of land in Lower Michigan. The Elk Management plan of 1984 establishes the goal of maintaining a “viable population in harmony with the environment, affording optional recreational opportunities.” The recreational opportunity getting most of the public attention is elk hunting. The 95,000-acre state forest contains native hardwoods and pines that are interspersed with fields and forest openings. Through an important partnership effort with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the DNR is working to improve elk viewing areas and elk viewing education as well as materials and programs. The $2 million Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) transaction happened, in part, thanks to a $75,000 donation from the Rocky Mountain Elk … Currently, the Pigeon River Country State Forest is home to hundreds of elk, where forests are managed or cut with purpose. Another elk was shot last weekend in the Pigeon River State Forest in Otsego County. Structures on the property will remain in private ownership through the end of May. The DNR manages state land by cutting old timber to create forests, by planting food plots, and by using prescribed burning. Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. They roam woods and fields of the northern Lower Peninsula, with the highest numbers in the Pigeon River Country area. Three world-class trout streams ramble through forests and wetlands at the heart of the state’s elk range. “This area is full of wildlife,” said Kerry Wieber, DNR forest land administrator. Pigeon River State Forest was a favorite destination for Ernest Hemingway, who fished and hunted in the “Great Barrens” as a young man after being seriously wounded during the 1st World War in 1918. Forest Legacy funds are used to protect environmentally important forest areas from development and fragmentation. The purchase provides public access to Walled Lake, a spring-fed, 44-acre double sinkhole lake. “This spectacular place adds a gem to the crown of Michigan’s public lands,” said DNR Forest Resources Division Chief Debbie Begalle. With fewer leaves on the trees as the season progresses, the elk can be easier to spot in the woods, too. The rugged, 108,000-acre expanse of Michigan’s Pigeon River Country State Forest is already one of the state’s premier destinations to connect with nature, but a recent DNR purchase has made it even better. Gorno says the three adult elk cows were found in the Pigeon River State Forest east of Vanderbilt. Still, if you cruise some of the best areas (explained later) at the crack of dawn or just before dark, you may see a large bull with antlers in velvet or a group of elk cows with their calves. One of Michigan's most sought after viewing species is the elk, and Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi. These days, the large mammals can be found in parts of the Tip of the Mitt region, with the core area for elk being the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The DNR urges everyone to respect the owner’s privacy until that time. The following are designated viewing areas: 3.5 miles east of Vanderbilt on Sturgeon Valley Road, then 3 miles north on Fontinalis Road; 8 miles east of Vanderbilt on Sturgeon Valley Road at a pipeline corridor; 4 miles north of the Pigeon River Country State Forest Headquarters on Osmun Road; and 18 miles east of Gaylord on County Road 622. Recently, the DNR announced elk habitat has been further protected with the addition of the Elk Forest at Black River, a 597-acre parcel in Montmorency County, to Pigeon River Country State Forest. Secluded in scenic woodland along the Pigeon River this beautiful facility provides easy access to hiking trails, excellent fishing opportunities, and wildlife recreation pursuits. Elk are primarily grazers and browsers. Grassy meadows are focal points. The state’s Department of Natural Resources says a bull elk was shot earlier this week in Montmorency County, north of Atlanta. Located in the north-central part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, just a few miles northeast of Gaylord, it is removed from civilization, and that’s what makes the 106,000-acre “Big Wild” so special. An elk photographed in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Vanderbilt, Michigan The pigeon went extinct in 1914 as a result of overhunting and habitat destruction. There are eight rustic campgrounds in the Pigeon River Country State Forest with two them, Elk Hill Trail Camp and Johnson’s Crossing Trail Camp, serving equestrians and their horses. Parking places are provided where good visibility is afforded. In 1918, the DNR brought seven Rocky Mountain elk from the western part of the country to the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The DNR manages state land by cutting old timber to create forests, by planting food plots, and by using prescribed burning. Recent hunts to keep the herd in balance with its habitat have provided a limited number of hunters some memorable outings. The number of licenses issued generally ranges from 100-400 and depends on the current population and condition of the habitat. They prefer a landscape with open young habitat. The 95,000-acre state forest contains native hardwoods and pines that are interspersed with fields and forest openings. The land deal valued at more than $2 million was finalized in January and adds the Elk Forest at Black River, a stunning, 597-acre parcel in Montmorency County, to Michigan’s public lands. Pigeon River Country. The land purchase includes a section of a high-quality trout stream, the Black River. It is the only river managed exclusively for native brook trout in the entire Lake Huron basin. It can be found in Otsego County deep within the Pigeon River Country State Forest, just 13.5 miles east of Vanderbilt via Sturgeon Valley Road and Twin Lakes. The elk herd has had its ups and downs since its reintroduction into Michigan in 1918, but currently about one thousand elk live in the elk range of southern Cheboygan, Otsego and Montmorency Counties. 49795, Pigeon River Country Discovery Center | Copyright 2017. Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground. According to the DNR, the land deal further conserves from development Michigan’s core elk range. This stretch of the Black River is supported by DNR Type 1 trout regulations where the minimum brook trout size limit is 7 inches, all tackle types are allowed, and the daily bag limit is five fish. ___ This story has been corrected to show the state forest is called the Pigeon River Country State Forest, not the Pigeon River State Forest. Another elk was shot last weekend in the Pigeon River State Forest in Otsego County. Established with the help of horseback enthusiasts, Elk Hill overlooks the Pigeon River on the North Spur of the Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail. They apparently were shot last weekend while bedded down near each other. Michigan’s elk herd is estimated at 900 to 1,200. When several large bulls are bugling and breaking brush with antlers to help impress rival bulls, it can raise the hair on your neck. Mike, Frosty and I went scouting for elk yesterday, Sept. 15th. The nearly 100,000-acre state forest contains native hardwoods and pines that are interspersed with fields and forest openings. Watch Queue Queue. The opportunity to see elk will be enhanced If everyone sits quietly and avoids going into the fields. King hosted authors Ernest Hemingway and William B. Mershon at the camp, where they fished for trout and hunted wild game. Remember these are wild animals. Some parts of the property are prime nesting areas for the tiny Kirtland’s warbler, a songbird that recently came off the federal Endangered Species List. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The establishment of dominance among bulls and early stages of harem formation are exciting times to watch elk. Overview of Pigeon River State Forest Campground. Elk hunting is frequently called the hunt of a lifetime for many Michigan residents. “The land will be open for hiking, hunting, fishing, elk viewing, skiing, snowshoeing, bird watching, mushroom hunting and berry picking, to name just a few activities.”, The $2 million to purchase the property came from the. with matching funds from the DNR’s Land Exchange Facilitation Fund and a $75,000 donation from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Many grassy meadows have been improved for deer, elk and other wildlife that utilize this type of habitat. Elk hunting is the primary tool used to maintain the balance between elk numbers and habitat, while also addressing crop damage concerns. Exciting news for outdoor enthusiasts—the Elk Forest at Black River, a stunning 597-acre parcel in Montmorency … Between 30,000 and 40,000 people apply for a chance to hunt elk every year. They prefer a landscape with open young habitat. Outdoor enthusiasts know that the rugged, 108,000-acre expanse of Michigan’s Pigeon River Country State Forest is one of the state’s premier destinations to connect with nature. The Pigeon River Country State Forest and surrounding land is home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. Upland from the lake and river, a forest of mixed pine, aspen and oak is a thriving wildlife haven, and near the water, wetland plants such as wild cranberry and carnivorous pitcher plants grow beneath a canopy of cedar. At the Park Headquarters you can view some nice displays about the wildlife and plants found throughout the Pigeon River Country Forest. Some viewing areas have been planted with rye, clover, alfalfa or buckwheat. The Pigeon River Country State Forest and surrounding land is home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. The state’s Department of Natural Resources says a bull elk was shot earlier this week in Montmorency County, north of Atlanta. But please remember winter is a stressful time of year for animals. The elk herd today dates back to 1918, when seven elk were brought to Wolverine from the Western United States. The land purchase includes a mix of upland and wetland forest. Smaller satellite or non-breeding bulls hang around the vicinity of the harem. The nearly 100,000-acre state forest contains native hardwoods and pines that are interspersed with fields and forest openings. Michigan’s elk herd is estimated at 900 to 1,200. This diversity attracts a wider variety of breeding songbird species. It looks like the color up here peaked last week. They roam woods and fields of the northern Lower Peninsula, with the highest numbers in the Pigeon River Country area. Managed forests provide year round food sources and are diverse in the types and ages, which is effectively controlled with timber cutting. The Ruffed Grouse is one of the hardest birds to hunt, primarily due to the habitat they live in and the speed at which they fly. The Pigeon River Country State Forest, in the south eastern corner of the Indian River Area, is the home to Michigan’s only free-roaming elk herd. You likely will not be alone at these viewing areas. Watch Queue Queue King is said to have sighted the last known wild passenger pigeon in the region (for which the Pigeon River Country is named) near the property. It is the home of the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi. Free Admission, 9984 Twin Lakes Road Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/20). Michigan’s wild elk herd is flourishing, with over 1,000 elk living in an 105,000-acre area in the northeast Lower Peninsula. The Black River's cold waters make it tone of the premier brook trout stream east of the Mississippi. Connected to the High Country Pathway are Pine Grove (6 sites) Pigeon Bridge (10 sites), Round Lake (10 sites) and Town Corner Lake (12 sites). Recreational bugling, by people, to attract or stimulate bulls to bugle is at its best at this time. Camping with horses, other riding animals, or pack animals within the Pigeon River Country (PRC) is only allowed in the following designated campgrounds: Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground Elk Hill Trail Camp (groups – requires event permit) Johnson’s Crossing Trail Camp (groups – … Elk viewing is not confined to these designated areas. jQuery(function($) { CMLOC_Map_Shortcode("cmloc-map-shortcode-729928889"); }); Closed from November through the End of April. If you can’t see the dog on point, that’s just about right. It looks like the color up here peaked last week. “It offers opportunities for hunters to pursue game species such as elk, white-tailed deer, black bear and ruffed grouse, as well as opportunities for wildlife watchers to catch a glimpse of nongame species such as red-shouldered hawk, loons and pine marten.”. The Elk Forest at Black River will be accessible from Blue Lakes Road on its west side. Recently, the DNR announced elk habitat has been further protected with the addition of the Elk Forest at Black River, a 597-acre parcel in Montmorency County, to Pigeon River Country State Forest. The big one ends up being a 6 x 7. The ecologically important area is surrounded on three sides by existing state-managed land and includes public access to Walled Lake, more than a mile of the Black River, diverse forest, an elk range and remnants of Michigan residents' longstanding relationship with the property. A second elk has been poached in northern Michigan. Hunting to me means bird hunting; specifically Ruffed Grouse or, as the locals call them, “pats”, short for partridge. The Pigeon River Country State Forest and surrounding land where we are camped is home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR. MONTMORENCY COUNTY, Mich. , (WPBN/WGTU) -- Outdoor enthusiasts will have more land to explore after a recent expansion to the Pigeon River Country State Forest. All rights reserved (About Us). “This is the worst year we’ve had as far as elk poaching,” said Lt. Jim Gorno. About one thousand elk live in the elk range of southern Cheboygan, Otsego and Montmorency Counties. The Pigeon River Country State Forest and surrounding land where we are camped is home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. Elk Forest land deal adds lakes, woods and celebrated trout stream to state public lands. A map showing the Elk Forest property. Spotlighting is legal during all months except November when it is not legal to shine at all. Michigan’s 108,000-acre acre Pigeon River Country State Forest, known to many as “the Big Wild” and the core of that state’s elk range, is now 597 acres larger. The elk herd today dates back to 1918, when seven elk were brought to Wolverine from the Western United States. Walled Lake fishing regulations will be identical to those of neighboring South and North Blue lakes: catch and immediate release only, and artificial lures only. Currently, the Pigeon River Country State Forest is home to hundreds of elk, where forests are managed or cut with purpose. © 2020 Advance Local Media LLC. Trout fishing season begins the last Saturday in April and ends Sept. 30. DNR acquires 2,000-acre elk herd range in Northern Michigan for $3.8M, How to see the magnificent elk of Michigan's 'Big Wild' forest, Michigan elk-viewing carriage ride with gourmet dinner named top U.S. attraction, Michigan’s sturgeon season on Black Lake draws record crowd, but lasts nearly 6 hours. A smaller lake and pond are nearby. Vern went out by himself and, naturally, bagged a big bull. The river also provides ideal habitat for the Hungerford's crawling water beetle – a federally endangered, shield-shaped insect found in only a few areas around the Great Lakes. Pigeon River Country State Forest Huron Pines, Michigan DNR and other dedicated partners continue to work together to actively manage the unique landscape of the Pigeon River Country State Forest (PRC) to ensure the long-term protection and restoration of habitat for native plants and wildlife and recreation opportunities for visitors and residents. An elk photographed in the Pigeon River Country State Forest (DNR) “This area is full of wildlife,” said Kerry Wieber, DNR forest land administrator. Not only is it illegal to chase after or otherwise harass wildlife with a snowmobile, it is not Elk viewing is one of the most popular pursuits in the elk range, drawing people from down state, out-of-state, and locals alike. Elk may be seen in and around these meadows or just by chance almost anywhere in the elk range. The breeding season or rut begins in early September and peaks around September 20th. These crops along with the natural grasses and forbs provide food for these large herbivores. Deep in the forest are the foundations to the hunting camp of George King, an early 20th-century fishing guide. Michigan's elk herd. Read on to tour Michigan’s expanded “Big Wild.”, An aerial view of Walled Lake, courtesy of the Michigan DNR. In the depths of the Pigeon River Country State Forest near Gaylord resides Michigan’s wild elk herd. Elk hunting has occurred annually since 1984. A second elk has been poached in northern Michigan. Habitat management for elk and deer and other forest wildlife on state forest lands in the area has created different forest age classes and many grassy openings. Adventurers also will enjoy the addition of more than a mile of the Black River, a top-quality trout stream, and a half-mile of Hardwood Creek. This ten-site campground is the only campground in the PRC that allows horse camping. Elk are primarily grazers and browsers. Forest Legacy funds are used to protect environmentally important forest areas from development and fragmentation. An aerial view of Walled Lake. Large herd bulls with their polished antlers gleaming gather cows into harems for the annual breeding season. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR. Like deer, elk are most active early in the day and toward evening and during the night. Now home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi, the Pigeon offers abundant opportunities to explore the outdoors. They are on their own schedule coming and going when and where their biological needs take them. King is said to have sighted the last known wild passenger pigeon in the region (for which the Pigeon River Country is named) near the property. Attempting to locate and see elk at night with a spotlight is legal but remember, like for deer, it is illegal between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (no firearms are allowed in any vehicle that is spotlighting at any time). The flooding lies within the Clear Lk Kirtland’s warbler management area. In the late 1970s, renewed public interest spurred by oil exploration in the Pigeon River area of the elk range led to reduced poaching, habitat improvement and successful management of … During the winter, when snow covers the ground, elk can be found near logging operations or in recently logged areas that have an abundance of young woody sprouts. One hundred years ago, a unique, rustic area – the “Pine Barrens Country” that a young Ernest Hemingway called “wild as the devil” and “the greatest I’ve ever been in” – became the Pigeon River Country State Forest. During hot summer months, June through August, elk are probably the hardest to find, just at the typical vacation time for many people. ___ This story has been corrected to show the state forest is called the Pigeon River Country State Forest, not the Pigeon River State Forest. ... 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