Bow hunters can now apply for permits to hunt at Hickory Forest Natural Area in Traverse City.
It’s the first time city officials are allowing hunting in the suburban recreation area.
Matt Cowall, who helps oversee the park for Traverse City and Garfield Township, said the decision came after a botanical survey showed deer were eating and impacting rare plant species.
“We've gotten mixed opinions as to whether or not this is going to be a successful management practice, given that it's on a single property … it's not a regional approach,” Cowall said. “Wildlife being wildlife, they don't obey those [property] boundaries, right? So it'll probably help, but whether or not it's a game changer is a different story. It really is kind of an experiment.”
Hickory Forest, sandwiched between Hickory Hills ski area and Bay Meadows Golf Course, is operated by the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township Recreational Authority.
The 76-acre natural area is relatively new – the Recreational Authority has only owned it since 2023.
Cowall said there’s enough space and few enough people that the Recreational Authority isn’t particularly concerned about conflict between hunters and trail users.
But he says the permits require hunters to submit feedback on the experience in order to obtain another permit in the future.
“It's a new dynamic for the Rec Authority. We don't have hunting on any of the other parklands that are managed by the Rec Authority,” Cowall said. “We're really going to learn as we go and adjust accordingly.”
Two bow hunting permits per week have already been granted for use between now and the end of the season on Jan. 1. Interested hunters can learn more and join this year’s waitlist.
Cowall said depending on how it goes this year, the option could be available to hunters in the future.
