The application period for the 2026 Iron Creek Preserve Hunting Program is open! Interested hunters may now apply for the opportunity to help keep the local deer population in check as part of the program launched last fall. Applications will be accepted until July 17, 2026. Selected Hunters will be determined by July 24, 2026.
Click here to fill out an application.
Hunting Program Background
Over the last two decades, white-tailed deer populations have increased dramatically. Because deer prefer to eat native over nonnative plants, a large deer population can significantly impact an ecosystem and reduce biodiversity by overbrowsing. This is a particular concern at Iron Creek Preserve, where it is important to protect species in the rare prairie fen, as well as the regeneration of oaks and other native trees.
Legacy Land Conservancy launched the first phase of its Hunting Program at Iron Creek Preserve in 2025 as part of our Preserve Management Program.
After much research and planning, we are ready to take the next step expanding the program in 2026.
Application and Permit Process
Hunting is only permitted on Iron Creek Preserve with prior approval from Legacy. Due to the preserve’s size, only two hunters will be selected for each permit season by a weighted lottery. Anyone interested must complete an application by July 17, 2026 to be considered. Legacy will notify applicants by July 24, 2026 if they have been selected for a permit.
Applicants who intend to spend more time hunting on the preserve, and who intend to harvest more deer will be weighted higher. This selection process prioritizes a greater deer harvest, while the limited number of permits is optimal for the 79-acre preserve. Additionally, permitted hunters are required to take one doe before a buck, a measure that is supported by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for effective population management.
The permit only applies to one season. Each year, hunters will be required to submit a new application to be considered through the annual selection process.
Permit Seasons
Legacy has designated two permit seasons within the Michigan DNR’s 2026 hunting season dates. Legacy’s permit seasons are slightly shorter than the DNR seasons, and feature designated hours for firearm hunting. This allows for transition between hunters each season, and maintains access for preserve visitors and stewardship staff through a straightforward schedule. The permit seasons are as follows:
Fall Archery: Oct 1- Nov 6, 2026
Late Firearm: December 4, 2026–January 1, 2027
Only archery hunting is permitted during the Legacy Archery permit seasons, even if it is concurrent with Michigan DNR firearm season dates.
Archery hunting is permitted during the Legacy Firearm permit season if allowed during the concurrent Michigan DNR season dates.
Partnership with Black to the Land Coalition
Additionally, Legacy has partnered with the Black to the Land Coalition to reserve a third permit season specifically for their hunters between November 15-30, 2026. The partnership aligns Black to the Land Coalition’s mission to build relationships with nature and equity in outdoor leadership for Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, with Legacy’s values to increase access to nature for communities that have historically faced systemic barriers to outdoor recreation such as hunting.
Just as this hunting program is the continuation of a 30-year hunting tradition at Iron Creek before the preserve was donated to Legacy, it is the hope that successful hunters will return year after year to build on their knowledge of the land and to carry on their partnership with Legacy.
Preserve Visitors During Hunting Season
Visitors to Iron Creek Preserve during hunting season will face few changes to their experience. During Archery Season (October 1 to November 6), the preserve will remain open. Because archery hunting occurs at short ranges and off-trail, visitors are highly recommended to wear blaze orange or brightly colored clothing.
During the Firearm Seasons (November 15-January 1), the preserve will be closed daily from dawn to 11:30am while hunters are on site.
Throughout the entire season (October 1 to January 1), there are additional guidelines for preserve visitors:
- Do not approach active hunters
- Do not approach or climb tree stands or blinds
- Stay on trail
- Keep dogs on leash
- Wear blaze orange or bright clothing
For a complete overview of the hunting guidelines and program overview, please find the 2026 Iron Creek Hunting Program Applications and Guidelines on the Hunting and Foraging page.