Hunting and Foraging
Legacy Land Conservancy’s preserves are home to diverse plants, wildlife, and ecosystems; they are also places for people to connect with nature. To maintain the delicate balance between visitor use and long-term ecological care of our preserves, Legacy has set guidelines for hunting and foraging.
Hunting
The deer population in southeast Michigan is growing. Their numbers, as well as their appetite for native vegetation, create a serious challenge for the protection of our preserves.
Legacy Land Conservancy launched the first phase of its Hunting Program at Iron Creek Preserve in 2025 as part of our Preserve Management Program.
The program follows best practices for population management, requiring hunters to harvest a doe before a buck. This helps focus hunting on sustaining healthy ecosystems and providing locally sourced food, rather than on trophies.
In addition to protecting native ecosystems, Legacy sees the venison harvest from this program as a way to support local food systems and, in the future, expand equitable access to hunting for individuals and communities who have historically faced barriers to participation.
Hunting Season at Iron Creek Preserve
Archery Hunting
October 1 to November 6. Preserve remains open.
Black to the Land Coalition Hunting Partnership Season
November 15 to November 30. Preserve closed from dusk until 11:30 a.m. each day.
Firearm Hunting
December 4 to January 1. Preserve closed from dusk until 11:30 a.m. each day.
Permission Required to Hunt
- Hunting is permitted on Iron Creek Preserve with prior approval from Legacy.
- Applications for the 2026 season will be accepted between June 15 and July 17, 2026.
- Only two hunters will be selected for each permit season via a weighted lottery.
- Interested hunters can fill out an application using this form.
Visitor Guidelines During Hunting Season
- Hunting hours are from dawn until 11:30 a.m. from October 1 to January 1.
- The Preserve is closed during hunting hours from dawn until 11:30 a.m. from November 15 to January 1.
- During archery season, the preserve remains open, but we recommend wearing blaze orange or bright clothing.
- Always stay on marked trails, keep pets leashed, and do not approach active hunters or tree stands.
Foraging
Foraging is allowed on our preserves, but only in ways that protect vulnerable species and keep our ecosystems thriving.
The commercial harvest of any species is prohibited. The ethical collection of mushroom, fruits, berries, and nuts that appear to have healthy populations are permitted, by hand, for personal use only.
Foraging is not permitted if a plant is destroyed or damaged upon harvest, or for any species protected due to rarity.
Commonly harvested plants that may not be harvested from Legacy’s preserves include, but are not limited to: wild ginseng and ramps (wild onions or leeks).
Learn More About Our Preserve Management Program
Contact a member of our Preserve Stewardship Team.