The Michigan Department of Natural Resources launched a new version of MiHunt, an interactive map showing lands open to public hunting, available at Michigan.gov/MiHunt. The map was released just as fall hunting seasons begin.
Unlike earlier versions, users can customize what appears on the map. The map opens showing only public hunting lands, and users can turn on additional layers for species management units, cover types, land management agencies, and special hunting areas including Hunting Access Program properties, Turkey Tracts, and Grouse Enhanced Management Sites. MiHunt now allows hunters to import their own spatial data, such as property boundaries, waypoints, or tracks from previous seasons. Imported data is visible only to the user who adds it.
"We wanted hunters to build their own adventure rather than be handed a finished one," said Sarah Mayhew, a data specialist for the DNR Wildlife Division.
The DNR built the new version in-house rather than contracting the work, which will allow the agency to respond more quickly if issues arise or when adding new features. The map is accessible via a web browser on a computer, tablet, or phone with no download or account required.