2026 Iron Creek Preserve Hunting Program Application

  • 2026 Iron Creek Preserve Hunting Program Application

    If you are unable to complete the application online, please call our office at 734-302-5263 and a staff member will assist you.

  • Program Goals

  • Legacy’s Hunting Program at Iron Creek aims to protect native biodiversity by managing the local deer population through permitting a small number of licensed recreational hunters. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has observed a significant increase in deer population statewide, with a concentrated increase in Southeast Michigan. Because deer prefer to consume native trees, flowering plants, and grasses over nonnative species, a large deer population can over-browse these species, leading to biodiversity loss. Hunting is not only a means of managing the local deer population, it is also an important cultural practice and a way to support local food systems through venison harvest.

  • Preserve Hunting Guidelines

  • 1. Hunting is restricted to individuals who have been granted a permit by Legacy through the application of this form

    2. Hunting is only permitted at Iron Creek Preserve. White-tailed deer is the only permitted game. No other species may be hunted or trapped.
    3. Hunters are required to take one doe before taking a buck.

    • Taking a doe first is an effective population control practice to support the hunting program goals.
    • After taking a doe, a hunter’s harvest limit is as defined by Michigan DNR for Washtenaw County for the respective season.

    4. Legacy has designated 2 permit seasons. These seasons are abbreviated from MDNR Season Dates to allow for transition time between hunters. Legacy permit seasons are as follows:

    1. Fall Archery: Oct 1, 2026 - Nov 6, 2026
    2. Late Firearm: December 4, 2026 – January 1, 2027
    • Only archery is permitted during the Legacy archery permit seasons, even if it is concurrent with MDNR firearm season dates.
    • Archery is permitted during the Legacy Firearm permit season if allowed during the concurrent MDNR season dates.

    5. Hunting hours are dawn – 11:30am

    • Hunters are permitted to enter the preserve no earlier than 1 hour before MDNR Zone A hunting times, (no earlier than a total of 1.5 hours before sunrise).
    • During firearm seasons, the preserve is closed to all other visitors during hunting hours.
    • During archery seasons, the preserve reserve remains open. Preserve visitors are recommended to wear blaze orange.
    • During the hunting seasons (October 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027) there are additional guidelines for preserve visitors to stay on marked trails, keep pets on leash, to not approach active hunters, and to not approach or climb tree stands or blinds.

    6. In an emergency, call 911. 

    • Iron Creek Nature Preserve is located at 11703 Noggles Road, Manchester MI 48158.
    • ** There is Emergency Vehicle access to preserve trails through an unlocked gate at the 11677 Noggles Road. This is a private residence with an access agreement for Legacy staff and Emergency Services only.

    7. Legacy has zero tolerance for harassment, threats, or other hateful speech toward preserve visitors, neighbors, hunters and Legacy Staff.

    8. Legacy reserves the right to rescind hunting permission at any time, and for any reason.

    9. In addition to Preserve Hunting Guidelines, hunters must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and ordinances governing hunting activities and must obtain all required government licenses or permits.

    10. Hunters must follow Preserve Visitor Guidelines, although hunters are permitted off trail and to enter the preserve before dawn.

    11. Hunting is only permitted in the approved hunting units, as shown in the Hunting Units Map. These units are buffered from sensitive ecological areas, preserve boundaries, and a minimum of 150 yard (450 feet) from all occupied structures.

    12. Unnecessary shooting or shooting at targets is prohibited, except when discharging a bolt to de-cock a crossbow.

    13. The use of spray paint, reflective tacks, tree blazing or any other permanent method of flagging is prohibited. Flagging tape is permitted and must be removed by the end of the hunting season.

    14. Baiting deer using food materials or salt is not permitted. Planting of food plots or other vegetation is not permitted.

    15. Discarded entrails of field-dressed deer must be left at least 20 yards from a trail.

    16. Tracking wounded deer onto neighboring properties is allowed with permission of the landowner.

    17. Cutting or removing any vegetation, standing trees, or living branches is not permitted.

    18. Permanent stands or blinds are not permitted.

    • Stand fixtures that require nails, screws, bolts, or other intrusive fasteners into the tree are prohibited.
    • Portable ground blinds (MDNR Type 1) and dead natural material ground blinds (MDNR Type 2) are permitted.
    • All stands and blinds must be labeled with Legacy-provided permit.
    • All stands and blinds must be removed by the end of the hunting season designated by the Legacy-provided permit.
    • When dismantling dead natural material ground blinds, the area must be returned to its original natural setting.
    • Any blinds or stands not removed by the hunter shall become the property of Legacy.

    19. Off-road vehicles, bicycles, and other wheeled devices are not permitted outside of the designated parking area.

    20. Fires, camping, littering, and dumping are prohibited. All trash and human-made materials must be packed out.

    21. Legacy is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

    22. Hunters are asked to report the quantity, sex, and estimated age of all harvested deer, as well as to provide Legacy with a copy or picture of the deer tag.

     

  • Permit Application

  • Permits will be given to 2 hunters for each Legacy permit season. Hunters will be selected for each permit season by a weighted lottery, with each application weighted according to hunting availability in a given season and the intended number of deer to harvest. This is to prioritize an optimal and effective reduction of the local deer population. 

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Section 1: Qualifying / Logistical Questions

  • 1) Have you read and will you follow the preserve hunting rules?*
  • 2) Are you willing to take a doe before a buck?*
  • 3) How often will you hunt during Fall Archery Permit Season (October 1, 2026 – November 6, 2026)?*
  • 4) How often will you hunt during Late Firearm Permit Season (December 4, 2026 – January 1, 2027)?*
  • 5) What times do you hunt?*
  • 6) How many deer tags will you purchase for hunting at Iron Creek?*
  • 7) Do you have the ability to remove a field-dressed deer on foot by yourself or with assistance?*

  • Section 2: Non-Qualifying Informational Questions

  • 8) What do you typically use to hunt? Select all that apply*
  • 9) How would you describe your experience level hunting?*
  • 10) How would you describe your experience level tracking a wounded deer and/or tracking a wounded deer onto a neighboring property?*
  • 11) Are you interested in being a resource for other preserve hunters in need of guidance or information?*

  • Section 3: Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver

  • By participating in the Legacy Hunting Program at Iron Creek Preserve, hunters acknowledge that hunting and related outdoor activities are inherently dangerous and may involve risks including serious injury, death, property damage, exposure to natural hazards, interactions with wildlife, uneven terrain, weather conditions, and the actions of other persons.

    In consideration for permission to access and hunt on Legacy property, each hunter agrees to assume all risks associated with participation in hunting activities at Iron Creek Preserve. Hunters further agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Legacy Land Conservancy, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and partners from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from or related to the hunter’s participation in the program or presence on the preserve property, including claims arising from ordinary negligence.

    Hunters are responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including all Michigan Department of Natural Resources hunting regulations. Hunters are also responsible for the actions and safety of any individual accompanying them onto the property.

    By submitting this application, the applicant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.

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