Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Management Area is open for hunting of all legal game species in Michigan per state and federal regulations. Federal regulations prohibit the use of motorized vehicles while hunting management area lands.  The use of bait and dogs is also prohibited when hunting white-tailed deer and black bear. The species most likely hunted are white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, American woodcock and black bear. In newly clear-cut sections, hunting is probably limited to wild turkey and white-tailed deer. A greater variety of game becomes available as the stand matures and the canopy closes. Parcels of property occupied by the Kirtland’s warbler are closed to entry during the bird’s breeding season (May 1st – August 15th).

Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Management Area and the surrounding state lands are prime locations to find the Kirtland’s warbler, a federally listed endangered species. The jack pine barrens and forests that these birds call home are also home to at least 60 additional bird species. Although no formal surveys have been conducted of other animal populations using the management area, it is likely there are over 50 species of mammals and at least 30 species of reptiles and amphibians that also call the area home. Parcels of property occupied by the Kirtland’s warbler are closed to entry during the bird’s breeding season (May 1st – August 15th).

Each year the Michigan Audubon Society, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service host tours of Kirtland’s warbler country. During these tours visitors may have the opportunity to observe the endangered bird, view its nesting areas, and learn about its conservation success story and how it escaped the brink of extinction. Tours are scheduled daily at 7:00 am and on weekends and holidays at 7:00 am and 11:00 am. Tours begin on May 15th and end July 4th. Learn more. 

Field trips to see the Kirtland’s warbler, provided by the East Lansing Field Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are conducted each spring. The field trips require a one hour pre-trip visit. The outings last approximately four hours, depending on the selected schedule. The students will hike approximately 0.5 miles into the jack pine ecosystem that Kirtland’s warblers prefer. The students will practice wildlife observation skills by listening and looking for Kirtland’s warblers. If the weather is nice, they will have a good chance of seeing one! Several science Grade Level Content Expectations (GLECs) will be met with this program. For more information please contact Dan Elbert, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, at 517-351-7261 or Daniel_Elbert@fws.gov to schedule your Kirtland’s warbler program.

A visit to the Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Management Area does not guarantee photographers will get a shot of the Kirtland’s warbler, but photographers will likely be able to snap a photo of various songbirds. Depending on the age of the forest, photographers may locate black-billed cuckoos and upland sandpipers, as well as numerous species of sparrows, warblers, and woodpeckers. Large mammals using the area include black bear, badger, porcupine, and gray and red fox. Parcels of property occupied by the Kirtland’s warbler are closed to entry during the bird’s breeding season (May 1st – August 15th). Unoccupied areas and the network of two-track roads that connect them afford photographers of all skill levels opportunities to photograph wildlife and provide excellent hiking and biking opportunities.