Things to Do in Indian River
Hunting
The Indian River area is a hunterʼs paradise. With excellent hunting opportunities for whitetail, bear, waterfowl, turkey, ruffed grouse, woodcock, and more, our region is an ideal destination for a hunting vacation, or even to establish a family hunting camp.
Michigan Elk Hunt
The Michigan elk hunt is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to harvest a Michigan elk. Licenses are drawn on a lottery system, and each year the Michigan DNR runs two sanctioned elk hunts: September 23-October 4 and again from December 1-15.
Whitetail Deer
With hundreds of thousands of acres of state land and a thriving whitetail deer population, our area is the ideal space to spend your hunting season.
Need ammo or supplies for your bow? Stop at Pat and Gary's Bow Hole in Downtown Indian River. And if you're here on opening day, be sure to stop by for Pat and Gary's Buck Pole! It's an opening day tradition like no other.
Small Game
Indian River and surrounding areas are home to a healthy ruffed grouse population, and is a migratory stop for the American woodcock. With thousands of acres of state land, our area provides ample opportunities to find your next favorite hunting spot.
Additionally, there are several walk-in Grouse Enhanced Management System areas (GEMS), where the Michigan DNR especially manages habitat for ruffed grouse.
Wild Turkey
Get out and enjoy the chase after on a wild turkey hunt during Michiganʼs Spring and Fall turkey seasons. Thereʼs nothing quite like the crisp, quiet Northern Michigan air early in the morning on a turkey hunt.
Bear
Black bear hunting has long been a cherished Northern Michigan tradition, passed down through generations of hunters. Our forests provide ideal habitat for healthy bear populations, making the region a popular destination during bear season.
Michigan is also one of the few states where hunters can pursue bear with trained hounds, a time-honored practice that requires dedication, skill, and a deep bond between hunter and dog.
