GLADSTONE — The Hiawatha National Forest wants to remind hunters that if you haven t removed your blind and/or tree stand on Forest Service lands from last deer season, now is the time. The yearly deadlines to remove blinds and stands is long past, but Forest Service Law Enforcement has recently observed many blinds and stands still in the woods.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has established regulations guiding removal of hunting gear. It is important for hunters to know the regulations regarding hunting, and information regarding these rules can be found in the DNR s yearly Hunting Guide. These regulations include the following regarding blinds and stands:

Deer hunters may place constructed ground blinds on all Zone 1 and Zone 2 public lands from Sept. 1 to the end of the annual deer season. In addition to being subject to criminal penalties, any constructed blind found on public land prior to Sept. 1 or after the end of the annual deer season will be considered abandoned.

Scaffolds, raised platforms, ladders, steps and any other device to assist in climbing a tree cannot be placed on public lands any earlier than Sept. 1, and must be removed by March 1.

As you start thinking about the upcoming hunting season, we suggest designing your blind to make it easier to remove. Consider:

– Investing in a portable, pop-up blind

– Finding natural cover. Construct a blind from dead and natural materials. Cutting vegetation and using permanent fasteners is not allowed, but you can use a tarp or netting for concealment or protection from weather.

Blinds and stands left on public lands for extended periods of time can cause numerous negative impacts, including safety hazards, environmental damage, and impacts to timber harvesting operations. “We know that most hunters care deeply about the resource and want to ensure it is left in good condition for future generations,” said Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Shaun Hughes. “While it might be tempting to leave your blind in place for the next season, planning ahead to remove your blind helps to protect humans, wildlife, and the environment. It’s just the right thing to do.”

When abandoned tree stands and blinds are not removed according to regulations, Forest Service staff can and will remove them. Abandoned property, including blinds left in place beyond the State’s removal date, can be removed by the agency as soon as seventy-two hours after they are discovered. In addition to impoundment and removal from the forest, these blinds may also be subject to destruction.

Abandoning property on forest lands is a violation of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as is dumping of property on federal lands. Both are Class B Misdemeanors, with fines of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a legal entity other than an individual, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months.

Offenders may also be charged for violations of Michigan state law.