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Ottawa County Parks & Recreation

Hunting on Parks & Recreation Properties

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers hunting on over 3,340 acres of selected properties with some restrictions intended to protect hunters and park visitors alike. Before you head out to hunt, please review the rules and permit requirements. Along with the general park property rules, hunters must comply with the following:

  • All hunters must follow the laws of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

  • Trapping is not allowed.

  • Target practice or paint ball shooting is not allowed.

  • Hunters must maintain a 30-yard distance from property lines.  Property lines are marked with red plastic stakes.

  • Hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of any occupied building.

  • Motorized vehicles are not allowed except in designated parking areas.

  • Cutting of trees or branches to create shooting lanes is not allowed.

  • Gathering of dead materials found on the ground to construct blinds is not allowed.

  • Temporary type 1 ground blinds may be used.

  • Using bait to attract deer is not allowed.

  • Fishing is allowed in designated areas following the laws of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

  • More in Sections 11 & 12 of Ordinance No. 03-2

Properties with Hunting Available

hunt map

Special Permits

Properties requiring a special permit include Crockery Creek Natural Area, North Ottawa Dunes and Upper Macatawa Natural Area. Special permits for archery deer hunting only are selected by a lottery drawing.  Applications will be available each August.  Hunters who receive a special permit must adhere to all of the rules, attend a pre-hunt meeting and pay a $20 fee. 

Hunting is Not Allowed at:

  • Adams Street Landing

  • Deer Creek Park

  • Connor Bayou

  • Eastmanville Farm

  • Grand River Park

  • Grand River Ravines North

  • Grand River Ravines South

  • Grose Park

  • Hager Park

  • Hemlock Crossing

  • Kirk Park

  • Macatawa Open Space

  • Musketawa Trail

  • North Beach Park

  • North Ottawa Dunes

  • Park 12

  • Pine Bend

  • Olive Shores

  • Riverside Park

  • Pigeon Creek Park

  • Pigeon Creek Forest

  • Spring Grove Park

  • Riley Trails

  • Rosy Mound Natural Area

  • Tunnel Park

John Scholtz
Department Head

Parks Administration Office

Room 267
12220 Fillmore St.
West Olive, MI 49460
Monday - Friday:
8:00am - 5:00pm
Phone: (616) 738-4810
Fax: (616) 738-4812
In Ottawa County:
(888) 731-1001 ext.4810

General Park Hours*

March 1 - October 15
7:00am - 10:00pm
October 16 - February 28
7:00am - 8:00pm
*Some parks close in winter or have hours that vary. Select each park for specific park hours.