Fort Custer Training Center - Hunt Information

MWR - Military / Employee Hunting SOP OCT 2024 - SEPT 2025

PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO HUNT/FISH -- Current full time MDMVA / FCTC employees with valid ID -- Active/Retired MIARNG members with valid ID -- Anyone with a valid/current DoD ID

Final approval of the hunter eligibility rests with FCTC Garrison Commander.
Eligible hunters may host up to 2 guests. Eligible hunters are responsible for their guest(s) while on Fort Custer. Hunters must have (1) signed copy of SOP on file with FCTC-DPOTS (Range Control) and (1) on-person in order to go afield. GUESTS MUST ALSO HAVE A SIGNED COPY OF THE SOP ON FILE WITH FCTC-DPOTS (Range Control) AS WELL.

CHECK IN/OUT PROCEDURE

Hunting weapons brought onto Fort Custer must be declared and visually identified at Front Gate. ALL sportspersons must check in/out with Range Control during normal business hours before going afield and immediately after returning from your hunting area. Outside normal business hours check in/out is at the front gate security post. Hunt dates will change according to troop training schedules and it is incumbent upon the hunter to coordinate through FCTC-DPOTS (Range Control) at 269-282-7559 prior to your hunt.

If you harvest game while on Fort Custer please notify Brian Huggett in the Environmental Office. This is for courtesy and tracking/herd management purposes only. Contact via email: HuggettB@michigan.gov or call 269-282-7878. Deer harvested must be reported within 72 hours to the MI DNR. For more info: MI DNR Hunting App

Compliance with these procedures is mandatory and are essential to maintain a safe and responsible hunt. If individuals are found to be out of compliance with this SOP or the MI DNR hunting regulations, privileges may be revoked at the discretion of DPOTS or the Garrison Commander.

HUNTING / FISHING AREAS Training Areas 1-8 (Areas 1-2 archery hunting only) ALL SPECIES/ALL SEASONS. See map on page 2. There will be no hunting/fishing in the North Impact Area (all land north of Territorial Rd. and South of Range Rd.). This impact area is off limits as per Army Regulation 210-21 Army Ranges and Training Land Program. (5-11d).

HUNT DAYS Fort Custer is first and foremost a Training Center. When units are conducting live-fire ranges or training in any of the training areas hunting is NOT authorized in any area until training is complete. Hunters must coordinate with FCTC-DPOTS (Range Control call 269-282-7559 24 hours prior to coming to FCTC) to ensure hunting is open. A tentative schedule of available hunting dates and times will be posted on the website: fortcusterhunt.org. (This will change regularly due to training schedule changes so check often).

Public Hunt Day, will be posted on fortcusterhunt.org. Contact Brian Huggett with Environmental via email HuggettB@michigan.gov or 269-282-7878 with questions regarding Public hunt dates.

SPECIES Whitetail deer, Turkey, Waterfowl, and small game are authorized species available to hunt during MI-DNR published seasons and with appropriate licensing. Coyote hunting is not authorized. Trapping of any species must receive approval through FCTC-Environmental office and FCTC Post Commander. Baiting/feeding and food plots are not authorized.

WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT Shotgun, bow, crossbow, muzzleloaders, .35-caliber or larger rifle loaded with straight-walled cartridges are the only approved hunting weapons at Fort Custer Training Center. Concealed weapons are for personal protection, they are not to be used for hunting any game species. Access will be denied to any persons transporting weapons not approved for use on Fort Custer. Dogs may be used for waterfowl hunting as long as they come on post just prior to hunting and leave immediately when finished. A tracking dog may be used to locate a down or mortally wounded deer as long as they come on post just prior to tracking and leave immediately when finished. The dog must be kept on a leash at all times. A dog used for small game hunting is not authorized. Temporary elevated tree stands may be used for deer hunting (no screw in steps or permanent blinds). Tree stands and hunting blinds must comply with the 2024 Michigan Hunting Digest (Ground Blinds on Public Land), cannot be placed prior to September 1st 2024, and must be removed no later than March 31st 2025. Tree stands and hunting blinds found after March 1st 2025 will be removed and disposed of. It is the sportsperson’s responsibility to know what they are shooting at, what is both in front and behind their target.