The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has provided an opportunity to do work needed to reduce fuel loads and maintain firebreaks on the refuge. Some of this work may occur during rifle deer season along roads that are open to hunters and hunt camps.
A contracted company will be clearing smaller trees and brush in a 50-foot corridor on both sides of Driggs River Road. The company plans to start from the north end of Driggs River Road and will be working weekdays during daylight hours. They will be using machinery such as forestry mowers and woodchippers. It is estimated that the sound will carry about a mile out from where the work is being done. After the first few days deer tend not to be bothered by this noise. We apologize for the possible disruption to hunting experiences.
Work will be conducted November 2023-June 2023. Please be aware of heavy machinery and work crews on the refuge.
Interested in camping during the 2023 rifle deer season? Register your camp by November 13, 2023. Camping is not allowed during the muzzleloader season for white-tailed deer. Camping is allowed west of the Driggs River in designated areas along roadsides within 10 yards of the road. (Backpack camping is no longer allowed west of the Driggs River). Camping is not allowed in the Wilderness Area or any Research or Public Use Natural Areas. Only downed branches and trees can be used for fires; snags (dead, standing trees) are to be left in place and not cut.
Follow “Leave No Trace” principles so that public lands will remain clean and attractive for others to enjoy. (https://lnt. org/why/7-principles) To register your camp: Send the following information, via email to jennifer_ wycoff@fws.gov or call 906 586-9851
• Your name
• Number of people in your party
• Phone number(s) we can reach you at now and while camping
• Arrival and departure dates
• Type of camp: tent, trailer, pickup camper, other
• Vehicle information: make and model of all vehicles using the site
• Desired camp location Follow Michigan state regulations and the more restrictive refuge-specific regulations:
• No types of bait or artificial lures are allowed (i.e. salt). Possession of bait on the refuge is prohibited, this includes in your vehicle.
• No ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc.
• No canoes/boats/tubes/flotation devices on refuge impoundments.
• Report all injuries or accidents occurring on the refuge immediately to the refuge headquarters. Please report any illegal issues you see. After hours emergency contact number (906) 630-2015
• See the hunting brochure (https:// www.fws.gov/media/seney-nationalwildlife- refuge-hunt-brochure) for all other refuge-specific regulations.
Tracking animals into closed areas If you shoot an animal and it goes into a closed area:
• Call the refuge manager: Sara Siekierski at (906) 630-2015
• If no one answers, leave a message with information on how to reach you.
• If you cannot reach the manager, you may track the deer without your gun.
You cannot take your gun into the closed area without permission.
• A list of signs and their meanings can be found in the hunting brochure (https://www.fws.gov/media/seney-national- wildlife-refuge-hunt-brochure) or at hunt information kiosks.
Please Consider Switching to Nonlead Bullets (https://huntingwithnonlead. org/). They are extremely effective, ensure quality meat & prevent collateral damage to other wildlife.
