When most people think of hunting season, their minds jump straight to crisp autumn mornings and the rustle of whitetail deer through golden-leafed forests. But for the year-round outdoorsman, West Michigan offers a surprising range of summer hunting opportunities that combine utility, excitement, and stewardship.
From bowfishing by moonlight to predator control on farmland, here’s a breakdown of unique ways to keep your skills sharp and your boots dirty through the warmer months.
Depredation & Nuisance Hunting: Guarding the Harvest
Farmers and orchard managers in West Michigan often face persistent issues from animals like Canada geese, raccoons, and groundhogs. While these critters may seem innocuous, they can inflict significant damage to crops and infrastructure.
What Makes It Unique:
- These hunts often take place on private agricultural land, with the landowner’s blessing.
- Permits may be required for certain species classified under nuisance control, especially waterfowl.
- They’re not just pest control—they’re also a chance to practice marksmanship and real-time decision-making in varied terrain.
Red Squirrel Hunting: Simple, Sustainable, and Skillful
Unlike regulated small game seasons, red squirrels are open to take year-round on private property in Michigan.
Why You Should Try It:
- Great for introducing young or novice hunters to the basics of stalking, shot placement, and game prep.
- A good reason to get into the woods during calm summer mornings.
- With some creative cooking, red squirrel can be surprisingly tasty in stews or grilled with wild herbs.
Coyote & Predator Hunting: Stealth Meets Strategy
Coyotes, which thrive in West Michigan’s patchwork of fields and forests, are active year-round—but summer offers an especially strategic time to hunt them. By July and August, litters of pups are out and about, making calls and decoy strategies more effective.
Gear and Techniques:
- Electronic calls mimicking distressed prey or rival packs.
- Night hunting with thermal optics or red filters (where legal).
- Setups often include bait stations near field edges or game trails.
The Purpose:
Summer predator control helps manage populations that prey on fawns, domestic animals, and upland bird nests. It’s also one of the most challenging and rewarding hunts to plan.
Bowfishing: Archery Meets Aquatics
One of the most adrenaline-fueled summer hunts doesn’t happen in the woods—it happens on the water. Bowfishing offers fast-paced, visual action under the sun or stars, targeting species like common carp, gar, and bowfin.
Hotspots in West Michigan:
- Muskegon River
- Grand River
- Lake Macatawa and connected wetlands
Tips for New Bowfishers:
- Use a recurve or compound bow fitted with a reel and specialized arrows.
- Focus on shallow, warm waters where carp and other rough fish gather to spawn.
- Night bowfishing with mounted LED lights is not only effective but makes for an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts
Summer hunting in West Michigan is more than a placeholder between spring gobblers and the fall deer season—it’s a diverse and meaningful pursuit in its own right. Whether you’re helping local farmers protect their crops, thinning overpopulated predators, or chasing fish with a bow under moonlight, there’s no off-season for the serious outdoorsman.
So grab your gear, scout your ground, and get after it. The Michigan summer is wild, and it’s waiting.
Hunters and Anglers: July Fishing Report – White Lake & Lake Michigan
