Hunting & Fishing
Hunting
Osceola County is home to one of the largest white-tail deer herd populations in the State of Michigan. Nab a “Big One” and enter the numerous Big Buck Poles on Opening Day (Evart has one at the Masonic Lodge and at Schmidty’s Bar & Restaurant). The County also boasts numerous small game and waterfowl. The Pere Marquette State Forest, located near the center of the County, is open to public hunting (Map of Public Hunting Land).
Get a chance to hone those skills at local shooting ranges. Visit the Marion Rod and Gun Club at 3404 21 Mile Road Tel: 231-429-3796 or the Reed City Sportsman Club Tel: 231-832-3179.
DONATING MEAT AND HIDES
The DNR, in cooperation with several hunting organizations and charities, encourages all hunters to share their wild game with the hungry of our state. Please contact your local DNR Management Unit Office for more information or call 313-278-FOOD for a drop-off station nearest you. This effort is sponsored by Safari Club International, the Michigan Bow Hunters, Ted Nugent World Bow Hunters, United Methodist Men’s Club and the DNR. (Hunters who are interested in entering their trophy deer in the Michigan record book should contact Commemorative Bucks of Michigan at 800-298-BUCK).
Fishing
The Evart area has an abundance of lakes, streams, and rivers with excellent fishing opportunities – there are 91 lakes in Osceola County alone! Most lakes have an abundance of pan fish while some are known for bass, perch, and pike.
Muskegon River public access points are located at Crawford Park (M-66 bridge), Riverside Parkin Evart, Blodgett Park in Hersey, and Paris Park in Paris.
The following public access lakes are located in the Evart area (click links for bathymetric maps):
Osceola County
Big Lake - 50th Avenue between 3 Mile and 4 Mile Road, near Sears
Cement boat launch many facilities at Crittenden County Park
Diamond Lake - 200th Avenue/Pine River School Road between 20 Mile Road and Pine Road, near Tustin
Hicks Lake - near 14 Mile Road and 90th Avenue, north of Evart and East of LeRoy
Gravel boat launch, small dock, and rustic restrooms
Rose Lake - 18 Mile Road between 140th Avenue and 150th Avenue, near Tustin and LeRoy
Cement boat launch and facilities at Rose Lake County Park
Sunrise Lake - 15 Mile Road between 110th Avenue and Sunrise Lake Road, east of LeRoy
Cement boat launch and facilities at Sunrise Lake State Park
Todd Lake - 9 Mile Road between 190th Avenue and 180th Avenue, near Ashton
Wells Lake - 170th Avenue between 12 Mile Road and 13 Mile Road, southeast of LeRoy
Mecosta County
Merrill Lake - Evergreen Road between M-66 and 40th Avenue, north of Barryton
Cement boat launches and docks plus facilities at Merrill Lake County Park
Chippewa Lake - 20 Mile Road to Chippewa Drive in Chippewa Lake
Cement boat launch, dock, and rustic restrooms
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Found Locally At:
Hometown Hardware
104 S. Main St., Evart, MI 49631
Tel: 231-734-5831
K. C.’s Party Store
303 W. 7th St., Evart, MI 49631
Tel: 231-734-2781
Customers can also purchase all licenses, permits and special hunt applications using the DNR’s E-License system and will be able to print the license using their own printer. Visa and Master Card will be accepted. Please note licenses that require a kill tag and ORV, Snowmobile and State Park permits will be mailed directly to the customer. Click here to access the DNR’s online system.
