Opening Day column: Public land allows hunters, outdoor enthusiasts to escape to nature close to home

For some this is possible because of the opportunity to access privately owned land in area; however, for the rest of us state and federally owned land will be home for the next few days. Thankfully, Washtenaw and neighboring Jackson and Livingston counties offer hunters and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy their sport of choice through wooded rolling hills, on serene lakes, and flowering fields

With more than 7.5 million acres of land in Michigan alone. the American public land system is one that is easily taken for granted by all. The Pinckney and Waterloo state recreation areas, just a 30 minute drive northwest of Ann Arbor, offer more than 30,000 such acres to enjoy. Although I'll be 20-feet up a maple tree Thursday in hopes of tagging a deer to hang at the annual Mill Creek buck pole, I've probably checked the box of nearly every possible sport you can participate in at the two parks. From biking the "Poto" to sunrise kayaking the lakes of Waterloo it is difficult to come up with a excuse to sit inside and watch television all weekend.

Although everyone may not agree with the sport of hunting, and for hunters it can be a frustrating experience to find a secluded corner of the woods away from others on public land, I'm grateful to have the opportunity to explore nature without driving hours away. If you've yet to take advantage of these public lands I'd highly suggest checking them out and seeing what they have to offer as we all need a break from the computer screen now and then.

Are you a hunter that had success in the field this year? Send us a photo of you and your deer using the form found here and we may feature in an upcoming gallery.