Hunters in northern Michigan have been asked to find alternative fields as the U.S. Army and Air Force temporarily close over 21,600 acres – roughly 10.8% of Camp Grayling – for a two‑week drone‑testing exercise.
Testing details and timeline
The Department of Defense announced that the closures will run from Nov. 7 through Nov. 22 at the Range 30 Complex. The effort is part of a $1 billion “Drone Dominance” program that will evaluate combat‑ready drones from 17 defense contractors. The testing is described as “internal research, development, and rapid experimentation” and is intended to prepare the nation’s warfighters for modern conflicts, such as the drone‑intensive war in Ukraine.
Impact on the deer season
Camp Grayling’s closure coincides with the firearm deer hunting season, which runs Nov. 15‑30. While the land is publicly owned and normally open to any hunter with a permit, the notice from the military states the shutdown is necessary to keep the public safe from “active testing zones.” The Michigan National Guard advised anyone planning to hunt in the area to seek other locations.
Local response
State and local officials have expressed appreciation for the hunting community’s patience. A notice from the Guard reads, “We appreciate the patience and cooperation of Michigan’s hunting community while this event supports the arming of new systems for America’s warfighters.” Many hunters rely on public land for a portion of their season, as much of Michigan’s hunting takes place on private property that requires paid access.
Broader context
Camp Grayling was selected in August by the governor as one of four U.S. sites for the drone‑testing initiative, joining Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi. Additional testing is also occurring at a U.S. military site in Morocco.
Private industry partners have been invited to reserve space at Camp Grayling for testing, underscoring the public‑private collaboration that underpins the nation’s defense modernization efforts.
What hunters can do
Hunters seeking alternative public land can consult the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for a list of available properties. The Guard’s notice emphasizes that the closures are short‑term and that the land will reopen once testing concludes.
As the nation advances its drone capabilities, the temporary loss of hunting acreage serves as a reminder of the balance between national security priorities and local recreation. For now, Michigan’s hunting community is asked to adjust plans and look forward to the reopening of Camp Grayling’s fields after Nov. 22.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
