2. Dues, fees and assessments must be current for members to use Club property and facilities. To be current, dues, fees, and assessments must be paid by February 1.
3. Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
4. Gate keys shall be issued to and used by members only.
5. Any violation of local, county, state or federal law or regulation while on Club property by a member, a member's family or guest is considered a violation of the Club Rules.
6. Spouse and minor children (under the age of 21 and not married) of a member in good standing are permitted all privileges of the Club. Grandchildren of a member up to sixteen (16) years of age are allowed fishing privileges.
Guests
7. All guests, including guests staying at the campground, may not fish, hunt or trap on Club property.
8. All guests must be accompanied by a member on Club property, with the exception of rental areas, the trap range, golf course, 3D archery range and Club beach.
9. No guests are allowed on Club hunting property during rifle deer season.
Golf Course
10. Grandchildren of members up to the age of sixteen (16), whose parents are not Club members, may play golf and pay the member fee for nine holes.
11. Only service vehicles and motorized carts designed for golf course use may be driven on the course.
12. Steel spikes are not allowed on the golf course. All golf shoes must be equipped with soft spikes.
12.
Rental Areas
13. Rental cabin occupants must use designated right-of-way when going to and from the beach to avoid trespassing on private property.
14. Club boats must be properly tied up at the Club dock.
15. Members and guests should bring their own Coast Guard approved life jackets with them when using Club boats. Members and Guests are expressly prohibited from using Club boats unless each boat occupant has a life jacket meeting state law requirements. If you do not have lifejackets available they will be available for a nominal fee at the Club Office
Pets
16. All dogs or other pets must be on a leash or under electronic control in all residential areas, when off pet owner's property. Any damage caused by pets in rental cabins or extra cleaning costs will be billed to the cabin occupants.
Fires
17. During the summer season there shall be no OPEN fires permitted on Club property except in designated areas. All such fires shall be subject to DNR burning restrictions.
Saw Logs and Firewood
18. Each member must fill out an application for timber removal and pick up a permit at the office, which entitles the member to one fallen tree for saw log use per year.
19. Prior to cutting firewood, a member must obtain a permit from the Club office. The firewood permit is valid for three years.
OFF ROAD VEHICLE CODE
1. Definitions
A. An ORV is any motor vehicle that can be operated cross-country without benefit of a road or trail over land, snow and other natural terrain and includes all of the following: Multi-track and multi-wheeled vehicles, ATVs, motorcycles and related 2, 3 and 4-wheeled vehicles, amphibious machines (water to land and back), hovercraft and any other vehicles that use mechanical power, including 2 and 4-wheel drive vehicles that are highway registered, when operated off highways and roads.
B. ATV’s are a subgroup of ORVs.
C. An ATV is defined as:
i) A 3 or 4 wheeled vehicle that is designated for off-road use, that has low-pressure (balloon type) tires, with a seat that is designed to be straddled by the operator.
ii) There are specific exemptions from this list. The following are NOT ORVs:
iii) Snowmobiles; farm, construction and logging vehicles when being used in usual work practices; Hiawatha Club 4X4 trucks, military, fire, emergency and law enforcement vehicles.
2. HSC ORV Permit
A. All ORVs, except highway licensed vehicles are required to be marked in a visible manner with a HSC identification tag. Identification tags are available at the Club office. A refundable deposit of $10.00 is required. This requirement extends to guests operating ORVson the Club.
3. Equipment
A. Before an ORV may be operated on the Club, the operator is responsible for the following equipment requirements:
i) A braking system in good working condition that operates by either hand or foot;
ii) A throttle system designed to automatically and immediately return the engine speed to idle when pressure is released;
iii) A U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester and muffler, in good working condition and in constant operation, meeting applicable sound level standards;
iv) A seating system that has been designed and manufactured to accommodate seating for each passenger;
v) If operated during the hours of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise must also have and display all of the following:
(1) a lighted headlight -a lighted tail light;
(2) a brake light, brighter than the tail light.
4. Restrictions on Young ORV Operators while on HSC
A. Restrictions are in effect regulating the operation of ORVs by children under the age of 16. There are also specific obligations that fall upon the parents or legal guardians of ORV riders under the age of 16, and upon the owners of ORVs. Visual supervision is defined as having direct observation with the unaided eye and the ability to come to immediate aid of another ORV operator.
B. Children 15 years old or less may operate ORVs only when under visual supervision of an adult;
C. No child under the age of 12 may cross any street, highway or county road while operating any ORV. (This is State Law.)
D. Children who are at least 12 years old but not yet 16 may cross any street, highway or county road while operating an ORV but only at right angles. (This is State Law.)
E. The parents and legal guardians of a child 15 years old or less are subject to a grievance if they permit the child under their care to violate any of the above. The owner (or person in control) of an ORV is also responsible if he or she permits an ORV to be operated by a child 15 years old or less.
5. Operation on HSC Lands
A. All ORVs and other motorized vehicles must comply with DNR regulations to be operated on Club property, except as modified by Club rules.
B. ORVs shall only be operated on the Designated Trail System unless a medical emergency exists. The Designated Trail System Map is available in the Club Office and on our website (hiawathaclub.com).
C. An ORV or other motorized vehicle may be used off the trails during black bear and deer season to remove a downed black bear or deer. During the firearm deer season, a downed deer may be removed between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
D. Any member who has been issued a disabled persons parking permit by a Secretary of State may get a handicap ORV plate from the Club Office. This permit will allow travel by the permitted member directly to and from the member’s registered blind only. (The blind with the member’s blind number attached.)
E. ORVs and other motorized vehicles may be used for transporting bait and blind materials on posted trails, named trails and trails designated "travel at your own risk". ORVs and other motorized vehicles are prohibited from transporting bait and blind materials off of posted trails or trails designated "travel at own risk".
F. An ORVs, highway licensed vehicle or other motorized vehicle shall not be operated on Club property in excess of twenty (20) miles per hour.
G. ORVs, except highway licensed vehicles shall not be operated on Club property after 10:00 p.m. unless a medical emergency exists.
H. An ORV may not be operated in a manner that creates an erosive condition. Most of the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club soils and shorelines are fragile. ORV operation on sand dunes, beaches, and along stream banks and other waterways is restricted. Any member who operates any ORV in or on the waters of any stream, river, marsh, bog, wetland, quagmire or beach is subject to a grievance. (Operation of a motor vehicle to access swimming and fishing opportunities on the Club Beach at Lake Michigan is allowed as long as the vehicle is operated in a SAFE manner does not cause damage to vegetation and sand dunes.)
I. If a driver's license is required by state law to operate an ORV, or other motorized vehicle on public property, then a drivers license is also required to operate the motorcycle, ATV, ORV or other motorized vehicle on Club property. An unlicensed operator must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while operating an ORV or other motorized vehicle on Club property.
J. An ORV or other motorized vehicle may only access Club lands through approved entry points. Persons driving around locked gates will be subject to grievance.
6. Accidents
A. The operator of an ORV or other motorized vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person must stop immediately at the scene and render assistance.
B. The operator of an ORV involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person or in property damage in an estimated amount of $100.00 or more must immediately notify the State Police or Mackinac County Sheriff’s office for completion of the accident report as required by law.
C. Club members must notify the HSC Office of any accident resulting in injury to a person.
HUNTING REGULATIONS
1. All hunting on the HSC will follow the rules established by the Michigan DNR or the Federal Wildlife Service unless they are superceded by rules established by the Board of Governors.
2. Members are not allowed to create personal food plots on HSC property. Any member wishing to help with food plots should contact the Manager or Fish, Game and Fowl Committee.
3. Only members in good standing and their spouses and minor children under age 21 are permitted to hunt on HSC property.
4. No guests are allowed on club hunting property during rifle deer season.
5. All members that hunt, fish, or trap must register with the Club Office and purchase a Sportsman’s Button for identification purposes. The Sportsman’s Button must be worn while participating in the previously mentioned activities. A copy of these regulations will be provided at the time of purchase. The Board of Governors will determine the cost of the Sportsman’s Buttons.
6. Tree stands for bow hunting must be of a portable nature. No large lag bolts or spikes can be put in trees. Removable screw steps are permissible. Manufactured stands are permissible but may not be free standing.
7. Members are not permitted to create trails in the woods by cutting trees or brush or by laying materials of any kind on the forest floor or in wetland areas. Trees may be trimmed for sight distance but not cut.
8. All deer or bear harvested on HSC property must be registered in the Club Office.
9. It is not legal to shoot spike horned bucks on the Hiawatha Sportsman’s club. Legal bucks must have one branched antler with two points one inch or longer.
10. HSC Members can hunt the third Bear Hunting Season with member owned dogs on the entire HSC, except lands located West of the Millecoquins River and North of H40. HSC Members can also use member owned dogs to hunt Bobcats and Coyotes in this same location beginning December 15th of each year.
11. Blinds
· Members hunting from permanent blinds, portable blinds, tree stands, and brush blinds (exclusive) are subject to the following. The total allowed per member is three however, you may never have more than one permanent, one brush (exclusive), or one portable installed at one time. All blinds/stands must have an identification (i.d.) plate attached to the exterior of the blind.
· Members must purchase the i.d. plates at the club office. All plates will exhibit an assigned number that is exclusive to the member. The numbers assigned will be confidential.
· The permanent blind i.d. plate (the plate with only numbers on it, 001) may be used for any hunting blind/stand.
· The portable blind i.d. plate (the plate with a P on it, P001) may be used only on tent blinds and tree stands.
· The tree stand i.d. plate (the plate with a T on it, T 001) may be used only on tree stands.
· Brush blinds without i.d. plates attached may be used by anyone.
· Any tree stand or portable blind that is taken into the woods with the hunter and removed when the hunter leaves does not require an i.d. plate.
· Permanent blinds must be constructed of natural and/or manufactured wood products.
· Only plexiglas may be used for windows.
· Permanent blinds shall not be visible from any maintained trail.
· Blinds may not be placed or built on raised platforms.
· Blinds may not exceed 6 foot by 8 foot in size.
· Any blind/stand not meeting the above criteria found on Club property will be removed or destroyed by the Club. The cost of this removal will be assessed to the member involved.
· Permanent Blinds may not be place or relocated after November 1st of each year.
FISHING REGULATIONS
1. All fishing on the HSC will follow the rules established by the Michigan D.N.R. unless they are superceded by rules established by the Board of Governors.
2. Only eligible members are permitted to fish on Club property. Eligible members are members in good standing, their spouses and minor children and grandchildren up to 16 years of age.
3. Any person fishing Club waters must register with the Club Office must purchase and wear a sportsman's badge for identification purpose.
4. The fishing season on Club trout ponds starts and ends as specified in the State of Michigan’s fishing guide.
5. Anyone using baitfish on club property must strictly adhere to the new regulations stated in the Michigan state fishing guide.
6. Only one person, human propelled flotation devices can be used in Cold Creek Pond. Canoes, Kayaks, and one person, human propelled flotation devices can be used in Jocko and Three Mile. No motors of any kind may be used. Fishermen using canoes, kayaks, and flotation devices must use artificial flies with barb-less or pinched barb hooks. All fish caught using the above method must be released. Canoes, kayaks, and flotation devices can not be stored at the ponds and must be removed daily and cleaned in the Club provided cleaning station before use.
7. Members are permitted to take a total of not more than 5 trout per day no more than 50 trout per season from the Club trout ponds exception Three Mile Pond.
8. Three Mile Trophy Pond:
a) No Live Bait
b) Possession limit 3 daily, 15 seasonal
c) No size limit for ages 16 & under. Age 17 & over, 2 fish under 15"& 1 fish over 15".
d) Unlimited number of fish for catch and release.
9. O’Neil Creek downstream from the Graylock Road to the Millecoquins River
a) Catch and Release Only
b) Artificial baits only
c) Only single, barbless hooks are allowed
10. Canoes, kayaks, and club provided boats may be used in all club lakes. All watercraft, trailers, and motors used on Club lakes must be rented from the Club or cleaned in the Club provided facility prior to use. This includes all gas and electric motors. A signature sheet is provided at the cleaning station. The use of outboard motors on Club waters is restricted as follows:
a) Pullup Lake 10 horsepower or less.
b) Dollar Lake Electric motors only.
c) Elbow Lake Electric motors only.
d) Cranberry Lake 10 horsepower or less.
11. The daily limit of perch and bluegills combined from Elbow Lake is 25 per day with an annual limit of 50 fish. The daily limit of bluegills from the QGMU pond is 15 per day with an annual limit of 50 fish.
12. The legal daily limit for Pike from Pullup Lake
a) 5 pike up to 24 inches.
b) All pike 24 to 30 inches must be released.
c) Anglers may keep one pike over 30 inches.
13. Fish from other lakes and waters may not be introduced to Club waters, except through the Fish and Game Committee.
CAMPGROUND RULES
General Rules
1. Dues, fees, and assessments must be current for members to use Club property and facilities. To be current, dues, fees and assessments must be paid by February 1.
2. Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
Guests
3. All guests, including guests staying at the campground, may not fish, hunt, or trap on Club property.
4. Guests are prohibited from using the campground after September 14th.
5. Guests are allowed to stay at the campground if they pick up a special key at the office, which requires a $20.00, deposit.
6. Campground guests are prohibited from using Club Trails unless a sponsoring member accompanies them. This Rule does not apply to the direct access trails to the Club beach, golf course, campground and trap range.
Registration and Fees
7. After selecting a campsite, the person responsible for the campsite must fill out a registration form at the campground registration station. The number of the campsite must be printed on the registration tag and attached to the post provided for the campsite.
8. The daily fee for members using the campground is $7.00. A daily fee will be assessed each day the campsite is occupied by a trailer, camper, or tent.
9. The daily fee for guests using the campground is $12.00. The daily fee will be assessed each day the campsite is occupied by a trailer, camper, or tent.
10. Prior to departing, members and guests staying in the campground for less then seven days must drop off at the Club Office, their registration tag and the required payment. The registration tag must indicate the length of stay in the Campground. If the office is not open, the departing member or guest should deposit the registration card and required payment in the key box at the office.
11. Members and guests staying at the campground for more than 7 days must make the required payment to the Club office every 7 days.
12. The maximum stay in the campground is 30 days between June 20 and August 31. However, members may renew their permits at 30-day intervals at the Club Office if there are vacant sites at the campground.
13. It is expected campground users will respect the right of other campground users and refrain from engaging in loud, noisy, or obnoxious conduct.
14. The sponsoring member must not leave campground users under age 21, unattended.
15. Fires are permitted only in approved campsite pits.
16. Camping trailers or other camping structure must not be stored or left unoccupied.
