Attention Landowners! Dollars for You. Land for Hunters. HAP, The Hunting Access Program, is a financial opportunity for landowners that also provides public hunting opportunities in southern Michigan. It can also help control deer damage or nuisance wildlife. In 1977 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) created the Public Access Stamp Program through Public Act 373 of 1976, with the purpose of leasing private lands to provide public access for hunting. The DNR places a high priority on providing hunting access on public and private land. Statewide, 21% of Michigan is public lands. The southern portion of the Lower Peninsula is where 89.7% of the states’ citizens live and only comprise 3% of public land. Clinton Conservation District is working in cooperation with Michigan DNR to assist landowners with applications for lease agreements in the Hunting Access Program (HAP). The District will appraise the applicants’ property for hunting purposes to determine habitat quality and post signs furnished by the DNR on property boundaries. Parcels must contain a MINIMUM of 20% grassland, wetland and/or forest habitat. Lease rates to landowners can be up to $25.00 per acre per year based upon quality of habitat.