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Wilderness Adventures

Nestled in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the kennel is home to far more than sled dogs. The same wild land that shapes the mushers here, hardwood forest, cold clear rivers, and miles of unbroken wilderness, offers some of the finest outdoor adventure in the Great Lakes region. As a longtime resident and working guide, the owner knows these woods, waters, and trails the way most people know their own backyard. Whether you're after a trophy whitetail, a quiet morning on a brook trout stream, or a week-long backpacking trip into roadless country, every experience offered comes with one guarantee: you'll be in good hands, deep in country worth exploring.

Kayaking and Canoeing

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The rivers and inland lakes of the U.P. are best seen from the water. Guided paddle trips are offered on some of the region's most scenic and accessible waterways, suited to beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Float calm stretches of amber-tinted river framed by birch and maple, or cross open water to reach shorelines few people ever set foot on. Canoes and kayaks are provided, so all you need to bring is a sense of adventure and a willingness to get a little wet.

Brook Trout Fishing

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The Upper Peninsula holds some of the last truly wild brook trout water in the Midwest. These small, cold, spring-fed streams are off the radar for most anglers, and that's exactly why the fishing is so good. Your guide will put you on native brookies in water that looks like it was painted, using fly or light spinning tackle depending on your preference. This isn't trophy fishing by the numbers; it's intimate, quiet, and deeply satisfying for anyone who loves wild fish in wild places.

Guided Mountain Biking

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Miles of singletrack wind through the forests surrounding the kennel, ranging from smooth beginner-friendly loops to rooted, rocky terrain that will challenge experienced riders. Guided trips run on routes ridden and refined over many seasons, so you spend your energy pedaling rather than navigating or second-guessing. Fall is a spectacular time to ride here, with color overhead, cool temperatures, and trails that have firmed up perfectly after summer. Bikes are available to rent, or bring your own.

Hiking

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You don't need crampons or a topographic map to fall in love with the U.P. on foot. Guided day hikes are offered across a range of terrain and difficulty, from easy lakeside walks ideal for families to longer ridge hikes with sweeping views over the forest canopy. Along the way you'll learn the landscape, the trees, the geology, the wildlife sign, from someone who has been walking these trails for decades. A great introduction to the region for first-time visitors, and endlessly rewarding for those who keep coming back.

Backpacking

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For those who want to go farther and stay longer, multi-night backpacking trips venture into the kind of U.P. backcountry that doesn't show up on popular hiking lists. Routes are planned and navigated by your guide, with the experience tailored to match your fitness and comfort level, whether that's a first overnight or a challenging week in truly remote terrain. Sleeping under U.P. skies, miles from a road, with a campfire and nothing on the agenda until morning: this is what the backcountry is for.

Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting

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The U.P. holds a healthy and often-overlooked turkey population, and hunting them here feels different from farm-country birds. These turkeys live in timber and learn fast. Spring season brings classic gobbler hunting with calls and decoys. Fall hunting is a more challenging, traditional pursuit: break up the flock, set up, and work them back in. Both seasons are guided on well-scouted land, with boots-on-the-ground preparation done well before opener so your time in the field is productive from day one.

Ruffed Grouse Hunting

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Grouse hunting might be the most purely enjoyable wing shooting there is, walking through beautiful cover behind a good dog, never quite sure when the next bird will thunder out of the alders. The U.P.'s young aspen forest and alder runs are textbook grouse habitat, and your guide knows the covers that hold birds season after season. Expect to move, expect some misses, and expect to leave with a grin on your face regardless of what's in the game bag.

Whitetail Deer, Bow and Gun

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Big-woods whitetail hunting is a different animal than hunting agricultural land. These deer are pressured by wolves and coyotes, they move differently, and taking a mature buck here means earning it. Hunts take place on managed private property, with stands and blinds positioned based on years of observation and trail camera history. Archery season runs through October and rifle season opens in November. If you want a genuine U.P. deer hunting experience, not a guaranteed harvest but a real hunt in real woods, this is it.

Black Bear, Bow and Gun

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Michigan's Upper Peninsula is black bear country, and a guided bear hunt here is one of the most up-close, adrenaline-charged experiences the region offers. Hunts are conducted over bait sites maintained and monitored throughout the season, giving you the best possible opportunity for a clean, ethical shot at a mature fall bear. Both bow and firearm hunters are welcome. Bears here are well-fed heading into fall and the encounters are close, so be ready for your heart to be pounding before you ever raise your weapon.

Camping, Choose Your Level

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There's no better way to fully experience the Upper Peninsula than spending a night, or several, out in it. Camping accommodations are available to complement any guided adventure, set up and managed so you can focus on the experience rather than the logistics. Whether you're base camping during a hunt, settling in after a long day on the trail, or simply looking to spend a few nights deep in the woods with no agenda, the goal is the same: put you in a genuine wilderness setting, comfortable enough to rest well and eager to do it all again the next morning. Options and gear needs are discussed during trip planning to make sure everything fits your group and your adventure.

Book Now!

Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures.

(906) 231-0024

bauert007@hotmail.com

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©2024 by Otter River Sled Dog Training and Wilderness Center

Website Designed By: Holly Marchese - Eye For Equine

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