Beaver Island Michigan

Hello all, my wife and I are currently living in the Upper Peninsula. We have been loitering on the BI forum due to our interest in making a possible permanent move. We feel the island checks a lot of our boxes based solely on our personal lifestyle. We just have a few questions…TIA!!

A little about us first. I’m almost 48 and retired Law Enforcement and my wife is almost 45 and a Commercial Property Appraiser (she works remotely). We are very independent but love the close knit environment that seems to be present there. We are environmentally conscious and are truly fans of all things nature. Especially being part of a community that values and protects flora as well as fauna.

1. One of my hobbies is target shooting and firearm collecting. Currently, our location in the UP allows me the flexibility to shoot on our property. Is there a location on the island where you can target shoot? If you periodically target shoot on your property (assuming it is set up safely) is this frowned upon?

2. Does the island have local farms that grow fresh produce or eggs? We try to eat local and ideally organic, when feasible.

3. How is the veterinary care on the island? Our pets are extremely important to us and having proper medical care available is essential, especially given their ages.

TIA, we will probably have more questions as time progresses.

I have been a seasonal resident on the island for almost 30 years. You sound like a good fit for the island except for the target shooting. The island does have a small farmers market during the summer but nothing large scale. It also depends if you make friends with people that enjoy gardening and have excess that they want to sell or give away.

As far as the the targeting shooting is concerned, I've had mixed experiences. I own 40 acres that is backed up to roughly 150 more acres of state land. I occasionally target shoot on my property (2 to 3 times a year for and hour or less) during mid day in a safe manner and received complaints from the neighbors about noise. Other times I received no complaints. This past deer rifle season we took one deer legally on my own property with one shot and received a complaint from the neighbor about the noise. There was no target shooting that occurred before during or after that hunt. Take that information for what it's worth. I would like to hear other people's experience and thoughts on the subject of target shooting and hunting on the island.

Well imagine that…a cover up? Why not leave what is obviously the true colors of Beaver Island living on full display for the forum to see? Thanks to all that were helpful…both of you.

Mr. Boyle can no longer post on this site. You are most welcome on Beaver Island and you can target shoot on my 40 acres all you want! The removed comments do not reflect island policy and should not have been posted. Come and see us!

We are certainly going to visit, but in terms of living we have switched gears. Excited to see it though.