The state of Michigan is home to many wonderful sugarmakers. They each have their own unique story, so occasionally we will feature a sugarmaker from around the state to give you a peek into their operation. This month, we invite you to meet the Hawkinson’s of Hawk’s Nest Sugar Bush.
Hawk’s Nest Sugar Bush, owned by Bruce and Linda Hawkinson, is tucked away in the vicinity of the unincorporated village of Felch, approximately 30 miles north of their home in Norway, MI. Their sugar bush location is also home to an upscale hunting camp.
In the early 90’s, Bruce helped his friend Mike, who was making syrup in a 2x4 evaporator. As Mike’s trees were gradually taken out of production, they decided to move the evaporator to Bruce’s Felch area camp. Despite some pitfalls early on, when bears found their pails and helped themselves to the syrup that had been made, they forged on and expanded their production over the years.
Considered the ‘banana belt’ of the U.P. due to its milder climate, they typically tap in early March. At this point, Hawk’s Nest Sugar Bush has approximately 350 taps on tubing with four main lines running by gravity to four tanks placed around the woods and another 340 taps on bags. Bottling is done back home in Norway.
If you would like to try some delicious Hawk’s Nest maple syrup, it is sold in Norway or Felch grocery stores, a drug store in Iron Mountain, and several other stores in the area.
