The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, located near the Detroit suburb of Trenton, opened for the first time this fall to migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting, and big-game hunting. It's a potential boon for a local economy that could use an influx of spending.

The refuge includes islands, marshes, coastal wetlands, and 48 miles of the Detroit River. Because it is located so close to an urban area -- a rarity in the hunting world -- there are plenty of places to stay during a hunting expedition. But a unique option is the Grosse Ile Pilot house, a historic World War II officers club. Rooms are simple but not inelegant, with kitchens and queen beds, and the house itself is an old brick beauty with a white-columned porch. Rooms run from $86 to 96 per night.

9645 Groh Road, Grosse Ile Township, Michigan; 734-671-2295

Shelter Harbor Inn, Rhode Island

Those who don't want to travel too far from major Northeastern cities to hunt may want to venture to Rhode Island's Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, which just added deer to its big-game hunting program and is open to sport fishing.

This is a great destination for RVs and camping, but those disinclined to roughing it should try the Shelter Harbor Inn about five miles away in Westerly, Rhode Island. The property includes a large main farmhouse, a barn annex, and a carriage house, and rooms run from $116 to $198 a night.

10 Wagner Road, Westerly, Rhode Island; 401-322-8883.