M-18. Because of this dam's closer proximity to houses, it is considered a "high risk" and requires more frequent inspections. This dam creates Little Mud Lake (or Little Mud Lake Flooding) at approximately . The water flowing from the Little Mud Dam then flows unimpeded into the Cut River and a short distance to Houghton Lake. Activities The state game area provides a mixed-use of activities, while hunting remains the primary recreational activity. Common fauna hunted within the state game area include deer, turkey, bear (black bear), waterfowl, grouse, woodcock, snowshoe hare, and squirrel. Trapping is also permitted and includes beaver, muskrat, mink, and river otter. Coyote, fox, and raccoon can also be trapped in certain areas. The state game area has of designated walking trails for hunters. Fishing is also a popular activity but is not a main focus for development of the state game area. The water levels within Backus Creek and flooded areas can vary greatly depending on the time of the year and rainfall amounts. There are two rustic boat launches only suitable for kayaks and smaller canoes. Camping is permitted, although there are no designated camping locations. Hiking, birdwatching, and geocaching are also secondary activities within the state game area. References Protected areas of Roscommon County, Michigan Protected areas established in 1954 1954 establishments in Michigan State game areas of Michigan Birdwatching sites in the United States Wetlands of Michigan