How to Apply
Application Worksheet
Leftover Licenses
Locations
Requirements
Applicant Responsibilities
Successful Applicants

How to Apply

1. Look at the bear management unit map and information table. Choose a bear management unit in which to hunt.
2. Choose a hunt number for the bear management unit and dates you wish to hunt. A second hunt choice is optional.
3. Complete the worksheet.
4. Apply at a license agent, DNR Operations Service Center or online at E-License.
5. Check your receipt for accuracy. Retain receipt as proof of application. It is your responsibility to ensure application information is correct.

It is unlawful to purchase more than one bear license. If you are selected for a bear hunting license, make sure you are not sold the bear license no kill tag (NKT) by mistake.

Leftover Licenses

If any licenses remain after the drawing, one leftover license may be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis until the quota is met in each hunt period, as follows:

• Beginning July 9 ? Available to Lifetime Comprehensive License holders only
• Beginning July 16 - Available to unsuccessful bear drawing applicants
Beginning July 23 - Available to any hunter, including those who did not apply

There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit. Leftover licenses are available to Michigan residents only. Preference points will be reset to zero for purchasers of a leftover bear license, except for Lifetime Comprehensive License holders. It is unlawful to obtain more than one bear license. Remaining licenses may be viewed at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

Locations

• You may apply:
  • At any authorized license agent
  • At DNR Operations Service Centers
  • Online at E-License

Requirements

• You must meet all legal requirements to hunt in the current season to be eligible to apply for a license or preference point.
• Those who are hunter safety-certified or apprentice hunters are eligible to apply for a license.
• It costs $4 to apply, except for Comprehensive Lifetime License holders.
• To apply, you will need one of the following forms of identification:
  • Valid Michigan driver license
  • State of Michigan ID card (issued by the Secretary of State)
  • DNR Sportcard (issued through license agents or at E-License)
• You must be at least 10 years old during the season for which you are applying. Youth 10-13 years old may hunt bear with archery, crossbow or firearm on private land or Commercial Forest land. Youth 10-13 years old are restricted to archery or crossbow hunting on public lands. Youth 14 years old and older can hunt bear with archery, crossbow or firearm on public, private or Commercial Forest lands (exception: archery-only season in Red Oak Management Unit).
• Nonresidents are eligible to apply; however, no more than two percent of licenses in any unit will be issued to nonresidents.

Applicant Responsibilities

• You are responsible for submitting a valid application. Obtain a legible DNR application receipt and verify all information that appears on the receipt, including your customer ID, party ID (if applicable) and application options. Retain the DNR receipt as proof of application.
• Submit one application only. Individuals who apply more than once will be ineligible for the drawing.
• Applicants who apply in parties of more than four will be ineligible.
• Application mistakes must be corrected before the application deadline.
• For application assistance, call 517-373-1263.
• Check your drawing results online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

Successful Applicants

• You may purchase your hunting license from any license agent or online at E-License.
• All licenses must be signed to be valid. Your signature on the license certifies that you meet applicable residency and hunter-safety requirements to purchase a Michigan hunting license.
• Licenses may not be altered or transferred. However, successful applicants may transfer their drawing success to an unsuccessful youth applicant or any person with an advanced illness. See Bear License Opportunity for Youthand Hunters with an Advanced Illness for more information.