The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the Michigan elk and bear hunting license application period dates have changed from previous years. Applications for elk and bear hunting licenses are now available through June 1.

There will be 360 elk and 11,473 bear hunting licenses available for the 2009 hunting seasons.

Only Michigan residents are eligible to apply for an elk license. Bear licenses are available for both residents and nonresidents; however, no more than two percent of licenses in any bear management unit will be issued to nonresidents.

Hunters can apply online at www.michigan.gov/dnr, at any authorized license agent or at a DNR Operations Service Center. A nonrefundable $4 fee is charged at the time of application.

Applicants may call (517) 373-1263 prior to June 1 for assistance with their application and may check the drawing results online at the DNR Web site beginning June 22 for elk and June 29 for bear. Also see the 2009 Michigan Elk Hunting Guide and 2009 Michigan Bear Hunting Guide for more details about the application processes.