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Bear Application Period: May 1 - Jun. 1
Drawing Results Available Online: Jul. 6
Remaining Bear License Availability: N/ABear Hunting Season Dates
Bear season varies greatly depending on where you are hunting. For a full description of bear hunting dates in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, as well as a map of the bear management units, please see the Bear Hunting Digest.
Bear hunting licenses
Bear licenses are limited and only available through a drawing. You do not need a base license to apply for the drawing, but if chosen you must purchase a base license and bear license to hunt.
- Buy a License/Application
- Find a Place to Hunt
Please see the Black Bear Digest for application information, and rules and regulations pertaining to bear hunting. For a full list of regulations and legal descriptions see the Wildlife Conservation Order.
Black Bear Digest 
- Bear Digest - Accessible
- General Hunting Digest
- General Digest - Accessible
Black Bear Drawing Information
Hunters are selected for a bear license using a preference point drawing system. The point system is explained in detail in the video below. You can also find detailed information on page 5 of the bear digest.
Bear Harvest Registration and Survey
Within 72 hours of harvest, the bear head (unfrozen) and pelt, or the entire animal must be brought to a bear registration station (by the licensee that killed the bear) for examination, sealing, and registration. You must provide the identification used to acquire the license. After the pelt is sealed, the DNR reserves the right to collect additional bear parts, such as a tooth, for research or management purposes.
- Bear Registration Stations
- Check Age Results
Reports & Info
Do your research before you go out and get information that could help your hunt.
- Surveys and Reports
- About Black Bears in Michigan
- About Black Bears
- Commercial Hunting Guides
Bear Management
Our vision for successful bear management in Michigan is to cooperatively manage bear populations at biologically and socially acceptable levels using sound science and education so current and future generations can continue to value Michigan's bears.
Michigan's Bear Management Plan, completed in 2008, provides strategic guidance for the management of bears in Michigan. The plan was developed to help:
- Maintain a viable bear population that is ...
- Bear Management Plan
Subscribe to Bear Hunting Updates:
Updates will include hunting regulation changes such as bag limits and seasons, and general hunting information that affects bear hunters. Emails will be sent periodically.
To receive hunting application reminders via text message, text, "MIDNR HUNTAPP" to "468311." You will receive an application reminder the day they go on sale, midway through the application period, and on the last day they're available. You will also receive a text when application results have been posted.
