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Important
Application period: May 1 – June 1, 2026
Drawing results available June 22.
Bears have likely been in Michigan since the melting of the last glacier. Until European settlement, bears existed throughout the state in areas with forested habitat. Bears typically were treated as pests by early European settlers arriving in Michigan and were unprotected in the state until 1925. Since 1925, regulated hunting has been an important part of the bear management program, with many different season structures. The majority of the bear population lives in the Upper Peninsula, where large tracts of state, federal and private commercial forest lands contain good to excellent bear habitat. Increasing bear and human populations in portions of the northern Lower Peninsula bring additional complexity to bear management, as bears and people attempt to use the same areas at increasing rates. License quotas are developed to harvest the desired number of bears to meet management goals. For more information on bear management in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Bear.
The statewide bear management plan is summarized below to promote an understanding of the overall bear management vision for Michigan.
Bear licenses are valid for specific bear management units and hunting dates. In all BMUs, license availability is subject to a license quota.
| BMU | Hunt period | Season dates | License quota | Maximum nonresident licenses | Hunt number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amasa | 1 | Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 | 120 | 6 | 0007 |
| Amasa | 2 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 | 110 | 5 | 0008 |
| Amasa | 3 | Sept. 25 – Oct. 26 | 280 | 14 | 0009 |
| Baldwin | 1 | Sept. 12–22 and Oct. 2–8 | 395 | 19 | 0021 |
| Baraga | 1 | Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 | 305 | 15 | 0004 |
| Baraga | 2 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 | 435 | 21 | 0005 |
| Baraga | 3 | Sept. 25 – Oct. 26 | 830 | 41 | 0006 |
| Bergland | 1 | Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 | 170 | 8 | 0001 |
| Bergland | 2 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 | 230 | 11 | 0002 |
| Bergland | 3 | Sept. 25 – Oct. 26 | 435 | 21 | 0003 |
| Carney | 1 | Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 | 90 | 4 | 0010 |
| Carney | 2 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 | 155 | 7 | 0011 |
| Carney | 3 | Sept. 25 – Oct. 26 | 320 | 16 | 0012 |
| Drummond Island | 1 | Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 | 8 | 0 | 0019 |
| Gladwin | 1 | Sept. 12–22 and Oct. 2–8 | 95 | 4 | 0022 |
| Gwinn | 1 | Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 | 140 | 7 | 0013 |
| Gwinn | 2 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 | 155 | 7 | 0014 |
| Gwinn | 3 | Sept. 25 – Oct. 26 | 440 | 22 | 0015 |
| Newberry | 1 | Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 | 200 | 10 | 0016 |
| Newberry | 2 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 | 200 | 10 | 0017 |
| Newberry | 3 | Sept. 25 – Oct. 26 | 480 | 24 | 0018 |
| Red Oak | 1 | Sept. 12–22 and Oct. 2–8 | 685 | 34 | 0020 |
See the equipment regulations and hunting methods sections for date restrictions on the use of firearms, bait and dogs.
Yes. The DNR offers bear hunting clinics, where students will learn about bear habitat, gear, stand placement, baiting, rules and regulations, carcass care and hide care. A fee may be charged, and space may be limited. For details about events, visit Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills or call the DNR’s Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at 231-779-1321.
For detailed descriptions of bear management unit boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at Michigan.gov/ContactDNR.
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to bear hunting.
Lower Peninsula season dates are determined by a formula defined in the Wildlife Conservation Order. Each year, the Lower Peninsula season is the second Saturday in September through 10 days thereafter and the first Friday following Oct. 1 through six days thereafter.
Upper Peninsula season dates are determined by a formula defined in the Wildlife Conservation Order. Each year, the Upper Peninsula season is:
You can harvest one bear per bear license.
No. You cannot harvest a cub bear or a female bear accompanied by a cub bear.
A cub bear is defined as any bear less than 42 inches in length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Marking a stick or other item and placing it near your bait site may help you determine whether a bear is legal to harvest.
Hunters are selected for a bear license using a preference point drawing system. In the annual drawing, an applicant’s total number of preference points is equal to the number of preference points they have earned in past bear drawings (beginning in 2000). Drawing applicants with the greatest number of preference points in each hunt period are selected first. Drawing applicants who are not selected for a license earn one point for future bear drawings. Only one preference point will be awarded each year. For more information on the bear drawing, watch the “Preference Point System Explained” video at Michigan.gov/Bear.
You can check your preference points at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Preference points are tracked by customer ID. To ensure that all your preference points are considered in the drawing, you should apply with the same ID used to apply in previous years. If your ID changes, call 517-284-9453 before the application deadline to ensure your preference points are combined under your current ID.
You must apply in the bear drawing at least once every five years to retain your preference points. Preference points are reset to zero for applicants who do not apply for five consecutive years.
Preference point requirements for each hunt period vary from year to year depending on license availability and number of applicants. In all BMUs, license availability is subject to a license quota. See what the point requirements were for the 2025 license drawing below.
If you are successful in the drawing, your preference points will be reset to zero, including if you choose not to purchase your license. Lifetime comprehensive license holders who purchase a leftover bear license retain their bear points.
The application period is May 1 – June 1, 2026.
An application is $5.
You can only purchase one bear application per year. You can apply for a bear license valid for a specific BMU during specific season dates or apply for a preference point only.
To purchase a bear application in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
You can purchase an application from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.
The following people are eligible to apply for a bear license or preference point (unless they have an active revocation or are otherwise ineligible):
Yes. You can apply in the Michigan bear drawing as a nonresident. However, no more than 5% of licenses for any hunt number will be issued to nonresidents.
Yes. You can apply for a preference point only to use for future drawings if you do not apply for a license.
When purchasing your application, select the “preference point only” option. Do not select a hunt number. By selecting “preference point only” on your application, you are not eligible to receive a 2026 bear license but will earn an additional preference point for future bear drawings.
Yes. If you select “preference point only” on your bear application, you have the option to set up auto-renewal for next year. Applications with hunt choices selected cannot be auto-renewed. Contact the Licensing help desk at 517-284-6057 for assistance.
Yes. You can apply in a party with up to four people (including yourself). If you apply with more than three people, you will be ineligible for the drawing. The preference point total for the party will be equal to the person with the fewest number of preference points. A party is considered nonresident if any person in the party is a nonresident. Everyone in the party will receive a license if the party is selected, except for those who submit an invalid application.
The first person to apply (either you or another member of the party) selects the hunt number and receives a “party ID” number, which is printed on the application receipt. A new party ID number is issued each year. Then, the other people use the party ID number when applying to complete the party. Make sure to verify the party ID number is identical on all receipts.
You are responsible for obtaining a DNR application receipt that correctly states your customer ID and hunt choice. Do not accept a receipt that is not legible. Check your receipt for accuracy and retain it as proof that you applied. Ensure any application errors are corrected prior to the application deadline. If you submit an invalid application, you will be ineligible for the drawing.
You can call 517-284-9453 for assistance.
Drawing results will be available on June 22, 2026.
You can check your drawing results online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453. You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results.
You can purchase the license for which you were selected. Your preference points will be reset to zero, even if you choose not to purchase your license. See the License types and fees section for more information.
No. You cannot sell your bear drawing success to another person.
Yes. You can transfer your bear drawing success to an eligible individual. It is unlawful for an individual who transfers their bear drawing success to assist the transfer recipient in any manner in taking a bear for a fee or other consideration or service of value, either directly or indirectly. See the Bear hunt transfer program section for more information.
If you applied in the drawing and were unsuccessful, you will receive one preference point for use in future bear license drawings. You can purchase a leftover license for another hunt number with a quota remaining beginning July 6 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Depending on how many hunters apply, leftover licenses may or may not be available for some bear management units and/or hunt period dates. Your preference points will be reset to zero if you purchase a leftover license. See the Leftover licenses section for more information.
If you didn’t apply for the drawing, you can purchase a leftover license, if available, beginning July 13 at 10 a.m. ET. See the Leftover licenses section for more information.
You can find the complete bear drawing statistics summary at Michigan.gov/Bear.
No. You must confirm your personal drawing results before finalizing your bear hunting plans. Preference point requirements for each hunt number vary from year to year depending on license availability and number of applicants. Statistics from past drawings do not guarantee future drawing success.
| BMU | Hunt period | 2024 applicants* | 2025 applicants | 2024 license quota | 2025 license quota | 2026 license quota |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amasa | 1 | 600 | 464 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Amasa | 2 | 474 | 390 | 130 | 110 | 110 |
| Amasa | 3 | 535 | 641 | 250 | 280 | 280 |
| Baldwin | 1 | 2,639 | 2,762 | 395 | 395 | 395 |
| Baraga | 1 | 1,213 | 1,147 | 305 | 305 | 305 |
| Baraga | 2 | 425 | 884 | 425 | 435 | 435 |
| Baraga | 3 | 846 | 1,049 | 810 | 830 | 830 |
| Bergland | 1 | 659 | 606 | 180 | 170 | 170 |
| Bergland | 2 | 598 | 522 | 260 | 230 | 230 |
| Bergland | 3 | 289 | 466 | 480 | 435 | 435 |
| Carney | 1 | 854 | 699 | 95 | 90 | 90 |
| Carney | 2 | 590 | 623 | 135 | 155 | 155 |
| Carney | 3 | 753 | 989 | 320 | 320 | 320 |
| Drummond Island | 1 | 196 | 199 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Gladwin | 1 | 1,050 | 1,165 | 100 | 95 | 95 |
| Gwinn | 1 | 1,021 | 869 | 155 | 140 | 140 |
| Gwinn | 2 | 605 | 627 | 205 | 155 | 155 |
| Gwinn | 3 | 664 | 822 | 525 | 440 | 440 |
| Newberry | 1 | 2,147 | 1,865 | 215 | 200 | 200 |
| Newberry | 2 | 1,227 | 1,132 | 235 | 200 | 200 |
| Newberry | 3 | 1,407 | 1,675 | 555 | 480 | 480 |
| Red Oak | 1 | 8,830 | 9,336 | 685 | 685 | 685 |
| Preference point only | N/A | 39,953 | 43,940 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Statewide | N/A | 67,988 | 72,872 | 6,586 | 6,278 | 6,278 |
Includes both eligible and ineligible applicants.
*Number of applicants who selected each hunt as their first choice.
| BMU | Hunt period | 2023 points required* | 2024 points required* | 2025 points required* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amasa | 1 | 6–7 | 5–6 | 5–6 |
| Amasa | 2 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 |
| Amasa | 3 | 0–1 | 0–1 | 1–2 |
| Baldwin | 1 | 8–9 | 8–9 | 7–8 |
| Baraga | 1 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 |
| Baraga | 2 | 0–1 | 0–1 | 1–2 |
| Baraga | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0–1 |
| Bergland | 1 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 |
| Bergland | 2 | 0–1 | 0–1 | 0–1 |
| Bergland | 3 | 0 | 0–1 | 0 |
| Carney | 1 | 6–7 | 7 | 7–8 |
| Carney | 2 | 2–3 | 3 | 3–4 |
| Carney | 3 | 0–1 | 0–1 | 1–2 |
| Drummond Island | 1 | 19–20 | 20–21 | 21–22 |
| Gladwin | 1 | 7–8 | 8–9 | 8–9 |
| Gwinn | 1 | 5–6 | 5–6 | 6–7 |
| Gwinn | 2 | 1–2 | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Gwinn | 3 | 0–1 | 0–1 | 0–1 |
| Newberry | 1 | 8–9 | 8–9 | 9–10 |
| Newberry | 2 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5–6 |
| Newberry | 3 | 1–2 | 1–2 | 1–2 |
| Red Oak | 1 | 9–10 | 9–10 | 9–10 |
*Residents within this range of preference points were selected for a license in the bear drawing. Those at the top number of the range were all selected. Some residents at the bottom number of the range were selected. Point requirements may vary in future drawings.
The bear hunt transfer program allows successful applicants to transfer their drawing success to an eligible person they know or donate their drawing success anonymously to individuals on the DNR hunt waiting list. Visit Michigan.gov/HuntTransfers to learn more about the bear hunt transfer program.
You must submit a transfer request form by Sept. 1. Forms are available at Michigan.gov/HuntTransfers. You have the option to transfer your success to an eligible person of your choosing or donate your success to someone on the DNR hunt waiting list. If a hunt recipient is not named on your form, the hunt will be offered to the next eligible person on the DNR hunt waiting list.
Your preference points were reset to zero when you were selected for a license in the drawing. Preference points will not be restored if you transfer your drawing success.
Those who are eligible to receive a donated bear hunt through the bear hunt transfer program can register for the DNR hunt waiting list to receive a donated bear hunt. The registration period to join the list is March 1 – July 10. There is no guarantee that everyone on the list will receive a donated hunt.
| License type | Youth age 9 and under | Youth age 10–16 | Resident age 17–64 | Resident senior age 65+ | Nonresident age 17+1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base license* — valid through March 31, 2027 | N/A | $6 | $11 | $5 | $151 |
| Bear application | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Bear license | $25 | $25 | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| DNR Sportcard2 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
| Inclusive mentored license3 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mentored youth license | $7.50 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| No-kill-tag bear license | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 |
| Pure Michigan Hunt application | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
*One dollar from each of these licenses will be used to educate the public on the benefits of hunting, fishing and trapping in Michigan and the impact of these activities on the conservation, preservation and management of the state’s natural resources.
1Nonresidents under 17 years old may purchase a resident base license.
2The DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
3The inclusive mentored license package is only available for qualified individuals at DNR offices, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
Resident active-duty U.S. military personnel and resident veterans with a 100% disability rating can obtain a leftover bear license free of charge, beginning July 13. Licenses are full price for those who apply for a license and are selected in the drawing.
Lifetime comprehensive license holders receive a current-year base license free of charge. If selected in the drawing, lifetime comprehensive license holders may obtain their bear license free of charge. Lifetime comprehensive license holders who do not receive a license through the drawing may obtain a free leftover bear license beginning June 29 at 10 a.m. ET. A lifetime comprehensive license holder may purchase a no-kill-tag bear license for $15.
Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter education certificate or previous hunting license (other than a base apprentice license) to purchase your license. Individuals who are qualified to hunt with inclusive mentored licenses are exempt from the hunter education requirements (see the Mentored hunting section for more details). A valid hunter education certificate from another state meets this requirement. Michigan’s hunter education courses are offered throughout the year around the state. The online course can be found at Michigan.gov/HunterEducation. For a replacement Michigan hunter education certificate, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.
A youth hunter 10–16 years old who has a hunter education certificate must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older to while hunting, unless the youth is hunting on land where a parent or guardian regularly lives.
The Mentored Hunting Program is a set of rules that establishes the mentored youth license package and the inclusive mentored license package.
A mentor is responsible for the mentored hunter’s actions in the field. A mentor must ensure the hunting device (shotgun, rifle, bow, etc.) used by the mentored hunter is properly fitted and appropriately suited for the mentored hunter. A mentor can only carry two hunting devices in the field. To participate as a mentor in the Mentored Hunting Program, you must meet all of the following qualifications:
The mentored youth license is a license package that allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers, and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored youth hunter to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear and elk. The mentored youth license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license year, even if the mentored youth hunter turns 10 years old during the year.
Yes. The mentored youth license is available to both residents and nonresidents who are 9 years old or younger.
The inclusive mentored license is a license package that allows individuals with developmental disabilities to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored hunter to purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear and elk.
To qualify for the inclusive mentored license, one of the following must apply:
Yes. If you are licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program, you can purchase a bear license awarded in the drawing or a leftover bear license, if available.
The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person who does not have a hunter education certificate and is 10 years old or older to hunt during the current hunting seasons with a qualified mentor. An apprentice hunter will need to purchase a base apprentice license to participate. Additional licenses are required to hunt big game, furbearers and waterfowl.
Yes. The base apprentice license is available to residents and nonresidents who do not have a hunter education certificate.
You can purchase a base apprentice license for up to two license years before you must successfully complete a hunter education course and purchase a regular base license.
Yes. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you can purchase a bear license awarded in the drawing or a leftover bear license, if available.
No. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you must be accompanied by someone 21 years old or older who has a regular, current-year hunting license for the same game you are hunting. If you are an apprentice hunter who is 10–16 years old, your accompanying mentor must be your parent, guardian or someone designated by your parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old. A mentor can accompany no more than two apprentice hunters while hunting.
For hunting bear, your accompanying mentor needs a current-year bear license, but it does not have to be for the same BMU or season dates as your bear license.
Your accompanying mentor must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and auditory contact.
To qualify as a Michigan resident, you must meet one of the following criteria:
No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license. You would be considered a nonresident.
Yes. You can hunt with a tribal member who is present and actively hunting if you possess a state-issued hunting license for the applicable species and season for which you are hunting. You must follow all applicable state bear hunting regulations.
Yes. You can assist a tribal hunter who is present and actively hunting or participating in legal hunting-related activities. However, state-licensed hunters or those accompanying them cannot use hunting dogs to assist a tribal hunter outside of the state bear hunting season or during the closed dog training season (April 16 – July 7). State-licensed hunters or those accompanying them cannot establish or tend to bait sites for tribal hunters outside the state bear baiting season (31 days before the open bear hunting season in the BMU through the end of the bear hunting season). For complete dates of when hunting with dogs is not allowed, please see below.
A DNR Sportcard serves as a valid form of identification for people without a driver’s license. There are no age restrictions or residency requirements for purchase. A DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card. A DNR Sportcard with accurate information can be used from year to year.
A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. A base license provides funding for habitat and conservation work on both public and private land and supports the work of conservation officers and field staff to ensure safe, legal hunting practices are followed. A base license is not a kill tag and is valid for hunting small game. Additional licenses are required to hunt and trap other species. Hunters are always encouraged to carry their base licenses when hunting.
The 2026 base license is currently available for purchase from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. A 2026 base license is valid through March 31, 2027.
While an application can be purchased prior to obtaining a base license, you must purchase a 2026 base license before you can purchase a bear license or a no-kill-tag bear license.
A bear license is a kill tag that allows an individual to harvest a bear within a designated BMU and hunt period.
When you purchase a bear license, you will have the option to receive an electronic kill tag (eHarvest tag) or a traditional paper kill tag, depending on where you purchase your bear license. See the Where to buy licenses and kill tags section for more information.
A bear license is valid on all public and private lands within the designated BMU. You must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.
No. You can only purchase one bear license per year.
No. You cannot use another person’s kill tag or allow another person to use your kill tag. It is illegal for hunters to harvest or attempt to harvest a bear unless they have an unused bear license issued in their name for the BMU in which they are hunting.
Yes. You can use your bear license to harvest a bear causing crop damage on private land if you are listed as the designated shooter on a bear damage shooting permit obtained by the landowner. You must have a valid bear license for the BMU where the damage is occurring. Bear damage shooting permits are only valid outside the regular bear hunting season. The use of bait to harvest a bear causing crop damage is prohibited. The use of dogs or nighttime shooting to harvest a bear causing crop damage is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact DNR bear specialist Cody Norton at NortonC3@Michigan.gov.
No. You cannot use a kill tag more than once.
No. You cannot put your kill tag on a bear you did not harvest.
A no-kill-tag bear license allows an individual (without a bear kill tag) to:
No. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt number. Current leftover license and permit availability may be viewed at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
Yes. Your preference points will be reset to zero if you purchase a leftover bear license. However, lifetime comprehensive license holders retain their preference points with the purchase of a leftover bear license.
Lifetime comprehensive license holders who were not selected for a license in the drawing may obtain a free leftover bear license beginning June 29 at 10 a.m. ET.
If any licenses remain after the drawing and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover bear license on a first-come, first-served basis beginning July 6 at 10 a.m. ET.
If any licenses remain as of July 13 at 10 a.m. ET and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover bear license on a first-come, first-served basis.
No. You cannot purchase a leftover bear license as a nonresident. Leftover licenses are available for residents only.
You can purchase one bear license (awarded in the drawing or leftover) per year. If you purchase a bear license awarded in the drawing, you are ineligible to purchase a leftover bear license.
The Pure Michigan Hunt is a chance at the hunt of a lifetime for three lucky hunters. Winners may purchase one elk (resident only), bear, antlerless deer, spring turkey, fall turkey and base hunting license at a total cost of $3. They may also participate in one reserved waterfowl hunt at a managed waterfowl area or have first selection of another hunt choice at any managed waterfowl area if approved by the local area manager. Also, winners will receive a prize package worth thousands and can choose to transfer their Pure Michigan Hunt opportunities to other individuals. Each PMH license will be valid for the applicable 2027 species hunting season and able to be used in any open hunt area for that species, except bear hunting on Drummond Island. Licenses will be subject to all 2027 hunting regulations.
Hunters are selected for a Pure Michigan Hunt license package using a random drawing system. In the license drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase.
No. The purchase of Pure Michigan Hunt licenses will not affect your eligibility to apply for or purchase other hunting licenses and will not affect bear preference points you have earned.
The application period is Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026.
You can purchase as many Pure Michigan Hunt applications as you wish until Dec. 31, 2026.
No. You must be eligible to purchase a regular, nonapprentice base license to apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing.
Yes. You can apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing as a nonresident. However, if you are selected, you will not be eligible to receive the PMH elk license.
Three lucky hunters will be drawn in January 2027, and the winners will be announced via Facebook video broadcast, with final confirmation by phone. Drawing results will be posted online the week following the video announcement.
For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing, visit Michigan.gov/PMH.
To purchase a hunting license in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
Yes. When hunting, you must carry your applicable hunting license(s) and the identification used to purchase the license(s) and present them upon demand of a Michigan conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer. If you are using an electronic kill tag, you must be able to present the electronic kill tag on your mobile device.
You can purchase a Michigan hunting license from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.
If you purchased your bear license online, your paper kill tag will be mailed to you 10 to 15 business days after your purchase. You cannot go hunting without the paper kill tag in your possession.
If you purchased your bear license through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, your eHarvest tag will be available on your mobile device immediately. You must be able to present the eHarvest tag on a mobile device while in the field. You will not receive a paper kill tag.
You can purchase an inclusive mentored license package from any DNR office, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
If you originally purchased your bear license at a license agent or online, you can visit a license agent and have your license replaced. Because a bear license is a kill tag, a bear license replacement is full price. You must provide the identification number used to purchase the original license.
Legal hunting hours for bears (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset) for Zone A are printed in the table. To determine the opening (a.m.) or closing (p.m.) time in another zone, add the minutes shown on the map for the zone to the time from the Zone A hunting hours table. The hunting hours listed in the table reflect Eastern Time. If you are hunting in Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson or Menominee counties (Central Time), you must make an additional adjustment to the printed time by subtracting one hour.
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to hunting and trapping.
Hunting hours listed are one half-hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).
| Date | Time Zone A a.m. | Time Zone A p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 9 | 6:36 | 8:22 |
| Sept. 10 | 6:37 | 8:21 |
| Sept. 11 | 6:38 | 8:19 |
| Sept. 12 | 6:39 | 8:17 |
| Sept. 13 | 6:40 | 8:16 |
| Sept. 14 | 6:41 | 8:14 |
| Sept. 15 | 6:42 | 8:12 |
| Sept. 16 | 6:43 | 8:11 |
| Sept. 17 | 6:44 | 8:09 |
| Sept. 18 | 6:45 | 8:07 |
| Sept. 19 | 6:46 | 8:06 |
| Sept. 20 | 6:48 | 8:04 |
| Sept. 21 | 6:49 | 8:02 |
| Sept. 22 | 6:50 | 8:01 |
| Sept. 23 | 6:51 | 7:59 |
| Sept. 24 | 6:52 | 7:57 |
| Sept. 25 | 6:53 | 7:56 |
| Sept. 26 | 6:54 | 7:54 |
| Sept. 27 | 6:55 | 7:53 |
| Sept. 28 | 6:56 | 7:51 |
| Sept. 29 | 6:57 | 7:49 |
| Sept. 30 | 6:58 | 7:48 |
| Oct. 1 | 6:59 | 7:46 |
| Oct. 2 | 7:00 | 7:44 |
| Oct. 3 | 7:02 | 7:43 |
| Oct. 4 | 7:03 | 7:41 |
| Oct. 5 | 7:04 | 7:40 |
| Oct. 6 | 7:05 | 7:38 |
| Oct. 7 | 7:06 | 7:37 |
| Oct. 8 | 7:07 | 7:35 |
| Oct. 9 | 7:08 | 7:33 |
| Oct. 10 | 7:09 | 7:32 |
| Oct. 11 | 7:11 | 7:30 |
| Oct. 12 | 7:12 | 7:29 |
| Oct. 13 | 7:13 | 7:27 |
| Oct. 14 | 7:14 | 7:26 |
| Oct. 15 | 7:15 | 7:24 |
| Oct. 16 | 7:16 | 7:23 |
| Oct. 17 | 7:17 | 7:21 |
| Oct. 18 | 7:19 | 7:20 |
| Oct. 19 | 7:20 | 7:19 |
| Oct. 20 | 7:21 | 7:17 |
| Oct. 21 | 7:22 | 7:16 |
| Oct. 22 | 7:23 | 7:14 |
| Oct. 23 | 7:25 | 7:13 |
| Oct. 24 | 7:26 | 7:12 |
| Oct. 25 | 7:27 | 7:10 |
| Oct. 26 | 7:28 | 7:09 |
Michigan is divided into three hunting and trapping zones: Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. Zone 1 includes all of the Upper Peninsula. The dividing line between Zone 2 and Zone 3 is from the Lake Michigan shoreline north of Muskegon Lake easterly on Memorial Drive to Ruddiman Drive to Lake Avenue, easterly on Lake Avenue to M-120 in North Muskegon, northeasterly on M-120 to M-20, easterly on M-20 to U.S. 10, easterly on U.S. 10 to Garfield Road in Bay County, northerly on Garfield Road to Pinconning Road, easterly on Pinconning Road to Seven Mile Road, northerly on Seven Mile Road to Lincoln School Road (County Road 25) in Arenac County, northerly on Lincoln School Road to M-61, easterly on M-61 to U.S. 23, easterly on U.S. 23 to the center line of the AuGres River, southerly along the center line of the AuGres River to Saginaw Bay, easterly 90 degrees east for 7 miles into Saginaw Bay, then northerly 78 degrees east to the International Boundary. For a map of hunting and trapping zone boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Safety zones are all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, dwelling, house, residence, cabin or any barn or other building used in a farm operation. No person may hunt in, shoot through, or shoot at any wild animal or wild bird with a firearm within a safety zone without the written permission of the owner or occupant of the property. The safety zone applies to hunting only. It does not apply to indoor or outdoor shooting ranges, target shooting, law enforcement activities or the lawful discharge of firearms for any nonhunting purpose.
Yes. Opportunities to hunt on national forest lands may be available for the Hiawatha, Huron-Manistee and Ottawa national forests. All state laws apply to national forest lands. Additional federal regulations also apply. For a complete listing of regulations, see 36 CFR 261 (Code of Federal Regulations) at FS.USDA.gov.
Over 4.5 million acres of public lands are managed by the DNR and open to hunting!
You can find places to hunt by visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt. The interactive DNR map application Mi-HUNT can help you plan your hunting and other outdoor recreation adventures. It is the responsibility of the users of these maps to be aware of all regulations relevant to their hunting activities and locations. These maps show approximate boundaries of the lands open to public hunting.
You can find the DNR-managed land use rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws. Please keep in mind that you cannot:
Yes. Some local municipalities may be closed to hunting, trapping or the discharge of firearms. Please contact the local municipality office or local law enforcement agency to find out about restrictions.
Commercial Forest lands are privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program. CF landowners are not required to identify the property as CF, and CF land may be fenced and/or gated. The presence of a fence or gate does not prohibit public access to CF lands for fishing or hunting. The landowner may restrict public access during periods of active commercial logging to ensure public safety. Descriptions of land in the CF program and a GIS map are available on the DNR website at Michigan.gov/CommercialForest. CF parcels can also be found using Mi-HUNT at Michigan.gov/MiHunt. Contact the DNR Forest Resources Division at 517-284-5900 or visit the Commercial Forest webpage for more information about CF lands.
Yes. Over 2.2 million acres of privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial Forest program are accessible by foot to the public for fishing, hunting and trapping. To hunt all species, you must possess licenses that are valid for private-land hunting. Use of motorized vehicles for fishing and hunting access is at the landowner’s discretion. Any activities other than the acts of fishing, hunting and trapping require landowner permission. Leaving anything unattended, other than traps, also requires landowner permission. In addition, hunters may not build structures or construct blinds other than with natural materials found on-site. The use of nails, bolts or tree steps is not allowed. The cutting of shooting lanes or destruction of brush, trees or other vegetation is prohibited. Commercial activity on CF lands is not allowed for any purpose other than forestry or oil and gas extraction.
You can hunt within a road right of way where the adjoining property is publicly owned. If the adjacent property is privately owned, you must have permission from the landowner.
Railroad rights of way are private property. Trespassing on railroad property is a misdemeanor. You must have written permission from the railroad company to be exempt from trespass.
No. Utility rights of way, such as underground gas lines and overhead power lines, on private property are closed to public access. You must have written permission from the utility company to be exempt from trespass.
Yes. Trespassing is unlawful and erodes support for recreational hunting. Written or verbal permission is required from the landowner or leaseholder before you hunt on any farmlands, connected woodlots, private land or property that is fenced or enclosed. Hunters are required to produce their hunting licenses for landowners upon request. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, a person not possessing a firearm may enter on foot upon the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. The person cannot remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog.
If you wound a bear and it goes onto private property, you have no legal right to pursue it without permission from the landowner and would be subject to prosecution for trespassing.
Yes. You cannot use any of the following types of equipment to hunt a bear in Michigan:
See the Bows, crossbows and firearms section for more information on equipment restrictions.
Yes. On lands managed by the DNR, it is unlawful to drag a state forest road with any device that disturbs the surface of the roadbed at a depth greater than 2 inches.
Yes. If you are hunting bears with a firearm, you must wear a cap, hat, vest, jacket or rain gear of hunter orange. The hunter orange garments must be your outermost layer and be visible from all sides. Hunter orange includes camouflage that is not less than 50 percent hunter orange.
No. If you are hunting bears with archery equipment, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement. However, the use of hunter orange is encouraged for safety purposes.
Yes. You can hunt bears from an elevated platform using a bow, crossbow or firearm on public and private lands. A fall arrest system is recommended.
You can place an elevated platform on public lands in the BMU for which you have a license. Elevated platforms can be placed on public lands 31 days prior to the open season through five days after the close of the bear season in each BMU. If successful in harvesting a bear, elevated platforms must be removed within five days of harvest.
Yes. If you hunt on public lands, your elevated platform must be portable. Elevated platforms on public lands cannot be affixed or attached to any tree by nails, screws or bolts. However, a “T” bolt or similar device supplied by a tree stand manufacturer can be used. Screw-in tree steps are illegal on public lands. It is unlawful to use any item that penetrates through the bark of a tree in the construction or affixing of any device to assist in climbing a tree.
Yes. You can use an elevated platform for hunting on private lands with the permission of the landowner. Permanent elevated platforms are not allowed on Commercial Forest lands. The use of tree steps, nails, screws, bolts, etc. is also not allowed on Commercial Forest lands.
Yes. You can use ground blinds on public lands in the BMU for which you have a license. Ground blinds can be placed on public lands 31 days prior to the open season through five days after the close of the bear season in each BMU. If successful in harvesting a bear, ground blinds must be removed within five days of harvest. Ground blinds can be placed on public lands beginning Aug. 9 in the Upper Peninsula or Aug. 12 in the Lower Peninsula.
The following three types of ground blinds are legal on public lands:
Type 1 (portable ground blind): This blind must be clearly portable and removed at the end of each day’s hunt (if you wish to leave your blind out overnight, see Type 3 below). Fasteners, if used to attach or anchor the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed daily. No identification is required. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public lands, including all state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3.
Type 2 (dead natural materials ground blind): This blind must be constructed exclusively of dead and natural materials found on the ground in the area of the blind, except that a hunter can add netting, cloth, plastic or other materials for concealment or protection from the weather if these materials are not permanently fastened to the blind and are removed at the end of each day’s hunt. These items can be tied to the blind but cannot be stapled, nailed, glued or fastened in any permanent manner. No identification is required. Fasteners (nails, screws, etc.) cannot be used in construction. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public lands, including all state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3.
Type 3 (constructed ground blind): This includes all other blinds not meeting the requirements of either Type 1 or Type 2, including portable ground blinds, if not removed daily. Identification is required. Fasteners, if used to anchor or attach the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed with the blind. These blinds are not legal on state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3. Note: If a person’s Type 3 ground blind has been permitted to be placed on lands administered by a local public agency (city, township, county), the local agency will establish the length of time that a blind may be placed on its property. For detailed descriptions of hunting and trapping zone boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center.
Yes. You can use a ground blind to hunt bears on private lands during the bear season with the permission of the landowner. Permanent ground blinds are not allowed on Commercial Forest lands.
In legible English, you must permanently affix your name and address or Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number to the elevated platform or Type 3 ground blind if it is placed on public lands.
You can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm per the regulations explained in this section.
A mentor is limited to two hunting devices (shotgun, rifle, bow or crossbow) in the field while mentoring, and the mentored hunter must always be within arm’s length of the mentor. The mentor will be held responsible for all actions of the mentored hunter while in the field.
A licensed mentored hunter can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm. Any hunting device possessed by a mentored hunter must be sized appropriately to fit the physical abilities of the mentored hunter.
Yes. You can only use arrows, bolts and quarrels at least 14 inches in length, tipped with a broadhead point at least 7/8 inch wide.
Yes. In Lower Peninsula BMUs, firearms cannot be used to hunt a bear Oct. 2–8. During this time, only archery equipment (bow or crossbow) can be used. You cannot possess or carry afield a pistol, revolver or other firearm during this time. However, this does not apply to pistols carried under the authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried under the authority of a specific exception from the requirement of a concealed pistol license. A concealed pistol license does not authorize the individual to use the pistol to take game except as provided by law.
Yes. You can use a crossbow to hunt a bear in the Lower Peninsula BMUs Oct. 2–8.
If you are bear hunting during the bear season, you must abide by the following firearm restrictions or use a crossbow or bow. Legal firearms are as follows:
Yes. You cannot hunt a bear with a semi-automatic shotgun or semi-automatic rifle that can hold more than six shells in the barrel and magazine combined.
While not required by law, it is recommended that you use lead-free ammunition when hunting a bear.
Yes. The prohibition on carrying any other type of firearm does not apply to pistols carried under authority of a concealed pistol license, or under a specific exception from the CPL requirement.
You must own and have in your possession either a concealed pistol license or a license to purchase, carry or transport issued by your home state to legally carry or transport a handgun in Michigan. For more information about statewide handgun regulations, obtaining a CPL, or concealed weapons and firearms laws, contact your local police department.
Firearms must be unloaded in the barrel and all arrows must be in a quiver when you are afield outside the legal hunting hours.
These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times when carried in or on a motor vehicle:
These rules apply whether your off-road vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times, when carried in or on an off-road vehicle:
These rules apply when the vessel is under power and until forward motion has ceased. Once the vessel is no longer under power and forward motion has ceased, firearms can be loaded. When carried in or on a motor-propelled boat or sailboat, while the vessel is under power or forward motion is occurring: rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and all other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine.
Yes. You can hire a commercial hunting guide for bear hunting in Michigan. A list of licensed commercial hunting guides is available at Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
No. You cannot use a nonresident guide for bear hunting in Michigan. It is unlawful for any nonresident to assist and/or guide another person in any manner in the taking of bear for a fee, other consideration or service of value, either directly or indirectly.
No. You cannot harvest a bear in a den. It is unlawful to disturb a bear den or disturb, harm or molest a bear in its den.
No. You cannot harvest a bear if it is in a body of water. It is unlawful to chase, pursue, shoot or kill a bear when it is swimming in a stream, river, pond, lake or other body of water.
No. You cannot set fires to drive out game animals, including bears.
No. You cannot hunt bears while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
In the Upper Peninsula BMUs, bait, dogs and other legal hunting methods can be used Sept. 14 – Oct. 26. There are no date restrictions for the use of other legal hunting methods. There are no date restrictions during which dogs must be used in the Upper Peninsula BMUs. The date restrictions for using bait and/or dogs in the Upper Peninsula BMUs are described below.
| BMU | Cannot use dogs | Can use dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Amasa | Sept. 9–13 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 |
| Baraga | Sept. 9–13 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 |
| Bergland | Sept. 9–13 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 |
| Carney | Sept. 9–13 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 |
| Drummond Island | Sept. 9–13 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 |
| Gwinn | Sept. 9–13 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 |
| Newberry | Sept. 9–13 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 |
In the Lower Peninsula BMUs, bait, dogs and other legal hunting methods can be used Sept. 14–18. Bear hunting Sept. 19–22 must be done with the aid of dogs. The date restrictions for using bait and/or dogs in the Lower Peninsula BMUs are described below.
| BMU | Cannot use dogs | Can use dogs | Must use dogs* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin | Sept. 12–13, Oct. 2–8 | Sept. 14–18 | Sept. 19–22 |
| Gladwin | Sept. 12–13, Oct. 2–8 | Sept. 14–18 | Sept. 19–22 |
| Red Oak | Sept. 12–13, Oct. 2–8 | Sept. 14–18 | Sept. 19–22 |
*You can use bait while hunting dogs Sept. 19–22.
Yes. You can use bait to aid in the taking of a bear during the bear hunting season per regulations explained in this section.
You (or your designee) can only establish or tend to up to three bait stations for your bear hunt.
Yes. Anyone can establish or tend to up to 12 bait stations, but it must be limited to three stations per hunter. For example, if you are a licensed bear hunter, you can establish up to three bait stations for yourself, while tending to up to nine additional bait stations for three other licensed hunters.
Yes. You can only establish or tend a bait station from the start of the bear baiting period (31 days before the open season in that BMU) through the end of the bear hunting season. For example, it is legal to tend a bait station in Amasa from Aug. 9 to Oct. 26 only.
Yes. In Lower Peninsula BMUs, bait or other methods that do not include dogs must be used to hunt bears during the first two days of the hunting season (Sept. 12–13) and during the archery-only season (Oct. 2–8).
Yes. In the Upper Peninsula BMUs, bait or other methods that do not include dogs must be used to hunt bears during the first five days of the first hunt period (Sept. 9–13).
Yes. You can use any of the following at a bait station statewide in unlimited quantities:
No. You cannot use chocolate or cocoa derivatives at a bait station.
No. You cannot use melatonin or any other stupefying substance, drug or anticoagulant at a bait station.
Legal bear bait at a bait station depends on when and where you are bear hunting in Michigan. Food materials that lure, entice or attract deer and elk may be used at a bait station under the following conditions:
Hunters should consult the Michigan Deer Hunting Regulations Summary for current deer baiting regulations.
Grains, fruits, vegetables, salts and minerals are considered food materials that can lure, entice or attract deer and elk.
A bait station is considered inaccessible to deer and elk when the bait is placed in a bait container on private lands or in a hole in the ground, hollow stump or other location, and covered with logs, rocks or other lawful materials in a way that deer and elk cannot access the bait.
At bait stations on Commercial Forest lands, as well as state, federal and other public hunting lands, you must place the bait on the ground. You cannot use metal containers, plastic, manufactured wood products, concrete, glass, fabric, cloth, paper or other human-made materials at a bait station on these lands. Any containers used to transport bait to bait stations on these lands must be immediately removed and disposed of properly. You cannot hunt over bait that has, within 100 yards of the bait site, any containers used to transport bait to the bait station.
For bear bait placed on the ground, you can use dead and downed trees, hollow stumps, rocks, soil and other natural materials to contain bear bait at a bait station on public lands.
You can use bait containers, such as metal barrels, on private lands only. You cannot use bait containers on public lands or Commercial Forest lands.
Yes. Bait containers placed on private lands can only have holes that are EITHER 1 inch or less in diameter OR 22 inches or greater in diameter.
You can use no more than eight dogs to chase a bear at any one time. Check Michigan.gov/DNRDigests for possible changes to the dog training regulations that may have occurred after the printing of this publication.
You can train your dogs on a bear from July 8 through April 15 of the following year. The following exceptions apply:
If you are a nonresident of Michigan, you can only train your dogs on a bear during the open hunting season for each BMU, unless you are training dogs on bear within the Amasa, Bergland or Carney BMUs or special dog training areas.
No. You cannot train your dog on a captive, tethered or caged bear.
Before leaving the training location, remove plant debris, dirt and mud from your dog to protect its health and habitat quality.
For bear hunting, you can use no more than eight dogs running as a pack. You cannot relay dog packs. You can replace individual dogs within a pack, provided eight or fewer dogs are used at one time. All dogs must be immunized and licensed. The license number or other form of identification must be affixed to their collars.
Yes. If you are a nonresident of Michigan, you must have a special permit in your possession to use dogs while bear hunting. You cannot register more than 10 dogs on one permit. You can apply for a special permit to use dogs for bear hunting, free of charge, by visiting Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
Those pursuing a bear with dogs during an open season must have in their possession either a valid Michigan bear license or a no-kill-tag bear license if in possession of a firearm, crossbow or bow, or if they are the owner of any dog used for chasing or locating bear during the hunt. If you plan on running bears with dogs after you harvest a bear, retain the top portion of your bear license and tag your harvested bear using the lower portion.
Yes. In Lower Peninsula BMUs, dogs must be used to hunt bears during Sept. 19–22.
No. There is not a time when hunting with dogs is required in the Upper Peninsula.
Yes. Dogs cannot be used to hunt bear during the first two days of the hunting season (Sept. 12–13) and Oct. 2–8 in Lower Peninsula BMUs.
Yes. Dogs cannot be used to hunt bear during the first five days of the first hunt period (Sept. 9–13) in Upper Peninsula BMUs.
For purposes of training on or hunting a bear, you cannot begin to chase a bear with dogs between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
Yes. If you plan on running bear with dogs after you harvest a bear, you must securely attach the lower portion of your kill tag to the harvested bear and retain the top portion of your kill tag as documentation for running your dogs.
Yes. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, you can enter on foot the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. You cannot be in possession of a firearm when retrieving a dog from private property. You should not remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog.
Yes. Wolves will defend their territories and may attack other wolves, coyotes and domestic dogs that are in their territory. Wolf attacks on domestic dogs are relatively rare. Most wolf-dog conflicts occur where dogs are trained or used for bear hunting. These dogs are more at risk because they: traverse large areas, which increases their chances of encountering wolves; may be released at bear bait sites that also may be used by wolves; bark while tracking, which may be viewed as a territorial challenge by wolves; and are some distance from hunters and therefore not protected by the presence of humans.
To minimize the conflict between wolves and dogs, it is best to avoid areas of recent wolf activity. Wolves will concentrate much of their activity around the den and rendezvous sites. Rendezvous sites, where pups are raised, usually include forest openings or edge areas and often are near water. These sites may vary from year to year and can change throughout the summer. They can be identified by a concentration of wolf tracks, droppings and matted vegetation. It is best to do some scouting and look for wolf sign before releasing dogs. Be especially vigilant when starting dogs from a bear bait station and make sure wolves have not been using the bait. If wolf sign, particularly the sign of wolf pups, is evident, move to another area before releasing dogs. Become familiar with coyote and dog tracks, so they can be correctly distinguished from wolf tracks. Consider adding bells or beepers to dog collars, which may reduce wolf attacks.
Report all suspected wolf-dog conflicts to the DNR immediately to allow a timely investigation. To report a dog depredation, call the Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800. Your reports help other hunters by allowing the DNR to provide updated dog depredation locations. At this time, the use of lethal control of wolves in the act of depredation is not authorized. Because the federal status of wolves has changed, and may continue to change, please contact a DNR office to ask about current rules regarding lethal take of wolves if in the act of killing or wounding a dog. For more information, including locations where hunting dog conflicts with wolves have occurred, visit Michigan.gov/Wolves or contact the DNR Marquette Customer Service Center at 906-228-6561.
The DNR encourages you to report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField. You should provide information about the location, number and condition of the animals you observed. Contact the DNR Wildlife Health Section at 517-336-5030 if you have any questions.
Trichinellosis, also called trichinosis, is a disease that people can get by eating raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with the microscopic parasite Trichinella. Black bears can harbor the parasite and have been associated with confirmed cases of trichinellosis among hunters in the United States.
The DNR encourages you to learn how to identify and report invasive species at MISIN.MSU.edu. For more information on invasive species management or your local cooperative invasive species management area, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Yes. Russian boar can be hunted and trapped, year-round, statewide with a valid base license. Russian boar can be taken on public land by anyone possessing a valid hunting license or a concealed pistol license, or on private land with the landowner’s permission. You are encouraged to report all Russian boar seen or taken at Michigan.gov/RussianBoar or by calling 517-336-1928.
No. You cannot move or possess invasive plants. For a complete list of prohibited and restricted species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
No. Immediately after harvesting and before moving a bear, you must validate your paper kill tag and securely attach the paper kill tag to the lower jaw of the bear. You cannot transport or have in your possession a bear unless the validated paper kill tag is attached to the lower jaw of the bear. If you plan on running bears with dogs after you harvest a bear, retain the top portion of your paper kill tag and securely attach the lower portion of it to your harvested bear.
To validate your paper kill tag, you must notch out the appropriate information as instructed on the paper kill tag.
You must securely and permanently attach the entire paper kill tag or lower portion of the paper kill tag from the bear’s upper jaw to the eye socket or through the lower jaw. The best way to attach a paper kill tag that was purchased at a license agent is to lay a strong piece of wire or cord across the back of the paper kill tag so the tag can be folded in half and to tape it in place as needed. Do not stick or wrap the paper kill tag directly onto the upper jaw, eye socket or lower jaw of the bear. The best way to attach a paper kill tag that was purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses is to put a wire or cord through the pre-punched holes on the paper kill tag. Tie the wire or cord from the bear’s upper jaw to the eye socket or through the lower jaw in such a manner that the paper kill tag remains securely attached. Make sure the paper kill tag is completely legible and visible for inspection. The paper kill tag must remain attached until the bear is sealed at a DNR registration station. The paper kill tag will be replaced by an official DNR seal at registration.
No. Immediately after harvesting and before moving a bear, you must validate your eHarvest tag. You cannot transport or have in your possession a bear unless the eHarvest tag validation has been completed.
To validate your eHarvest tag, you must use your mobile device to access the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and complete the following steps:
If you have an eHarvest tag, you do not need to attach a tag to the harvested bear if the bear remains in your possession or is physically stored at your primary residence or has been sealed at a DNR registration station. However, a durable tag with a license number must be attached to the bear if you are no longer present with the bear to display your eHarvest kill tag data on your phone.
You must attach a tag made of durable material to your bear when you are no longer personally attending the bear and unavailable to display your eHarvest kill tag data on your phone. A durable tag must include your license number legibly written in permanent ink and be attached to your bear in a secure and permanent manner. A durable tag must remain attached to the bear until the bear has been sealed at a DNR registration station.
You can transport your own and another person’s lawfully taken game. You cannot transport or possess a bear unless a validated kill tag is attached to the bear or you have validated your eHarvest tag. You cannot destroy the identity or evidence of the sex of a bear while in the field or when transported in a motor vehicle.
Bear registration locations are subject to change. Hunters must call the DNR office or private cooperator before arriving to schedule an appointment.
No. Prior to registration, you cannot divide a harvested bear in a manner that does not keep one part of the bear intact to allow it to be measured in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail prior to registration.
Within 72 hours of harvest, you must take the unfrozen, undivided bear head and hide, or the entire animal, to a DNR registration station to be examined, sealed and registered.
The DNR will attach an official seal to the harvested bear. This seal replaces the bear kill tag. The bear kill tag will be retained by DNR staff and will not be returned to you. The location of take (town, range and section), date of harvest and manner of harvest will be recorded when the animal is sealed. A premolar tooth will be collected to determine the age of the bear. Collected teeth will be retained by DNR staff and will not be returned to you. Ages are estimated using a microscope to count the number of cementum layers in cross-sections of premolar teeth from either the upper or lower jaw. Teeth collected from bears harvested in the Upper Peninsula may also be used to estimate population size through genetic analysis. A small sample of hair may also be collected from harvested bears in the Lower Peninsula to estimate population size through genetic analysis.
The age of your registered bear will be available at Michigan.gov/DNRLab.
No. You must be present while registering the bear and should provide identification upon request as the person who harvested the bear.
A list of bear registration stations can be found below. You must call the DNR office or private cooperator bear registration station to schedule an appointment before arriving. Hours and locations are subject to change. Please visit Michigan.gov/Bear for the most up-to-date locations, hours of operation and contact information.
The seal should remain attached to the bear until:
Bear registration stations:
| BMU | Hunt period | 2024 bears registered | 2025 bears registered* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amasa | 1 | 62 | 69 |
| Amasa | 2 | 61 | 70 |
| Amasa | 3 | 56 | 66 |
| Baldwin | 1 | 150 | 114 |
| Baraga | 1 | 121 | 123 |
| Baraga | 2 | 115 | 116 |
| Baraga | 3 | 116 | 110 |
| Bergland | 1 | 93 | 75 |
| Bergland | 2 | 86 | 85 |
| Bergland | 3 | 73 | 87 |
| Carney | 1 | 43 | 40 |
| Carney | 2 | 54 | 70 |
| Carney | 3 | 60 | 55 |
| Drummond Island | 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Gladwin | 1 | 43 | 33 |
| Gwinn | 1 | 68 | 65 |
| Gwinn | 2 | 73 | 71 |
| Gwinn | 3 | 70 | 84 |
| Newberry | 1 | 117 | 108 |
| Newberry | 2 | 93 | 99 |
| Newberry | 3 | 119 | 127 |
| Red Oak | 1 | 346 | 282 |
*Preliminary 2025 bear registration data.
Yes. You must salvage all edible meat from a harvested bear. Edible meat for bear means the hind quarters, front quarters, loins and tenderloins.
No. You can discard edible bear meat if it is unfit for human consumption at the time you take possession of the harvested bear. Meat that is unfit for human consumption includes, but is not limited to, meat that was damaged by the method of taking, decayed, rotted or scavenged, or obviously infected or diseased.
Traditional ammunition containing lead may fragment, leaving small lead particles on the path through the game in meat and internal organs. Some of these particles may be too small to be seen or felt when field dressing and processing game. Being exposed to any lead can be a serious issue for developing bodies and nervous systems, so those most at risk of health effects from eating wild game meat that contains lead are young children and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Wildlife consuming discarded meat and internal organs from animals harvested with lead ammunition may be affected as well.
To minimize the risk to wildlife and people the following steps are recommended:
Keep yourself and others healthy by taking care of your harvested meat. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends proper food safety practices when handling and processing game meat, as well as any other meat or poultry.
You cannot buy or sell game animals, dead or alive, except as provided by Wildlife Conservation Order 4.3, available at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Michigan’s Bear Cooperator Patch Program is coordinated by the Michigan Bear Hunters Association, in partnership with the DNR. The patch design is selected from entries submitted to the annual bear patch contest. Funds raised by the sale of bear patches are used for bear outreach and education efforts.
You must be a K–12 student at a public, private or home school in Michigan to submit designs to the bear patch contest. Visit MiBearHunters.org to learn how to submit your design.
No. You do not have to harvest a bear to purchase a patch.
Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals can purchase a bear patch for $7, including postage and handling.
Young hunters, 17 years old and younger, who have a valid bear hunting license can receive a free bear patch by sending their name and complete address, along with a legible copy of their valid bear hunting license, to Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Bear Patch Program, 10510 Fairgrieve Road, Johannesburg, MI 49751.
Yes. You can order bear patches from previous years, while supplies last.
Bear patches can be ordered online at MiBearHunters.org or by mailing an order form to Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Bear Patch Program, 10510 Fairgrieve Road, Johannesburg, MI 49751. If you are mailing an order form, please make your check or money order payable to the Michigan Bear Hunters Association.
You should receive your bear patch four to six weeks after purchase.
Yes! We need your help. After your hunting season has ended, please report your hunting activity online at Michigan.gov/Bear. Information you provide will improve management and ensure that decisions regarding hunting seasons are based on the best information available.
No. It is unlawful to possess live game or protected animals taken from the wild except under a permit issued by the DNR. Visit Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits for more information.
Michigan is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an agreement where participating states share information about fish and game violators and honor each other’s decision to deny licenses and permits. If your hunting, fishing or trapping license is revoked in Michigan, you may lose your privileges in the other 45 participating states as well. And, if your license is revoked in any of those states, it also may be revoked in Michigan.
The fine for an illegally harvested bear is $3,500 per animal with jail time between five and 90 days. Revocation of licenses will be for the current year plus three years. The first offense includes an additional two years of license revocation. The second offense includes an additional seven years of license revocation.
If you witness a natural resource violation or have information on the illegal killing of bears in Michigan, report it immediately. You can do this by texting or calling 800-292-7800. Phone lines are open 24/7. You may remain anonymous.
