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Bear hunting
Season information
Bear application period: May 1 - June 1
Drawing Results Available Online: June 26
Bear 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 regulations summary.
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.
Hunting regulations
Preference points explained
Hunters are selected for a bear license using a preference point drawing system. The point system is explained in detail in this video.