Our information is gathered from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources web site, and is updated according to the current year's information. Each new year's information is usually posted by the second week of April.

General Michigan bear hunting information

Applying for a Michigan bear hunting license

What you need to know before applying for a bear license — Apply May 1 - June 1, 2011. The online license system is designed to allow for the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, Sportcards, special hunt applications and permits 24/7. You may print most small game and fishing licenses from your own printer. Be aware it is against the law to purchase more than one bear license. NOTE: Per the MI DNR web site, make sure if you are selected for a bear-hunting license that you make sure you are not sold the bear license no kill tag (NKT) by mistake.
The bear hunting license application — Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment (DNRE) E-License system
Bear license opportunity for youth and hunters with an advanced illness — Applicants who are successful in the bear or elk license drawings may transfer their drawing success to any unsuccessful youth applicant or to any qualified person of legal hunting age with an advanced illness.

Checking on results of Michigan bear license drawings

Checking your results and Preference Points — Results posted June 27, 2011. Drawing results are posted online only. Applicants are no longer notified by mail.(Hunters receive a preference point each year they apply unsuccessfully in drawing a tag. In the license drawing, applicants with the greatest number of points in each hunt are issued licenses first. Upon selection for a license, an applicant's preference points will return to zero, including successful applicants who choose not to purchase their license.

Help the DNR track the Michigan bear population health and numbers

How to participate in carcass care, tooth collection and female reproductive tract collection
Check your bear carcass lab results
Bear Harvest Report Form — This is a short questionnaire (will be available during the hunt season) that helps the MI DNR evaluate hunter success and total harvest. The information is used to better understand and manage Michigan bears, which help establish effective hunting seasons. The MI DNR emphasizes it needs information from even if you did not hunt or harvest a bear.

Special Michigan hunting licenses that may be of interest to you

2011 Limited-Access Hunts — Michigan offers outstanding limited-access hunting opportunities for turkey, bear, elk, antlerless deer and waterfowl. Apply for the 2011 bear and elk hunts beginning May 1.
Pure Michigan Hunt — Now you can participate in ALL of Michigan's limited-access hunts. Apply for the 2012 Pure Michigan Hunt beginning March 1.