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Bear hunting

Season information

Bear application period: May 1 - June 1
Drawing Results Available Online: June 23 

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 an application, license or check points
A black bear standing on all fours in the woods on a sunny day.

2025 bear hunting season dates


Amasa (period 1) Sept. 10 – Oct. 21
Amasa (period 2) Sept. 15 – Oct. 26
Amasa (period 3) Sept. 25 – Oct. 26
Baldwin Sept. 13–23 and Oct. 3–9
Baraga (period 1) Sept. 10 – Oct. 21
Baraga (period 2) Sept. 15 – Oct. 26
Baraga (period 3) Sept. 25 – Oct. 26
Bergland (period 1) Sept. 10 – Oct. 21
Bergland (period 2) Sept. 15 – Oct. 26
Bergland (period 3) Sept. 25 – Oct. 26
Carney (period 1) Sept. 10 – Oct. 21
Carney (period 2) Sept. 15 – Oct. 26
Carney (period 3) Sept. 25 – Oct. 26
Drummond Island Sept. 10–Oct. 21
Gladwin Sept. 13–23 and Oct. 3–9
Gwinn (period 1) Sept. 10 – Oct. 21
Gwinn (period 2) Sept. 15 – Oct. 26
Gwinn (period 3) Sept. 25 – Oct. 26
Newberry (period 1) Sept. 10 – Oct. 21
Newberry (period 2) Sept. 15 – Oct. 26
Newberry (period 3) Sept. 25 – Oct. 26
Red Oak Sept. 13–23 and Oct. 3–9

Preference points explained

MI Bear Draw Preference Point System Explained

Hunters are selected for a bear license using a preference point drawing system. The point system is explained in detail in this video. 

Drawing statistics