This article covers Michigan black bear regions, hunt periods, bait and dog windows, licenses, and where to hunt. Hunting Locator connects hunters with landowners and the resources to plan a legal, well-placed hunt. The Michigan DNR sets the rules, so verify your hunt number before you head out.
The sections ahead cover:
- 2026 hunt period dates by unit, with bait and dog windows
- How the base license, bear drawing, and Pure Michigan Hunt fit together, including the rules for non-residents
- Where to hunt: public land, private leases, and guided options, plus gear and tips
The summary below comes first.
Michigan Black Bear Season 2026: Quick Overview
Michigan’s 2026 bear season opens Sept. 9 in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) and on Drummond Island, and Sept. 12 in the northern Lower Peninsula (LP). The latest U.P. periods close Oct. 26.
Two terms help in reading the table. A unit (also called a Bear Management Unit, or BMU) is the area where your license is valid. A hunt period is the date window tied to your license. For ongoing updates, see our Michigan black bear hunting season page.
Michigan Black Bear Hunting Season Dates 2026 by Unit
| Region/Unit | Hunt Period | Dates | Bait | Dogs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.P. (Amasa, Baraga, Bergland, Carney, Gwinn, Newberry) | Period 1 | Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 | Allowed | Not allowed Sept. 9–14; allowed Sept. 15 – Oct. 21 | Open as of Oct. 12 |
| U.P. (same units) | Period 2 | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 | Allowed | Allowed | Open as of Oct. 12 |
| U.P. (same units) | Period 3 | Sept. 25 – Oct. 26 | Allowed | Allowed | Open as of Oct. 12 |
| Drummond Island | Single period | Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 | Verify with DNR | Verify with DNR | Single period; confirm bait and dog rules for your hunt number |
| Northern LP (Baldwin, Gladwin, Red Oak) | Firearms/General | Sept. 12 – 22 | Sept. 12–18 | Allowed Sept. 14–18; required Sept. 19–22 (bait also permitted) | Closed for 2026 |
| Northern LP (same units) | Archery-only | Oct. 2 – 8 | Allowed | Verify with DNR | Firearms prohibited in the LP; closed for 2026 |
These core rules apply in every unit:
- Bag limit: 1 bear per valid license.
- Protected bears: Cubs and females accompanied by cubs (under 42 inches) are strictly protected.
- Legal hours: Half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Registration: Within 72 hours at an official DNR station, bringing the unfrozen head and hide or the entire animal.
- Meat salvage: Salvage all edible meat, including the hind quarters, front quarters, loins, and tenderloins.
To hunt bear in Michigan, you need a base license plus a drawn bear license (or a Pure Michigan Hunt tag). You enter the drawing during a short application window and learn the results in June. What to line up:
- Base license: The foundation for any bear license
- Drawn bear license or Pure Michigan Hunt tag: Your actual permission to hunt bear
- $5 application fee: Application window May 1 – June 1, with drawing results released June 22
- Hunter education: Required for new hunters. Non-residents can generally use certification from any U.S. state or Canadian province, but verify with the DNR
Confirm details in the Michigan DNR bear regulations before you apply or head afield.
Michigan Black Bear Hunting Seasons
Michigan splits bear hunting into three U.P. hunt periods, a single Drummond Island period, and a Lower Peninsula setup with a firearms period and an archery-only period. Your license ties you to one unit and one period, so you need to know your window.
The DNR made 6,278 licenses available across 10 BMUs after more than 72,500 people applied, according to the DNR. Tags are scarce, so every day of your window counts.
U.P. Hunt Period 1
Period 1 runs Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 in the Amasa, Baraga, Bergland, Carney, Gwinn, and Newberry units. Bait is allowed for the entire period.
Dogs are not allowed Sept. 9–14, but are allowed Sept. 15 – Oct. 21. About nine days remain as of Oct. 12, so plan your registration logistics now given the 72-hour rule.
U.P. Hunt Period 2
Period 2 runs Sept. 14 – Oct. 26, with bait and dogs allowed throughout. Because it overlaps Period 1, the woods hold both bait hunters and houndsmen.
Hound hunters should note that packs are limited to 8 licensed, immunized dogs wearing identification, per the DNR.
U.P. Hunt Period 3
Period 3 runs Sept. 25 – Oct. 26, with bait and dogs allowed. It starts latest of the three and runs into colder late-October weather.
Check your hunt number in the DNR summary so you hunt inside your assigned window.
Drummond Island
Drummond Island has a single period: Sept. 9 – Oct. 21. There is no Period 2 or Period 3 on the island.
Check the DNR regulations for bait and dog specifics before you go.
Northern Lower Peninsula: Baldwin, Gladwin, and Red Oak Units
The northern LP follows a different schedule from the U.P. Both LP periods have closed for 2026, so use this section for 2027 planning.
- Firearms/General period (Sept. 12 – 22): Bait is allowed Sept. 12–18. Dogs are allowed Sept. 14–18. From Sept. 19–22, dogs must be used, with bait also permitted.
- Archery-only period (Oct. 2 – 8): Bait is allowed, and firearms are prohibited in the Lower Peninsula during these dates.
The required-dog window is a key difference from the U.P., where dogs are optional.
Michigan Black Bear Licenses and Permits
To hunt bear in Michigan, you need a base license plus a drawn bear license or a Pure Michigan Hunt tag. The base license is the foundation, and the bear license is added on top once you’re drawn.
Michigan Hunting Licenses
The base license comes first. See our full Michigan hunting season guide for every species. Your base license also covers small game, which our Michigan small game season page explains.
| License | Who needs it | Cost (verify) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base license (resident) | All resident bear hunters | $11 | 2026 license valid through March 31, 2027 |
| Base license (non-resident) | Non-residents | $151.00 | Buy only if drawn |
| Bear license | Drawn applicants | Resident $25; non-resident $150 | 1 bear per license |
| Application fee | All applicants | $5 | May 1 – June 1; results June 22 |
Fees beyond the $5 application come from secondary and legislative sources, so verify current fees with the DNR before you buy. The non-resident bear license price comes from Michigan’s nonresident bear fee law.
Legal firearms for bear include a shotgun, a muzzleloader, or a rifle or handgun larger than .22 rimfire, according to the DNR.
Michigan Hunting Permits
Michigan bear licenses are issued through a drawing. You apply May 1 – June 1, and results post June 22. You don’t need a base license to apply, but you must buy one if you’re drawn.
Michigan uses preference points: each unsuccessful application moves you up the line for future drawings, so applying every year is worthwhile even when you don’t draw.
To get your tag:
- Apply May 1 – June 1. Submit your application and pay the $5 fee.
- Check results June 22. Drawing results post online.
- If drawn, buy your licenses. Purchase your base license and your bear license.
- Carry your tag. Carry your license, or use the eHarvest tag option through the DNR Hunt Fish app.
Non-residents enter the same drawing as residents. No more than 5% of licenses per hunt number go to non-residents, so their pool is smaller. Hunter education certification from any U.S. state or Canadian province is generally accepted, but verify with the DNR.
The Pure Michigan Hunt is a separate drawing. Winners receive a bear tag that’s good in any unit during that unit’s open season. Michigan’s elk tags also come through a drawing if you want to see how another species works.
After the shot, three obligations apply. Register your bear within 72 hours at a DNR station, bringing the unfrozen head and hide or the entire animal. Salvage all edible meat. And confirm the details in the DNR regulations.
Michigan Black Bear: Where to Hunt
Most Michigan bear hunting happens on northern public forests or private land. The right choice depends on your budget, schedule, and style of hunt.
Best Public Lands
Public ground costs nothing to hunt. Check your unit boundaries so you’re hunting where your license is valid.
- State forest land: Spread across the U.P. and northern Lower Peninsula, offering room to scout and set up.
- Hiawatha National Forest: U.P. northwoods country. The same ground holds grouse and woodcock in October, so see the Michigan game bird seasons if you want a second pursuit.
- Ottawa National Forest: Western U.P. woods with plenty of bear habitat.
If competition at public bait sites is a concern, private access is an option. Browse Michigan leases to see what’s available.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
Private land means less pressure and more control over your bait sites or dog runs. You can lease or buy.
Leasing carries a lower upfront cost, gives you season-to-season flexibility, and lets you test an area before committing. Buying gives you long-term control, year-round scouting, and a property you can pass down. If you’re searching for hunting land for sale in Michigan, that route is worth exploring too.
Hunting Locator is a SaaS platform that connects hunters with landowners who lease or sell land, which cuts out cold calls and guesswork. You can browse leases across Michigan, including northern counties, and contact landowners directly. Browse Michigan hunting leases to find a property that fits your hunt.
Guided Hunts
A guided hunt suits non-residents and first-timers who want bait sites, logistics, and local knowledge handled for them. You don’t need to be an expert to hunt bear, but you do need the right help.
How the two approaches compare:
- Guided pros: Local knowledge, prepared bait sites, help with logistics and registration
- Guided cons: Higher cost and less independence
- Self-guided pros: Lower cost and full control of your hunt
- Self-guided cons: More scouting, planning, and legwork
Bait hunts and hound hunts also play out differently, and each is legal only within the period rules above. Ask any outfitter these questions before you book:
- Is my license unit and hunt period confirmed?
- Who maintains the bait sites?
- Are dogs used on this hunt?
- How are registration and meat handling managed?
Start at the Hunting Locator homepage to find hunting opportunities, and use the leases page above if you’d rather run your own hunt on private ground.
Michigan Black Bear Hunting Tips
Success on Michigan bear comes down to preparation, patience, and following the rules. The Hunting Locator store carries equipment for the field.
- Match bait to your window: Know your peninsula’s bait dates before you set a site. U.P. periods allow bait throughout, while the Lower Peninsula has defined windows.
- Run trail cameras: Cameras let you pattern bears, judge size, and confirm whether cubs are in the area before you ever sit. Look for cameras and accessories in the store.
- Pick tree stands or ground blinds: Set up downwind of your bait so bears approach without catching your scent.
- Control scent: Bears rely on their noses, and scent control matters more than almost any other detail.
- Carry reliable lights: You’ll often exit the woods after dark, and shooting hours end half an hour after sunset.
- Judge before you shoot: A bear under 42 inches that’s with cubs is off limits, and cubs always are. Wait for a broadside or quartering-away shot, aimed tight behind the front shoulder.
- Pair your tag with deer season: The late U.P. periods overlap October archery deer. See our Michigan deer season guide to plan around both.
- Plan registration and meat salvage ahead of time: Know your nearest DNR station and have coolers ready, since you have just 72 hours.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
These Hunting Locator pages are grouped by what you need.
Find Land
- Hunting Locator homepage – Start here to search land, outfitters, and guides, or create an account.
- Michigan hunting leases – Browse available private land in the state.
Michigan Season Guides
- Michigan hunting season guide – The hub for every species.
- Michigan black bear hunting season – More on bear.
- Michigan deer hunting season – Whitetail dates and rules.
- Michigan elk hunting season – The state’s drawn elk hunt.
- Michigan turkey hunting season – Spring and fall turkey info.
- Michigan small game hunting season – Rabbit, squirrel, and more.
- Michigan game bird hunting season – Grouse, woodcock, and pheasant.
- Michigan waterfowl hunting season – Ducks and geese.
Gear Up
- Hunting Locator store – Gear to hunt bear and other species.
FAQ
When does Michigan bear season start in 2026?
Michigan’s 2026 bear season starts Sept. 9 in the U.P. and on Drummond Island, and Sept. 12 in the Baldwin, Gladwin, and Red Oak units of the northern Lower Peninsula. Your hunt period depends on your license.
When is the Michigan bear application deadline?
The 2026 application window ran May 1 – June 1, with drawing results released June 22. The next window runs May 1 – June 1, 2027, and the application fee is $5.
Can non-residents hunt bear in Michigan?
Yes, non-residents enter the same drawing as residents. No more than 5% of licenses per hunt number go to non-residents, and you must buy a base license if you’re drawn. Verify current details with the DNR.
Can you use dogs for bear hunting in Michigan?
Yes, depending on the period. U.P. Period 1 allows dogs from Sept. 15, while Periods 2 and 3 allow them throughout. In the Lower Peninsula, dogs are allowed Sept. 14–18 and required Sept. 19–22. Packs are limited to 8 dogs.
How do I register a bear in Michigan?
Register within 72 hours of harvest at an official DNR station. Bring the unfrozen head and hide or the entire animal. Locate a station before the hunt so you aren’t searching for one with the clock running.
What bears are protected in Michigan?
Cubs and females accompanied by cubs are strictly protected. Any bear under 42 inches with cubs is off limits. If you see cubs nearby, don’t shoot.
Do I need a base license to apply?
No, you can apply without a base license. If you’re drawn, you must buy a base license and a bear license to hunt. A 2026 base license is valid through March 31, 2027.
What is the Pure Michigan Hunt?
The Pure Michigan Hunt is a separate drawing. Its winners receive a bear tag valid in any unit during that unit’s open season, so they can choose where to hunt.
What if I didn’t draw a bear tag?
Each unsuccessful application earns a preference point and moves you up the line, so reapply in May. In the meantime, other seasons are open, such as Michigan turkey season and Michigan waterfowl season.
What are legal shooting hours for bear in Michigan?
Legal hours run from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Plan your sit and your exit around those times.
The Final Shot
Know your region and hunt period, hold the right license stack, and plan your registration and meat care before the shot. Those steps cover most of what a legal, ethical Michigan bear hunt requires.
If you’re still in the field, the seasons close Oct. 21 and Oct. 26. If you’re planning ahead, line up your land before the May 1, 2027 application window opens. Find Michigan hunting leases to get started, and verify your hunt number with the DNR.
