From DNR reports

Results of the 2013 bear hunting license drawing have been posted at michigan.gov/huntdrawings.  A total of 7,906 bear licenses were available during the bear application period (May 1 – June 1).

A total of 267 leftover bear licenses are available in the Bergland Management Unit (Sept. 25 – Oct. 26) and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis as follows:

  • Holders of Lifetime Comprehensive Licenses, who were not selected in the drawing, may purchase a leftover license beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, July 8.
  • Unsuccessful applicants may purchase a leftover license beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, July 15.
  • Any hunter may purchase a leftover license beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, July 22, including those who did not apply.

Hunters are reminded that their preference points will reset to zero if they purchase a leftover license, except for Lifetime Comprehensive License holders.

Hunters can increase their odds of getting a bear license by applying for the 2014 Pure Michigan Hunt drawing. Each application is $4, and applicants can purchase as many chances as they like. Three lucky hunters will win a package of licenses to hunt elk, bear, turkey, antlerless deer and waterfowl. Winning the Pure Michigan Hunt does not affect a hunter’s eligibility to apply for or purchase other hunting licenses, and will not affect bear preference points or weighted elk chances a hunter has earned. Apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt at michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt or at a license agent.