The 2016 bear and elk hunting application period is open now through June 1. A total of 200 elk and 6,896 bear licenses will be available for the 2016 hunting seasons.The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages applicants to take a few moments to watch the videos explaining the bear and elk drawing process:
Applications are $5. A base license is not required for the purchase of an application. Only Michigan residents are eligible to apply for an elk license. Bear licenses are available for both residents and nonresidents; however, no more than 2 percent of licenses in any bear management unit will be issued to nonresidents.
Elk chances and bear preference points are reset to zero for applicants who do not apply for five consecutive years.
Drawing results will be posted online at mi.gov/huntdrawings starting June 29.
Questions? Call the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-WILD (9453) by June 1 for assistance with applications.
Applicants are responsible for submitting a valid application with the correct customer ID and application type. Make sure to check the receipt for accuracy, and call the DNR Wildlife Division immediately if there are any mistakes.
Hunters who want another chance at a bear or elk license can increase their odds by applying for the Pure Michigan Hunt. Applications are $5 and are available at any license agent or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com. Hunters may buy as many applications as they want. Three lucky winners will get prize packages that include elk (Michigan residents only), bear, deer and turkey licenses; first pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area; plus firearms, crossbows and much more – a prize package worth over $4,000. For more information, visit mi.gov/pmh.
