Elk and Bear Applications on Sale Now Through June 1

The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that applications for Michigan elk and bear hunting licenses are now available through June 1.  Hunters may apply online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings or at any retail license agent.
There will be 155 elk licenses available for the 2011 hunting season, of which 90 licenses will be distributed for the August/September hunt and 65 licenses for the December hunt. The October hunt period will not be utilized during the 2011 season. The August/September hunt is designed to target elk outside the primary elk range before these elk move for the breeding season. The December hunt will occur in the core elk range and also allows additional harvest outside the core area.
Only Michigan residents are eligible to apply for an elk license. This includes qualified military personnel and full-time students attending a Michigan college or university who reside in the state during the school year.
There will be 11,742 bear hunting licenses available for the 2011 hunting season, with license quotas remaining the same as 2010.  If any licenses remain after the drawing, one leftover license may be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis in July until the quota is met in each hunt period. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit or hunt period.
All commercial hunting guides utilizing state-owned lands in 2011 must receive written authorization. Conditions of the written authorization include, but are not limited to, carrying general liability insurance and paying an authorization fee. If you are a guide who utilizes state-owned lands, please visit www.michigan.gov/statelandpermission or call the nearest DNR Operations Service Center for more detailed information.
Hunters are reminded to apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt. Increase your odds of getting a bear and elk license by applying for the 2012 Pure Michigan Hunt drawing.  Three lucky winners will receive a hunt package that includes a bear and any-elk license. By applying, you will not impact your preference points or weighted chances. Only $4 for each application; apply as many times as you would like at www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.