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The Department of Natural Resources today announced that the results of the 2015 bear hunting license drawing have been posted at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings. A total of 6,951 bear licenses were available during the bear application period (May 1-June 1).

A total of 112 leftover bear licenses are still 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. (EDT) Monday, July 6.
  • Unsuccessful      applicants may purchase a leftover license beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT)      Monday, July 13.
  • Any      hunter, including those who did not apply, may purchase a leftover license      beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT) Monday, July 20.

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

“Due to dedicated effort involved in our long-term monitoring and management of black bear in Michigan, and the ideal habitat in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula regions, we look forward to another successful bear season for hunters this fall,” said Kevin Swanson,  DNR wildlife management specialist with the bear and wolf program.

Hunters can increase their odds of getting a bear license by applying for the 2016 Pure Michigan Hunt drawing. Each application is $5, 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, plus a 2016 base license. 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 www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt or at a license agent.

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