Michigan Black Bear Hunting -
Regulations 2026
Black bears are North America's most widespread bear, found in forests from Alaska to Florida. Despite their name, coloring ranges from jet black to cinnamon to blonde. They're stocky with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and no shoulder hump — distinguishing them from grizzlies. Adults average 150-500 lbs, with large males occasionally exceeding 800 lbs. They are highly adaptable, omnivorous, and increasingly found near human settlements.
Michigan Black Bear Hunting - 2026 Regulation Quick Reference
Verified August 2026
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (www.michigan.gov) · Last verified: August 2026
What You Need
License & Tag Requirements to Hunt Black Bear in Michigan
| License / Tag | Resident | Non-Resident | Required For |
|---|
Season Overview
Michigan Black Bear Season Calendar 2026
| Season | 2026 Dates | Legal Methods | Extra License Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bear Archery | Michigan black bear archery season runs Sep 10–Oct 26 in the designated bear management units of the Upper Peninsula and select northern Lower Peninsula counties. Hunters must possess a valid Michigan hunting license and a bear license issued through the Limited License Lottery — demand significantly exceeds supply in most units. Any legal archery equipment including compound, recurve, and traditional bow is authorized during the archery-only period. The bag limit is one bear per license year. Most successful bear hunters use bait, which requires a bait registration permit and compliance with distance-from-dwelling requirements. Upper Peninsula bear densities are highest in Alger, Luce, and Schoolcraft Counties. |
By Management Zone
Season Dates & Rules by Zone
Harvest Rules
Michigan Black Bear Bag Limits & Harvest Regulations
| Animal Type | Season Bag Limit | How to Get the Tag | Key Rules |
|---|
Legal Hunting Methods
Michigan Black Bear Hunting - Seasons by Method
After the Harvest
Black Bear Registration - Michigan's Check-In Requirements
Michigan-Specific Rules
Michigan Black Bear Hunting Rules You Must Know
Where to Hunt
Best Black Bear Hunting Areas in Michigan
Know Your Quarry
Michigan Black Bear - Biology & Population Facts
Hunting Tactics
Michigan Black Bear Hunting Tactics - By Season
Questions & Answers