Michigan Bear Season Opens Soon: Here Are the 2026 Dates

While most of us do what we can to avoid encountering large predators that could maul us without breaking a sweat, there are folks who are getting ready to do just that. Michigan's 2026 bear season begins with the first hunt period on September 9 in the Upper Peninsula, with the Lower Peninsula's first period opening on the 12th. This means thousands of hunters will soon enter the woods voluntarily, looking for an animal most of us would run from.

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says 6,278 licenses were available across 10 bear management units after more than 72,500 people applied. Hunting is allowed in the U.P. and designated areas of the northern Lower Peninsula.

Michigan’s Three Bear Hunting Periods

black bear

Most U.P. bear management units offer three hunting periods. Hunters may hunt only during the period and inside the unit printed on their license:

• Hunt Period 1: September 9 - October 21
• Hunt Period 2: September 14 - October 26
• Hunt Period 3: September 25 - October 26

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Drummond Island has one period, running September 9 - October 21. The Lower Peninsula also has one hunting period in the Baldwin, Gladwin, and Red Oak units. It runs September 12 - 22, followed by an archery-only period October 2 - 8.

Michigan Bear Hunting Rules to Remember

black bear on green grass field

Rules governing bait and hunting dogs change by location and date, so this is not the time to lean on something your cousin remembers from 2009. Check the DNR regulations for your specific unit and hunt period. Hound packs are limited to eight licensed, immunized dogs wearing identification.

RELATED: Hunters Prepare: Michigan's Small Game Season Opens September 15

Firearm hunters must wear hunter orange visible from all sides. Archery hunters are exempt, although orange is still encouraged. Successful hunters now have 72 hours to bring the unfrozen head and pelt, or the entire animal, to a registration station. All edible meat must be salvaged and cooked to 160 degrees internally to prevent trichinosis. "Looks done" remains neither a temperature nor a medical option.