The Department of Natural Resources is reminding bear hunters that they may apply for a 2006 bear hunting license April 15 through May 15.
Hunters may apply for a license at more than 1,700 license agents and DNR Operation Service Centers statewide, or for faster service, via the Internet at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
The cost for a bear hunting license application is $4. This nonrefundable fee must be paid at the time of application. Online customers may use MasterCard or Visa to charge their purchase, and then print their application receipt from their personal computers. There is no application fee for Comprehensive Lifetime license holders.
The 2006 bear season will include the following hunt periods: Sept. 10 to Oct. 21, Sept. 15 to Oct. 26, and Sept. 25 to Oct. 26 in all Upper Peninsula units except Drummond Island; Sept. 10 to 16 on Drummond Island; and Sept. 22 to 28 in the northern Lower Peninsula's Baldwin, Gladwin, and Red Oak bear management units. An additional hunt period for bow and arrow only will be held in the Red Oak Unit from Oct. 6 to 12.
Copies of the 2006 Michigan Bear Hunting Guide are available at all DNR offices, license dealers, and on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr. Online customers can also access a Frequently Asked Questions database to immediately receive the answer to any questions they may have regarding the preference point drawing system, how to apply as a party, or other important details.
Drawing results will be posted on the DNR Web site on June 5. Notification of the drawing results will be mailed June 5 to all applicants, except those who applied online.
Successful applicants may purchase their bear hunting license and harvest tag at any license agent, DNR Operation Service Center or online. The cost of the license is $15 for residents, $6 for seniors and $150 for nonresidents. There is no license or application fee for Lifetime Comprehensive License Holders; however, they must apply for a license.
A participation license is required for bear hunters who are not issued a harvest tag but wish to participate in a bear hunt behind dogs. Hunters may not be issued both a bear hunting license and a participation license in the same year. Participation licenses may be purchased at any license agent for the same fee as a hunting license.
