Michigan Bear Season 2026
Michigan bear season dates start with Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Michigan's listed 2026 bear season runs Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026.
Firearm Black Bear opens Sep 9, 2026 and closes Oct 21, 2026.
Firearm Black Bear opens Sep 9, 2026 and closes Oct 21, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Michigan DNR.
Bear
44 listed rowsBlack Bear
Firearm
Hunt 0007
Zone: Amasa 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Hunt 0004
Zone: Baraga 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Hunt 0019
Zone: Drummond Island 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Hunt 0010
Zone: Carney 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Hunt 0016
Zone: Newberry 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Hunt 0001
Zone: Bergland 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Hunt 0013
Zone: Gwinn 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Hunt 0007
Zone: Amasa 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Hunt 0010
Zone: Carney 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Hunt 0019
Zone: Drummond Island 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Hunt 0004
Zone: Baraga 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Hunt 0013
Zone: Gwinn 1
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Bergland 1Hunt 0001 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Newberry 1Hunt 0016 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Red Oak 1Hunt 0020; Season runs Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Gladwin 1Hunt 0022; Season runs Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Baldwin 1Hunt 0021; Season runs Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Red Oak 1Hunt 0020; dates Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Baldwin 1Hunt 0021; dates Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Gladwin 1Hunt 0022; dates Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Bergland 2Hunt 0002 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Gwinn 2Hunt 0014 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Amasa 2Hunt 0008 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Baraga 2Hunt 0005 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Carney 2Hunt 0011 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Newberry 2Hunt 0017 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Newberry 2Hunt 0017 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Amasa 2Hunt 0008 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Carney 2Hunt 0011 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Baraga 2Hunt 0005 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Gwinn 2Hunt 0014 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Bergland 2Hunt 0002 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Carney 3Hunt 0012 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Newberry 3Hunt 0018 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Bergland 3Hunt 0003 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Gwinn 3Hunt 0015 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Amasa 3Hunt 0009 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm · Baraga 3Hunt 0006 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Bergland 3Hunt 0003 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Newberry 3Hunt 0018 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Amasa 3Hunt 0009 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Carney 3Hunt 0012 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Baraga 3Hunt 0006 | Open | |
| Black BearFirearm/Archery · Gwinn 3Hunt 0015 | Open |
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Nearby bear seasons
Michigan Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Michigan?
September 9, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Michigan — firearm black bear runs Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Michigan DNR.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in Michigan?
Michigan lists 44 bear season windows: Firearm Black Bear (Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026); Firearm Black Bear (Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026); Firearm Black Bear (Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026); Firearm Black Bear (Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026); Firearm Black Bear (Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026); Firearm Black Bear (Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026); Firearm Black Bear (Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026); Firearm/Archery Black Bear (Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026); and more. Always verify against Michigan DNR before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Michigan?
Yes — Michigan lists separate bear seasons for Firearm Black Bear, Firearm/Archery Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Michigan DNR.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Michigan DNR.