Minnesota Bear Season 2026-27
Minnesota bear season dates start with Sep 1-Oct 18, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Minnesota's listed 2026-27 bear season runs Sep 1-Oct 18, 2026.
General Black Bear opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Oct 18, 2026.
General Bear opens Sep 1, 2027 and closes Oct 17, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Minnesota DNR.
Bear
Bear
General
Bear baiting start date 08/14/26
Zone: Permit areas & no-quota area
Black Bear
General
Bear baiting start date 08/14/26. Bear hunt lottery deadline 05/1/26. Bear license purchase deadline 08/1/26. Surplus bear licenses available 08/5/26.
Zone: Permit areas & no-quota area
Bear
General
Bear baiting start date 08/13/27
Zone: Permit areas & no-quota area
Black Bear
General
Bear baiting start date 08/13/27. Bear hunt lottery deadline 05/7/27. Bear license purchase deadline 08/1/27. Surplus bear licenses available 08/4/27.
Zone: Permit areas & no-quota area
Bear
General
Zone: Permit areas & no-quota area
The Friday Hunting Briefing.
Gear deals worth grabbing, the week's hunting news, and field-tested picks — curated every Friday by a hunter, for hunters. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
Nearby bear seasons
Minnesota Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Minnesota?
September 1, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Minnesota — general bear runs Sep 1-Oct 18, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Minnesota DNR.
What are the 2026-27 bear season dates in Minnesota?
Minnesota lists 5 bear season windows: General Bear (Sep 1-Oct 18, 2026); General Bear (Sep 1-Oct 17, 2027); General Bear (Sep 1-Oct 15, 2028); General Black Bear (Sep 1-Oct 18, 2026); General Black Bear (Sep 1-Oct 17, 2027). Always verify against Minnesota DNR before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Minnesota?
Yes — Minnesota lists separate bear seasons for General Bear, General Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Minnesota DNR.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Minnesota DNR.