Michigan Bear and Elk License Drawing Results Are Now Available

If you applied for a 2026 Michigan bear or elk hunting license, today, June 22, 2026, is either celebration day or "well, there's always next year" day.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), annual drawing results for bear and elk seasons are now available. Hunters can check the following to see if they were drawn:

• At Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses
• Through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish App
• Calling 517-284-9453

Sadly, this means the DNR isn't sending a marching band and an envelope to your driveway. You'll have to check.

How Many Michigan Licenses Are Available

selective focus photography of deer

The DNR says more than 100,000 people apply every year for Michigan bear and elk licenses, so yes, the odds can feel a little like trying to take a shot at a trophy buck from 500 yards out.

For 2026, Michigan has 6,278 bear licenses available and 200 elk licenses. Bear hunting dates and quotas are staying similar to last year, but elk hunters will notice some changes.

Big Changes For Michigan Elk Hunters

A black bear growls, showing its fangs.

For 2026, Elk Hunt Period 1 runs September 23 through October 24, while Hunt Period 2 runs December 1 through December 15. The DNR says that gives hunters more days and more consecutive days in the field. The number of state-issued elk licenses is dropping from 260 to 200 to help stabilize the northern Lower Peninsula elk herd. Successful elk hunters now have 72 hours to register the elk head or entire animal, instead of the old 24-hour rule.

RELATED: Bear Sightings Increase in Michigan This Spring

Bear hunters also have a new option this year: digital kill tags through the DNR Hunt Fish app. Paper tags are still available because Michigan knows not everyone wants their hunting paperwork living on their phone next to Wordle.