Apply for the 2026 bear and elk hunting license application now through June at any license retailer or online. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

The 2026 bear and elk hunting license application period is open through June 1. Apply online or at any license retailer.

Aren’t planning to hunt this year? Increase your odds for next year and purchase your elk chance or bear preference point instead!

Take a few moments to watch videos explaining the bear and elk license drawing process at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) YouTube, titled “Michigan elk weighted lottery system explained” and “Michigan bear draw preference point system explained.”

Hunting units and season date information to assist in purchasing your applications is available at Michigan.gov/Elk and Michigan.gov/Bear.

Call the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 by June 1 for assistance with applications. Drawing results will be available June 22.

Hunters who want another chance at a bear or elk license can increase their odds by applying for the Pure Michigan Hunt. Applications are available at any license agent or online at eLicense. Hunters may buy as many applications as they want. Three lucky winners will get prize packages.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/PMH.