Hunters hoping to bag a black bear or elk in Michigan can find out starting June 23 whether they were among those winning an opportunity to purchase a license through the state drawing.
The 2025 bear and elk hunting license application period opened May 1 and ran through June 1. The DNR was set to announced the winners of the license application drawing on June 23.
Prospective hunters were able to apply anywhere hunting licenses are sold, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.
What to know about the process.
When could you apply for a bear hunting license
The bear license application period ended June 1. Bear licenses are limited and only available through a drawing.
If chosen in the drawing, you must purchase a base license and bear license to hunt. In addition to other fees, the bear license costs $25.
When were the results of the bear license drawing announced?
The results of the drawing were to be announced online June 23. You can check by registering online and logging into your account.
When could you apply for an elk hunting license?
The elk hunting license application period ended June 1. Elk licenses are limited and only available through drawing.
You do not need a base license to apply for the drawing, but if chosen you must purchase a base license and elk receipt to hunt. In addition to other fees, the elk receipt costs $100.
When were elk hunting license drawing results announced?
Drawing results were set to be announced online June 23. You can check whether you won by going to the website, registering and logging into your account.
What are the bear hunting dates in Michigan for 2025?
2025 elk hunting season dates
How many people enter the elk drawing?
In the 2024 drawing, elk applicants had up to 22 chances to be selected: one chance for their current-year application, plus up to 21 chances earned in previous elk drawings (2003-23).
In 2024, there were 54,466 applications with 367,210 chances. The state issued 260 licenses for the season. Totals for 2025 had not yet been announced.
How many people enter the bear license drawing?
In 2024, there were 67,988 applicants with a license quote of 6,586. Totals for 2025 had not yet been announced.
Videos explain the process
The DNR suggests hunters take a few moments to watch videos explaining the bear and elk license drawing process:
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Bear, elk hunting license drawing results available June 23. How to check winners
Reporting by Dan Basso, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
