Ultimate Guide to Bear Hunting in Michigan: Seasons, Recipes, Records & More

Bear hunting in Michigan delivers an unmatched thrill in the Great Lakes State's vast wilderness, from the rugged Upper Peninsula to the forested northern Lower Peninsula. With a robust black bear population exceeding 12,000, Michigan offers prime opportunities for ethical harvests while contributing to wildlife management. This in-depth guide is tailored for providing actionable insights on species, records, habitats, safety, costs, and cultural history. Packed with viral-worthy tips—like surviving bear encounters and mouthwatering local recipes—this article equips hunters and outdoor lovers for success and safety in bear country.

Bears of Michigan: Species Overview and Key Facts

Michigan hosts only one bear species: the American black bear (*Ursus americanus*). These adaptable mammals are the state's sole native bear, with fur colors ranging from black to cinnamon or even blonde in rare cases. As of 2025, the population stands at approximately 12,000-13,000, with about 10,000 in the Upper Peninsula (UP) and 2,000 in the northern Lower Peninsula (LP), where their range is expanding southward. Black bears are Michigan's largest land carnivores, with boars averaging 250-500 pounds and sows 150-300 pounds. They're intelligent and elusive, making them a challenging quarry for hunters.

Record-Breaking Bears: Michigan's Largest Harvests and Locations

Michigan's black bears can grow impressively large, fueled by abundant food sources. The state record for the heaviest black bear goes to a colossal 730-pound live-weight boar (640-650 pounds dressed) harvested by Mark Hanna in rural Menominee County in the UP in 2019. This monster was taken during a baited hunt in dense UP forests known for big bears. Other notable trophies include a 570-pound field-dressed bear bagged on Thanksgiving Day 2024 in the UP, surpassing previous records by 15 pounds. In 2022, a 578-pound live-weight (503 dressed) bear was harvested in Dickinson County. High-scoring Boone & Crockett bears, like Russell Waypa's 2023 entry from Menominee County (scoring over 20 inches), highlight the UP's dominance, particularly in units like Bergland and Amasa. These records draw hunters to hotspots like the Hiawatha National Forest and Porcupine Mountains.

Black Bear Habitat, Diet, Behavior, and Life Cycle in Michigan

In Michigan, black bears favor mature mixed forests with conifers for denning and hardwoods for foraging, often near swamps, rivers, or berry patches. The UP's vast wilderness—areas like Tahquamenon Falls and the Ottawa National Forest—provides ideal habitat, while northern LP spots like Sleeping Bear Dunes see increasing populations. Their omnivorous diet shifts seasonally: Spring features greens, insects, and grubs; summer includes berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) and fish; fall focuses on nuts (acorns, beechnuts), corn, and carrion. Up to 90% plant-based, they occasionally take fawns or small mammals. Bears sleep in dens like hollow trees, rock crevices, or ground excavations lined with leaves, entering hibernation (torpor) from November to April, lasting up to seven months in harsh UP winters. They reduce heart rate and live off fat, but can arouse if disturbed. Mating happens every two years in June-July, with delayed implantation leading to 2-3 cubs born in January- February dens. Cubs weigh under a pound at birth and stay with the sow for 18-24 months, learning survival skills before independence.

Are Black Bears Dangerous? Notable Attacks and Risks in Michigan

Michigan's black bears are typically timid, avoiding humans unless food-conditioned or defending cubs. They're not inherently dangerous but can pose threats to livestock and pets. Fatal attacks are rare—only three recorded: in 1948, 1978, and one earlier incident. Key incidents include: In 2013, 12-year-old Abby Wetherell was mauled while jogging in Wexford County; she survived after playing dead, and the bear was euthanized. In 2015, a porcupine hunter in Clare County fought off a surprise attack. A 2025 ATV collision in Richfield Township led to injuries when a bear charged. Bears have preyed on sheep, with one UP bear killing hundreds over years before being hunted. A 2025 attack near the Michigan-Canada border injured two. For animals, bears raid coops or hives but are more opportunistic than predatory.

Safety Tips for Bear Hunting and Hiking in Michigan's Woods

Prioritize safety in Michigan's bear habitats. For hunters: Scout trails and rubs, use trail cams, bait 1/2 mile from water, and hunt from stands. Carry bear spray, a sidearm, and hunt in pairs. If a bear claims your harvest, yield and report it. Hikers: Hike in groups, make noise (sing or clap), leash dogs, and carry bear spray. Store food in bear canisters or hang 12 feet high. If encountered, speak calmly, back away slowly—never run. Stand tall and wave arms if charged; play dead for defensive attacks. Check Michigan DNR apps for sightings.

Costs of Bear Hunting in Michigan: Unguided vs. Guided

Michigan bear hunting is budget-friendly yet regulated by lottery-drawn tags. For unguided hunts, residents pay $15 for a base license plus $25 for a bear tag; non-residents: $151 license + $25 tag. Add gear, bait, and travel for $200-600 total. Guided hunts for black bears range from $1,200-$3,500, including baiting, stands, lodging, and meals. Semi- guided options start at $500-1,000; full outfits like Lone Wolf Adventures or Greenwoods Outfitting offer 5- day packages in UP units. Seasons vary by unit (e.g., Sept. 10-Oct. 26 in Bergland), with one bear per license.

Bear Meat: Taste Profile and Popular Michigan Recipes

Bear meat tastes like a richer, sweeter pork or beef, with game notes from berries and nuts—lean and versatile but potentially tough if not cooked right. Always cook to 165°F to kill parasites. Michigan favorites blend local twists: - Bear Roast: Slow-cook shoulder with Michigan apples, onions, and cider for 8-10 hours; shred for sandwiches. - Bear Chili: Ground bear with beans, tomatoes, and UP cherries for sweetness—ideal for camp. - Smoked Bear Ham: Brine hindquarters and smoke; raved as "better than pork" in UP traditions. - Bear Backstrap Tacos: Grill strips with spices, top with Michigan salsa—quick and flavorful. - Bear Burgers: Mix with fat, grill with local cheese for juicy patties. Tip: Grind with beef for milder flavor in sausages.

Cultural and Historical Context of Bear Hunting in Michigan

Bear hunting in Michigan weaves indigenous reverence with settler survival. Anishinaabe tribes like the Ojibwe viewed bears as spiritual kin, hunting sustainably for meat, fur, and medicine. European settlers in the 1800s hunted bears as crop/livestock threats, nearly extirpating them by the early 1900s through bounties and habitat loss. Regulation began in 1925, designating bears as game animals; by 1990, structured seasons aided recovery to today's thriving numbers. The Michigan Bear Hunters Association, founded in the 1960s, promotes conservation and hound hunting traditions. Today, it's a cultural staple, blending family lore with DNR management for sustainable harvests. Michigan bear hunting embodies wilderness adventure—share this guide, hunt ethically, and check Michigan.gov/dnr for updates. Safe trails!

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About The Author

Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Lunker Hunter. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase.