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REGION– Michigan hunters can now check the results of the 2026 bear and elk license drawings through Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453. More than 100,000 hunters apply each year for the highly sought-after licenses, with 6,278 bear licenses and 200 elk licenses available this season.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission recently approved several changes to elk hunting regulations for 2026 and 2027. Elk hunt periods will now run Sept. 23-Oct. 4 and Dec. 1-15, offering hunters more opportunity and longer consecutive hunting periods. The number of elk licenses was reduced from 260 to 200 to help stabilize the northern Lower Peninsula elk herd. Hunters will also now have 72 hours to register harvested elk.
Digital kill tags for bear hunting are now available through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, giving hunters immediate access without needing paper tags. Traditional paper licenses and tags will still be offered statewide.
Hunters who receive a bear or elk license may also transfer their drawing success to eligible youth hunters or individuals with advanced illness through the DNR’s hunt transfer program. Applications are also available for the Pure Michigan Hunt, which offers hunters the chance to win multiple hunting licenses and prize packages while supporting wildlife habitat restoration.
