Michigan Hunters Be On the Lookout For Bear Dens And Here’s Why

The Department of Natural Resources is asking Michigan hunters to be on the lookout for bear dens and to report them if they find them.

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Michigan Hunters

Aside from early scouting, most Michigan hunters begin entering the woods and fields in September. Obviously, there are more with archery season for deer kicks in and even more when the firearm whitetail season begins.

A big part of hunting is seeing all the things other than what you are actually hunting for while going out into the woods. Recently, I saw a bobcat for the first time while bow-hunting whitetail. I didn't see one deer that day but seeing that bobcat two different times is a story I will tell forever. I'm still showing people the video I took.

DNR Wants to Know if You Spot a Bear Den

I have bear hunted several times in Canada and in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and I have never seen a bear den but they are out there. Bear dens are also in the northern Lower Peninsula and that is the are the DNR is focusing on.

If you are preparing your deer stand, small game hunting, or tracking a deer, the DNR asks that you note the location and prefer GPS tracking but at least write it down if you find a bear den.

According to the Michigan DNR, if you find a bear den, get the location to Mark Boersen at 989.275.515 or email him at BoersenM@Michigan.gov.

If you do find a bear den, just mark the location, do not investigate any further because it is illegal to disturb a den.

Why Does The DNR Want Hunters to Report Bear Dens?

The DNR uses bear dens as a way to help manage Michigan's black bear population, connect orphan cubs with mothers, and put tracking devices to learn more about a bear's range or age.

Anything we hunters can do to make bear hunting better in Michigan is a good thing.