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Preliminary 2016 bear harvest
| Zone | Total Registered |
|---|---|
| Zone A | 1,135 |
| Zone B | 833 |
| Zone C | 1,071 |
| Zone D | 1,603 |
| Total | 4,643 |
*These numbers are preliminary and may change
Some simple recommendations to avoid problem bears [PDF]. Photo courtesy of Emery Orlikowski of Green Bay
Bear hunting
The black bear is viewed as both a symbol of Wisconsin's wildness and as choice prey. Seeing a black bear in the wild is an exciting experience for many and an equal thrill for those who prize the black bear as a big game species. The Wisconsin black bear population is thriving and expanding its occupied range in the state. In 2010, 8,910 harvest permits were available and hunters responded by harvesting more than 5,000 bears, the highest bear harvest documented in Wisconsin history!
Class B Bear License requirement eliminated
Residents and non-residents may now participate in the following bear baiting, hunting and training activities without a Class B bear license if those activities are permitted and in compliance with applicable regulations: bait bears for hunting purposes (recreationally feeding bears remains illegal); train dogs to track bears; act as a back-up shooter; and assist hunters with pursuing bears, provided that a person does not shoot, shoot at, capture, take or kill the bear (unless acting as a back-up shooter).
- Black bear population status and distribution map
- Black bear management
- Crossing Paths with Bears - June 2009 Natural Resources Magazine
- Summary of current dog depredations by wolves
Season information
- Bear season dates
- How to get a Wisconsin bear hunting license
- Bear management zones [PDF]
- Bear hunting and baiting regulations
- Carcass tagging FAQ
- Bear registration stations
- Bear registration and aging
- Class A bear license transfer to youth hunters
- Deceased customer preference approval transfer request
- First bear certificate
Check your preference points
There are three ways in which hunters can determine the number of preference points that they have accumulated. You must apply for a bear license or preference point at least once every three years to avoid losing your accumulated preference points. To find out about how many points you have accumulated:
- contact the Bureau of Customer Services and Licensing 608-266-2621;
- visit the online licensing center; or
- contact your local DNR Service Center.
Drawing information
Applications for a Class A bear license can be made at any authorized license agent, DNR Service Center, online or by calling 1-877-945-4236. Please note paper applications are no longer available. The deadline for bear season applications is always December 10.
For the 2016 bear application drawing, individual winners were chosen based on their preference points. All unsuccessful applicants retained their preference point following the drawing.
Check your status in the bear application drawing
It is the permit applicants responsibility to know their drawing status and whether they were selected for purchasing a harvest permit. There are three ways in which hunters can determine whether they were selected in the drawing. To find out about how many points you have accumulated or your drawing status:
- contact the Bureau of Customer Services and Licensing 608-266-2621;
- visit the online licensing center; or
- contact your local DNR Service Center.
- Contact information
- For information on bear management, contact:
- Dave MacFarland
Carnivore specialist
Bureau of Wildlife Management
715-365-8917 - If you are experiencing problems with bears and are located in northern Wisconsin, please contact USDA Wildlife Services at 800-228-1368 (in-state) or 715-369-5221. In southern Wisconsin call 800-433-0663 (in-state) or 920-324-4514.
