Michigan Mixed Bag: Drawing results for 2025 bear and elk hunts now available

Lansing — More than 6,500 hunters have been selected in the annual drawing for Michigan’s popular bear and elk hunts.

There are 6,278 bear licenses and 260 elk licenses available for the 2025 fall and winter hunting seasons. Drawing results may be viewed at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling (517) 284-9453. Hunters are responsible for obtaining their drawing results.

Hunters selected in the drawing can buy their license at any license agent or online. Elk hunters whose names were drawn for a license will be mailed a packet of information that will include information about the elk hunter orientation.

Unable to hunt this fall? Successful applicants can transfer or donate their drawing success to an eligible person they know or a person on the DNR hunt waiting list. Transfer forms and other information are available at Michigan.gov/HuntTransfers. The deadline to transfer a license is Sept. 1.

Unsuccessful youth applicants and those with an advanced illness can register for a donated (transferred) bear or elk hunt until July 10. Register at Michigan.gov/HuntTransfers.

MORE COVERAGE FROM MICHIGAN OUTDOOR NEWS:

Outdoor Observations: Coyote legislation introduced in Michigan despite unsettled lawsuit

Michigan task force recommends more info on life-cycle of steelhead

PFOS concerns create new health guidelines for eating Michigan’s fish

Do Good, Feel Good: Help Remove Invasive Plants

Lansing — Several state parks in southern Michigan will host stewardship workdays in July, perfect opportunities for volunteers to help remove invasive plants that threaten the high-quality ecosystems within these parks.

Stewardship efforts are a big part of what helps keep invasive species contained and the landscape healthy at some of your favorite parks. If you can spare a few hours (and a little sweat equity!), sign up for one of the following workdays:

• Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County), Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County), Sunday, July 13, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County), Saturday, July 19 and July 26, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County), Sunday, July 20, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

• Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County), Sunday, July 27, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Get more details, including how to register, how to dress and what to bring, on the DNR’s volunteer stewardship page at Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

Pure Michigan Hunt Applications on Sale Now

Lansing — Pure Michigan Hunt applications are available now, online or at your license dealer. You could walk away with a hunting package worth thousands, as well as licenses for elk, bear, spring and fall turkey, and antlerless deer, and the first pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area. Don’t miss out on your shot at Michigan’s ultimate hunt!

Visit Michigan.gov/PMH for more details, to purchase an application(s) or for information about the sponsors.

NRA Supports Hunters for the Hungry Programs

Fairfax, Va. — The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is pleased to announce the 2025 subsidy program for Hunters for the Hungry (HFH) organizations in the United States, by making $100,000 available. In 2024 alone, Hunters for the Hungry organizations provided an estimated 1.7 million pounds of game meat to individuals and food banks in the United States. Available in awards up to $2,000, the fund will cover the cost of processing, shipping, and distributing donated meat.

More information about the Hunters for the Hungry Subsidy Program can be found online at https://hfth.nra.org/hfh-subsidy/. There, Hunters for the Hungry processors can apply to receive funding from the program.

The Hunters for the Hungry initiative is a loose affiliation of state and independent programs that have provided 45 million pounds of wild game to individual families, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks across the United States.

Trapper’s Convention and Outdoor Expo Headed to Escanaba

Escanaba Mich. — The UP Trappers Convention and Expo will be July 11-12 at the UP State Fairgrounds in Escanaba.

Forty or more outdoor gear vendors are expected to be on hand with many offering reduced prices on special convention items.

There also will be live demonstrations throughout the two-day expo. This event offers not only trapping gear but all kinds of goods for sale, especially unique items from the “tailgaters.”

For more info and possible last-minute changes, visit www.uptrappers.com, and go to the convention page. Also, if further information or “last minute” booth space is needed, contact Convention Director Mary Theoret at (906) 241-6155 or mltheoret@gmail.com.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days (all times EDT). Admission is $10 for both days. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free.

Camping is available, and food and refreshments will be for sale on the grounds.

There will be lots to see and do, including many activities for the kids, and a lineup of expert speakers covering all things trapping.