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Increasing bear numbers in both peninsulas reason for optimism heading into Michigan’s 2023 hunting season

Michigan DNR data suggests the Upper Peninsula bear population has increased 25%, while bears in the Lower Peninsula are up 69% over the last decade. (Stock photo)

Michigan wildlife managers and experienced hunters aren’t expecting big changes for the 2023 bear hunting season that starts next month, though they believe a relatively dry spring and other factors like oak wilt and wolves could affect hunter success in some areas. 
Cody Norton, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ bear specialist, believes strong bear numbers in both peninsulas, coupled with increasing hunter success rates and a high number of bear sightings point to a 2023 season similar to last year, when the statewide harvest of just over 1,900 bears came in 12% over the 10-year average.

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