Minnesota Bear Hunting Licenses Now Available

Saint Cloud, MN, USA / KNSI

Jennifer Lewerenz

Apr 6, 2026 | 11:34 AM

Pixabay

(KNSI) — For those hoping to hunt bear in Minnesota this fall, applications are now open.

The Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications online, at any license agent, or by phone at 888-665-4236. Hunters can also apply for preference only, which adds a preference point to improve their odds in future lotteries. DNR has 5,330 licenses available across 15 permit areas. License quotas reflect a moderate increase in areas where population trends support it.

The season opens September 1st and closes October 18th. Lottery winners will be notified by June 1st. Lottery winners must purchase their licenses by August 1st. Any remaining licenses go on sale at noon on August 5th.

An unlimited number of licenses are available over the counter for the no-quota area covering east-central and far northwest Minnesota. Those licenses are valid only in the no-quota area.

More information, including permit area maps and availability, can be found by clicking here.

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Minnesota Bear Hunting Licenses Now Available

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