8947057 total results

The habitat selection and movements of 33 radio-collared black bears (Ursus americanus) were monitored from March to December 1988, on Drummond Island, Michigan. An attempt was made to validate a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model designed for black bears. Habitat variables required by the HSI model were measured in appropriate vegetation types to determine HSI scores for each adult bear's home range. The movement of bears depended on the distribution and abundance of preferred foods. Significant correlations were not obtained when HSI scores were compared to home-range sizes, cub litter sizes, cub weight gains and mean daily movements. The HSI score for Drummond Island did not correspond well to average age of first reproduction and mean home- range overlap. The black bear HSI model should be revised to better reflect black bear ecology.

Study incorporating a survey of landowners in the study area was contacted to determine landowners’ perceptions about bear and bear management issues to help assess whether the study area should be managed independently from the remainder of the Red Oak BMU.

Survey of a random sample of bear hunters contacted after the 2009 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction.

A survey of bear hunters was conducted following the 2001 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction.

An estimate of bear abundance is necessary for setting harvest objectives and permit quotas. In 2005, we used genetic capture-recapture methods to estimate there were 1,675 yearling and adult black bear in Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula. Bear managers will use this estimate in conjunction with additional bear population indices to support decisions on future management and harvest objectives.

For the third consecutive year, a statewide black bear (Ursus americanus) harvest zone and quota system was utilized in 1992. The same eight bear management units, seven in the Upper Peninsula, including Drummond Island. and one covering much of the northern Lower Peninsula, were opened to hunting. There were two hunt periods for each of the Upper Peninsula units except Drummond Island, which had only one. There was only one hunt period in the Lower Peninsula. In 1992, a total of 4,442 hunters harvested 1,225 bear during the 1992 season, a twelve percent increase in the harvest from the previous year. Twenty-seven percent of the hunters with a harvest tag were successful in 1992 compared to 22 percent in 1991. The composition of the harvest, 56 percent males and 44 percent females, indicated a decrease in the proportion of males compared to the previous year. Hunter satisfaction is used as an indicator of the success of the bear management program. Hunters were asked to rate their 1992 bear hunting experiences. Forty·five percent of the hunters rated their bear hunting as "good" or "very good." Thirty-one percent reported a rating of "poor" or "very poor."

Report on the results of a survey of bear hunters conducted following the 1997 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction.

For the fifth consecutive year, a statewide black bear (Ursus americanus) harvest zone and quota system was utilized in 1994. The same eight bear management units, seven in the Upper Peninsula, including Drummond Island. and one covering much of the northern Lower Peninsula, were opened to hunting. In addition to the two regular hunt periods for each of the Upper Peninsula units, except Drummond Island, which had only one, an experimental third hunt period was held in the Gwinn management unit to explore ways to give more hunters an opportunity to bear hunt. There was only one hunt period in the Lower Peninsula. Statewide in 1994, an estimated 4,613 hunters harvested 1,260 bear. This was the third consecutive year that the harvest was between 1,200 and 1,300 bear. Twenty-seven percent of the hunters filled their harvest tag which was comparable to 1992 and 1993 hunter success rates. The composition of the bear harvest, 58 percent males and 42 percent females, was also similar to the two previous seasons. Forty-one percent of hunters rated their bear hunting "very good" or "excellent," while 34 percent felt their experiences were "fair" or "poor." The remaining hunters rated their bear hunting experiences as "good."

A random sample of bear hunters was contacted after the 2005 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction. In 2005, an estimated 8,900 hunters spent nearly 62,000 days afield and harvested about 2,200 bears; nearly unchanged from 2004. Statewide, 25% of hunters harvested a bear. Baiting was the most common hunting method used to harvest bears. Statewide, about 50% of hunters rated their hunting experience as very good or good. Also, most hunters (71%) approved of the preference-point system for the distribution of hunting licenses.

Report outlining the major findings in various research projects at Cusino Wildlife Experiment Station.

Prior to the implementation of the preference-point system in 2000, 54-57% of the people applying for a bear hunting license had applied during consecutive years. Since the preference point system was initiated, 62-67% of the applicants applied for a bear hunting license during consecutive years. In 2002, 57% of the resident applicants with 2 preference points received a bear hunting license, 29% of the resident applicants with 1 preference point obtained a license, and 8% of the resident applicants with zero preference points were issued a license. The earliest hunts available for each management unit generally had more applicants than later hunt periods. Because more people applied for the earliest hunt periods, a greater number of preference points were needed for these hunt periods. Applicants can improve their chances of being issued a license if they choose a hunt requiring fewer preference points (e.g., the latest hunt period in each management unit).

Survey of a random sample of bear hunters contacted after the 2008 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction.

Survey of a random sample of bear hunters contacted after the 2010 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction.

Report on the results of mail surveys of deer hunters on the question of bears killed, covering surveys from 1953 to 1960.

For the first time in the history of Michigan bear hunting, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) implemented a bear harvest zone and quota system statewide in 1990. Eight bear management units were established, seven in the Upper Peninsula including Drummond Island and one covering much of the northern Lower Peninsula. Separate harvest quotas were established for each unit and a limited number of hunters permitted to take bear in 1990. Each harvest tag allowed the taking of one bear that was not a cub. There were two hunt periods for each of the Upper Peninsula units except Drummond Island which had only one. There was only one hunt period in the Lower Peninsula. A total of 3,733 bear hunters harvested 739 bear during the 1990 season. The take resulted in a 20 percent success rate for hunters with a harvest tag. The harvest was comprised of 64 percent males, 35 percent females, and one percent bears of unknown sex. Hunters were asked to rate their 1990 bear hunting experiences. Sixty percent of the hunters rated their bear hunting as "good" or "very good." Twenty-four percent gave a rating of "poor" or "very poor," Successful hunters were more likely to rate their bear hunting as at least "good" (89%) compared to unsuccessful hunters (52%).

Report on the results of an opinion survey of bear hunters in Michigan conducted by the Wildlife Division in 1984.

A survey of bear hunters was conducted following the 2002 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction..

Report on the investigations during the deer hunting season of 1949 on Drummond Island, incuding harvest surveys, antler tallies and hunter observations.

DNR's Wildlife Division contacted a random sample of bear hunters after the 2018 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction. 

Report on survey findings of a random sample of bear hunters after the 2017 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction.  

DNR employee holds a recently born black bear (Ursus americanus) cub. Cubs are born around January and stay in the den with the mother during the late winter months. The mother of these cubs was tranquilized and given a radio collar to help biologists track and check up on the species in Michigan.