Report Nr. 3458 2005 Michigan Black Bear Hunter Survey

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.