Report Nr. 3433 2004 Michigan Black Bear Hunter Survey

A random sample of bear hunters was contacted after the 2004 hunting season to determine hunter participation, hunting methods, bear harvest, and hunter satisfaction. In 2004, an estimated 8,700 hunters spent nearly 61,000 days afield and harvested about 2,200 bears, a decrease in harvest of 10% from 2003. Statewide, 25% of hunters harvested a bear. Baiting was the most common hunting method used to locate and harvest bears. Statewide, most hunters (52%) rated their hunting experience as very good or good. Also, most hunters (72%) approved of the preference-point system for the distribution of hunting licenses.