Minnesota Bear Hunting
Plan your Minnesota bear hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land bear hunts across Minnesota, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
Minnesota Bear Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Bear Season
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Baiting starts August 15. Residents and nonresidents can participate in a drawing for licenses within bear permit areas, and may purchase a license over the counter for the no-quota area. Bear lottery winners must purchase their license by August 1, 2025. Unsold and surplus licenses become available starting at noon on August 6, 2025. Full regulations at mndnr.gov/hunting/bear.
Minnesota Bear Licenses
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Application (Nonresident) | Draw | — | $4.00 |
Code 662. $4 Bear Application for nonresident. | |||
| Adult Bear License (Nonresident, Age 18+) | — | Ages 18+ | $230.00 |
Code 661. $230 Bear License for nonresident adult age 18 or over. | |||
| Youth Bear License (Nonresident, Age 10-12) | — | Ages 10–12; Youth hunters | $0.00 |
Code 659. Free Bear License for nonresident youth age 10 to 12. Must obtain a free license to take big game. | |||
| Youth Bear License (Nonresident, Age 13-17) | — | Ages 13–17; Youth hunters | $5.00 |
Code 646. $5 Bear License for nonresident youth age 13 to 17. | |||
| Adult No Quota Bear License (Nonresident, Age 18+) | — | Ages 18+ | $230.00 |
Code 225. $230 No Quota Bear License for nonresident adult age 18 or over. | |||
| Youth No Quota Bear License (Nonresident, Age 10-12) | — | Ages 10–12; Youth hunters | $0.00 |
Code 676. Free No Quota Bear License for nonresident youth age 10 to 12. Must obtain a free license to take big game. | |||
| Youth No Quota Bear License (Nonresident, Age 13-17) | — | Ages 13–17; Youth hunters | $5.00 |
Code 645. $5 No Quota Bear License for nonresident youth age 13 to 17. | |||
| Adult Surplus Bear License (Nonresident, Age 18+) | — | Ages 18+ | $230.00 |
Code 667. $230 Surplus Bear License for nonresident adult age 18 or over. | |||
| Youth Surplus Bear License (Nonresident, Age 10-12) | — | Ages 10–12; Youth hunters | $0.00 |
Code 674. Free Surplus Bear License for nonresident youth age 10 to 12. Must obtain a free license to take big game. | |||
| Youth Surplus Bear License (Nonresident, Age 13-17) | — | Ages 13–17; Youth hunters | $5.00 |
Code 647. $5 Surplus Bear License for nonresident youth age 13 to 17. | |||
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Application | Draw | — | $4.00 |
Code 662. Application fee for bear license draw. | |||
| Bear Bait Drum Surcharge | OTC | — | $5.00 |
Code 697. $5 per drum surcharge for bear bait drums. | |||
| Bear License (Adult age 18+) | Draw | Ages 18+ | $44.00 |
Code 660. | |||
| Bear License (Youth age 10-12) - Free | Draw | Ages 10–12; Youth hunters | $0.00 |
Code 659. Must obtain a free license to take big game. | |||
| Bear License (Youth age 13-17) | Draw | Ages 13–17; Youth hunters | $5.00 |
Code 643. | |||
| No Quota Bear License (Adult age 18+) | OTC | Ages 18+ | $44.00 |
Code 224. | |||
| No Quota Bear License (Youth age 10-12) - Free | OTC | Ages 10–12; Youth hunters | $0.00 |
Code 676. Must obtain a free license to take big game. | |||
| No Quota Bear License (Youth age 13-17) | OTC | Ages 13–17; Youth hunters | $5.00 |
Code 642. | |||
| Surplus Bear License (Adult age 18+) | Draw | Ages 18+ | $44.00 |
Code 664. | |||
| Surplus Bear License (Youth age 10-12) - Free | Draw | Ages 10–12; Youth hunters | $0.00 |
Code 674. Must obtain a free license to take big game. | |||
| Surplus Bear License (Youth age 13-17) | Draw | Ages 13–17; Youth hunters | $5.00 |
Code 644. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Bear season in Minnesota runs approximately from September 1 through October 12, 2025. Baiting starts August 15. Residents and nonresidents can participate in a drawing for licenses within bear permit areas, and may purchase a license over the counter for the no-quota area. Bear lottery winners must purchase their license by August 1, 2025, and unsold and surplus licenses become available starting at noon on August 6, 2025.
