Getting a bear tag in Minnesota can seem complicated, but it is a straightforward process if you meet the requirements. A bear tag, also known as a bear hunting license, is required for residents and nonresidents who want to hunt bear in Minnesota. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for and receiving a bear tag in Minnesota.
Are There Requirements for Getting a Bear Tag in Minnesota?
Yes, there are a few requirements you must meet in order to be eligible for a bear tag in Minnesota:
- You must complete firearms safety training if you were born after December 31, 1979.
- Nonresidents must have a valid nonresident bear license from their home state.
- You must be at least 10 years old.
As long as you meet these requirements, you are eligible to apply for a bear tag. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not have any other special prerequisites for obtaining a bear hunting license.
When Can I Apply for a Bear Tag?
You can apply for a bear tag during the application period, which opens in early May each year. Here are the key application dates:
- Early May – Application period opens.
- Early June – Application deadline for the bear quota hunt.
- Mid-late June – Bear quota hunt winners selected.
- August 1 – Over-the-counter tag sales begin.
The exact dates may vary slightly each year, so be sure to check the DNR website for the current application timelines. Applying during the quota hunt gives you the chance to win one of a limited number of tags. If you miss the quota deadline or are not selected, you can still buy an over-the-counter tag starting in August.
How Do I Apply for a Bear Tag?
There are two ways to get a bear tag in Minnesota:
- Apply for the bear quota hunt
- Buy an over-the-counter tag
Applying for the quota hunt gives you a chance to win one of a set number of tags in specific zones. Over-the-counter tags can be bought starting in August for any zone with available tags remaining. Here is how each process works:
Apply for the Bear Quota Hunt
To have a chance at a quota tag, you must submit an application during the application period in May/June each year. Here are the steps:
- Create an account on the DNR Online Licensing System if you do not already have one.
- Complete the bear quota application and submit payment of the $5 application fee.
- Rank which hunting zones you prefer from highest to lowest.
- If selected, you will be awarded a tag for your highest choice zone that still has available tags.
Winners of the quota hunt are selected through a randomized computer-generated drawing. If you are awarded a quota tag, you will be notified by email or mail in mid-late June.
Buy an Over-the-Counter Bear Tag
If you are not awarded a quota tag or did not apply for the quota hunt, you can purchase an over-the-counter bear tag starting August 1. Here’s how it works:
- Starting August 1, leftover bear tags go on sale over-the-counter on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pick the hunting zone you want a tag for and purchase online or from an authorized retailer.
- Over-the-counter tags can sell out quickly for some zones, so purchase early.
Over-the-counter bear tags allow you to hunt in the zone of your choosing as long as tags remain available. Be sure to apply early once the sale opens on August 1.
How Much Does a Bear Tag Cost?
The cost of a bear tag depends on whether you are a resident or nonresident. Here are the bear tag fees as of 2022:
| Bear Tag Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Quota Hunt Application | $5 | $5 |
| Over-the-Counter Tag | $30 | $225 |
In addition to these tag fees, you must have a valid Minnesota hunting license or purchase a nonresident bear license.
What Else Do I Need to Hunt Bear in Minnesota?
In addition to your bear tag, you must have the following to hunt bear in Minnesota:
- A required bear hunter clinic certification if you have not previously hunted bear in Minnesota.
- A valid Minnesota hunting license (residents) or bear license (nonresidents).
- Any required licenses for the methods you will hunt bear, such as for archery or firearms.
You must also comply with general bear hunting regulations in Minnesota, including season dates, zone boundaries, hunting hours, bear baiting rules, andtagging/registration requirements. Make sure you review all regulations before your hunt.
Can I Transfer My Bear Tag?
Bear tags in Minnesota are only valid for the hunter they are issued to and cannot be transferred. If you are unable to use your tag, you may return it for a refund by the following dates:
- Quota hunt tags – Refund deadline is the Friday before the opener (late August/early September)
- Over-the-counter tags – Refund deadline is 14 days after purchase
For quota tags, you can also opt to defer your tag to the next hunting season if you cannot use it. This keeps your preference points intact. There is no option to defer an over-the-counter tag.
What is the Deadline to Apply for a Bear Tag?
Here are the important deadlines:
- Quota hunt application deadline – Early June
- Over-the-counter sales start – August 1
- Quota tag refund deadline – The Friday before season opener
- Over-the-counter tag refund deadline – 14 days after purchase
Apply for the quota hunt by early June to be entered into the drawing. Buy an over-the-counter tag starting August 1, but don’t wait too long as quotas can sell out. You can obtain refunds on tags until the deadlines listed above.
When is Bear Season in Minnesota?
Here are the typical bear season dates in Minnesota:
- Early September – Bear season opens, runs for about 2 weeks
- Late September/Early October – Bear season reopens, runs for about a week
There is a break in the middle of the season. Total bear season is around 3 weeks long with different start/end dates for different zones. Be sure to verify the exact opener and closer dates each year.
What is a Bear Management Zone in Minnesota?
Minnesota divides the state up into distinct bear management zones for hunting. Zone boundaries are based on bear populations and distributions. Here are some key facts about bear zones:
- There are 8 regular bear zones, numbered 11 through 18, plus zone 25 which is no longer used.
- Zone boundaries follow recognizable features like highways and lakes.
- Each zone has a limited number of quota tags available.
- You must apply for/purchase a tag valid for a specific zone.
Zones allow the DNR to manage bear populations on a finer scale. Hunting pressure and quotas are adjusted for each zone based on estimated bear numbers and harvest goals.
Minnesota Bear Zone Map
Below is a map of the bear zones in Minnesota:
Look at the zone map close to pick which zone you want to hunt bear in. Zones closer to urban areas often have more hunting pressure.
How Many Bear Tags Are Available in Minnesota?
The number of bear tags available each year varies by zone in Minnesota. Here are some key stats on availability:
- Around 3,000 total tags are available statewide.
- Of these, around 30% (900-1000) are quota tags.
- The remainder are sold over-the-counter on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Each zone receives an allocated number of quota tags.
- Leftover tags go on sale over-the-counter starting August 1.
Due to the limited quota tags, your odds of drawing one are relatively low. But you still have a good chance if you buy an over-the-counter tag promptly.
2022 Minnesota Bear Tag Quotas by Zone
Here were the 2022 bear quota tag numbers for each zone:
| Zone | Quota |
|---|---|
| 11 | 225 |
| 12 | 30 |
| 13 | 405 |
| 14 | 45 |
| 15 | 20 |
| 16 | 50 |
| 17 | 115 |
| 18 | 30 |
Zone 13 typically gets the most quota tags. Zone 11 also gets a sizeable quota. The number of tags varies each year based on bear population estimates.
What are the Odds of Getting a Minnesota Bear Quota Tag?
Your odds of being selected for a bear quota tag in Minnesota depend on several factors:
- The number of quota tags available for your zone choice.
- The number of preference points you have accrued.
- The number of total applicants.
In zones with low quotas, the odds can be long. But it’s still possible with max preference points. Here are your general odds in Minnesota:
- No preference points – Less than 5% odds
- 1 preference point – Around 10%
- 2 preference points – 15-20%
- 3+ points – Up to 50/50 in some zones
Build up your preference points by applying each year without receiving a tag. Use points to boost your quota draw odds over time.
Minnesota Bear Quota Odds by Zone
Your odds will be zone-specific. Here are the approximate odds of drawing a quota tag in some popular zones:
| Zone | 0 Points | 3 Points |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 9% | 45% |
| 13 | 4% | 35% |
| 17 | 15% | 70% |
As you can see, three preference points gives you close to 50/50 odds for some zones. Apply annually and use points to maximize your bear tag chances.
What Methods can I Use to Hunt Bear in Minnesota?
Minnesota allows you to use several hunting methods to harvest a bear:
- Firearms – Any legal rifle, shotgun, or handgun according to regulations.
- Archery – Bows must meet draw weight requirements.
- Crossbows – Legal during firearms season.
- Muzzleloaders – Specific calibers and bullet weights required.
- Trapping – Only allowed for tribal members and residents under age 16.
Baiting bears is allowed, with strict rules governing bait amounts and types. The use of dogs is also permitted in certain seasons. Review all regulations for your chosen method before hunting.
How do I Tag a Bear in Minnesota?
You must immediately validate and attach your bear tag after harvesting a bear in Minnesota:
- Notch out the appropriate zones on the tag to match the date and zone where the bear was taken.
- Attach the tag around one of the bear’s hind legs just above the foot.
- The tag must remain attached until you register the bear.
Tagging provides important harvest data and aids in monitoring bear populations. Leave the tag on the bear when transporting or processing the meat as well.
Minnesota Bear Tag Example
Be sure to carefully notch out the correct zones on the tag corresponding to the harvest date and location.
How Do I Register a Harvested Bear in Minnesota?
You must register your bear with the DNR within 48 hours after the end of the season during which it was taken. There are three options to register:
- Online – Available 24/7 at the DNR licensing website.
- Telephone – Call the DNR Information Center during office hours.
- In-person – Bring the lower jaw or head to a DNR wildlife office.
Registration helps biologists collect important data on the bear harvest. Be sure to register your bear promptly after the season and have your tag information available.
Can I Use a Bear Guide in Minnesota?
Yes, you may enlist the services of a licensed bear guide in Minnesota. Here are some key facts about guides:
- Bear guides must have a guide license through the Minnesota DNR.
- Guides can provide services like baiting, tracking, recovery, field dressing, etc.
- Guides cannot accompany a hunter or provide services to more than 3 people at once.
- Guides cannot shoot bear, operate traps, or physically restrain dogs.
Working with an experienced guide can significantly increase your chance of harvesting a bear. But make sure any guide you use has proper DNR licensing.
Conclusion
Obtaining a bear tag in Minnesota involves meeting requirements, applying during the quota hunt or buying over-the-counter, and following hunting regulations. Zone quotas, preference points, and application dates all factor into your bear tag chances. With advance preparation and planning, you can successfully get a Minnesota bear tag and hunt one of the state’s large black bear populations.