Wisconsin to Offer Record-High Bear Hunting Licenses in 2026

State aims to reduce bear population and meet growing demand from hunters

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will issue a record-high 15,245 black bear hunting licenses in 2026, a 16% year-over-year increase, and set a harvest quota of 4,160 bears. The move is part of the state's efforts to manage its bear population and address growing interest in bear hunting.

Why it matters

Wisconsin's bear population remains healthy, but the state is seeking to reduce conflicts with humans, such as nuisance complaints and agricultural damage, while also meeting the rising demand for bear hunting licenses from both residents and nonresidents.

The details

The DNR's license and quota plan was unanimously approved by the Natural Resources Board. The increased licenses and quota will be spread across the state's six bear management zones, with the largest increases in the southern parts of the bear range. The state estimates the pre-hunt 2026 statewide bear population at 23,741 animals.

  • The 2026 bear hunting licenses will be awarded in a DNR drawing this winter.
  • Bear baiting season opens on April 15 in Wisconsin.
  • Dog training by pursuing bear is allowed statewide on public hunting lands or private lands with permission from July 1 to August 31.

The players

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing Wisconsin's natural resources, including the black bear population.

Natural Resources Board

The policy-making body that unanimously approved the DNR's 2026 bear hunting license and quota plan.

Randy Johnson

DNR large carnivore specialist who said the increased quota is warranted to meet objectives based on factors like nuisance complaints, agricultural damages, and hunter success.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're basing this on averages and we expect to be close, but we're really focused on trends over time.”

— Randy Johnson, DNR large carnivore specialist (stevenspointjournal.com)

What’s next

The number of preference points needed to draw a bear hunting license in 2026 is expected to be similar to 2025 levels.

The takeaway

Wisconsin is proactively managing its black bear population to balance ecological, social, and cultural needs while minimizing conflicts, as evidenced by the record-high number of bear hunting licenses being offered in 2026.