Friday, August 8, 2025

Michigan Bear Forum, Furtaker User Group Meetings Set for August in St. Ignace

Hunting and trapping are time-honored traditions in Michigan. Whether you're an experienced hunter or trapper, just getting started, or simply curious about how the Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages wildlife, you're invited to two upcoming events in St. Ignace: the Michigan Furbearer Forum (Aug. 22) and the Michigan Bear Forum (Aug. 23). These forums are open to the public and provide a chance to listen in on conversations with stakeholder groups about wildlife population, hunting and trapping regulations and current research. Keep reading for details about each event.

  • Michigan Furbearer Forum
  • Michigan Bear Forum

Michigan Furbearer Forum

Friday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Little Bear East Arena

275 Marquette St., St. Ignace

We'll discuss regulation recommendations for the 2026-2027 hunting and trapping seasons, population estimates and species updates. Anyone interested in furbearers or furbearer management is encouraged to attend.

Michigan Bear Forum

Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Little Bear East Arena

275 Marquette St., St. Ignace

Black bears are an important species to Michigan’s land and history. The DNR has been managing the bear population since the first regulated hunt in 1925. Over time, as populations, land and technology evolved, so has black bear management.

If you’re curious about bear management in Michigan, we invite you to join DNR staff and Michigan Bear Forum members to learn about the latest population estimates, 2024 harvest information, hunting regulations and trends occurring across the bear range.