Review Bear hunting
Bear season is closed.
Details for the 2025 season will be available in April.
View lottery and license dates and hunting dates on the hunting and trapping seasons page.
Bear hunting regulations for 2024 (PDF)
Bear Guide / Outfitters
A person may not place bait or guide bear hunters for compensation without first obtaining a Bear Outfitters License ($82.50, resident only) or Master Bear Outfitters License ($165.00, resident only).
The DNR offers a bear outfitter certification clinic once a year. This is usually in June or July. To be added to a list for notification when the class is scheduled for next year, email info.dnr@state.mn.us, and your request will be forwarded to the bear team.
Include your phone number so that the instructor can have another way to reach you if needed.
This license authorizes a person to engage in the business of occupation of placing bait for bear or guiding hunters in seeking to take bear for compensation. All new outfitters must have completed MN DNR approved advanced hunter education bear hunting outfitter clinic and certified for standard first aid and CPR by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
See:
Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Application for a License to Guide Bear Hunters #752
An application may be obtained from the MN DNR License Center.
$82.50
Annual (March - March)