MDNR Report

2023 bear management cooperator patch

The 2023 bear management cooperator patch is a great way to commemorate the recent bear season. Adult hunters, patch collectors and others can buy a patch for $7. Young hunters, 17 years old and younger, who have a valid bear hunting license can get a free patch.

The Michigan Bear Hunters Association, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, coordinates Michigan’s bear cooperator patch program. Proceeds from patch sales will be used for black bear education and outreach.

You can order patches online or by sending your name, complete address, and a check or money order payable to the Michigan Bear Hunters Association. If the patch is for a youth bear hunter, please send a legible copy of a youth’s valid bear hunting license. Mailed patch orders should be sent to:

MBHA
Bear Patch Program
10510 Fairgrieve Road
Johannesburg, MI 49751

If you have additional questions, please email Cowboys1971@yahoo.com.

Young artists can enter 2024 patch design contest.

The Michigan Bear Hunters Associations holds a design contest annually to create the bear patch. K-12 students attending public, private or home school in Michigan are eligible to enter. To learn more about the patch design contest, visit the bear management cooperator patch webpage. The contest entry deadline is Dec. 1.