Learn to Hunt Bear program offered by Wisconsin DNR

The Wisconsin DNR and conservation partners are encouraging novice hunters who want to leam about bear hunting in Wisconsin to apply for the Leam to Hunt Bear program. The program is intended to promote awareness and understanding of bear hunting in Wisconsin, particularly for those who are interested in hunting bear on their own in the future. The program includes multiple classroom and field sessions, culminating with a bear-hunting experience.

Participants will leam about bear biology, population management, habits, habitat, hunting techniques, regulations and safety.

Anyone who has not previously participated in the Leam to Hunt Bear program or received a bear harvest authorization is encouraged to apply. Participants must be at least 10 years old, there is no maximum age.

The number of Leam to Hunt Bear programs offered varies annually and will influ-ence the number of participants selected. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by June 1.

Interested participants should complete the online application by May 1. The application, program guidelines and more information can be found on the DNR’s Leam to Hunt Bear webpage.

The DNR is also looking for experienced bear hunters interested in becoming instructors. The number of participants in the program is dependent on the number of volunteer instructors. Potential instructors need at least five years of bear hunting experience and must consent to a background check.

The DNR will work with instructor groups to develop a Leam to Hunt Bear program in their area or help individual volunteers find an existing group to work with. Interested volunteers should notify Emily Iehl, at emily. iehl@wisconsin.gov by April 18.