Bear Hunting License Guide
Bear hunting license guide across 32 US states — tag costs, draw requirements, and season dates.
About Bear Hunting in the United States
The 2026 black bear hunting outlook is robust, with populations stable or expanding in many of the 32 states where hunting is permitted. Roughly 200,000 hunters participate annually, with harvest numbers remaining consistent with management goals. License structures for 2026 include many over-the-counter options in the West and Northeast, while several Great Lakes states continue to use limited-draw systems. Bear identification tests remain a requirement in states like Colorado and Montana to protect non-target species. Hunting methods for 2026 continue to include spot-and-stalk, baiting, and hound hunting where state regulations allow.
Scientific name: Ursus americanus
Bear Distribution Map
See where bear hunting is available across the United States.
Bear Hunting License Costs by State
Compare bear tag prices, seasons, and license methods across states.
| State | Resident Tag | Non-Resident Tag | Season | Method | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $13.75 | $231.75 | Aug–Nov | OTC | 2 bears (in 2-bear units) |
| Pennsylvania | $16.97 | $36.97 | Nov | OTC | 1 bear per season |
| Montana | $19.00 | $350.00 | Apr–Nov | Both | 1 black bear |
| Maine | $26.00 | $115.00 | Aug–Nov | OTC | 1 bear per year |
| Colorado | $64.01 | $302.56 | Sep–Nov | Both | 1 bear per year |
Prices sourced from official state wildlife agencies. Last updated: 2026-04-01.
See the full 50-state base license cost comparison →
Compare total non-resident costs for bear hunting across multiple states →
Bear Hunting Tips & Resources
Know the Regulations
Before your hunt, always verify current season dates, bag limits, and legal methods with the state wildlife agency.
Scout Your Area
Use public land maps and trail cameras to identify bear habitat and travel patterns before season opens.
Safety First
Wear required blaze orange, carry your license, and follow all firearm safety rules while in the field.
Recommended Bear Hunting Gear
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Bear Hunting License FAQ
Which state has the cheapest bear hunting license?
Idaho offers one of the cheapest resident bear tags at $13.75 for a two-bear unit. Pennsylvania's resident bear tag is $16.97 and Montana's is $19. Non-resident prices are substantially higher across all states.
Do I need to take a bear identification test?
Several states including Colorado and Montana require first-time bear hunters to pass a Black Bear Identification Test before purchasing a bear license. This helps hunters distinguish between protected species and legal game.
Can I hunt bears in all 50 states?
No. Bear hunting is legal in approximately 32 states. It is prohibited in some states due to low populations, and regulations vary significantly between states that do allow it.