The 2024 bear management cooperator patch is now available.
The Michigan Bear Hunters Association, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, coordinates Michigan’s bear cooperator patch program.
A bear need not be harvested to purchase a patch.
Adult hunters, patch collectors and others can buy a patch for $7. Young hunters 10 to 17 years old who have a valid bear hunting license can get the patch for free. Proceeds from patch sales are used for black bear education and outreach.
Patches can be ordered online or by sending 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, send a legible copy of the youth’s valid bear hunting license. Mailed patch orders should be sent to: MBHA – Bear Patch Program, 10510 Fairgrieve Road, Johannesburg, MI 49751.
Young artists can enter 2025 patch design contest. Kindergarten through 12th grade students attending public, private or home school in Michigan are eligible to enter. To learn more about the patch design contest, go to the bear management cooperator patch webpage. The contest entry deadline is Dec. 31.