Iron County · Upper Peninsula
Amasa Bear Management Unit
Iron County sits within Michigan's Amasa Bear Management Unit, with forested hunting land and the local services needed to plan a bear hunt.
View current Michigan bear regulationsThe Season
2026 Amasa Hunt Periods
Know your hunt period.
Amasa licenses are limited and valid for specific hunt periods. Check the current regulations before planning your hunt.
DNR season calendarWhere to Hunt
Know the Land
There is no single Iron County bear hunting area. The Amasa unit includes several land types, and each has different access considerations.
State and other public hunting land can be researched through Michigan DNR's MiHunt mapping system.
Commercial Forest land is privately owned forest enrolled in Michigan's Commercial Forest Program and open to public foot access for hunting, trapping and fishing under program rules.
The Ottawa National Forest is federal land with federal rules applying alongside Michigan regulations.
Ordinary private property requires landowner permission.
MiHunt
Explore approximate boundaries of land open to public hunting and available map layers.
→ 02 · PUBLIC FOOT ACCESSCommercial Forest
Learn how privately owned Commercial Forest land works and where public hunting access applies.
→ 03 · FEDERAL LANDOttawa National Forest
Explore the western Upper Peninsula national forest and its visitor information and regulations.
→Private Land
Private property remains an option when the landowner has granted permission.
Bait & Local Supplies
Bear Bait in the Amasa Unit
Michigan's bear regulations limit each licensed hunter or designee to three bait stations. For Amasa, bait and dogs can be used beginning Sept. 14, 2026.
Bait placement rules differ by land type. On state, federal, other public and Commercial Forest land, bait must be placed on the ground.
Bob's Bear Bait
31 Superior Ave. · Crystal Falls
Visit Bob's Bear Bait
Local Guides
Bear Guides in Iron County
Michigan DNR's commercial guide directory currently lists bear guides serving Iron County.
Fence River Outfitters
Bear hunting in Iron County and surrounding western Upper Peninsula counties.
View guide →
S & B Outfitters
Amasa-area bear hunts including hound and bait hunts. The outfitter also operates on Ottawa National Forest land under a Forest Service special-use permit.
Visit S & B Outfitters →After the Harvest
Bear Registration
Bears must be registered within 72 hours of harvest. Call the registration station before arriving to schedule an appointment. Locations and hours can change.
Current DNR information
Stay in Iron County
Find a Place to Stay
Find lodging in Iron River and Crystal Falls, including hotels, motels, cabins, resorts and campgrounds.
Find Iron County Lodging
