Hunters are awarded a license through a preference point system that began in 2000. For the 2006 bear hunting season, 55,095 applicants applied for 11,845 hunting licenses.

The number of hunters applying for bear licenses continues to increase each year. "Last Year's Drawing Results" lists the most recent lottery's successful applicants by hunt period, management unit, and preference point status. These application success rates are the best indication of what may be expected in the future, but remember that applicant success varies for each hunt period.