The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting applications for the 2005 Minnesota black bear hunting season.

This year's season will offer 15,950 licenses, available in 11 permit areas, and will run from Sept. 1 through Oct. 16.

Applications can be made through the Electronic Licensing System (ELS), and are available from ELS agents throughout the state, plus the DNR License Center in St. Paul.

Applications can also be made by calling 1-888-MNLICEN (665-4236), or through the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us. The deadline for bear applications is Friday, May 6.

Licenses for the no-quota area, which is the area outside of the 11 permit areas, can be purchased directly at any ELS agent beginning July 1. No previous application is necessary to buy a no-quota area license.

In 2004, there were 16,466 applicants for the available 16,450 permit area licenses. Seven of the 11 permit areas were under-subscribed. Hunters harvested a total of 3,391 bears; 2,962 in the permit areas and 429 in the no-quota area. Bear licenses cost $39 for residents and $196 for nonresidents. The bag limit will remain at two bears in the no-quota area, and one bear in all-quota permit areas.