Missouri Hunters Can Now Apply for Bear, Elk Permits

Now that May is upon us, Missouri has opened up the application period where hunters can apply for black bear and elk tags, but there are extremely limited numbers available.

The Missouri Department of Conservation announced today that a very limited number of hunting permits for black bears and elk will be available and the application period is now. Here are the facts:

• MDC will offer 2,000 permits for black bear hunting
• Black bear hunting will be allowed in three different management regions
• Quota limit has been increased this year from 40 in previous years to 60 black bears
• Black bear hunting season will be from October 17 through October 30 or until quota is reached

“After reviewing results from the past five hunting seasons and considering the continued growth of Missouri’s bear population of about nine percent per year, we determined that the harvest quota could be increased and more permits could be offered to provide additional hunting opportunities, while still having a limited impact on the bear population,” said MDC Black Bear and Furbearer Program Coordinator Nate Bowersock.

Missouri Department of Conservation shared the following facts about elk hunting this year:

• The state authorities will issue 5 elk hunting permits
• 1 permit will be reserved for qualifying landowners who own property in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties
• Elk archery season will be October 17 through October 25
• Elk firearms season will be December 12 through December 20

You can check out the Missouri Department of Conservation's press release for more details and potential updates.