Missouri Allows Bear Hunting Season This Year

A bleak bear walking in grass.

A bleak bear walking in grass.

Missouri is having its first black bear season this fall. After taking resident surveys, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has finalized the dates and directions for this new season.

Permit?

A hunter must be at least 11 years old and have completed the hunter education course before purchasing a permit. In May the MDC will open the permit-application process. This fee is $10.00. The application period is only May 1-31. One can apply online here, through the app, a vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. By July 1, MDC will have determined the permit holders due to random drawing. Those selected may then purchase a bear permit for $25.00. MDC is not offering any landowner-specific permits at this time. The MDC is granting these permits only to Missouri residents.

When Is The Season?

The season will last from October 18-27 [1]. This is only until the quota of bear permits are filled.

Where Can I Hunt?

Bear season is open to the south of Interstate 70. Oregon county is in BMZ 2. For a complete look at the zones and the quantity available to be harvested, click here.

What Is Eligible?

One permit is valid for one black bear. A hunter may harvest one bear per season.

Hunting Details

As with other seasons, the bear season is limited to one-half hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset. Both archery and firearms are acceptable methods of hunting. A hunter may take only lone bears, not any in groups or with cubs. Hunters must wear blaze orange and must retrieve the shot bear. All bears need to be telechecked by 10:00 p.m of the night it is taken. MDC also requires a tooth from the harvested bear within 10 days of harvest. Before hunting, the permit holder needs to call MDC to determine if the bear quota has been reached. Neither baiting nor dogs are allowed.

If you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact your local MDC or go to the website here.

 


Notes:

  1. ^https://www.lakenewsonline.com/story/sports/outdoors/hunting/2021/03/26/missouri-department-conservation-announces-first-black-bear-hunting-season-fall/7016697002/ (go back  ↩)

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