There is still time! The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding hunters that they must apply in May for the limited 2026 black bear and elk hunting permits. The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations for the upcoming seasons at its open meeting in Jefferson City on March 27. MDC reminds hunters to apply for elk, bear permits in May – Missouri Department of Conservation.
Black Bear Hunting
The MDC will offer 2,000 permits to harvest up to 60 black bears across three management zones in the southern part of the state. The 2026 Missouri black-bear hunting season runs Oct. 17-30.
The MDC increased the number of available permits from 600 to 2,000 and increased the harvest quota limit from 40 to 60 bears to expand hunting opportunities. Missouri has an estimated population of about 1,100 bears.
“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.”
“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,” said MDC Black Bear and Furbearer Program Coordinator Nate Bowersock.
Missouri hunters harvested nine black bears during the 2025 season. Two were females, and seven were males.
“As the black bear population continues to grow and expand, the hunting season will be used as the primary population management tool,” Bowersock said.
The MDC is offering a free online introduction course on Black Bear Hunting Basics as part of its new OutdoorELN (Extended Learning Network).
Elk Hunting
The MDC will again offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall. At least one permit is designated for qualifying landowners in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties. The remaining permits are for qualifying residents.
“Missouri hunters harvested three bull elk during the 2025 season.”
The MDC has designated the 2026 elk archery portion to run Oct. 17-25 and the elk firearms portion to run Dec. 12-20.
Missouri has an estimated 325 free-ranging elk under the MDC’s elk restoration and management program. Missouri hunters harvested three bull elk during the 2025 season.
Hunters can get more information about black bears and elk, and apply during May on the MDC website.
