Missouri Hunters Harvest 36 Black Bears

Missouri’s black bear hunting season is gaining popularity, and hunters set a new record this year. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports hunters harvested 36 black bears during the state’s sixth annual bear hunting season, held Oct. 17 through Oct. 30. That’s a record harvest for Missouri, according to MDC officials, who say increased hunting opportunities helped make this year’s season a success. And there certainly wasn’t a shortage of people wanting to participate. More than 5,200 hunters applied in May for one of 2,000 available permits. Those permits were awarded through a random drawing, with nearly 1,490 selected hunters ultimately purchasing a permit. Missouri’s bear hunting season is open only to state residents and is limited to three designated Bear Management Zones in southern Missouri. Hunters must stay within the zone assigned to their permit, whether hunting on public or private property.

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