Missouri – The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering 400 permits for the taking of 40 black bears during the bear hunting season of 2024 this fall, October 21-30. They are also offering 5 permits to hunt bull elk this fall, with at least 1 of those permits designated for qualifying landowners in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon Counties. The permits will run for the elk archery hunting portion running October 19-27 and the elk firearms portion running December 14-22. All elk must have at least one antler measuring six inches or greater in length. The application process for the permits is May 1-31 and all permits are decided through a random drawing.
For the Black Bear Hunting Season, there is a fee of $10 per applicant and they must select a specific Bear Management Zone (BMZ). The applicants selected will be allowed to buy the BMZ-specific permit for $25 with the restriction of 1 bear per permit. Hunting hours will range from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Hunters will be allowed to use both archery and firearms, but baiting and the use of dogs are not allowed. No bears in the company of other bears or those with babies may be taken, only a lone black bear. To learn more rules on the black bear hunting season visit, mdc.mo.gov/bearhunting.
For the Elk Hunting Season, there is a fee of $10 per applicant. The applicants selected will be allowed to buy the permit for $50 and will only be allowed to hunt in the Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties. The allowed hunting methods for elk are the same as those of hunting deer. There is a limit of one bull elk per permit. To learn more rules on the elk hunting season visit, mdc.mo.gov/elkhunting.
To apply for the hunting permits for the black bear and bull elk hunting season visit, mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, apply through MDC’s free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Results for the random drawing will be available by July 1.
