Twelve black bears were killed by hunters during Missouri’s third season, far below the maximum quota cap of 40 bears.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) said 5,370 hunters applied during May 2024 for 400 permits. The maximum total harvest was capped at 40 bears for the short October 16-25 season. Of the 400 hunters selected through a random drawing of all applicants, 342 hunters purchased bear season permits.

“We had another successful black bear hunting season this year and saw bears harvested in four new counties where bears had not been previously harvested,” said MDC Bear Biologist Nate Bowersock. “Conditions this season couldn’t have been much better for hunters. We look forward to hearing from hunters about their experiences through our annual post-season survey.”

Bear hunting in Missouri is limited to Missouri residents. It is restricted to three designated areas of the southern region of the state called Bear Management Zones (BMZ). Each permit issued is for a specific BMZ. Hunting is limited to public or private property within the BMZ.

Nine bears were killed in BMZ 1 out of a maximum of 20, with 173 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. Three bears were harvested in BMZ 2 out of a maximum of 15, with 125 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. No bears were harvested in BMZ 3 out of a maximum of five with 44 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. All bears were killed using firearms. Of the 12 bears, three were boars and nine were sows.