The Missouri Department of Conservation says hunters can now apply for Missouri bear and elk licenses.
The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer 2,000 permits to harvest up to 60 black bears the this fall. That’s up from 600 permits. The harvest quota has risen from 40 to 60.
Missouri has an estimated population of 1,100 bears, and wildlife experts say the numbers have been growing by 9 percent each year. Hunters harvested nine black bears during the 2025 season. Missouri will offer five permits to hunt bull elk. The MDC estimates there are 325 free ranging elk in the state. Hunters took three last year.
Missourinet
