Missouri hunters had a successful black bear hunting season, with 15 bears harvested during the state’s fourth bear hunting season from October 21-30. This is an increase from the previous year, with 12 bears harvested in 2023. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reported that despite potentially above-average acorn crops, hunters were able to harvest a record number of bears, possibly due to dryer fall conditions.
Hunters in Missouri applied for 400 permits for the season, with over 5,969 applicants in May. Of the 400 hunters selected through a random drawing, 319 purchased permits for the season. Hunting was limited to Missouri residents and restricted to Bear Management Zones (BMZ) in southern Missouri. Twelve bears were harvested in BMZ 1, three in BMZ 2, and none in BMZ 3. Most bears were harvested using firearms, with one each taken using archery equipment and a crossbow.
One notable harvester was Brenda Dunivin from Ava, who harvested a black bear while hunting on private property in Douglas County. This successful season highlights the importance of bear management efforts in Missouri and the responsible hunting practices of residents.
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