The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced the official schedules and regulations for the upcoming 2024 hunting seasons for black bears and elk. This fall, hunters across Missouri will have the opportunity to participate in these carefully regulated hunts, aimed at managing the populations of these large mammals within the state's ecosystem. A total of 400 bear permits and five elk permits will be issued through a random drawing process, with applications opening in May.
Bear Hunting Season Details
The 2024 black bear hunting season is scheduled for October 21-30. MDC plans to issue a limited number of hunting permits to ensure a controlled and sustainable harvest. This year, the cap is set at 40 black bears to prevent overhunting and to help stabilize the growing bear population in southern Missouri.
To manage the hunt, MDC has delineated the state into three Bear Management Zones (BMZs). Each zone has specific permit allocations and harvest quotas to maintain ecological balance:
• BMZ 1: 200 permits, with a harvest quota of 20 bears
• BMZ 2: 150 permits, with a harvest quota of 15 bears
• BMZ 3: 50 permits, with a harvest quota of 5 bears
Prospective hunters are required to pay a $10 application fee and, if drawn, can purchase a BMZ-specific permit for $25. Hunting methods permitted are the same as those used in deer hunting, excluding the use of bait or dogs. The daily hunting period is set from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset.
Regulations to Protect Wildlife
Special regulations are in place to ensure ethical hunting practices. Hunters are prohibited from taking bears that are in the presence of other bears, including females with cubs, and from disturbing bears in their dens. The harvest is limited to one bear per permit holder, and all hunters must check daily with MDC to confirm if their designated BMZ is still open for hunting, as zones will close once their respective quotas are reached.
Elk Hunting Season Details
For elk hunting, MDC has issued five permits for the season, which includes specific opportunities for qualifying landowners in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties. The elk hunting season is divided into two segments:
• Archery: October 19-27
• Firearms: December 14-22
Elk permits are priced at $50 following a $10 application fee. These permits are valid for hunting in designated areas, excluding the refuge portion of Peck Ranch Conservation Area. Similar to bear hunting, the methods allowed for elk will mirror those permitted for deer hunting, including restrictions on the use of certain equipment.
Application Process
Applications for both bear and elk permits can be made online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through the MDC’s free MO Hunting app, through licensed vendors, or by calling the MDC directly. The application window is open from May 1-31, with results of the random drawing to be announced by July 1.
Conservation Efforts and Hunting Impact
The controlled hunting seasons contribute to MDC’s broader conservation efforts, which aim to balance wildlife population dynamics, habitat management, and human-wildlife interactions. During the 2023 seasons, Missouri hunters harvested 12 black bears and three elk, reflecting the success of these regulated programs in maintaining healthy wildlife populations.
For more detailed information on the rules, regulations, and conservation efforts related to bear and elk hunting in Missouri, or to apply for a permit, visit MDC’s official hunting page.
