Missouri Hunters Harvest 36 Black Bears

Hunters took 36 black bears during the state's October 17-30 season, well below the 60-bear limit set by permits.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Hunting

Flat gouache-painted editorial illustration of a weathered fence post at the edge of an autumn forest opening, with rust leaves and distant ridgelines under soft overcast light. — Missouri hunters took 36 black bears during the October 17-30 season, well below the 60-bear limit set by the state's permits. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should Missouri allow hunters to harvest more black bears each season?

Missouri hunters harvested 36 black bears during the October 17-30 season, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. The state issued 2,000 permits for a maximum harvest of 60 bears.

Why it matters

The Missouri Department of Conservation increased the number of permits this year to provide more hunting opportunities, and the harvest total reflects how many of those opportunities were used. Results are reported by zone, which helps wildlife managers track bear populations across the state.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reported 36 bears harvested, 34 with firearms and 2, with archery equipment, from 1,490 hunters who purchased permits out of 2,000 issued. Breakdown by zone shows 29 bears in Bear Management Zone One, 7 in Zone Two, and none in Zone Three, while the sex breakdown was 23 males and 13 females.

The players

Missouri Department of Conservation

The state agency that manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources, including the black bear hunting season and permit system.

The details

Each permit was assigned to one of three Bear Management Zones, and hunters could use firearms or archery equipment during the season. Most of the harvest came from Zone One, with Zone Two contributing the remainder and Zone Three recording no bears.

May: More than 5,200 hunters applied for black bear permits.
October 17-30: Black bear hunting season ran.

Seasonal Patterns

The Missouri Department of Conservation's zone-based black bear management program divides the state into Bear Management Zones and sets harvest limits per zone. This year's expansion to 2,000 permits continues that framework, with harvest results tallied separately for each zone.

Hunters planning future black bear seasons should expect permit applications to open in spring, with applicant numbers well above available permits. Permit holders must be assigned to a Bear Management Zone, which affects where they can hunt.

The takeaway

Hunters who want a black bear permit should apply during the May application window, since demand this year exceeded 5,200 applicants for 2,000 permits.