May is the month for Missouri hunters to apply for bull elk and black bear tags, the state’s Dept. of Conservation (MDC) announced recently.
MDC said it will make five permits available for bull elk, four of which will be available to the general public and one of which will be designated for qualifying landowners.
As for black bears, MDC said it will allocate 400 tags with the goal of taking a maximum of 40 black bears. Ten percent of those permits will be given to qualifying landowners.
“Only Missouri residents who will be at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt for which they are applying are eligible to apply for elk and bear permits during the application period of May 1-31,” noted the MDC. “All permits will be assigned through a random drawing.”
There is a $10 fee for all elk applicants. And each of the five lucky winners will be required to pay $50 for the permit. The season will be divided into two portions, a nine-day archery hunt from Oct. 15-23 and a firearms portion running Dec. 10-18. Permits are valid for both portions.
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Like with those applying for elk permits, there is also a $10 fee for black bear applicants. Winners will only pay $25 for the permit, however.
MDC has created three Bear Management Zones (BMZ) in southern Missouri and the quotas for the upcoming season that runs Oct. 17-26 are as follows:
- BMZ 1: Permit quota of 200 issued with a harvest quota of 20 bears.
- BMZ 2: Permit quota of 150 issued with a harvest quota of 15 bears.
- BMZ 3: Permit quota of 50 issued with a harvest quota of 5 bears.
Once quotas are met, MDC will close down the season. Bear hunters must check with MDC each day during the season to ensure quotas have not been filled.
Firearms and archery equipment are allowed but participants cannot use atlatls, baiting, or dogs during the hunt.
To start on your bear and/or elk application today, click HERE.